LEPIDOPTERA. 



251 



object. When glued on the stem, they display most excellent 

 examples of protective resemblance (fig. 234). 



The moth, fig. 235, is a very large handsome insect, antennae pec- 

 tinated in both sexes, very broadly so in the 

 male. The female is the larger insect. It is 

 of a greyish colour throughout, and the body 

 is downy and soft in general appearance 

 hence the name. Wings partially transpar- 

 ent, showing the venation, but more covered 

 near the base, Avhere there are several 

 dark spots. 





Pyg.era BUCEPriALA, Linn. (Huff-tip 

 Moth). 



The larva? of this moth often do consider- 

 able damage to various forest trees by feed- 

 ing on the leaves of elm, oak, and other 

 trees. In some cases oak - trees have been 

 quite defoliated, but as a rule the damage . 

 is easily recognised in early autumn, which Fig. 234. Pupa of Puss Moth 

 consists of a defoliated bough, standing 

 out cpiite conspicuously from the otherwise fully foliaged trees. 



The moth, fig. 236, appears in May and June, and the eggs are laid 



Fig. 235. Dicranura vinula (Puss Moth). 



in patches on the under side of the leaf. The moth may be found rest- 

 ing in repose during the day, with the wings folded narrowly across 



