280 THE BRITISH NATURE BOOK 



form set sideways just beyond the middle of the costa. L. in June to July 

 and autumn on flowers of hemp agrimony, golden-rod, clematis, etc. Moth 

 from May to August. 



Dark Spinach (Pelurga comitata). E. i inch. Fore-wings pale ochreous 

 with darker bands and shadings. Hind- wings ochreous grey. L. on goose- 

 foot and orache in autumn. Moth in July and August on waste places. 



4. Boarmiince. 



The Common Magpie (Abraxas grossulariata). E. i|-i| inch. This very 

 familiar moth needs no description, with its creamy-white wings and black 

 spots, and on the fore-wings yellow bands. It is a highly variable species, 

 and specimens of unique colouring have a considerable value. L. feeds on 

 currants and gooseberries, also on sloe and hawthorn, August to May, hiber- 

 nating in the winter. Moth in July and August. 



Clouded Magpie (A. sylvata). About same size as preceding. Creamy 

 white, with pale violet-grey central spot, a double row of spots on submarginal 

 line, ending in a brown patch. Fore-wings have a brown and ochreous patch 

 at the base, and a triangular spot on the upper edge. L. on wych elm (also 

 beech and hazel), August to October. Moth in May to June. 



Clouded Border (Lomaspilis marginata). E. f-i inch. A pretty species; 

 creamy wings, with dark brown hind margins, a wavy internal line, and 

 basal patches. L. on sallow, aspen, and willow from June onwards. Moth 

 in May and June. Common in moist places. 



Scorched Carpet (Ligdia adustata). E. about i inch. Cream coloured. 

 Fore-wings have a dark brown patch at base and a broad submarginal band of 

 similar colour. L. on spindle in June to July and August to September. 

 Moth May to June and August. 



Clouded Silver (Bapta temerata). E. i-ij inch. Shining white wings, with 

 greyish clouding round the outer cross line ; a small central dot on fore-wings. 

 L. on sloe, plum, and bird-cherry, July to August. Moth in May to June. 



Common White Wave (Caber a pusaria). E. i-i inch. White, with 

 three dark grey cross lines on fore-wings and two on hind-wings. L. in July 

 and September on birch, alder, etc. Moth in May to June and August. 

 Common. 



The Common Wave (C. exanthemata) is very similar, but sprinkled with 

 pale ochreous tints. Food plants and months the same. Common. 



Barred Umber (Numeria pulveraria). E. i-i inch. Reddish brown, with 

 darker freckles. On the fore-wings a broad dark red-brown band. L. on birch, 

 sallow, etc., June to August. Moth hi May to June. Widely distributed. 



Barred Red (Ellopia prosapiaria). E. i-i inch. Reddish flesh-coloured 

 wings, with whitish cross lines enclosing a darker band. The outer line con- 

 tinued on hind-wing. L. on pine, fir, larch, September to May. Moth in 

 June to July. Ly. Fir-woods. 



