238 COMMON BRITISH MOTHS 



of the segments six to ten inclusive. It feeds on the bramble 

 (Rub us fruticosiis) during August and September, and spends the 

 winter in the chrysalis state, inclosed in a loose cocoon among the 

 dead leaves at the root of its food plant. 



The Yellow-horned (Asphalia flavicornis) 



This is one of the earliest of our moths, appearing on the 



wing in March, when it may be 

 attracted by means of sugar 

 placed on the bark of the birch 

 (Betula alba). 



The wings are grey, with a de- 

 cidedly greenish tinge, crossed by 

 three dark lines near the base, 

 FIG. 137. THE YELLOW-HORNED. and two others, which are zigzag, 



just outside the centre. Between 



these two sets of lines is a conspicuous round pale spot. The 

 hind wings are greyish brown, darker along the hind margin. 



The larva, which feeds on the above-named tree, is pale greenish, 

 with both white and black dots. It rolls itself up in a leaf, and 

 seldom ventures out of the retreat thus formed. It is fully fed in 

 July or August. 



