3o8 LEPIDOPTERA. 



Variable in the distinctness of tlie markings, and also to 

 some extent in the ground colour, this last being in some 

 degree climatal. In Scotland a form having the ground 

 colour whiter in varjnng degrees — sometimes very vphite — 

 received the name oi ticotica, and was for a time supposed to 

 be a distinct species. Abroad another form of typical or 

 greyer ground colour, but with the markings all distinct and 

 sharply defined was similarly separated, under the name of 

 zellcri, but this arose apparently more from want of know- 

 ledge abroad of the variation of this species than from any 

 strong opinion. Both forms are intimately combined with 

 the normal by intermediate gradations. In specimens from 

 the Orkney Isles a tendency is shown toward olive-brown 

 eolourinp;. 



Ou the wing from June till August. 



IiAUVA long and rather slender, tapering but slightly, and 

 more in front than behind ; segments plump, with the 

 divisions and the ordinary transverse wrinkles across the 

 back well marked : hea,d.clear shining brown, with a darker 

 inouth ; dorsal plate shining pale brown: anal plate also 

 shining, pale ochreous ; colour translucent white, allowing 

 the food canal to be seen, especially in the anterior segments, 

 to which it communicates a black or purple hue ; dorsal 

 vessel black, visible at intervals ; raised spots large and ilat, 

 glistening pale ochreous, the hairs dark and bristly ; spiracles 

 round, black. 



April and ilaj', ou the fleshj- root of I'icris hicracioUhs 

 (vellow succory), feeding on the superficial portion of this 

 large fleshy root beneath the surface of the ground, some- 

 times working down to a depth of five or six inches ; scoring 

 and channellins: the surface, and occasiouallv cutting short 

 tunnels through it when the root is small and tender. 

 (Dr. John H. Wood.) There is excellent reason to believe 

 that it also attacks the I'oots of coltsfoot {TussUago far/ara) 

 end other fleshy roots of Composite plants. 



