Insects. 5387 



which is much rarer here, and goes down a full month earlier. Search 

 as usual the dry friable sods collected in the corners, or the corners 

 themselves without any sod. The cocoon is sometimes attached to 

 the tree, but more usually among the roots : in either case great 

 caution is necessary. It is a good plan, when you have pulled the 

 sod out, to put your hand in and gently feel the trunk for any cocoons 

 which may adhere to it. It is not easy to tell the difference between 

 dodonasa and Chaonia ; but the latter is, I think, stouter, smoother 

 and not so glossy. Oak. September, October, &c. 



Pygaera bucephala. Various trees. October, &c. 



Clostera curtula. Seven. It is well worthy of notice, in regard to 

 this species, that the larva enters the pupa state on the tree ; I had 

 imagined that it did so among dead leaves : this is not the case, at 

 least not necessarily. When full-fed it joins two leaves firmly 

 together, and remains there till they fall off. I was not aware of this 

 fact till the present autumn : this hint may, I hope, enable others to 

 obtain this apparently much-prized insect. 1 should add that they had 

 not turned, when I found them, but they never came out of the leaves. 

 Various poplars (shrubs, best). October. 



Semaphora Psi. Common under bark on various trees. October, &c. 

 „ tridens. I have little doubt that the pupa I am in the 

 habit of taking under bark on hawthorns is this species, but as Psi 

 also feeds on that tree, and it appears impossible to separate the two 

 species, except by breeding them, I am unwilling to speak positively. 

 October, &c. 



Acronycta megacephala. By no means uncommon under loose 

 bark on poplars, occasionally on willows : it is not very easy to get at, 

 as it enters into the smallest chinks. Break off every bit of loose 

 bark with the point of the trowel, and the pupa-case, which, with the 

 pupa, closely resembles that of Psi, will be found firmly glued to the 

 surface. The cocoon is formed of decayed wood. October, &c. 



„ Aceris. Five : all on oak, not sycamore. October, &c. 

 „ Ligustri. Abundant under moss on ash trees. The 

 moss must be very carefully torn off: the pupa-case, which is black 

 and very tough, not hard, will, in most cases, be found adhering to 

 the moss: if there be no moss, examine the trunk. There are often 

 long perpendicular slits in the bark of ash trees, and this is a favourite 

 hybernaculum for Ligustri. If both moss and loose bark are wanting, 

 go to another tree. October, &c. 



Ceropacha Or. Very rarely under moss and dry rubbish on and 

 about poplars. October, &c. Gloucestershire. 



