THE NOCTTlM 251 



distinct reniform spot, a less distinct orbicular, and a conspicuous 



longitudinal blackish streak near the base of the wing known as the 



claviform. Beyond the reniform 



a curved and zigzag dark line 



crosses the wing. The hind wings ^^^^^ N \$tf x ' ^' ^ 



of the male are very pale, those 1 Sy^g^.JsL <--~*o^ 



of the female darker, with a whitish 



fringe. 



The moth flies from June to 

 August, and is common every- 

 where. The caterpillar feeds in FlG 156 __ THE HEART AND 

 the autumn, and reaches its full DART. 



size in October; but it is said to 



feed at intervals throughout the winter. Its colour is dingy brown 

 or grey, with paler lines on the sides. The spiracles are black, and 

 there are black dots on the sides. 



The Garden Dart (Agrotis nigricans) 



This is another dingy moth, whose general appearance is so 

 unattractive that the tyro might be inclined to neglect it. But it 

 must not be omitted from our selection on that score, for our main 

 object here is to give the beginner 

 an acquaintance with those species 

 that are most likely to be captured 

 in the earlier part of his career, and 

 this moth is certainly one of those 

 that may be described as ' abundant 

 everywhere.' 



Its fore wings are dull dark brown, 

 often tinged with red, and clouded FlG - 157. THE GARDEN DART. 

 with black. The reniform spot is 



pale, the orbicular spot less distinct, and between the two there is 

 generally a rhomboidal dark spot. There is also a short dark streak 

 near the base of the wing, and a black spot before the orbicular. 

 The hind wings are pale r but smoky towards the hind margin. 



The caterpillar is brown and shining, with a fine pale line on 

 the back, and a double white stripe below the spiracles. It is also 

 dotted with black. It is exceedingly destructive, feeding on clovers 

 (Trifoliutn pratense and T. repens] and various low plants in May 

 and June. 



The moth flies from June to August. 



