INSECTS 



of frequent occurrence, but has been found at Colchester, Epping and 

 Southend. C. exoleta is commoner and more widely distributed, and 

 comes to 'sugar' late in the autumn. Xylina ornithopus (rbizolitba, Fb.) is 

 occasionally found near Colchester and probably throughout the county. 

 X. semibrunnea and X. soda (petrificata, Fb.) are scarce and local. Both 

 were taken at Temple Mills by Mr. Machin, and Mr. Raynor has met 

 with the former at Hazeleigh. Asteroscopus sphinx (cassinea, Hb.) is very 

 generally distributed but not common ; it comes to 'light' in November. 

 Cucullia verbasci is common in the larva state on mullein and figwort, 

 but the perfect insect is seldom found. The larvae of C. asteris have been 

 taken in some numbers by Mr. F. J. Hanbury at Benfleet, by Mr. Whittle 

 at Southend, and by Mr. Mathew at Dovercourt. C. chamomillce is 

 common some seasons in the larva state in many parts of the county, but 

 is very irregular in its appearances. C. umbratica may often be found at 

 rest on posts, rails and park palings, and hovering over honeysuckle 

 flowers at dusk. 



GONOPTERID.E 



Gonoptera libatrix occurs everywhere among willows and poplars. 



Habrostola tripartita (urtica, Hb.) is generally distributed but not 

 common among nettles. H. triplasia is recorded from Brentwood, 

 Epping, Harwich, and Maldon, but has not so far been found at Col- 

 chester. Plusia monefa, which has in recent years invaded England and 

 established itself in several counties, has only once been found in Essex, 

 a single specimen having been captured by Mr. C. Oldham at Woodford. 

 P. chrysitis is found everywhere among nettles. P.festucce is scarce, but 

 has occurred at Benfleet, Colchester, Maldon and St. Osyth. P. iota, 

 though widely distributed, is generally scarce. It was however common 

 at honeysuckle flowers at Chingford in 1892. P. pulchrina is found 

 sparingly at West Bergholt and St. Osyth, and Mr. R. Miller Christy 

 has taken it at Chignal St. James. Probably it has a wide range else- 

 where in the county. P. gamma is ubiquitous and often occurs in 

 myriads. On August n, 1900, the coast near Clacton-on-Sea swarmed 

 with specimens, which rose in clouds at nearly every step for several 

 miles. They were especially abundant on sea lavender flowers. A very 

 fine melanic example much larger than the type was met with. 



HELIOTHID.& 



Anarta myrtilll probably occurred on most of the extensive heaths 

 and moors in the county previous to their enclosure. It was still to be 

 found sparingly on Tiptree Heath a few years ago. Heliaca tenebrata 

 (arbuti, Fb.) may frequently be seen in flowery places in May, especially 

 among buttercups. Heliothis dipsacea was not uncommon on the northern 

 part of the coast sands up to the great drought of 1893, since which it 

 has been very rare. A single specimen has been taken in the High 

 Woods at Colchester. H. peltigera is rare, but was formerly found 



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