530 INSECTS AT HOME. 



The colour of this little Moth is very pale brown, speckled with 

 grey and dark brown, and taking an ochreous tint towards the 

 base of the wings. 



The larva of this Moth feeds on the buds of the honeysuckle, 

 and is very common. About the end of July or the beginning 

 (if August the caterpillar is full-fed, and then spins for itself a 

 cocoon, in which it undergoes its changes. This, I believe, is 

 the only Plume Moth that makes a cocoon. In three or four 

 weeks from the time of its change into the pupal state it is 

 fully develo]3ed, and then makes its way to the nearest place of 

 concealment, in which it may remain dormant througliout the 

 winter. 



In those places where the honeysuckle grows wild, and man 

 has no habitation within a reasonable distance, the INIany- 

 Plume Moth is obliged to put up with hollow, tree-trunks and 

 similar localities. But barns, sheds, and outhouses generally 

 are much more convenient places of refuge, and in them the 

 Many-Plume remains, never moving, unless disturbed, from the 

 spot in which it settled. It is quite curious to see the same 

 spot occupied for months together by the same insect. This 

 little creature must have a wonderful power of resisting cold, 

 for I have seen it flattened against the wall in an old shed 

 throughout the severest winter, and even though the tempera- 

 ture must several times have been but little above zero, the 

 Moth seemed nothing the worse for it, but came out in the 

 following spring, the warmth having completely restored it to 

 animation. 



