4 INTRODUCTORY NOTE. By Dr. A. Seitz. 



especially also on damp places on roads. As the species of Ophideres prick with their hard-pointed tongue 

 the ripe fruit of trees and thereby spoil the fruit, these insects are of importance for the horticulturist. 

 However, the greater number of the noxious Noctuids is injurious as caterpillars, like the well-known Cotton- 

 worm, Leuccmiu, argillacea, which has repeatedly injured the crop of cotton-wool to a great extent; further 

 the grass- and cabbage-worms, etc. 



As the Agaristidae in their bright-coloured garb fly about flowers in sunshine presumably unmolested, 

 they are doubtless protected internally. Such protection, however, is apparently quite absent from all other 

 Noctuiformes. These are, therefore, mostly very well concealed in daytime by their colour, resembling 

 bark, lichens, rocks, dry leaves, etc. The species which are easily disturbed, like Catocala, Ophideres, Gram- 

 modes, etc., have also the unsteady, undulating flight of the Rhopalocera, which renders it extremely difficult 

 for the pursuing enemy to catch the prey. The species of Acronicta, Agrotis, Leucania, etc., which are fast 

 asleep in daytime, are loath to take to the wing during daylight, having a straight whizzing flight, and 

 falling almost regularly a prey to their enemies, if they are not at once able to effectually conceal 

 themselves again. 



