364 THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



plates on rings 1-3, and the raised dots and the spiracles are 

 black. It feeds on the roots of bracken, and is full grown about 

 May. Buckler states that at first it burrows in the root, 

 hibernates when small, resumes feeding in April, attains ful. 

 growth before winter, and hibernates in the earth for a second 

 time; in the spring of the second year it gnaws cavities in the 

 young shoots of the bracken, and apparently drinks the flowing 

 sap. 



The moth is out in June. The males fly at dusk, something 

 in the manner of humuli, over and among the bracken ; but the 

 females fly in a more or less direct line. An odour given off 

 by the males of this species has been likened to that of the pine 

 apple ; whilst the " scent " of the Ghost Moth is said to be more 

 of the billy-goat character. 



In most woody localities, where the bracken flourishes, this 

 species will be found throughout England, Wales, Scotland to 

 Aberdeen and the Hebrides, and Ireland. 



