378 LEPIDOPTERA. 



a darker line on each 'side, and a double series of brownish- 

 black, medio-dorsal, V-shaped markings, the tips of the V's 

 directed forwards. Subdorsal area light brownish flesh- 

 colour, with a few very small brownish dots ; a series of very 

 distinct black marks in the second and fifth to twelfth 

 segments, dividing the lateral white stripe which lies below 

 the spiracles from the subdorsal area. Each segment emits 

 a number of short bristles, and in some specimens the dark 

 brownish medio-dorsal stripes are decidedly tinged with 

 green. (W. Heid.) This description is made from well- 

 grown larva3 early in the winter. Mr, Reid goes on to say 

 that in the spring, after moulting again, the larvae have 

 changed colour and the markings are very much brighter. 

 Of the young larvas he says : " When newly hatched they 

 are dark greenish -brown, with the faintest trace of a lighter 

 line below the spiracles, and a few scattered bristles. They 

 are extremely sluggish and appear to be constantly sitting 

 about, holding on to the withered grass with the last three 

 pairs of claspers, the fore part of the body thrown back and 

 the head tucked in after the manner of a Sfliinx larva. They 

 grew so slowly that it was several weeks before I saw much 

 difference in them. At last they moulted, and although this 

 did not improve their size, it made a great difference to their 

 appearance. Dorsal and subdorsal area brownish ; a lateral 

 series of wedge-shaped spots from the fifth to the twelfth seg- 

 ment just above the spiracular line, the apex pointing forward 

 and only crossing the anterior half of each segment ; below the 

 spiracles is a broad white line ; posture and habits the same as 

 before, but they are not so sluggish. After the second moult 

 they may be said to assume the colouring and markings, in 

 miniature, of the adult larva. The larva rolls itself into a ring 

 when annoyed and falls off its food plant, but soon unrolls 

 and seeks shelter at a great rate." As this larva is so little 

 known I have quoted Mr. Eeid's remarks rather fully. 



September to May or June, on grasses, dandelion, dock, 

 knot-grass, groundsel, and other low-growing plants. Fe€diug 

 at night, hiding in the daytime at the roots of grass. 



