INSECTS 
BOMBYCES 
That curious little moth, Sarothripus undulanus, Hb., is taken near 
Carlisle almost yearly, but in limited numbers and usually after hyber- 
nation. Hylophila prasinana, L., is widely distributed and in some 
seasons is not uncommon, flying towards evening among oaks. No/a 
cucullatella, L., and N. confusalis, H.-S., though equally wide in their 
distribution are always scarce and have been found resting on tree 
trunks. Nudaria mundana, L., frequents walls and rock faces, but is 
only of common occurrence here and there. The ‘Footmen’ are 
badly represented in Cumberland.  Lithosia mesomella, ., is the only 
species which can be called common and it is local to the neighbour- 
hood of Carlisle. On a moist, warm evening at midsummer I have 
seen it flitting about on a damp heath near the village of Durdar in 
immense numbers. L. /urideola, Zinck., has occurred sparingly near 
Keswick, and in the same locality the late W. Greenip captured Gnophria 
rubricollis, L., a species which was among Heysham’s captures at Black- 
well in the early part of the century. G. guadra, L., has probably 
occurred at Newby Cross on several occasions, but not to any of the 
present school of collectors.’ Euchelia jacobee, L., formerly very 
abundant, is now a rarity from some unexplained cause, though the 
capture of four specimens at Maryport during the past season (1900) 
and of one near Lazonby makes one hope the species has started on a 
new lease of life in Cumberland. A moth characteristic of the moors is 
Nemeophila russula, L. The female is not often taken on the wing, but 
in breeding one gets the sexes in nearly equal numbers. The larve are 
very active if irritated and can cover the ground at a great pace. WN. 
plantaginis, L., often occurs in company with the last and is very power- 
ful on the wing in the sunshine. Its range extends high up the 
mountains.” From Skiddaw larve I have bred the beautiful var. Lospita, 
Schiff., in which the normal yellow colouration is replaced by white. 
Arctia caja, L., is very common in some districts ; in others, such as 
Brampton and Keswick, it is seldom seen. Near Carlisle the larve are 
common objects on hedgebanks and also among the Solway sand-dunes. 
Spilosoma fuliginosa, L.,-is generally common, being in my experience 
most at home on a heath where there is a rank growth of U/ex, among 
the branches of which the larve love to spin their cocoons, where they 
become conspicuous objects, but sometimes take a lot of cutting out. 
Most Cumberland specimens are referable to (or closely approach) the 
var. borealis, Stgr. SS. /ubricepeda, Esp., is local and in some districts 
does not seem to occur at all. About Carlisle it is abundant in gardens, 
and the larve are fond of feeding on the undersides of rhubarb leaves, 
but will eat almost anything in a garden, whether wild or cultivated. 
S. menthastri, Esp., is generally common, sometimes visiting street lamps 
in great numbers. Several specimens of the var. wa/keri, Curtis, have 
1G. guadra has been taken by Mr. 'T. Swainson near Maryport during the past year (1900).—F. H. D. 
3 N. plantaginis has been taken at great elevations on Scawfell, Great Gable, etc., by Mr. H. Goss.—F.H.D. 
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