THE MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA 303 



The Tinea 



We have noticed that the Tortrices form a very extensive group 

 of moths, but they are far outnumbered by the Tinece, for of these 

 there are over seven hundred known British species. 



Of course, among so many species we are sure to find consider- 

 able variety in form and structure ; but notwithstanding this, the 

 Tinece form a well-marked division, and the beginner will find but 

 little difficulty in distinguishing between these and the other 

 Micros. 



The wings are long and narrow, and are remarkable for the 

 length of the fringe, particularly that of the hind wings. The bodies, 

 too, are long and slender. 



The larvae are exceedingly variable. Some have the usual 

 number of sixteen limbs, and others have as many as eighteen. 

 Again, the larvae of several genera have only fourteen legs, and 

 some are absolutely legless. 



With regard to their food and habits, they are equally variable, 

 for while some feed exposed, others are always protected in rolled 

 leaves. Some construct for themselves portable tubes, so that they 

 always remain under cover, and are at the same time perfectly free 

 to ramble in search for food. Some, also, are leaf miners ; and the 

 group includes the so-called ' Clothes Moths,' whose larvae devour 

 our garments, furs, and the upholstering of our furniture. 



We shall now briefly notice a few species, in order that we may 

 become better acquainted with the general characters of the group. 



Diurnea fagella 



This moth represents the small family Epigraphiidce, con- 

 taining only six species, all of which appear in the winter or 

 early spring. 



The present species is \ery common in 

 most parts, and may be seen at rest on the 

 barks of trees in March and April. 



The fore wings are usually pale grey or 

 yellowish grey, and dotted with brown ; 

 but there is a great variety both in the FIG. 234.-FAGELLA. 

 depth of the ground colour and the dis- 

 tinctness of the markings. Our illustration gives the usual 

 appearance of the insect. 



