232 LEPIDOPTERA. 



even on the ground, doubtless seeking a convenient place in 

 wLicli to spin up. No larva is more conspicuous. 



Pupa of tbe ordinary form, of even thickness to the ninth 

 segment, then tapering to the extremity, but with decided 

 angular ribbing at the spiracular lines. Rich brown, v^ith 

 darker lines at the margins of the segments, and a dark 

 dorsal line widened in places as if it were the black line 

 which in the larva encircles the lozenges. The ninth and 

 tenth segments often have projections representing the pro- 

 legs ; in some these are so conspicuous as to suggest a con- 

 tinuance of the larval structure. The boss carrying the anal 

 armature is abundantly and finely wrinkled, and has a full 

 armament of spines. In a cocoon formed among loose chips 

 or dead leaves and moss. The larva does not burrow into 

 rotten wood or otherwise excavate a cavity. The cocoon is 

 of loose texture, composed of very pale brownish or nearly 

 white silk, with the hairs of the larva interwoven, and, inside 

 this, a more dense cocoon of tough white silk, morsels of 

 wood being worked into both. (Condensed from Dr. Chap- 

 man's memoir.) It also frequently spins up in crevices of 

 bark. In this state through the winter, occasionally two 

 winters. 



The moth sits openly and conspicuously upon tree trunks 

 in the daytime, usually upon those with rough bark, oak 

 trees in woods and at roadsides being especially selected. 

 It flies at dusk, and comes eagerly to sugar, settling down 

 quietly to feed, or if but just arrived, will fly round in wide 

 circles, looking, from its size and pale colour, very con- 

 spicuous. Not rare in the outskirts of London, and common 

 in most parts of the more Southern counties, though not 

 continuing so very far west. Scarce in South Dorset and in 

 Somerset ; rare in Devon and Cornwall. Generally distributed 

 and moderately common in the Eastern counties, the Cam- 

 bridgeshire fen district, and Northamptonshire ; rare in 

 Warwickshire and Herefordshire, and apparently extending 



