OF THE FAEM Al^D GAEDEN". 



237 



pressed sharp-pointed horns, one of which is enlarged 

 at figure 144, c, projecting from the middle of the 

 hack: it measures, on an average, rather more than one- 

 third of an inch, and varies in color from light green with 

 darker green shadings, to pale straw-color with light- 

 hrown shadings. 



The moth (fig. 144, d), escapes from this pupa in about 

 one week, and, like all the species belonging to the genus, 

 it has a very active and impetuous flight, and rests with 

 the wrings closed and stretched at right angles from the 

 body, so as to recall the letter T. It is of a tawny yellow 

 color, the front wings marked with white and dark 

 brown as in the figure, the hind wings appearing like 

 burnished copper, and the legs being alternately banded 

 with white and tawny yellow. 



All the moths of the family (Alucitidce) to which it 

 belongs have the wings split up into narrow feather-like 

 lobes, and for this reason they have very appropriately 

 been called Plumes in popular language. In the genus 

 Ptero2)]iorus the front wings are divided into two, and 

 the hind wings into three lobes. In this country, a some- 

 what larger species (P. carduidactyliis, Riley) occurs on 

 the Thistle, and though bearing a close resemblance to 

 the Grape-vine Plume in color and markings, yet differs 

 very remarkably in the larva and pupa states. 



From analogy we infer that there are two broods of 

 these worms each year, and that the last brood passes 

 the winter in the moth state. We have, however, never 

 noticed any second appearance of them, and whether this 

 is from the fact that the vines are covered with a denser 

 foliage in the summer than in the spring, or whether 

 there is really but one brood, are points in the history of 

 our little Plume which yet have to be settled by further 

 observation. 



On account of its spinning habit this insect is easily 

 kept in check by hand picking. 



