LEPIDOPTERA. 



327 



specialized forms, as Cosmosoma (Fig. 400), the hind wings 

 are greatly reduced in size, and the branches of radius and 

 cubitus coalesce to a remarkable 

 degree. 



To the first division of this 

 family belong a small number 

 of bluish-black or brown moths 

 which have more or less vermilion 

 or yellow on the head, prothorax, FlG - ^.-cos,nosoma a » ge . 

 and patagia. These moths are of medium size, expanding 

 from one and one fifth to two inches. The dull color of the 

 wings is usually relieved by the bright color of the head and 

 patagia, and by a layer, of blue scales covering the thorax 

 and abdomen ; but in some species these are wanting. The 

 larvae feed on grasses. Some of them strongly resemble 

 those of the Arctiidse in appearance as well as in habits, 

 being thickly clothed with hair ; they also spin cocoons simi- 

 lar to those of Arctiids. Our common forms represent two 



Fig. 401. — Ctenucha virginica. 



Fig. 402.— Scepsis fulvicollis. 



genera, Ctenucha (Cte-nu'cha) and Scepsis (Scep'sis). In the 

 East we have only a single species of each of these genera, 

 Ctenucha virginica (C. vir-gin'i-ca), which is represented by 

 Figure 401, and Scepsis fulvicollis (S. ful-vi-coriis), repre- 

 sented by Figure 402. 



The second division of the family 

 includes a much larger number and a 

 much greater variety of forms. Our 

 most common species is Lycomorpha 

 pholus (Ly-co-mor'pha pho'lus). This is black with the 

 basal half of the fore wings and the basal third of the hind 



FlG. 403. — Lycomorpht 

 pholus. 



