96 BUFF-TIP MOTH. 



The popular name of this Moth is, like those 

 of the preceding insects, derived from the larva, 

 which has an odd habit of sprawling about when 

 disturbed, as if it were unable to gain its feet. 

 This larva, although not so grotesque as those 

 of the Puss and Lobster Moths, is yet rather a 

 strange-looking one, the end of the body being 

 pointed and bent suddenly downwards. 



It feeds on the oak, and, when full-fed, 

 descends to the earth and burrows into the 

 ground, where it remains until it has attained 

 the perfect state. 



A SMALL but interesting family comes next in 

 order, namely, the Pygaeridse, of which, one 

 example is the common BUFF-TIP MOTH (Pygcera 

 bucepJiala). 



A. figure of this Moth is given on Plate VII. 

 fig. 10, as it appears with its wings spread. 

 When the wings are closed, it presents an 

 appearance almost as different as does the 

 Lappet Moth, which has been already described. 

 The wings are pressed closely to the body, and 

 almost conceal it, the little head being tucked 

 under the large thorax, and the whole aspect 

 of the Moth very much resembling a piece of 

 brown, withered stick. A figure of tho Moth 



