44



Practical Bn d- Keeping.



As already stated, the smaller Dragon-flies are relished and

•doubtless the larger forms, when they can be captured, are also

devoured by the more powerful insectivores ; most Neuropterous

insects are probably suitable tor food, but I should think the

lace-winged fly ( Chrysopa ) with its slow fluttering flight, metallic

golden eyes, and most offensive smell would be an exception,

which is just as well, seeing that its larva subsists entirely upon

plant-lice.


Of all insects, probably the Depidoptera (Butterflies and

Moths) are most appreciated by birds, as caterpillars, chrysalides,

and perfect insects, but to this general rule there are numerous

exceptions of which, in the case of the more abundant species, it

may be well to indicate a few : —Spiny caterpillars, like those of

the Vanesscs , as for instance those of the Peacock Butterfly and

the small Tortoiseshell (which abound on stinging-nettles) are

naturally regarded as objectionable, but tlieir more or less metallic

chrysalides are eaten, as also are the perfect insects. I however

object to destroying these beautiful and useful butterflies when

abundance of the far commoner and noxious white butterflies:—

Gaiioris b/assiccs, rapes, and napi can always be captured with

ease in our gardens after they have settled for the night upon

white flowers or pale leaves. I often go round my garden in the

evening and pick up cpiite a number of these (the only really

mischievous butterflies which we have and the least beautiful)

and give them to my Hangnests and other birds which will

accept them. This year, when our wild birds have been hard

put to it to find sufficient food out of doors, I have frequently

seen Sparrows hunting down these butterflies, snipping off their

wings and eating the bodies.


Hairy caterpillars like those of the Tiger and Ermine

Moths ( Arctiidce ) are not generally accepted, although the Crows,

typical Thrushes and Cuckoos will eat them, the two first rubbing

them backwards and forwards first to remove the hair, but the

larvae of the Buff-tip moth (. Pygcera bucephala) which often is so

abundant that it strips limes and sallows of their foliage is re¬

jected by all excepting our Cuckoo, which eats it with avidity.


Many of the larger and commoner stick-caterpillars

( Geomeiridce) are refused ; not, I believe, on account of their



