256 



COMMON BRITISH MOTHS 



FIG. 164. THE CHESTNUT. 



The Chestnut (Cerastis Vaccinii) 



Unfortunately our space will not allow us to notice the whole of 

 even the very common moths, so, passing over a few with great re- 

 luctance, we come to the familiar Chestnut, which may be seen at 

 large in October and November, and sometimes even in December, 

 and again appears, after a rather short 

 period of hybernation, in February 

 and March. 



The fore wings are reddish brown, 

 with darker wavy lines. The orbicular 

 and reniform spots have pale outlines, 

 and the lower half of the latter is very 

 dark grey. The hind wings are smoky 

 grey, with generally a pale band beyond the middle. 



The caterpillar is dark brown, with very indistinct lighter lines 

 The spiracles are black, and inclosed in a yellowish grey stripe. It 

 feeds during June and July on the elm (Ulmus campestris), oak 

 (Quercus Robur), and sallow (Salix caprea), and various low 

 plants. 



The Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia Flavago) 



This moth is not nearly so common as the preceding species, 

 but has been taken more or less in all parts of England. 



Its fore wings are orange yellow, 

 with purplish markings arranged as 

 represented in fig. 165. The hind 

 wings are yellowish white. 



The caterpillar is brown, with a 

 lateral stripe formed by numerous red, 

 yeJlow and white dots. It feeds on 

 sallow (Salix caprea) and various low 

 plants. 

 It is full grown in June, and the moth appears in September. 



FIG. 165. THE PINK- 

 BARBED SALLOW. 



Family COSMIID.E 

 Ths Dun-bar (Calymnia trapezina) 



Our example of this family is the Dun-bar, common everywhere 

 during July and August. 



Its fore wings are greyish ochreous, with a darker band across 

 the middle. On each side of this band is a white line margined with 



