LEPIDOPTERA. 



219 



(Pine-Beauty Moth). 



Trachea pinipbrda, Panz. (Pine-Beauty Moth). 



This is the only species selected from the very large family of noc- 

 turnal moths generally known as Noctuse. There are other species of 

 arboreal habits belonging to this group, but this will probably be 

 sufficient for the purpose of this work. 



This species is exclusively an arboreal one. The larvae feed on the 

 twigs of Scots pine trees, and may be beaten from them in June 

 and July. In colour the larva has a pale- 

 brown head, and the body varies from 

 dark -olive to rich oil -green. It has five 

 longitudinal white stripes. It is not often 

 recorded as being numerically strong, and 

 therefore cannot be considered as a pest. 



The moth, fig. 217, appears in April, 

 and may be found adhering to the bark. The antennae of the male 

 are serrated and those of the female simple. The head is compara- 

 tively small. The fore wings are of a bright 

 reddish-brown colour mixed with orange, and 

 the hind wings are grey-brown. 



DlORYCTRIA ABIETELLA, Zluck. 



The larvae of this species are injurious to the 

 cones of the spruce fir {Picea excelsa) and silver 

 fir [Abies pedinata), fig. 218. As the larvae live 

 withi/i the cones during the latter part of 

 summer and early autumn, the aff'ected cones 

 may not at first be recognised. When very 

 much eaten, as represented in fig. 218, they are 

 of course easily noticed, but in the early stages 

 of the injuries it is best to collect the cones and 

 lay them out singly on a clean floor or on a 

 paper, and then select those from which the 

 frass may be seen escaping. They may then be put aside in 

 a vessel, and wait till tlie perfect insect appears in the following 

 July. 



The larva is of a dirty reddish or greenish colour, with darkish l)ack 

 and slightly side-striped. Head and shield brown. 



Fig. 218.— Cone of silver 

 fir (Abies pectinata) 

 partially eaten hylarni: 

 o/Dioryctria abietella. 



