BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



these Burnet Moths cross with each other seems proved, 

 as most interesting hybrids are met with. The Six- 

 Spot resorts to chalky localities, the sea-coast, and damp 

 situations, as well as grassy meadows. When the latter 

 are frequented the moth appears on the wing earlier in 

 the Summer than its relatives which frequent other places. 



FAMILY COSSIDM 



Goat Moth. — {Cossus cossus {ligniperda).) This greyish 



brown moth, of which the female is the larger of the two 



sexes and has a pointed extremity, has acquired its 



popular name because the reddish larva (fat and sluggish 



when full-fed) gives off an odour which reminds one of 



the smell of the useful four-footed animal after which it 



has been christened. The larva has a prominent black 



head, and there is a mark of the same colour on the next 



succeeding segment of the body. It is also covered 



with a few scattered hairs. The larva eats its way into 



the heart of a tree, and willows in particular are often 



riddled with its burrowings. It feeds upon the wood as 



it proceeds, and when willow is not obtainable, it will 



burrow into and consume ash and elm. When ready to 



pupate, the fat larva often leaves its host-plant, and 



proceeds to a suitable place where it can safely form a 



cocoon in which to become encased. It takes three or 

 9G 



