130 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 
species assigned to it in the system I am following. According to M. Guénée’s definition of the genus, the 
insects to be located in it have the antenne of the male simple, and the palpi short ; the fore-wings are rather 
pointed at the tip; the Caterpillars are thick and shining, with warty spots ; and they feed among the flowers 
of low plants or shrubs, generally protected by a web. The Chrysalis is enclosed in a slight silky cocoon. 
Spilodes sticticalis (the Diamond Spot, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Treitschke, is 
green, with a dorsal line edged with yellow ; and with yellow lines at the sides. It feeds on Artemisia in July 
and August, and the Moth appears in September. It has been recently taken at Birkenhead, Brighton, Pembury, 
&c., but is always rather rare. : 
The genus Scopula. Three of the species now assigned to this genus were formerly placed by Mr. Stephens 
in the genus Margaritia, along with many of the Pearls, and several allied species. The insects at present 
assigned to the gents Scopula have the antenne of the male simple; the palpi rather long; the wings silky 
and shining ; the stigmata distinct ; and the hind wings have a central spot. The Caterpillars are rather elongate, 
and feed between leaves, in a gallery open at both ends. The Chrysalis is formed in a cocoon. There are four 
species. 
Scopula Atialis (the Pale Straw, No. 7). The Caterpillar of this pretty species is unknown, and the perfect 
insect is rare, though very widely dispersed. It appears in July. 
S. prunalis (the Dusky Brindled, No. 8) is easily distinguished by the colours of the front and hind wings 
being the same. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on Blackthorn, and also on low plants, in April and May, and the 
perfect insect appears in June and July. It is abundant everywhere. 
The other species of Scopula is 8. Alpinalis, which has the front wings of a rich tawny hue, and the 
hind wings of a pale straw colour, deepening towards the edge to a tone of pinkish brown. 
The genus Cyneda (the Odontia of Duponchel). The antenne are short, slender, and slightly pubescent. 
The palpi, though short, extend slightly in the front of the head in a beak-like form, The wings have a tuft of 
scales on the inner margin. The Caterpillars are short, attenuated at each end, and feed within the stems of 
various plants. There is only one British species. 
Cynceda dentalis (the Starry Brindle, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this pretty species (No. 11) is shown on 
the surface of a stem, when about to form its chrysalis. It is nearly colourless, except the head, as are most of 
the pith-feeding Caterpillars. It prefers the stems of Echiwm vulgare, the common Viper Bugloss. The Chrysalis 
is formed in a compact cocoon of silk among the leaves of the plant. This pretty Moth is very rare, but has been 
recently taken at Lewes, Deal, Folkstone, and some other places. 
The Seventh sub-family of the Pyralide is that of the Ennychidi. The species of this family are, with 
few exceptions, day insects, and delight in the brightest sunshine. The antenne of the males are simple, or only 
pubescent. The abdomen slender, generally with pale belts. The wings are silky, and the hinder ones frequently 
marked like the anterior pair. The larvee are short, with warty spots, and feed between leaves brought together 
hy aweb. There are four genera—Rhodaria, Pyrausta, Ennychia, and Andnia. 
Inthe genus Rhodaria, the antenne of the males are pubescent. The abdomen is not belted. The hind 
wings are not banded like the front pair, It flies at dusk. The Caterpillar is unknown. There is but one 
British species. 
Rhodaria sanguinalis (the scarce Crimson and Gold, No. 12). This pretty species was formerly deemed 
extremely rare, but it has lately been taken in considerable numbers at Birkenhead, and also in Ireland. It is, 
however, very local, and may still be considered rare, though there are thirty fine specimens in the cabinet of the 
British Museum. It must be sought among long grass in shady places, and not on short turf in the sun, like 
others of the group. 
The genus Pyrwusta. The antenne of the males are slender and simple. The palpi are short and straight. 
The abdomen is distinctly belted. The wings are generally brightly coloured, and the flight is diurnal. The 
Caterpillars are short, and attennated at the extremities, and feed in a web between the leaves of various plants. 
The pupa is formed in a cocoon among leaves. There are four species. 
Pyrausta purpuralis (the Crimson and Gold, No. 13), The Caterpillar of this conspicuous little insect is, 
according to. Hiibner, of a dark gray colour, with yellowish stripes, and dark spots edged with white. Tt is found 
