OF NORTH AMERICA. 1 1 1 



transverse purplish lines originating on the inner margin diminishing 

 in length towards the base. There are also traces of a fifth just inside 

 the submarginal line, partaking more of the character of a shade than 

 a distinct line. An indistinct dark spot on the discal vein at its junction 

 with the subcostal. Fringes rusty brown. 



Expaftse o/wiiigs, 1.60 inches. Length 0/ body, 0.50 inch. 



Habitat. — California, (Coll. Edwards, Stretch.) 



Closely allied to D. arcuata, from the Atlantic States and D. falcataria 

 from Europe ; even more strongly to the latter than is the former. 

 Compared with D. falcataria our species is larger, specimens of the 

 former before me measuring only 1.35 inches across the wings ; the 

 costa is more convex towards the apex of the primaries ; while the 

 apical angle of the secondaries, instead of being nearly square, is very 

 obtusely rounded, giving the insect a mere robust appearance. The 

 markings while essentially the same are more intense in color, especially 

 the oblique brown band, though the transverse lines are also wider, 

 the second and third being closer together than in D. falcataria. 



This species is one of the many cases where the insects of the Pacific 

 Coast of North America are almost indistinguishable by definite char- 

 acters which can be expressed in words, from those of Europe, while 

 at the same time they can be readily separated by their general appear- 

 ance, from their European allies, when placed side by side. I should 

 indeed have hesitated to separate D. siculifer under Dr. Packard's 

 specific name, had it not been for the diff'erences in color of the larva;, 

 which added to the modifications in form of the wings and the larger 

 size, seem to warrant such a course, which would not have been 

 admissible on the slight variations in color alone. The larva of D. 

 siculifer is stated by Dr. Behr to be blackish, while that of D. falcataria 

 is described by Stainton (Brit. Moths, vol. i, p. 163) as "pale green, 

 a broad dark red-brown stripe on the back," 



This species is also very closely allied to D. arcuata. Walker, from 

 the Atlantic States, which is somewhat a less robust looking insect 

 than D. falcataria so that the three species should follow each other in 

 the following order, D. arcuata, D. falcataria, D. siculifer. 



Described from three specimens, all taken by H. Edwards, Esq., in 

 Napa County, California. The type of the species was sent by that 

 gentleman to its describer, but having been unfortunately destroyed 

 on its return, two specimens only are now extant, for one of which I 

 am indebted to the discoverer. 



