MAGPIE MOTH. 233 



PASSING, of necessity, over many of the Geometrae, 

 we come to that very familiar insect, the CURRANT 

 MOTH (Abraxas grossulariata}. In consequence of its 

 boldly contrasted markings, it is sometimes called the 

 MAGPIE MOTH. 



This is invariably one of the first Moths of the 

 young collector's cabinet, and its larva is perhaps the 

 best known of the Geometrae. 



The colour of the wings is white, with a yellow 

 patch at the base of the upper wings, and a rather 

 curved band of a similar colour rather beyond the 

 middle. Upon both wings are a number of deep 

 black spots and blotches, varying greatly in different 

 specimens. Sometimes the black spots are so large 

 that they unite with each other, and make the Moth 

 look as if it were black and yellow. Sometimes the 

 reverse takes place, and the insect is almost entirely 

 white and yellow, with a few pale and uncertain 

 markings of a darker colour, while in many specimens 

 there is a decided preponderance either of the light or 

 the dark portions of the wings. The antennae of the 

 female are thread-like, and those of the male very 

 slightly, but decidedly, feathered. 



This Moth is one of the partial day-fliers, and may 

 be captured in any numbers in gardens where the 

 gooseberry or black-currant is grown. The insect is 

 a very bold one, and while it is engaged in depositing 

 its eggs, may be picked up with the fingers without 

 much difficulty. 



The larva is coloured very much like the perfect 

 insect. Being so common, I have been accustomed 

 to watch it from childhood, and have much to say on 



