THE NOCTU^E 261 



Family XYLINID.E 



The next family Xylinidte contains twenty British species, 

 several of which are local, but two or three are abundant and 

 widely distributed. 



The transverse lines that so often cross the wings of the Noctuce 

 are nearly or entirely absent in this family, and longitudinal lines 

 take their place. When the insects are at rest the wings are folded 

 rather closely, the outer pair being arranged like a roof with a very 

 gentle slope. The bodies of the perfect insects are very stout, 

 particularly in the thorax, and thus present a rather powerful 

 appearance. 



The larvae are smooth, and generally brightly coloured, and 

 feed principally on low plants. The chrysalides are generally 

 inclosed in cocoons on or beneath the ground, and are often pro- 

 vided with spines or bristles on the under side. 



We shall select two members of this family. 



The Early Grey (Xylocampa Areola) 



One of the first of the Noctuce to greet us in the spring is the 

 Early Grey, which may be found resting on fences in April, and, 

 if the season is mild, in March. 



Its fore wings are light grey, often 

 tinged with rose pink, and marked 

 with dark grey. The orbicular and 

 reniform spots are very distinct, and 

 surrounded by a pale line ; they are 

 both united at their lower edges. Along 

 the hind margin is a series of dark 

 spots. The hind wings are pale yel- FlG - 172. THE EARLY GREY. 

 lowish grey, with a darker central 



spot, a central transverse darker line, and a darker line along the 

 hind margin. 



The caterpillar is yellowish grey. The dorsal line is lighter, 

 and passes through a brownish spot on the eighth segment. It 

 feeds on the honeysuckle (Lonicera Periclymenum] in July and 

 August, being full grown towards the end of the latter month. 



The Sharif (Cucullia umbraticd) 



The Shark is a very common moth, to be found everywhere on 

 palings in June, but the colour of its wings so closely resembles 



