380 LEP1D0PTERA. 



October, on Scotch fir (Pimts sylvestris), feeding upon the 

 leaves. Abroad it is said to feed also upon Silver fir (P. picca) 

 and even upon juniper. 



Pupa short, stout, and compact, the wing-cases the thickest 

 portion, but not much swollen ; limb-covers very smooth and 

 level, but the antenna-covers sculptured so as to indicate the 

 joints ; the first abdominal incision of the segments rather 

 deep, the other segments edged behind by a slightly raised 

 blackish rim ; cremaster triangular and running to a sharp 

 point but apparently without bristles — unless in my examples 

 they are broken off ; eyes rather prominent, black ; wing- 

 cases and limb-covers black-brown ; dorsal and abdominal 

 regions red-brown, except that the edges of the segments are 

 darker ; only moderately glossy. Among fallen fir-needles 

 upon the ground, beneath the surface-masses. 



The moth sits by day in the branches of the fir trees, or in 

 wiudy weather upon the trunks, or among the undergrowth 

 of bramble, whortleberry, or fern underneath. Usually rest- 

 less in such a position, and in sunny weather on the alert, 

 and ready to fly up into the branches if disturbed. Doubt- 

 less it flies at dusk, but as this is necessarily around the 

 branches of the fir trees it is rarely taken at that time. 

 Later at night it will sometimes visit flowers, and has been 

 taken upon those of Knautia arvensis. Apparently to be 

 found in fir woods throughout England, though usually in 

 small numbers. It is said, however, to be common in Saver- 

 nake Forest, Wilts, and also in Somerset and Gloucestershire ; 

 but I find no record of it in Wales — where it must occur. 

 In Scotland it is found rarely in Berwickshire and Roxburgh- 

 shire ; more frequently in Perthshire, where it used to be 

 rather common on Moncrieffe Hill ; also in the Edinburgh 

 district ; in Ayrshire, and other portions of the Clyde Valley ; 

 and in the Counties of Inverness, Ross, Aberdeen, Kincardine 

 and Moray. In Ireland it is widely distributed, through 

 Dublin County, Wicklow, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, 



