MOTHS 251 



Family : Arctiida 

 (divided into two sub-families Tigers (Arctiince) and Footmen (Lithosiinat) ). 



Arctiina Tiger Moths. 



White Ermine (Spilosoma menthrastri). There are several Ermine Moths, 

 so called from the markings on their fore-wings black spots on a light-coloured 

 background, not unlike ermine. They are therefore easily identified. In 

 addition, the thorax is woolly. This species (E. i^-if inch) has creamy white 

 fore-wings (sometimes pale buff) with many black spots, and white hind-wings 

 with one or two black spots ; abdomen yellow. L. a brown " Woolly Bear " 

 with red stripe down the back feeds on dock, plantain, and other low plants in 

 August and September. Moth flies in June and July. (The WATER ERMINE 

 (S. urtica) is white, with two black dots on fore-wings, none on the hind-wings ; 

 abdomen yellow. Is local in marshes. Slightly smaller than the White Ermine.) 



The Buff Ermine (5. lubricipeda) is, as its name implies, buff-coloured, with 

 a few scattered white dots (or dashes in some varieties). L. feeds on low- 

 growing plants for example, dock. Moth emerges in June. Quite common. 

 Sometimes remarkable varieties are found. E. i|-i| inch. 



The Muslin (Diaphora mendica). Male, reddish brown with a few indis- 

 tinct spots ; female, silky white, with more numerous and plainer black spots. 

 Appears in May and June. L. in July and August on low plants. 



Euby Tiger (Phragmatobia fuliginosa). E. i-i| inch. Fore-wings 

 brownish, with two small black spots near middle. Hind-wings lilac (in South, 

 rose-pink), with blackish hind margins and two or three spots in the centre. 

 Common in the British Isles. Appears May to July, flying at night. L. feeds 

 on low-growing plants. 



Wood Tiger (Parasemia plantaginis). A handsome and rather variable 

 species appearing in May and June, the larva feeding in autumn and early 

 spring on plantain, forget-me-not, and other plants. Ly. Heaths, moors, and 

 thin woods. Fore-wings yellow with heavy black markings. The hind-wings 

 vary from yellow to red, with black spots and patches. E. i-i| inch. 



Clouded Buff (Diacrisia sanio). E. i$-if inch. The male has yellowish 

 fore-wings, with a reddish grey centre spot and margins ; hind-wings cream- 

 coloured, with a brownish centre spot and outer band, and pinkish fringes. 

 Female, orange fore-wings with redder markings; hind-wings orange with a 

 good deal of black. Ly. Heaths in June and July. L. in July and August, and 

 in April and May, on low plants. Widely distributed. 



Garden Tiger (Arctia caia). This is the Common Tiger Moth, whose gaudy 

 colouring is so familiar fore-wings cream and chocolate, hind-wings orange 

 with several round blackish spots. Found in May to July. L., the "Woolly 

 Bear," feeds on many low plants nettles, dock, etc. E. 2^-3 inches. (The 



