306 COMMON BRITISH MOTHS 



One of these moths lUpennella is shown in fig. 239. Its fore 

 wings are white, with a satiny gloss, and brownish towards the 

 tips. The 'nervures' are generally of a yellowish tinge. The 

 hind wings are dark grey. 



The larva feeds on the birch (Betida alba), and may be seen 

 walking on the surface of the leaves, carrying, or rather dragging 

 after it, the pistol-shaped case in which it lives, nothing protruding 

 save its head and front legs. It is full fed in May, and the moth 

 flies in July. 



TiscJieria complanella 



This species represents the rather extensive family Elachistida, 

 the members of which have narrow and pointed wings. Many of 

 them are adorned with beautiful metallic tints, but are generally 



so small that a lens is 

 necessary to show up 

 the splendour of their 

 clothing. Most of the 

 larvae are leaf miners, 

 and are easily reared. 

 All that is necessary is 

 to pluck a few twigs, 

 the leaves of which, 

 when held up to the 



light, reveal the tiny 

 FIG. 240. COMPLANELLA ENLARGED. . Al . , 



larvae in their burrows, 



and place them in a vessel of water. They do not feed long, and 

 it is probable that most of the larvae so treated will be ready to 

 change before the leaves have become dry. The present species 

 has bright yellow fore wings, with pale grey cloudings at the hind 

 margins. It is very abundant in many parts, and flies during the 

 month of June. 



The larva is one of the numerous leaf miners, and is of a 

 yellowish colour. It feeds in oak leaves during the autumn, and 

 its presence is indicated by light blotches on the foliage. 



Nepticulcu aurella 



The family Nepticulidce the last of the Tinece contains a 

 number of little moths, including the smallest of the Lepidoptera. 

 Many of them are exceedingly beautiful, being decorated with 



