226 LEPIDOPTERA. 



the exception of an occasional hybernated specimen seen on 

 the wing- at dusk in the spring, it is rarely captured. In a 

 district in which the larva is to be found in the sallow shoots 

 in every hedge, and reared with ease in hundreds, it is rare 

 to see a single specimen of the moth. Dr. Wheeler has, 

 however, noticed, in one of the feus, that if the thick grass, 

 moss, and herbage is drawn away from the base of a sallow- 

 bush, the moths may be found in moderate numbers sitting 

 upon the sallow stems with wings clasped closely to them. 

 Doubtless it flies freely at night, since it is taken at light in 

 the fens. Especial attention should be given to the fact 

 that, contrary to the rule in very many insects, the first or 

 summer brood is very weak and poor, the larvae, and con- 

 sequently the moths, in very small numbers, and the latter 

 constantly of small size and comparatively insignificant 

 appearance ; while the second or autumn and hybernating 

 brood is composed of specimens of full size and beauty, and 

 seem to contain all the striking varieties. It feeds up at all 

 times in the autumn, and will emerge at any time up to 

 December, remaining after emergence perfectly still for 

 weeks, or even months, for hybernation, it not disturbed. 



Very abundant in fens, and common, wherever sallow is 

 plentiful; throughout England, also in Wales ; in all suitable 

 parts of Scotland to Sutherlandshire and the Orkneys ; aud 

 all over Ireland. Abroad it abounds almost throughout 

 Europe, in Siberia, and in most parts of North America. 



4. P. maccaua, Tr. — Expanse f to ^ inch (18-22 mm.). 

 Fore wings rather long, very silky, grey with red-brown 

 blotches or clouds from the costa ; and almost without 

 raised tufts. 



Antenna3 purple-brown ; palpi and head black-brown ; 

 thorax brown shaded with white ; abdomen small, brown 

 with a dark yellow anal tuft. Fore wings moderately broad ; 

 costa flatly arched ; surface very silky and without notice- 

 ably raised tufts; silvery-grey or silvery-white, dusted and 



