99 
thorax. The pattern is about as shown in fig. 23, a. The hind-wings 
are nearly uniform gray, with the veins showing plainly and the base 
of the cilia also well defined. The under surface is nearly uniform 
grayish-brown, like the hind-wings, but with a more satiny luster. 
TJie larva (b) when full grown resembles rather strongly a small cab- 
bage looper (Plusia hrassicse), and when disturbed has the same habit 
of looping like a geometer. It is pale green with three moderately 
distinct white stripes — median, lateral, and one midway between these 
two. The length when full grown is about an inch or a little oyer. 
The pupa is shining, rather 
pale brown, and strongly and 
deeply punctured on the dorsal 
surface. It measures about 
four-tenths of an inch. 
DISTRIBUTION. 
This Noctuid is generally dis- 
tributed oyer the United States 
east of the Rock} T Mountain 
region, from Canada and Min- 
nesota southward to the Gulf 
States and the West Indies. It 
is recorded or is known from 
New York, Delaware, Virginia, District of Columbia, Florida, Mis- 
sissippi, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Illinois. 
Professor Snow has reported it common in Kansas. In Florida, 
according to Mr. Ashmead, it is rare, and from what can be learned 
it seems probable that with the exception of a few States, like Mis- 
sissippi and Kansas, where it has been found abundant, it is not 
particularly common. 
Fig. 23.—Ogdoconta cinereola: a, moth; b, larva; 
c, abdominal segments of larva; d, pupa— all en- 
larged (original). 
HISTORY AND LITERATURE. 
Until quite recently this species was known to collectors and in lit- 
erature as Telesilla cinereola. It was first described by Guenee in 1852 
(Spec. Gen. Noct., Vol. II, p. 316) under the genus Placodes. In 1880 
Mr. D. W. Coquillett published a description of the larya observed at 
Woodstock, 111. , with the remark that larvae were found in a wheat 
field from June 15 to July 20, but that the food plant was unknown. 
Transformations were observed to be made under ground. (No. Amer. 
Ent., Vol. I, p. 52.) The following year Mr. Coquillett again 
described this larva (10th Rept. St. Ent. 111., 1881, p, 180), adding the 
ragweed {Ambrosia artemisidefolia) as a larval food plant. In 1887 
Mr. W. H. Ashmead made a more detailed description of the larva 
and a brief one of the pupa, adding that the larvae feed on the leaves 
