BLACK MOUNTAIN MOTH. • 32 1 



both names are in use, as that of Hiibner applies to our ashy 

 grey form of the species, whilst that given by Thunberg belongs 

 to the typical fuscous grey form. 



The rather stout caterpillar is grey with darker lines and 

 V-shaped marks along the middle of the back, and dark-edged 

 pale lines on the sides ; two erect whitish points on ring 12. It 

 feeds on heather {Calluna), broom {Sarothainnus scoparius\ 

 and needle furze or petty-whin {Genista anglicd)^ but it may be 

 reared on knot grass. September to June, sometimes later. 



The moth is out in July and August, and frequents heaths, 

 moor, and mountain, in Scotland from Clydesdale (including 

 Bute and Arran) to Aberdeen and Ross, and the Isle of Lewis. 

 A male specimen has been recorded from Ireland (Dowros 

 Head, co. Donegal, 1898). It may be found resting upon 

 rocks, stone walls, etc. ; where these have suitable holes, 

 crannies, or projections they are selected as hiding places. 

 Sometimes the moth has been noted on the wing during the 

 day, but at night it flies freely, and will then visit light. 



Black Mountain Moth {Psodos coracina). 



The smoky-grey species represented on Plate 139, Figs. 6 $, 

 7 $ , has two black lines on the fore wings ; these are often edged 

 with whitish, and the space between them blackish ; the sub- 

 marginal line is whitish, and the discal spot is black ; the 

 hind wings have a black central spot and two pale lines or 

 bands. The female is rather smaller and much paler. In 

 both sexes the central band of the fore wings is generally 

 narrowed below the middle, and sometimes it is completely 

 divided at this point. 



As regards the British Isles, this species is known only to 

 occur in the Highlands of Scotland. It is a day flyer, and 

 very fond of sunshine, but its favourite haunts are situated at 

 elevations of from 2000 to 4000 feet. 



Series J I. y 



