234 LEPIDOPTERA. 



especially those which grow upon oak, and at times even 

 nibbling oak leaves. Very active and lively, running rapidly 

 over its food when disturbed, yet docile in confinement, and 

 easily reared. Nevertheless, it has a depraved habit of eating 

 its companions in confinement. ]\Ir. W. H. B. Fletcher says 

 that its hairs have urticating properties when handled by a 

 person having a tender skin. 



Pupa rather cylindrical, rounded in front, very blunt 

 behind, glossy black. In a large, rather loose, roundish 

 silken web, in which the larval hairs are interwoven, and 

 having inside it a slighter case of finer silk. Under moss or 

 lichens on the trunks of oak trees or at the base thereof ; or 

 at times underneath leaves, under the trees. 



The moth usually sits in the daytime upon oaks, either on 

 the trunk or branches among the lichens or among the leaves ; 

 and its wings being closely rolled round its body, the resem- 

 blance to a rolled-up leaf is sufficiently close to serve for con- 

 cealment. Sometimes it hides in fir trees. When disturbed it 

 darts toward the ground, hardly opening its wings, but will 

 catch by its long, strong legs at any twig or projection in its 

 way and hang there. At dusk it flies strongly, and also at 

 night ; and is very fond of the sugar daubed on the trees to 

 attract Nodiicv. Also occasionally found attracted by flowers, 

 such as those of the lime tree, or even those of Umbelliferre. 

 Usually found in large woods, and in them much attached 

 to particular spots ; but apparently it has also a remarkable 

 taste for wandering long distances, since the notices of cap- 

 ture of isolated specimens in unexpected districts are rather 

 numerous. Its headquarters in this country is the New 

 Forest, Hants, and here in some seasons it is common or even 

 abundant. Formerly it was said to be common at Amesbury, 

 Wilts, and at Kimpton ; also in Epping Forest, and in other 

 large woods near London, especially at Black I'ark. Even 

 close to London casual specimens have been taken at New 

 Cross, Highgate, and Putney. In Kent, Sussex, Hants, 



