32 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 
Arctia Villica (the Cream-spot Tiger) is somewhat smaller than the preceding, and the anterior wings 
differ, in having the vich brown rather as the ground colour than the markings, leaving the cream-colour in 
tletached blotches, from which it has received its popular name. The body and hind-wings, instead of being 
scarlet, like those of the Garden-Tiger, are of a rich orange bufl,, sparingly marked with delicate touches of black. 
The Caterpillar, which is black, and not nearly so hairy as that of A. Caja, feeds on Ragwort, Chickweed, and 
other early growing plants. It is found in spring, the Moth appearing in June. It is hy no means so common as 
A. Caja, though an abundant species. 
The genus Purasemia, the Nemeophila ot Stephens, is of slenderer form than of most of the true Chelonidi, 
but the markings of the species it contains are of the same conspicuous character as those of the more robust 
kinds. These markings vary considerably, both in colour and distribution, The antenne are slightly pectinated 
in the males; the females being generally larger than the opposite sex. There is only one British species. 
Parasemia Plantaginis (the Wood-Tiger, No. 8) is a very pretty Moth, and is far from rare. The Caterpillar 
(No. 9) isdusky black, with several of the central segments of a rich orange-brown, both colowrs having a row of 
spots of a deeper tone, and the whole body being thickly clothed with long hairs. Tt feeds on Plantain in autumn 
and spring, and the Moth appears in June. 
The genus Phragmatobia has the wings semi-transparent. The antennz are short, and nearly simple in 
both sexes, which searcely differ either in size or colour. 
Phragmatobia Putiginosa (the Ruby-Tiger, No. 10) is pretty generally distributed, and by no means uncom- 
mon. The Caterpillar (No, 11) feeds on various herbaceous plants in June, and the Moth appears inJuly. There 
is a slate-coloured variety, which some have considered a distinct species. 
The genus Spilosoma is distinguished by the sharp delicate spottings of the wings and body, from which 
both the generic, and the different popular names, as White Ermine, Buff Ermine, etc., are derived. The ground 
colour of the wings is generally white or buff, and the body orange. The antenne are bipectinated in the males, 
The Caterpillars are hairy, like those of the genus Arctia, but more slender. There are three British species. 
Spilosoma Menthastri (the Large Ermine) is a very common insect. The anterior wings are bull, with a 
number of small black spots ; the hind-wings being white, only varied by three or four delicate black specks. 
The body is orange, marked with black at the joints of the abdomen. The Caterpillar is larger than that of any 
other of the species. It is black, clothed, but not densely, with brown hairs, between which an orange stripe is 
perceptible down the centre of the back. It feeds on many low plants in August, and the Moth appears in the 
following May. It is very common everywhere. 
Spylosoma Papyratia (the Water Ermine) is a very rare species, and differs from the others in having its 
delicately white wings almost entirely free from the black spottings of the other kinds. A few slight touches 
of black are found, however, in some specimens, particularly a row of dots near the edge of the anterior wings. 
The body is orange, marked with black, like the last species. The Caterpillar is dark brown, with long hairs ; 
the spiracles heing yellow. It feeds on various water plants, and the Moth appears in June in marshy districts, 
but is extremely rare. 
Spilosoma Lubricepeda (the Buff Ermine, No. 12) is the commonest of the genus, and the one I have 
selected for its illustration. It varies very considerably in the markings, the ordinary black spots becoming 
occasionally patches or stripes. These variations are, however, of rather rare occurrence. The Caterpillar 
(No. 18) feeds on various plants, and is found in the autumn, the perfect Moth appearing in the following June. 
The genus Cyenia is distinguished from Spilosoma hy the decided semi-transparency of the wings, and by 
the difference which exists in the colour of the males and females. The antenne of the males are bipectinated, 
those of the females simple. The Caterpillars closely resemble in character those of the genus Spilosoma, but are 
more slender. : 
Cyenia Mendica (the Spotted Muslin, No. 14) is a pretty little Moth, the general appearance of which is well 
expressed by its popular name, the semi-transparent or muslin-like effect being as apparent both in the brown 
male and in the delicately white female. This is the only British species. The Caterpillar (No. 15) feeds upon 
various aquatic plants in autumn, and the perfect insect appears in districts where water abounds in the following 
May. It is, however, a rare species, though found in many parts of the country. 
