THE GREAT EGGER MOTH. 89 



low, hornbeam, and broom, together with several 

 other herbaceous plants. It has been observed to 

 thrive better in the breeding cage, when regularly 

 supplied with fresh grass, to keep the former in a 

 proper state of moisture. 



The female deposits her eggs in June or July, 

 and the caterpillars are hatched in autumn, the 

 jtime depending on the state of the atmosphere. 

 They remain in the larva state all winter, and spin 

 a large brown case about the middle of May, with- 

 in which they pass to the pupa condition, and emerge 

 the perfect insect in June. 



The eggs resemble those of a hen in shape, but 

 are prettily mottled with dark brown. 



The caterpillars cast their skins several times, 

 and always thereafter assume a new appearance, 

 though the general colours and character of the 

 species may be traced through every stage. 



This species is common in Darent Wood, Dart- 

 ford, New Forest, Devonshire, near London, and 

 in the vicinity of Dublin, in Ireland. 



VOL. III. 



