THE LEPIDOPTERA. 91 



during the daytime (Fig. I male, la female). The curious 

 and interesting " Tatosomas" with their enormously eloi 

 gated, bodies, are closely allied to the present insect ; 

 one of them (Tatosoma agrionata] being found in similar 

 situations, although in much more limited numbers ; as, 

 however, I know nothing [of their transformations, I am 

 forced reluctantly to pass them by. 



Family GEOMETRID.E. 

 Hydriomena deltoidata (Plate XIIL, fig. I, I a larva). 



One of our commonest moths, appearing in great 

 numbers during January and February, in all open situ- 

 ations. It is especially abundant on the fern -hills. 



The larva (Fig. la) feeds on the plantain. It is very 

 sluggish, and lives all through the winter, becoming full- 

 grown in September, when it changes into a pupa, among 

 the roots of its food-plant. In colour it is a uniform 

 dark brown. 



The moth is extremely variable, but the figure may 

 be taken as representing a fairly typical specimen. It 

 is a pretty insect, and may be often seen resting on 

 fences with its fore-wings folded backwards and forming 

 together a triangle, whence its name of deltoidata. Any 

 unusual-looking specimens of this species should always 

 be netted, in order to form a thoroughly representative 

 series, as many of the varieties are very interesting. A 

 rather uncommon and remarkable-looking form occasion- 

 ally occurs, in which the dark central band of the 

 fore- wings is completely divided near the middle. 



Family GEOMETRID.E. 



Asthena schistaria (Plate XII., fig. 2, 2a larva). 

 This delicate little insect may be often taken at rest 

 on fences and tree-trunks during the day, and is a con- 



