266 BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



indistinct brownish spots, two before the middle (of 

 which one is on the disk, and the other, which is the 

 more distinct, is on the fold), and one beyond the middle 

 on the disk ; there is sometimes an additional dark spot 

 on the inner margin near the base ; the hind-wings are 

 whitish-grey. 



The larva is dull whitish, with the head reddish-brown ; 

 the second segment bears posteriorly a dark brown plate ; 

 in constructs a flattish, portable case of the substance on 

 which it has been feeding, feathers, cloth, etc., etc. ; they 

 will often be found domiciled in a bundle of quills, and 

 a store of feathers is a fearful attraction, and they have 

 no objection whatever to ostrich plumes ; muffs and furs 

 alike suffer continually from their attacks, and we often 

 see the cases when we enter a hosier's shop and ask to 

 look at some woollen socks ; in short, this is a most 

 destructive insect, but is surpassed in its ravages by the 

 next species. 



The perfect insect may be found in houses and out- 

 houses throughout the year, being most plentiful during 

 the summer months. 



FAMILY TINEIM. 

 TINEA BISELLIELLA. 



This household pest is generally distributed through- 

 out the country. 



The expansion of the wings is rather more than ^ 

 inch. The fore-wings are glossy pale ochreous, with no 

 spots ; the hind- wings are whitish, with pale ochreous 

 cilia. 



The larva is whitish ; it is particularly fond of horse- 

 hair, and destroys the linings of chairs, sofas, mattresses, 



