> 1^3 



I, fig. 8i. " Frail Dagger." This is the flimsiest of our Apafelce, 

 and might almost be taken for a Alicrosccelia. The markings are 

 like the preceding, but the color is more plainly of an obscure 

 gray. The moth is taken from Canada to Middle Statess, and 

 Mr. Thaxter has discovered the larva. 



Sub-genus Arctomyscis, Hubn. 



The type is the European Eiiplirasm. We have, apparently, 

 one species in North America belonging to this group. 



I. A. Sperata, Gr., Bull. B. S. N. S., i, 8i, PI. 2, fig. i. The 

 hind wings are white in the male sex. The markings are distinct 

 and neat. The larva is not known. Eastern and Middle States. 



Sub-genus Mastiphancs, Gr. 



The type is A. Xylinif or mis, and the species are intermediate 

 in shape of wing between the foregoing and Enlonchc Oblinita. 

 I refer to this section i, Xyliniformis, Giien. 2. Pallidicoma, 

 Gr. (I have seen this wrongly labelled '' SpinigeraJ' which 

 belongs in reality to Seviaphora, and must be a stronger marked 

 insect.) 3. EXTRICATA, Gr. (A large Texan species mistaken 

 for Xylinifor^nis by Belfrage.) 4. Edolata, Gr. 5. LlTHOS- 

 PILA, Gr. Except No. 2, the species are easily known and gener- 

 ally correctly named in all collections which I have seen. No.. 5 

 looks like a species of Lithophane at first sight. 



1. A. Oblinita, A. and S. Mr. Thaxter obtained specimens 

 of this moth in Florida, which were, perhaps, larger and paler, but 

 afl"orded me no ground for describing our Northern specimens as 

 distinct. The larva is said not to agree, but we must be prepared 

 for variation and even dimorphism in this stage. I think that 

 over so wide a territory there will be some slight variation, and 

 that there is no evidence we have more than one species. Canada 

 to the Gulf. 



2. A. Lanceolaria, Gr., Proc. Acad. n. s. Phil, 418, 

 1875. This species is figured in my Illustrated Essay, the abdo- 

 men being too darkly colored, as I forgot to tell the artist the 

 specimen was somewhat "greasy." The forewings were more 

 pointed, the outer median line contiivuous and angulate compared 

 with Oblinita. On the white secondaries there are no discal 

 marks beneath. This is a very distinct species, and, to me, one 

 of the most interesting. "Pointed Dagger." June. Collected 

 by Mr. Thaxter. I have seen several specimens from Massachu- 

 setts- The larva, which I would like to know, has not yet been 

 observed. 



3. A. Insolita, Gr., Bull. B. S. N. S., i, 82. I have only seen 

 the type. By the shape of the wings and white secondaries it 

 belongs here. Fore wings almost black, with the outer median 

 line written in broad gray lunules. It is a very distinct looking 

 species, but it must be a great rarity. It seems impossible that 

 it could be a variety of either of the foregoing, as it differs very 

 clearly in color and marking. " Rare Dagger." My type was 



