THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 159 
The genus Myelophila. The single British species assigned to this genus has been separated from the 
genus Myelois principally on account of the peculiar character of the marking of the wings; the rest of the 
characters according very closely with those of the following genus, Myelois, to which the reader is referred. 
The following distinctive characters may, however, be cited. Palpi four in number, the labial ones long, slender 
and erect. The antenn of the males furnished with tufts of scales at the base. The anterior wings elongate- 
triangular in form, and folded when in repose. The body long, slender and tufted at the extremity in the males. 
In some systems the insect assigned to this genus is retained in the genus Myelots, whilst Godart classed it with 
the distant Lithosie, with which at a glance it appears to have some affinity. 
Myelophila cribrum (the Thistle Ermine, No. 6). The Caterpillar of this species, aceording to Treitschke, 
is grayish, striped with bluish green ; the head and second segment being brown. It feeds inside the stems of 
Thistles in October and March, being probably double-brooded ; or, the Caterpillars remain dormant in the 
depth of winter and revive to complete their growth early in the spring. The Moth appears in July and 
August. 
The genus Myelois. The insects assigned to this genus have in some instances, the antennx tufted with 
scales at the base, and in other instances simple. The labial palpi are of moderate length, and pointing upwards. 
The fore-wings are oblong, with the longitudinal stripy markings very distinct in some species. The two 
species, suavella and sanguinella, have been formerly classed with the Lithosice by some writers. 
Myelois suavella (the Porphyry Knot-horn, No. 7). The Caterpillar of this pretty insect, according to 
Treitschke, is reddish-brown, with a brown head, and the second segment black. It feeds on the Sloe in May 
and beginning of June, the perfect Moth appearing at the end of June or in July. It was formerly taken at 
Epping, the New Forest, &c. ; and has more recently been captured at Bristol, Lyndhurst, and other places. 
The other species are M. Marmorea, M. Advenella, M. Ceratoniella, M. pinguis, and M, Artemesiella. 
The genus Homeosoma. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males straight at 
base, but much compressed. The labial palpi extend beyond the head and point rather upwards, the fore-wings 
are narrow. There are four British species. 
Homeosoma sinuella (the Twin-barred Knot-horn, No. 8). The Caterpillar is unknown. The Moth 
appears in July. It was first taken in Epping Forest, and more recently at Brighton, &c., &c. 
The genus Cryptoblabes. The single British species assigned to this genus has a peculiar character in 
the antenne of the males, from which a small tooth-like projection arises near the base. The labial palpi are 
short, and the fore-wings narrow. 
Cryptoblabes bistriga (the Double-striped Red Knot-horn, No. 9). The Caterpillar of this species is 
unknown. The Moth appears in June and July, and has been recently taken near Bristol, Lyndhurst, and 
Chesterfield. 
The genus Gymnancyla. Like the last, this genus only contains a single British species. The 
characters of the genus are, antenne in both sexes curved at the base ; labial palpi thick and moderately long ; 
maxillary palpi with a long tuft in the males ; the fore-wings rather narrow, and the stripes indistinct. 
Gymnancyla canella (the Hoary Knot-horn, No. 10). The Caterpillar of this species is undescribed, but 
is known to feed on Sa/sola (the common Saltwort) ; the Moth appears in June, and has been recently taken 
at Hastings, Folkestone, and other places. 
The genus Ephestia. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males curved at the 
base ; the labial palpi short and pointing upwards. The males have a tuft of hair near the base of the fore- 
wings. There are two British species. 
Ephestia elutella (the Cinereous Knot-horn, No. 11). The Caterpillar of this species is whitish-gray, with 
a pink line down the back, the head and second segment being pale brown. It feeds on dry Hazel nuts, Figs, 
&e., in January and February, but appears to prefer chocolate, as it is always plentiful in chocolate warehouses. 
The Moth appears in June and July. Bristol, Liverpool, and other places, are cited as localities in which it has 
been recently taken by collectors. 
The other species is 2. semirufa, which is of a much darker gray tone. 
The genus Plodia. The single British species assigned to this genus is by some authors placed in 
Ephestia. The principal difference in general appearance between this species and those assigned to the last 
