58 



Fig. 24. 



In P. viridi^ignata (Grote) the fore-wings are dark rosy-grey with numerous 

 brown zig-zag lines. In the centre of the wing is an obscure bronzy-green figure, 

 resembling a 3 or an 8 laid on its back. 



One of the finest insects in the genus is P. bimaculata (Steiph.). In expanse 

 of wings it measures an inch and three-eighths. Its fore-wings are rich rosy-brown 

 variegated with dark markings and with a patch of chestnut red in the centre. 

 In this patch are two golden spots, the upper somewhat resembling the letter v. 

 I have noticed that the Eastern Township's specimens of this moth are larger and 

 brighter than the more northern specimens. 



P. precationis (Guen.) is one of the most common species we have. Its 

 fore-wings are of a rich purple brown with a golden sheen. They have a few 

 pale wavy streaks, and a distinct silvery y in the middle of each. 



In P. simplex (Guen.) Fig. 24 the fore-wing is of a dark ash-grey. It has a 

 brown apical dash, and a brown shade on the inner 

 margin. This shade is separated from the ash-grey 

 base and basal portion of the costa, by a fine white 

 line, which joins the inner arm of the silvery y-like 

 central mark. 



In P. falcif era (Kirby) the arms of the y are long 

 and attenuated, and the tail lacks the terminal knob 

 that is characteristic of Precationis and Simplex. 

 Falcif era has rosy-brown fore-wings strikingly marked 

 with curved and dentated rosy-white lines, having 

 dark brown finer lines imposed. I captured several specimens of this insect at 

 Como, P. Que. They were hovering over flowers on a sunny afternoon. 



P. hrassicce (Riley, Xi Hubn) has been taken at Metis, P. Que., by Mr. 



Winn. This moth Fig. 25 expands 

 about one and a half inches. It has 

 dark grejnsh-brown fore-wings, with 

 irregular, pale yellow cross lines, and 

 in the centre a silvery u or horse-shoe 

 like mark followed by an oval silvery 

 dot. The underwings are yellowish 

 clouded towards the outer edge. 



Of P. mappa (G. & R.) only a 

 few specimens have been taken in the 

 Province of Quebec. The insect may 

 be known by the numerous dark brown 

 wa\'y lines upon its tawny fore-wings. 

 In the centre of each of these wings is 

 a silvery u, or horse-shoe-like mark, 

 followed by a dot or annulet. 



P. U-aureum (Boisd.) is a small 

 species expanding one and one-fourth 

 inches. Its fore-wings are dark brown, and bear in the centre aVolden or .silvery 

 mark resembling a squat capital iV". On the fore- wings also are several irregular 

 transverse golden or silvery lines. 



Besides Balluca we have two species that have no metallic spots in the 

 Biiddle of the fore-wing, P. cerea (Hubner), and P. cereoides (Grote). In the former 

 the wings are c?a7'Z; brassy-brown and in the latter, pale brassy-brown. Both 

 have darker transverse markings, ^reoides has also, near the hind margin, a pale 

 brassy transverse band. 



