126 



A Classified List of Geometrina found 

 round balhannahj with notes on 

 Species. 



By E. Gttest, Balhannah. 

 (Read October 5, 1886.] 



The Geometrina of South Australia, so far as I know, are 

 included in five sub-families — the Larentidce, JEnocliromidce, 

 Geomeiridce, Acidalidcs, and Boarmidce. 



The genera, with the exception of perhaps half a dozen, 

 appear to be distinct from those of Europe, and I do not think 

 that a single species mentioned below is common to these two 

 parts of the world. The larva? feed on trees and shrubs, as a 

 rule, although I have little doubt that some of those of the 

 AcidaliadcB are found on grass or low herbs. They are gene- 

 rally solitary, devoid of hair, and have the prolegs or claspers 

 on the posterior segments only, which causes the larva to loop 

 or draw up its body in walking. Many of the Australian 

 species attach themselves by the anal pair to some twig or leaf, 

 and stretch the body straight out, in which position they look 

 exactly like a small dead branch. The perfect insects may be 

 found flying over grass, beaten from trees or shrubs, or sitting 

 with expanded wings on fences or walls. They mostly fly in 

 the evening, but some few appear to be day-flying as well. I 

 have no intention of minutely describing the species, as this 

 has already been done by abler pens than mine, but shall draw 

 attention to such prominent markings as may enable the 

 student to recognise such examples as may be included in this 

 list. 



The mean will be generally given in inches and lines (thus 

 ' and "), but where the sexes vary very much in size, that of 

 both will be mentioned if known. 



SUB-FAMILY I.— LARENTID.E. 



Is represented in my collection by nineteen species and 

 seven genera. They are small or medium-sized insects, fre- 

 quenting grassy places, and may often be found on fences ; 

 but I do not think that they are as a rule much attracted by 

 light. 



1. Microbes tillosata, Gn. 



Expanse, 10". Out in November. 



Eore-wings dark ash-gray, mottled with darker. Hind-wings 

 yellowish white, with a round nearly black spot at lower edge, 



