58 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTOS. 
edge of the fore wings, in the form of the Greek letter Psi. In the Caterpillar stage it may be distinguished from 
T. Tridens by a much lower hump, surrounded by a clear cream-coloured blotch, and by other distinctive markings. 
The genus Acronycta, as now restricted, still contains nine species, some of which, from their distinctness, 
especially in the preparatory stages, may, at no distant period, form the basis of separate genera. The chief 
characteristics of this genus, as now accepted, are—long and slender antenna, simple in both sexes, the palpi 
rising to the level of the eyes ; and the abdomen is not crested, except in Ligustri. The larvae are excessively various, 
but the pups are in no instance formed in the earth, the transformation taking place in crevices of bark, or 
among moss. 
Acronycta Alni (the Alder, No. 6) is one of the most beautiful, and perhaps the rarest of the genus. The 
Caterpillar (No. 7) feeds on various trees, but prefers the Alder. The Moth appears in June. Halton, in Bucking- 
hamshire, Huddersfield, and many other places of its capture are recordéd. The singular elubbed hairs which 
issue from each segment of the Caterpillar, will, no doubt, when we are better acquainted with the larve of allied 
exotic species, cause A. Alni to take its place in a new genus. 
A. Rumicis (the Knot-Grass; No. 8) is the other species which I have selected to illustrate this genus. It 
is as common as 4. Alniis rare. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds upon Dock, Bramble, and other plants, in the 
autumn ; and the Moth, which is common everywhere, appears in the following May. 
The other species are, Acronycta Ligustri (the Coronet), the fore wings of which are of a greenish brown, the 
usual markings being varied with whitish portions, especially a large blotch nearthe apex; and the hind wings deep 
clear brown, A. Sérigosa (the Marsh Dagger) is a very rare species, formerly represented by the unique specimen 
in the Haworth collection, “supposed” to have been taken in Norfolk; but a better authenticated capture at 
Cambridge now fully entitles the species to a place in the British catalogue. The fore wings are pale gray, shaded 
with black towards the inner margin; the extreme base of the inner margin is fulvous, the renal stigma is pale 
ochreous ; the hind wings are ashey gray. A. Awricoma (the Scarce Dagger) resembles in general appear- 
ance the Trieng ; the external striga, or band, is traversed near the posterior angle by « sharp black streak 
pointing inward, forming somewhat the shape of a Greek Psi, but much heavier and blacker than the similar forms 
inthe Triene. A. Menyanthidis (the Light Knot-Grass) has the fore wings pale gray, with the usual general 
markings, and a blackish hook-like mark near the base; the hind wings being brown, with pale fringes. The Moth 
is rather rare, and generally found in the northern counties. A. Salicis (the Willow) was at one time 
thought to be merely a variety of A. Menyanthidis, but is now generally admitted to be distinct. It is distinguished 
from the last-named species by the more strongly marked brown strige, which form themselves into broad 
patches. It also closely resembles 4, Rumicis, but is invariably darker. 4. Myrice is a newly-discovered species, 
now found plentifully at Rannoch, in Scotland. The front wings are pale gray, varied with dark gray and black, 
without any conspicuous paler markings. The hind wings are white, with the veins brownish. The last species is 
A, Megacephala (the Poplar Gray) ; it resembles in general appearance A. Rumicis, but is larger, and the tone of 
colouring of the fore wings grayer, and the markings less distinct. The Caterpillar has more the proportions and 
markings of those of the Geometre than of those of the present family ; and the head being of larger diameter, 
has suggested the specific name, Megacephala, or Great-headed. 
The genus Apatela contains two British species, which are placed by some writers in the genus Acronycta, but 
the distinct character of the hairy Caterpillars, much resembling those popularly known as the Tussocks, seem fully 
to warrant the formation of the species so distinguished into a distinct genus. A. Zeporina has, in fact, so many 
affinities in both the preparatory and perfect stages to several of the Arctiide that, but for the simple antenne of 
both sexes, it would seem more in its place in that family. 
A, Aceris (the Sycamore, No. 10) is a common insect. Varieties occur in which the pale fore wings, like 
those of the specimen figured, are of a very deep brownish gray, but with the same markings. The handsome 
Caterpillar (No. 11) feeds on Horse Chestnut, Sycamore, ete. The perfect insect appears about the end of June, 
A. Leporina (the Miller, No, 12) is much more rare, but localities are now known in which it is tolerably 
common, as at Lyndhurst, York, and Worthing; and other places are named where it is far from scarce. The 
3a? 
Caterpillar (No. 13) feeds on Willow, Elm, Birch, etc. The Moth appearing in May and August. 
