I04 THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



^•^* .Q^i The Blotched Emerald (Eiichlons [Comibcena) 

 fuM pustulata). 



When quite fresh, this moth (Plate 43, Fig. i) is exceedingly 

 pretty ; the pale blotches vary a little in size, as also do the 

 reddish marks upon them. 



The caterpillar adorns itself with particles of its food as soon 

 as it leaves the ^^% in July ; after hibernation it uses the scales 

 or husks of the oak buds for the same purpose. When stripped 

 of its trappings it is found to be reddish brown in colour, with 

 three slightly darker lines along the back ; hooded bristles arising 

 from raised brownish spots afford means for the attachment of 

 the masquerading outfit, each moiety of which is covered with 

 silk on one side before being placed in the required position. 

 When beating oaks for larvae in May and June, the contents of 

 the umbrella or beating tray should not be too hastily thrown 

 away, but allowed to remain therein for awhile, and closely 

 watched for any movement among the litter. The spectacle of 

 a cluster of oak bracts suddenly becoming active will certainly 

 arouse curiosity, and on examination the cause of the com- 

 motion will frequently be found to be the caterpillar of this 

 species. (Plate 41, Fig. 2 ; after Auld.) 



The moth is out in June and July, and flies at dusk in and 

 around oak woods. In the daytime it may be jarred from its 

 perch in oak trees, and once 1 found a specimen on a fence in 

 the Esher district. It has been known to visit light, and 

 examples of a September emergence have been recorded. 



As a British species it only inhabits England, and it has 

 been noted from Staffordshire and Leicester, but seems to be 

 rare in the midland counties generally. It is more frequently 

 found in the southern and eastern counties. 



Abroad, the range extends through Central Europe to 

 Southern Sweden, S. Russia, N. Asia Minor, and Andalusia. 



