§4 PLATE CXXXIX. 



The Phalaena Meticiilofa certainly exceeds many other Infe£ls of 

 the fame tribe for elegance and Simplicity ; the variety of teints fo 

 delicately, indeed almoft infenfibly foftened into one another, and 

 neatnefs of the waves and lines interfperfed over the w^hole, amply 

 compenfate for the defedlion of more gaudy colours. In the cater- 

 pillar ftate it is fcarcely lefs deferving attention ; the yellow fpecks 

 on a beautiful, yet lucid green, have a very pleafmg efFeft. The 

 web it fpins round its pupa is of a fine white colour, and fdky tex-* 

 ture ; the pupa within of a blackifli chocolate colour. 



This fpecies is fometimes met with in plenty, though lefs fo In 

 fome feafons than in others ; and not unfrequently is more abundant 

 when the feafon appears moft unfavourable. It feeds on nettles 

 chiefly, but we have found it on feveral other plants ; and once on 

 a young oak, in Kent ; the leaves of which we fed it on fome time. 

 In the caterpillar flate it is found in April, changes to the pupa ftate 

 in May^ the Moth appears in June. 



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