LEUCANIA NULLIFERA, Walk.
(_Agrotis nullifera_, Walk., Noct. 742; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 5.
_Alysia specifica_, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 3. _Leucania nullifera_, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7.)
(Plate IV., fig. 9; head, Plate II., fig. 11.)
This large though sombre-looking insect has occurred in the North Island at
Taupo and Wellington. In the South Island it has been taken commonly at
Mount Arthur, Christchurch, and Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is from 2½ to 2¾ inches. _The fore-wings are
uniform dull grey_, with a double row of very faint white spots parallel
to the termen; _the hind-wings, head, thorax, and abdomen are pale grey_.
{10}In some specimens the fore-wings are quite destitute of markings,
whilst in others the ground colouring varies considerably, and is
occasionally dull brown instead of grey.
The larva is very stout, bright yellowish-brown, considerably paler on
the under surface; the dorsal line is faintly indicated, the subdorsal
and lateral lines are dull brown, with a chain of elongate white spots
beneath each; the spiracles and dorsal surface of the posterior segments
are black; there are also numerous white dots all over the larva.
This caterpillar feeds on spear-grass (_Aciphylla squarrosa_), and only a
single individual inhabits each clump. It devours the soft, central
portions of the tussock, and its presence can generally be detected by a
quantity of pale brown "frass," or discoloration, which is generally
visible near the bases of the leaves. Owing to the formidable array of
spines presented by the spear-grass, this larva can have but few enemies.
The presence of these spines makes the insect a difficult one to obtain
without special apparatus. A sharp pair of strong scissors, however, will
enable the collector to cut off a sufficient number of the "spears" to
allow of the insertion of a small trowel or hatchet under the root. The
plant can then be lifted out of the ground, and the larva afterwards
carefully extracted from its burrow in the stem. These larvæ are full grown
about the end of May, which is consequently the best time to obtain them
for rearing. The pupa is enclosed in an earthen cell amongst the roots of
the spear-grass. The moth appears in November, December, January, February,
and March. It is sometimes attracted by light. I have found it commonly on
the Tableland of Mount Arthur at elevations of from 3,500 to 4,000 feet
above the sea-level, where its food-plant also flourishes.
LEUCANIA PURDII, Frdy.
(_Leucania purdii_, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 195; Meyr., ib. xix. 8.)
(Plate IV., fig. 11.)
This fine species was discovered at Dunedin by Mr. Purdie. A single
specimen has also been taken at Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is from 2¼ to 2½ inches. _The fore-wings are
brownish-crimson; there are two broad, shaded, yellow, longitudinal
streaks above and below the middle_; the costa is margined with yellow
near the base, and the dorsum is yellow throughout its entire length; the
cilia are deep orange. The hind-wings are dark grey, and the cilia
yellow.
The perfect insect appears in December.
Described and figured from specimens in the collections of Messrs. Fereday
and Hawthorne.
LEUCANIA ATRISTRIGA, Walk.
(_Xylina atristriga_, Walk., Suppl. 756. _Mamestra antipoda_, Feld., Reis.
Nov., pl. cix. 23. _Leucania atristriga_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix.
8.)
(Plate IV., fig. 12.)
This smart-looking species is very common in the North Island in the
neighbourhood of Wellington. In the South Island it has occurred abundantly
at Nelson, Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, and Dunedin.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are rich
reddish-brown; _there is a broad bluish-grey longitudinal streak on the
costa, reaching nearly to the apex, and a very broad, pale brown,
longitudinal shading on the dorsum; there is a conspicuous longitudinal
black stripe in the middle of the wing from the base to one-third, the
orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are bluish-grey, edged with
black_, the transverse lines are very indistinct; the cilia are
reddish-brown. The hind-wings are dark grey with the cilia ochreous.
{11}This species varies slightly in the intensity of its markings and in
the extent of the pale dorsal area.
The moth first appears about January and continues in great abundance until
the middle or end of April, being one of the last of our _Leucanias_ to
disappear in the autumn. It is extremely partial to the flowers of the
white rata (_Metrosideros scandens_), where, on warm, still evenings, it
may be often met with in the utmost profusion. It also comes freely to
sugar, and is frequently attracted by light.
LEUCANIA PROPRIA, Walk.
(_Leucania propria_, Walk., Noct. iii.; Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 2; Butl.,
Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 4; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 9.)
(Plate IV., fig. 13.)
This insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Blenheim, and
Mount Hutt.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale
ochreous; _there is a conspicuous longitudinal black streak in the middle
of the wing, extending from the base to about one-third, and a broad,
dark brown longitudinal shading, slightly above the middle, from
one-fourth to the termen_; the reniform is rather small, dull grey,
faintly edged with darker, the orbicular and claviform are very
indistinct or absent; there is a transverse series of black dots on the
veins a little before the termen, and another series on the termen; the
cilia are ochreous banded with brown. The hind-wings are pale grey, with
a terminal series of small black marks; the cilia are ochreous. The head
and thorax are pale reddish-brown, and the abdomen is ochreous.
This species varies slightly in the depth of its colouring.
The perfect insect is met with from January till March. On the Mount Arthur
Tableland it occurred very commonly at about 3,800 feet above the
sea-level. In this locality it was freely attracted by light, and large
numbers of specimens were captured by the aid of a single candle, exhibited
at the tent door during mild evenings.
LEUCANIA ACONTISTIS, Meyr.
(_Leucania acontistis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 9.)
(Plate IV., fig. 14.)
A single specimen of this species was captured at Castle Hill by Mr. J. D.
Enys, and is now in Mr. Fereday's collection.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are dull
ochreous; the veins are slightly darker; there is a fine, black,
doubly-curved, longitudinal streak from the base to about one-third._ The
hind-wings are pale yellowish-grey. The cilia of all the wings are dull
ochreous.
Described and figured from the specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
LEUCANIA PHAULA, Meyr.
(_Leucania phaula_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)
(Plate IV., fig. 15.)
Two specimens of this insect, "bred from tussock grass," were found at
Christchurch.[11]
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dull
ochreous, with the veins obscurely indicated by black and white dots;
there is a curved series of minute black dots near the termen. The
hind-wings are pale ochreous, clouded with grey towards the termen. The
cilia of all the wings are dull ochreous. This insect may be
distinguished from _Leucania unica_ by its larger size, duller
coloration, less oblique termen of fore-wings, and simple antennæ in the
male.
The perfect insect appears in November.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
{12}LEUCANIA ALOPA, Meyr.
(_Leucania alopa_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)
(Plate IV., fig. 16.)
This species has occurred at Lake Coleridge and at Lake Guyon.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are dull
orange-brown_; there are three obscure black dots at about one-third;
_the reniform is represented by a rather conspicuous cloudy spot_; there
is a curved series of black dots near the termen. The hind-wings are
grey, paler towards the base. The cilia of all the wings are dull
orange-brown.
The moth appears in March.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
LEUCANIA MICRASTRA, Meyr.
(_Leucania micrastra_, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 383.)
(Plate IV., fig. 10.)
Three specimens of this insect have occurred in my garden at Karori.
The expansion of the wings is 1-5/8 inches. The fore-wings are _bright
orange-brown_; there are several white scales near the base, two
black-edged white dots at about one-third, _a small black spot with a
shining white dot on each side of it at the origin of veins 3 and 4_, and
a series of black and white dots on all the veins near the termen; the
cilia are orange-brown _tipped with white_. The hind-wings are pale
ochreous-brown. The cilia are ochreous broadly _tipped with white_.
This species somewhat resembles _Leucania alopa_ in general appearance, but
the wings are narrower and the colour of the fore-wings is considerably
brighter.
The moth appears in December.
LEUCANIA UNICA, Walk.
(_Leucania unica_, Walk., Noct. 112; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 9.
_Nonagria juncicolor_, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 2. _Leucania unica_, Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.)
(Plate IV., fig. 17.)
This insect has been taken at Blenheim and at Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are dull
ochreous with the veins darker; there are one or two obscure blackish
dots at about one-third from the base, and several faint dots near the
termen. Hind-wings paler with very pale cilia; _the antennæ in the male
are moderately bipectinated_.
The moth appears in November.
Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens.
LEUCANIA AROTIS, Meyr.
(_Leucania arotis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11. _Leucania
aulacias_,[12] Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11.)
(Plate IV., fig. 18.)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island. In the South
Island it has been found at Blenheim, Christchurch, and Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are
cream-colour with the veins finely marked in grey; there is a series of
streaks of darker cream-colour between the veins_, and a row of minute
black dots near the termen; the cilia are cream-colour. The hind-wings
are dark grey with the cilia white.
The perfect insect appears in November and December. It is rather a scarce
species.
{13}LEUCANIA SULCANA, Fereday.
(_Leucania sulcana_, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 267, pl. ix.; Meyr.,
Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11.)
(Plate IV., fig. 19 [M], 20 [F].)
This species has occurred at Akaroa and at Dunedin.
The expansion of the wings is from 1½ to 1¾ inches. _The fore-wings are
light ochreous with the veins white_; there is a shaded, brownish,
longitudinal streak near the apex, another from the end of the cell to
the termen, a stronger streak from the base of the wing to near the
tornus, and another along the dorsum; there is a minute black dot near
the base above the middle, a slightly larger dot at about one-third, a
conspicuous dot between the origins of veins 3 and 4, and a very minute
dot on vein 6. _Hind-wings dark blackish-grey, cilia paler._
The perfect insect appears in February, and has been taken at sugar.
Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.
LEUCANIA SEMIVITTATA, Walk.
(_Leucania semivittata_, Walk., Suppl. 628; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix.
12.)
(Plate IV., fig. 21 [M], 22 [F].)
This species has occurred commonly at Christchurch, Mount Torlesse, and
Dunedin.
The expansion of the wings is from 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings
are pale ochreous; there is a very obscure, shaded, brownish,
longitudinal streak below the middle, _a conspicuous black dot at the
base, a second at about one-sixth, a third at one-third_, a fourth
between the origins of veins 3 and 4, a curved series of minute terminal
dots. Hind-wings much paler with a darker blotch near the middle. In the
female the wings are browner with the dots much smaller or absent.
The moth appears in April and May, being found at night on the blossoms of
the _scabious_.
Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.
LEUCANIA BLENHEIMENSIS, Frdy.
(_Leucania blenheimensis_, Frdy., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 196; Meyr., ib.
xix. 12.)
(Plate IV., fig. 23 [F].)
This rather striking insect has occurred at Napier and at Blenheim.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are
cream-coloured with the veins darker_; there are three faint black dots
at about one-third, a curved series of black dots near the termen, _the
termen itself being strongly shaded with dark greyish-brown_; the cilia
are dark greyish-brown. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards the base;
the cilia are also grey.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
LEUCANIA UNIPUNCTA, Haw.
(_Leucania unipuncta_, Haw., Lepidoptera Britannica, p. 174, No. 37.
_Leucania extranea_, Gn., Noct. v. 77; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 2;
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 12.)
(Plate IV., fig. 24.)
This species has occurred at Napier and at Wellington in the North Island.
In the South Island it has been found at Nelson and at Christchurch.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings vary from dull
ochreous to bright reddish-ochreous; there are numerous indistinct
blackish dots; _the orbicular and reniform are almost round and slightly
paler than the rest of the wing; there is a minute white dot immediately
below the reniform and an obscure, oblique blackish line from the apex of
the wing_ ending in a series of minute black dots; _the termen is not
indented_. The hind-wings are grey, darker near the termen; the cilia are
white.
Varies considerably in the ground colour and in the extent of the black
speckling.
"The larva is extremely variable. Its usual colour is pale brown with a
white dorsal line and several dark lines on each side.
{14}"Young larvæ closely resemble their food-plant in colour, and
occasionally this is persistent throughout life; in fact the larva is very
variable. Feeds on various grasses."[13]
The perfect insect first appears about January, and continues in increasing
numbers until the middle or end of April. It is often met with at sugar.
This species is of almost universal distribution, having occurred in
Australia, Java, India, Europe, and North and South America. In England it
is regarded as a great rarity.
Genus 6.--ICHNEUTICA, Meyr.
"Antennæ in male strongly bipectinated throughout. Thorax and abdomen
smooth."--(Meyrick.)
This genus is very closely allied to _Leucania_. It appears to be
exclusively limited to New Zealand, where it is represented by two
conspicuous species. Probably when the extensive mountainous regions of the
country have been more fully explored by entomologists other species will
be discovered.
ICHNEUTICA DIONE, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 27 [M].)
A single specimen of this interesting species was captured by Mr. C. W.
Palmer, on Mount Arthur at an elevation of about 4,400 feet.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dull
blackish-brown, _darker near the middle; there is a rather oblique,
white, longitudinal stripe below the middle from about one-eighth to
one-third; above this there is a very conspicuous, large, elongate white
mark; this mark has a semicircular indentation above, probably
representing the orbicular; another indentation towards the termen,
probably representing the reniform, and below this it emits two short
teeth-like projections_; beyond these markings the ground colour becomes
paler, and is traversed by an obscure, jagged, transverse line; the cilia
are grey. The hind-wings are pale grey; the cilia are also grey. The body
is dark brownish-black. The pectinations of the antennæ of this insect
are slightly shorter than those in _Ichneutica ceraunias_.
The type specimen is slightly damaged; but the species is so evidently
distinct that I feel no hesitation in describing it.
ICHNEUTICA CERAUNIAS, Meyr.
(_Ichneutica ceraunias_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 13.)
(Plate IV., fig. 25 [M], 26 [F]).
This handsome species has hitherto only occurred on the Tableland of Mount
Arthur, where, however, it seems to be common.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¾ inches, of the female 2
inches. The fore-wings of the male are rich orange-brown, paler towards
the base. There are two very broad, longitudinal, yellowish stripes, one
on the costa and the other on the dorsum. The costal stripe divides into
two branches before its termination, one of which is produced downwards;
there is also a _conspicuous white mark a little beyond the middle of the
wing emitting two tooth-like projections towards the termen_, and two
narrow, dark brown streaks near the base of the wing. The hind-wings are
dark brownish-grey. The head, thorax, and abdomen are yellowish-brown,
and the antennæ are very strongly bipectinated. The female is much
narrower in the wings, the ground colouring is dull brown, and the
markings are all dull yellow.
This species varies slightly in the intensity of the markings.
The moth appears early in January. It is much attracted by light. In 1891 I
took over twenty specimens by means of a single candle exhibited, during
three evenings, {15}at the door of my tent. Prior to this date only one
specimen had been taken by Mr. Meyrick during January, 1886. All these
moths were met with over 3,500 feet above the sea-level, so that the insect
is evidently confined to mountain regions.
Genus 7.--MELANCHRA, Hb.
"Head rough-scaled; eyes hairy. Antennæ in [M] ciliated, or sometimes
bipectinated with apex simple. Thorax with more or less developed
anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen more or less crested, in [F]
obtuse. Anterior tibiæ rarely with apical hook."
"A large genus of very general distribution, but much commoner in temperate
regions of both hemispheres. Relatively much more numerous in New Zealand
than elsewhere."--(Meyrick.)
This genus includes no less than thirty-four species. Some of these are
extremely difficult to distinguish owing to the obscurity of their
markings, which offer unusual obstacles to clear description and
delineation. I have, however, endeavoured to point out what, in my opinion,
constitute the most reliable distinctions; but I fear that amongst those
species, where only one or two specimens are known, cases of real
difficulty will arise. Future investigation will no doubt result in a
remodelling of some of the more obscure species in this genus.
It may be well to point out that the genus _Melanchra_ was formerly known
by the name of _Mamestra_.
MELANCHRA DISJUNGENS, Walk.
(_Heliophobus disjungens_, Walk., Noct. 1681; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix.
1. _Hadena nervata_, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. _Mamestra disjungens_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 15.)
(Plate V., fig. 43.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Ashburton and at Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are
brownish-grey; _the veins are very conspicuously marked in white_, the
orbicular and reniform are large, white, each with a dusky centre; there
is a conspicuous, white, transverse line near the termen, emitting two
white, tooth-like projections on veins 3 and 4, _and connected with a
longitudinal line running to the base of the wing_. The hind-wings are
grey with the cilia white.
The perfect insect appears from November till January. It was formerly a
common species near Rakaia, but is now much scarcer.
MELANCHRA PARACAUSTA, Meyr.
(_Mamestra paracausta_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 15.)
(Plate IV., fig. 28 [M], 28A [F].)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill,
and Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
dull white with an irregular, central, longitudinal, blackish-brown
streak becoming very broad towards the termen; there is an oval
reddish-brown blotch near the base, but no distinct transverse lines; two
conspicuous elliptic, white marks are situated on the termen near the
tornus._ The hind-wings are pale grey, with an obscure central shade and
a series of brownish dots along the termen.
The species appears somewhat variable. In some male specimens the white
colouring is largely replaced by pale yellowish-brown. Described and
figured from specimens in the collections of Messrs. Fereday, Hawthorne,
and Philpott[14].
{16}MELANCHRA INSIGNIS, Walk.
(_Euplexia insignis_, Walk., Suppl. 724. _Xylina turbida_, ib. 754.
_Mamestra polychroa_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 16. _Mamestra
insignis_, Meyr., ib. xx. 45.)
(Plate IV., fig. 29 [M], 30 [F].)
This pretty species has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North
Island, and at Blenheim, Christchurch, and West Plains near Invercargill in
the South Island. It is probably common and generally distributed.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
pinkish-brown_; there is a short black streak near the centre of the wing
at the base, and an irregular, extensive black marking along the dorsum;
_the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are large, margined first
with green and then with black_; a fine white line is situated parallel
with the termen, edged with green, and emitting two sharp tooth-like
markings; beyond this line the ground colour of the wing is
dark-brownish-black. The hind-wings are dull brown, darker towards
termen; the cilia are white with a brown line. The antennæ of the male
are slightly bipectinated. In the female the ground colour is
considerably paler, the black markings much darker, and more suffused,
and the posterior half of the reniform is usually creamy-white.
Some specimens have the green and black markings slightly more pronounced,
but otherwise there are no important variations.
The eggs are deposited in October and November. When first laid they are
pale greenish-white, but become dark brown in the centre as the enclosed
embryo develops. The young larvæ emerge in about a fortnight. At this time
the two anterior pairs of prolegs are very short, causing the caterpillar
to loop up its back when walking. In colour the young larva is pale brown,
with numerous black warts emitting several long, stiff bristles. It is very
active, and busily devours the soft green portions of the dock leaves,
leaving the harder membrane untouched. Twelve days later the larva becomes
pale green in colour, and moults for the first time, after which traces of
subdorsal and lateral lines present themselves. Growth then proceeds with
great rapidity, and in another eleven days the larva again sheds its skin.
The last moult occurs a fortnight later.
At this time the larva is pale greenish-brown, inclining to yellow on the
ventral surface. The lateral lines consist of a series of black markings
near the posterior margin of each segment; the subdorsal lines are
represented by four oblique black marks on each side of the four
posterior segments of the larva. The region between these lines is much
clouded with yellowish-green or pink, the larvæ having a tendency to
diverge into pink and green varieties. The anal segment is dull yellow.
The head is brown, with two black stripes and several black dots.
Whilst rearing these larvæ I noticed that during the daytime they
invariably hid themselves under the blotting paper at the bottom of the
breeding cage. No doubt, under natural conditions, they retreat beneath the
ground, only coming abroad at night to feed. This habit would account for
the difficulty experienced in finding larvæ of this genus in a state of
nature.
The pupa state is spent in the earth, and occupies about a month.
The moth appears towards the end of January. It evidently hibernates
through the winter, as it is often seen very late in the autumn, and is
always one of the first moths to come to sugar in the early spring. It is
frequently observed at rest on fences and trees in the daytime.
{17}MELANCHRA MAYA, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 31.)
A single specimen of this species was taken on the Tableland of Mount
Arthur, at an altitude of about 3,500 feet.
The expansion of the wings is 1-5/8 inches. The fore-wings are bright
yellowish-brown, paler towards the apex; there are two broad, shaded,
black stripes at the base, one near the middle edged with yellow above,
and one below the middle edged with yellow beneath; the orbicular is
oval, oblique, edged with black except towards the costa; the claviform
is rather irregular, dark purplish-brown; _the reniform is very large,
dark purplish-brown edged with black; there is a large elongate patch of
very dark brown at the tornus, partly edged first with yellow and then
with black_; another smaller patch is situated on the termen near the
middle, bisected by a fine yellow line. The hind-wings are grey; the
cilia of all the wings are yellowish-brown. The head and thorax are
purplish-brown, the abdomen dull brownish-grey.
MELANCHRA PLENA, Walk.
(_Erana plena_, Walk., Suppl. 744. _Mamestra sphagnea_, Feld., Reis.
Nov., pl. cix. 17. _Dianthoecia viridis_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 547.
_Mamestra plena_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.)
(Plate IV., fig. 32.)
Apparently common in the Canterbury district, where it has been taken at
Christchurch and Mount Hutt. In the North Island it has occurred in the
neighbourhood of Wellington.
It resembles _Melanchra insignis_ in every respect except that the head,
thorax, and fore-wings are entirely suffused with green; there is no
central black streak at the base, and the orbicular, reniform, and
claviform spots are smaller.
It varies a little in the intensity of the green colouring.
The eggs are deposited early in November. At first they are white in
colour, but soon become dull brown, with two concentric circular markings.
The young larva closely resembles that of the _Melanchra insignis_, but is
much more sluggish. It feeds on grasses and other low plants.
In about six weeks' time it is full grown, when it still resembles the
caterpillar of _Melanchra insignis_, except that its colouring is
considerably darker, and a number of rust-red spots are situated on the
subdorsal line. This larva also appears to spend the daytime underground,
only coming abroad in the evening to feed. The pupa is concealed in the
earth.
The perfect insect may be occasionally found at rest on tree-trunks in the
forest, where it is very hard to discover, as it almost exactly resembles a
little patch of moss or lichen. Specimens are sometimes noticed in the
middle of winter, so there is little doubt that this species hibernates. It
occurs in spring as late as November, and as the pupæ emerge during the
latter end of January the insect is about for most of the year.
MELANCHRA LITHIAS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra lithias_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.)
(Plate IV., fig. 33.)
Two specimens of this species were taken at Castle Hill by Mr. J. D. Enys,
and are now in Mr. Fereday's collection.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. _The fore-wings are slaty-brown;
there is a broken, black-edged, white, transverse line near the base, and
another at about one-third; the orbicular is indicated by a conspicuous
black-edged white crescent, the reniform is large, oblong, white,
margined with {18}black, and crossed by two grey lines_; there is an
interrupted white terminal transverse line and a series of black dots on
the termen. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards the base; the cilia of
all the wings are slaty-brown.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA MUTANS, Walk.
(_Hadena mutans_, Walk., Noct. 602. _H. lignifusca_, ib. 603. _Mamestra
angusta_, Feld., Reis. Nov., pl. cix. 18. _M. acceptrix_, ib., pl. cix.
19. _Hadena debilis_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 385, pl. xlii.
6. _Mamestra mutans_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.)
(Plate IV., fig. 34 [M], 35 [F], 36 [M], variety; Plate III., fig. 15,
larva.)
This is a very abundant species throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale
reddish-brown in the male, grey in the female; the markings are black and
somewhat indistinct; the orbicular spot is nearly round, the claviform
semicircular, the reniform large and not margined with black towards the
termen; a line runs parallel with the termen, and emits on its outer side
a tooth-like mark; inside this line the ground colouring of the wing is
usually lighter. The hind-wings are grey, darker in the male; the cilia
are white with a cloudy line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are brown in
the male, grey in the female. The antennæ are slightly bipectinate in the
male.
This species varies much in the ground colouring of the fore-wings,
especially in the male, where it ranges from pale pinkish-brown to dark
brown. The wings of the female are frequently much clouded with dark grey.
The larva is rather stout, with the anterior segments wrinkled. It varies
much in colour; the dorsal surface is usually reddish-brown; the lateral
line is broad and black; a series of subdorsal stripes are also black;
the ventral surface is green. Sometimes these markings are hardly
visible, and the larva is entirely green, whilst occasionally the brown
colouring predominates.
It is a sluggish caterpillar, and feeds on low plants (_Plantago_, &c.)
during the whole of the spring and summer. It often frequents the luxuriant
growth surrounding logs and stones which have long been left undisturbed.
The pupa state is spent in the earth or amongst moss on fallen trees. When
this stage occurs in the summer it is of short duration, but in the case of
larvæ becoming full grown in the autumn, the regular emergence does not
take place until the following spring.
The moth may be observed on mild evenings nearly all the year round, but is
commoner during the summer. It is an extremely abundant species, and is
very often seen resting on tree trunks during the daytime, in which
position the colouring of both sexes will be seen to be very protective.
MELANCHRA AGORASTIS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra agorastis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)
(Plate V., fig. 30 [F].)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Akaroa
and Lake Guyon in the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are rich
reddish-brown_, with dull yellowish-white markings; the claviform is
small, grey, margined with dark reddish-brown; the orbicular is also
rather small, grey, margined with dull white; the reniform is rather
large, oblong, dark grey, margined rather broadly with yellowish-white.
The hind-wings are dark brown. _The antennæ of the male are shortly
pectinated._
This species very closely resembles a dark specimen of _Melanchra pelistis_
so far as the female is concerned, which is the only sex I have had an
opportunity of examining.
The perfect insect appears in February and March. It is a scarce species.
{19}MELANCHRA PICTULA, White.
(_Dianthoecia pictula_, White, Tayl. New Zeal., pl. i. 3. _Meterana
pictula_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 386, pl. xlii. 1.
_Mamestra pictula_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)
(Plate IV., fig. 37 [M].)
Three specimens of this handsome species have occurred at Lake Coleridge in
the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is 1-5/8 inches. The fore-wings are grey, very
faintly tinged with pink, the markings are yellowish-green margined with
black, _the reniform is large, oval, clear white, with a minute white dot
above and below it_, there is a series of conspicuous black-edged yellow
spots near the termen; the cilia are grey with a series of minute black
and white dots at their base. _The hind-wings are pale crimson shaded
with dark grey near the termen_, there is an obscure grey spot near the
middle; the cilia are grey. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
The moth appears in March.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA RHODOPLEURA, Meyr.
(_Mamestra rhodopleura_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 19.)
(Plate IV., fig. 38.)
This species has been taken in the North Island at Napier and Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are
greenish-grey, with the markings yellow margined with black; _the
hind-wings are dark grey_ with a terminal series of small yellow spots.
The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
This insect is very closely allied to _Melanchra pictula_, _but the absence
of the white reniform spot and the grey hind-wings, will at once
distinguish it from that species_.
The perfect insect appears in May and June. It is decidedly rare.
MELANCHRA MEROPE, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 2.)
A single specimen of this handsome insect was taken in the Wellington
Botanical Gardens in October, 1887.
The expansion of the wings is nearly two inches. _The fore-wings are rich
chocolate-brown, with yellow markings outlined in very deep brown_; there
is a rather broad broken transverse line near the base; a yellow blotch
containing a slender curved brown line, on the dorsum at about
one-fourth, forming the end of another extremely broken transverse line;
_the reniform is large, finely outlined with brown towards the base of
the wing and half filled in with yellow towards the termen; between the
reniform and the dorsum there is a jagged yellow transverse line_; there
is a terminal series of dark brown streaks and yellow spots, and the
termen itself is scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are
pale brown, pinkish tinged; there is an obscure terminal line; the cilia
are brownish-pink. The head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen pale
brown, with the crests darker.
MELANCHRA PELISTIS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra pelistis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.)
(Plate V., fig. 3 [M], 4 [F].)
This species has occurred at Wellington and at Paikakariki, in the North
Island. In the South Island it has been found at Akaroa and Lake Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dull
ochreous more or less shaded with dark reddish-brown, _especially in the
vicinity of the transverse lines_; there are several obscure pale marks
near the base; _the orbicular is grey, margined towards the dorsum with a
conspicuous white or dull yellow crescentic line; the claviform is small,
round, dull grey, edged with darker; the reniform is large, darker grey,
paler towards the costa, margined with {20}white or dull yellow towards
the base of the wing and termen_; there are two obscure transverse lines,
the outer one often being slightly toothed towards the termen; sometimes
there is a terminal series of minute black marks; the cilia are brown.
The hind-wings are dark grey, with the cilia white.
This species varies considerably in the ground colouring of the fore-wings.
In some specimens the wing is almost entirely rich reddish-brown, whilst in
others this colouring is confined to the vicinity of the stigmata and
transverse lines. Numerous intermediate varieties exist which seem to
connect these two forms.
The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is very
common in the Wellington Botanical Gardens on the white rata blossoms.
MELANCHRA PROTEASTIS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra vitiosa_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20 (nec Butl.).
_Mamestra proteastis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.)
(Plate IV., fig. 40 [M].)
This insect is very common in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings are dark
chocolate-brown; there are several very obscure marks near the base, the
orbicular and claviform spots are almost invisible, the reniform is pale
brown with a minute dot above and below it towards the termen, followed
by a pale, darker-margined, transverse line. The hind-wings are dull
brownish-grey, with the cilia paler. The female is rather darker in
colour than the male.
This is a very obscurely marked insect, closely allied to the next
species, from which it can only be distinguished with difficulty. _Its
somewhat smaller size and the two minute white dots on the reniform
stigma appear to be the most definite characteristics._
The perfect insect appears in May and June.
Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA VITIOSA, Butl.
(_Apamea vitiosa_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pl. xlii. 3.
_Mamestra ochthistis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20. _Mamestra
vitiosa_, Meyr. Trans. N. Z. Inst., xx. 45.)
(Plate IV., fig. 42; Plate III., fig. 16, larva.)
This is a scarce species in the neighbourhood of Wellington. In
Christchurch it is very common.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. In general colouration it
closely resembles the preceding insect, but is considerably paler, with
the markings much more distinct. There are no clear white dots above or
below the reniform stigma, the orbicular is obliquely oval and rather
conspicuous, and the claviform is strongly margined with black.
The larva is rather robust, very pale green above with numerous white
lines and dots; dark green beneath with yellow dots. In the light part
there is a triangle of black spots on each segment. The young larva has a
strong pink lateral line, but in mature specimens this line is confined
to the anterior and posterior segments only. Length when full grown about
1¼ inches.
This caterpillar feeds on _Melicope simplex_, and when amongst the foliage
of its food-plant it is extremely hard to detect, owing to its protective
colouring and sluggish habits. The larva is full grown about October.
The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears from November till April.
{21}MELANCHRA DIATMETA, Meyr.[15]
(Plate V., fig. 5.)
This species has occurred at Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are
reddish-brown; there is a short longitudinal black streak near the base,
an obscure yellow transverse line at about one-fourth, and several short
oblique brown or yellow marks on the costa; the orbicular is oval oblique
outlined very distinctly in yellow; the reniform is white, margined with
yellow towards the base of the wing; _there is a black longitudinal
streak at the base on the dorsum, which bends upwards at about
one-fourth, and runs in a somewhat curved direction to a little above the
tornus_. The veins are faintly marked in black, and there are several
large yellow dots between the veins near the termen; the termen itself is
slightly indented, the cilia are reddish-brown. The hind-wings are
greyish-brown with the cilia reddish. There are two very conspicuous
curved yellowish stripes on each side of the thorax.
The perfect insect appears in September and October. It is a rare species.
MELANCHRA TARTAREA, Butl.
(_Graphiphora tartarea_, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pl.
xlii. 2. _Mamestra tartarea_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)
(Plate V., fig. 6.)
This species has occurred on the Murimutu Plains in the North Island. In
the South Island it is a common species in the neighbourhood of
Christchurch.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark
chocolate-brown; there is a short, dark-margined, pale transverse line
near the base, and another at about one-third, the claviform spot is
small, oval, dark brown, margined with black, the orbicular and reniform
are very large, pale brown and very conspicuous; _there is a broad pale
brown terminal band, and a narrow shading of pale brown along the
dorsum_. The hind-wings are dark grey and the cilia dull white.
This species can easily be recognised by the pale terminal band of the
fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in March and April.
MELANCHRA HOMOSCIA, Meyr.
(_Mamestra homoscia_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)
(Plate V., fig. 7; Plate III., fig. 10, larva.)|.
This dull-looking species has hitherto only occurred in the Wellington
district, where it seems to be fairly common.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are
uniform dark grey; the veins are marked with a series of white dots,
preceded and followed by black marks; the orbicular, reniform, and
claviform spots are scarcely visible; an indistinct wavy line runs
parallel with the termen. The hind-wings are grey; the cilia are white
with a cloudy line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are grey.
Sometimes the grey colouring is very much darker, and a faint wavy line
is present between the orbicular spot and the base of the wing. In other
respects the species does not vary.
The larva is rather attenuated and black in colour; the dorsal line is
narrow and bright yellow; the subdorsal is broader and white; and the
lateral line is pale brown. The head, legs, prolegs, and under surface
are pale brown, speckled with black; the spiracles are pink; a
conspicuous white spot is situated above the spiracles.
This caterpillar feeds on the Tauhinu (_Pomaderris ericifolia_) in December
and January. It is very active in its habits, and immediately drops to the
ground when disturbed. It is much infested by a dipterous parasite. The
pupa state is spent in the earth and lasts about six weeks.
The moth appears in February, March, and April. It is attracted by light,
and in consequence often enters houses.
{22}MELANCHRA OMICRON, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 42.)
This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. A. Norris.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale
olive-green, mottled and striped with dull grey; there is a double
transverse line near the base, another at about one-fourth, and another
at about one-half, passing between the orbicular and the reniform; beyond
this there are two indistinct shaded lines, and a terminal series of
black marks; _the orbicular is large, almost circular, and sharply
outlined in black_; the claviform is small and indistinct, and the
reniform ill-defined, obscurely outlined in black towards the base. The
hind-wings are brownish-grey, darker towards the termen.
The perfect insect appears in November.
MELANCHRA COMPOSITA, Gn.
(_Cloantha composita_, Gn., Noct. vi. 114. _Auchmis composita_, Walk.,
Noct. 616; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 12. _Mamestra maori_, Feld., Reis.
Nov., pl. cix. 24. _Leucania dentigera_, Butl. _Mamestra composita_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)
(Plate V., fig. 8 [M], 9 [F]; Plate III., fig. 7, larva.)
One of the most abundant of our night-flying moths, occurring in great
profusion throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale
reddish-brown, darker towards the middle. There are two elongate,
pointed, white markings touching the termen below the middle, and a
central white streak, interrupted in the middle, by a small semicircular
white mark, which represents the lower portion of the reniform spot; the
orbicular and claviform spots are obsolete. The hind-wings are dark grey.
The head and thorax are reddish-brown, and the abdomen is dark grey. The
antennæ are serrate in the male but simple in the female. In some
specimens the white markings are more extensive than usual, but otherwise
there are no important variations.
The larva is bright reddish-brown; the dorsal stripe is broad and black;
the subdorsal narrower, edged with white; the lateral lines are dull red,
white, and black; the ventral surface, head, legs, and prolegs are
greenish-grey with black markings; the spiracles are black.
This caterpillar varies considerably in the intensity of the light and dark
markings. It feeds on grasses in January and September, and is very active.
It often occurs in prodigious numbers, and at such times may frequently be
seen travelling at a great rate over bare ground in search of food. Amongst
the grass it is hard to detect, as the striped colouring is very protective
in that situation.
The pupa state is spent in the earth, or under moss on fallen trees.
The moth appears from September till April. It is double-brooded. A few of
the second brood emerge in the autumn and hibernate as moths, but the
majority pass the winter in the pupa state. Hence we sometimes meet with
specimens on mild evenings in the middle of winter.
This insect is much attracted by light, and occasionally assembles in vast
numbers round a brilliant lamp. I have had as many as one hundred specimens
in my verandah at Karori, attracted during two or three hours. It is by far
the commonest insect at the collectors' sugar, the numerous visitors of
this species eagerly jostling each other in their haste to obtain a share
of the sweets. _M. composita_ is likewise observed in the utmost profusion
on attractive flowers of all kinds, crowding out the rarer and more
aristocratic species. Mr. Hanify has drawn my attention to the remarkable
habit this insect has of suddenly stopping {23}during its flight, and thus
eluding pursuit. It also takes wing with unusual rapidity. Specimens of
this moth may constantly be observed at rest in various situations during
the daytime, when the protective character of the colouring will be at once
apparent, especially when the insect is partially concealed amongst grass.
Mr. Meyrick informs us that this species is common in Tasmania and
South-Eastern Australia.
MELANCHRA STEROPASTIS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra steropastis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)
(Plate V., fig. 10 [M], 11 [F].)
This insect has occurred in the North Island at Napier. In the South Island
it has been taken at Blenheim and Christchurch, but does not seem to be a
common species anywhere.
The expansion of the wings is from 1¼ to 1½ inches. In general appearance
it somewhat resembles the preceding species, from which it may chiefly be
distinguished by the absence of the sharp white central line and
conspicuous tooth-like markings near the termen. _There is also a minute
white dot situated at the junction of veins 3 and 4 of the fore-wings._
The hind-wings are dark grey.
The perfect insect appears from November till February.
Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens.
MELANCHRA INFENSA, Walk.
(_Orthosia infensa_, Walk. 748. _Mamestra arachnias_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z.
Inst. xix. 23. _Mamestra infensa_, Meyr., ib. xx. 45.)
(Plate V., fig. 12.)
This species has occurred in the North Island at Napier, and in the South
Island at Blenheim.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are
reddish-brown, slightly speckled with dull white except on a suffused
central streak from the base to about two-thirds; an obscure, moderately
broad white costal streak extends from the base to two-thirds, sharply
defined near the base only, and containing several very oblique
ill-defined blackish marks; the orbicular is narrow oval, longitudinal,
very finely margined with white and then with black; the claviform is
obsolete; the reniform is only indicated by two white dots, representing
its lower angles; the transverse lines are very acutely dentate but
hardly traceable; the subterminal line is indicated only by three very
acute slender whitish-ochreous dentations--one below apex, two touching
the termen below the middle; the cilia are reddish-brown mixed with dull
white. The hind-wings are dark grey; the cilia are dull white, with a
faint grey line and tips white. The head, palpi, and thorax are
reddish-brown speckled with white; the forehead with two black transverse
lines; and the collar with a slender white line; thorax with strong
anterior double tuft. Abdomen light reddish-grey.
Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson
from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA OMOPLACA, Meyr.
(_Mamestra omoplaca_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 24.)
(Plate V., fig. 13.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Coleridge and Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark
reddish-brown, there is a short black median streak from the base,
margined above with ochreous-white; the space between this and the costa
is marked with suffused ochreous-whitish lines; in one specimen {24}a
blackish suffusion extending from base of the dorsum obliquely to
orbicular and reniform, the space between this and the subterminal line
is suffused with pale whitish-ochreous; the orbicular and reniform are
blackish-fuscous, black-margined, and connected by a blackish-fuscous
spot; the orbicular is large, roundish; the reniform with its outer edge
white; the claviform is small, suboval, blackish-fuscous; the transverse
lines are indistinct; the subterminal is obscurely paler or hardly
traceable, with two somewhat acute dentations below the middle; the
terminal space is mixed with blackish-fuscous; the cilia are
reddish-fuscous mixed with blackish. The hind-wings are fuscous-grey; the
cilia grey-whitish, with a grey line.
The perfect insect appears in December, February, and March.
Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson
from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA ALCYONE, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 14 [M].)
During the autumn of 1894 several specimens of this interesting species
were captured in the Wellington Botanical Gardens by Mr. A. Norris.
The expansion of the wings of the [M] is 1-5/8 inches, of the [F] 1½
inches. The fore-wings of the male are _warm brown, darker towards the
base_; there is a wavy, white-edged, black, transverse line at about
one-fifth, followed by a round black spot; _the costa is yellowish, with
four pairs of short oblique black marks_; the orbicular is large, oval,
oblique, pale yellowish-brown slightly darker in the middle; the
claviform is small, obscure, and brownish-black; the reniform is black,
outlined with dull white; _there is a series of very acute, dull white,
tooth-like terminal markings_, and the termen itself is slightly
scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are grey with a
series of small dark marks on the termen; the cilia are reddish-ochreous.
The head and anterior portion of the thorax are reddish-ochreous; the
rest of the thorax is rich brown, and there is a conspicuous black
transverse line between the pale and dark colouring; the abdomen is
reddish-ochreous with the crests reddish-brown. The female is much darker
and duller than the male, the markings are much less distinct, there are
several additional jagged transverse lines, and the white markings of the
male are indistinctly indicated in drab.
The perfect insect appears in March.
MELANCHRA DOTATA, Walk.
(_Dasypolia dotata_, Walk., Noct. 522. _Mamestra dotata_, Meyr., Trans. N.
Z. Inst. xix. 24.)
(Plate V., fig. 16.)
This species has occurred at Nelson.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are very dark
brownish-black; there are several obscure black marks near the base; _the
orbicular is large, oblong, finely margined with black, the claviform is
triangular, also finely margined with black, both orbicular and claviform
are surrounded by a conspicuous black shading; the reniform is large
ear-shaped, white towards the termen and dark brown towards the base of
the wing_, the white portion is traversed by a curved brownish line;
there is a curved transverse line near the termen, the space immediately
inside this line being paler than the rest of the wing; there is a
terminal series of obscure pale dots. The hind-wings are dark brown,
paler towards the base; the cilia are also brown.
A single specimen of this insect was reared from a pupa found at Wakapuaka,
near Nelson. Mr. Fereday also has a specimen, but without note of locality.
MELANCHRA ASTEROPE, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 15.)
A single specimen of this insect was taken at light on the Tableland of
Mount Arthur, in January 1891, at about 3,600 feet above the sea-level.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are dull brown
_with a pale area on the dorsum near the base, and a very broad pale band
just before the termen_; there is a broken {25}black-edged transverse
line near the base, and a fainter transverse line at about one-third; the
orbicular is oblong, the claviform crescentic, _and the reniform oblong,
white, and very conspicuous_, all are strongly outlined in black; there
is a shaded transverse line on each side of the broad pale terminal band;
the termen is dark brown; the cilia are brown, and the veins are marked
in black. The hind-wings are pale grey; there is a rather conspicuous
dark crescent in the middle, and two shaded transverse lines; the cilia
are grey.
This species is evidently allied to _Melanchra dotata_.
MELANCHRA STIPATA, Walk.
(_Xylina stipata_, Walk., Suppl. 753. _Mamestra stipata_, Meyr., Trans. N.
Z. Inst. xix. 25.)
(Plate V., fig. 17 [F].)
This fine species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in
the South Island at Christchurch, and West Plains, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are brown; there
is a shaded, pale yellowish-brown, longitudinal line on the costa, _and
an extensive irregular patch of the same colour from about two-thirds to
within a short distance of the termen; the orbicular is large, oval,
oblique, pale yellowish-brown; the claviform is semicircular, broadly
margined with black_; the reniform is dull grey, with one large and one
small white mark towards the termen; the termen is broadly shaded with
dark blackish-brown, except near the apex of the wing and a little below
the middle. The hind-wings are dark brownish-grey, with the cilia
reddish-brown. The female is rather paler with a slightly olive tinge.
Both sexes vary a little in the depth of their colouring.
The perfect insect appears from October till May. It is common at
Christchurch, but rather scarce in Wellington.
MELANCHRA OCTANS, n. sp.
(Plate V., fig. 1.)
This distinctly marked little species was discovered by Mr. Philpott, at
Mount Linton, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are pale
ochreous-brown; there are several wavy brown transverse lines near the
base, two lines at about one-third, _then a large_ V-_shaped white mark
extending almost from the costa and touching the dorsum_; the orbicular
and reniform spots are situated in the middle of this mark, the orbicular
is very finely outlined in brown, and contains a black dot towards the
base of the wing; the reniform is large, dark brown, _surrounded by a
large triangular dark brown shading_; there is an obscure subterminal
line; the termen is slightly indented. The hind-wings are dark brown,
paler towards the termen.
This species may be immediately recognised by the large, white, V-shaped
markings on the fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in March.
MELANCHRA RUBESCENS, Butl.
(_Xylophasia rubescens_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 489. _Mamestra rubescens_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 25.)
(Plate V., fig. 18 [M].)
This insect is apparently a mountain species. It has been taken at Mount
Arthur, Castle Hill, and Lake Wakatipu.
The expansion of the wings is about 1-5/8 inches. The fore-wings are pale
orange-brown, the orbicular and claviform spots are faintly margined with
reddish-brown; the reniform is dark brown and very conspicuous; there are
two large reddish-brown markings on the termen. The hind-wings are dark
grey tinged with red. The cilia of all the wings are reddish-brown.
This species varies slightly in the shape and extent of the markings on the
termen {26}of the fore-wings, which occasionally cause the pale ground
colour to form tooth-like projections. It also varies a little in the
intensity of the other markings, and in the depth of the ground colour.
The moth appears in January and February, and is attracted by light. I have
taken it in some abundance on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an altitude
of 3,500 feet above the sea-level.
MELANCHRA LIGNANA, Walk.
(_Hadena lignana_, Walk., Noct. 758. ? _Xylophasia morosa_, Butl., Cist.
Ent. ii. 543. _Mamestra lignana_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(Plate V., fig. 19 [M].)
This pretty species is very common at Wellington in the North Island. In
the South Island it has occurred at Mount Hutt.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are
greyish-cream-colour_, slightly paler on the costa. There are two very
distinct blackish transverse marks on the costa near the base, and two
others at about one-third; _the stigmata are all sharply and finely
outlined in black; the orbicular is oval, the claviform triangular, the
reniform large and oblong, containing a smaller black-edged mark in its
centre, and a blackish blotch towards its lower margin_; beyond the
reniform there is a faint jagged transverse line; there are two dark
patches on the termen, _the pale ground colour forming two sharp
tooth-like markings slightly below the middle_; the termen itself is
slightly indented, and the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are dark
grey with the cilia white.
Some specimens of this insect are slightly darker than others, but in other
respects there are no important variations.
The perfect insect appears from October till April. It comes freely to
sugar and to light, and is often taken at rest on trees and fences in the
daytime.
MELANCHRA COELENO, n. sp.
(Plate IV., fig. 39.)
This interesting species has been taken at Wellington by Messrs. Hawthorne
and Norris.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are very pale
brownish-cream-colour; _there is a large irregular dark brown patch on
the dorsum from about one-eighth to about two-thirds, another smaller
patch at the tornus, and another still smaller on the termen a little
above the middle_; there are two very obscure transverse lines; the
orbicular is finely outlined in brown; the reniform contains two very
dark brown dots, and is rather strongly outlined in brown towards the
base. The hind-wings are dark grey. The cilia of all the wings are grey
with a paler line.
The perfect insect appears in November.
MELANCHRA USTISTRIGA, Walk.
(_Xylina ustistriga_, Walk., Noct. 630. _X. lignisecta_, ib., 631.
_Mamestra ustistriga_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(Plate V., fig. 20 [M], 20A [F].)
This beautiful insect has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North
Island, and in the South Island, at Blenheim, Christchurch, and Lake
Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1¾ inches. _The fore-wings, head, and
thorax are pinkish-grey in the male, pale grey in female; the orbicular
spot is rather large, nearly round, finely outlined in black; the
reniform is very large, margined with black towards the base of the wing,
and usually touching the orbicular spot or connected with it by a short
black line_; the claviform is triangular, also black margined; there is a
cloudy oblique line below the reniform, and an irregular line between the
reniform and the termen. The hind-wings and abdomen are pale pinkish-grey
in male, dull grey in female; the cilia are white with a cloudy line.
{27}This insect varies slightly in size, especially in the female. The
larva is dull greyish-brown, with the subdorsal and lateral lines darker.
It feeds on honeysuckle during the summer months.
The pupa state is spent in the earth.
The moth is very irregular in its appearance. I have captured specimens in
January, February, March, April, July and September. It appears to pass the
winter in both the pupa and imago states. It is very partial to light, and
in consequence often enters houses.
MELANCHRA PRIONISTIS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra prionistis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27.)
(Plate V., fig. 21 [M].)
This species is common at Wellington in the North Island. In the South
Island it has been taken at Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1-5/8 inches, of the female 1¾
inches. _The fore-wings are rather pale yellowish-brown, with numerous
irregular longitudinal grey streaks_; there are several very obscure
jagged transverse lines, and the stigmata are almost invisible; _a very
broad blackish longitudinal band is situated on the dorsum_. The
hind-wings are brownish-grey; the cilia are grey tipped with white. The
head and thorax are grey tinged with yellowish-brown; there is a
conspicuous blackish streak on each side of the thorax.
In this species the dorsal band is often considerably paler, but otherwise
there is no variation.
The perfect insect appears from November till April. It comes freely to
sugar, and occasionally to light. It is also sometimes met with at rest on
trees in the daytime, where its colouring is protective. I have noticed
that this moth is much commoner in some years than in others.
MELANCHRA PHRICIAS, Meyr.
(_Mamestra temperata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27 (nee Walk.).
_Mamestra phricias_, Meyr., ib., xx. 46.)
(Plate V., fig. 22.)
This species has occurred in the Manawatu district in the North Island. In
the South Island it has been found at Christchurch and Lake Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are pale
silvery-grey_; there are several obscure blackish marks near the base,
_two dark, shaded, transverse bands, one just before the orbicular, and
one between the orbicular and the reniform_; the orbicular is round,
nearly white, with a faint greyish ring in the middle; the reniform is
large, oblong, margined first with white and then with black; there is a
series of black crescentic marks near the termen, and another smaller
series on the termen; the cilia are dark grey. The hind-wings are dull
brownish-grey, the cilia are grey tipped with white. The terminal joint
of the palpi is elongated.
The perfect insect has been taken in December, February, March and June,
and is attracted by light. It is rather a rare species.
MELANCHRA CUCULLINA, Gn.
(_Xylocampa cucullina_, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. Agrotis mitis, Butl.,
Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 383, pl. xlii. 5. _Mamestra cucullina_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)
(Plate V., fig. 23 [M].)
This species has occurred at Mount Arthur, and at Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
bluish-grey, speckled and dappled with blackish-brown_; there is a pale
transverse line near the base, partially edged with black; the orbicular
is round, containing a blackish dot in the middle; the reniform is
elongate-oval, including a {28}dark spot in its lower portion; the space
surrounding the stigmata is clouded with dark blackish-brown; there is a
terminal series of small blackish crescentic marks, and the cilia are
dark grey. The hind-wings are brownish-grey; the cilia are also grey
tipped with white.
This species is evidently closely allied to _M. phricias, but may at
present be distinguished by its darker and more bluish colouring_.
The perfect insect appears in January and March. I have taken it at light
on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at 3,600 feet above the sea-level.
Genus 8.--ERANA, Walk.
"Eyes hairy. Antennæ in male filiform, simple, with scattered single
cilia. Thorax with anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen with strong
dorsal crests towards base. Fore-wings in male beneath with a very long
dense tuft of scent-giving hairs from base; transverse vein absent, 7 and
8 out of 9, 10 free. Hind-wings with transverse vein absent, costa in
male broadly dilated."--(Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 9 fore-wing, 10
hind-wing.)[16]
We have one species representing this interesting genus.
ERANA GRAMINOSA, Walk.
(_Erana graminosa_, Walk., Noct. 605. _E. vigens_, ib., Suppl. 743. _Erana
graminosa_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)
(Plate V., fig. 24 [M], 25 [F]; Plate III., fig. 8, larva.)
This beautiful species appears to be fairly common in many forests in the
North Island. It has occurred at Wanganui, Masterton, Palmerston, and
Wellington. In the South Island it has been taken by Mr. Philpott, at West
Plains, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are bright
green; there are three paler green transverse lines, edged with black;
one near the base of the wing, one just beyond the reniform spot, and one
close to the termen; this last is inwardly much clouded with dark
olive-green; the reniform spot is pale green edged with black. The
hind-wings are very broad, pinkish-brown, tinged with green on the
termen. In the female the hind-wings are considerably narrower, and are
not so strongly tinged with green as in the male.
Some specimens appear to be rather darker than others, but beyond this I
have not detected any variation.
The eggs are rather large, globular, flattened above and beneath, and pale
green in colour.
The larva feeds on the mahoe (_Melicytus ramiflorus_).
When first excluded from the egg it is about 1/8 inch long, and of a very
pale green colour. After the first moult the caterpillar is bright green,
darker towards the head, with white dorsal, subdorsal, and lateral lines;
there are eight rows of shining black spots, each spot emitting a number
of stout black bristles; the head is yellowish-brown with a few black
dots. After the last moult the larva has a totally different appearance.
It is pale green marbled with darker green; there is often a whitish
lateral line, and an obscure series of diagonal green stripes on the
sides of each segment. Sometimes the whole larva has a pinkish-brown
tinge, and there are often two or three rows of pale spots. In fact the
full-grown caterpillar is very variable in its colouring.
These larvæ hibernate during the winter months, often secreting themselves
in the burrows which have been made in the stems of the mahoe by various
species of wood-boring insects. They come abroad about the end of August,
and are full grown early in October. The pupa state is spent in the earth.
The moth appears in December, January, February, March and April. It is
often {29}found at rest on tree-trunks in the daytime, where its beautiful
green colouring causes it to resemble, in the closest possible manner, a
patch of moss. Mr. Hawthorne tells me that he has frequently found dead
specimens in this situation.
This insect is, I think, commoner at slight elevations above the sea-level,
forest ranges of from 500 to 1,000 feet in height being apparently the most
favourable localities for the species. The appearance of the moth over so
long a period would seem to indicate that there are two generations in a
year, but I have never found full-grown larvæ in the middle of summer.
There is, however, no doubt that the insect passes the winter in the larval
condition. This species is often met with very late in the season,
frequenting the few remaining blossoms of the white rata until the first or
second week in April. Mr. Meyrick thus alludes to the scented tuft of hairs
in the male insect: "The large tuft of the fore-wings is the source of a
very strong vanilla-like perfume, which scents the box in which the
specimens are contained for more than a week after their death; the scent
is excited more strongly, even in the dead specimen, by stirring the tuft
with a pin."[17]