This reddish-banded species (Plate 46, Fig. 1) is, so far as we know, only
found, in Britain, in the Isle of Portland, Dorset, where it was first
noted on June 24th, 1831. It will be seen that apart from its different
colour, the bands in this moth are placed nearer the base of the wings than
in _A. aversata_; on the fore wings the band is limited by the first and
central lines, but sometimes it encroaches on the basal area; on the hind
wings, it occupies more or less of the basal area, from the first line
inwards; the front edge of the fore wings is also reddish.
The caterpillar is ridged along the sides of the roughened body, and tapers
towards the slightly notched, blackish marked head; the general colour is
reddish-ochreous, darker on the back of the middle rings, along which are
three interrupted pale greyish ochreous lines, and dark V-shaped marks. The
natural food plant is not known, but it may be reared from the egg on
bramble, traveller's joy (_Clematis_), and, of course, knotgrass and
dandelion, both of these plants being generally acceptable to larvae of the
Acidaliinae, as well as to those of many other species of Geometridae.
The moth is out in June and July in the open, but has been bred as early as
June 2. Some of the caterpillars from eggs laid in June will feed up
quickly, and produce moths in September; from these, other eggs may be
obtained, the caterpillars from which will feed for a time and then
hibernate; as also do the slow-growing individuals of the earlier hatching.
Abroad, this seems to be a Mediterranean species, ranging eastward through
Asia Minor to parts of Central Asia; and northwards to Austro-Hungary,
Castile, France, and West Central Germany.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 46.
1. PORTLAND RIBBON WAVE.
2. PLAIN WAVE.
3-6. RIBAND WAVE.
7-10. SMALL FAN-FOOTED WAVE.
9, 12. SINGLE-DOTTED WAVE.
8, 11. TREBLE BROWN-SPOT.
13, 14. LACE BORDER.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 47.
1, 1a. SINGLE-DOTTED WAVE: _eggs and caterpillar_.
2. RIBAND WAVE: _caterpillar_.
3, 3a. PLAIN WAVE: _eggs, caterpillar and chrysalis_.
{119}
THE PLAIN WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Ptychopoda_) _inornata_).
Somewhat similar to the last in appearance, but without reddish bands, and
front edging to the fore wings; the second or outer line of the fore wings
is generally distinct, but the others, especially the central, are often
obscure. This species, one example of which is shown on Plate 46, Fig. 2,
may be distinguished from the plain form of _A. aversata_ by its generally
smaller size and more silky appearance; the cross lines are less distinct,
and the outer one of the fore wings is not indented below the front margin.
The eggs (Plate 47, Fig. 3a) are laid in strings of from 6-20; at least
this is so in captivity. Like the eggs of other species in this genus that
I have seen, they are at first whitish bone colour, changing to reddish.
They were laid in July, and most of the caterpillars that hatched from them
attained the moth state in September; about one-third hibernated, but died
off during the winter.
The much-wrinkled and rough-looking caterpillar is pale reddish brown,
varying to greyish; the back with V-shaped marks, and a light coloured spot
on rings 5 and 6. It feeds, from August to June, on dandelion, dock, and
other weeds, also on sallow, bramble, heather, etc.
The moth is out in July, earlier or later in some seasons; it affects woods
in which there is plenty of heather or bilberry, and may often be seen
resting on tree trunks, especially those of the pine. It is on the wing in
the evening, and is said to visit the sugar patch, as well as flowers
growing in its haunts. Widely distributed over England and Scotland to
Moray, but does not appear to have been noted in Wales. Reported from
Kingstown, Killarney, and Londonderry in Ireland. {120}
THE RIBAND WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Ptychopoda_) _aversata_).
There are two distinct colour forms, one is greyish white (ab. _spoliata_,
Staudinger), and the other decidedly ochreous; the former is sometimes
tinged with ochreous, and sometimes heavily sprinkled with dark grey. In
the type form of _aversata_, the general colour is greyish white, and the
space between the central and outer lines of the fore wings, and that
enclosed by the first and central of the hind wings, is more or less
entirely filled up with dark grey inclining to blackish; occasionally the
dark colour spreads beyond the outer line, and covers a large portion of
the outer area. These bands also occur in the ochreous and intermediate
colour forms. A specimen, bred in June by Mr. W. G. Sheldon, from a
caterpillar found on a fence at West Wickham in May, had the wings and
abdomen black, but the head, thorax, anal tuft, and fringes of the wings
were normal. (Plate 46, Figs. 3-6.)
The caterpillar (Plate 47, Fig. 2; from coloured drawing by Mr. Sich) is
much wrinkled, rather thickened behind, and tapers gradually towards the
small, black-flecked head; the general colour is brownish, merging into
ochreous on the hinder rings; a darker brown shade along the back,
interrupted on the middle rings by V-shaped marks, encloses a slender
whitish line, and there is a whitish spot on ring eight; a wavy pale
ochreous line low down along the sides. (Adapted from Fenn.) It feeds on
dandelion, dock, primrose, bedstraw, knotgrass, and many other low-growing
plants; after hibernation, from April to May, it will thrive on the young
growth of sallow, birch, hawthorn, etc. It will sometimes feed up and reach
the moth state in August or September.
The moth flies in June and July, and is generally distributed; but in
Scotland does not seem to have been observed north of Moray. {121}
SMALL FAN-FOOTED WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Ptychopoda_) _bisetata_).
One form (Plate 46, Fig. 10) has whitish wings, with a deep, dark-grey
border on the outer area of all the wings; this border is traversed by a
whitish, wavy line (ab. _fimbriolata_, Stephens). Another form (Plate 46,
Fig. 7) is more or less typical, and in this it will be noted that the
marginal borders are much paler, and are broken up into bandlets. Between
these two forms there are modifications, and sometimes a greyish shade
spreads over all the wings.
The caterpillar is long and slender, with a somewhat flattened appearance,
and gradually tapered towards the notched head; the general colour of the
roughened body is greyish brown, the middle ring divisions, and V-shaped
marks on the back, are blackish or dark brown; there is also a double
dark-brown line along the back, not always distinct. It feeds, from August
to May, on a variety of low-growing plants, and is partial to withered
leaves, especially those of bramble and dandelion. The moth is out in June
and July, and is often common, and pretty generally distributed throughout
our islands, except that it seems not to have been noted north of Moray, in
Scotland.
Abroad, the range extends to East Siberia and Amurland.
THE SINGLE DOTTED WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Ptychopoda_) _dimidiata_).
The most noticeable feature in this whity brown moth (Plate 47, Figs. 9 and
12), sometimes known as _scutulata_, are the larger dots at the costal end
of the dotted cross lines, and the blackish or dark-brown chain-like mark
on the lower part of the outer marginal area of the fore wings; the latter
is sometimes obscured in a cloud of its own colour. {122}
Eggs (Plate 47, Fig. 1a), laid in a batch on a dried leaf of dandelion,
were whitish at first, but turned reddish later.
The elongated and somewhat flattened caterpillar (figured on Plate 47, Fig.
1, from a coloured drawing by Mr. Sich) is ochreous, with brown lines on
the back, the central one double, and interrupted on the middle rings, upon
which are oblique pale-brown dashes. It feeds, from September to April, on
beaked parsley (_Anthriscus sylvestris_), burnet saxifrage (_Pimpinella_),
etc., and may be reared on withered leaves of dandelion and other weeds.
The moth is out in June and July, and in northern localities in August.
Generally distributed, and often common.
TREBLE BROWN SPOT (_Acidalia_ (_Ptychopoda_) _trigeminata_).
This species (Plate 46, Figs. 8, 11) is similar to the last, but generally
rather larger and somewhat paler; the front edge of the fore wings is
marked with blackish or dark purplish grey, and there is a band of the same
colour on the outer marginal area; the inner edge of this band is formed by
the second line, and the outer edge is wavy, interrupted above the middle,
and sometimes below also.
The rough and rather flattened caterpillar tapers towards the head; in
colour it is dusky brown. The markings comprise interrupted black lines and
V-shaped blackish marks on the back. Buckler states that this caterpillar
may be distinguished from those of its nearest allies by having a rather
long, dingy ochreous bristle from each of the raised dots; these bristles,
which are of the same thickness throughout, curve forwards on all rings to
the ninth, and on the other three backwards. It feeds, from September to
April, on various low-growing plants, ivy, birch, etc. If kept warm, it is
said that whole broods will attain the moth state in July or August; this
may happen sometimes, but in my experience only a few individuals have
obliged in this way. The moth is another inhabitant of the hedgerow and the
bushy wood-border, where it may be disturbed in the daytime during late May
and June. It flies in the evening, and will visit light, and occasionally
the sugar patch. Always a local species, but not uncommon in its special
haunts in Kent, Surrey, Wiltshire, Essex, and Suffolk; it is also found
more or less frequently in Sussex, Hampshire, Dorsetshire, Gloucestershire,
Herefordshire and Worcestershire. In Scotland, it is reported as scarce in
Renfrew; and Kane notes that it does not occur in Ireland.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 48.
1. LEAST CARPET: _caterpillar_.
2, 2a, 2b. SMALL BLOOD-VEIN: _egg enlarged, caterpillar and chrysalis_.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 49.
1, 2. CREAM WAVE.
3, 4. LESSER CREAM WAVE.
5-7. MULLEIN WAVE.
9. LEWES WAVE.
8. SUB-ANGLED WAVE.
10. ROSY WAVE.
11, 12. SMALL BLOOD-VEIN.
{123}
THE LACE BORDER (_Acidalia_ (_Craspedia_) _ornata_).
The conspicuously marked white moth depicted on Plate 46, Figs. 13 and 14,
is unlikely to escape the notice of the collector who visits rough fields
and hillsides in some of the chalk districts of Southern England,
especially in the counties of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. Usually there are
two generations of the moth during the year; one is on the wing in May and
June, and the other flies in August and September.
The caterpillar is of long and slender build, the head is notched, and the
skin of the body is roughened. In colour it is ochreous brown above and
greyish beneath; there are three lines along the back, the central one
pale, except towards the head, edged with dusky, the others dark brown. On
each ring, from four to eight, are two dark V-shaped marks; low down along
the sides there is a dusky edged and mottled, pale ochreous stripe. It
feeds, from October to May, and in July and August, on thyme, marjoram, and
may be reared on garden mint. Abroad, the species ranges over Central and
Southern Europe, and through Asia to Amurland.
NOTE.--According to Prout (_Entom._ xxxix. 267), this species is the type
of the genus _Scopula_, Schrank. {124}
THE CREAM WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _remutaria_).
This species (Plate 49, Figs. 1, 2) has the wings white or ochreous white,
becoming rather smoky grey on the front edge of the fore wings, and
sometimes this tinge spreads all over the wings. In well-marked specimens
there are two dark, wavy, cross-lines, a dusky central shade, and a dusky
shade-like stripe along the outer area beyond the second line; the first
line of the fore wings is often placed close to the central shade, and
sometimes it is merged in it. Not infrequently the lines are barely
traceable, but almost as often the wings appear to have a pair of lines
only, and these distinctly darker than usual.
The caterpillar is rough, long and slender; grey-brown with irregular
darker marks, a pale line along the middle of the back, and a dark cross on
the back of ring ten. The notched head is pale brown with a black V-mark.
It feeds, from July to September, on bedstraw (_Galium_), woodruff
(_Asperula_), dock, sallow, etc.
The moth is out in May and June, and often is plentiful in woods throughout
the greater part of England and Wales; in Yorkshire and northwards through
Scotland up to Moray it is rather local. In Ireland it has been found in
Wicklow and Louth, but more commonly in the south and west.
The range abroad extends to Amurland and Japan.
THE LESSER CREAM WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _immutata_).
White, more or less tinged with ochreous or ochreous grey in the male, is
the general colour of this moth; the wings are crossed by several ochreous
lines, the third line of the fore wings and the second line of the hind
wings rather wavy. All the wings with central black dots, most distinct on
the hind pair, occasionally absent from fore wings. (Plate 49, Figs. 3
[male], 4 [female].) {125}
The long caterpillar is pale greyish-brown, with three dusky lines on the
back; the black spiracles are set in a pale stripe, and below this is a
dusky line; head small and round (Barrett). August to May. The natural food
appears to be _Valeriana officinalis_, and _Spiraea_, but it has been
reared from the egg on groundsel, knotgrass, etc., also hawthorn, and moths
obtained the same year, about September.
In the open the moth is to be found in fens, bogs, and marshy places in
fields and woods, during June and July. It is not uncommon, in suitable
spots, in most of the southern and eastern counties of England. In the
west, including Wales, and through the Midlands, it is local to Yorkshire,
but is widely distributed in the south of the latter county; it occurs,
rarely, in Durham. In Scotland it has only been definitely noted from
Arran. Widely distributed, and common, in many parts of Ireland.
Abroad, the range extends to Amurland.
THE MULLEIN WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _marginepunctata_).
This species exhibits more variation than is usual in this group.
Typically, the moth is greyish white, but in some specimens the grey is
most in evidence, and in others the white. A practically black form, with
white fringes, has been noted from North Cornwall, and at Eastbourne and
Portland many of the specimens have a clear, bone-coloured ground, with
fine but very distinct cross-markings; these seem to be referable to ab.
_pastoraria_, Joannis. The cross lines in both dark and light forms are
sometimes very indistinct, but occasionally the first and second of the
fore wings are united, and so form an irregular dusky band; the greyish
clouding on the outer marginal area is also variable. Three {126} specimens
are shown on Plate 49; two from Eastbourne, Figs. 5 [female], 6 [male], and
one from Essex, Fig. 7 [female].
The long caterpillar is very pale slaty-olive, with three paler lines along
the back, the central one edged on each side with olive, darkest on the
last three rings; spiracles black, and under surface of the body pale slate
blue (adapted from Porritt). It feeds on various low-growing plants, among
which, yarrow, mugwort, chickweed, cinquefoil, and knotgrass have been
mentioned; also, it is said, on sallow. There are certainly two broods in
the south, one feeding up in the summer, and the other hatching in
September, and after hibernation attaining full growth in May or June.
Moths of the first generation are on the wing in June and July, and of the
second in August and September. Although sometimes found inland, the
species is more especially attached to the coast, and is found in nearly
all the seaboard counties of England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland, it
occurs in Wigtownshire, and very dark specimens have been obtained on rocks
in dry pastures at Ardrossan; June to end of July.
THE LEWES WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _immorata_).
Although the late Mr. S. Stevens exhibited a British specimen of this
species, as a curious variety of _Strenia clathrata_, at a meeting of the
Entomological Society of London in 1868, it was not until the year 1887,
when Mr. C. H. Morris captured two specimens in Sussex, that the insect
became recognized as a native. It is probable that the earlier example,
taken some years before it was shown at the meeting referred to, may have
come from the same locality in the Lewes district where the later specimens
were captured. Anyway, the species has, so far, not been recorded from any
other part of our islands, but it continues to be found in its original
haunts, described as "some heathy ground," up to the present day. (Plate
49, Fig. 9.) {127}
The long, slender, and roughened caterpillar is pale greyish brown; the
central line along the back is greyish-white, each side edged on the hinder
half with brown, having at the beginning of each ring after the third a
black dot on either side; side stripes dark brown, inclining to black
above; a slender brown line below the black spiracles. (Adapted from
Barrett.) It feeds from August to May on ling (_Calluna vulgaris_),
marjoram, thyme, knotgrass, etc.
From eggs laid on July 1 and 2 caterpillars hatched on July 17 and 18.
These were placed on leaves of ribwort plantain (_Plantago lanceolata_),
and as soon as large enough transferred to a potted plant, and kept out of
doors. Two of the caterpillars grew up quickly, and on August 24 were taken
indoors, where they spun up for pupation, one on August 28, and the other
on September 1. A female moth emerged September 14 from the first chrysalis
(F. C. Woodbridge, 1906).
The range abroad extends to East Siberia and Amurland.
THE SUB-ANGLED WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _strigilaria_).
This species is greyish white, sometimes brownish-tinged; dusky cross
markings, of which the oblique shade following the central black dot of the
fore wings, and that before the central black dot of the hind wings, are
usually most distinct, forming a narrow band across both pairs of wings;
the outer margin of the hind wings is angled.
The long, slender caterpillar has a roughened appearance; the colour is
greenish grey, and the markings comprise a dull green line along the middle
of the back, spotted with black on each side; the grey head is variegated
with very pale brown. (Adapted from Porritt.)
This species (Plate 49, Fig. 8) was known to Haworth, who gave it the
English name which it bears to-day. Stephens, {128} writing of it in 1831,
states that it was very rare, and that specimens in his collection were
from a lane near Darenth, in Kent. With one exception (Hastings, Sussex,
1876), the only present known locality in the British Isles for the species
is the Warren, near Folkestone, Kent, where it was discovered in 1859. Here
it occurred more or less freely for several years, then it became scarce,
and finally, about 1890, seemed to be practically extinct. In 1906,
however, Mr. G. H. Conquest netted a female specimen in the Warren on July
24, and as she laid a few eggs, it may be presumed that others had been
deposited before capture. From the eggs obtained by Mr. Conquest, nine
moths were reared in July, 1907. The caterpillars thrived on traveller's
joy (_Clematis vitalba_), which is probably the natural food; but they will
also eat dandelion, knotgrass, etc., and like the withered leaves. By
keeping in a warm place, it is possible to get moths out the same year,
but, as a rule, the caterpillars prefer to hibernate.
The range abroad extends to Amurland, China, Corea, and Japan.
THE ROSY WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _emutaria_).
Figure 10, Plate 49, shows an example of this species, which also has
angled hind wings. In coloration it is whiter and more silky than the last,
and when fresh is delicately tinged with pink; the first and second lines
are dotted or represented by dots, and the greyish central shade is
obliquely inclined in the direction of the tips of the wings. In the
marshes on the Essex and Kentish coasts the species is generally rather
more rosy (ab. _subroseata_, Haworth), but this form occurs occasionally in
the New Forest also. The long, slender caterpillar is whitish ochreous,
inclining to pinkish; on the back of each ring is a broad grey shade
enclosing a white spot, and a faint grey line on each side. Spiracles,
black, with black spots below them on {129} rings four to eight;
undersurface bluish-grey with a central white stripe. (Adapted from Fenn.)
When reared from the egg, the caterpillar will feed on knotgrass,
chickweed, birdsfoot trefoil, etc. The moths sometimes appear in August or
September, but the more usual habit of the larva is to hibernate when small
and complete growth in the following spring.
The moth, which is out in July and early August, conceals itself by day
among the vegetation growing in its somewhat restricted haunts. These are
chiefly the marshes on the east coast, and similar spots in Kent and
Sussex; also the bogs of Hampshire and Dorset, but especially those between
Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst in the former county. It is not readily put up
during the day, but towards evening it becomes active on the wing, and
after its flight may be found sitting about upon the herbage.
Abroad, it seems to be pretty much confined to Southern Europe and
North-west Africa.
THE SMALL BLOOD-VEIN (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _imitaria_).
All the wings of this pale reddish-brown species are angulated (Plate 49,
Figs. 11 and 12). A conspicuous character is the reddish or purplish-red
stripe crossing both the wings, and to which its English name no doubt
refers. It varies somewhat in the amount of reddish in the general
coloration, also in the tint and the width of the prominent oblique cross
stripe.
The early stages are shown on Plate 48, Figs. 2-2b. The eggs, when laid on
June 18 and 19, were whitish-green, but soon turned pinkish, inclining to
coral red. The caterpillars hatched July 3 to 6, and were reared on a diet
of privet leaves--a food that I have always found they preferred to any
other that has been offered to them, and upon which I have found them in
the open. They are exceedingly easy to rear, and if, as sometimes happens,
they refuse to feed up and get through to the moth state in {130} September
of the same year, they do not die off during the winter or early spring, as
do so many larvae of other hibernating species. Enclosed in a suitable
receptacle, such as a roomy glass cylinder, with some twigs of privet
plugged in a bottle of water, the caterpillars may be left in any odd
corner until spring, when fresh twigs should be introduced from time to
time. Other food plants are dock, groundsel, dandelion, knotgrass,
bedstraw, etc. In colour the caterpillar is pale ochreous brown, with three
darker brown lines on the back, the central one broken on the front rings,
and the others edged above with whitish; the spiracles are black, and the
stripe along the side pale drab.
The moth affects hedgerows, banks, bushy places on rough sloping ground,
and sandhills by the sea. It flies in the evening, and may be met with in
July and August, sometimes in September, in most English and Welsh
counties, and in the south of Ireland. It is local and somewhat rare in
Northern England, and seems not to occur in Scotland.
TAWNY WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Leptomeris_) _rubiginata_).
This attractive little moth (Plate 50, Figs. 1, 2), known also as
_rubricata_ Fab., varies in colour from ochreous brown with a purplish or
reddish tinge, to purplish brown or crimson; the first line of the fore
wings is curved, and the second is parallel with the central shade.
Sometimes the space between the last two lines and between the first and
second lines of the hind wings is paler than the general colour. A dusky
brown form has been recorded from boggy heaths in Norfolk.
The roughish caterpillar, which gradually tapers to the notched head, is
greyish inclining to yellowish or greenish; three blackish lines on the
back, the central one widened on the middle rings, and the others only
distinct on the front rings; a black-edged pale line above the black
spiracles, and a dusky stripe below them (Barrett). It feeds from August to
May on clover, trefoil, {131} knotgrass, etc. Sometimes as a second
generation in June and July.
According to Stephens, who figured this species in 1831, a specimen was
taken, near Dover, somewhere about 1825; he also refers to Yorkshire
specimens, one of which he had in his collection. Since that time the
species has been obtained in Lancashire (Ashton-on-Mersey), and it was
noted, not uncommon from the first to third week in July, 1875, on low
heathery ground at Winch Bridge, Upper Teesdale, Durham. Casual specimens
have also been recorded from Folkestone, Kent; Hastings, Sussex, and South
Devon. The last concerns a specimen taken in the Newton Abbot district in
1902. What may be termed the British home of the species is, however, the
Breck sand district in the eastern counties, where, since 1860, it has been
found in greater or lesser plenty, in June, each year up to the present
time. The best known localities are Tuddenham, Brandon, Thetford, and Bury
St. Edmunds. It sits among the vegetation in fields or the borders thereof,
and also on heaths. Occasionally, it indulges in flight in the afternoon,
but it is more often put up as the collector approaches its place of
retreat. At night it is usually active, and light has a strong attraction
for it.
Abroad, its range extends to Amurland and Corea.
THE SMOKY WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Pylarge_) _fumata_).
The sexes of this greyish-white moth are figured on Plate 50, Figs. 4
[male], 5 [female]. It will be seen that the female is smaller than the
male. The caterpillar is very slender, and finely wrinkled; pale ochreous
brown, with three pale lines along the back, each of which is shaded on
both sides with brown. Beneath the ridge, low down along the sides, is a
dark stripe, and the under surface is pale. It feeds on bilberry, sallow
and heather, and will eat knotgrass, chickweed, and dandelion. Hatching in
August, it {132} hibernates when nearly mature, but it resumes feeding in
the spring. The moth is out in June and July, and frequents moors and
mosses. Plentiful in Scotland and in the north of England, its range
extends through Wales and the west of England to Devonshire, where it
occurs on Exmoor and is common in some parts of that extensive area. In
Ireland, recorded by Birchall as widely distributed; Kane notes it from
counties Kerry, Waterford, and Galway.
The range abroad extends to Amurland and Japan.
BRIGHT WAVE (_Acidalia_ (_Sterrha_) _ochrata_).
At one time this ochreous brown species (Plate 50, Fig. 3) was an
inhabitant of the Essex coast, and was found commonly at Southend among
other places. Deal and other parts of the Kentish coast are more frequently
mentioned in connection with later records of the species. In the present
day it is far less plentiful at Deal than formerly, but it is still to be
found there. Specimens have been taken in the Isle of Wight, and one has
been noted from Suffolk (Aldeburgh).
The pale ochreous brown or greyish ochreous caterpillar has three broken
greyish lines on the back; it tapers towards the small head, and the skin
of the body is closely wrinkled. It feeds from August to May, or a little
later, on the flowers of hawk's-beard (_Crepis_), dandelion, coltsfoot,
golden rod, etc., and in confinement it seems to accept most kinds of
flowers that are offered, even when widely different. Thus, Mr. Conquest,
in 1907, had some caterpillars which hatched during the first week in
August from eggs laid on July 25; these were at first supplied with
flowering sprays of yellow bedstraw (_Galium verum_), and later on with the
flowers of golden rod (_Solidago_). Instead of hibernating, which is no
doubt the normal habit in the species, some larvae reared from the egg in
confinement and subjected to fostering warmth will grow very quickly and
produce moths the same year.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 50.
1, 2. TAWNY WAVE.
3. BRIGHT WAVE.
4, 5. SMOKY WAVE.
6. _ACIDALIA PEROCHRARIA_.
7, 8. SMALL SCALLOP.
9, 10. BLOOD-VEIN.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 51.
1, 1a, 1b. DINGY MOCHA: _eggs, caterpillars and chrysalis_.
2. MOCHA: _caterpillar_.
{133} This species has been referred to the genus _Sterrha_, Hubner, but
authorities are not agreed as to the validity of this.
_Acidalia perochraria._
The species last referred to as _A. ochrata_ was formerly known in Britain
as _pallidaria_, and was figured by Curtis in 1831 under that name.
Afterwards the name was changed to _perochraria_, and later still the
correct name was found for it.
How far there may have been confusion of the two species in the records of
the present one, I have no means of ascertaining, but probably all but two
should properly refer to _ochrata_. The only two known British specimens of
_perochraria_ therefore appear to have been captured in the Redhill
district of Surrey, one in 1865 and one in 1869. As will be seen on
reference to Plate 50, where a portrait of a Continental specimen will be
found (Fig. 6), the general colour is much brighter than that of _ochrata_.
It will be noted, also, that there are four darker cross lines on the fore
wings, and three on the hind wings. The antennae, too, of the male are
toothed, and therefore differ from these organs in _ochrata_.
THE SMALL SCALLOP (_Ania emarginata_).
As will be noted on turning to Plate 50, Figs. 7, 8, the male of this pale
ochreous brown species is generally rather larger than the female, and the
more ample wings are less acutely angled in outline; the latter sex is also
more clouded with reddish brown.
The caterpillar is variable in colour; one form is of a dusky ochreous
colour with a pale line along the middle of the back, edged on each side
with a darker tint, and most conspicuously {134} so on the hinder rings;
the back is also dotted with black, and has some dark V- or X-shaped marks
upon it; the body tapers to the notched dark-brown head. It feeds on
bedstraw (_Galium_), convolvulus, etc., and, like others of its tribe, has
a taste for withered leaves. August to May or June, according to the
season. In confinement it has been induced by warmth to feed up quickly,
and appear as a moth the same year. Only a short time is passed in the
chrysalis stage. July is perhaps the best month for the moth, but it may be
seen at any time from late June to early August. Its haunts are fens,
marshes, and moist woodlands, etc., and although it is more frequent in the
south, it is widely spread throughout England, but in the north it is rare,
and its occurrence more or less casual.
In Wales it has been recorded from Glamorganshire and Flintshire; but it is
apparently unknown in Scotland and Ireland.
THE BLOOD-VEIN (_Timandra amata_).
The stripe across the wings of this pretty species (Plate 50, Figs. 9 and
10), extending from the apex of the fore wings to near the middle of the
inner margin of the hind wings, is normally pinkish red, but it may be of a
more crimson or purplish hue; it also varies in width. The fringes are
usually pinkish red, and occasionally the margins of the wings are tinged
with the same colour. The whitish-ochreous ground colour is normally finely
powdered with grey, but sometimes so thickly that a greyish tinge is
imparted to the wings. Barrett mentions a specimen with pale smoky brown
wings, and, excepting that the tips of the fringes are tinged with pink,
the usual markings are absent. In another example, "the space between the
central and second lines is filled up with purple brown."
The caterpillar is brownish grey, with three whitish lines on the back, the
central one intersecting a series of four dark {135} lozenges. It feeds on
various low-growing plants, such as persicaria, orach, sorrel, etc., but
dock seems to be the most frequently selected pabulum. July to May,
sometimes feeding up and appearing as a second generation of the moth in
August.
Weedy ditches, hedge banks, or moist waste places, are the favourite
resorts of the moth; and when one example is flushed from its lurking
place, others are almost certain to be hiding in the immediate vicinity.
Widely distributed throughout England, but most common in the south; found
also in North and South Wales; and sparingly in Scotland to Aberdeenshire,
also recorded from Arran. Apparently rare in Ireland, as it is only noted
from Kerry and Galway.
FALSE MOCHA (_Ephyra porata_).
The wings are pale ochreous brown, finely flecked with purplish grey, and
more or less tinged with reddish; the cross lines are indicated by blackish
dots, the central shade is greyish inclining to reddish, and the rings
enclosing white dots are blackish or dark brown, but sometimes indistinct
on the fore wings; occasionally there are some purplish grey clouds on the
outer marginal area, and this is more frequent in examples of a second
generation. Sometimes the wings are entirely suffused with dull reddish
brown, and all the markings, except the white dot on the hind wings, are
obscured. (Plate 53, Figs. 7 and 8.)
The caterpillar is pale pinkish ochreous, with inconspicuous wavy white
lines, and brownish dots, on the back; dark oblique marks on the sides; the
head is pencilled with darker brown. It feeds on oak and birch in June and
July, and individuals of a second brood sometimes occur in September or
October.
The moth is out in May and June, and rests in the daytime {136} among the
foliage of trees and bushes in or around woods. Like others of the genus,
it is attracted by light, and is said to visit the sugar patch. Specimens
of a second generation sometimes appear in August and September, but, I
believe, more frequently in the breeding cage than in the open. Although it
has been recorded from several of the northern counties from Staffordshire
to Cumberland, this is more especially an inhabitant of the south and west
of England, and of Wales. In Scotland, it is known to occur singly and
rarely in Clydesdale and Arran, and has been found in Perthshire.
NOTE.--This species, and the other five here included in _Ephyra_, have
been referred to _Zonosoma_, Lederer, and more recently to _Cyclophora_,
Stephens.
MAIDEN'S BLUSH (_Ephyra punctaria_).
In a general way, this moth (Plate 53, Figs. 10-12) is not unlike the last
mentioned. Apart, however, from the absence of ringed dots on all the
wings, the central line is more prominent. Certain vagaries occur in
connection with this line, which is generally reddish, or purplish brown.
Occasionally, it may be visible on the fore wings, but absent on the hind
wings; or it may change its course about mid-way, and turn inwards to the
base of the fore wing. I have a specimen from Surrey in which this line is
double the normal width, and dark purplish in colour. Examples of the
second generation have brownish clouds on the outer margin (Fig. 12).
The caterpillar is pale reddish-ochreous or bright green; a black line
along the middle of the back, and a brownish one along the sides; a black
horse-shoe mark, edged below with yellow, on the back of rings four to
nine.
It feeds, in June and July, on oak, but may be reared on birch; also found
in September as a second brood. {137}
The moth is out in May and June, and specimens of a second generation are
often not uncommon in August. It occurs in woodlands throughout England,
but is most plentiful in the south. In Scotland, it appears to be local in
Clydesdale, but is found thence up to Moray. In Ireland, only recorded from
Galway (two specimens).
CLAY TRIPLE-LINES (_Ephyra linearia_).
This species (Plate 53, Fig. 13) varies in the general colour from
yellowish to pale reddish ochreous; the cross lines are also variable,
often the first is missing (Plate 53, Fig. 14), and not infrequently the
dark central line is the only visible marking, but very exceptionally the
central line is very little, if at all, more distinct than the normal first
and second. The ringed white dots are rarely very conspicuous, and are
often quite absent.
The caterpillar is pale brownish, with a brown-edged yellowish line along
the middle of the back, and some yellow-edged dark-brown streaks on the
sides. In another form, the head is brown and the body green.
It feeds in June, July, and again in September, on beech. The moth is out
in May and June, and again in August and September. Beech woods are its
favourite haunts, and it seldom strays far from them. It is generally
common in the south, and its range apparently extends to Northumberland;
but it is local and infrequent in the north. Three specimens have been
recorded from Co. Galway, and one from Co. Cork, in Ireland.
NOTE.--Nearly fifty years ago, at Brighton, a single specimen was reared
from one of eight larvae that hatched from the same number of eggs
deposited by a female _E. linearia_ that had paired with a male _E.
orbicularia_. This hybrid has been named _brightoni_, Tutt. {138}
THE MOCHA (_Ephyra annulata_).
Normally, the wings of this species (Plate 53, Figs. 6, 9) are yellowish
white, inclining to ochreous yellow with the blackish central shade near to
and sometimes united with the blackish irregular and outwardly toothed
second cross line on both fore and hind wings; the rings are deep brown or
blackish. There is variation in the width and intensity of the central
shade, and the rings sometimes are absent on the fore wings (ab.
_obsoleta_, Riding), and occasionally all the wings are devoid of the
annular mark (ab. _biobsoleta_, Riding). Examples of a second generation
reared in captivity are rather deeper coloured, and have a sprinkling of
black scales, chiefly on the fore wings.
The caterpillar (Plate 51, Fig. 2, after Hofmann) is dark green, yellow
between the rings; there are three yellow lines along the back, the outer
ones waved; head reddish brown, paler marked. (Adapted from Porritt.) There
is also a pale ochreous brown form.
It feeds on maple in June, and as a second generation in August and
September. It may be reared on sycamore. The moth frequents lanes, woods,
and thickets, especially those in which maple is plentiful; it flies at
dusk, and in the daytime may be beaten from hedgerows in which the food
plant grows. It has also been found among hornbeam. The species is most
frequent from Kent to Hampshire, but widely distributed over England up to
Worcester and Herefordshire, and eastward to Norfolk, occurring also in
Northampton and Yorkshire.
The colour and ornamentation of this charming little insect seem to have
struck Haworth, who named the species in the vernacular, as bearing some
resemblance to the Mocha stone from Arabia, a kind of transparent agate in
which are seen brownish moss-like markings. {139}
DINGY MOCHA (_Ephyra orbicularia_).
The wings are greyish, thickly striped with darker grey; the markings
similar to those of the next species, but the rings are nearly always
reddish or purplish, and the central line is wavy. (Plate 53, Figs. 4 and
5.)
The egg (which, together with the caterpillar and chrysalis, is figured on
Plate 51) is at first bone-coloured; later, pink dots and patches appear.
The caterpillar is bright green with three lines along the back, the
central one edged on each side with dark green and the others wavy; the
sides are blotched with pink or pale purple, or sometimes whitish and
unmarked; head slightly notched on the crown, pale brown, marked with
darker; fore legs tipped with pink. (Porritt, abridged.) In another form of
the green coloration, the sides are pinkish with dark-brown oblique
stripes; in a third the general colour is pale brown. The first brood of
caterpillars feeds in June on sallow and alder, and a second in August and
September.
The moth appears in May and June, and again in July and August; sometimes a
third brood has been reared in captivity. It is less frequently met with
than the other species of _Ephyra_, even in its most favourite haunts, such
as the New Forest, in Hampshire. Other localities for it are Abbots Wood,
St. Leonards and Tilgate Forests, and elsewhere in Sussex; Redstone,
Haslemere, and the Croydon districts, in Surrey; and in some Kentish woods.
It has also been taken rarely in Dorset, Devon (Tiverton), S. Wales, and
Suffolk (Lowestoft).
BIRCH MOCHA (_Ephyra pendularia_).
The general colour of this species (Plate 53, Figs. 1, 2) is whitish, more
or less powdered or suffused with grey; all the {140} wings have two
blackish dotted cross lines and a greyish, sometimes reddish, central
shade; not infrequently there is an interrupted grey or dark greyish band
on the outer marginal area, and this margin itself is always dotted with
black; the rings enclosing white dots on all the wings are usually black,
but sometimes reddish. In some specimens having a reddish central shade,
the general colour, especially of the fore wings, is delicately tinged with
reddish. Var. _subroseata_, Woodforde (Fig. 3), a form of this species
occurring in N. Staffs. is slaty grey, with the space between the inner and
outer cross lines of fore wings rosy pink or reddish.
The caterpillar is of a green colour with slender yellowish lines along the
back and sides; between the rings the colour inclines to yellowish, and the
head, legs, and prolegs are reddish brown. In another form the general
colour is greyish, inclining to reddish, and the lines paler grey. It feeds
on birch in June and July, and again in August and September. It is said to
eat alder and oak. The chrysalis, which is similar in shape to that of the
last species (Plate 51), is pale greyish-ochreous marked with dark brown.
The moth, which appears in May and June, and in some seasons in August,
frequents woodlands and heaths where birch flourishes. Although fairly
plentiful in most of the southern English counties, it appears to be rare
in Dorset and Devon, and more or less so in the eastern counties. It is
very local in Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, but not uncommon at Strensall
in the latter county; and although it has been recorded from Cumberland, it
seems to be absent from Lancashire and Cheshire. Doubtfully reported from
North Northumberland, but found in Wells Wood, Roxburghshire, and appears
to be widely distributed in Scotland, although generally scarce in that
country. In Ireland it is local, but not uncommon sometimes.
The range abroad extends to Eastern Siberia.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 52.
1. MALLOW: _caterpillar_.
2. SHADED BROAD-BAR: _caterpillar_.
3. CHALK CARPET: _caterpillar_.
[Illustration]
2 Pl. 53.
1, 2, 3. BIRCH MOCHA.
4, 5. DINGY MOCHA.
6, 9. THE MOCHA.
7, 8. FALSE MOCHA.
10-12. MAIDEN'S BLUSH.
13, 14. CLAY TRIPLE-LINES.
{141}