TORTRICINA. 257 



indistinct indications of darker markings, and with a fine irroration 

 of grey scales, distributed somewhat in streaks, both before and be- 

 hind the middle of the disk; the space between representing a central 

 fascia, which is visible in some directions ; dusky speckles or wavy 

 transverse streaks are disposed over the whole surface. Apical scales 

 and cilia dark iron-grey, with pale grey tips ; in some lights these are 

 of the same colour as the wings. Posterior wings and marginal 

 scales rich bronze-brown, the latter with the bases paler. Cilia iron- 

 grey, with a fuscous tinge. Abdomen bronze-brown, the caudal tuft 

 fuscous. Exp. al. 6^- lin. 



A very common species ; not to be mistaken for any other 

 of this genus, but is not unlike Carpocapsa funebrana. 



The imago appears in June and July, flying among Hawthorn, 

 Maple, &c., in hedges, woods, meadows, &c. It occurs through- 

 out the country. 



Genus III. ABLABIA, HUB., STEPH. 



Palpi much longer than the head, remote, ascending ; basal joint 

 elongate, curving upwards, truncate ; apical slender, curving down- 

 wards, longer than the basal ; middle slender, thickened beyond the 

 centre, ascending, twice as long as the apical. Thorax ovate, trigo- 

 nate, behind. Anterior wings ; in length considerably more than 

 twice the width. Costa nearly straight ; apex acute. Apical mar- 

 gin very oblique, slightly concave ; dorsal margin more rounded than 

 the costa. The costal vein attains the margin at the middle ; sub- 

 costal nervures not equidistant. The discoidal cell situated towards 

 the middle of the wing, but not extending two-thirds its length, 

 widest at the insertion of the submedian nervure. Posterior wings 

 elongate ; apex obtuse. Apical margin concave, dorsal margin entire ; 

 basal angle produced. Abdomen slender, tufted in both sexes. 



The only known British species is remarkable for the satiny 

 appearance of the anterior wings : in colour it approaches Spha- 

 leroptera on the one hand, and by the slightly deflexed position 

 in which the wings are held in repose, it assimilates with Cne- 

 phasia on the other. In its flight it resembles the Crambi, flying 

 for short distances only, keeping close to the ground. Unlike 

 Sphalei'optera, it affects high, dry soil, being found mostly in 

 chalky districts. The larva is supposed to feed in the roots of 

 low herbage. 



1. pratana, Hub. Alisanticis nitidis ; griseo-fulvis maculis sparsis 

 brunneis ; posticis griseis. S Exp. al. 9-10 lin. 

 Head tawny drab, sometimes dusky ochreous. Face tawny drab, 



