256 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



in June and July. (The SQUARE-SPOTTED CLAY (N. stigmatica) is similar in 

 size and markings but darker in colour. It is very local.) 



Purple Clay (N. brunnea). E. i-if inch. Has fore-wings varying from 

 purplish brown to rusty ochreous. The markings also vary, but often the 

 reniform stigma is outlined with an ochreous or whitish tint, and there is a 

 whitish crescent within it. L. feeds on bilberry, wood-rush, and bramble often 

 attacking the buds of birch in the spring. Moth in June and July in woods. 



The Ingrailed Clay (N. primula). E. ij-ii inch. Is so variable that it 

 cannot be described in a few words. Fore-wings reddish or grey ochreous, 

 with darker markings. It flies in June and July. L. feeds on primrose, 

 bilberry, dock, etc., in August to May. 



Barred Chestnut (N. dahlii). E. i-i| inch. Rusty brown fore-wings 

 (female darker than male) ; hind-wings ochreous grey. Markings generally 

 indistinct, but plainer in the female. Flies in July and August. L. on dock, 

 plantain, etc., from September to May. Ly. Heaths and moorlands. 



Small Square Spot (N. rubi) . Double-brooded in June and August. E. i J-i| 

 inch. Fore-wings pale or dark reddish brown. Hind-wings shining pale grey. 

 Reniform stigma has a dark pupil. L. feeds on dandelion, dock, etc. Very 

 common. 



Six-striped Eustic (N. umbrosa). Is somewhat similar, with dark or light 

 coppery brown fore-wings ; hind-wings shining pale ochreous. Common in 

 July and August. L. feeds on dock, plantain, etc., August to May. 



Square-spot Eustic (N. xanthographa). E. ij-i| inch. Very common and 

 variable. Flies in August. L. on dock and low-growing plants. Fore-wings 

 drab to dark brown, tinged with red. Reniform stigma more or less square 

 in some specimens conspicuous, in others almost absent. 



The Flame (Axylia putris). E. i-ij inch. Fore-wings pale ochreous, with 

 a broad reddish brown mark from base to apex, taking up nearly half the wing. 

 This is slashed at the end by a lighter break. Generally common in June or 

 July. L. on bedstraw, dock, nettle, etc., July to October. 



Large Yellow or Common Yellow Underwing (Triphana pronuba). 

 E. 2-2| inches. Fore-wings vary from buff to dark purplish brown. The 

 hind-wings are bright yellow, with a narrow black submarginal band. It is 

 common and abundant in June and July. L. feeds from August to May on 

 grasses and low plants. 



The Lesser Yellow Underwing (T. comes). E. i^-if inch. Is common also, 

 and very variable ; its size distinguishes it from T. pronuba. Flies in July 

 and August. 



The Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (T. fimbria). E. 2-2 J inches. 

 Has variable brown fore-wings, the yellow-orange hind-wings having a very 

 broad black band. The abdomen is yellow. Flies in June and July in wood- 

 lands. L. on primrose, violet, and dock, in autumn. 



The Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (T. lanthina}. E. i^-if 

 inch. Has dark fore-wings, purplish or violet-tinged. Its name and size show 



