421 
the Lepuloptera of St. Helena. 
cilia paler. Thorax concolorous with the anterior wings; 
body much paler. 
This obscure little moth is a plentiful species in the island, 
becoming gradually more abundant as we ascend towards the 
central ridge, though its mottled hue renders it by no means 
easy to detect on the moss- or lichen-covered rocks amongst 
which it principally resides. 
The following species (viz. pulverulenta ) differs from 
the above in having its labial palpi rather arched and more 
densely covered with long bristle-like hairs (except the basal 
joint, which is bare, short, and slender), and the second joint 
with a long protruding bunch of scales, which extends beyond 
the terminal joint and gives the palpi a very brush-like appear¬ 
ance ; anterior wings, too, with their apex most curiously 
curved back in the male, thus causing the hind margin to 
seem blunt or somewhat Tortrix-Yike. 
Tinea pulverulenta, E. Woll. 
Expanse 4-4| lines. With the fore wings recurved at 
the apex in the male (though not in the female), but in a 
less degree than those of Elachista recurva , and of a speckled 
or irrorated (or somewhat powdered) appearance, the most 
distinct markings being alternate pale and dark (but usually 
ill-defined) oblique dashes from the costa. The darker portions 
are very much intermingled or suffused, giving to the whole 
surface a somewhat pulverose , but at the same time rather 
mottled aspect. Hind wings narrow and of a dark smoky 
hue, being generally a little blacker at the extreme tip. Head 
and thorax concolorous with the anterior wings; body the 
same as the posterior ones. 
This somewhat obscure little moth is exceedingly abundant 
in the higher elevations of the island, descending also, though 
more sparingly, into the intermediate districts; and there can 
be no doubt that it is a truly indigenous member of the fauna. 
On the lofty central ridge, towards Diana’s Peak and Action, 
the faces of the rocks are often thickly studded with its flat, 
oblong, earthy cocoons, which are lined with a strong, whitish, 
silken substance; but the imago, common as it is, is less easy 
to be observed, not merely on account of its minute size, but 
from its wonderful resemblance in colour to the rocks and 
mottled lichen on which it is accustomed to settle. The coarse 
scales (of dark brown and yellowish white) with which its 
fore wings are everywhere dusted, and which are so inter¬ 
mingled as to shape-out markings which are exceedingly ill- 
defined, render it a difficult species to secure in a perfect 
condition ; for there is scarcely any moth which is so fragile 
