352 LEPIDOPTERA. 



those placed as females of these two species obviously belong 

 to the next genus). 



Middle of May to the end of June, in salt marshes. 



Larva small, moderately plump, rather thickest toward 

 the hinder end ; head shining black ; second, third, and 

 fourth segments each with a shining dark brown plate 

 completely across the dorsal surface, and with a similar 

 horny spot below on each side ; body pale pink or pinkish- 

 white ; legs similar, but with dark brown claws ; prolegs 

 hardly indicated. In a soft, slender, close-fitting case, hardly 

 cylindrical, but drawn in a little at the ends, composed of 

 morsels of conferva mixed with silk and partially covered 

 with short bits of soft dried grass, which also are dotted over 

 with the mealy, dry, confervoid material, as though almost 

 decayed when used, but carefully laid parallel and fitting 

 very closely. So far as is known, living low down among 

 S'partina stricta, on which grass the larva probably feeds, and 

 from which it is occasionally swept up, but it also has been 

 found upon Ariemesia maritima, which had probably been 

 merely used as a convenience for spinning up. 



Probably feeding from July to April. 



PurA of the male brown, shining, with the cases of the 

 wuu<TS, antennas, and legs well developed, but all removed in 

 a solid mask on emergence. Female pupa similar to that of 

 a Dipteron. It remains in the case, but the pupa of the 

 male is pushed halfway out for this purpose. In a cocoon 

 within the larva-case, which is spun down firmly to a flower- 

 stalk of Sjyartinu or other plant, by the larva, before it turns 

 round to assume the pupa state. Probably not more than a 

 fortnight in pupa. 



This is a beautiful little insect, so minute as to be most 

 readily overlooked — more especially as it bears a wonderful 

 resemblance to the curious tiny Dipterous insects with round 

 hairy wings (Psijchoda) which frequent damp, weedy spots. 

 The male ilies only in very still, warm weather, skipping in 



