258 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



The Dog's Tooth (M. dissimilis) is another ochreous brown species, and 

 gets its name from the shapes of the central markings. L. in June and July 

 on dock, plantain, etc. Moth in June and July. Local in marshy places. 



Pale-shouldered Brocade (M. thalassina). E. i-if inch. Rich chocolate- 

 brown fore-wings, beautifully patterned. Its name is derived from a whitish 

 patch at the shoulder that is, at the base of the fore-wings. Moth in June. 

 Common in woods. L. feeds on broom, honeysuckle, dock, etc., in August 

 to September. 



The Beautiful Brocade (M . contigua) has a white or pale band running across 

 the fore-wings from the middle of the costa to the inner angle, crossing the 

 large orbicular stigma. Moth in June in woodlands. L. in August to September 

 on birch, oak, bilberry, dock, etc. Rather local. 



The Broom (M. pisi). E. i| inch. Fore-wings reddish brown ; markings 

 more or less distinct, but the yellow submarginal line is usually clear, and 

 ends in a pale blotch at the inner angle. Flies in June to July. L. in August 

 to September on many plants dog rose, brake fern, broom, etc. Common 

 in most parts. 



The Nutmeg (M. trifolii). E. i\ inch. Fore-wings grey-brown, with 

 darker patterning ; cross lines pale, with black edging. Double brooded 

 May to June and July to August. L. in July to September on goosefoot 

 and orache. Ly. Market gardens and wastes, but especially in coastal 

 districts. 



The Shears (M. dentina). E. ij-ij inch. Brown varied with light grey; 

 markings usually distinct ; a dark central area, on which the nervures stand 

 out as light grey lines. Hind-wings greyish brown. Moth in May to June. L. 

 in July to August on dandelion, chickweed, etc. Common. (The GLAUCOUS 

 SHEARS (M. glauca) is dark grey with purplish tinges, with plain whitish 

 stigmata. Chiefly confined to northerly hilly districts.) 



Marbled Coronet (Dianthcecia conspersa). E. ij-i inch. Dark violet- 

 grey fore-wings, with distinct creamy white markings and patches. Flies in 

 June and July. Chiefly in seaboard counties. L. feeds on the seeds of catchfly, 

 campion, etc. 



The Lychnis (D. capsincola}. E. i J-i| inch. Fore-wings greyish brown, with 

 lighter marblings and lines. The orbicular and reniform stigmata almost join 

 at the lower ends, making a Y-shaped pattern. Hind-wings grey shaded with 

 brown. L. feeds on seeds of campion, ragged robin, etc., in July. Moth in May 

 to June. (The CAMPION (D. cucubali) is very much the same in markings 

 and general characteristics, but has a tinge of reddish violet.) 



The Tawny Shears (D. carpophaga). E. ij-i inch. Fore-wings ochreous 

 brown, sometimes nearly white, with brown stigmata edged with black. Other 

 particulars as in preceding. 



Broad-barred White (Hecatera serena). E. about ij inch. Fore-wings 

 almost white, sometimes with a greyish blue shade, but having a roughly 

 triangular blackish grey band dividing each wing. Hind-wings shaded smoky 



