Philpott. — Protective Besemblancc in N.Z. Moths. 'ilQ" 



Tortricina. 



The members of this group find their chief protection in their 

 resemblance to dead leaves. Cacocecia, Ctenopseustis, Pyrgotis, 

 Adoxopkyes, and other genera mimic the tints of the faded leaves 

 of many of our small-leaved shrubs. The genus Strepsicrates, 

 however, seem to rely more on their resemblance to twigs ; and 

 some species of TIeterocrossa, notably gonosemana, are well 

 protected on rough mossy bark. The lovely white wings of 

 Nymphostola galactina, with their delicate tracery of green 

 veins, might be mistaken for the petals of some bush flower, 

 and as the moth appears in midsummer this is probably the 

 end aimed at. 



Tineina. 



• In the Tineina several species of Trachypepla exhibit a 

 curious form of colouring. The head, thorax, and anterior por- 

 tion of the wings are white, the remaining portion being dark- 

 coloured. T. euryleucota I have several times taken from 

 LeptospennuDi bushes when the white buds were just unfolding, 

 and have been struck with the resemblance between such buds- 

 and the moth' as it sits at rest with closed wings. Mr. Meyrick, 

 however,* inclines to the opinion that " euryleucota, with leuco- 

 planetis and conspicuella, mimics the droppings of birds." The 

 remaining forms of Trachypepla evidently mimic moss and 

 lichens, and the illusion is strengthened by the surface of the 

 forewings having a rough, irregular appearance, caused by a 

 number of patches of raised scales. This method has also been 

 adopted in Lysiphragrna, the object in this case being to create 

 a resemblance to the rough bark of the broadleaf {Griselina 

 littoralis), under which the larvae feed, and on which the mature 

 insect is often found. Megacraspedus calamogon'us frequents the- 

 seed-heads of Arundo conspicua, on which its larva feeds. It 

 is well protected both in form and colour. 



Elachistidse. 



Several genera are remarkable for the position assumed in 

 repose. In Stathniopoda the posterior legs are erected over the 

 back with the tarsi directed more sideways : Thylocoseles holds 

 the posterior legs out behind, but bent, after the manner of a 

 grasshopper. Other genera have adopted like unusual posi- 

 tions; and Mr. Me}Tick suggests that the attitudes are assumed 

 in order to deceive enemies by their unnatural appearance. 



* Trans. N.Z. Inst., xvi. l.S. 



