254 MAGPIE OR GOOSEBERRY-MOTH. 



and six transverse rows of rounded black spots ; the 

 first consisting of a single spot or two at the base, 

 the third irregular and interrupted, the fourth and 

 fifth enclosing the outermost of the yellow bands 

 formerly mentioned, and the sixth on the hinder 

 margin : these spots vary much in size and position, 

 and some of them are generally more or less con- 

 fluent. The under wings have a few scattered 

 spots on the disk, and a continuous series of larger 

 size round the posterior border. The body is yel- 

 low, with rows of black spots; the head and an- 

 tennae of the latter colour. Varies greatly in the 

 marks, being sometimes nearly all black. 



The caterpillar is very similar in its markings to 

 the perfect insect, the prevailing colour being white, 

 slightly tinged with blue, the back with numerous 

 black spots of various dimensions, and the lower 

 parts of the sides, and the belly, yellow, sprinkled 

 with black dots. (PL xxvm. fig. 2.) The chrysalis 

 is pitchy-black, with yellow bands on the segments. 

 The moth appears pretty early in the summer, and 

 abounds wherever the appropriate food of the cater- 

 pillar (the common currant and gooseberry-bushes) 

 is to be obtained. 



