40 ERMINE MOTH 



On Plate III. fig. 4, we see a figure of the 

 large ERMINE MOTH (Spilosoma mentkastri). 



There are several Ermine Moths, which are 

 so called from the soft downy nature of their 

 plumage and the dark spots with which they are 

 variegated. It is a very conspicuous insect, and 

 may be easily recognized from the illustration, 

 which is given of the natural size. 



The fore-wings are pale buff, with numerous 

 black spots. Hind-wings white, with black veins 

 and a few black spots. Thorax tufted, pale buff. 

 Abdomen the same colour, with a longitudinal 

 series of black spots. 



Another species, the BUFF ERMINE (S}nlosoma 

 lubricepeda), is still more common. 



The general colour is yellow buff, variegated 

 with blackish spots, and an orange stripe runs 

 along the back, which often become merged to- 

 gether and form broken and irregular lines. Both 

 these Moths may be found sticking on the bark 

 of trees, quite motionless during the hours of 

 daylight. 



The larva of this species has a black skin, with 

 a moderately dense clothing of brown hair. It 

 feeds on many plants. 



Next in order come the curious Moths belong- 

 ing to the genus Liparis. They are remarkable 



