THE NOCTUIMA. 1 29 



When the caterpillars have attained their full size they make 

 a shallow hole in the earth. This they line with a small 

 quantity of silk, so as to keep the water out, and then they 

 undergo the first metamorphosis. The second is completed in 

 August, and the moth escapes from the cocoon in the earth, 

 semi-clad with the chrysalis skin, which prevents the delicate 

 integuments from being torn or rubbed as the perfect insect 

 crawls into the air. The moth does not get rid of this useful 

 armour until it is well out of danger. 



When these reapers fly in the middle of summer, their cater- 

 pillars may be seen feeding in the autumn, and they transform 

 themselves into pupae on the approach of winter ; but if they 

 are not ready for the change by the advent of cold weather, 

 they hybernate and undergo the metamorphosis in the early 

 spring. 



The common Yellow Under- Wing is frequently seen in gardens 

 and houses. The front wings of this moth are excessively variable 

 in colour and marking ; some specimens have reddish-yellow 

 tints, others dark brown, variegated with grey, and some reddish- 

 brown. The hind wings are yellow, with a narrow black band. 

 The caterpillar is grey or greenish, and has some yellow lines 

 and black patches placed upon it with tolerable regularity. It 

 feeds on almost all low plants, and is very fond of the best 

 parts of cabbages and lettuces. Before undergoing the first 

 metamorphosis, the full-grown caterpillar hides itself in a hole 

 in the ground late in the autumn, and hybernates through the 

 winter. Its transformation occurs in the spring. 



Many Noctiiina with simple antennae have the thorax and 

 abdomen crested, the crests being produced by masses of hairs 

 and scales. Their caterpillars are smooth, long, and are rather 

 brightly coloured ; moreover, they like the light, and thus differ 

 from those of many other kinds. The common Hadena olcracca, 

 which is so great a pest in cottage gardens, has a caterpillar 

 whose ornamentation differs with its age. It is green, and has 

 white and yellow lines upon it when it is young; and is usually 

 brown, with a bright yellow side line, when it is old. It 

 constructs a cocoon in the earth, which is made up of pieces 

 of mould, dust, and small stones bound together with silk. A 



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