THE MICEO-LEPIDOPTERA 



293 



stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), always remaining concealed between 

 leaves which it has spun together with silken threads. 



FIG. 212. THR MOTHER-OF- 

 PEARL. 



The Mother -of -Pearl (Botys ruralis) 



This is another very common species of the family Botydte, 

 abundant almost everywhere, and to 

 be found 011 the wing from June to 

 August. 



Its wings are whitish, and exhibit 

 a very decided pearly lustre, and all 

 the markings are of a dull dark grey. 



The caterpillar is glossy, and has 

 a semi-transparent appearance. It is 

 greenish white above, with a darker 

 line down the back ; and the sides are 



of a brighter green. It feeds on the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) 

 during May. 



The Garden Pebble (Pionea forficalis} 



The same family contains also the Garden Pebble, which is one 

 of the commonest frecpaenters of gardens, both in town and 

 country. 



The fore wings are pale yellowish grey with brown markings. 

 The latter include a fine line from the tip to 

 the middle of the inner margin, and another 

 paler one inside and parallel with this, hav- 

 ing a dark spot near its centre. The hind 

 wings are lighter, and have a pale and inter- 

 rupted line parallel with the hind margin. 



The caterpillar is pale greenish, with a 

 dark line along the back and on each side. 

 It feeds on the cabbage and other cruciferous plants. 



The moth flies from May to the end of the summer, and the 

 caterpillar may be found about midsummer, and again in the 

 autumn. 



The Beautiful China Mark (Hydroccurnpa stagnata} 



Onrlast example of the Pyralidcsthe Beautiful China Mark-- 

 belongs to the family Hydro camp idee. This small family is 



FIG. 213. THE 

 GARDEN PEBBLE. 



