452 LEPIDOPTERA. 



September, and then measures about two inches in length. 

 Early in October it leaves off eating, goes into the ground, 

 changes to a shining brown chrysalis (Fig. 

 224), and is transformed to a moth about 

 the first of June. It is probable that there 

 are two broods of this kind of caterpillar 

 every summer, in some, if not all, parts of this country ; 

 for Dr. Melsheimer informs me that it appears in Pennsyl- 

 vania in June, goes into the ground and is changed to a 

 chrysalis towards the end of June or the beginning of July, 

 and comes forth in the moth state near the end of August. 

 The moth may be called Mamestra picta, the painted Ma- 

 mestra, in allusion both to the beautiful tints of the cater- 

 pillar, and to the softly blended shades of dark and light 

 brown with which the fore wings of the moth are colored. 

 It is of a light brown color, shaded with purple-brown ; the 

 ordinary spots on the fore wings, with a third oval spot 

 behind the round one, are edged with gray; and there is 

 a transverse zigzag gray line, forming a distinct \V in the 

 middle, near the outer hind margin. The hind wings arc 

 white, and faintly edged with brown around the tip. It is 

 evident that this insect cannot be included in either of the 

 foregoing groups of the owlet-moths. It belongs to a distinct 

 family, which may be called MAMESTRAD^E, or Mamestrians. 

 The caterpillars in this group are generally distinguished by 

 their bright colors ; they live more or less exposed on the 

 leaves of plants, and transform in the ground. The moths 

 fly by night only ; most of them have the thorax slightly 

 crested ; and they are easily known by the zigzag line, near 

 the outer hind margin of the fore wings, forming a W or M 

 in the middle. 



As the caterpillar of the painted Mamestra does not seek 

 concealment, it may easily be found, and destroyed by hand. 

 There is a small caterpillar which has been found inju- 

 rious to the wheat-crop in England, by eating the grain 

 before and after it is ripe. It is described and figured by 



