THE CUDWEED. 4I 



Sometimes the central area of the fore wings is clouded with 

 blackish from the front to the inner margin^ such specimens 

 are referable to ab. chrysanthemi, Hubn. (Plate 16 Figs i 

 typical, 2 ab.) ' 



^ The caterpillar, which may be found m the summer months, 

 IS greenish white with zigzag olive markings, the lines on the 

 back meeting in the middle of each ring, where there is a small 

 pinkish blotch ; head, pale yellowish, striped with brown on the 

 face. It feeds on wild chamomile {Matricaria), stinking may- 

 weed {Anthemis\ and Pyrethrum (Plate i8, Fig. i). The Rev. 

 Miles Moss, writing his experience of this species at Rossall, near 

 Fleetwood, Lancashire, notes that until half-grown the caterpillars 

 live exposed, and are then found lying in a half-circle on the 

 crowns of unexpanded flower heads. At this time they are green 

 with dark and also white markings. He adds that caterpillars 

 measuring about an inch in length when collected, were 

 preparing for pupation a week later. 



The moth is out in April and May, and has been captured 

 even in July. When chrysalids are kept indoors, but not dry 

 the moths sometimes emerge in March, and occasionally in the 

 earher months of the year. A habit more or less general amon^ 

 the species of this genus is to remain in the chrysalis state for 

 two or more winters ; the present species has been known to 

 emerge during March of the first, second, and third years fol- 

 lowing that in which the caterpillars were found. 



Widely distributed over England and Wales, but apparently 

 most frequent in the seaboard counties. In Scotland it occurs 

 up to Perthshire, and it is found on various parts of the Irish 

 coast. 



The Cudweed {Cticullia gnaphainy 



Portraits of two specimens of this very local species, kindiv 

 lent by Mr. R. Adkin, will be found on Plate 13, Figs. 4 and 5. 



