348 LEPIDOPTERA. 



In describing this species its variations are also to a great 

 extent necessarily described, since all occur together, and 

 it is doubtful which is the most plentiful, though in western 

 districts the rich dark forms certainly preponderate. It is 

 worthy of notice that the intermediates between the forms 

 described seem to be of rare occurrence, almost every example 

 belonging to some one well-marked variety. 



On the wing from the end of August till the middle of 

 October. 



. Larva short, stout, rounded, skin smooth and rather glossy, 

 raised spots warty and very conspicuous, blackish, large and 

 shining ; head rounded, dull hazel-brown, slightly shading 

 into paler at the apex of the lobes ; dorsal plate conspicuously 

 pale ochreous, horny and shining; anal plate similar; general 

 colour dull pale earth-brown, the back rather darker ; dorsal 

 line distinct, whitish, narrowly margined with greyish-brov/n ; 

 subdorsal line whitish, distinct, conspicuously edged above, 

 and faintly below, with blackish-brown ; spiracular line 

 whitish, threadlike, and distinct, edged above with a broad 

 blackish-brown shade ; ventral surface dull greyish-olive or 

 greenish-grey. (0. Fenn.) 



The Rev. J. Hellins says that the larva, when just hatched, 

 is dull blue-green with the head black, and that after 

 hybernation it very soon becomes brown or partially so, 

 though some individuals retain the green colouring on the 

 sides and undersurface ; one, however, remained green all 

 over, the colour deepened on the back as in the normal 

 form ; in all the pale yellow plate on the second segment 

 is conspicuous. 



October to May on Toa annua and other grasses. 



Pupa apparently undescribed, in the earth. 



The moth hides during the day among grass and herbage ; 

 at night it is most strongly attracted by light, flying around 

 a gas-lamp most wildly and persistently ; so strong is the 



