OWLET-MOTHS. 151 
given them because they fly at night, and because their rather 
large eves glow with a deep phesphorescence, as if internally 
on fire. Most of these moths are attracted to light, and 
many to baits composed of fermenting substances. 
The caterpillars, which average from an inch to an inch 
and a half in length, are cylindrical, tapering somewhat 
from the middle towards each extremity; their colors are 
usually obscure, varying from dirty-gray to dirty yellow- 
brown, generally with feebly marked longitudinal lines. 
The pupz are usually formed in earthen cells under 
ground, or above the same among leaves and rubbish, tied 
together by a few silken threads. 
As a class these caterpillars are injurious to vegetation, 
and they are frequently called ‘‘Cut-worms,’’ because some 
of them have the habit of cutting off the tender leaves of 
plants early in spring. Most of them are injurious to agri- 
culture. and not a few of them cause considerable losses to 
horticulture. 
THE INSCRIBED THYATIRA. 
(Thyatira scripta Gosse). 
This uncommon moth has been repeatedly taken in St. 
Anthony Park and in Duluth. The caterpillar feeds on black- 
berry and raspberry; it is of a rich yellowish-brown, some- 
times nearly black color, with a distinct black dorsal line. 
The sides are yellowish with blackish marks and dashes, 
The upper surface is darker than the rest of the body; the 
prominent head is yellow, mottled with dark brown. The 
caterpillar, when at rest, has the anterior and posterior por- 
tions of the body elevated, or bent in such a manner that the 
head rests upon the posterior segments. It is not readily 
detected as it conceals itself in a shelter formed by bending 
over the edge of a leaf; it pupates in moss or similar ma- 
terial. 
