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and appearance, the former often distinguishable by the pectination of 
the antennae. The round sculptured eggs are commonly laid in clusters 
Fig. 299— Amsaota albistriga x 2 (I. M. N.). 
upon the foodplant and the moths are often very prolific. Larvae are 
commonly hairy, with tufts of long hair or a dense uniform clothing. 
(Plate XXXV.) Five pairs of prolegs are present in all but one 
division ( Nolince) in which the first pair is aborted. All the known 
Fig. 300—Amsacta albistriga larva x 2 (I.'M. N.). 
larvae are herbivorous and the majority feed openly upon plants. 
Pupation takes place on the soil in a cocoon of silk and hair. Moths 
are commonly crepuscular or nocturnal and come to light in many cases. 
So far as has been ascertained, hibernation is passed as a pupa in the 
cocoon in a sheltered place on or in the soil, the majority of the moths 
not emerging until the first heavy fall of rain. There are exceptions 
to this rule, some moths emerging in the dry hot weather and breeding 
then if food is available. The number of broods varies from one 
or two to as many as eight. Several are injurious owing to their very 
great multiplication under favourable circumstances and to their 
