THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 45 
PLATE XVIII. 
No. 1.—The Flame (Xylina Putris). No. 7.—The Light Arches (Xylophasia Lythorylea), 
No. 2,—The Golden-rod Brindle (Zythomoia Solidaginis). No. 8.—The Dark Arches (Yylophasia Polydon). 
No. 3.—The Sword Grass (Calocampa Exoleta). No, 9.—The Clouded Brocade (Hyppa Rectilinea). 
No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Sword Grass. No. 10.—The Caterpillar of the Clouded Brocade. 
No. 5.—The Red Sword Grass (Calocampa Vetusta). No. 11.—The Crescent (Hydrecia Leucostigma). 
No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Red Sword Grass. 
In this plate the genera of the fourth sub-family of Noctuidae, the Xylinidi, are continued. 
The genus Xylina is distinguished by short and nearly horizontal palpi, and simple or but slightly serrated 
antennz in the males ; the fore wings are narrow, the fringed edge slightly denticulated, and the thorax is square. 
The Caterpillar is smooth, or but very slightly clothed with hairs, There are six species of Xyline in the system 
which I am following, but they do not group very naturally, and, in some recent arrangements, most of them have 
been distributed in other genera. 
Xylina Putris (the Flame, No. 1) is one of the smallest of the genus. The Caterpillar is described as being 
of a pale yellowish brown, with pale stripes, a yellow line down the back, and minute black spots ; it feeds on 
various grasses in spring, and the Moth appears in Juve. It is common everywhere. In another recent arrange- 
ment it is called Axilia Putris, while X. Conspicillaris, is made Xylomyges Conspicillaris. The other species are 
X. Petrificata, X. Conspicillaris, X. Semibrunnea, and X. Rhizolitha, the last two presenting characters which 
appear to ally them more closely with the genus Calocampa. > 
In the genus Lythomoia, the antenne of the males are furnished with short brushes of hair on the under side ; 
the fore wings are rather long, and deflexed when at rest, and the abdomen is not depressed. The Caterpillars are 
smooth, with the last segment but one rather elevated, and the spiracular line very distinct. 
Lythomoia Solidaginis (the Golden-rod Brindle, No. 2) is local, and generally rare, but occasionally taken in 
great abundance, as at Staley Bridge, near Manchester, in 1837. The Caterpillar is deep brown, with slender 
dorsal line, and broader lateral line of white bordered with black ; there are also on the back darker blotches, 
variegated with yellow spots. It feeds on the Bilberry. 
The genus Calocampa, so named from the beauty of the Caterpillars, is at once distinguished by the size of the 
insects, which are much larger than those of any of the neighbouring genera. The antennz are robust and slightly 
ciliated in the males, and the thorax is remarkably square. The great length and narrowness of the wings is 
another leading characteristic, and in repose they lie partly folded and partially crossed. The Caterpillars are 
conspicuously marked, and attenuated at each extremity. They undergo their change at a considerable depth 
in the earth. ‘ 
Calocampa Exoleta (the Sword Grass, No. 3) is one of the handsomest of the Noctuide, and frequently 
measures two and a quarter inches or more across the extended fore wings. The Caterpillar (No. 4) feeds on 
various plants, among which the Jris and’Serratula Tinctoria are named. The Moth appears at the beginning of 
summer and also in the autumn. It is rather rare, though very widely distributed. 
‘A 
