FAUNA OF GALASHIELS AND DISTRICT 183 



Deilephila qalii, the scarce spotted or madder hawk-moth, 

 is a very finely marked insect, and measures nearly 

 three inches across the wings. It is of rare occurrence 

 here ; only two instances are recorded of its capture, 

 and, singularly enough, both on the same night in July 

 1893. The caterpillar feeds on the yellow Bedstraw. 



Macroglossa stellatarum, the humming-bird hawk-moth, 

 measures two inches in extent, and its occurrence is 

 widely distributed over the whole country. It is a 

 day-flying moth, and may be seen hovering over the 

 blooms of Wall-flower, Jasmine, or Lilacs, and darting 

 its proboscis into the flower in search of food. It is 

 somewhat uncertain in its appearance here, but has been 

 noticed plentiful, over fifty specimens being captured in 

 one year, on dates ranging from May to late in October. 

 The larvae feed on the white heath Bedstraw. 



Sesia tipuliformis, the currant clearwing. This small insect 

 has only once been captured heie ; the caterpillar feeds 

 on the pith of the Currant tree. 



Sesia apiformis, the hornet sphinx, is another rare insect, 

 only one specimen being taken at Gordon Moss. The 

 larvsB feed on the wood of the Poplar. 



Bombyces. 



NuDARiA MUNDANA, the muslin, a small moth, is common 

 here, the larva feeding on Lichens. 



EucnELiA Jacob^^, the cinnabar moth, scarlet coloured, is 

 common near the coast, but several have been taken in 

 the Ellwyn valley. The larveo, which are generally 

 found in companies, feed on the Ragwort, which may be 

 seen eaten quite bare by them. 



Nemeophila russula, the clouded buff, is rather rare here, 

 but has been taken on the Yair hill, and near the 

 Luggate. The caterpillars feed on the Plantain. 



Nemeophila plant aginis, the wood tiger, a pretty little insect, 

 is common on the railway embankment near Torwoodlee, 

 where the larvae, which feed on the Plantain and other 

 low plants, may be taken in the spring. 



