EUXOA. By Dr. A. Corti. 
2?, 
of these tibiae. In the Euxoa and Agrotis (Feltia) all the tibiae have spurs, the front ones very stout. Then 
follow those Genera in which the tibiae also all have spurs, but the front tibiae have much weaker spurs than is 
the case in Euxoa and Agrotis (Feltia). Then follow those having no spurs on the front tibiae, then those with 
spurs only on middle and hind tibiae and finally those with spurs only on the hind tibia. 
The formation of the frons is of great importance in the systematic subdivision of the Agrotinae. The cly- 
peus is either glossily smooth, or even and rough or with a protuberance that often varies considerably in its 
form in one and the same species having a crater-like or wart-like formation. This formation is sometimes 
absent as a rule (as for instance in ypsilon Bolt.) or more rarely (as for instance in exclamationis L.) Whenever 
it occurs it offers a valuable means of diagnosis together with the other characteristics. These clypeus pro¬ 
cesses are most strongly pronounced as a rule in the species of the Genera Cladocerotis, Euxoa, Agrotis ( Feltia) 
and Dichagyris. 
In regard to the biology of the Agrotinae, same is without a doubt of great importance for a syste¬ 
matic classification of this subfamily. Through the nature of a comprehensive work such as we have under¬ 
taken this question can only be lightly touched upon. The ova of the Agrotinae are of very varying construc¬ 
tion. The most primitive oldest forms in my opinion deposit simple, irregularly shaped, unicoloured, more 
or less faintly ridged ova, either in batches next to or over one another. This chiefly concerns such spe¬ 
cies and Genera (Euxoa, Agrotis (Feltia) etc.) whose larvae are typical subterraneous larvae. The ova of the 
other species are globular, oval or gourd-shaped, heavily ridged, with spots or with coloured zones of all 
possible colour combinations, either in direct rows or adjoining areas. 
The larva can be divided into at least two large groups. The first group covers the typical sub¬ 
terraneous larvae, that pull their food into the earth, should no more be present below the surface. These are 
heavily formed caterpillars of grey to reddish or brown colour with relatively little marking, short bristles, 
which in the very young stages bear curious small clubs at the extremities. These larvae are in general very 
lazy, they do not spin threads or take up a posture of fear when disturbed. The second group concerns the 
superterrene (as a matter of fact generally concealed, either in the uppermost layers of the earth or under 
leaves etc., but not living typically in the earth) larvae. These are partly very brightly coloured and marked, 
they have no club-like processes on the bristles, very easily take up a posture of fear on being disturbed, 
easily spin threads and in general are very lively, forming a direct contrast to the larvae of the first group. 
Transitory forms of course occur. 
The pupae are generally coloured yellow to red-brown. Occasionally they are deep in the earth, occas¬ 
ionally nearer the surface, sometimes quite without and again with very tough cocoons. The number of cre¬ 
master spines varies considerably, as does the formation of the cremaster. 
20. Genus: Euxoa Hb. 
This Genus is characterised by the stout spurs on the front tibiae (middle and hind tibiae also have 
spurs), by a bi-furcated clasper in the male sexual organ, having both prongs approximately of the same 
length and by a stout, crater or wart-like process on the clypeus. Now and then specimens occur in one 
and the same species without this projection. Type: E. decora Hb. 
Section I: Antennae of <§ pectinated to apex, pectinations long. 
E. rugifrons Mab. (= E. bledi Chret., E. urbana A. B.-H.) (Vol. 3, p. 24, pi. 5 c <$) (3 a). Algeria, Oran, rugifrons. 
Tunis. August to November. Early stages unknown. 
Section II: Antennae of pectinated almost to apex, pectinations long. 
E. subdistinguenda Corti (3 a $ type). A species that varies exceedingly both in colouration and mark- subdistin- 
ing. The types are very similar to the genuine distinguenda Led. but the antennae are more heavily pectin- guenda. 
atecl with wider pectinations. Orbicular stigma usually small, round with whitish centre. — v. mu hi sign a n. multisigna. 
(3 a d 1 type) is to denote a grey to grey-brown form, orbicular and reniform stigmata almost extinct, no 
pale streak along costa and with distinct inner and outer transverse lines. It compares approximately as eruta 
Hb. does to tritici L. Perhaps this is a new species, related to the following mendeli Fdz. Spain, Albarracin in 
August-September. In spite of the extreme range of variation -of this fine species, a number of aberrations 
have already been named. — ab. diluta Scliaiv. with pale brown almost whitish brown forewings, markings diluta. 
extinct, pale costa, pale stigmata, black basal streak, black claviform stigma and the pre-marginal sagittate 
spots quite absent. — ab. obscura Schaw. is the name given to the counterpart in darkest brown with scarcely obscura. 
any markings. Albarracin, Spain. Ova whitish yellow, without ridges, in batches. Larvae almost uniform blue- 
grey, underside somewhat paler, lateral line and bands scarcely discernible. Head and scutellum dull buff, 
scutellum clumsy and divided. Larva similar to those of hastifera Donz. Pupa yellow-brown in a cocoon of 
earth, two diverging cremaster spines. 
