THE RUSTIC. 317 



The Uncertain {Caradrma alsines). 



This species (Plate 151, P^ig. 6) and the next one — The 

 Rustic— are often confused, but the present one may be 

 recognized by the more ochreous tinge of its fore wings, the 

 more distinct markings, and the general rougher appearance 

 of all the wings. The hind wings are more smoky, or some- 

 times brownish tinged. 



The caterpillar is ochreous brown, frequently with a reddish 

 tinge ; three whitish lines on the back, edged with black, the 

 edging of the central one interrupted at the ring divisions ; a 

 dusky area along the sides is edged above and below by a 

 black line ; head ochreous brown. It feeds from September 

 to March on dock, chickweed, primrose, and various other low 

 plants. The moth flies in July and August, and, like most of 

 its congeners, is partial to the blossoms of privet. The species 

 is widely distributed over England, but seems to occur more 

 commonly in the south and east. It is also found in Wales, 

 Scotland, and Ireland. 



Note. — C. superstes^ an inhabitant of Central and Southern 

 Germany, Hungary, Southern Europe, and Asia Minor, has 

 been mentioned as British, but the record needs confirmation. 



The Rustic {Caradrhia taraxaci). 



Compared with the last species, the one now considered 

 (Plate 151, Fig. 7) has browner fore wings, inclining to 

 brownish or blackish, smoother and glossy ; and the markings 

 are usually rather obscure. The hind wings are silky, and 

 whiter in the male. 



The caterpillar is greyish brown, with an olive tinge ; central 

 line dark brown, expanding on each ring ; on either side of this 

 is a brown-edged white line ; a light brown line along the 

 spiracles ; head ochreous brown. It feeds from September 

 to April on low plants, such as dock, chickweed, plantain, etc. 



