THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 115 
other species, and the ground colour of the wings is of a very pale delicate slate colour, the hind wings being 
of the same tone, except the brown border. 
The genus Lmmelesia. In this genus the antenne are simple in both sexes. The wings are rather thin 
and rounded, and the fore wings marked with several wavy bands and lines. The caterpillars are slender, and 
feed on herbaceous plants. The chrysalis is enclosed in an earthen cocoon, 
Emmelesia decolorata (the Sandy Carpet). The larva of this species is undescribed, but it is known to 
feed on the flowers of Lychnis diurna. The moth appears in June and July, and is very common in hedges, 
Janes, and woods. 
The other species are—Z. rivulata (the Rivulet), considerably smaller than the last. The wings are pale 
brown, and distinguished by a meandering band or rivulet of white, with a dark line in the middle, running 
across the front wings, but less distinctly across the hinder pair; also, Emumelesia hydrata (the Small Rivulet), 
is much less than the preceding, and has a clear band of white running across all four wings, which are 
pale brown. Eimmelesia albulata (the Grass Rivulet), is of cool buff colour, with a broad and a narrow band of 
light cream colour running across the front wings, and a large space of cream colour in the hind wings, leaving 
a buff border. There are also Z. blandiata, EF. ericitata, E. teniata, and FE. bifasciata, all more or less of 
similar character. 
The genus Cosmorhoe. The insects assigned to this genus are of very small size ; they have the antenne 
pubescent or slightly ciliated in the male, which distinguish them from those of the surrounding genera. The 
caterpillars are slender, and slightly thickened towards the tail. The chrysalis is subterranean. 
Cosmorhoe rusticata (the Least Carpet, No. 13). This species was formerly included in the Emmelesie, and 
is now placed by some authors in the genus Acidalia; indeed, the whole of the last Sub-Families of Geometridae 
are at present in a very unsettled state, and await some Entomological Cuvier to determine their definite location. 
The larva is unknown, and the perfect insect, which appears in July, is rather rare. It has been recently taken 
in the Isle of Portland, and at North Fleet, near Gravesend. 
The genus Hyria. In this genus the antenne of the male are ciliated, and furnished with long slender 
bristles on each side. The wings, when in repose, form a flattened triangle. The Caterpillars are long and 
vermiform ; and are rather stiff, and slightly flattened above. The Chrysalides are subterranean, There is but 
one British genus. 
Hyria Auroralis (the Purple-bordered Gold, No. 14). The Caterpillar, according to M. Guénée, and the 
beautiful figure of Lyonnet, is tawny gray, with a series of paler marks along the back, and paler lines at the 
sides. It feeds on the Plantain in June, and the perfect moth appears in July. Ordinary specimens are pale 
gold colour, with a purplish band running across all four wings ; but there are varieties in which the gold colour 
has a rich gloss of red, leaving a spot of the yellow colour in the centre of each wing. The females are much 
rarer than the males. It has been often taken in different parts of Surrey ; and has been recently noticed at 
Lyndhurst, and in some plenty at Cambridge and Manchester. 
The genus Minow. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males slightly pubescent. 
The body slender, the wings silky and without markings. The Caterpillars are thick, with numerous short hairs. 
The Chrysalides are formed in an earthen cocoon, There is but one British species. 
Minoa Euphorbiata (the Drab Looper, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 16) feeds on several 
species of Zuphorbia in October, and the moth appears at the end of the following May, or early in June. It is 
not a very rare species in woody districts. Brighton, Halton, Stowmarket, Oxford, &c. &c., are cited as places 
where it has been recently taken. 
The genus Odezia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males simple. The wings 
are rather large and rounded, and are carried erect in repose. The Caterpillars are slender, of a velvety texture, 
and striped. The Chrysalis is formed in a slight cocoon. There is but one British species. 
Odexia Choerophyllata (the Chimney-Sweeper, No. 17). The dark green and velvety caterpillar of this 
moth feeds on Cheerophyllum sylvestre in May and July, and the moth appears in June and the following months. 
It is found in great plenty in open places in woods in all parts of the country. It has been recently taken in 
abundance at Kingsbury (Middlesex), Manchester, and other places. 
