TRIFID.'E. 69 



dull pink, the latter tipped with brown. When younger, of 

 a dull purplish-red-brown, the thoracic segments and the 

 divisions slightly paler and the under-surface more decidedly 

 so. (Adapted from Buckler.) 



May to August on dock, plantain {Plardago lanceolata and 

 P. marifyima), EiHiisctum arvense, E.Jluviatile, Stachys arvensis, 

 Statice limonium, but especially attached to dock, feeding in 

 the stems and root-stocks, boring its way down into the 

 fleshy roots. Mr. J. Gardner tells me that in the northern 

 counties it particularly attacks docks in newly-made ground, 

 and especially where this is covered with ashes. It is 

 principally where dock is absent, as in salt marshes, that the 

 other plants named are resorted to. This larva is known as 

 a killing bait for fish, and its hiding-place in the root-stock 

 of a dock is often invaded by the eager fisherman. 



Pupa of the usual form, light ochreous-brown ; on the two 

 hinder segments are a few bristles, and on the last an anal 

 spike. (Buckler.) Not more fully described. In the earth 

 close to the roots of the plant in which it has fed, but without 

 a cocoon. 



The moth hides in the daytime among herbage. At night 

 it is very strongly attracted by light, and in a less degree by 

 sugar, honeydew, and the flowers of dock, ragwort, and 

 sea-lavender. Abundant on all coasts, and occurring in more 

 moderate numbers inland, throughout the United Kingdom, 

 even to the Shetland Isles. Also found throughout Central 

 Europe, the temperate portions of Northern Europe, the 

 North of Italy, Southern Russia, Eastern Siberia, Japan, the 

 mountain regions of Central Asia, and North America. It is 

 even reported from Sierra Leone. 



3. H. petasitis, DUd. — Expanse, 1^ to 2 inches. Fore 

 wings broad, pointed, silky purplish-brown ; central baud 

 darker, velvety, not sharply margined. Hind wings smoky- 

 brown. 



