298 LEPIDOPTERA. 



and conspicuously, returning no more to the nest. The hairs 

 of the larva have urticating properties, but not to the extent 

 of those of the preceding species ; the most unpleasant effects 

 being, it is said, produced by the broken up hairs of the cast 

 skins. Mr, Moncreaff states that the irritation may be 

 allayed by rubbing the inflamed surfaces with bruised dock 

 leaves. 



Pupa stout, slightly hairy, tapering rather rapidly towards 

 the tail, which is hooked ; dark brown, incisions of segments 

 dull pale brown. In a thin, but tough, silken cocoon of a 

 brownish colour, placed among leaves or twigs or under any 

 convenient projection. The larval hairs are not worked into 

 the cocoon to any considerable extent, and it does not seem 

 to possess irritant qualities. 



The moth sits, in the daytime, upon the bushes on which it 

 has fed as a larva, in the most conspicuous manner. Yet 

 with its long and strongly tufted legs stretched out in front, 

 and the long dorsal scales standing up over its back, bears a 

 most deceptive resemblance to a white downy feather caught 

 by a thorn. It flies freely at dusk and is readily attracted 

 by a light. Its flight, however, is slow and rather weak. 

 Although it may usually be handled freely without incon- 

 venience, persons having very tender skins have suffered 

 much from urticating properties which appear to exist in the 

 dorsal scales, and also in those of the anal tuft, which are 

 used by the female for the purpose of covering her eggs. 



A most abundant species in the South and East of England, 

 and to be found commonly in the Midlands, and as far north 

 and west as Lancashire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Gloucester- 

 shire and Somerset. In Devon it is said not to be found 

 west of Torquay and Exeter. Its range in Wales is also 

 limited, since I never saw it in Pembrokeshire or Carmarthen- 

 shire. In Yorkshire it is abundant in the eastern district, 

 local in the western, and in some parts rare, as also it is 

 In Durham. In Scotland a single specimen was taken by 



