THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 127 
the insects assigned to both these genera it is very closely related, but minute anatomical distinctions' appear to 
warrant its separation. 
Udea ferrugalis (the Rusty Dot, No. 12). The larva of this species is unknown, and the Moth was once 
considered rather rare, but it is now found to be tolerably plentiful in some localities. Plymouth, Brighton, 
Ventnor, Malahide in Ireland, and other places have furnished specimens in some plenty. 
The genus Mecyna. A single British species, formerly placed in the genus Margaritia, is now removed to 
this genus of M. Guénée’s, which corresponds with the genus Mesographe of Hiibner. The wings are sharper and 
more hooked than in the species from which it has been separated ; otherwise it bears signs of a very close 
relationship with them. It is placed by Mr. Stainton in the genus Botys. 
Mecyna asinalis (the Dusky Pearl, No. 13). The first specimens taken of this species were those captured 
by Captain Blomer, near Teignmouth, and at Barnstaple by Mr. Raddon. Specimens have since been taken at 
Llandudno, in North Wales, and Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight. 
The genus Nomophila. In this genus the antenne of the males are filiform, but pubescent underneath, 
The palpi are turned upwards. The fore wings are long and narrow, and slightly transparent, especially the hinder 
pair. Mr. Stephens removed it from the Tinie. 
Nomophila Noctuella (the Rush Veneer, No. 14). The larva of this species, if carefully sought, might be 
found in rushy districts frequented by the perfect insect, but it remains as yet undescribed. In marshy places, 
where rushes abound, the perfect insect is far from uncommon in many parts of the country. 
The genus Botys, of Latreille, accords pretty well with Mr. Stephens’s genus Margaritia, founded by that 
author for the location of the Pearls, in 1829, but the priority of the term of Latreille has caused it to take 
precedence. The antenne of the males are either simple, or merely pubescent. The abdomen is longer than the 
wings. The wings are generally of different shades of brown, the hind wings being similarly marked to the front 
pair, and having, more or less, a pearly gloss. The Caterpillars are attenuated at each extremity and often semi- 
transparent. The Chrysalides are formed in slight cocoons among leaves. There are nine species. 
Botys Verticalis (the Mother-of-Pearl, No. 15). This prettily marked species may be said to be the type of 
the genus, as it is the most pearly in its gloss, and in other respects best displays the generic characters, though 
its markings are more distinct than in most of the other species. The Caterpillar feeds spun up within the leaves 
of the Nettle, in May. According to M. Guénée it is semi-transparent, greenish at the sides, and whitish on the 
back, with a dark dorsal line. It becomes a Chrysalis in June, and the perfect insect appears in July. It is 
common everywhere. 
Botys lancealis (the Long-winged Pearl, No. 16) may be easily distinguished by the length of the wings. 
The Caterpillar is unknown. 
The other seven species are all congeneric in the leading characters. They are, B. perpendicularis (the 
Scarce Mother-of-Pearl), B. Pandalis (the Bordered Pearl), B. hyalinalis (the Scarce Pearl), B. flavalis (the 
Gold China-mark), B. silacealis (the Dingy Pearl), B. fuscalis (the Cinereous Pearl), and B. Terrealis (the 
Northern Pearl). 
The genus Epicorsia. The British insect assigned to this genus has been separated from the genus 
Margaritia on account of the much greater depth of the hind wings, and their complete opacity. They are in 
fact thickly clothed underneath with white scales, which causes a striking contrast between the upper and under 
surfaces, The Caterpillar which feeds on Broom is undescribed. 
Epicorsia cinctalis (the Lesser Pearl, No. 17). This pretty species is generally taken in Clover fields about 
July, and is not uncommon. 
The genus Sttochroa. The single insect assigned to this genus of Hiibner’s is by some authors placed with 
two other British species in M. Guénée’s genus Spilodes. It closely resembles the true Pearls in its general 
characters, but the front wings are of a sulphureous green. 
Sitochroa paleatis (the Sulphur, No. 18). This pretty insect is still a rarity. The Caterpillar is described 
by Treitschke as being whitish with a dorsal line of pale grey, and black spots ; the head being yellowish white 
speckled with black. It feeds on several umbelliferous plants, such as Wild Carrot, &c. in August and 
