MOTHS 261 



as name implies, much darker in general colour. Moth from June to August. 

 L. August to September on grasses. 



Bird's Wing (Dipterygia scabriuscula). E. ij-i| inch. The dark brown, or 

 blackish, fore-wings have on the inner margin a dull ochreous patch which 

 resembles the wing of a bird. Moth in May and June. L. in July and August 

 on dock, sorrel, etc. Chiefly confined to Eastern and Southern Counties. 



Sprawler (Brachionycha sphinx). E. i^-if inch. Fore-wings pale 

 brownish grey, with numerous black streaks, one running from base well 

 towards the centre. Moth in November and December. Rather local. L. on 

 poplar, oak, lime, and other trees. 



Green Brindled Crescent (Miselia oxyacantha). E. i|-i| inch. Pale 

 reddish brown fore-wings, with green metallic sprinklings on the hind margin 

 and the nervures. Large pale brown stigmata. Moth in September and 

 October. L. in April and May on hawthorn, sloe, etc. 



Merveille du Jour (Agriopis apnlina). E. i-2 inches. A pretty pale 

 green moth with black and white markings ; stigmata large and white with 

 green centres; hind-wings dark grey. Moth in September and October. 

 L. in April to June on oak. 



Small Angle Shades (Euplexia lucipara). E. ij inch. Fore-wings 

 dark brown, basal area lighter. Distinguished by the pale reniform stigma 

 which is on the outer edge of the dark central area. Moth in June and July. 

 L. hi August and September on low plants. 



Angle Shades (Phlogophora meticulosa}. E. i-2 inches. Fore-wings pinky 

 brown, with triangular central area olive-brown, touched with green when 

 newly caught. The pinkish hue and the contrasted colours serve to identify 

 it. Moth and larva throughout the year ; latter feeding on nettle, groundsel, 

 dock, etc. When at rest, wrinkles the fore-wings, and looks like a withered leaf. 



Old Lady (Mormo maura). E. 2^-2| inches. Often found indoors behind 

 curtains, etc. Dark greyish brown wings, central area nearly black, crossed 

 by paler nervures. Six dark spots or patches along the costa. Flies in July 

 and August. L. in autumn on low plants, and in spring on young shoots of 

 sallow, alder, etc. 



Gothic (Ncenia typica). E. i^-if inch. A very common species. Brown 

 fore-wings, with whitish nervures, appearing like cracks in the brown. The 

 three stigmata clearly denned, though the claviform is small. Flies in June 

 and July. L. August to May on all kinds of herbage. 



Crescent (Helotropho. leucostigmo). E. i-i| inch. This species, with 

 its light or dark brown fore-wings, gets its name from the whitish crescent- 

 shaped reniform stigma. L. feeds inside the stems of sedge and yellow flag, 

 May to July. Moth in July and August. Ly. Fens and marshy lands. 



Ear Moth (Hydrcecia nictitans). E. i$-i| inch. Fore-wings reddish 

 brown ; hind-wings grey. The name is given from the resemblance of the 

 whitish reniform stigma to a human ear. Moth in August and September. 

 L. May to August on grasses. 



