438 



NATURAL HISTORY OF ARTHROPODS. 



scales, or of a fawn color similarly sprinkled, and there is a brown spot near the cleft 

 of the fore wings. The caterpillar feeds on Convolvulus, Chenopodiurn, Atriplex, and 

 Matricana. 



Agdistis bennetii, of England, has undivided wings, and therefore belongs to the 

 highest group. It expands about an inch, and is of a dark-gray color, sprinkled with 

 brownish scales, with ochreous or rosy shadings. The caterpillar is of a greenish color, 

 and feeds on sea-lavender (Statice Umonium). There are two broods of this insect in 

 a year, and they hibernate in the perfect state. 



The TiNBiDiE form an immense group of insects, probably comprising twice as 

 many species as any of the other families of moths. Although introduced here as a 

 single family, it is more than probable that the group includes several as clearly defined 



Fig. 557. — Cocoons of a Brazilian Tineid. 



as the TortricidsB or the Pterophoridae. These insects are generally quite small, 

 indeed some are the tiniest things imaginable, while others are of moderate size. It 

 has been the remark of every writer, that, the smaller the species, the more splendid 

 the coloring and the more sharply defined the markings. There are certainly no 

 moths so gaily colored as some of the smaller species of this group ; and, were they as 

 large, they would surely vie with the most gorgeous of the tropical butterflies. 



The Tineids are characterized by their small size, their bright metallic markings, the 

 long fringes on the wings, and the long and narrow, almost lance-shaped wings. Some 

 of the species with narrow wings have very short palpi ; and those with wider wings, 

 resembling the Tortricids, may be distinguished by having long, slim palpi, which 

 curve up in front of the head, the last joint being very long, slim, and pointed. The 

 caterpillars are mostly vegetable feeders, and, because of their small size and secluded 

 mode of living, only occasionally become abundant enough to cause any considerable 



