Living Food for Insectivorous Birds. 69 



opportunity of testing this : the Membracidce to wliich family our 

 cuckoo-spit (fiog-hopper in its adult form) belongs, are certainly 

 eaten when offered, and I believe that some birds will even eat 

 mealy-bugs {Coccidce). 



As already stated, the smaller Dragon-flies are relished and 

 doubtless the larger forms, when they can be captured, are also 

 devoured by the more powerful insectivores ; most Neuropterous- 

 insects are probably suitable tor food, but I should think the 

 lace-winged fly {Chrysopa) with its slow fluttering flight, metallic 

 golden eyes, and most offensive smell would be an exception, 

 which is just as well, seeing that its larva subsists entirely upon 

 plant-lice. 



Of all insects, probably the Lepidoptera (Butterflies and 

 Moths) are most appreciated by birds, as caterpillars, chrysalides, 

 and perfect insects, but to this general rule there are numerous 

 exceptions of which, in the case of the more abundant species, it 

 may be well to indicate a few : — Spiny caterpillars, like those of 

 the Va7iessce, as for instance those of the Peacock Butterfly and 

 the small Tortoiseshell (which abound on stinging-nettles) are 

 naturally regarded as objectionable, but their more or less metallic 

 chrysalides are eaten, as also are the perfect insects. I however 

 object to destroying these beautiful and useful butterflies when 

 abundance of the far commoner and noxious white butterflies: — 

 Gaiioris biassicce, rapes, and iiapi can always be captured with 

 ease in our gardens after they have settled for the night upon 

 white flowers or pale leaves. I often go round my garden in the 

 evening and pick up quite a number of these (the only really 

 mischievous butterflies which we have and the least beautiful) 

 and give them to my Hangnests and other birds which will 

 accept them. This year, when our wild birds have been hard 

 put to it to find sufficient food out of doors, I have frequently 

 seen Sparrows hunting down these butterflies, snipping off their 

 wings and eating the bodies. 



Hairy caterpillars like those of the Tiger and Ermine 

 Moths (^ArcliidcE) aie not generally accepted, although the Crows, 

 typical Thrushes and Cuckoos will eat them, the two first rubbing 

 them backwards and forwards first to remove the hair, but the 

 larva of tlie Buff-tip moth (^Pyocrra bucephala) which often is so 



