BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



FAMILY HEPIALWM 



Ghost Moth. — [Hepialus humiiH.) This species (Fig. 

 47) has obtained its English name by reason of its 

 silky-white form, all the wings of the male being thus 

 coloured. Other varieties are found, but the male type 

 is of the ghostly make-up. The female imago is very 

 different from her mate, being yellowish on the fore- 

 wings, and lighter brownish on the hind ones. She also 



CrhotX' OuJiff 



exceeds the male in size. The pointed edges to all 

 four wings, and their wide stretch, should also be men- 

 tioned. The Ghost Moth is a very familiar species in 

 Britain, and the male is sure to arrest attention when 

 seen. The larva becomes full-fed in May, the favourite 

 plants being the roots of such wayside weeds as burdock, 

 dandelion, and dead-nettle. It is thus of use in helping 

 to keep down these obnoxious plant-pests. The imago is 



on the wing in June and July, and the white form of the 



100 



