BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



sometimes later, and should be sought for where the 

 mallow plant abounds. It appears to be commonest 

 in the Southern Counties. The tapering larva is of a 

 greenish tint, with yellowish between the segments. 

 There are indistinct lines on the back and sides, the dots 

 are whitish, and spiracles black. The eggs hatch in 

 early Spring, and the larva feeds on the leaves of the 

 mallow. The imago somewhat resembles a larger 

 edition of the Shaded Broad-Bar, its smaller cousin next 

 claiming attention, but the hindwings of the Mallow 

 Moth are more greyish. 



Shaded Broad-Bar. — {Ortholitha limitaia.) July and 

 August sees this moth on the wing, and it affects 

 grassy and flowery situations. The greyish larva is 

 dotted with black, and tinged with pink. It has also a 

 treble line down the back, and a raised surface on the 

 lower part of the sides. The food-plants consist of 

 clover, grass, vetch, and similar constituents. The 

 larva hibernates during Winter, and becomes full-fed 

 the succeeding June. The yellowish-brown wings of 

 the imago have a dark shaded pattern on the front pair, 

 hence the popular name. 



Winter Moth.— {Chceimatobia hrimiata) One is some- 

 times surprised to notice a moth upon the wing in 

 the depth of Winter, the precocious insect flying ener- 

 getically around a street-lamp. In all probability it turns 

 out to be this species, which is on the wing all through 

 the dark nights. It is very common almost everywhere 

 in our country, and is one of the most destructive pests 

 of the garden. The grease bands placed around fruit- 

 trees are to guard against, or prevent, the wingless 

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