The caterpillar is at first green, but afterwards becomes 
dull reddish, or brownish. 
The date of the appearance of the caterpillar is in 
October and on to May. 
It feeds on heather at first, and afterwards on different 
low plants. 
The chrysalis is found below the surface. 
NOCTUA XANTHOGRAPHA. 
SQUARE-SPOT RUSTIC. 
Plate LYI. Figure 6. 
Localities for this excessively common and very variable 
species are York, Nunburnholme, Sutton-on-Derwent., 
Charm outh, Brighton, Falmouth, Faversham, Black Park, 
Exeter, Manchester, Isle of Man, Bowdon, Cambridge, 
Sherwood Forest, Chester, New Brighton. 
The situations where it is found are woods, hedge-sides, 
gardens, etc. 
The perfect insect appears in August. 
The caterpillar is dull greyish yellow, with a paler line 
along the back; the side line whitish, with a row of 
black spots over it. 
The date of the appearance of the caterpillar is in 
November, and through the winter to April. 
It feeds on grass. 
The chrysalis is subterranean. 
