When full-grown this larva descends to the ground, and {79}forms a slight

cocoon in the earth round the roots of the tree, where it is transformed

into a very stout, ruddy-brown-coloured pupa, somewhat paler on the

wing-cases. The moth emerges in two or three months' time. Its colouring

renders it so inconspicuous amongst moss that I have frequently lifted a

handful of the latter out of the breeding cage, and only discovered that

the insects had emerged by their falling from the moss on to the table. A

very noticeable peculiarity in this species is the presence of a fringe of

long hairs in a fold on the anterior margin of the fore-wing. This organ

emits a fragrant perfume, and is confined to the male sex (Fig. 5). Only

one or two other instances of this kind are at present known among the New

Zealand moths.

Family NOCTUIDÆ.

_Mamestra mutans_ (Plate X., fig. 7, 7a larva, 7b pupa).

This extremely abundant species occurs almost without intermission during

the whole of the year. The sluggish larva (7a) feeds on plantain, and is

best obtained by overturning logs and stones, when it may be discovered

among the grass and other plants growing round their edge. Its head is pale

green, with two broad black stripes, and is clothed with numerous short

bristles; the four succeeding segments are of a ruddy-brown colour,

considerably wrinkled, the remainder being light green, suffused with a

dull, pinkish hue towards the dorsal surface. The markings consist of a

triangular black spot on each side of the second to eighth abdominal

segments, and a cloudy lateral line of the same colour; the legs and

prolegs being pale green, and the whole insect more or less marbled with

black. This description and the figure on Plate X. exhibit the usual

peculiarities of the larva, but in some individuals the markings there

indicated are quite obsolete, and the {80}insect is of an almost uniform

pale-green colour. When mature, this caterpillar sometimes constructs a

slight cocoon amongst moss, on fallen trees, but more often buries itself

in the usual manner, the moth appearing in a few weeks' time. Nearly all

pupæ collected at random in New Zealand will be found to give rise to

either this species or the one which immediately follows (_Mamestra

composita_). The perfect insect is most abundant in the spring and early

summer, but may be found fluttering round lamps on any mild night

throughout the year. The sexes differ considerably: the female is greyish

white, with faint brown markings, while the male is dull reddish-brown,

with the markings considerably darker (Fig. 7). His antennæ are also

slightly pectinated, those of the female being quite simple.

Family NOCTUIDÆ.

_Mamestra composita_ (Plate X., fig. 3, 3a larva).

Very common during the spring and autumn in all open situations.

Its pretty larva (Fig. 3a) feeds on various grasses, and threatens in time

to do considerable damage to pastures. The head and dorsal surface of the

first segment are dark shining green, with one or two obscure white

markings; the rest of the body is ornamented with a number of parallel

brown, white, and orange lines, which render the larva very inconspicuous

when amongst the grass. Sometimes it occurs in great numbers, nearly every

blade of grass having its caterpillar; in fact this was almost the case in

the Wairarapa valley in the summer of 1886, when the larvæ must have

produced a marked effect on the paddocks. When full-grown this caterpillar

changes into a light chestnut-brown pupa, which lies on the surface of the

ground amongst the vegetable refuse. The perfect insect appears in about a

month's time, and if the evening be mild {81}may be seen flying with great

rapidity at dusk; it may also be readily captured at light. The figure (3)

represents the male insect, the female differing only in her simple

antennæ.

Family NOCTUIDÆ.

_Mamestra ustistriga_ (Plate X., fig. 6 [M]).

This handsome insect is rather uncertain in its appearance, but is

occasionally taken quite unexpectedly at rest on tree-trunks or palings in

the daytime. Specimens may also be captured while feeding on the white rata

blossoms early in March, where they occasionally occur among the hosts of

other Noctuæ. The larva, which feeds on the honeysuckle, is of a pale brown

colour, with two obscure darker lines on each side, the under-surface being

light slate-colour. The pupa state is spent in the ground, and many fine

specimens may be reared from chrysalids picked up while gardening, &c. The

sexes of this insect differ considerably in colour: the male is of a

pinkish grey with black markings, while the female is of a uniform pale

grey, and considerably smaller.

Family NOCTUIDÆ.

_Heliothis armigera_ (Plate X., fig. 4, 4a larva).

This conspicuous insect occurs in great abundance during certain seasons,

but is very irregular in its appearance, it frequently happening that only

two or three specimens are noticed in a whole year. It is generally seen

flying in the daytime, when it delights to suck honey from the flowers of

the Scotch thistle, a plant which much overruns the forest lands when first

cleared. The larva (Fig. 4a) is a very handsome caterpillar, of a dark

brownish black colour, ornamented with yellow subdorsal and lateral lines

and numerous streaks and dots of the same hue. The ventral surface is a

rich yellowish brown, and the subventral line {82}white, the spiracles

being white with black rings; a reddish blotch also adorns each of the

three thoracic segments. It feeds voraciously on geraniums, tomatoes, peas,

and many other garden plants, where it often commits the most serious

ravages. About the end of April it is full-grown, when it descends to the

ground and buries itself two or three inches below the surface. In this

situation it is shortly transformed into a pupa, remaining in that state

until the following summer, when the moth appears. The sexes of this insect

differ considerably, the male having the fore-wings of a ruddy-brown

colour, sometimes inclining to orange, while in the female they are pale

ochreish; both sexes are, however, subject to considerable variation, and

the figure (4) is taken from a rather dark male specimen.

Family NOCTUIDÆ.

_Plusia eriosoma_ (Plate X., fig. 8, 8a larva).

An abundant species round Nelson, where almost any number may be taken

hovering over flowers on a still summer's evening. In Wellington it occurs

occasionally. The larva (Fig. 8a) is a pseudo-geometer, having twelve legs,

and thus showing a strong affinity with the next family. In colour it is

pale green, darker on the dorsal surface than elsewhere. A white line runs

down each side, and the whole insect is covered with black dots and

bristles. The colouring of different individuals varies in intensity, and a

fainter white line, above the usual one, exists in some specimens. It feeds

on beans, geraniums, and many other imported plants, and is doing much good

in the Nelson gardens by the havoc which it is committing among the Scotch

thistles--weeds equally injurious to the agriculturalist and the gardener,

not only crowding out useful plants, but rapidly exhausting the soil in

which they grow. Formerly this insect must have fed exclusively on the New

Zealand {83}nightshade (_Solanum aviculare_), on which plant it may still

be occasionally found in the forest, where no imported species are

available, but, like many other caterpillars in this country, it is

forsaking the native vegetation for the European. When full-grown, this

larva spins a slight cocoon of white silk, which is generally placed

between two leaves. The pupa is of a shiny black colour, the membrane

between the segments being reddish-brown. The moth emerges in about three

weeks' time. The figure (8) is taken from a female insect, the male being

readily distinguishable by two large tufts of hair situated at the end of

his body and often very conspicuous. In some cases the wings of the female

are considerably lighter than in the illustration, but otherwise the

species does not seem to vary. It is the New Zealand representative of the

English "Silver Y Moth" (_P. gamma_), no doubt familiar to many of my

readers.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Declana floccosa_ (Plate XI., fig. 1, 1a larva).

I have started the Geometridæ with _Declana_ because it exhibits a great

many more points in common with the Noctuidæ than does the genus

_Acidalia_, which latter is placed at the head of the Geometridæ by some

modern Lepidopterists, chiefly, I believe, on account of neuration, a

character which if taken alone cannot but produce the most unnatural

divisions. The present insect is one of the commonest of the genus, and may

often be observed throughout the whole summer resting on the sheltered

sides of trees and fences, occasional stragglers being met with as late as

the end of May. Its larva is a pseudo-geometer possessing twelve legs (Fig.

1a), and thus almost exactly resembling the caterpillars of the genus

_Catocala_, belonging to the Noctuidæ; the curious filaments on each side

of the insect making this likeness still more complete. It feeds {84}on the

"New Zealand currant" (_A. racemosa_), from which, individuals can be

occasionally beaten during the spring and early summer. They are almost

impossible to find by searching in the ordinary way, from a habit they

possess of clinging firmly to the twigs, which they exactly imitate in

colour. When full-grown this caterpillar constructs a small cocoon just

below the ground, where it is transformed into a robust-looking pupa, from

which the moth emerges in a month or six weeks' time. The sexes of this

species may be readily distinguished, the male (Fig. 1) having the antennæ

slightly pectinated, while those of the female are quite simple, and her

body much more robust. The moth drawn at Fig. 1b has been reared from larvæ

exactly resembling those of the present insect, of which it is consequently

now known to be only an extreme variety. It was formerly ranked as a

distinct species under the name of _Declana junctilinea_.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Chalastra pelurgata_ (Plate XI., fig. 2 [M], 2a [F], 2b larva).

This delicate species may be taken flying about the forest at night, from

October till March, but is most abundant on the white rata blossoms during

the latter end of summer.

Its caterpillar feeds sparingly on a delicate fern (_Todea

hymenophyllioides_) which grows in dark glades in the forest, where the sun

seldom or never shines. In colour it is generally dull brown, with a row of

green or pale brown lunate spots on each side; on the ventral surface the

colour is darker, except on the thorax, where it is green, the legs being

also green. There are in addition numerous fine, wavy lines down the back

and sides of the larva, and the dorsal surface of the thoracic segments and

ventral prolegs are bright reddish brown (Fig. 2b). These larvæ are,

however, very variable; in many the "lunate" stripes are much longer,

having a diagonal direction, and {85}thus extending up the sides of the

insect towards its dorsal surface, while others have the ventral surface

dark green, and additional markings of more or less importance.

When full-grown it spins a loose cocoon of earth and dead leaves, from

which the perfect insect emerges in a month or six weeks' time. The sexes

are widely different, both being figured on the Plate (Fig. 2 [M], 2a [F]).

I have noticed that at least four females occur to every male, which is a

very unusual arrangement, the males being generally much the commoner among

the Lepidoptera.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Ploseria hemipteraria_ (Plate XI., fig. 3, 3a larva).

A curious moth, occurring in some numbers at various blossoms during the

summer evenings, but rather uncertain in its appearance. The larva (Fig.

3a) feeds at night on veronica, where it may be often found with a lantern,

devouring the flowers and leaves. In colour it is light green with two

yellow lines on each side, the dorsal surface being considerably darker,

and almost blue. Specimens are not infrequently met with of a uniform dark

brown, and the two conspicuous lateral lines are then reduced to a single

obscure ochreous band. These caterpillars are very inconspicuous during the

daytime, as they remain quite motionless for hours together, sticking

straight out from the stems of their food-plant, which they closely

resemble. The pupa is unusually robust, and possesses a sharp spine at its

extremity. In colour it is pale olive brown, with a pinkish line on each

side of the abdomen, the wing-cases being more or less suffused with pink.

It is not enclosed in any cocoon, but may be found amongst the dead leaves

round the stems of the veronica. The perfect insect appears in about three

weeks' time. It is liable to be passed over for a faded leaf, the general

outline and colouring of the wings rendering the {86}insect very

inconspicuous, especially amongst foliage. The specimens I have reared all

closely resemble Fig. 3, so that this insect does not appear at all prone

to vary.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Ploseria alectoraria_ (Plate XI., fig. 4; Plate XIII., fig. 7 larva).

One of our most variable moths, occurring occasionally amongst foliage

during the summer, but most abundant on the white rata blossoms in February

and March.

The larva feeds on _Pittosporum eugenioides_, where it may be sometimes

found in October and November. It has a most wonderful resemblance to the

buds of the plant, and can only be dislodged by vigorous beating. It is

easily reared in captivity--in fact the female moths may often be induced

to lay their eggs and the insect observed through all its stages.

The eggs are very flat, oval, and light green in colour, becoming brown at

one end about five days before hatching.

The young larva is pale green with a dull yellowish head. It has no

markings until after the first moult when a reddish dorsal line appears. As

age advances the larva becomes darker in colour and is ornamented with a

series of diagonal yellow stripes. The spiracles and antennæ are pink and

very conspicuous. The legs and prolegs are very small, and the latter are

bright red in colour; a fleshy process which projects from the last segment

of the larva is similarly coloured. The whole insect is also speckled with

yellow. When full-grown this caterpillar is very robust and measures about

ten lines in length. The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon formed of three

or four leaves fastened together with silk. It is greenish brown in colour.

The perfect insect first appears in December. It may be observed during the

whole of the autumn and occasionally in the winter. As the larvæ grow very

slowly I am {87}inclined to think that the females hibernate and lay their

eggs early in the spring (Fig. 4).

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Sestra humeraria_ (Plate XI., fig. 5, 5a larva).

This abundant species occurs in large numbers round Wellington, amongst

brushwood, whence it may be often dislodged during the daytime, but is most

readily procurable in the evening. The larva (Fig. 5a), feeds on _Pteris

incisa_, a pale green fern, growing in many open spots in the forest to a

height of three or four feet. Its general colour is dull brownish yellow,

slightly darker on the back, and ornamented with a number of wavy yellow

lines on each side. The ventral surface and legs are green and the head is

dark brown; the whole insect being covered with numerous black dots and

bristles. When disturbed these larvæ immediately drop to the ground, and

coiling themselves up like small snakes, become very inconspicuous.

The pupa is buried in the earth about two inches below the surface, the

insect remaining in this state during the winter months. The moths

generally emerge about October. So far as my experience goes they are not

subject to any notable variations. The specimen drawn at Fig. 6 is regarded

as a variety of this species by Mr. Meyrick, but I myself believe it to be

quite distinct, as among over a dozen _humeraria_ larvæ reared in

captivity, none of the imagines had the slightest resemblance to Fig. 6,

although the caterpillars were all taken within a few yards of the place

where such moths occurred.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Selidosema dejectaria_ (Plate XI., fig. 8 [M], 8a [F], 8b larva).

An abundant and conspicuous species, occurring throughout the summer, often

noticed at rest on fences and trees {88}during the day and always taken in

great numbers on various blossoms in the evening.

The caterpillar is extremely variable, the colouring of different

individuals being apparently much influenced by their surroundings; those

specimens, for instance, taken from the pale green foliage of the mahoe

(_M. ramiflorus_) resemble in colour the twigs of that plant, while others

captured feeding on the white rata (_Metrosideros scandens_) are dark

reddish brown. Fig. 8b is drawn from a larva found on the fuchsia, which,

when in its favourite position, viz., sticking straight out from the side

of a branch, is so much like one of the sprouting twigs that it absolutely

defies detection. When full-grown this insect buries itself about two

inches in the earth, where it shortly becomes a dark chestnut-brown pupa,

lighter between the segments. The time required for the development of the

perfect insect depends upon the season, larvæ which undergo their

transformations in the spring developing much more rapidly than those that

feed up in the autumn.[18]

This insect is extremely variable, having been formerly divided into

several distinct species; the two most usual forms are those shown at Figs.

8 and 8a, but every intermediate variety exists. The sexes are

distinguished by the usual differences in the antennæ. My experience leads

me to believe that the light varieties occur more frequently in the female

than in the male sex, and also that the dark larvæ give rise to dark moths,

and _vice versâ_, although a great many more specimens will have to be

reared before these can be regarded as established facts.

{89}Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Selidosema panagrata_ (Plate XI., fig. 7 [M], 7a [F], 7b larva).

One of our commonest moths, occurring in great numbers in the forest

throughout the whole summer.

The larvæ (Fig. 7b) are extremely variable, the most usual colouring being

that of the individual figured, but when very young they are all of a

uniform green with a conspicuous white dorsal line; as age advances the

caterpillars become dark olive brown of varying degrees of intensity in

different specimens, some retaining a considerable amount of their original

green colouring, especially those feeding on the kawakawa (_Piper

excelsum_), whose hue consequently harmonizes with that of the plant. These

larvæ often select a forked twig to rest in, where they lie curled round

with the head and tail close together. They are very voracious, and are the

primary cause of the riddled appearance which the leaves of the kawakawa

almost invariably present. Other food-plants are the "currant" (_A.

racemosa_), and the _Myrtus bullata_; those taken from the latter have a

strong pinkish tint, and are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the

young shoots where they generally feed. The burrows of _Hepialus virescens_

are frequently utilized by the larvæ which feed on the "currant," as

convenient retreats during the winter, a large number being often found in

a single hole. When full-grown they descend to the ground and construct, on

the under-side of fallen leaves, loose cocoons of silk and earth from which

the perfect insects emerge in about a month's time. The autumnal larvæ,

however, either hibernate or remain in the pupa state throughout the

winter. This moth is even more variable than the last species (_S.

dejectaria_), which it occasionally somewhat resembles. The sexes are very

different, the colouring of the male consisting of various {90}shades of

warm brown (Fig. 7), while in the female the prevailing hue is slaty brown

or even grey (Fig. 7a). Many specimens are much suffused with ochre and

reddish-brown, while the stigma near the centre of the fore-wing, although

sometimes almost obsolete, is often very conspicuous and black, white, or

even yellow in colour. It would be of great interest to learn, by rearing a

large number of these insects, whether the many varieties existing in the

larval and perfect states could be traced to differences in food-plant, or

some other external circumstance.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Selidosema productata_ (Plate XII., fig. 1 [M], 1a [F], 1b larva).

Abundant in the forest, where it may be dislodged from ferns and

undergrowth during the day or captured flying about in the evening. Its

larva is rather attenuated, and possesses a large hump on the second

abdominal segment. In colour it is dark reddish brown, mottled with creamy

white and pale green, and is sparsely supplied with a few isolated hairs

(Fig. 1b). It feeds on the white rata (_Metrosideros scandens_), and when

in its usual position--_i.e._, sticking straight out from a

branch--absolutely defies detection. Specimens, however, may be readily

procured with a lantern at night, when they may be found walking about and

eating. The pupa state is spent in the earth, about two inches below the

surface, the moth appearing in three or four weeks' time, this period,

however, being extended in the case of autumnal larvæ, to as many months.

It is extremely variable, scarcely two individuals being found exactly

alike. The colouring, as in the caterpillar, is chiefly protective,

consisting of a delicate tracery of browns and greys, which render the

insect quite invisible when resting on the trunk of a tree, with its pale

yellowish hind-wings concealed, a position it invariably assumes {91}during

the daytime (Fig. 1 male, 1a female). The curious and interesting

"_Tatosomas_," with their enormously elongated bodies, are closely allied

to the present insect; one of them (_Tatosoma agrionata_) being found in

similar situations, although in much more limited numbers; as, however, I

know nothing of their transformations, I am forced reluctantly to pass them

by.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Hydriomena deltoidata_ (Plate XIII., fig. 1, 1a larva).

One of our commonest moths, appearing in great numbers during January and

February, in all open situations. It is especially abundant on the

fern-hills.

The larva (Fig. 1a) feeds on the plantain. It is very sluggish, and lives

all through the winter, becoming full-grown in September, when it changes

into a pupa, among the roots of its food-plant. In colour it is a uniform

dark brown.

The moth is extremely variable, but the figure may be taken as representing

a fairly typical specimen. It is a pretty insect, and may be often seen

resting on fences with its fore-wings folded backwards and forming together

a triangle, whence its name of _deltoidata_. Any unusual-looking specimens

of this species should always be netted, in order to form a thoroughly

representative series, as many of the varieties are very interesting. A

rather uncommon and remarkable-looking form occasionally occurs, in which

the dark central band of the fore-wings is completely divided near the

middle.

Family GEOMETRIDÆ.

_Asthena schistaria_ (Plate XII., fig. 2, 2a larva).

This delicate little insect may be often taken at rest on fences and

tree-trunks during the day, and is a {92}conspicuous moth when flying in

the evening, owing to its light colour. The larva (Fig. 2a), which feeds on

the manuka (_Leptospermum ericoides_), is very ornamental. Its general

colour is light green, with black dorsal and lateral stripes, and a series

of diagonal markings bordered with crimson; the legs and prolegs are also

crimson, and the segments are divided by brilliant yellow rings, a white

line extending down each side of the larva. It is difficult to find, as it

remains closely concealed amongst the dense manuka foliage, from which it

can only be dislodged by vigorous and continued beating. The caterpillars

allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging suspended by a silken

thread, which they rapidly ascend when the danger is passed. The pupa is

rather attenuated, dark-brown, and much pointed at its posterior extremity.

It is found buried about an inch in the earth, and the moth appears in a

month's time. This insect varies much in intensity of markings. The males

are generally considerably darker than the females, but are more certainly

distinguished by their attenuated bodies.

The pearly white _Asthena pulchraria_ occurs in October and April; it is a

most beautiful insect, and may be found amongst the foliage of the kawakawa

(_P. excelsum_), on which its larva will probably be found to feed.

Family PYRALIDÆ.

_Scoparia hemiplaca_ (Plate XII., fig. 4).

This pretty little moth was reared from a larva found feeding amongst moss

during the winter of 1885, but unfortunately I neglected to make a drawing

until it was too late. Doubtless many of the other Pyrales we meet with in

the New Zealand forest have similar habits, their larvæ probably feeding on

different kinds of mosses. These can always be examined during the winter

months, {93}when the entomologist is usually in want of work, and thus much

information may be obtained regarding this interesting but little-known

family.

Family PYRALIDÆ.

_Scoparia sabulosella_ (Plate XIII., fig. 4, 4a larva).

This is that extremely abundant, though dull-coloured little insect, that

rises in such multitudes from every field before one's footsteps during the

early summer.

Its larva (Fig. 4a) feeds on various mosses, forming numerous silken

galleries amongst the roots in which it resides. These caterpillars are

very active, and consequently rather difficult to obtain, as they move

either backwards or forwards in their galleries with equal rapidity.

They feed during the whole of the autumn and winter, changing into pupæ

about September, from which the moths emerge in a month or six weeks' time.

The habits of the numerous other species belonging to this genus and the

closely allied genus _Xeroscopa_ (Meyr) probably do not materially differ

from those of the species here described.

Family PYRALIDÆ.

_Crambus flexuosellus_ (Plate XII., fig. 5).

An extremely abundant insect, occurring in swarms over meadows during the

summer, where it may be captured in the daytime or taken by hundreds at the

attracting lamp in the evening. Its larva is at present unknown, but

probably feeds on the roots of grasses.

Closely allied is _Crambus tahulalis_, found in similar situations, but

appearing rather later in the season, the earliest specimens being met with

about January, while _C. flexuosellus_ is on the wing throughout the

summer.

{94}Family PYRALIDÆ.

_Siculodes subfasciata_ (Plate XII., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).

This curious insect may be occasionally taken flying round patches of

_Muhlenbeckia adpressa_, which grows freely amongst brushwood in many parts

of the country.

Its larva (Fig. 3a), is very stout and sluggish, resembling the caterpillar

of an ordinary Pyrale in general appearance. It feeds in the stems of the

creeper, causing large swellings therein, which readily betray its

presence, and should therefore be cut off and kept until the moth emerges,

as specimens obtained in this way are far superior to any captured in the

open. The pupa is dark brown, and shining; it lies in the centre of one of

the swellings, the larva having previously prepared a safe outlet for the

moth in the form of a small burrow leading to the air, its extreme end

remaining closed by a thin pellicle of the original bark, which effectually

prevents the inmate's resting-place being discovered from the exterior (see

Fig. 3b, the small circle marked * represents the outlet).

The perfect insect appears about December, flying rapidly in the hottest

sunshine. It varies greatly, both in size and colour, some of the small

males being very much suffused with dark brown, while the females usually

resemble the figure (3), and are often more than twice the size of their

mates. This insect is generally placed in a family called the _Siculidæ_,

but I think without sufficient reason, and have therefore located it among

the Pyralidæ, with which it has unquestionably a great affinity.

Family TORTRICIDÆ.

_Isonomeutis amauropa_ (Plate XIII., fig. 2, 2a larva).

This odd little moth may be occasionally seen basking in openings in the

forest, and usually flies away {95}with lightning speed when an attempt is

made to capture it.

The larva lives under the scaly bark of the matai-tree, feeding on the

soft, juicy inner bark and sap. In colour it is light yellowish white,

darker on the back, some specimens becoming quite pink on the dorsal

surface. When full-grown it encloses itself in a tough silken cocoon,

covered on the outside with fragments of wood, from which the moth emerges

in about a fortnight's time.

The sexes differ considerably in appearance, the male having much broader

wings, and darker in colour than those in the female from which the

illustration (Fig. 2) is taken.

This insect is probably single-brooded, as the larva may be found feeding

in the trees during the whole of the winter.

Family TORTRICIDÆ.

_Cacoecia excessana_ (Plate XIII., fig. 5, 5a larva).

This is the commonest species of _Tortricidæ_ in New Zealand, and may be

found almost without interruption during the whole of the year.

The larva (Fig. 5a) feeds on a great variety of plants, the common manuka

being probably the most usual food for the species when in a state of

nature. It now, however, eats numerous European plants, including

honeysuckle and occasionally the fruit of the apple, but further evidence

is required on the latter subject before we can really consider it as

actually injurious in that direction.

In colour this caterpillar is light green with a yellow line on each side,

but varies considerably; it feeds between several rolled-up leaves, in

which it is afterwards converted into a pupa whence the moth emerges in

about three weeks' time.

The perfect insect is also excessively variable and is often more or less

suffused with yellow. It is most abundant in {96}the middle of summer, and

may be taken at light, or in the daytime at rest on fences and trees.

Family TORTRICIDÆ.

_Ctenopseustis obliquana_ (Plate XII., fig. 6).

This little moth is occasionally noticed at rest on garden fences during

the autumn. Its larva inhabits the interior of the peach, feeding on the

kernel, which appears to exactly meet its requirements, the caterpillar

being full-grown as soon as it has completely devoured the nut. Before

assuming the pupa state this insect provides a ready means of escape for

the future moth by drilling a small hole through the hard shell and pulp of

the peach to the air; it also spins a slight cocoon inside the stone, the

pupa resting in the place formerly occupied by the kernel, in which

position it is often discovered. The only noticeable mischief produced by

this insect is delay in the ripening of the fruit. In fact all the infected

specimens which I have seen were quite hard and green, whilst other fruit

from the same tree had reached complete perfection.

Family TINEIDÆ.

_Endrosis fenestrella_ (Plate XII., fig. 7, 7a larva, 7b pupa).

This common species may be observed in almost any house in New Zealand, and

is often mistaken for the dreaded "clothes moth" (_Tinea tapezella_), which

it somewhat resembles in general appearance. Its larva (Fig. 7a) is very

destructive, feeding on dried peas, amongst which it creates great havoc,

drilling numerous holes through them and spinning a large number together,

in the centre of which the caterpillar undergoes its change into a pupa

(Fig. 7b), from which the moth emerges in about a fortnight's time. This

insect should be destroyed whenever seen, as there is no doubt that much

loss will be caused by its ravages in the future. It also infests

bee-hives.

{97}Family TINEIDÆ.

_Oecophora scholæa_ (Plate XIII., fig. 6, 6a larva).

This dull-coloured insect is extremely abundant during the early summer.

The larva feeds on the roots of various plants, forming numerous white

silken galleries in the earth where it resides. In colour it is dark

chocolate-brown with a yellowish head and white markings. It is very large,

considering the size of the future moth, full-grown specimens often

measuring as much as 10½ lines in length. About the end of September these

caterpillars are transformed into pupæ, and the moths emerge in a month or

six weeks' time.

The perfect insect may be often disturbed amongst brushwood. It is very

sluggish on the wing and usually drops to the ground, where it is very

inconspicuous. It also has a habit of running into any crevice immediately

on the approach of an enemy. This peculiarity is shared by the other

members of the genus _Oecophora_, of which there are large numbers in New

Zealand.

Family TINEIDÆ.

_Semiocosma platyptera_ (Plate XII., fig. 8, 8a larva, 8b pupa).

This is one of the largest of the _Tineidæ_ found in New Zealand, measuring

fully fifteen lines across the expanded wings. Its larva (Fig. 8a) is

abundant under the bark of dead henau trees (_Eleocarpus dentatus_),

feeding on the soft inner surface, but leaving the hard wood untouched. In

colour it is pale yellow, the head and prothorax are dark brown and

corneous, and the remaining segments are provided with two horny warts,

from which numerous hairs arise; its legs are all very small, and the

caterpillar is considerably attenuated posteriorly; it is very active,

wriggling about with great violence when disturbed.

{98}The pupa (Fig. 8b) is enclosed in a compact cocoon, constructed of

minute fragments of wood, firmly woven together with silk, and attached to

the inner surface of the bark, where it may be soon found by careful

searching, and the finest specimens may thus be easily reared in captivity.

The perfect insect appears about November, and may be often observed at

rest on the trunks of trees; its pale hind-wings are completely concealed

by the dark upper pair, which render its discovery very difficult. The

sexes may be at once distinguished by their size, the males being much

smaller than the female (Fig. 8) and usually lighter in colour.

{99}CHAPTER VII

The Neuroptera.

The Order Neuroptera, as here considered, is a very limited one, consisting

only of the seven small families, which comprise the Lace-wings, Ant-lions,

Caddis-flies, and a few others. It forms a most convenient passage from the

insects undergoing a complete metamorphosis with a quiescent pupa, to those

which are active during the whole of their life, as the larvæ are widely

different from the adults, but the pupæ, although incapable of walking or

eating, approximate very closely in structure to the perfect insects. I

regret that my observations have been at present restricted to three

families only, _i.e._, the _Hemerobiidæ_, _Sialidæ_, and _Phryganidæ_,

which will consequently have to represent the entire series. I understand,

however, from Mr. A. S. Atkinson, that a species of _Myrmeleontidæ_

(Ant-lion) is not uncommon round Nelson, and doubtless future investigation

will reveal insects belonging to the other families.

Family PHRYGANIDÆ.

_Oxyethira albiceps_ (?) (McLach.) (Plate XIV., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).

This insect occurs in the neighbourhood of ponds and streams during the

summer. Its larva may be found {100}commonly in the green, slimy weed

floating in large masses on all stagnant waters. Being very small it is

rather difficult to detect, and is best procured by washing a small

quantity of the weed in a saucer of water, when the little insects will be

at once seen walking about at the bottom. On examination with the

microscope the case will first arrest attention, being of a most unique

structure. Its shape is best described as closely resembling that of a

minute pocket-flask, very much flattened at the lower end and almost

transparent. Its surface is slightly corrugated, and the neck of the flask

constructed of a much denser material than the body. It is open at both

ends, the posterior end being perforated by a long shallow slit, which

extends for nearly the whole width of the case, thus admitting a free

circulation of water round the larva, which is also able to turn round and

project its head and anterior segments through the lower aperture, thus

occupying the reverse position to that shown in the illustration (Fig. 3a).

It is, however, prevented from actually leaving the case by its abdomen,

which is too large to be withdrawn from either end. The head and thorax of

the larva are very horny in comparison with those portions permanently

retained in the case, the legs being constructed to fold up into the

smallest possible compass, a cavity existing in each joint for the

reception of the preceding one--a structure which is almost universal among

the caddis-worms. The two organs, situated on the posterior segments, are

doubtless respiratory in their function, a large air-tube taking its rise

from each and ramifying through the body in all directions. When alarmed

these insects retreat into their cases with lightning rapidity, remaining

concealed until the danger is passed. Their food probably consists of the

green weed, although they are perhaps carnivorous, feeding on the rotifers

and other animalculæ, which swarm in the water where they are found.

{101}With regard to the method employed by the young larva in constructing,

and subsequently enlarging, its case, I can give no positive information,

although it is undoubtedly made of a viscous fluid, secreted by the insect,

which hardens when exposed to the water; this secretion is no doubt

analogous to the silk of caterpillars, which always exists in the form of a

gummy fluid before being spun.

When about to change, the insect fixes its case down by four ligaments, two

at each end, the extremities of these being firmly fastened to a stone; it

then closes the small aperture, and constructs a curious arch-shaped

partition, of dense material, a short distance from the broad end (Fig.

3b). In about a week's time the larva is transformed into a pupa, having

the limbs, &c., free from the body but incapable of motion. The fixing down

of the case prior to the change may be easily performed from each of the

apertures, which are no doubt left open till the last for this purpose.

Before the final transformation the pupa breaks through the partition at

the broad end of the case and rises to the surface, the imago (Fig. 3)

ascending a blade of grass to dry and expand its wings. The little exuvia

of the pupa may be often noticed floating on the water, and the empty cases

are very conspicuous on the sides of a glass aquarium, where the insects

generally fix them down when in captivity.

Family HEMEROBIIDÆ.

_Stenosmylus incisus_ (Plate XIV., fig. 2).

This lovely insect is figured as an example of this family, being found

occasionally in the New Zealand forest, but is rather scarce as a rule. I

regret that nothing is at present known of its transformations.

{102}Family Sialidæ.

_Chauliodes diversus_ (Plate XIV., fig. 1, 1a larva, 1b pupa).

During still warm weather, from December till March, this large insect is

frequently observed flying lazily over water at dusk, when it may be

readily captured with the ordinary net. Its larva is aquatic, living under

stones in running streams, where it devours large quantities of Ephemeræ

and other insect larvæ, which are always abundant in those situations. It

is very ferocious and will bite violently when disturbed, being furnished

with a pair of powerful mandibles. The curious filaments on each side are

gills, and it will be noticed that they are situated exactly where the

spiracles of the perfect insect afterwards appear (see Fig. 1a).

This larva probably lives over a year, its growth proceeding very slowly,

but mature specimens are not infrequently met with quite as large as the

illustration. When full-grown it leaves the water and forms an oval cell in

the mud, usually under a large stone; its gills then gradually shrivel up,

and in ten days or a fortnight it is transformed into the curious pupa,

shown at Fig. 1b, from which the perfect insect proceeds in about six

weeks' time. The sexes of this species may be readily distinguished by

their size, the male being considerably smaller than the female (Fig. 1),

and possessing longer antennæ.

{103}CHAPTER VIII

The Orthoptera.

This Order, although including a comparatively small number of species,

comprises some of the largest and most conspicuous insects inhabiting New

Zealand, many of them reminding one of the denizens of the tropics in their

gigantic size and striking appearance. They may be conveniently divided

into the three following groups:--The _Aquatic group_, or those whose larvæ

inhabit the water, including the Dragonflies, Mayflies, and Perlidæ; the

_Terrestrial group_, including all the typical Orthoptera, Termites, and

Mallophaga; and the _Euplexoptera_, including the Earwigs. We start our

observations with the Aquatic group, as these exhibit the greatest affinity

with the Neuroptera.

AQUATIC Group.

Family LIBELLULIDÆ.[19]

_Uropetala carovei_ (Plate XV., fig. 1 [M], 1a larva.)

This magnificent insect occurs in all swampy situations during January and

February, when it may be seen dashing about with amazing rapidity intent on

catching {104}the various flies which constitute its food. Its curious

larva is represented at Fig. 1a, the drawing having been taken from a

singularly perfect exuvia, which I had the good fortune to discover,

clinging to the stem of a fuchsia-tree in a swamp, the rent through which

the perfect insect escaped having almost closed up. In this state it no

doubt feeds on various aquatic animals, which it procures with a prehensile

instrument similar in structure to the "mask" of British dragonfly larvæ,

but much larger.

The female of this species may be at once recognized by the absence of the

two peculiar leaf-like appendages at the anal extremity, from which the

insect takes its name. Her abdomen is also much stouter. My experience

leads me to believe either that she is very retired in her habits or else

that there are at least six males to one female.

Closely allied, and much commoner than the above insect, is _Cordulia

Smithii_, found almost everywhere, its rapid and continuous flight

frequently taking it many miles away from any water. The specimen figured

is a male (Plate XV., fig. 2), the female possessing a pair of slender

sickle-shaped hooks, attached to the end of her body. She may occasionally

be seen depositing her eggs in stagnant streams, the abdomen being

violently beaten against the surface of the water during the operation. I

have not yet met with the larva, which probably lives concealed in the mud.

One specimen, taken near Lake Wairarapa, is remarkable in possessing a

cloudy brown patch near the tip of each wing, but it is no doubt only a

variety of the ordinary insect.

Family LIBELLULIDÆ.

_Lestes colensonis_ (Plate XV., fig. 3, 3a larva).

Extremely abundant in all damp situations from September till May, being

one of the last insects to disappear in the autumn. The larva is found

under stones, &c., in {105}every stream, feeding on various aquatic insects

and crustaceans. When very young the wing-cases are scarcely discernible,

but gradually become more distinct at each moult, until the larva assumes

the form shown in the illustration (Fig. 3a), which is taken from a

specimen about a week before the emergence of the perfect insect. In all

these insects it would be much more convenient to regard the metamorphosis

as consisting of only two stages, viz., larva and imago, as there is really

no condition analogous to the quiescent pupa of other orders. The female is

rather stouter than the male, which is the sex figured, and her abdomen is

of a dull bronze colour, instead of metallic blue. The only other dragonfly

found in my neighbourhood (Wellington) is the pretty little _Telebasis

zealandica_ (Fig. 4), which occurs in similar situations to the last, but

is not quite so common. The male is of a brilliant red colour, the female

being bronzy green, but she may be readily distinguished from the same sex

in _Lestes colensonis_ by her smaller size. The larva of this species is

rather more attenuated than that of the previous insect, and is of course

considerably smaller.

Family EPHEMERIDÆ.

_Ephemera_, n.s., near _Coloburus_[20] (Plate XVI., fig. 4, 4a larva).

The well-known mayflies are very extensively represented in New Zealand,

hovering in swarms over running water during the summer evenings.

The larva of the present species (Fig. 4a) occurs abundantly under stones

in rapid streams. It may be immediately distinguished from its numerous

congeners by its large head and conspicuous black eyes. It is carnivorous,

{106}feeding on various small insects, chiefly those belonging to the

present family, but in lack of these it will even devour individuals of its

own species. It is consequently a most difficult insect to rear, and it was

a long time before I succeeded in obtaining a single imago in captivity.

When mature the insect leaves the water, and an apparently perfect imago

escapes through a rent in the thorax in the usual way. In a few hours,

however, a second moult occurs, the wings gaining additional size and

beauty, and the anal setæ becoming very much more elongated than before

(Fig. 4). This second change, which has so perplexed some entomologists, is

merely an _apparent_ departure from the general rule, a careful examination

of the exuviæ of the dragonflies, and pupa shells of many other insects,

revealing a delicate membrane within, which invests the imago, and is cast

off at the same time as the harder external envelope. In the case of the

mayflies, the retention of this internal membrane some two or three hours

longer than usual, will fully explain its apparently unique metamorphosis.

Family PERLIDÆ.

_Stenoperla prasina_ (Plate XVI., fig. 3, 3a larva).

This is the green gauzy-winged insect which we see flying feebly over

running water, during the twilight, throughout the summer.

Its larva (Fig. 3a) is aquatic, hiding itself under stones, and devouring

the unfortunate _Ephemeræ_ found in similar situations. Towards the end of

its career the rudimentary wings become very conspicuous, at which time it

is a most interesting object. The curious appendages on each side of the

abdomen are gills, which the larva is constantly vibrating, in order to

obtain a fresh supply of aërated water. When mature, it ascends the stem of

some aquatic plant, the skin becomes dry and brittle, and finally bursting,

allows the perfect insect to escape, {107}and in a few hours its wings are

sufficiently hardened for flight. Several other species occur in New

Zealand, one of the commonest being _Perla cyrene_, a black insect much

resembling _S. prasina_, but considerably smaller; its larva may be

occasionally found, and is at once known by its dark colour.

TERRESTRIAL Group.

Family PSOCIDÆ.

_Psocus zealandicus_, n.s. (Plate XVI., fig. 2, 2a larva).

During the hottest days in summer every one must have noticed numbers of

minute active insects assembled on garden fences in groups, ranging from

ten to fifty, immediately dispersing when disturbed. These are individuals

of _Psocus zealandicus_ (Fig. 2), a curious little species, closely allied

to the renowned "Book Tick" (_Atropos pulsatorium_), whose ravages in

museums and libraries need no description. Its larva (2a) may be found in

the same situations as the imago, and often assembles in similar groups.

Its food probably consists of rotten wood and other decaying vegetable

matter, and in its later stages it is provided with wing-cases, thus

differing from the Book Tick (_A. pulsatorium_), which remains apterous

during the whole of its life.

Family TERMITIDÆ.

_Stolotermes ruficeps_ (Plate XVI., fig. 1 [M], 1a [F], 1b "soldier," 1c

"worker").

The termites, or white ants, which occur in such great numbers in the

tropics, are represented in New Zealand by several small species, the

commonest in this neighbourhood being _Stolotermes ruficeps_.

This species inhabits rotten logs, excavating extensive burrows, resembling

in a very humble manner the {108}wonderfully elaborate nests constructed by

the African and other species, about which so much has been written, and so

much remains to be discovered. The present insect appears in the perfect

state during January and February. It is seldom noticed flying about, but

may be readily obtained by opening the nests, where a large number are

frequently seen huddled together in the main galleries. At this time the

community consists of three classes of individuals, viz., males, females,

and workers, which last are in all probability nothing more than the larvæ.

After pairing they shed their wings and return to the nest, the female

becoming very much distended with eggs. About March she commences to lay.

This is continued for several months, and during this time the female is

queen of the nest. She resides in a capacious chamber, from which numerous

galleries diverge in all directions, some extending as far as eighteen or

twenty inches, but the most populous portion of the nest is contained

within a radius of six inches from the queen's apartment. The "soldiers"

(Fig. 1b) now appear in considerable numbers. They are chiefly stationed in

the royal chamber, and furiously attack any intruders; but the workers

which stream in and out, carrying the eggs from the queen, they treat with

the greatest gentleness. I have never seen soldiers in a nest containing

winged insects, nor indeed later in the spring than October, when they seem

to have all disappeared. With regard to the nature of these individuals I

am unable to supply any positive information, but it appears probable that

they are abortive males, in the same way that the neuters of the bees and

ants are abortive females. As none of these insects have yet been reared,

many points of great interest remain to be discovered in connection with

their economy, and a rigid investigation of a number of nests kept in

captivity, is the only mode by which we can hope to become fully acquainted

with the habits of this interesting family.

{109}Family BLATTIDÆ.

_Periplaneta fortipes_ (Plate XVII., fig. 5).

Few people who cut up old wood remain unacquainted with this species for

very long, its insufferable odour immediately betraying its presence

independently of anything else. It is very common under the bark of rimu,

henau, and other large trees, where specimens may be found in all stages of

growth; the mature individuals only differing from the young in the matter

of size and the possession of rudimentary wing-cases. I have never found

the females of this species carrying their eggs, but have, on several

occasions, discovered the closely allied, but smaller, _Periplaneta

undulivitta_ thus engaged under stones on the hills round Nelson. This is a

much more agreeable insect to study than _P. fortipes_, not possessing the

disgusting odour so characteristic of the latter species.

The only winged _Blattidæ_ found round Wellington are _Blatta conjuncta_,

and _Periplaneta orientalis_. The former (Fig. 6), may be occasionally

noticed under the scaly bark of rimu and matai trees, but a sharp eye and

hand are needed to effect a capture, the insect running with marvellous

rapidity. The latter species I have not yet noticed, but as it is the

ordinary "cockroach" of Europe its habits have already been amply

described.

Family MANTIDÆ.

_Tenodera intermedia_ (Plate XVII., fig. 2).

A local species confined, I believe, to the South Island, and occurring in

some numbers round Nelson, where my specimens were obtained. It seldom

flies, but crawls stealthily about the trunks of trees, in the hottest

sunshine, capturing and destroying great quantities of insects, its green

colouring and leaf-like form rendering it very inconspicuous {110}to its

victims. The purple spots on the tibiæ of this insect are very noticeable,

and resemble small drums in structure, hence they are regarded by Mr. A. H.

Swinton ("Insect Variety," page 239), as the organs of hearing. These

curious drums may be also found in insects belonging to nearly all the

remaining families of the Orthoptera, but, as we find no auditory organs

occupying a similar situation in any other groups of insects, I think that

Mr. Swinton's explanation of their function must be regarded at present as

a somewhat doubtful one.[21]

Family PHASMIDÆ.

_Acanthoderus horridus_ (Plate XIX.).

The curious Stick Insects are familiar to most people from their remarkable

similarity to the twigs of trees.

The present species is one of the largest, the mature insect frequently

attaining a length of five inches. It is best taken at night, when it may

be readily discovered, feeding on the leaves of shrubs, and suddenly

becoming perfectly motionless when the lantern is turned upon it. The

favourite plant for this (and indeed most of the species) is the white

rata, upon which they are often seen in large numbers when the entomologist

is collecting Lepidoptera in autumn. One of the commonest species found in

this way is _Bacillus_ (_hookeri?_) chiefly remarkable for its great sexual

disparities, the male resembling a very slender stick about twenty-eight

lines long, while the female is nearly half as long again (thirty-eight

lines), and much more stoutly built. A more systematic investigation of

this family is needed before we can pretend to correctly determine the

various species, as there is little doubt that in other cases the sexes

will be found quite as divergent. In addition to this {111}the insects are

most variable in colour, and their completely apterous character rendering

the distinction between larva and imago a matter of considerable

difficulty, it is very probable that some of the smaller species may be

only immature specimens of the larger ones.

Stick insects are easily kept in captivity, and will not be found devoid of

interest. They are great eaters, and grow with considerable rapidity,

frequently casting their skin, a task of no easy accomplishment, which I

once had the pleasure of watching in the case of a specimen of

_Acanthoderus prasinus_ which I had under observation for several months.

The insect first suspends itself by its hind pair of legs, keeping the

others in the same position as when walking, the head is bent in, and the

antennæ are placed along the breast, the long abdomen hanging over

backwards. The skin then splits along the back of the thorax, and the head

and thorax are gradually pushed out. The front and middle legs are

immediately afterwards extracted, the long femora and tibiæ easily passing

the sharp angles in the exuvia, owing to their complete flexibility. When

these are finally clear, the insect reaches forwards with its fore-legs and

draws the abdomen and hind-legs out of the old skin, which remains attached

to the branch until dislodged by some accident.

During the spring months great quantities of little stick insects may be

noticed on the parasitic ferns covering the tree stems in the forest; they

are curious little animals, their antics when simulating inanimate twigs

being often most amusing, and if the reader wishes to investigate a

comparatively untouched branch of entomology he cannot do better than keep

a number of these until mature, when he will doubtless contribute much to

our scanty knowledge of this curious family.

{112}Family ACHETIDÆ.

_Acheta fuliginosa_ (Plate XVIII., fig. 1).

This destructive insect is not indigenous to New Zealand, having been

introduced from Australia into the Nelson district many years ago. Strange

to say it has never been seen in Wellington, where specimens must be

constantly landed amongst produce, &c., but appear to be unable to effect a

settlement, owing, probably, to some peculiarity of the climate which

renders the place unsuitable for them. The larvæ may be first observed

about December, when they are often seen hopping about the vegetation. They

are extremely obnoxious, devouring everything, and frequently entering

houses, where they consume provisions, clothes, and even boots. During the

summer of 1875 the farmers round Nelson were fairly eaten out by this

insect, the cattle absolutely starving for the want of food, but since that

time the pest seems to have gradually diminished, although it is still very

injurious to many garden plants.

The illustration (Fig. 1) is taken from a female, the male wanting the long

ovipositor. These insects appear in the imago state about March, and

continue in great abundance until the end of summer, the cold weather which

generally sets in about the beginning of May rapidly destroying them.

Family GRYLLIDÆ.

_Deinacrida megacephala_ (Plate XVIII., fig. 2 [M], XVII., fig. 8 [F]).

This conspicuous species is especially interesting, as it may be regarded

as the type of a very peculiar assemblage of apterous crickets,

pre-eminently characteristic of New Zealand. It is very abundant round

Wellington, and may be occasionally taken under logs, &c., but is best

procured {113}from the hollow stems of various trees, where it is found

inhabiting the deserted galleries of wood-boring species--frequently

enlarging them to suit its own requirements.

The plant most usually selected by these insects is the mahoe (_Melicytus

ramiflorus_), whose stems may be often seen pierced with large holes. Out

of these the insects emerge at night to feed on the leaves. To extract a

number of specimens, without injury, requires considerable care, and is

best performed with a small axe, which should be first used to cut in about

three-quarters through the trunk, just below one of the holes. Another

notch is then cut about a foot lower down, and the intermediate wood split

off in long pieces, until the tunnel is laid bare. On approaching an insect

the first thing seen are two red threads, which are the antennæ, laid back

as shown at Fig. 8. A deep notch is then cut into the trunk, some nine or

ten inches below this point, and the piece bodily wrenched off. If the

individual thus treated is a male he will cling firmly to the log,

elevating his hind-legs in the air and biting viciously at anything within

reach, but the females, in the majority of cases, endeavour to escape and

hide themselves under the leaves, &c., on the ground. Both sexes when

irritated emit a peculiar grating sound, which may be often heard at night

in the forest, and is produced by the friction of the femur against a small

file situated on each side of the second abdominal segment. They can also

leap a short distance, but not so far as many of the smaller species

(_Libanasa macropathus_, &c.). They are evidently strictly arboreal in

their habits, as they exhibit great skill in walking along branches, and

will climb up a thin stick with wonderful rapidity.

When in their burrows the posterior legs are extended behind the insect and

push, while the anterior and intermediate ones are thrust forwards, the

claws being firmly inserted, so as to enable the insect to pull itself

along. {114}Travelling along the burrow in this manner, they frequently

evade all efforts to extract them, until they are stopped by arriving at

the end of the gallery.

The sexes of this species are readily distinguishable, the male (Plate

XVIII., fig. 2) possessing an immense head furnished with a pair of

enormously powerful mandibles. The female (Plate XVII., fig. 8) is a more

attractive insect, her gracefully curved ovipositor and smaller head having

a much more pleasing appearance than the terribly menacing jaws of her

mate. Both sexes are able to give severe bites, but it is extremely

doubtful whether they would prove anything worse than slight mechanical

injuries, as the insect is not likely to be poisonous. I am, however,

unable to speak from experience.

Family GRYLLIDÆ.

_Xiphidium maoricum_ (Plate XVII., fig. 1).

This pretty insect may be found in great abundance round Nelson during the

autumn, but is rarer in the Wellington Province. Its presence may be at

once detected by the curious chirping heard in various directions shortly

before sunset and lasting till eight or nine o'clock in the evening. This

sound is produced with the wing-cases, which the male insects may be seen

vigorously rubbing together. The females are quite mute, and they may be

also distinguished by possessing a short curved ovipositor at the end of

the body. The peculiarly leaf-like shape of the insect and its bright green

colour render its discovery amongst the herbage a most difficult matter,

even when its whereabouts is indicated by its cry--in fact, were it not for

their music, there is little doubt that very few of these insects would

ever be captured, as they are practically invisible, and are an instance of

protective resemblance carried to great perfection.

When disturbed these crickets fly about twenty yards {115}and again settle

in a bush or amongst herbage, carefully avoiding alighting on the ground

where they would be readily visible. Their flight is somewhat feeble for

such large insects. Great care must be taken, when capturing specimens for

preservation, not to hold them by their powerful hind-legs, as they will

not infrequently cast one off while endeavouring to escape.

I have not yet noticed the larva of this species, but should imagine it

would closely resemble a wingless imago.

Family LOCUSTIDÆ.

_Caloptenus marginalis_ (Plate XVII., fig. 4).

This is the little grasshopper which rises before our footsteps in swarms

on a hot summer's day; it is one of the last insects to leave us in the

autumn, being frequently found in warm situations on fine days in the

middle of winter. Owing to its great abundance this species must inflict

considerable damage on the grass, as it has taken up its quarters like the

English grasshopper in the cultivated fields, where an unlimited supply of

food is always at hand. Formerly, no doubt, it was much less common round

Wellington than at present, owing to the few open spots then existing, none

of these grasshoppers being found in the forest.

The perfect insect may be recognized by the rudimentary wings which are

present on the thorax, thus causing it to closely resemble the larval form

of many of the winged species, and for which it might readily be mistaken

were its true character unknown.

Family LOCUSTIDÆ.

_Oedipoda cinerascens_ (Plate XVII., fig. 3).

This large and conspicuous insect occurs abundantly in all open situations

near Nelson, but is very rare in the {116}Wellington district, becoming,

however, again common further north.

When disturbed it leaps into the air, spreads its wings, and flies away

with great rapidity for thirty or forty yards, when it alights, and allows

its pursuer to get within a few yards of his prize before again making off.

This habit renders the capture of a good series of this insect a most

arduous matter. The sexes may be readily distinguished by their size, the

female being nearly twice as large as her mate.

This species is very variable in colour, some individuals being dark green

whilst others are of a uniform drab.

The food of this insect consists of various domestic grasses, but I do not

think it is at present sufficiently abundant to exercise any harmful

influence on agriculture. By some entomologists, however, it is regarded as

only a variety of the renowned migratory locust (_Locusta migratoria_), and

as such its advent in large numbers might be viewed with serious

apprehension.

It is also strange that although I have often seen large numbers of this

species in the perfect state I have never observed the larva. I can only

conjecture that the insect breeds in very secluded localities and then

migrates in search of fresh food supplies.

Group EUPLEXOPTERA.

Family FORFICULIDÆ.

_Forficesila littorea_ (Plate XVII., fig. 7).

Abundant on the sea beach throughout the year, where it may be readily

captured under stones and seaweed. It is a very bold insect, and when

disturbed will grasp a blade of grass, or other object, very firmly with

its powerful abdominal forceps, and allow itself to be lifted off the

ground and carried away rather than relinquish its hold.

{117}The food of this species probably consists of seaweed, although it is

possibly carnivorous, and feeds on the small insects and crustaceans, which

are numerous on the beach. Being permanently apterous, mature individuals

can only be recognized by their large size, and the perfect development of

their anal forceps. It is evidently erroneous to regard these as organs

exclusively employed in opening and shutting the wings, as we see that in

the present insect, which does not require them for that purpose, they are

larger than in many of the flying earwigs. They are probably chiefly used

to _intimidate_ intruders.

This species is strictly marine in its habits and is seldom found more than

a few yards above high-water-mark. The females may be often observed

hatching their eggs. For this purpose they excavate an oval chamber

underneath a log or large stone, and after carefully smoothing it within,

deposit the eggs at the bottom. These eggs are most faithfully guarded by

the mother, which boldly attacks all intruders, and will suffer herself to

be killed rather than leave the spot. She also remains with the young ones

for a considerable time after they are hatched, as we sometimes observe the

females accompanied by a number of larvæ of quite a large size.

{118}CHAPTER IX

The Hemiptera.

The present Order of insects, although of very limited extent, contains

several important species, of which the noisy Cicadas, destructive Aphides,

and numerous Bugs, and Lice, can be cited as familiar examples. The

Hemiptera may be conveniently divided into the two following groups:--

The _Homoptera_, comprising all the species in which the anterior wings

are entirely membranous, and--

The _Heteroptera_, including those having the basal portion of the

anterior wings thickened, and quite opaque.

These peculiarities have induced some entomologists, who regard the

structure of the wings of the greatest importance in classifying, to

arrange the insects included in the Homoptera and Heteroptera, into two

distinct Orders; but their uniform character in all other respects renders

this, I think, hardly desirable.

Group HOMOPTERA.

Family CICADIDÆ.

_Cicada cingulata_[22] (Plate XX., fig. 1, 1a pupa).

This beautiful insect may be found in great numbers {119}amongst brushwood

during the hot sunny days so common from January till March. Its larva

inhabits the earth earlier in the summer, and its curious pupa can often be

observed crawling up the stems of trees in order to allow the perfect

insect to emerge. After this has taken place the exuviæ still remain firmly

attached to the tree, and are very conspicuous objects; but if it is

desired to remove them great care must be taken not to break off the legs,

which are always very brittle.

The perfect insects are at once betrayed by their loud singing, which, in

certain localities, becomes quite deafening. This noise is entirely

confined to the males, and proceeds from two large drum-like organs,

situated on the under surface of the abdomen near its base, which, in

conjunction with the curious ovipositor existing in the females constitute

good sexual distinctions throughout the family. The structure of these two

organs having been admirably described by several European authors renders

it quite unnecessary for me to do so here.

Closely allied to the present insect is _Cicada muta_, the female of which

is depicted on Plate XX., fig. 2. The male is often of a reddish-brown

colour, but the insect is an extremely variable one. It is found in similar

situations to _C. cingulata_, but appears rather earlier in the year.

Family CICADIDÆ.

_Cicada iolanthe_, n.s. (Plate XX., fig. 3, 3a larva, 3b pupa).

This is the first species of Cicada to appear in the spring, and is found

during November and December. Its larva (Fig. 3a) is a curious little

animal, the two hind-legs being very long. I am at present unable to state

with certainty what constitutes its food, but am extremely doubtful whether

it consists of the juices imbibed from the roots of plants, as is generally

supposed. The anterior legs, although probably chiefly constructed for

digging, {120}appear to be also suited for raptorial purposes, which leads

me to believe that the insect may be carnivorous in its habits. The pupa

(Fig. 3b) does not materially differ from that of the last, except in size,

and its empty exuvia is also frequently found attached to the stems of

trees.

The perfect insect may be at once discovered by the peculiarly shrill note

emitted by the male.

Family APHIDÆ.

This family is extensively represented in New Zealand, but as I have not

yet been able to obtain any information respecting their specific identity

I am compelled to pass them by for the present, hoping that future

investigation will reveal much that is interesting in their habits, and

also help both gardener and agriculturist to protect himself from their

ravages.

Family COCCIDIDÆ.

_Coelostoma zealandicum_ (Plate XX., fig. 4 [M]).

This species is figured as a representative of this very curious family

chiefly on account of its great similarity to a Dipterous insect, the

rudimentary condition of its posterior wings being most perplexing to the

beginner. Its habits have been amply described by Mr. Maskell, in his work

on the Coccididæ of New Zealand, to which I consequently refer.

Group HETEROPTERA.

Family NOTONECTIDÆ.

_Corixa zealandica_, n.s. (Plate XX., fig. 5).

Abundant throughout the summer in all slow-running streams. The larva

closely resembles the imago except that it has no wings. Its food probably

consists of the juices of other insects. The present insect invariably

swims with {121}its back exposed, thus differing considerably from the

English Water-boatman (_Notonecta glauca_), whose keel-like back is kept

beneath the water, while the two long hind-legs are rapidly moved backwards

and forwards like oars.

Family SCUTELLERIDÆ.

_Cermatulus nasalis_ (Plate XX., fig. 6, 6a larva).

This insect may be beaten out of various trees during the summer, and is

usually taken in some abundance in February amongst white rata blossoms, on

which it may be often observed sucking the honey from the blossoms with its

long rostrum. Its larva, which is represented at Fig. 6a, is found in

similar situations.

This concludes the series of insects I have selected as representative of

the several orders in New Zealand. The brief sketch of entomology thus

given is of necessity extremely fragmentary, and many important groups and

families are entirely unrepresented. Should, however, this little book

induce some of its readers to investigate insects for themselves, I shall

feel that my efforts have been amply rewarded.

THE END.

{123}GENERAL INDEX.

PAGE

Abdomen, 4

Acanthoderus, 110

" horridus, 110

" prasinus, 111

Acroceridæ, 56

Acrocera, 56

" longirostris, 56

Achetidæ, 112

Acheta, 112

" fuliginosa, 112

Andrenidæ, 33

Antennæ, 2

Ants, 35

Ant-lions, 99

Anus, 4

Aphides destroyed by Syrphus, 57

Aphidæ, 120

Aphaniptera, 64

Aquatic insects, 22, 40, 100, 103

Argyrophenga, 65

" antipodum, 65

Asilidæ, 55

Asthena, 91

" schistaria, 91

" pulchraria, 92

Atta antarctica, 37

Attracting by light, 14

Atropos, 107

" pulsatorium, 107

Bacillus, 110

" hookeri, 110

Beating, 9

Bee parasites, 63

Bees, 33

Beetles, 19

Beetles under sacks, 9

" killing, 10

" pinning, 10

Bibio, 52

" nigrostigma, 52

Blattidæ, 109

Blatta, 109

" conjuncta, 109

"Bloodworm", 43

Blossoms, 13

Blue butterfly, 69

"Blue-bottles", 60

Bolitophila, 49

" luminosa, 49

Bombycidæ, 73

Bombylidæ, 54

Book tick, 107

Boxes, 10

Brachelytra, 25

Brachocera, 54

Breathing organs, 4

Butterflies, 65

" setting, 12

" rearing, 15

Cacoecia, 95

" excessana, 95

Calliphora, 60

" quadrimaculata, 60

Camphor, 17

Catocala, 83

Caloptenus, 115

" marginalis, 115

Caterpillar cages, 15

Carabidæ, 21

Carbolic acid, 17

Case-bearing larvæ, 74

Casting skin, 111

Ceratopogon, 45

" antipodum, 45

Cermatulus, 121

" nasalis, 121

Chætosoma, 24

" scaritides, 24

Chalastra, 84

" pelurgata, 84

Chalcididæ, 37

Chauliodes, 102

" diversus, 102

Chironomus, 43

" zealandicus, 43

" plumosus, 43

Chrysophanus, 68

" salustius, 68

" boldenarum, 68

" feredayi, 68

" enysii, 68

Cicadidæ, 118

Cicada, 118

" cingulata, 118

" muta, 119

" iolanthe, 119

Cicindela, 19

" tuberculata, 19

" parryi, 20

Cicindelidæ, 19

Clavicornia, 23

Cloniophora, 50

" subfasciata, 50

Clothes moth, 96

Click beetles, 29

Cockchaffer, 27

Cockroaches, 109

Coccididæ, 120

Coelopa, 63

" littoralis, 63

Coelostoma, 120

" zealandicum, 120

Coleoptera, 5, 19

" rearing, 15

" collecting, 9

Collecting insects, 9

" at night, 13

Collection, 17

Collectional journal, 18

Coloburus, 105

Colon, 4

Colymbetes, 22

" rufimanus, 22

Comptosia, 54

" bicolor, 54

" virida, 55

Copper butterflies, 68

Cordulia, 104

" smithii, 104

Corethra, 43

" antarctica, 43

Corixa, 120

" zealandica, 120

Compound eyes, 2

Coxa, 3

Crambus, 93

" flexuosellus, 93

" tahulalis, 93

Crickets, 112

Crop, 4

Ctenopseustis, 96

" obliquana, 96

Culex, 40

" argyropus, 42

" iracundus, 40

Culicidæ, 40

Curculionidæ, 31

Cylindria, 62

" sigma, 62

Danais, 65

" plexippus, 65

Dasycolletes, 33

" hirtipes, 33

" purpureus, 34

Declana, 83

" floccosa, 83

" floccosa _v._ junctilinea 84

Deinacrida, 112

" megacephala, 112

Diadema, 65

" nerina, 65

Digestive system, 4

Diptera, 6, 40

Dorcus, 26

" punctulatus, 26

" reticulatus, 26

Dorsal vessel, 4

Dragon-flies, 103

Dryocora, 24

" howittii, 24

Dyticidæ, 22

Earwigs, 116

Eggs of insects, 5

Elateridæ, 28

Elytra, 5

Endrosis, 96

" fenestrella, 96

Engidæ, 24

Entomologist in winter, 10

Entomological pins, 13

Ephemeridæ, 105

Ephemera, 105

Epuræa, 23

" zealandica, 23

Eristalis, 57

" cingulatus, 57

Erana, 78

" graminosa, 78

Erebia pluto and butleri, 66

Euplexoptera, 116

Eurigaster, 60

" marginatus, 60

Exaireta, 56

" spiniger, 56

External organs, 2

Eyes, 2

Family, 8

Femur, 3

Flea, 64

Forficulidæ, 116

Forficesila, 116

" littorea, 116

Formicidæ, 35

Formica, 35

" zealandica, 35

Ganglia, 4

Genus, 8

Geodephaga, 19

Geometridæ, 83

Geometer, 83

Gerris, 43

Glow-worm, 49

Gilt pins, 13

Gizzard, 4

Grasshopper, 115

Gryllidæ, 112

Head, 2

Heart, 4

Heliothis, 81

" armigera, 81

Helophilus, 58

" trilineatus, 58

" ineptus, 59

" hochstetteri, 59

Hemerobiidæ, 101

Hemiptera, 8, 118

Hepialus, 70

" virescens, 70

Hepialidæ, 69

Heterocera, 69

Heteromera, 29

Heteroptera, 118

Homoptera, 118

Host, 38

Hydradephaga, 22

Hydriomena, 91

" deltoidata, 91

Hymenoptera, 6, 33

Ichneumon, 38

" deceptus, 38

" sollicitorius, 38

Ichneumonidæ, 38

Ilium, 4

Imago, 4

Internal organs, 4

Insect, definition of, 1

Isonomeutis, 94

" amauropa, 94

Jaws, 2

Journal, 18

Killing insects, 10, 12

" bottle, 12

Labelling insects, 18

Labial palpi, 2

Labium, 2

Labrum, 2

Lace-wings, 101

Lamellicornes, 26

Larva, 4

Lasiorhynchus, 32

" barbicornis, 32

Laurel bottle, 12

Lepidoptera, 6, 65

Lestes colensonis, 104

Leucania, 78

" atristriga, 78

" nullifera, 77

Libanasa macropathus, 113

Libellulidæ, 103

Light, insects at, 14

Locusta, 116

" migratoria (?), 116

Locustidæ, 115

Longicornia, 30

Lower lip, 2

Lucanidæ, 26

Luminous larva, 49

Lycænidæ, 68

Lycæna, 69

" phoebe, 69

Mamestra, 79

" composita, 80

" mutans, 79

" ustistriga, 81

Mandibles, 2

Mantidæ, 109

Maxillae, 2

Mayflies, 105

Melampsalta, 118

Melolonthidæ, 26

Melolontha, 27

" vulgaris, 27

Mesothorax, 2

Mesonotum, 2

Mesosternum, 2

Metamorphosis, 4

Metablax, 29

" acutipennis, 29

Metathorax, 2

Migrations of ants, 37

Miltogramma, 59

" mestor?, 59

Mosquito, 40

Moths, 69

" setting, 12

Musca, 61

" cæsar, 61

" domestica, 61

Muscidæ, 59

Mycetophila, 46

" antarctica, 46

Myrmeleontidæ, 99

Nemocera, 40

Nemorea, 59

" nyctemerianus, 59

Nervous system, 4

Net, 11

Neuroptera, 7, 99

Nitidulidæ, 23

Noctuidæ, 77

Notonectidæ, 120

Notonecta, 121

" glauca, 121

Nyctemera, 73

" annulata, 73

Nymphalidæ, 65

Oeceticus, 74

" omnivorus, 74

Oecophora, 97

" scholæa, 97

Oedipoda, 115

" cinerascens, 115

Oestridæ, 63

Oestrus, 63

" perplexus, 63

Ochrocydus, 31

" huttoni, 31

Orders, 5

Oreda, 31

" notata, 31

Orthoptera, 7, 103

Ovipositor, 38

Oxyethira, 99

" albiceps, 99

Painted Lady Butterfly, 67

Palpi, 2

Parasites, 59

Periplaneta, 109

" fortipes, 109

" orientalis, 109

" undulivitta, 109

Perla, 107

" cyrene, 107

Perlidæ, 106

Phasmidæ, 110

Philonthus, 25

" oeneus, 25

Phora, 62

" omnivora, 62

Phryganidæ, 99

Pinning insects, 12

Pins, 13

Plant-lice, 118

Ploseria, 85

" alectoraria, 86

" hemipteraria, 85

Plusia, 82

" eriosoma, 82

" gamma, 83

Pompilus, 34

" fugax, 34

" " and spider, 35

Porina, 69

" signata, 69

" cervinata, 69

" umbraculata, 69

Ponera, 36

" castanea, 36

Prionidæ, 30

Prionus, 30

" reticularis, 30

Pronotum, 2

Prothorax, 2

Prosternum, 2

Proventriculus, 4

Psepholax, 31

" coronatus, 31

Psocidæ, 107

Psocus, 107

" zealandicus, 107

Psychidæ, 74

Psychoda, 46

" conspicillata, 46

Pteromalus, 37

Pterostichus, 21

" opulentus, 21

Pulicina, 64

Pupa, 4

Pupipara, 64

Pyralidæ, 92

Pyrameis, 66

Pyronota, 28

" festiva, 28

Queens, 34

Rearing Insects, 15

Rhopalocera, 65

Rhyncophora, 31

Rhyphus, 51

" neozealandicus, 51

Sandfly, 53

Sarcophaga, 61

" læmica, 61

Sarapogon, 55

" viduus, 55

Scutelleridæ, 121

Scolobates, 39

" varipes, 39

Scoparia, 92

" hemiplaca, 92

" sabulosella, 93

Selidosema, 87

" dejectaria, 87

" panagrata, 89

" productata, 90

Sestra, 87

" humeraria, 87

Setting boards, 12

" insects, 12

Semiocosma, 97

" platyptera, 97

Sialidæ, 102

Siculidæ, 94

Siculodes, 94

" subfasciata, 94

Simple eyes, 2

Simulia, 53

" australiensis, 53

Skipjack beetles, 29

Social bees, 34

Soldiers, 108

Sphegidæ, 34

Sphinx, 69

" convolvuli, 69

Sphingidæ, 69

Staphylinus, 25

" oculatus, 25

Stenoperla, 106

" prasina, 106

Stenosmylus, 101

" incisus, 101

Stick insects, 110

Sternoxi, 28

Stethaspis, 26

" suturalis, 26

Stolotermes, 107

" ruficeps, 107

Stomach, 4

" sucking, 4

Stuffing insects, 15

Stratiomidæ, 56

Sugaring, 13

Syrphidæ, 56

Syrphus, 56

" ortas, 56

Tabanus, 54

" impar, 54

Tatosoma, 91

" agrionata, 91

Tarsus, 3

Telebasis, 105

" zealandica, 105

Tenebrionidæ, 29

Tenodera, 109

" intermedia, 109

Termitidæ, 107

Thoramus, 28

" wakefieldi, 28

" perblandus, 29

Thorax, 2

Throat, 4

Tinea, 96

" tapezella, 96

Tineidæ, 96

Tipula, 47

" holochlora, 47

" fumipennis, 48

Tipulidæ, 43

Tortricidæ, 94

Trap-door, 71

Trochanter, 3

Uloma tenebrionides, 29

Umbrella, 9

Uropetala carovei, 103

Vanessa cardui, 67

" gonerilla, 66

" itea, 67

Vegetable caterpillar, 73

Ventriculus, 4

Weevils, 32

White rata, 13

Wings, 4

Wireworm, 30

Wood destroyers, 30

Workers, 108

Xantholinus, 26

Xiphidium maoricum, 114

{129}EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

_NOTE.--In all the Plates and references thereto the sign_ [M] _indicates

that the specimen figured belongs to the male sex,_ [F] _to the female sex,

and_ [N] _to the neuter sex._

_In the case of enlarged figures the insect's natural size is indicated by

a line._

PLATE I.

COLEOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Cicindela tuberculata.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 2.--Chætosoma scaritides.

" 3.--Pterostichus opulentus.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Colymbetes rufimanus.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 5.--Staphylinus oculatus.

" 6.--Dryocora howittii.

" 6a.--Larva.

" 7.--Dorcus punctulatus.

" 8.--Stethaspis suturalis.

" 8a.--Larva.

[Illustration]

PLATE II.

COLEOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Thoramus wakefieldi.

" 1a.--Pupa.

" 1b.--Larva.

" 2.--Uloma tenebrionides.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 2b.--Pupa.

" 3.--Prionus reticularis.

" 3a.--Pupa.

" 3b.--Larva.

" 4.--Oreda notata.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 5.--Psepholax coronatus [F].

" 5a.-- " " [M].

[Illustration]

PLATE III.

HYMENOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Dasycolletes hirtipes. (?)

" 2.--Pompilus fugax.

" 3.--Formica zealandica [M].

" 3a.-- " " [F].

" 3b.-- " " [N].

" 3c.--Cocoon.

" 4.--Ponera castanea [M].

" 4a.-- " " [N].

" 4b.--Larva.

" 5.--Atta antarctica [M].

" 5a.-- " " [F].

" 5b.--Larva.

" 6.--Ichneumon sollicitorius.

" 7.-- " deceptus.

" 8.--Scolobates varipes.

" 9.--Pteromalus (?), n.s.

" 10.--Dasycolletes purpureus.

[Illustration]

PLATE IV.

DIPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Culex iracundus [F].

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 2.--Chironomus zealandicus, n.s.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 2b.--Pupa.

" 3.--Corethra antarctica, n.s.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Pupa.

" 4.--Ceratopogon antipodum, n.s.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 4b.--Pupa.

" 5.--Mycetophila antarctica, n.s.

" 5a.--Larva.

" 5b.--Pupa.

" 6.--Psychoda conspicillata.

[Illustration]

PLATE V.

DIPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Tipula holochlora.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 2.--Tipula fumipennis, n.s.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 2b.--Pupa.

" 3.--Cloniophora subfasciata.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Rhyphus neozealandicus.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 4b.--Pupa.

" 5.--Bibio nigrostigma [M].

" 5a.--Larva.

" 5b.--Pupa.

[Illustration]

PLATE VI.

DIPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Simulia australiensis.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 2.--Comptosia bicolor.

" 3.--Comptosia virida, n.s.

" 3b.--Pupa.

" 4.--Sarapogon viduus.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 4b.--Pupa.

" 5.--Exaireta spiniger.

" 6.--Tabanus impar.

[Illustration]

PLATE VII.

DIPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Helophilus trilineatus.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 2.--Eristalis cingulatus.

" 3.--Syrphus ortas.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Pupa.

" 4.--Acrocera longirostris, n.s.

" 5.--Miltogramma mestor?

" 6.--Nemorea nyctemerianus, n.s.

" 7.--Eurigaster marginatus.

" 9.--Calliphora quadrimaculata.

" 10.--Sarcophaga læmica.

" 12.--Oestrus perplexus, n.s.

" 13.--Coelopa littoralis.

" 14.--Cylindria sigma.

" 15.--Phora omnivora, n.s.

" 15a.--Pupa.

[Illustration]

PLATE VIII.

LEPIDOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Argyrophenga antipodum.

" 1a.--Northern form of same insect.

" 2.--Vanessa gonerilla.

" 2a.--Underside.

" 2b, 2c.--Larvæ.

" 2d, 2e.--Pupæ.

" 3.--Chrysophanus salustius [M].

" 3a.-- " " [F].

" 3b.--Young larva (magnified).

[Illustration]

PLATE IX.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Hepialus virescens [M].

" 1a.-- " " [F].

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 1c.--Larva.

" 2.--Porina signata.

" 3.--Nyctemera annulata [M].

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Pupa.

[Illustration]

PLATE X.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Oeceticus omnivorus [M].

" 1a.-- " " [F].

" 1b.--Larva.

" 1c.--Male pupa.

" 2.--Leucania atristriga [M].

" 3.--Mamestra composita [M].

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Heliothis armigera [M].

" 4a.--Larva.

" 5.--Erana graminosa [M].

" 5a.--Larva.

" 6.--Mamestra ustistriga, [M].

" 7.-- " mutans [M].

" 7a.--Larva.

" 7b.--Pupa.

" 8.--Plusia eriosoma [F].

" 8a.--Larva.

[Illustration]

PLATE XI.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Declana floccosa [M].

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Declana floccosa, _var._ junctilinea [M].

" 2.--Chalastra pelurgata [M].

" 2a.-- " " [F].

" 2b.--Larva.

" 3.--Ploseria hemipteraria.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Ploseria alectoraria.

(Larva at Plate XIII. fig. 7.)

" 5.--Sestra humeraria.

" 5a.--Larva.

" 6.--Sestra humeraria, _var._ (?)

" 7.--Selidosema panagrata [M].

" 7a.-- " " [F].

" 7b.--Larva.

" 8.--Selidosema dejectaria [M].

" 8a.-- " " [F].

" 8b.--Larva.

[Illustration]

PLATE XII.

LEPIDOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Selidosema productata [M].

" 1a.-- " " [F].

" 1b.--Larva.

" 2.--Asthena schistaria.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 3.--Siculodes subfasciata.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Section of stem showing enclosed pupa and

aperture (*) through which moth escapes.

" 4.--Scoparia hemiplaca.

" 5.--Crambus flexuosellus.

" 6.--Ctenopseustis obliquana.

" 7.--Endrosis fenestrella.

" 7a.--Larva.

" 7b.--Pupa.

" 8.--Semiocosma platyptera.

" 8a.--Larva.

" 8b.--Pupa.

[Illustration]

PLATE XIII.

LEPIDOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Hydriomena deltoidata.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 2.--Isonomeutis amauropa.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 3.--Leucania nullifera.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Scoparia sabulosella.

" 4a.--Larva.

" 5.--Cacoecia excessana.

" 5a.--Larva.

" 6.--Oecophora scholæa.

" 6a.--Larva.

" 7.--Larva of Ploseria alectoraria.

(For imago see Plate XI. Fig. 4.)

[Illustration]

PLATE XIV.

NEUROPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Chauliodes diversus.

" 1a.--Larva.

" 1b.--Pupa.

" 2.--Stenosmylus incisus.

" 3.--Oxyethira albiceps. (?)

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Pupa.

[Illustration]

PLATE XV.

ORTHOPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Uropetala carovei [M].

" 1a.--Larva.

" 2.--Cordulia Smithii [M].

" 3.--Lestes Colensonis [M].

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Telebasis zealandica

[Illustration]

PLATE XVI.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Stolotermes ruficeps [M].

" 1a.--Female.

" 1b.--Soldier.

" 1c.--Worker.

" 2.--Psocus zealandicus, n.s.

" 2a.--Larva.

" 3.--Stenoperla prasina.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 4.--Ephemera, n.s. (near Coloburus).

" 4a.--Larva.

[Illustration]

PLATE XVII.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Xiphidium maoricum [M].

" 2.--Tenodera intermedia.

" 3.--Oedipoda cinerascens.

" 4.--Caloptenus marginalis.

" 5.--Periplaneta fortipes.

" 6.--Blatta conjuncta.

" 7.--Forficesila littorea.

" 8.--Deinacrida megacephala [F].

[Illustration]

PLATE XVIII.

ORTHOPTERA (_continued_).

Fig. 1.--Acheta fuliginosa [F].

" 2.--Deinacrida megacephala [M].

[Illustration]

PLATE XIX.

ORTHOPTERA (_concluded_).

Fig. 1.--Acanthoderus horridus.

[Illustration]

PLATE XX.

HEMIPTERA.

Fig. 1.--Cicada cingulata [F].

" 1a.--Pupa.

" 2.--Cicada muta [F].

" 3.-- " iolanthe, n.s.

" 3a.--Larva.

" 3b.--Pupa.

" 4.--Coelostoma zealandicum [M].

" 5.--Corixa zealandica.

" 6.--Cermatulus nasalis.

" 6a.--Larva.

[Illustration]

Notes.

[1] For Lepidoptera I can strongly recommend "Jahncke's Patent Round

Boxes" with glass lids. They may be obtained from any chemist, or from

Messrs. Sharland & Co., Wholesale Druggists, Wellington.

[2] Metrosideros scandens.

[3] Hyperparasite is an animal parasitic in a parasite.

[4] "Host" is a term applied to any animal harbouring a parasite.

[5] Ovipositor, a boring instrument employed in depositing the eggs.

[6] A genus of Hemipterous insects commonly seen skipping over ponds in

England.

[7] "n.s." is the accepted abbreviation for new species.

[8] Thread-like.

[9] For an extended account of these observations see "Transactions of the

New Zealand Institute," vol. xxiii. (1890).

[10] Metrosideros scandens.

[11] Or lay eggs.

[12] Scutellum: A horny plate situated on the mesonotum, usually somewhat

triangular in form.

[13] For life-history of this insect see page 73.

[14] Mamestra composita, M. mutans, M. ustistriga, Erana graminosa, &c.

[15] This genus, as represented in New Zealand, is often called Pyrameis.

[16] For a more detailed account of the metamorphosis of this insect see

_The Entomologist_, vol. xviii. p. 30.

[17] For accounts of parasites and hyperparasites of this insect see pages

60 and 37, also _The Entomologist_, vol. xviii. p. 153.

[18] On one occasion I enclosed a full-grown caterpillar of this insect in

a pot of earth with a recently formed Noctua pupa, whose internal

portions it immediately devoured, employing the empty shell of the

unfortunate chrysalis as a cocoon. It is impossible to say whether

this horrible proceeding often occurs in a state of nature.

[19] The _Libellulidæ_, _Ephemeridæ_, _Perlidæ_, _Psocidæ_, and _Termitidæ_

are usually included in the _Neuroptera_.

[20] One mutilated [F] specimen of this insect was sent to Mr. McLachlan,

but was too imperfect to describe from.

[21] For account of the earlier stages of this, or a closely allied insect,

see "Transactions of New Zealand Institute," vol. xvi. p. 114.

[22] This genus is frequently called Melampsalta.

* * * * *

Corrections made to printed text

P. 110: 'similar situation' corrected from 'similiar ...'.

P. 114: 'to speak from experience' corrected from 'to tpeak ...'.

Index: 'Chætosoma scaritides' corrected from '... scaratides'.

Footnote [19]: 'Neuroptera' corrected from 'Neuropteria'.