THE NOCTUINA. 
129 
When the caterpillars have attained their full size they make 
a shallow hole in the earth. This they line with a small 
quantity of silk, so as to keep the water out, and then they 
undergo the first metamorphosis. The second is completed in 
August, and the moth escapes from the cocoon in the earth, 
semi-clad with the chrysalis skin, which prevents the delicate 
integuments from being torn or rubbed as the perfect insect 
crawls into the air. The moth does not get rid of this useful 
armour until it is well out of danger. 
When these reapers fly in the middle of summer, their cater- 
pillars may be seen feeding in the autumn, and they transform 
themselves into pupae on the approach of winter ; but if they 
are not ready for the change by the advent of cold weather, 
they hybernate and undergo the metamorphosis in the early 
spring. 
The common Yellow Under-Wing is frequently seen in gardens 
and houses'. The front wings of this moth are excessively variable 
in colour and marking ; some specimens have reddish-yellow 
tints, others dark brown, variegated with grey, and some reddish- 
brown. The hind wings are yellow, with a narrow black band. 
The caterpillar is grey or greenish, and has some yellow lines 
and black patches placed upon it with tolerable regularity. It 
feeds on almost all low plants, and is very fond of the best 
parts of cabbages and lettuces. Before undergoing the first 
metamorphosis, the full-grown caterpillar hides itself in a hole 
in the ground late in the autumn, and hybernates through the 
winter. Its transformation occurs in the spring. 
Many Noctuina with simple antennae have the thorax and 
abdomen crested, the crests being produced by masses of hairs 
and scales. Their caterpillars are smooth, long, and are rather 
brightly coloured ; moreover, they like the light, and thus differ 
from those of many other kinds. The common Hadena oleracea , 
which is so great a pest in cottage gardens, has a caterpillar 
whose ornamentation differs with its age. It is green, and has 
white and yellow lines upon it when it is young; and is usually 
brown, with a bright yellow side line, when it is old. It 
constructs a cocoon in the earth, which is made up of pieces 
of mould, dust, and small stones bound together with silk. A 
