30 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 
Euproctis Chrysorrhea (the Brown-tail Moth, No. 6) has the wings entirely white on the upper side, but on the 
under side the anterior wings are shaded with brown, The Caterpillar (No. 8), is prettily varied in colour ; the red, 
white, and orange markings being remarkably bright. It is also distinguished by the whisker-like tufts of hairs 
on each side of the head, and at the tail ; the other segments having less conspicuous tufts of slenderer and shorter 
hairs. It feeds on Hawthorn, Sloe, and many other trees, in June, and the Moth appears in July. It is a very 
common species. The female Moth (No. 7) ismuch larger than the male. 
Euproctis Auriflua (the Gold-tail Moth, No. 8), is still more common, and is seen fluttering about 
hedgerows on most evenings towards the end of June or beginning of July, disappearing towards the end of 
the month. It may he at once distinguished from the former species by the colour of the tuft at the extremity 
of the abdomen, which is of a bright golden orange, while in the former species it is of a deep full brown. 
The anterior wings of this species are also marked with a faint brown double spot near the inner angle of the 
upper wings, which is seldom found in the brown-tail species. Its favourite food appears to be the White- 
thorn, but it is a very general feeder, and sometimes so abundant as to become a real garden nuisance. In 1782, 
as Mr. Westwood informs us, it appeared in such swarms that the Londoners became seriously alarmed, as at a 
true Egyptian plague, prayers being offered up in the churches against the insect invasion, while the overseers and 
churchwardens of the suburban villages offered rewards per bushel for their destruction, and attended in person to 
see them burnt in large fires kindled for the purpose. The alarm is said to have been allayed by the sensible little 
treatise on the subject, by Mr. Curtis, which appeared most opportunely. The male Moth is much smaller than 
the female, as in the preceding species. 
