THE RED-NECKED FOOTMAN. 173 



It3 range abroad includes all Europe, except the extreme north 

 and extends into Asia. 



Footman Moths {Lithosiimc). 



The members of this sub-family of Arctiidiu occurring in the 

 British Isles are not numerous ; we can only muster some 

 fifteen species, and although a few are not uncommon, several 

 are exceedingly local. 



The moths of the genus Lithosia, when resting, fold their 

 drab or buff-coloured wings down closely along the body, and 

 they then have a very elongate and stiff appearance which 

 probably gave rise to their English name " Footmen." Most 

 of them are very inactive, or even torpid during the daytime. 

 They repose on the branches and leaves of trees and bushes, or 

 among heather and other low herbage, and often fall to the 

 ground when disturbed. At dusk they become active and then 

 fly pretty briskly. 



The caterpillars are very hairy, the hairs arising in tufts from 

 warts (tubercles) are usually short, but in some species are of 

 moderate length. The majority hatch from the egg in the late 

 summer, and do not complete their growth until the following 

 year, about May or June. Some of them are known to be more 

 or less active through the winter. In a state' of nature most of 

 the caterpillars feed on lichens growing on trees, bushes, rocks, 

 or on the ground, but many kinds in confinement will thrive on 

 a diet of lettuce or even withered leaves. 



In all cases the chrysalids are enclosed in silken cocoons, 

 and these are spun up among the lichens, in crevices of bark, 

 or other suitable crannies. 



The Red-necked Footman {Atolmis rtibricolUs). 



When newly emerged from the chrysalis this moth is black 

 on all the wings, but it soon loses its early velvety sheen and 



