170 LEPIDOPTF.RA. 



covered witli a circular mass of silk, thickest wliere the pupa 

 was placed. 



Not usually a wood-frequenting species, but sometimes 

 found in rough wild places outside woods ; more frequently 

 on open wild land and extensive commons ; and still more 

 frequently and abundantly on the coast, where it delights in 

 the most extensive sandhills, and by no means despises slop- 

 ing cliifs ; but exceedingly erratic and unreliable, sometimes 

 hardly seen for years, and then increasing in two or three 

 years until the formerly forsaken spot is enlivened with its 

 numbers. This was the case some years ago on the coast of 

 Pembrokeshire, where it had confined itself to very isolated 

 and secluded sandhill-warrens, but in two or three favourable 

 years it multiplied and extended itself along the sea-cliffs in 

 the greatest profusion. Fond of settling upon tall blooming 

 thistles, but by no means despising the low-growing common 

 yellow composite flowers ; also particularly attached to the 

 deep hollows of sandhills, where it will sit on the grasses, 

 or even on the sand, enjoying the concentrated heat of the 

 sun. 



Very widely distributed in this country, but local ; appar- 

 ently occurring in every county which possesses a suitable 

 coast-line, extensive heaths, or open forest land ; but by no 

 means in equal abundance. In Surrey I found it very scarce, 

 although every circumstance seemed suitable ; it is also said 

 to be scarce in Yorkshire ; and Mr. Robson records that in 

 Durham, where it used to be generally common in suitable 

 places, it has almost disappeared for the last twenty years. 

 Dr. White says that it is found throughout Scotland, except 

 the Isles. It is also plentiful in some parts of Ireland, as on 

 the coasts of Down, Antrim, and Derry, and formerly that of 

 Dublin. Widely distributed in Europe and Asia. 



4. A. Lathonia, L. — Expanse, H to 2 inches. Fulvous, 

 with black spots, which are mostly rounded. Under side of 

 hind wings with very large and elongated silvery spots. 



Fore wings with the hind margin slightly hollowed in 



