138 LEPJDOPTERA. 



necessity for constructing another. These tubes are only to 

 be found in autumn and are deserted as soon as the time for 

 hybernation arrives, when the larva finds a more substantial 

 retreat in the stem of the cocks-foot or other grass, or some- 

 times in the dried or dying stem of a stinging nettle. It 

 leaves its hybernaculum in March. When arrived at its full 

 size it no longer avails itself of a tubular shelter, but feeds 

 exposed on the blades of grass, though still principally by 

 night, resting by day in a straight position on the flowering 

 stalks." 



Pupa smooth, of a deep dull red-brown colour, having a 

 number of abruptly recurved hooks at the anal extremity, 

 two of which, centrally situated, are longer and much larger 

 than the rest ; these are rather more distinct at the base than 

 at the other extremity, but are nearly parallel, and very 

 near together. In a very loose and shapeless cocoon on the 

 surface of the earth ; when in confinement decorating the 

 exterior with large grains of sand, pellets of frass, or other 

 convenient material. (E. Newman.) 



The moth conceals itself during the day close to the earth 

 among gi^ass and herbage. It flies at dusk in meadows, lanes, 

 marshes, and grassy places generally, and is strongly attracted 

 by rush-bloom, honeydew on nettles and on the leaves of 

 trees, sugar, and in some degree by light. Also it will sit 

 with other noduw at night on the tall reed-beds. From the 

 darkness of its hind wings it is not very conspicuous during 

 flight. Common throughout England, including the Scilly Isles, 

 and in Wales. Also generally distributed and often common 

 in Scotland, even abundant in Moray, but not to any great 

 elevation on the mountains, and apparently not noticed in 

 any of the Isles. Plentiful throughout Ireland. Its range 

 abroad is more southern — throughout Central Europe, South 

 Sweden, Northern Italy, the Ural Mountain district and 

 Tartary. 



