THE ENTOMOLOGIST 



Vol. XXXVI.l AUGUST. 1903. FNo. 483. 



PLUSIA MO NET A. 



By H. W. Shepheard-Walwyn, F.Z.S., F.E.S. 



(Plate III.) 



My annual visit to Bidborough in search of Plusia moneta 

 resulted in the discovery of nineteen cocoons and two larvse. 

 The species appears to be more plentiful this season, as I only 

 managed to obtain six cocoons last year, after about three 

 hours' search. The resting position of the perfect insect is most 

 striking (Plate III., fiig. 3), as it hangs by its two front legs, 

 stretching them out to their fullest extent, in which attitude it 

 gives the impression of trying to push the stalk away from it. 



I enclose photographs of a larva and a cocoon, as well as 

 one of the perfect insect. 



Dalwhinnie, Kenley, Surrey. 



URTICATING LARVAL HAIRS. 



By E. a. Cockayne. 



Much interested in the discussion about the irritating effects 

 of larval hairs, I have recently examined all the British species 

 I could procure. The commonest type of hair appears to be 

 that in which the central shaft bears spines directed away from 

 the base. They vary in length, thickness, and in the number 

 and shape of the spines. Hairs of this nature are possessed by 

 Porthesia aarijliia, P. chrysorrJioea, Spilosoma menthastj'i, S. lubri- 

 cipeda, S. mendica, Nemeophila planta (finis, Euthemonia russida, 

 Pkragmatohiafidiginosa, Dasychira pudihiinda, D.fascelina, Orgyia 

 antiqua, Psilura monacha, Acronycta menyantJiidis, and A. myricae. 



ENTOM. — AUGUST, 1903. R 



