DESCRIPTIVE NOTICES OF CONSPICUOUS SPECIES 181 



The larva is of a metallic bronzy-brown, darker above, 

 with whitish lines ; the second segment with a shining- 

 black plate. It feeds on the roots of grass in the spring. 



The perfect insect makes its appearance in August ; 

 it comes very freely to light. 



FAMILY V. APAMID.E. 



MAMESTRA BEASSIC^. THE CABBAGE 

 MOTH. 



Abundant throughout the country. 



The expansion of the wings is nearly If inch. The 

 fore-wings are dark grey, varied with black ; before the 

 hind margin is an indented whitish line ; a little be- 

 yond the middle is a white spot, the reniform stigma 

 being margined and almost filled up with white. 



The larva is variable in colour, either dark grey, 

 greyish, or green, with the dorsal line darker, and a 

 white line on the sides. It feeds on the hearts of 

 cabbages, and is also very destructive to geraniums and 

 other border plants, in the months of August and 

 September. 



The perfect insect appears towards the end of May, 

 and keeps coming out- for some time ; it may constantly 

 be seen on palings, trunks of trees, etc.; it comes freely 

 to sugar and to light. 



FAMILY V. APAMID.E. 

 MAMESTRA PERSICARI&. THE DOT. 



(Plate VII., Pigl.) 



This handsome moth is common, and generally dis- 



