THE ARGENT AND SABLE MOTH. 457 



It is not at all particular as to the tree on which it feeds, 

 and, although it certainly prefers fruit-trees, may be found on 

 almost every tree which is grown in England. The caterpillar 

 is full-fed about May, and then descends to the ground, in 

 which it burrows to a very little depth, and there changes to a 

 pupa. 



Closely allied to the Winter Moth is the November Moth 

 (Oporabia dilafata), which is shown on Woodcut L. Fig. 2. 



It is a prettier insect than the preceding, and exceedingly 

 variable in its markings, so that different names have been 

 given to the most common variations, no less than seven such 

 names having all been referred to this single species. The 

 ground colour of the wings is mostly blackish-grey, and the 

 waved lines which cross them are blackish-brown, the lower 

 wings being paler than the upper pair. This Moth is very 

 common, and may be found in the month from which it takes 

 its popular name. The caterpillar, like that of the Winter 

 Moth, is a general feeder, and can be found on almost any tree. 

 It is full-fed somewhere about midsummer. Its general colour 

 is velvety green with a white stripe behind the spiracles, and 

 it is often marked with pm-ple, especially towards the end of 

 the body. 



On Woodcut L. Fig. 5, is shown the Beautiful Carpet 

 {Melanthia albicillata). 



This is a singularly beautiful insect, the colours, though not 

 brilliant, being arranged and contrasted in a most charming 

 manner. The upper wings are cream-white, and on each of 

 them are two rich brown patches, one at the base and another 

 on the costal margin near the tip. The hind margin is dusky, 

 and upon it are drawn two delicate waved grey streaks. 



The caterpillar is nearly as pretty as the perfect insect. It 

 is deep velvet-like green, and in the middle of the body is a 

 row of orange-brown spots. It feeds on the bramble, and is 

 full-grown at the end of summer. 



Next comes that very striking insect called appropriately 

 the Argent and Sable {Melanippe hastata), which is shown 

 on Woodcut L. Fig. 3. As may be inferred from the name. 



