TRIFID^. 269 



segment with it.5 tubercles aucl hairs is also black, whilst the 

 subdorsal hairs of the second, third, fourth and sixth segments 

 and onwards are whitish ; and white lozenges on the tenth, 

 eleventh and twelfth complete the white border toward the 

 tail." The colour gradually changes till, before the following 

 and final moult, the adult colouring is assumed. (Condensed 

 from Dr. Chapman's memoir.) 



July, August and September on dock, plantain, knotgrass, 

 sorrel, strawberry and many other low plants, also on bramble 

 and sallow ; feeding by day in the hot sunshine. 



Pupa cylindrical to the end of the two free segments of the 

 abdomen, then rapidly tapering, but with the segments ridged, 

 the hind margin of each being I'aised in a smoothly rounded 

 projecting rib or hoop. In front are two rough knobs 

 situated between the bases of the antennge ; wing and limb- 

 covers well marked ; anal extremity conical, broadened at the 

 tip, with a dense brush of fine bristles. Deep blackish purple, 

 or black, incisions paler purple or reddish. Tightly spun up 

 in a tough silken cocoon covered outside with morsels of 

 earth, wood, moss, or rubbish, above or upon the surface of the 

 ground. Mr. D. C. Campbell of Londonderry writes, " we 

 noticed a strange habit in the larva. Having partially formed 

 its cocoon on the side or in the corner of a box it descended 

 to the mould below and attached its threads to many small 

 particles of earth ; it then ascended again, and ensconsing 

 itself again in the cocoon, drew up the little particles around 

 it by means of the threads. I have watched the process from 

 beginning to end." In the pupa-state through the winter. 



The moth may be found occasionally, though not frequently, 

 on the trunk of a tree or on a paling in the daytime, but, 

 doubtless, it usually hides among leaves. It flies at dusk and 

 is readily attracted by sugar placed upon tree trunks, on 

 which it settles down with the utmost confidence, and may be 

 taken off by the hand. Not very common in the extreme 

 Soutii-Eastern Counties, but occurring everywhere in suitable 



