88 
I 
I 
W/ 
Ww 
Wa 
Vi 
Vo 
VW 
Fig. 3. 
Aglia tau.—A specialised form slightly advanced beyond the stage of Fig. 1, 
Automeris io, but exhibiting every distinctive feature of that type of wing. 
The specialisation is seen in the more advanced point of origin of III 1 +2, 
in the fact that the transverse cross-vein has become slightly oblique. No 
intention is manifested to forma stem or to approach IV 2 to IV 1 at base; 
on the contrary, the cross-vein has here an unevenness, indicative rather of 
an approaching break. Thecentral position of IV 2 is to be further retained. 
This position of IV 2, and the strong equidistant veining give the moth 
a hovering flight. Agia flies in the early year (April to June) in beech 
woods, very quickly, hardly more than one or two feet above the dry brown 
leaves which strew the bed of the woods. In this way, in the daytime, the 
males seek the resting females, which remain quiet near the place of 
emergence, low down on the boles of the beeches. The colour of the moth 
against the brown leaves acts protectively, and its flight is here difficult 
to follow; it seems to vanish every instant. Compare this figure with 
Fig. 1, Awtomeris, and contrast with Figs. 2 and 4. 
