260 COMMON BEITISH MOTHS 



is a darker band, wider on the costal side, containing the orbicular 

 and reniforin spots, as well as a light patch beneath them, and bor- 

 dered on each side by a pale zigzag 

 line. There is another similar line 

 near to and parallel with the hind 

 margin. The hind wings are smoky 

 g re J r smoky brown, darker towards 

 the hind margin. 



FIG. 170,-T^E SHEARS. The cater P illar is greyish, and has 



a series of triangular black spots along 



each side of the back. It feeds on the roots of the dandelion 

 (Taraxacum officinale), and changes to a peculiar spiny chrysalis. 

 The perfect insect appears to be abundant everywhere, and is 

 on the wing in June and July. 



The Bright-line Brown-eye (Hadena oleracea) 



Every collector is sure to meet with this insect during his first 

 season. The moth is abundant everywhere in June, the caterpillar 

 may be found feeding in almost every waste and weedy spot in 

 August and September, and the chrysalis is certain to be turned 

 over by the pupa digger. 



The fore wings of the perfect insect are reddish brown. The 



orbicular spot is usually very indis- 



f ) tinct, being of almost exactly the 



JjJEtef^^^^^tfj^^Bf same tint as the ground colour, and 



ti& surrounded by a very fine whitish 



line. The reniform is generally 



more conspicuous, a portion of it 



^jf being of a light ochreous colour. 



FIG. 171 THE BRIGHT-LINE Near tne mnd margin, and parallel 



BROWN-EYE. with it, is a white line, bent 



sharply into the form of a W, just 

 on the anal side of the middle. 



The hind wings are greyish brown in the base, and dark smoke 

 colour towards the margin. 



The caterpillar is pale green or brown, dotted with both black 

 and white, and adorned with a bright yellow line just below the 

 spiracles. It feeds on the nettle (Urtica dioica), dock (Bumex), 

 and many other low plants ; and, according to some observers, on 

 the v elm (Ulmus campestris}. 



