RANXOCH SPRAWLER. 95 



Keveral leaves by way of a resting-place, in 

 which it remains until it changes into the perfect 

 state. Even when the leaves fall, no injury is 

 done to the enclosed pupa, the dried leaves flut- 

 tering gently to the ground. September is a good 

 jionth for finding this strange caterpillar. 



The colour of the Moth is greyish-brown, 

 blotched and spotted with a darker hue. The 

 antennae of the male are boldly pectinated for 

 rather more than one-half of their length, the 

 remaining portion being filamentous. 



Ox Plate YII. fig. 4 is seen a figure of a Moth, 

 which goes by the odd name of the Eannoch 

 Sprawler {Petasia nuheculosa), which derives its 

 popular name from the only locality in which 

 it has been found. The figure represents the 

 female insect, the male being smaller, and having 

 the antennae pectinated. 



Although not a brilliant insect, the colours are 

 pleasingly arranged, and consist of various shades 

 of brown, grey, and white. 



The caterpillar feeds upon the birch, and then 

 makes its appearance in early spring. 



A much more common ei:ample of this genus 

 is the only other species known in England, — 

 namely, the Speawlee {Petasia cassinea). 



