Some British Moths Described 
that follows it (L. straminea and L. pallens) resemble 
each other very much, The underwings of Jmpura are 
dark and smoky, much darker than those of the other 
two species. The upper wing of Pallens is a warm 
reddish-yellow or rich straw colour. They all fly about 
the same time (July), generally early in the evening, 
and are attracted by the flowers of Rushes. The larve 
live and feed on Grasses and Rushes from March to 
May. Expanse of moth, 12 inches, 
Tapinostola fulva: the Small Wainscot (Plate V., 
Fig. 21).—Abundant, but local. Flies late in the 
summer (end of August) over rushy moorlands, It 
pops up, generally in swarms, just as the last rays o 
the setting sun are slanting over the moor, and a merry, 
mazy dance it has ; but it is brief, for in a quarter of 
an hour all will have disappeared as mysteriously as 
they came forth. So, to secure a good series, one 
must work hard while the flight is on. When pursued, 
these moths often drop into the grass quite suddenly, 
and lie on their backs well hidden in the dense tangle. 
They also display stratagem if suddenly taken in the 
net: with wings and legs close pressed to the body, 
they sham death, and will roll about in the bottom of 
the net, hoping to escape attention. It is a curious trait. 
Specimens are exceedingly variable in colour, from dark 
mahogany red to light straw and various shades of 
grey. The larve feed in the roots and stems of Rushes 
in May and June. Expanse of moth, about 1 inch. 
