Insects. 5389 



Xylophasia hepatica and rurea. Like the last named, I have found 

 the larvae (full-fed) of both these species in April under damp moss on 

 stumps of trees, &c. : they require no attention. Hepatica I have 

 generally found under damp moss on poplars. 



Segetia xanthographa. This much abused, yet, when bred, pretty 

 insect, may be found at the roots of most trees. End of July, 

 August. 



Noctua C-nigrum and festiva. Occasionally at roots of trees. 

 July. 



Chersotis plecta. Very common at roots of various trees. 

 October, &c. 



Agrotis putris. Very common at the roots of various trees. 

 October, &c. 



Taeniocampa stabilis, instabilis, gothica, cruda. Extremely abun- 

 dant at the roots of various trees. October, &c. 



„ munda. A few at roots of oak. Gloucestershire. 



October, &c. 



„ populeti. Of this rare species I once found a "nest" 



of thirteen at the roots of a poplar. It goes much deeper into the 

 earth than most other insects. Bucks. 



The last eight species may easily be found by simply shaking the 

 sod, or loosening the earth, and by taking a large number (I once had 

 1000 pupae of instabilis) of the common species, some curious and 

 beautiful varieties may be obtained without trouble. 



Orthosia Upsilon. The larva of this species may be found in pro- 

 fusion under loose moss and bark on willows and poplars, but they 

 must be fed. Beginning of June. 



„ macilenta. Of this species, so difficult to obtain in good 

 condition, when in the perfect state, I have found only three. The 

 chrysalis, which is extremely delicate, is enclosed in a weak cocoon. 

 Birch. September. 



Cosmia diffinis. Not uncommon where elms abound. Spins up 

 close to the trunk. End of July. Bucks. 



Cirraedia xerampelina. Of this rare species I took forty-seven last 

 year ; this year I have only met with eight. It is perhaps the most 

 difficult of all pupae to find, and, when found, the most liable to be 

 injured. The following directions may be found useful : — They are 

 to be sought for at roots of ash : trees of a good growth need only 

 be tried ; those on the borders of streams and damp ditches will be 

 found most productive. This insect forms a hard, egg-shaped cocoon. 

 Turn up the loose dry earth, rubbish or moss about or adhering to 



