THE DEW MOTH. 177 



that some caterpillars had then attained the perfect state, while 

 others were still feeding^, and he adds that the caterpillars 

 actually attacked and ate up the moths. Although there seems 

 to be few records from the Midlands, this species appears to be 

 widely distributed over England as far north as Yorkshire. In 

 Ireland it has been recorded from Glaring Bridge and East 

 Gal way. The moth is out in July. It is a wood-loving insect, 

 but is also found on heaths, and even in lanes and the borders 

 of fields when plenty of trees occur in such places. It may 

 occasionally be beaten out of trees and bushes in the day time 

 but it is on the wing at dusk, and although it is a high flier, 

 specimens come within reach now and then. Light and sugar 

 both attract it. The species ranges through Central and 

 Northern Europe, and in Asia to Japan. 



The Dew Moth {E/idrosa irrordla). 



Varies in colour from yellowish buff to creamy white, the 

 colour on the margins always deeper ; the rows of black spots 

 on the fore wings are usually well defined, but sometimes those 

 of the two central series are very faint, or quite absent, whilst 

 an unusual number appear in the outer marginal series, 

 Occasionally black scales appear on the veins, connecting the 

 spots, and forming the figures < more or less distinctly ; such 

 forms are known as var. signata^ Borkh. The moth appears in 

 June and July. (Plate 95, Figs. 7, 9.) 



When resting, the moth hangs from a blade of grass, or leaf 

 of some plant; it then has a very transparent appearance. 

 Barrett suggests that this gave rise to the English name it now 

 bears, and by which it was known to Haworth and entomo- 

 logists of his time. 



Buckler and I lellins describe the caterpillar as blackish-brov.n 

 above, and dark-reddish grey or purplish grey on the sides; a 

 series of yellow spots along the middle of the back, then a white 



N 



