TRIPH^ENA. 43 



GENUS TRIPILENA. 



Triphcena, Ochsenheimer, Schmett. Eur. iv. p. 69 (1816); 

 Treitschke, Schmett. Eur. v. (i), p. 252 (1825) ; Guenee, 

 Spec. Gen. Lpid. i. p. 315 (1852). 



In this genus, the palpi are short, and the antennae slightly 

 pubescent in the male. The abdomen is depressed, and 

 tufted at the tip ; it is a little longer than the hind-wings. The 

 fore-wings are rather long, sub-triangular, and brown or reddish- 

 brown ; but the hind-wings are bright yellow, with black 

 borders. 



The Common Yellow Underwing. 



The larvae are cylindrical, and like most of those of the sub- 

 family, they feed on low plants, and conceal themselves during 

 the day. The moths sit with their wings folded, as described 

 under Agrotis, and like the larvae, hide themselves during the 

 day, in outhouses, among long grass or hay, or among straw- 

 berry leaves, and if disturbed, suddenly expand their wings, 

 and fly off with a rapid though somewhat heavy flight, soon, 

 however, descending and disappearing in some situation where 

 the dark colour of the folded wings is likely to conceal them. 



Several species are abundant in Europe and in England, one 

 of which is the Common Yellow Underwing, Triphczna pronuba 



