274 THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



last ring there are two points. It feeds on oak chiefly, but 

 will eat birch, lime, etc. : May to July. The moth is out in 

 August and September, and occurs more or less frequently in 

 most of the southern counties of England, but is rather scarce 

 in the Midlands and northwards. It occurs in South Wales, 

 and has been recorded from the south of Scotland. Very rare 

 in Ireland. 



Note. — The species of En7io7nos are fond of light, and in 

 suitable spots, gas and electric lamps, in the streets, or even in 

 the house when windows are open, will attract these moths. 

 Most of the specimens of autu?nnaria that have been captured 

 in Britain have occurred at light. Qiiercinaria is, perhaps, less 

 often noted at light than its allies ; but, curiously, this species is 

 more frequently seen at rest on tree trunks, etc., than are either 

 of the other kinds. Female moths taken at light may not 

 always be in first-rate condition, but they will probably lay eggs, 

 and should be kept for that purpose in a chip box. The cater- 

 pillars do not hatch out until the following spring. Put the 

 eggs in a cool place. 



Early Thorn [Seknia bihmuna). 



The sexes of the spring or typical form are depicted on Plate 

 112, Figs. I 5)2 $, and the paler summer form vzx. juliaria 

 (July Thorn), Haworth, is represented by Fig. 3. The under- 

 side is shown in Mr. H. Main's photo of the moth in its natural 

 resting attitude. 



The caterpillar is orange or reddish brown, sometimes in- 

 clining to purplish ; there are pairs of reddish raised points 

 on the back of rings 7 and 8 ; as will be seen from the 

 accompanying illustration, which is from a photograph by Mr. 

 Main, the creature, when resting, is very like a twig. It feeds on 

 birch, alder, sallow, hawthorn, sloe, etc., in May and June, and 

 again in August and September. The moth is out in April and 



