78 NEW ZEALAND ENTOMOLOGY. 



Family NOCTUID^E. 

 Leucania atristriga (Plate X., fig. 2). 

 Abundant among various blossoms during the latter end 

 of summer, being one of the last of the Noctuae to disappear 

 in the autumn. 



The larva probably feeds on grasses, but I have not yet 

 met with it. 



The illustration (Fig. 2) is taken from the male insect, 

 the female differing only in having her abdomen rounded 

 at the tip, a sexual distinction which holds good throughout 

 the family. 



Family NOCTUID^E. 

 Erana graminosa (Plate X., fig. 5, 5a larva). 



This beautiful insect occurs commonly on the white 

 rata blossoms {JMctrosideros scandens) round Wellington 

 during March and April, at which time it may be readily 

 taken just after dark with a lantern and killing-bottle. The 

 larva (Fig. 5a) feeds on the mahoe {Melicytas ramiflorus) 

 in the spring and autumn. It remains concealed in crevices 

 in the bark during the day, not infrequently selecting the 

 deserted burrows of wood-boring beetles as a secure retreat 

 from its enemies. When full grown it is olive-green, the 

 colour being lighter on the ventral surface and between the 

 segments. A row of ill-defined, feathery, black markings 

 extends down the back and sides and there are also two 

 tolerably conspicuous ochreish spots on every segment 

 except the last. The head, legs, and prolegs are reddish- 

 yellow, and the whole insect is more or less spotted with 

 black. Younger larvae differ in being of a light yellowish- 

 green, with very pale yellow dorsal and lateral lines. A 

 row of black warts, emitting a few bristles, extend round 

 each of the segments, while the head is pale ochreous with 

 a few black dots. 



When full-grown this larva descends to the ground, and 



