AA, GNOPHOS OBSCURATA. 
the segments are clearly divided, and each is nume- 
rously ribbed transversely ; the tubercles are raised 
and rather large for a geometer; there is also a pair 
of short but conspicuous pointed prominences on the 
twelfth segment; the anal segment is wedge-shaped, 
the apex pointing downwards behind. The various 
prominences and the unevenness of the skin give it a 
rather wrinkled appearance. Ground colour stone- 
grey, many specimens having a strong ochreous-purple 
tinge, others an undecided dull greenish tinge; head 
stone-grey, thickly marbled in different specimens 
with purplish-brown or smoke-colour ; a double pale 
orey line (the space on the anterior segments filled up 
with smoke-colour) forms the dorsal stripe; and 
there is a similarly pale, but thread-like line above the 
spiracles. On each side of the fifth, sixth, seventh, and 
eighth segments a dark streak extends from the spira- 
cular region upwards anteriorly, becoming almost 
black before meeting in the centre on the front of 
each segment; in the angle thus formed is a con- 
spicuous pale blotch ; in one or two larvee of the brood, 
however, these dark streaks are entirely absent, though 
the pale blotches are still distinct. Tubercles white 
or grey; spiracles large and round, intensely black ; 
prominences on the twelfth segment grey, with distinct 
black streak on front of each. Ventral surface stone- 
erey or pinkish-grey, thickly freckled with very minute 
dark smoky spots ; it has a pale central stripe, edged " 
on each side with a fine irregular smoky line, enchean e 
together another double smoky line ; there is also a 
pale stripe (varying much in colour in different speci- 
mens, mm some being pinkish, in others yellowish) 
between the central stripe and the spiracular region ; 
this stripe 1s edged inside with dark smoke- colour. 
The foregoing i is a general description of the brood 
reared from the New Forest eges; but two larve 
received from Mr. J. Gardner, of Hartlepool, were 
much darker, and the markings altogether stronger. 
One of them had a purplish ground, and the dark 
