B OA RMID.-E—FID ONI A . 



third having all the transverse stripes reduced to mere 

 threads except the fourth, which is broad and black, and 

 forms a striking subraarginal band. Specimens in which the 

 base is clouded with black, or the second and third stripes 

 are joined, and sometimes the first and fourth nearly 

 obliterated, are not rare in collections, and to enumerate all 

 the intermediate forms would be a hopeless task. 



On the wing from the end of April till June, and in 

 a partial second generation in August. 



Larva moderately stout, wrinkled at the sides, head 

 rather large and triangular. Very variable in colour and 

 markings, all shades of brown, greenish-brown, ochreous, 

 purple and grey ; sometimes with traces of pale dorsal 

 lozenges, and occasionally with the subdorsal lines repre- 

 sented by rows of whitish spots ; but frequently unicolorous ; 

 the only constant character is a more or less distinct pale 

 ventral stripe. (C. Fenn.) Mr. Newman says that the front 

 of the head has a slight resemblance to a human face, the 

 central plate (or nose) being very distinct, but very flat ; on 

 the upper part of each cheek (lobe) is a pale patch, in which 

 is a dark eye-like spot, and above this a dark cresentic mark 

 much resembling an eyebrow ! 



July and August, and a partial second generation in 

 September, on heather {Callima vulgaris), heath {Erica), 

 occasionally Mijrica gale, Lythrum salicaria, but in default of 

 these will eat bramble, dock, clover and other trefoils, sainfoin, 

 broom, rest-harrow and even the blossoms of Artcinesia ; feed- 

 ing at night, resting during the day rigidly and stifliy extended 

 upon its food plant, feigning death if disturbed. 



Pupa stout, shining, anal extremity with a long spike ; 

 red-brown ; wing and limb-cases tinged with green and 

 rather transparent ; spike dark brown. Subterranean, not in 

 a cocoon. (0. Fenn.) 



The moth flies by day, or sits openly upon the top of the 

 heather, and if the sun is shining flits away at once when 



