Some British Moths Described 
darker than our figure, and the spotting more dense, 
or it may be found entirely without spots, as shown 
on Plate XV., Figs. 11 and 12. The larva is almost 
black, with a yellow or red line along the back. It has 
black hairs, and-is found during August. Moth in 
June. Expanse, about 14 inches, 
Family HepraLip2. 
Hepialus humuli: the Ghost (Plate I., Fig. 20, 
male; Fig. 21, female)—Common everywhere, espe- 
cially on rough pastureland, where the larva feeds 
underground when young, destroying the roots of 
grasses. Later, during August, it may be found in the 
roots of Dock and Ragwort. All of this genus are 
subject to “prease” in the cabinet, and should be 
treated with the benzine process. The moth is out in 
June. Expanse, 2 to 24 inches. 
Hepiaius velleda: the Northern Swift (Plate I., 
Fig. 22).—Widely distributed all over the British Isles; 
seen at its best on hilly country among Bracken, on 
the roots of which the caterpillar feeds. Flying low 
and swift about the Bracken, it soon gets rubbed. The 
pattern on the wings varies greatly; in some specimens 
it vanishes altogether, and is replaced by a uniform - 
brown. Flies in June. Expanse about 13 inches. 
Hepialus hectus: the Gold Swift (Plate L, Fig. 2 3). 
—The smallest of the tribe, and fairly common; always 
found on or about Bracken, on the roots of which the 
larve feed. The moth is out in June and July; like 
all the Swifts, it flies early in the evening when the sun 
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