44 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS, 
The genus Lupsilia has changed its name several times, that of Hiibner, as being the earliest, having been 
eventually adopted in most systems. In this genus the body is flat, as in the last genus, but the wings are longer 
and more oblique at the tips, and the fringed edge is conspicuously dentated ; the antenne at each joint have a tuft 
of minute hairsin the males. The larve are slender, velvety, and much attenuated towards the head, 
Eupsilia Satellitia is the only British species, and is especially remarkable for the pretty white markings in the 
fore wings, which resemble a moon, or planet accompanied by two minute satellites. The Caterpillar is generally 
dark brown approaching black, but varies into dusky orange or greenish in some specimens ; care should be taken, 
in rearing these Caterpillars, not to place them in a box with others, as they are carnivorous, and will devour even 
their own species. They are found in summer, feeding on various trees and plants, and the Moth appears from 
September to November. It was once thought comparatively rare, but is now deemed a common species. This 
genus is the last of the Orthosidi. 
The third sub-family of the Noctuide is termed that of the Amphipyride, and contains three genera— 
Amphipyra, Scotophila, and Nenia., 
The genus Amphipyra is distinguished, like the others of the group, by the remarkably recurved palpi ; the 
antenne are slender, but slightly ciliated, the abdomen depressed, and tufted, the fore wings dentated at the 
fringed edge, and the hind wings more or less richly coloured. 
Amphipyra Pyramidea is the only species. It presents all the characters above detailed, The fore wings 
are strongly marked, and the hind wings of a bright colour, from which it takes its popular name, “the Copper 
Underwing.” The Caterpillar (No. 9) is remarkable for a conical protuberance near the tail. It feeds on Elm, 
Poplar, and other trees in May and June (often concealing itself in the bark) ; the Moth, which is common, appear- 
ing in August. 
The genus Scotophila has also the recurved palpi. The fore wings are, however, of an almost uniform dusky 
tone, almost entirely without markings in some specimens, and they are not dentated at the edge. The hind wings 
are, however, of a somewhat similar coppery tone to those of the preceding genus. The only species, Scotophila 
Tragopogonis, is so named in consequence of the Caterpillar feeding almost exclusively on the Tragopogon Pratense ; 
and has received its popular name, “the mouse,”’ from the colour of the fore wings. The Caterpillars appear in May 
and June, and the Moth in July and August. They are sometimes found at that season in considerable nembers, 
huddled together beneath the loose bark of rotten trees. The supposed species called S, Tetra is now considered a 
mere variety of Tragopogonis. 
The genus Nenia# has also the recurved palpi of the other genera of this sub-family. The thorax and 
abdominal joints are strongly tufted, the abdomen is tufted at the extremity, and the wings have the apical 
margins notched. Nenia Typica (the “ Gothic,” No. 12) is the only species. The Caterpillar has the twelfth segment 
angulated. It feeds at the roots of Nettles and some other plants in April, and makes a cocoon on the surface of the 
ground in May. The Moth appears in June and July, and is found in abundance fluttering over beds of Nettles. 
The fourth sub-family of the Noctuide is that of the Xylinidi, comprising five genera—Dyplerygia, 
Aporophyla, Lythomoia, Xylina, and Calocampa. 
The genus Dypterygia was distinguished by Mr. Stephens, its founder, by its very highly crested thorax, its 
slender and nearly vertical palpi, the third stigma, or sub-spherical mark of the fore wings. The only species, 
Dypterygia Pinastri (the Bird’s Wing, No. 14), is a remarkable and handsome insect, and, though somewhat rare, is 
often found where pines abound. The Caterpillar is dark brown, with blackish spots, and has two pale longitudinal 
lines and several oblique ones. It feeds on the Dock in spring, and the Moth appears in May and June. 
The genus Aporophila, founded by M. Guéené for the reception of species closely allied to the Xyline, has 
been found the best place in which to locate the pretty insect formerly placed in the genus Agrotis as A. Pascuea. 
It appears to be the same species as that described by Rambur as Xylina Australis. Aporophila Australis (the 
Feathered Brindle, No. 15) has thus changed both its systematic names, Xylina and Pascuea. It is extremely rare, 
but has been taken at Yarmouth and at Lowestoft, and will doubtless be found in other places on the coast, 
