HOW TO KNOW THE INSECTS 



215 



that those who search for insects should 

 carefully observe tree-trunks, for not only 

 will they often provide specimens of these 

 most handsome Hawk-Moths, but also 

 many other striking specimens that seek 

 protection during daylight by similar 

 methods. 



While so searching amongst oak trees a 



often so resting for several hours after its 

 emergence. The male moth may bo 

 readily recognised by its smaller size and 

 feathery antennae. Although the moth 

 appears to us so conspicuous on the bark, 

 yet probably to its natural enemies it is 

 much less so : for such irregular splashes 

 of black and white colour are frequently 



PAIR OF BUFF-TIP MOTHS RESTING: SHOWING THEIR RESEMBLANCE TO PIECES OF 



BROKEN STICK. 



very conspicuous black and white moth 

 may sometimes be found towards the end 

 of July and during early August. This 

 moth is the Black Arches Moth (Psilnra 

 monacha) whose caterpillar I illustrated 

 in my last paper. In the illustration on 

 page 214 the female moth is shown. This 

 moth, certainly looks conspicuous on the 

 dark-coloured bark of the oak tree where 

 it is not infrequently found, for the cater- 

 pillar often constructs its cocoon amongst 

 the crevices of the bark, and necessarily 

 when the moth emerges it first a])ix'ars 

 upon the bark and there unfolds its wings. 



seen about the bark where birds have been 

 moving. On the other hand, it may be 

 quite conspicuous to insectivorous foes, 

 and its black antl white wings may be its 

 " warning colours " indicating to them 

 that it is inedible and unwholesome for 

 food, as I suggested in the case of the 

 variegated livery of the caterpillar. 



A paper on this subject would scarcely 

 be comjilete without a reference to the 

 Buff-tip Moth (Phalcrabuccphala). which xz 

 ainmdant iluring June and July. This 

 insect is shown with expanded wings in the 

 lower photograph on page J 14. Its upper 



