1868.] 199 
and it gradually passes into tlio pupa state, tlie larval skin being 
deposited at one end of the cocoon. 
The pupa, which is five lines in length, is at first quite white, but 
gradually a pale brownish tinge spreads over the back of the abdominal 
segments, and the head, thorax, and wing-cases turn whitish-yellow, 
the posterior portions of the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th abdominal 
segments become encircled with a reddish-brown tint, and the extremity 
of the anal segment also turns reddish-brown ; the bases of the dorsal 
surface of the 2ud and 3rd abdominal segments assume a brownish 
tint, the colouring matter confining itself exclusively to that quarter, 
and not encircling these segments like the 4th to 8th ; the centre of 
each eye shows a little dark speck, the tip of the head, which is 
decorated with two little black bristles, turns to a reddish-brown colour. 
Twenty-four hours later the eyes assume a pale brown tint, and 
then gradually become black ; afterwards the thorax becomes clouded ; 
and eventually the markings of the future imago are slowly developed. 
The imago, in its struggles to escape, forces the anterior end of the 
pupa through the end of the cocoon, and then releases itself, leaving 
the pupa-skin projecting from the cocoon. 
The average duration of the life of the imago is from four to nine 
days. I carefully watched the movements of one imago that had 
reached the ninth day of its existence ; on the morning of that day it 
was apparently well and tolerably active, but a great change came over 
it by the evening ; it had then lost all power of flight, and moved with 
a shufiling gait about the bottom of the breeding-cage. When the cage 
was suddenly shaken or tilted on one side it rolled over and over, but 
generally regained its feet ; in some instances it remained for a time on 
its back, the only signs of life being a slight movement of the antennae 
or a faint tremulous movement of the anterior legs. On being turned 
over it endeavoured to walk, but was only able to stagger along with 
a crab-like movement for a short distance. One hour afterwards 
it died. 
Hoxton, 1867. 
Description of the larva of Agrotis pitta. — Thanks to the kindness of the Eev. 
J. Hellins and Dr. Hearder, the larva of Agrotis puta, that has so long remained 
unknown, is now figured and described. 
Eggs were sent by Dr. Hearder to Mr. Hellins, August 29fch, 1867, from which 
larva> were hatched, September 2nd, and, as they showed at first a preference for 
lettuce, they were reared on that plant, vai'ied occasionally with slices of the root 
of garden carrot. 
