160 THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS. 
genus, is the conspicuous white patch at the base of the fore-wings ; the colour of the basal portion of the fore- 
wings being considered a characteristic feature in the present group. The single British species has the knotted 
antenne of the related genera. 
Plodia interpunctelia (the Cloaked Knot-horn, No. 12). The Caterpillar of a species is of a creamy-white 
colour, with the head and second segments brown. It feeds on figs, dried insects, &c., in October and November. 
The Moth appears in June and July. It has been taken by collectors in London, Liverpool, and other places. 
The genus Hypochalcia, The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne rather thick, those of the 
male being compressed near the base. The labial palpi are long; the wings rather narrow, with faint markings. 
The females are smaller than the males. There is but one British species. 
Hypochaleia ahenella (the Dingy Veneer, No. 13). The larva of this species is unknown. The perfect 
Moth appears in May and June. It is taken at Lewes, at Lyndhurst, and in Yorkshire. 
The genus Arazes. The insects assigned to this genus have the antenne of the males curved at the base. 
The labial palpi are rather long, the anterior wings are covered with loose scales, and have the markings very 
indistinct. There are two British species. 
Araxes Lotella (the Coast Knot-horn, No. 14). The Caterpillar of this species, according to Zeller, is 
pale-yellow, with the head brown. It feeds on the roots of Grasses, (especially Festuca ovina, the great Oat-grass), 
in April and May. The Moth appears in July. It has been taken at Birkenhead, Stowmarket, Redcar, &c., &c. 
The other species is A. Farrella, distinguishable by a clear white streak towards the costa. 
The third sub-family of the Crambide is that of the Galleridi, containing four genera, which have received 
the distinctive name of the Gadleridi from their habit of burrowing into substances which they make their food 
and protecting their progress by a gallery of silk which is spun as they proceed. The four genera are Achroia, 
Galleria, Aphomia, and Melissoblaptes. The Caterpillars of all four species feed on honeycomb, in which they 
form galleries and commit great ravages, 
The genus Achroia. This genus contains but a single British species. The characteristics of the genus 
are antenne simple, but with a tuft of scales at the base. The palpi short and drooping, the fore-wings rounded 
at the tip. 
Achroia grisella (the Honey-moth, No. 15). The Caterpillar of this species has not been accurately 
described ; but it is known to feed on honeycomb, and is oceasionally very plentiful, though the Moth is not very 
often captured. It has, however, been recently taken in great numbers at Bristol, and specimens have been 
taken by collectors in the neighbourhood of Liverpool. 
The genus Galleria. The only British species assigned to this genus has the antenne simple, with a 
tuft of scales on the underside at the base. The fore-wings are large, and have the fringed edge strongly indented 
beneath the tip. 
Galleria Mellonella (the Honeycomb Moth, No. 16). The Caterpillar of this species (No. 17), feeds in 
May and June on honeycomb, like those of the related genera, making galleries within it protected by a tough 
silken lining. The Moth appears in August, and is occasionally common, but young collectors have often long 
to wait before they procure specimens. It is often considerably larger than the specimen figured. 
The genus Aphomia. The antenne are simple; those of the males with a tuft of scales beneath. The 
palpi of the female are longer than those of the male ; the wings are ample. There is but one British species, 
which is the largest of the group. 
Aphomia sociella (the Green-shaded Honey Moth, No. 18). The Caterpillar of this species is pale buff, 
darker on the back, and slightly hairy ; the head and second segment dark brown. It feeds on the honeycomb 
in beehives, destroying the comb, and also the young bees in the larva state, forming its galleries in every 
direction, which are so stiffly lined with silk as to protect it from the stings of the bees, which attempt, but 
in vain, to attack and expel their enemy. The Moth appears in July and August. 
The genus Medissoblaptes. In this genus the antenne are simple, the tuft at the basal joint being obsolete. 
The palpi of the male are short and drooping, those of the female being large and more porrected. The fore- 
wings have the fringed margin not indented. 
Melissoblaptes bipunctanus (the Double spot, No. 19). The Caterpillar of this species remains undescribed. 
The perfect Moth appears in August, and was originally taken by Mr. Halchett, in the Jews’ Burying Ground at 
Stepney, and since at Deal, &e. 
