SCO PA RIIDJE — SCO PA RIA . 



and the liigli liills of Perthshire, being distinctly larger than 

 usual — well marked and handsome forms — while those found 

 in low-lying bogs and marshes sometimes — as in Norfolk and 

 also in some parts of Ireland^dwindle to little more than 

 one half the size, and are sometimes confounded with the 

 next species. 



Oa the wing from May till July. 



Larva practically unknown. The late Mr. Buckler re- 

 ceived eggs from Dr. F. Buchanan White. His note says: 

 " The young larvte began to hatch on August 20 ; they were 

 at first very pale drab with brown heads and plates." But 

 no indication is given further, or as to food, and there is little 

 doubt that moss was given to them and refused — with fatal 

 consequences. !M. Ragouot wrote in 1880 : "The larva, still 

 undescribed, feeds in the beginning of April in moss on tree- 

 trunks." and this statement is confirmed by Herr Anton 

 Schmid. Yet it is certain that the moss on tree trunks has 

 been examined scores of times — I have done it myself — 

 actually on the very trees upon which the moth is to be 

 found, in its season, in abundance, and although larvaj of 

 other Si:opari(v are not scarce, no instance seems to be known 

 of the rearing of this species, and the actual food, and method 

 of its feeding, still remain a problem. 



Pupa unknown. 



The moth may be found sitting upon the trunks of trees 

 everywhere in woods, on heaths, in hedge-rows, and practi- 

 cally wherever there are trees, but in especial abundance on 

 oaks in woods, and on scattered large birch trees growing 

 upon heathery hills, and is one of our most abundant species. 

 It is alert and rather shy, flying oif — sometimes in scores — at 

 the approach of an intruder, to settle again on the same tree, 

 or another close by, or among heather or herbage. It seems 

 to fly more naturally at late dusk, but may at all hours be 

 found on the trees. 



