This moth is closely allied to the Chrysitis, which is
found in England, differing, however, in the shape of
the gold markings.[8] The fore-wings have a bright
golden marginal band of varying width across them,
from the apex to the base. It is found in rough places,
and can be easily netted when hovering over clover-flowers
or similar low-growing herbage at dusk. The
hind-wings are grey-brown, shading off to a lighter tint
towards the body. The antennæ are long and fine.
The caterpillar feeds on the tobacco-plant, and is found
in barrancos, but it is most usually met with on potato-plants;
it envelops itself in a leaf, drawing it together
with silk-like threads, and so forming a case in which it
turns to the chrysalis. It is found very nearly all the
year round, but is met with in greatest numbers during
the spring months.
[8] Alpheraky describes the Indian variety Chrysitina as a
Teneriffe moth.
PLUSIA TRIPARTITA (Hufn.) URTICÆ (Hübn).
Known in England as the Spectacle Moth. It is met
with in the day-time as well as at dusk, like many
others of the genus Plusia. Its fore-wings are dark
grey, varied with greenish-white in the basal and marginal
areas; the sub-terminal line is marked below the
costa with black arrow-heads in front, and is bordered
with deep black behind. It is common in the greater
part of Europe and Northern Asia. The larva, which
is greenish brown, has two white lines on the back, and
slender white and green lines along each side above the
feet. It feeds on nettle.