326 LEPIDOP TERA . 



into the silk of its cocoon, and hold fast ; general colour 

 green, having beyond the thorax the two white subdorsal 

 stripes which marked the larva ; these gradually fade as it 

 matures, and the wing-covers turn pale, and ultimately quite 

 dingy before the perfect insect emerges. In an oval cocoon 

 formed by drawing together a portion of the grass-blade and 

 partially lining it with silk, one or two threads of silk 

 are also passed loosely across the back, forming a stay or 

 cincture, to secure all in position, and a few more over the 

 hinder segments as further security ; the uncut portion of 

 the top edge of the leaf is drawn down obliquely over the 

 hollow, and partially hides the occupant from view, though 

 the colour of larva and of pupa assimilating with that of the 

 grass is no doubt a source of protection. (W. Buckler.) 



The moth frequents marshes, damp woodsides and rides, 

 the margins of ponds, moist lanes where long grass grows 

 in the ditches, and particularly the springs and moist spots 

 on open commons and heaths where the grass and herbage 

 are rank. Here it is easily disturbed in the daytime, but is 

 not timid, and settles again close by, hanging to a grass- 

 blade or leaf in the manner of the Pyralites, to which group 

 in habits it closely assimilates. In the early twilight it flits 

 lazily about in the same places, and is never very conspicuous. 

 Probably its flight is continued into the night, but of this I 

 am not certain. Common in such places in niany parts of 

 England, excepting, apparently, the Midland counties, but 

 scarcer in the north ; formerly common in lanes in the out- 

 skirts of London, whence it has now almost disappeared. 

 Probably widely distributed in Wales, since I found it 

 commonly in marshy spots in Pembrokeshire. Abundant 

 everywhere in Ireland, but in Scotland very local, and 

 apparently confined to the Solway and Clyde districts, and 

 to Arran. Abroad it is found all over Continental Europe 

 except the Polar districts, also in Syria and Tartary. 



