16 



Gen. PHALiENA. Fam. NOCTUA of Linn . 

 Sect. LITHOSA. 



CHARACTER OF THE SECTION. 



PALPI somewhat recurved, and flattened at the base. 



ANTENNAS a slender thread in both sexes, generally of considerable length. 



WINGS, the anterior, long, narrow, and enwrap the abdomen when at resh 



Lithosa Replana. PI. 15. 



SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION. 



Noctu a Lithosa, with the anterior wings of a lead colour, having a yellow buff coloured marking 

 part down the anterior edge; the female with a patch of the same colour in the middle of the 

 wins : posterior wings yellow buff and clouded at the tips : a red collar, and dark thorax, with 

 an angular spot of buff thereon in both sexes. 



This species of Noctua Lithosa inhabits high rocks and craggy cliffs: the 

 larva feeds on a species of lychens, growing on the shadowed parts of such 

 places; and when near transformation, retires to some shelving fragment, 

 under which it spins a white silken web, and there changes to a pupa, far 

 removed from any annoyance: the moth is produced in a few da} r s, and is on 

 wing in January: ihe female is figured at rest at 5; flying at 4; the male at 3; 

 the pupa in its silken purse at 2; and the larva at 1. It is found near Sidne} r . 



Obs. This insect differs from the Noctua Complaena described by Linnaeus, especiallv in the 

 clouded tips of the posterior wings. 



