NEW-ZKUiaNt) Mams -am m BUTTERFLIES' NEW ZEALAND MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES. "The rearing of larvae, . . . when joined with the entomological collection, adds immense interest to Saturday afternoon rambles, and forms an admirable introduction to the study of physiology." Herbert Spencer, in 'Education.' " When simple curiosity passes into the love of knowledge as such, and the gratification of the aesthetic sense of the beauty of completeness and accuracy seems more desirable than the easy indolence of ignorance ; when the finding out of the causes of things becomes a source of joy, and he is counted happy who is successful in the search ; common knowledge of Nature passes into what our forefathers called Natural History, from whence there is but a step to that which used to be termed Natural Philosophy, and now passes by the name of Physical Science." Thomas Henry Huxley, in ' The Crayfish.' "It is interesting to contemplate a tangled bank, clothed with many plants of many kinds, with birds singing on the bushes, with various insects Hitting about, and with worms crawling through the dam}) earth, and to reflect that these elaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent upon each other in so complex a manner, have all been produced by laws acting around us. These laws, taken in the largest sense, being Growth with Reproduction; Inheritance which is almost implied by reproduction; Variability from the indirect and direct action of the conditions of life, and from use and disuse : a Ratio of Increase so high as to lead to a Struggle for Life, and as a consequence to Natural Selection, entailing Divergence of Character and the Extinction of less-improved forms. Thus, from the war of Nature, from famine and death, the most exalted object which we are capable of conceiving, namely, the production of the higher animals, directly follows. There is a grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed by the Creator into a few forms or into one ; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved." Darwin, in 'The Origin of Species.' 0*1 NEW ZEALAND MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES (MACRO-LEPIDOPTEKA). G. V. HUDSON, P.E.S., Author of ' An Elemental!/ Manual of Neiu Zealand Entomology. WITH 13 PLATES. LONDON : WEST, NEWMAN & Co., 54, HATTON GARDEN, E.G. / <? PEE FACE. The present work is intruded as a guide to those who desire to collect or study our native Lepidnptera, and also as a book of reference to the general leader. In the Introduction I have first given an outline of the Transformations and Structure of the Lepidoptera. Then a brief sketch of the Darwinian th ies respecting the origin of species and their special application to various phenomena exhibited by moths and butterflies, as well as a short outline of the general principles which have been followed in framing modern classifications oi the order. Next follow five chapters on the various groups de-alt with. With a few exceptions this work only treats of what are, for the sake of convenience, termed the Macro-Lepidnptera. A similar work on the numerous and interesting species of Micrn-Lepidoptera found in New Zealand may at some future time he undertaken. In conclusion, I have to discharge the pleasurable duty of thanking the numerous entomologists who have so liberally assisted me in the production of this work. First, and especially, my thanks are due to Mr. Meyrick, without whose masterly papers and 'Handbook' hut little could have been accomplished. Next, to Mi'. R. \Y. Fereday, who very kindly allowed me to figure many species of which he alone possesses specimens — in itself an invaluable assistance. 1 have also to express my thanks to Messrs. H. F. Hawthorne, H. P. Hanif'y, li. I. Kingsley, A. Nonas, A. Philpott, and others for the loan of specimens, and for much valuable information regarding the localities and habits of rare or local species. Lastly, I have to acknowledge the aid so willingly given by my lamented friend, the late Mr. A. S. Ullifi, of Sydney. Kabobi, Wellington, New Zealand, 1897. CONTENTS [NTRODUCTIO THK CAliADlHXINA THE N'OTODONTINA THE PAPILIONINA THE PSYCHIJs \ THE MK K<>1'TKKY(.I\A iimkt oxi APPENDIX (Oksc Kirnvi GENERAL INDEX SPECIAL INDEX PLATES AND EXPLANATIONS INTEODUCTION. The order Lepidoptera, which includes all those insects commonly known as Moths and Butterflies, is chiefly distinguished by its members possessing four wings clothed with numerous minute scales, the term Lepidoptera being derived from the two Greek words, X«n'e, a scale, and irrepov, a wing. The mouth of these insects is suctorial, the maxillae forming a spiral proboscis which is coiled up between the large labial palpi when not in use (sec Plate I., Jigs. 5 and (i). The other oral organs are rudimentary. To acquire this form these insects pass through three very distinct stages, viz., the Egg, the Larva, and the Pupa. 1.— yJPTAMOBPHOSIS. THE EGG. The eggs of Lepidoptera are generally somewhat globular, much flattened above and beneath. Some are very elaborately sculptured, whilst others are quite smooth. They are usually white or yellowish, but always change much in colour as the contained embryo develops. THE LARVA. The larvaa of moths and butterflies are popularly known as caterpillars. They always consist of thirteen segments, segment number one being the head. The head is furnished with several simple eyes (Plate 1., fig. 2, AA), a pair of very short antennas (BB), and a very powerful masticatory mouth. The mouth consists of the following organs: The labrum, or upper lip (1); a pair of mandibles, or upper jaws, working like scissor-blades (-2, -2) ; two maxilla?, or lower jaws (3,3), each carrying a jointed organ termed the maxillary palpus; and the labium, or lower lip (4); which bears another pair of minute jointed appendages — the labial palpi. Segments 2, 3, and 4, which answer to the thorax of the perfect insect, are each furnished with a pair of legs. They consist of the six following joints (fig. 2) : (a) coxa, (b) trochanter, (c) femur, (</) tibia, (e) tarsus, and (/) claw. These legs correspond to those of the perfect insect. The remaining nine segments of the body constitute the abdomen. Usually segments 7 to 9 and 13, each have a pair of fleshy pads, which are termed prolegs and are furnished on their edges with a row of minute booklets (see Plate I., fig. 14, proleg highly magnified). It is these hooklets which enable caterpillars to hold on by means of their prolegs with such great tenacity. The number of the prolegs varies considerably in different groups and families. The ■■spiracles, or orifices of the air-tubes, are situated on each side of the larva just above the legs. They are usually present on segments 2 and 5 to 12, but vary consider- x INTRODUCTION. ably in different groups and families. The larva is provided with a very complete digestive system, which consists of the following organs (see Plate I., fig. 9) : A, the oesophagus ; D, the ventriculus ; F, the clavate intestine ; E, the ilium ; H, the colon ; K, the biliary vessels ; and 0, the spinning vessels. These last open at a small orifice in the labium termed the spinneret (fig. 2, 5). They supply the silken threads which are employed by most larvae in constructing their cocoons, and which also serve in cases of danger as a rapid means of retreat. Many larva-, which live on shrubs and trees, suddenly lower themselves to the ground by means of one of these silken threads, and thus often escape being devoured by insectivorous animals. The entire growth of the insect is accomplished during the larval condition, the increase in size being frequently very rapid. Owing to this circumstance larva' are often compelled to shed their skin, and in many species a very considerable alteration both in the shape and colour takes place at each moult, or eedysis as it is sometimes termed. THE PUPA. The pupa of a Lepidopterous insect is completely encased in a chitinous envelope. With the exception of a slight twirling of the abdominal segments it is incapable of any motion. In the pupa of Micropteryx the mandibles and Labial palpi are said to be functionally active, but this is a very exceptional though extremely interesting case. In conjunction with other evidence it would appear to indicate that the Lepidoptera originated from insects with active pupae. The number of free or movable segments of pupa' varies considerably in different groups and genera, and by some modern authors it is regarded as a character of much importance in the framing of their classifications. The various organs of the perfect insect are distinctly marked out on the otherwise uniform integument of the pupa. In some groups, notably the Micropterygina, these organs are much more distinctly indicated than in others. II.— ANATOMY. THE PERFECT INSECT OP IMAGO. In common with all other members of the class, the body of a Lepidopterous insect consists of three main divisions : (1) the head, (-J) the thorax, and (3) the abdomen. THE HEAD. The front of the head is termed the face, the top the crown, the sides are nearly entirely occupied by the compound eyes (Plate I., H^;. 11, AA), and the lower surface by the organs of the mouth. The Eyes consist of a very large number of simple lenses arranged in the form of two hemispheres, one on each side of the head. The ocelli, or simple eyes, are situated on the crown, and are usually almost entirely covered by scales. The Antrim,*' are two jointed appendages attached to the top of the head above the eyes. They vary very much in structure. The following are the terms used in de i idling the different forms ol antenna1 in the Lepidoptera : — 1. Pectinated, when the joints have long processes like the teeth of a comb, [f these are .a: one side only, the antenna; are iinipectinated; if on both sides, bipectinated. (Plate I., lig. 20, bipectinated antenna of Nyctemera annulata.) ■1. Dentate, when the joints are armed with slight pointed spines. INTRODUCTION. m 3. Serrate, when the joints have sharp projections like the teeth of a saw. (Fig. is, antenna of Melanchra composita.) 4. Filiform, when the whole antenna is simple or thread-like. (Fig. 1!), antenna of Epirranthis alectoraria.) The clothing of the antenna' also varies, and is distinguished as under: 1. Ciliated, when clothed with one or two series of short, fine hairs. •1. Fasciculate-ciliated, when the hairs are collected into tufts. (Fig. 17, antenna of Cllloroclljstis idinthilUl.) 3. Pubescent, when the antenna- are clothed with uniform short hairs. (Fig. 19.) The functions of the antenna' are still a matter of dispute amongst entomologists. The majority of the older naturalists regarded them as organs of hearing. The antenna' are almost always more fully developed in the male than in the female. From this circumstance many modern entomologists consider that one of their functions is to enable the former to find the latter. The organs of the mouth are thus distinguished : — 1. The Labrum, or upper lip (Plate 1., fig. 11, I), a minute rudimentary plate situated in front immediately above the proboscis. •J. The Mandibles, or upper jaws (m.m), two minute sickle-shaped organs situated just below the labrum, also rudimentary. :',. The Proboscis, or Haustellum (c), a tubular extensible organ formed of the two maxilla1, or lower jaws, which have become greatly elongated, semi-tubular, and closely pressed together al the edges, but separable at the will of the insect -a structure which enables the organ to be easily cleansed when necessary, and is extremely interesting as indicating so clearly the true development of the proboscis from the maxilla'. The Ma.rillaru palpi (p.p) are two jointed organs attached to the base of the proboscis and very frequently rudimentary, but fully developed amongst certain of the Micro-Lepidoptera. The Labium, or lower lip, is situated below the proboscis and carries the Labial palpi (figs. •") and 6), two large jointed organs which are very conspicuous in nearly all the species and often quite conceal the maxillary palpi. They are usually regarded as organs of touch, but their true function does not seem to be properly understood. In the Lepidoptera they appear to protect the proboscis, which, when out of use, is always coiled up in a spiral between them. The labrum and mandibles can only be seen by removing the large labial palpi. THE THORAX carries the organs of locomotion, which consist of two pairs of wings attached to its sides, and three pairs of legs attached beneath, a pair belonging to each of the three segments of which the thorax is composed. On the front of the thorax there are two flap-like organs covered with scales, termed the patagia. The Wings vary greatly in shape, but usually they are triangular. The portion of the wing which joins on to the thorax is termed the base. The front margin is called the costa, the outer margin the termen, and the lower margin the dorsum, these being described as situated when the wing is extended in flight. The angle between the costa and termen * This organ is termed the tongue by Mr. Meyrick. As many mandibulate insects possess a true tongue, and the proboscis of the Lepidoptera is not homologous with the tongue, but with the maxilla'. I think the term is very misleading. xii INTRODUCTION. is called the apex, and the angle between the tennen and the dorsum the tornus (see Plate I., fig. 1). The tennen and dorsum are edged with a fringe of hair-like scales, termed the cilia. At the base of the hind-wings is generally situated a stiff bristle, or several stiff hairs, called the frenulum, the ends of which pass through a chitinous process on the under side of the fore-wing near the dorsum. This process is termed the retinaculum, and serves, in conjunction with the frenulum, to lock the wings together during flight. In the female both these organs are often very imperfectly developed, the frenulum consisting of several bristly hairs, and the retinaculum of a group of stiff scales. In many of the Lepidoptera both frenulum and retinaculum are entirely wanting. "In the Micropterygina, a membranous or spine-like process called the jug um rises from the dorsum of the fore-wing near the base and passes under the hind-wing, which is thus held between the process and the overlapping portion of the fore-wing." -(Meyrick.) The veins of the wings are thus described by Mr. Meyrick : — "The wings are traversed by a system of Veins — tubular structures which serve at once as extensions of the tracheal system, and to form a stiff framework for the support of the wing. In the normal type of Lepidoptera the fore-wings possess three free veins towards the dorsum, termed In, lb, and \c ; a central cell, out of which rise ten veins, numbered 2 to 11, the sides of the cell being known as the upper median, lower median, and transverse veins respectively; and a free subcostal vein, numbered L2 ; whilst the hind-wings differ from the fore-wings in having only six veins rising from the central cell, numbered 2 to 7, so that the free subcostal vein is numbered 8 (see Plate I., tigs. 3 and I, assumed type of neuration of a Lepidopterous insect). In some forms a forked parting- vein traverses the middle of the cell longitudinally, and a second parting-vein traverses the upper portion, so as to form a secondary cell ; but these are more frequently absenf or represented only by folds in the membrane, in a few forms there is a tendency to the production of several false veins, termed pseudoneuria, appearing as short branches from the subcostal vein of the hind-wings to the costa ; these are thickenings of the membrane, and are commonly very irregular and variable, often uneven in thickness or incomplete. Sometimes one of these near the base is better developed and more permanent in character; it is then termed the prcecostal s/mr (see Plate I., tigs. 89 and 27"). Modi- fications in the general arrangement of the veins may arise through any of the following processes, viz.: (1) obsolescence, when a vein loses its normal tubular structure, becoming attenuated and reduced in substance, until it appears a mere fold of the membrane (Plate II., fig. 60, vein 5 in hind-wings of Selidosema) ; (2) stalking, when the two veins are fused together for a portion of their length from their base, so as to appear to rise on a common stalk (Plate II., fig. 34, veins 6 and 7 in hind-wing of Hydriomena) ; (3) coincidence, when two veins are fused together for the whole of their length, so that one appeal's entirely absent, an extreme form of stalking; (4) anastomosis, when two veins rise separate, meet, and are fused together for a certain distance, and then separate again (Plate II., fig. 23, veins 7 and 8 in the hind-wings of the ? of Tatosoma); (5) concurrence, when a vein rises separate, runs into another, and does not separate again, an extreme form of anastomosis; ((J) connection, when two veins are connected by a short transverse bar passing from one to the other, a special form of anastomosis, evolved from the ordinai'3 form undor the influence of a tendency to lateral extension (Plate II., ri.14. 28, veins 7 and 8 in hind-wing of Paradetis). Vein lb in both wings is often furcate at the base. INTRODUCTION. xiii " The type of veins in the Micropterygina differs from that described above in two essential particulars, viz. : (1) there may be three additional veins in the fore-wings, rising out of vein 11 or 12 ; and (2) the veins of the hind-wings are practically identical in number and structure with those of the fore-wings, being thus much more numerous than in the ordinary type. There is also often a system of cross-bars between the veins near the base of the wing (Plate I., figs. 22 and 23, neuration of Hepialus). "The structure of the veins can be best observed on the under surface of the wing, where they are more prominent. The student should begin by completely denuding of scales a few wings of common species : the wing should be cut off and laid on a moistened piece of glass, to which it will adhere ; the scales should then be removed, first from one surface and then from the other, with a, fine, moist camel's-hair brush — an operation requiring a little patience and delicacy of touch ; the veins will thus be rendered con- spicuous.* When, however, the student has familiarised himself with the general subject, it will not be found necessary in practice to resort to this process ; most details will be easily observed without denudation t ; where this is not the case (as where the veins are closely crowded or otherwise obscured), the scales can be removed with the brush on the under surface in the locality of the difficulty only, without cutting off the wing or otherwise damaging the specimen, which remains in the collection available for all purposes as before ; with proper practice, even the smallest species are amenable to this treatment, which does not require more skill than the actual setting of the specimen. Some workers prefer to put a drop of benzine on the spot, which renders it temporarily transparent ; the effect is short-lived, as the benzine evaporates rapidly, and the cilia (if long) are liable to be damaged by this method." The Legs consist of the following joints (see Plate 1., tig. 21) : (1) coxa, (2) trochanter, (3) femur, (4) tibia, (5) tarsus, (li) claw. The tarsus normally consists of five joints, but is more or less aborted when the leg is not employed for walking. The spines (SS) on the tibiae of the several legs vary considerably in size and number. They are often useful to the systematist for purposes of classification. THE ABDOMEN consists of nine segments, some of which are often fused together. It contains the various internal organs, of which the most important are those of Digestion and Reproduction. The Digestive Hystem (Plate I., fig. 10) consists of the following organs: A, the cesophagtts, or throat; C, the sucking stomach; 1), the ventriculus or stomach ; E,the small intestine; G, the ccecum ; H, the colon ; K, the biliary vessels; N, the salivary vessels. The function of the sucking stomach is to exhaust the air in the throat and proboscis, and thus to cause the ascent of the fluids into the stomach when the insect is feeding. III.— ORIGIN OF SPECIES. The theory of the origin of species as propounded by Darwin may be thus very briefly summarised : — * For the examination of the wings taken from dried specimens. I have found that immersion in methylated spirits renders the veins visible after partial denudation with the camel's hair brush. With recent specimens, however, the scales can easily be entirely removed. f I have found considerable difficulty and uncertainty in examining the neuration of undenuded specimens. xiv INTRODUCTION. Vamation. — No two organisms are exactly alike ; there is always some variation from the parent form, in some cases very slight, in others considerable. (For examples of variation see Plate VII., tigs. 1 to 9, varieties of Hydriomena deltoidata; Plate VIIL, figs. 4-2 to 47, varieties of Epirranthis alectoraria; Plate IX., figs 6 to 14, varieties of Selidosema productata; Plate X., figs. 13 to 23, varieties of Azelina gallaria; Plate X., figs. 39 to 47, varieties of Declaim fioccosa.) Inheritance. — Many of these variations are inherited — a fact demonstrated by our domestic plants and animals, where man has selected and bred from varieties suitable for his purposes, and has thus produced races in which the variation is permanent. Many of the races of domestic animals differ as much from one another as do some distinct species of wild animals. Struggle for Existence. — All animals and plants produce far more offspring than can possibly survive, thus giving rise to the struggle for existence. For example : The average number of eggs laid by a Lepidopterous insect is certainly over 100, and in many species this number is greatly exceeded. Assuming each female to lay 100 eggs, the progeny from a single pair would amount, after six generations, to over six million individuals. Natural Selection, or the Survival of the Fittest. — In the struggle for existence which necessarily results from such a great increase of individuals, those variations which favoured the possessors would be preserved, whilst those which did not, would be gradually exterminated. This principle of the preservation of the favourable varieties in the struggle for life is called Natural Selection, or the Survival of the Fittest. Divergence of Character. — As there are so many different places and conditions in the economy of nature which can be occupied by organic beings differently constituted, individuals which diverged most from the original type would be brought into less severe competition, than those which diverged only in a slight degree. For instance, if we represent the original form as A, occupying one place in the economy of nature ; a second form as B, occupying a somewhat similar place ; a third form as C, occupying a very different place to A although somewhat similar place to B, it is obvious that B would enter into severe competition with both A and C, whilst A and C might not trend to any great extent on one another's place in the natural economy ; hence B would be exterminated before either A or C. In other words, natural selection continually tends to increase the slight differences, which we call varieties, into the greater differences, which we call species. The following phenomena, which have long been observed by students of the Lepidoptera, will serve as excellent examples of the operation of natural selection : — Protective Besemblance. — This term is applied to those classes of form or colour which enable an animal to so closely resemble its surroundings as to escape the notice of its enemies. Numerous examples of protective resemblance exist in the New Zealand moths and butterflies; in fact, it may safely be asserted that nearly all the colouring we observe in these insects has been acquired for protective purposes. The following species, amongst many others which will he described hereafter, exhibit in a very marked degree the phenomenon of protective resemblance : Epirranthis alectoraria, Selidosema dejectaria, and Drepaiwdes murlferata resemble dead leaves; Chloroclystis INTRODUCTION. xv bilineolata, Tatosoma agrionata, and Erana graminosa resemble, when at rest, patches of moss; Selidosema productata and N. lupinata resemble the bark of trees; Chloroclystis lichenodes, Declaim floccosa, and Elvia glmicata resemble variously coloured lichens. It is almost unnecessary to point out that all those variations, which tended to conceal the possessors from their enemies, would be preserved in the struggle for existence, and that these numerous and perfect instances of protective resemblance would inevitably result from the operation of natural selection. The dark colouration of Alpine and Arctic Lepidoptera, which enables them to rapidly absorb heat during the short and fitful gleams of sunshine experienced on mountains or in high latitudes, is also an instance of adaptation to conditions through the influence of natural selection. This was first pointed out by Lord Walsingham in 1885. The almost complete absence of white species in these localities is a good example of the extinction of forms unfitted to their surroundings. Contrast Colours. — In this class of colouring the fore-wings only are protectively coloured, the hind-wings being very conspicuous. Contrast colouring is well exemplified by several of the insects included in the genus Notoreas. The sudden exhibition of the hind-wings during flight dazzles the eye of the pursuer. When the insect immediately afterwards closes its wings and the fore-wings alone are visible, it is extremely difficult to see. This form of protective colouring was also first drawn attention to by Lord Walsingham. (See page 75.) Warning Colours. — Insects, which are unfit for food or nauseous, are not protectively coloured, but on the contrary are rendered as conspicuous as possible. This class of colouring is well illustrated by one of our commonest moths, Nyctemera annulata (PI. IV., figs. 1 and -2). The principle of warning colours was first discovered by Mr. A. R. Wallace, and is graphically described in Professor Poulton's entertaining work, 'The Colours of Animals.' The possession of nauseous qualities would be of little value to an insect, unless it could be at once recognised by insectivorous animals and avoided as food. If a nauseous insect were not easily identified it would speedily be destroyed by what Professor Poulton ingeniously terms "experimental tasting"; hence, through the process of natural selection, all nauseous species have become very conspicuously coloured. It may be remarked that warning colours are extremely rare amongst the New Zealand species, and I am not aware of any other example than that already given. Mimicry. — This term is applied to those remarkable cases where a harmless or edible species imitates in form and colouring a highly armed or nauseous species. No instances of this extremely interesting class of protection are yet known amongst the New Zealand Lepidoptera, but a very perfect example of mimicry exists between two common intro- duced species of Hymenoptera and Diptera, the well-known honey-bee and the drone-fly. The superficial resemblance between these two insects is very close. The bee, as every one knows, is armed with a powerful sting, whilst the drone-fly is unarmed. In this case it can be seen that if a harmless insect varied in the direction of resembling a formidable or objectionable species it would be a decided advantage to it, and such varieties would tend to be continually preserved and improved, through the operation of natural selection. The subject of mimicry has been alluded to here as it is not impossible that some instances of it may yet be discovered in connection with our native Lepidoptera. xvi INTRODUCTION. Ornamental Colouring. — This class of colouring occurs in many species, especially amongst the butterflies, and is not apparently connected in any way with protection. Darwin supposes that it has arisen through the females of each species always selecting the most beautiful males as mates, hence these alone would leave progeny, and the females themselves would afterwards become beautiful through the effects of inheritance. This principle Darwin has termed Sexual Selection, and has discussed it in great detail in his work on the 'Descent of Man.' The fact, that amongst birds and butterflies the males are nearly always the most brilliantly coloured and the most beautiful, together with an immense mass of other evidence, tends, I think, to entirely support Darwin's theory, although it should be mentioned that several eminent naturalists, including Mr. Wallace, do not admit the principle of Sexual Selection. IV.— CLASSIFICATION. From a further consideration of the foregoing principles it will be seen that all existing species are held to be descended by true generation from pre-existing species, and that, consequently, all the relationships we observe between species are explained by community of origin. The most natural system of classification is, therefore, that which best reveals the scheme of descent, or, as it is termed, the phylogeny, of the group of organisms classified. To construct a perfect system of classification on these principles a knowledge of not only all the existing species of Lepidoptera would be essential, but also of all the extinct species, and it is needless to say that such knowledge is quite unattainable. Nevertheless large numbers of species are now known from many parts of the world, and a very extensive collection has recently been employed by Mr. Meyrick in framing a classification of the Lepidoptera, which is, to the best of my belief, the first constructed on strictly Darwinian principles. Although adopting Mr. Meyrick's system in the present work I do not agree unre- servedly with all his conclusions ; but I have not attempted to alter his system in accordance with my own views, as I conceive that the conclusions of a naturalist, who has only had the opportunity of studying a restricted fauna, would necessarily be liable to considerable error. The general principles on which Mr. Meyrick has founded his system are practically those laid down by Darwin in his ' Origin of Species,' and may be thus summarised : — A. Resemblances between all organisms are explained by community of origin, the amount of difference representing the amount of modification and expressible in the classification as varieties, species, genera, families, groups, orders, &c. The amount of difference does not ncccxsarih/ bear any direct relation to time, many forms remaining almost stationary whilst others are undergoing development. B. By a consideration of the following laws the age of a division can be approxi- mately arrived at; that is to say, its position in the great genealogical tree of the Lepidoptera can be, to some extent, determined: — " (1) No new organ can be produced except as a modification of some previously existing structure. " (2) A lost organ cannot be regained. " (3) A rudimentary organ is rarely redeveloped." — (Meyrick.) INTRODUCTION. xvii C. The greatest care is necessary to avoid being misled by adaptive characters, i.e., characters which are very important to the welfare of the species, and hence much modified through the agency of natural selection. A familiar instance of superficial resemblance, due to the presence of similar adaptive characters, may be observed in fishes and whales, where two groups of animals with but little real relationship have, through living under similar conditions, become extremely like each other in external appearance. Other examples might be given amongst exotic Lepidoptera. Thus, many noxious species are closely mimicked by harmless forms which are often far removed from them in real affinity. These cases of adaptive resemblances abound amongst all organisms, and have often deceived experienced naturalists. It is in consequence of the illusive nature of these external resemblances amongst different members of the Lepidoptera, that the structure of the neuration of the wings is now considered of such great importance as a character for purposes of classification. The numerous modifications in the position of the veins and their presence or absence in certain groups can, so far as we are able to see, have had very little effect on the well-being of those insects possessing such modifications. Hence it may fairly be assumed, that these structures have been free from the influence of natural selection for a very lengthened period. It is thus contended that the neuration of a Lepidopterous insect probably reveals more plainly than any other character its true relationship with other species. The descent of all the Lepidoptera from some ancient member of the Triehoptera (or caddis-flies) is thus proved, according to Mr. Meyrick : — " From a consideration of the laws enunciated above, there can be no doubt that the Micropterygina are the ancestral group of the Lepidoptera, from which all others have descended ; this is sufficiently proved by the existence of the four or more additional veins in the hind-wings of that group, for these veins, if not originally present, could not have been afterwards produced. Of the two families of that group, the Micropterygidce, which possess an additional vein (or veins) in the fore-wings, and fully developed six-jointed maxillary palpi, must be more primitive than the Hepialidce. Now if the neuration of the whole of the Lepidoptera is compared with that of all other insects, it will be found that in no instance is there any close resemblance, except in the case of the Micropterygidce ; but the neuration of these so closely approaches that of certain Triehoptera (caddis-flies) as to be practically identical. The conclusion is clear, that the Lepidoptera are descended from the Triehoptera, and that the Micropterygidce are the true connecting link. If the other marked structural characters of the Micropterygidce are taken into consideration, viz., the possession of the jugum, the large development of the maxillary palpi as compared with the labial, and the sometimes functionally active mandibles, they will be all found commonly in the Triehoptera, affording additional confirmation. It may be added that in one New Zealand species of Micropterygidce {Palceomicra chalcopJianes) vein 16 is basally trifurcate, a character frequent in the Triehoptera, but not yet discovered in any other Lepidopteron. In most Triehoptera the veins of the hind- wings are much more numerous than those of the fore-wings, in the Micropterygina they are usually equal in number, in other Lepidoptera they are less numerous ; in the course of descent there has therefore been a greater progressive diminution in the number of veins of the hind-wings as compared with those of the fore-wings, though these also have diminished, xviii INTRODUCTION. "It is unnecessary to trace back the descent of the Lepidoptera further; but it may be worth while to point out that we may assume as the primitive type of Trichopterous neuration, a system of numerous longitudinal veins gradually diverging from the base, mostly furcate terminally, and connected by a series of irregularly placed cross-bars near base, and another series beyond middle." The following is Mr. Meyriek's method of arrangement, which has been adopted in this book : — " The natural order of arrangement, which is that of a much-branched tree, cannot be adequately expressed by a simple linear succession, such as is alone practicable in a book. It is, however, possible to devise a linear succession which shall be consistent with the natural genealogical order, if some additional explanation can be given. The method here adopted is as follows: — " Suppose the accompanying diagram represents a portion of the genealogical tree ; then the order will begin at M and descend to K, recommence at L and descend to K, and thence to G, recommence at H and descend to G, and thence to B, recommence at F and descend to D, recommence at E and descend to D and thence to 13, recommence at C and descend to B and thence to A, and so on. Thus the order begins with the most recently developed forms and descends gradually to the earliest or most ancestral, which are the last in the book. To understand the order in practice, it may be assumed that each genus • is descended from that which immediately follows it in the book, unless its actual descent is expressly stated otherwise ; such statement will, of course, require to be made before every recommencement of a fresh branch. This system has been adhered to throughout, and after a little use will not be found unintelligible. If adopted in the arrangement of a collection in the cabinet, it would be a good plan to indicate the recommencement of a fresh branch by a special mark, such as a red bar drawn above the first (or highest) species." Phylogeny of Lepidoptera. (After Meyrick.) Notodontina Papilionina Caradrinina Lasiocampina Pyralidina l_ I I Psychina Tortricina I I I Tineina I Micropterygina INTRODUCTION. -GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. The details of geographical distribution are given under the headings of the respective species, so far as I have been able to ascertain them ; but our knowledge in this direction is necessarily limited, and I have found much difficulty in obtaining reliable information, on account of the obstacles which exist in regard to the correct identification of species in other countries. The distribution of the species within New Zealand is also very imperfectly known at present, owing to the paucity of collectors and observers, particularly in the extreme north of New Zealand, and on the west coast of the South Island. In the latter locality no doubt many interesting species remain to lie discovered, especially amongst the mountain ranges. In employing the hook for identifications, the reader is recommended to first refer to the Plates and see if he can find anything at all resembling the species he has, and then to refer to the description for verification. In dealing with variable forms, it is always well to remember that the sluvpe of markings is generally far more constant than their intensity, or even their colour. The purely descriptive portions of the work have been made as brief as possible, and characters, of special importance for the identification of species, are printed in italics. Those who desire to consult more detailed descriptions may readily do so by referring to Mr. Meyrick's papers, in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute and elsewhere. References to such papers are invariably given under the synonomy of each species which has been described by Mr. Meyrick. it should be mentioned that the figures and descriptions in this work have been prepared from nature, quite separately, and no attempt has been made to reconcile the figure with the description. This course has been followed so that any character, which may have been accidentally omitted from the figure, will not necessarily be wanting in the description. The figures of neuration (Plates I. and II.) have all been made from fully denuded specimens examined under the microscope. They are in nearly every instance considerably enlarged. Each drawing has afterwards been compared with Mr. Meyrick's description, and if found to differ, a second examination of the wings has been made with a view to a reconciliation of results. Any important differences observed between Mr. Meyrick's descriptions and my final results are in every case specially mentioned. NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEEA I. THE CARADRININA. The Caradrinina may be distinguished by the following characters : — " The maxillary palpi are obsolete, the fore-wings have vein lb simple or hardly furcate, lc absent, and 5 approximated to 4 towards base. The hind-wings are furnished with a frenulum, vein lc is absent, and 8 is connected or anastomosing with cell." (See Plate II., rigs. 1 to 12 and 14 to 18.) " Imago with the fore-wings more or less elongateTtriangular, termen not very oblique ; hind- wines broad-ovate. "Larva sometimes very hairy, usually with 10 prole^s, those on segments 7 and 8 sometimes absent. (Plate IIP, figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 and 16.) Pupa with segments 9 to 11 free ; not protruded from cocoon in emergence." — (Meyrick.) So far as New Zealand is concerned, the Caradrinina may be said to comprise that group of the Lepidoptera formerly known as the Noctuina, with the addition of the family Arctiadce. Its members are chiefly nocturnal fliers ; the body is usually stout, the fore- wings are narrow, and (except in the Arctiadce) mostly dull-coloured, with three very characteristic spots. 1. The orbicular stigma, a round spot situated near the middle of the wing; '3. The claviform stigma usually somewhat club-shaped and situated imme- diately below the orbicular; and 3. The reniform stigma, a kidney-shaped marking situated beyond the orbicular. The claviform is very frequently absent, and the orbicular less frequently so, but the reniform is an almost constant character throughout the entire group, with the exception of the Arciiadcv. There are three families of the Caradrinina represented in New Zealand, viz. : — 1. Akctiad.e. 2. Caradeinid.e. 3. Plusiad.e. Family 1.— ARCTIADCE. The Arctiadce may be characterised as follows : — " Eyes smooth. Tongue developed. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Hind-wings with veins (5 and 7 connate or stalked (rarely approximated or coincident), S anastomosing with cell nearly or quite from base to middle or beyond." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate IP, figs. 1, 2, and 4, 5.) This interesting family, although generally distributed throughout the world, is very poorly represented in New Zealand. Unlike most of the Caradrinina., many of the included species are day fliers and gaily coloured. One of these, Nyctemera annulata, is probably one of the most familiar of New Zealand insects, whilst the four remaining representatives of the family are but seldom seen. To British entomologists the name of 1 •2 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. " tiger moths " will probably at once recall several conspicuous and beautiful members of this family. Three genera of the Arctiadce are represented in New Zealand, viz. : — 1. Nyctemeea. 2. Utetheisa. 3. Metackias. Genus 1.— NYCTEMEKA, Hb. " Tongue well developed. Antennae in $ bipectinated throughout. Palpi moderately long, porrected or rather ascending, with appressed scales ; terminal joint moderate, cylindrical. Fore- wings with vein 6 out of 9 or separate, 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 connected with 9 by a bar. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 stalked or separate, 8 anastomosing shortly with margin of cell near base." (Plate II., fig. 3 head, 4 neuration of fore-wing, 5 ditto of hind-wing.) " The single New Zealand species is endemic, but nearly allied to an Australian form." — (Meyrick.) NYCTEMEEA ANNULATA, Boisd. {Leptosoma annulate, Boisd., Voy. Astr. v. 197, pi. v. 9 ; Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 281. Nyctemera doubkdayi, Walk., Bomb. 392. Nyctemera annidata, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc, N.S.W., 1886, 760; ditto, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218.) (Plate IV., fig. 1 <?, 2 ? ; Plate III., fig. 9, larva.) This species is perhaps one of the best known of the New Zealand Lepidoptera, occurring in great profusion in all parts of both North and South Islands. It is also common at Stewart Island, in the neighbourhood of cultivation. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. All the wings arc dee}) sooty black. The fore- wings have an irregular cream-coloured band running from beyond the middle of the casta towards the torn us. This band is interrupted in the middle, and crossed by several black veins, which sometimes almost break it up into a chain of spots. The hind-wings have a single large cream-coloured spot near the middle. The body is black, with several orange markings on the thorax, and a series of broad orange rings en the abdomen. This species varies a good deal in the extent of the cream-coloured markings. The larva feeds on the New Zealand groundsel (Senecio bellidioides), but in cultivated districts it is more often observed on Senecio scandens, a plant having a superficial resem- blance to ivy, which frequently grows in great profusion on fences and hedgerows in various parts of the country. Mr. W. W. Smith informs us * that it also feeds on the common groundsel (*S'. vulgaris) as well as on Cineraria maritima. I have often seen these caterpillars on mild days in the middle of winter, and full-grown specimens are very common towards the end of August, so that I think there is little doubt that the species passes the winter in the larval condition. At other seasons there is a continuous succession of broods. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is 1^ inches. It is covered with numerous tufts of long black hair, and is black in colour, with the dorsal and lateral lines dark-red. There are several large blue spots round the middle of each of the segments, and the membrane between each segment is bluish-grey. In younger larva> the bluish-grey colouring extends over a considerable portion of the insect. This caterpillar may be readily found, as it feeds on the upper surface of the leaves fully exposed to view. Its hairy armour evidently renders it unpalatable to birds, and li< nee the secret habits we observe in most larva' are absent in this species. When full-fed it selects a secluded spot, generally a crevice in the trunk of a tree, where it spins an oval cocoon of silk intermixed with its own hairs. Here it changes : Entniii. xxvi. 220. I.— THE CA BA DRININA . 3 into a shining black pupa, speckled and striped with yellow. The insect remains in this state about six weeks. The moth first appeal's in September, and continues abundant until about the end of March. It is extremely common, especially during the latter end of summer, when specimens may often be seen flying in all directions. Mr. Meyrick observes" that this species has the curious habit of soaring in the early morning sunshine, soon after sunrise, in calm, hue weather. He states that he has seen them in numbers, flying round the tops of trees, at a height of over 100 feet. I can fully corroborate the accuracy of this interesting observation, and have noticed the insect to lie most active between the hours of rive and eight on fine mornings in midsummer. The habit is certainly a very unusual one, as most insects are rarely seen at that time of the day. This moth is confined to New Zealand, but two closely allied species, belonging to the same genus, are found in Australia. Genus 2.— ETETHEISA, Hb. " Head smooth. Ocelli large. Antennas in 3 ciliated, with longer seta? at joints. Palpi moderate, ascending, with loosely appressed scales. Thorax smooth beneath. Abdomen smooth- scaled. Tibiae smooth-scaled, spurs very short. Fore-wings with veins 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 connected with 9. Hind-legs with veins 3, 1, ."> rather approximated, 6 or 7 connate or short-stalked, 8 from middle of cell." "A small genus inhabiting the warmer regions of the world. Larva with rather scanty hairs, some finely branched.'" — (Meyrick".) Represented in New Zealand by a single species of wide distribution. UTETHEISA PULCHELLA, L. (Deiopeia pulchella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 217.) (Plate IV., tig. 3.) This species was first observed in New Zealand in February, 1887, when I captured a single specimen in the Wainui-o-mata valley. Since that time Mr. A. Norris has seen two others near Petone, one of which is now in his collection. All the specimens at present noticed have consequently occurred in a very restricted portion of the Wellington District, though it is probable that the insect is far more generally distributed throughout the country than these records would seem to indicate. The expansion of the wings is about 1} inches. The fore wings are white, with five irregular transverse ruics of oblong crimson spots, alternating with six irregular rows of small black dots. The hind-wings are white, irregularly clouded with black on the termen; there are two small black spots near the middle. The body is white ; the head and thorax are spotted with crimson, and the antenna1 are black. The larva is thus described by Newman : — f " The ground colour is leaden with a covering of black hairs ; there is a broad white stripe down the back, and on each segment down the side is a double scarlet spot. On the continent of Europe this caterpillar is said to feed on the forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis)." In New Zealand the moth appears in February. Mr. Meyrick remarks]; : — "It is probably only an occasional immigrant. Although a feeble-looking insect, it possesses extraordinary capabilities of flight, and is sometimes met with far out at sea. It occurs throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands." It is well known to ■ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 213. \ -British Moths,' 31. % Trans. X. Z. Inst, xxii. '217. 4 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. English entomologists as a great rarity, and many discussions have taken place at various times as to the propriety of retaining it on the list of British Lepidoptera. Genus 3.— METACEIAS, Meyr. "Tongue obsolete. Antennas in 3 moderately bipectinated throughout. Palpi rather short, hairy, concealed in rough hairs of head. Thorax and femora densely hairy beneath. Anterior tibiae with developed spine beneath, and apical hook. Fore-wings with vein 2 from §, 6 from point with or out of 9, 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 sometimes connected with 9 at a point above 7. Hind-wings with veins 3 and 4 almost from point, 6 and 7 from point or short-stalked, 8 from about I. Wings m 2 rudimentary. (Plate II., fig. 1 neuration of fore-wing, fig. 2 ditto of hind- wing.) " An interesting and peculiar genus, apparently most allied to some Australian forms of Spilosoma, but quite distinct. Three species have been discovered, two of them quite recently, and it is not unreasonable to hope that additional forms may hereafter be found amongst the mountains, to which they seem especially attached." — (Meyrick). METACEIAS STRATEGICS, Hdsn. (Arctia strategica, Hdsn., Entom., 1889, 53. Metacrias strategtca, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216.) (Plate IV., fig. 4.) This handsome species is at present only known by a single specimen, captured by Mr. W. W. Smith, near the summit of the Eichardson Kange, in South Canterbury, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet. The expansion of the wings of the male is H inches. The fore-wings are black, with two broad, dull yellow, longitudinal streaks ; between the costa and the first streak is a very fine yellowish line, and between the two streaks there are three similar lines. The hind-wings arc bright yellow, with a broad black band, parallel to the terincu, interrupted just be/ore the tornus; the vicinity of this black band is tinged with crimson. The body is black ; the top of the head, collar, and sides of the thorax and abdomen are dull yellow. The female is probably apterous. This species may be readily distinguished from the two following by the yellow collar, absence of any large spot in the centre of both fore-wings and hind-wings, and the red colouring of the termen of the hind- wings. The moth was taken in February, frequenting a species of Carmichcelia. It may be looked for in the mountainous regions of South Canterbury, but at present nothing further is known of its habits. METACEIAS EEICHEYSA, Meyr. {Metacrias erichrysa, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Soc. N. S. W., 1886, 719; ditto, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216.) (Plate IV., fig. 5.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick on Mount Arthur in the Nelson District in 1886. Since that time I have taken eleven specimens in the same locality, and have seen several others, but as yet I have not heard of its occurrence elsewhere. The expansion of the wings is lh inches. The fore-wings arc black, with orange-yellow markings. These consist of a fine line near the costa, becoming very broad near the base, several elongate markings between the veins near the middle, a series of spots near the termen, and a broad streak- parallel to the dorsum. The hind-wings are orange-yellow, with a curved black spot in the middle, and a broad black band on the termen, ending considerably before the tornus, and nearly broken a little before its termination. The female, according to Mr. Meyrick,* is "wholly whitish-ochreous ; wings minute, aborted ; legs short, stout, well developed." The Life-history is thus described by Mr. Meyrick | : "The larva is wholly black, clothed with long black hairs, those covering segmental incisions brownish-ochreous. It feeds on Senecio bellidioides. The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon." : Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 216. I [bid. I.— THE CARADRININA. 5 The perfect insect occurs in January, frequenting sunny, grassy slopes on the mountain-sides, at about hood feet above the sea-level. It liies with great rapidity; hence it is generally very difficult to catch. METACEIAS HUTTONII, Bull. (Phaos huttonii, Butl., Cist Ent. 487 ; Metacrias huttonii, Meyr., Proc. Linn. Hoc. N. S. W., 18S6, 750; Trans. N. Z. lost. xxii. -JIG.) (Plate IV., fig. 6.) This interesting species was discovered at Lake Wakatipu, by Professor Huttou. The expansion of the wings of the male is 1| inches. The fore-wings are black ; there is an oblique crimson line near the base, two broad longitudinal cream-coloured lines above and below the middle, and a double transverse series of oblong cream-coloured spots near the termen. The hind- wings are pale ophreous, with a black crescent-shaped spot near the middle, and a broad black band almost touching the termen except a little before the tornus. The female is apterous. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. Family 2.— CARADRINID^E. The GaradrinidcB are distinguished by the following characters : — " Ocelli usually present. Tongue usually well developed. Labial palpi moderate, more or less ascending, second joint densely sealed, usually rough, terminal rather short, obtuse. Thorax usually densely hairy beneath. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with veins 7 and 8 out of 9, 10 connected with 9. Hind-wings with veins 3 and 4 connate or short-stalked, 5 obsolete or imperfect, parallel to 4, 6 and 7 connate or short-stalked or seldom closely approximated only, 8 shortly anastomosing with cell near base, thence evenly diverging." (Plate II., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.) " A dominant family in temperate regions, especially in the northern hemisphere, the species being very numerous and often occurring in great plenty ; within the tropics, however, their place is largely taken by the Phcsiadtz. The structure is in most particulars remarkably uniform, the neuration and palpi being practically identical throughout the family. The markings are usually very similar, and the colouring dull and adapted to conceal insects which are accustomed to hide amongst dead leaves or refuse; hence this family is not one of the easiest or most attractive to study. The species are the most truly nocturnal of all the Lepidoptera ; few are readily obtainable by day, but at night they are found in abundance at flowers or sugar. Imago with fore- wings usually elongate, body relatively stout, and densely scaled. It may be noted as an established conclusion that antennal pectinations, if not extending to the apex of the antenna?, are in this family seldom sufficient to mark generic distinction. " Ovum spherical, more or less distinctly ribbed, and reticulated. Larva usually with few hairs, often nocturnal, sometimes subterranean ; often very polyphagous. Pupa usually subterranean." — (Meyrick.) The family is represented in New Zealand by the following twelve genera : — | 1. MlSELIA. Sub-family 1. — Poliades j 2. Okthosia. ( 3. Xanthia. , 4. Physetica. 5. Leucania. Sub-family 2. — Melanchkides < 6. Ichneutica. 7. Melaxchea. I 8. Eeana. NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. Sub-family 3. — Caradbinides 9. Bityla. 10. Agkotis. 11. Heliothis. 12. cosmodes. Sub-family l.—POLIADEB. "Eyes naked, ciliated (i.e., furnished with a marginal row of long cilia curving over them)." — (Meyriek.) Genus 1.— MISELIA, Steph. " Antennae in male filiform, moderately ciliated. Thorax with anterior angles projecting, somewhat crested. Abdomen not crested." — (Meyriek.) We have at present but one New Zealand species. MISELIA PESSOTA, Meyr. (Miselia pessota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 29.) (Plate V., fig. 26.) This little species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Lake Coleridge and Eakaia in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull purplish-brown ; there is an oblong black mark at the base of the dorsum containing a slender curved' white line; the orbicular is rather small, round, margined first with dull white and then with black ; the reniform is large, oblong, dull white, margined with pale ochreous towards the base of the wing ; there is a conspicuous oblong black mark between the orbicular and reniform stigmata. The hind-wings are dull grey, with the cilia paler. The perfect insect appears in January. One specimen was taken at sugar in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, and two specimens are recorded from Canterbury. It is evidently a scarce species. Genus '2.— OIITHOSIA, Ochs. "Head rough-scaled; eyes naked, ciliated. Antennae in male ciliated. Thorax with or without anterior crest. Abdomen not crested. "A considerable genus of nearly universal distribution, though mainly found in temperate regions of both hemispheres. The imagos are almost all autumnal, and their yellow and ferruginous colouring is doubtless adapted to the autumn tints of falling leaves." — (Meyriek.) Represented in New Zealand by three species. OETHOSIA MAUGAKITA, Hawth. (Orthosia margarita, Hawth., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxix. '283.) (Plate V., fig. 31.) This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. E. F. Hawthorne. The expansion of the wings is about I/) inches. The fore-wings are dark brownish-black and rather glossy; there are several obscure dark marks near the base; the orbicular is oval, oblique, brownish-yellow, slightly darker in the middle ; the claviform is almost obsolete ; the reniform is rather large, bordered with dull white towards the base and termen ; beyond the reniform there is a very distinct wavy transverse line ; another line is situated near the termen emitting several black wedge- shaped markings from its inner edge. The hind- wings are shining white and iridescent, with the veins black and the casta and termen narrowly shaded with black. Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Hawthorne's collection. I.— THE CARADRINTNA. 7 ORTHOSIA COMMA, Walk. (Manicstra comma, Walk., Noct. 239 ; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix., 6. G-raphiphora implexa, Walk., Noct. 405. Hadcna phisiata, ih., Suppl. 742; Nitocris bicomma, Gn., Ent. Mon. Mag. v., 4. Orthosia comma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 30.) (Plate V., lis. 27 <? , 28 2 ; Plate III., fig. 11, larva.) This is apparently a common and generally distributed species. It has occurred plentifully at Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Rakaia. The expansion of the wings is about \\ inches. The fore-wings are dark grey crossed by four wavy, black-margined, transverse lines ; beyond the outermost of these lines there is a black band running parallel with the termen, and beyond this again a broader band of the ground colour; the orbicular spot is very minute and dull white ; the reniform, which is surrounded by a black shading, is large, yellow towards the costa, and white towards the termen. The hind-wings are dark grey. The females are generally much darker than the males, some specimens having the fore-wings very dark brownish-black. Both sexes vary a good deal in the depth of colouring, but the markings appear to be quite constant. The larva is dark brown, tinged with pink; the subdorsal region is paler, there are a series of diagonal blackish stripes on each segment, and the anterior portions of the larva are much darker than the rest of the body. The specimens I reared were fed on lettuce, but I expect that the caterpillar feeds on low plants generally. It is full grown about January. The pupa state is spent in the earth. The moth appears in January, February, and March. It is very common at the flowers of the white rata, and may also be attracted by sugar and by light. OPTHOSIA IMMUNIS, Walk. (Taniocampa immunis, Walk., Noct. 430. Cerastis innocua, ib. 1710 (locality probably erroneous). Agrotis acetina, Feld., Eeis. Nov. pi. cix. 6. Orthosia immunis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 30.) (Plate V., fig. 29.) This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Blenheim in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings vary from bright orange-brown to dull reddish-brown; there is an obscure black dot near the base, a faint transverse line at about one-fourth ; the orbicular is oval, faintly outlined in brown ; the claviform is very faint, its position indicated by a small brown dot ; the reniform is large, oblong, much indented towards the termen, doubly outlined with dull yellow and containing a blackish spot towards its lower edge, its posterior margin is shaded with dark brown ; there are several faint, wavy, transverse lines near the termen, and the termen itself is shaded with brownish-black; the cilia are reddish-brown. The hind-wings are dull grey; the cilia are pale reddish-ochreous tipped with white. The head is covered with scattered white scales, the thorax is reddish-brown, and the abdomen is grey tipped with reddish-brown; the upper joints of the tarsi of the anterior legs are white. The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It frequents the blossoms of the white rata, where it occasionally may be taken in the daytime, but more frequently at night. It is not, however, a common species. Genus 3.— XANTHIA, Tr. "Antenna; in male filiform, moderately ciliated. Thorax with sharp compressed anterior and small posterior crest. Abdomen not crested." — (Meyrick.) Only one New Zealand species is known at present. 8 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. XANTHIA PUEPUEEA, Butl. (Graphiphora purpurea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. XautJiia ceramodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 31. X. purpurea, ib. xx. 46.) (Plate V., fig. 32.) This handsome species has been found at Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 11 inches. The fore-wings are rich, glossy reddish-brown with several scattered whitish scales; there is a distinct yellow mark on the costa at about one-fourth, forming the beginning of a broken transverse line ; the orbicular is small, round, and yellowish ; the reniform is small, crescentic and yellowish, the space between the orbicular and flic reniform is very dark blackish-brown; beyond the reniform there is a conspicuous white mark on the costa forming the beginning of a second broken transverse line ; a third shaded line is situated near the termen. The hind-wings are pale brown with a dark spot in the middle, very conspicuous on the under surface. The perfect insect appears from September till April. It is usually taken at sugar or light, but is not a very common species. Sub-family 2.— MELANCHRIDES. Eyes hairy. Genus 4.— PHYSETICA, Meyr. "Palpi with terminal joint in male greatly swollen, as broad as second, rather short, rounded, with an orifice in outer side, in female normal. Antenna' in male filiform, simple. Thorax and abdomen smooth."— (Meyrick.) (Plate IE, fig. 8.) PHYSETICA C.EEULEA, Gn. (Agrotis carulea, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 38. Physetica carulea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 5.) (Plate IV., fig. 7.) This fine species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Blenheim and Kakaia in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are slaty-blue; there is an obscure, wavy, whitish transverse line near the base, two very wavy blackish lines at about one-third, a dark transverse shaded line across the middle, containing the orbicular spot, then a very wavy line followed by a darker space and a wavy, dull, whitish terminal line. Hind-wings dark grey, paler near the hase, cilia shining white. The perfect insect appears in October, December, and January. Mr. Fereday states that it was formerly very common at blossoms. Genus 5.— LEUCANIA, Ochs. "Head rough-scaled; eyes hairy. Antenna' in male ciliated. Thorax with or without slight anterior crest. Abdomen not crested. " A very large cosmopolitan genus, equally common everywhere ; it is a development of Melanchra, to which some of the New Zealand species give such a complete transition that a line of demarcation can hardly be drawn. The larvae all feed on Graminece"— (Meyrick.) We have seventeen species. I.— THE CABADB1NINA. 9 LEUCANIA GKISEIPENNIS, Feld. (Mamestra griseipcnnis, Feld., pi. cix. 22. Chcra virescens, Butl., Cist. Bnt. ii. 489. Spalotis inconstans, ib. 545; Leucania moderata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7 (nee Walk.). Leucania griseipennis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 14.) (Plate TV., fig. 8.) This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island it has been taken at Mount Arthur, Luke Coleridge, Rakaia, Akaroa, and Lake Guy on. The expansion of the wings is II, inches. The fore-wings are dull greenish-grey; there are two obscure blackish transverse lines near the base and several dull white dots ; a very conspicuous transverse curved black shade near the middle, followed by an extremely jagged dull white transverse line, another less jagged transverse line near the termen ; the orbicular is oval, pale, edged with black; the reniform and claviform are also pale but inconspicuous; the cilia are tinged with brown. The hind-wings are grey with the cilia wholly white. The following variety, taken on Mount Arthur, is thus described by Mr. Meyrick : — " Var. A. Thorax and fore-wings without ochreous tinge, with numerous white -.-ales tending to form suffused spots and margins to lines; cilia distinctly barred with darker; hind-wings grey, with dark grey, irregular terminal hand." ; The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is said to be very common in certain localities. It has been taken at considerable elevations in the Nelson province ( 1,7(K) feet above the sea-level on Mount Arthur, by Mr. Meyrick and myself). In Wellington it is certainly a scarce species. LEUCANIA MODERATA, Walk. (Agrotis moderata, Walk., Suppl. 705. Eumichtis sistens, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 39. Mainestra sistens, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 19. Leucania mode rata, ib. xx. 45.) This species has occurred at Rakaia in the South Island. It very closely resembles the preceding species, from which it is said to be distinguished by the cilia of the hind-wings, which are "partially grey in Leucania moderata, wholly white in L. grisei'pennis.'" — (Meyrick.) The perfect insect appears in February. I am unacquainted with this species. LEUCANIA TEMPEEATA, Walk. (Bryophila temperata, Walk., 1G48 (nee Meyrick). Xylina inceptura, ib. 173G. A', deceptura, ib. 17:37. Leucania temperata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.) "Terminal joint of palpi moderate; form of wing as in Leucania grisei'pennis, first and second lines whitish, inconspicuous, margined with black dots, second line evenly curved, subterminal per- ceptible; cilia grey, indistinctly barred with white. Hind-wings grey." — (Meyrick.) Described by Mi'. Meyrick from the British Museum specimens. I am unacquainted with this species. LEUCANIA NULLIFEPA. Walk. (Agrotis mdlifera, Walk., Noct. 742; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 5. Alysia specifica, Gn., Bnt. Mo. Mag. v. 3. Leucania mdlifera, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 7.) (Plate IV., fig. 9; head. Plate IE, 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 21 to •_>;; inches. The fore-wings an- 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. ' Trans. X. Z. Inst. xix. 7. 2 10 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. 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 gray- 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 larvae 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 PUEDII, 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. Purclie. A single specimen has also been taken at Wellington. The expansion of the wings is from 2} to '1\ inches. The fore-icing* are brownish-crimson ; there arc two broad, shaded, yellow, longitudinal streak.': 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. Feredav and Hawthorne. LEUCANIA ATRISTRIGA, Walk. {Xylina atristriga, Walk., Suppl. 756. Mamestra antipoda, Feld., Beis. Nov., pi. 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 neigh- bourhood of Wellington, in the South Island it has occurred abundantly at Nelson, Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, and Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is about U inches. The fore-wings are rich reddish-brown ; there is a broad bluish-grey longitudinal streak on the casta, reaching nearly to the apex, and a very broad, pale brown, longitudinal shading on the dorsum ; then1 is a conspicuous longitudinal black strip: in the middle of tin 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. I.— THE GABADBININA. 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., pi. 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 I1 inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous ; there is a con- spicuous longitudinal black streak in the middle of the wing, extending from the base to about one-third, and a brand, dark brown longitudinal shading, slightly above the middle, from one-fourth to the tennen ; the renifonn 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 tennen, 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 ACONTISTI8, 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 If inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous; the veins are slightly darker; there is a fine, black, doublij-curved, longitudinal streak /nan 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., tig. 15.) Two specimens of this insect, " bred from tussock grass," were found at Christchurch.'"' The expansion of the wings is U inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous, with the veins obscurely indicated by black and white dots; there is a curve. 1 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 antenna? in the male. The perfect insect appears in November. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. * Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10. 12 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. LEUCANIA ALOPA, Meyr. (Leucania alopa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.) (Plate IV., fig. 10.) This species has occurred at Lake Coleridge and at Lake Guyon. The expansion of the wings is about 1J 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 MICEASTKA, 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 If 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 :j 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 iiuiea, Walk., Noct. 112; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 9. Nonagria juncicolor, (in., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. '2. Leucania uuica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 10.) (Plate IV., fig. 17.) This insect has been taken at Blenheim and at Eakaia. The expansion of the wings is If 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 antennae in the male ace moderately bipectinated. The moth appears in November. Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens. LEUCANIA AEOTIS, Meyr. {Leucania arotis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 11. Leucania aulacias,* 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 1\ inches. The fore-wings are cream-colour with the reins 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. * Leucania aulacias, Meyr., is distinguished bj having grej cilia to the bind-wings. The species was described from Le pecimen taken .a Dunedin and now in Mr. Fereday's collection. I have carefully examined this specimen, and liml that the; cilia, although considerably injured, are distinctly grey. A., however, [ think it undesirable to characterize pecii bo closely resembling each other from such meagre material, 1 here regard it us u synonym of Leucania arotis. I.— THE CABADBININA. 13 LEUCANIA KULCANA, Fereday. (L wania mlcana, Folv., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 267, pi. ix. ; Meyr., Trans. X. Z. Inst. xix. 11.) (I 'hit, IV., fig. 19 J, 20 ?.) This species has occurred at Akaroa and at Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is from JA to L ; inches. The fore-wings are light ochreous with tin- veins white; there is a shaded, brownish, longitudinal streak near the apex, another from the .aid of the cell to the terinen, a stronger streak from the base of the wing to near the tornus, ami 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 ;-> and 4, and a very minute dot on vein 6. Hind-wings dark blackish-grey, cilia paler. The perfect insect appears in February, and lias been taken at sugar. Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection. LEUCAN1A SEMIVITTATA, Walk. (Leucania semkittata, Walk.. Suppl. 628; Meyr., Trans. X. Z. Inst, xix. 12.) (Plate IV., fig. 21 A . 22 2.) This species litis occurred commonly at Christchurch, Mount Torlesse, ami Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is from 1£ to If inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous; there is a very obscure, shaded, brownish, longitudinal streak below the middle, a compicuous black dot at the base, a second at about one-sixth, a third at one-third, a fourth between the origins of veins • > ami 4, a curved series of minute terminal dots. Hind-wings much paler with a darker blotch near the middle. In the female the wines are browner with the dots much smaller or absent. The moth appears in April ami 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 blenheivtensis, Frdy., Trans. X. Z. Inst. xv. 196; Meyr., ib. xix. 12.) t Plate IV., fig. 23 2.) This rather striking insect has occurred at Napier and at Blenheim. The expansion of the wings is about 1.1 inches. The fore-wings an 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-wines 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 wiipioncta, Haw., Lepidoptera Britannica, p. 174, No. 37. Leucania extranea, (in., Noct. v. 77; Butl, Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 2; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 12.) (Plate IV., fig. 24) This species litis occurred tit Napier and at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island it has been found at Nelson and tit Christchurch. The expansion of the wings is 1; inches. The fore-wings vary from dull ochreous to bright reddish-ochreous ; there are numerous indistinct blackish dots ; the orbicular and reniform an- almost round and slightly paler than the rest of the wing; there is a minute white dot immediately beloic the reniform and an obscure, oblique blackish hue from the apex of the wing ending m 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 aud several dark lines on each side. 14 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPTDOPTEBA. "Young larvae 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."0 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.— ICHNEUTKA, Meyr. "Antenna? 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 $ .) 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 \\ inches. The fore-wings are dull blackish-brown, darker near the middle ; their 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 marie; 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 tiro short teeth-tike 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 antenna? 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 $ , 2(3 ? ). 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 If 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 tiro 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 antenna' 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 1893 1 took over twenty specimens by means of a single candle exhibited, during three evenings, : Report .if American Department of Agriculture, 1881, \>. 93. I. —THE GABADBININA. 15 at the door of my tent. Prior to this date only one specimen had been taken by Mr. Meyrick during January, L886. All these ninths were met with over 3,500 feet above the sea-level, so that the insect is evidently confined to mountain regions. Genus 7.— MFLAXCHPA, Hb. "Head rough-scaled; eyes hairy. Ajitennse in ,i ciliated, or sometimes bipectinated with apex simple. Thorax with mor ■ less developed anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen more or less crested, in 2 obtuse. Anterior tibiae 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-lour 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. MELANCHEA DISJUNGENS, Walk. (HeliopJwbiis clisjungens, Walk., Noct. 1681 ; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. 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 If inches. The fore-wings are brownish-grey; the reins 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 :•; 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 Eakaia, hut is now" much scarcer. MELANCHRA PAEACAUSTA, Meyr. (Mamestra paracausta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 15.) (Plate IV., tig. -is j, 28a 2.) This species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Invercargill. The expansion of the wings is about l'i inches. The fore-wings are dull white with an irregular, central, longitudinal, blackish-brown streak becoming very broad towards the termen; tliere is an oval reddish-brown blotch near the base, bat no distinct transverse liars ,■ two conspicuous elliptic, white marks are situated on tin- 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 * * Mr. Philpott informs me that the larva .if .1/. paracausta closely resembles! that of M. vitiosa. 16 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. MELANCHEA INSIGNIS, Walk. (Euplexia insignis, Walk., Suppl. 724. Xylina turUda, ib. 754. Mamestra polychroa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 16. Mamestra insignis, Meyr., ib. xx. 45.) (Plate IV., fig. 29 S , 30 5 .) 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 If 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 antennae 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 larvae emerge in about a fortnight. At this time the two anterior pairs of prologs 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 fort- night 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 larvae 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 larva' I noticed that during the daytime they invariably hid themselves under the blotting paper at the bottom of the breeding cage. Mo 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 larvae of this genus in a state of nature. The pupa state is spent in the earth, and occupies about it 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. I.— THE CABADBININA. 17 MELANCHEA 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| 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 witb 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 browti at the tomus, partly edged first with yellow and thru with black; another smaller patch is situated on the termen near the middle, bisected by a tine 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 hrownish-grey. MELANCHEA PLENA, Walk. {Erana plena, Walk., Suppl. 711. Mamcstra sphugnea, Feld., Reis. Nov., pi. cix. 17. Dianthcecia viridis, Bui, Cist. Ent. ii. 547. Mamcstra plena, Meyr., Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. 17.) (Plate IV.. fig 32.) Apparently common in the Canterbury district, where it has been taken at Christ- church 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 arc 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 Mela ucJtra 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 umss 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 pupte 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. I). Enys, and tire now in Mr. Fereday's collection. The expansion of the wings is lj inches. The fore-ioings are slaty-broion ; there is a broken, black-edged, white, transverse line near the base, and another at about one-third; tie- orbicular is indi- cated by a conspicuous black-edged white crescent, the reniform is large, oblong, white, margined with 18 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. 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. MELANCHKA MUTANS, Walk. (Hadena mutans, Walk., Noct. 602. H. lignifusca, ib. 603. Mamestra angusta, Feld., Keis. Nov., pi. cix. ly. M. acceptrix, ib., pi. cix. 19. Hadena debit is, Butl, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 3«5, pi. xlii. 6. Mamestra mutans, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 17.) Plate IV., fig. 34 <? , 35 2 , 36 3 , variety ; Plate III., tig. 15, larva.) This is a very abundant species throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about li 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 antennas 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 larvae 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 com- moner 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. MELANCHKA AGOBASTIS, Meyr. [Mamestra agorastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.) (Plate V., fig. 30 2 .) 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 1] 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 antenna 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. I. —THE CABADBININA. 10 MELANCHEA PICTULA, White. (Dianthoecia pictula, White, Tayl. New Zeal., pi i. 3. Meterana pictula, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. LoncL, 1S77, 386, pi. xlii. 1. Mamestra pictula, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. six. 18.) (Plate IV., fig. 37 2 ■) Three specimens of this handsome species have occnrred at Lake Coleridge in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are grey, very faintly tinged with pink, the markings are yellowish-green margined with black, the reniform is large, oral, clear white, with a minute white dot above and below it, there is a series of conspicuous black-edged yellow spots near the terrnen ; the cilia are grey with a series of minute black and white dots at their base. The hind- wings are pale crimson sliadcd 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. MELANCHEA BHODOPLEUEA, Meyr. (Mamestra rhodopleura, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. six. 19.) (Plate IV., fig. 38.) This species has been taken in the North Island at Napier and Wellington. The expansion of the wings is 1} 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 ami the grey hind-wings, /rill at once distinguish it /ram that species. The perfect insect appears in May and June. It is decidedly rare. MELANCHRA MEEOPE, 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 i/ellaw 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 filed in with yellow towards the termen ; between the r, inform 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- pmk. The head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen pale brown, with the crests darker. MELANCHEA PELISTIS, Meyr. (Mamestra pelistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.) (Plate V., fig. 3 $ , 4 ? .) This species has occnrred 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 H 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 clamform is small, round, dull grey, edged with darker; the reniform is large, darker grey, paler towards the casta, margined with 20 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. white or dull yellow towards tlic 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. MELANCHEA PEOTEASTIS, Meyr. (Mamestra vitiosa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20 (nee Butl). Mamestra proteastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.) (Plate IV., fig. 40 J .) This insect is very common in the neighbourhood of Christchurch. The expansion of the wings is I{ 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 appeal- to be the must definite characteristics. The perfect insect appeal's in May and June. Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection. MELANCHEA VITIOSA, Butl. (Apamea vitiosa, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pi. 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 If 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. Tbc 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 l-l- 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. Tlic 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. I.— THE CARADRININA. 21 MELANCHEA DIATMETA, Meyr.* (Plate V., fig. 5.) This species has occurred at Wellington. The expansion of the wings is If 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 eosta ; 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 flic base mi the dorsum, which bends upwards nt about mi, ■-fourth, mill 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. MELANCHEA TAETAEEA, Butl. (Graphiphora tartarea, Butl, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pi. xlii. 2. Mamestra tartarea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.) (Plate Y., fig. 6.) This species has occurred on the Murimutu Plains in the North Island. In the South Island it is a common species in tin' neighbourhood of Christchurch. The expansion of the wings is 1 \ 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 claviforrn spot is small, oval, dark brown, margined with black, the orbicular ami reniform are very huge, pale brown and very conspicuous; there is a broad pale brown terminal band, and a narrow shading of pale brown along tin dorsum. The hind-wings are dark grey and the cilia, dull white. This species can easily be recognised by the pale terminal baud 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 IIP, 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 If 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 claviforrn 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 Mack ; the spiracles are pink ; a conspicuous white spot is situated above the spiracles. This caterpillar feeds on the Tauhinu (Pomaderris ericifoUa) 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. + This species has been recently named by Mi'. Meyrick, but a description of it has not yet been published. 22 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. MELANCHRA 0M1CR0N, n. sp. (Plate V., fig. 42.) This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. A. Norris. The expansion of the wings is about 1J 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, ami 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 composite,, Gn., Noct. vi. 114. Auchmis composite/,, Walk., Noct. 616; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. ix. 12. Mamestra maori, Feld., Eeis. Nov., pi. cix. 24. Leucania tleiitigera, Butl. Mamestra composite!, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.) (Plate V., fig. 8 ,?, 9 ? ; 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 1^ 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 antennae 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. Ilaniiy has drawn my attention to the remarkable habit this insect has of suddenly stopping I.— THE GABADBININA. 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 STEEOPASTIS, Meyr. [Mamestra sterojpastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.) (Plate V., fig. 10 J, 11 <?.) 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 1} to lh inches, fn general appearance it somewhat resembles the preceding species, from which it may chiefly he distinguished by the absence of the sharp white central line ami conspicuous tooth-like markings near the termen. There is itlsa a minute white dot situated at the /miction of reins 3 and 4 of the f ore- 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 11 inches. The fore-win^s 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 arc 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 Kakaia. The expansion of the wings is about L 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 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. 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 appeal's 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. MELANCHEA ALCYONE, n. sp. (Plate V., fig. 1-1 J .) 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 S is If inches, of the 1 \\ 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 casta 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. MELANCHEA DOT AT A, Walk. (Dasypolia dotata, Walk., Noct. 522. Mamestra dotata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xix. 21.) (Plate V., fig. lb\) This species has occurred at Nelson. The expansion of the wings is lh 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 ami dark brown towards the base of the icing, 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. MELANCHEA ASTEEOPE, n. sp. (Plate V., fig. 15.) A single specimen of this insect was taken at light on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, in January L891, at about 3,600 feet above the sea level. The expansion of the wines is 1| 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 bmken black- I.— THE CABADBININA. 25 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 ? .) This line 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 If 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 tzvo-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 If 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 ami 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. /. Inst. xix. 25.) (Plate V., fig. 18 3 .) 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 If 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 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPTDOPTEBA. 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. MELANCHEA LIGNANA, Walk. (TIalena liijnana, Walk., Noct. 758. ? Xyhphasia morosa, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 543. Mamestra lignana, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.) (Plate V., fig. 19 S .) 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 \\ 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. MELANCHEA CCELENO, 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 If 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 orhicular 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. MELANCHEA USTISTEIGA, Walk. (Xylina ustistriga, Walk., Noct. 630. X. lignisecta, ib., 631. Mamestra ustistriga, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.) (Plate V., fig. 20 $ , '20a ? .) This beautiful insect has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island, and in the South Island, at Blenheim, Cbristchurch, and Lake Coleridge. The expansion of the wings is about If 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 outline// 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 Eemale ; the cilia are white with a cloudy line. I.— THE CABADBININA. 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. MELANCHEA PKIONISTIS, Meyr. (Mamestra prionistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27.) (Plate V., fig. '21 <?.) 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| inches, of the female 14 inches. The fore-wings arc rather pale yellowish-brown, witli 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 an 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 con- spicuous 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. MELANCHKA 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 U inches. The fore-wings are pale silvery-grey ; there are several obscure blackish marks near the base, two dark, shaded, transverse hands, 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. MELANCHKA CUCULLINA, (in. (Xylocampa cucullina, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. Agrotis mitis, Butl., l'roc. Zool. Koc. Lond., 1877, 383, pi. xlii. 5. Mamestra cucullina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.) (Plate V., fig. 23 $.) This species has occurred at Mount Arthur, and at Rakaia. The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings arc 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 NEW ZEALAND MACB0-LEP1D0PTEBA. 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. Antenna3 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 '.), 10 free. Hind-wings with transverse vein absent, costa in male broadly dilated." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., tig. 9 fore-wing, 10 hind-wing.) * We have one species representing this interesting genus. EEANA GEAMINOBA, Walk. (Eraita graminosa, Walk., Noct. 605. E. v'ujois, ib., Suppl. 743. Erana graminosa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.) (Plate V., fig. 24 3 , 25 ? ; 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 1J 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. Home 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 ^ 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 Larvae 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 lull 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 Tlir accurate ascertainment of the positions of the veins near the costa in this species is a matter of considerable difficulty owinj; to the extremely dense tuft of hairs there situated. I.— THE CARADRININA. 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 larvae 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." * I can fully testify to the accuracy of this interesting observation. Sub-family 3.—CABAD1UNIDES. " Eyes naked, not ciliated." Genus 9.— BITYLA, Walk. "Antennae in male filiform, shortly ciliated. Thorax not crested, collar sub-erect. Abdomen not crested." — (Meyrick). Of this genus we have two species in New Zealand. BITYLA DEFIGUBATA, Walk. {Xylina defigurata, Walk., Suppl. 75(3. Bityla thoracica, ib. SOU Bityla defigurata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. six. 31.) (Plate V., fig. 33.) Tins species has been taken at Palmerston in the North Island, and at Blenheim, Christchurch, Lake Coleridge, Dunedin, and West Plains near Invercargill, in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is li inches. The fore-wings arc uniform dull bronzy-brown and very glossy ; there are one or two faint indications of transverse lines. The hind-wings are dark grey, also glossy. The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March, and is attracted by light. The single specimen I possess in my collection was taken in July, evidently hibernating. It is a rare species. BITYLA SEEICEA, Butl. (Bityla serieea, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lund. 1877, 387, pi. xlii. VI ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 31.) (Plate V., fig. 34.) This rather striking insect has occurred at AVellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Lake Guyon in the South Island. : Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. '29. 30 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are very dark greyish-black, darker near the termcn, and very glossy ; there are several isolated white scales towards the base of the wing, and a very obscure transverse line at about three-fourths; the cilia are cream colour and very conspicuous. The hind-wings are dark grey and glossy ; the cilia are pale grey, very broadly tipped with cream colour. The perfect insect appears in February and March, and is attracted by light. It is a rather scarce species. Genus 10.— AGBOTIS, Ochs. Head rough-scaled ; eyes naked. Antenna? in 3 ciliated, often acutely bidentate or bipectinated, with apex simple. Thorax usually with more or less developed anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen not crested. Tibse all spinose. "A very large genus occurring all over the world but much more plentifully in the northern hemisphere. The larvae are very indiscriminate in their tastes, often feeding on almost any low plant ; they are frequently subterranean in habit, but usually emerge by night to feed." — (Meyrick.) This genus is represented in New Zealand by live species, one of which is an insect of almost world-wide distribution. AGROTIS YPSILON, Eott. (Noctua ypsilon, Eott. Agrotis suffusa, Hb. Agrotis ypsilon, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 32.) (Plate V., fig. 35 S , 36 ? .) This handsome insect is probably very common throughout the country. It has occurred abundantly at Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Ashburton and Invercargill. The expansion of the wings is 2 inches. The fore- wings are pale brown, shaded with rich brown on the costa and termen ; the reniform is large and black, with a conspicuous longitudinal streak pointing towards the termen ; the orbicular is round, centred with black ; the claviform is elongate ; there is a dark shaded line below the reniform, followed by a double wavy transverse black line. The hind-wings are grey with pinkish reflections ; they are shaded with darker grey towards the termen ; the cilia are white, the head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen grey. In the female the brown costal shading extends across the central portions of the fore-wings to the dorsum, and the general colouring is also darker. There are no noteworthy variations in either sex. The larva feeds on the roots of grasses. Its head is pale brown mottled with darker brown, and its body is lead-colour with darker dorsal and lateral lines. It remains underground during the daytime, coming abroad at night to feed. The pupa is red-brown with a very sharp, spine-like extremity. It is concealed in the earth. * The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It is often very abundant at various blossoms in the evening, and comes readily to sugar. It is an insect of almost universal distribution, occurring in Australia, China, India, Africa, Europe, and North and South America. \ Newman's British Moths, 319. | Meyrick, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33. I.— THE CARADBININA. 31 AGEOTIS ADMIRATIONIS, Gn. (Agrotis admirationis, Gn. (nee Meyrick), Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 38.) (Plate V., fig. 37.) This species has been taken at Christehureh. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are dull grey ; there are two minute black marks on the costa near the base, a slender interrupted transverse line at about one-third, the orbicular, rcniform, and claviform spots are very large and conspicuous, surrounded by a dark grey shading ; there is a series of black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are pale grey. The cilia of all the wings are also pale grey. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. I am assured by Mr. Fereday that the above-described insect is the true Agrotis admirationis of Guenee, described from an identical specimen which he forwarded to Guenee. The following species, which is regarded by Mr. Meyrick as Agrotis admirationis, Gn. (see Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33), is therefore renamed as below. AGROTIS INNOMINATA, n. sp. (Agrotis admirationis, Meyr. (nee Guenee), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33.) (Plate V., fig. 39 <? •) Two specimens of this species have been taken at Wellington. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are pale pinkish-yellow ; there is a slender black longitudinal streak on the costa at the base, a broad black longitudinal streak at the base near the middle, and another a little beyond the base above the middle, containing the orbicular and rcniform stigmata, these arc sharply outlined in pinkish-yellow ; there are several rather indistinct black streaks between the veins, and a series of terminal black dots ; the cilia are dull pinkish-yellow. The hind-wings are dull white ; there is a series of brownish terminal dots, and the veins are marked in brown; the cilia are shining white. The head and thorax are pinkish-brown; the latter has two transverse black lines near the head, and two longitudinal black streaks on each side. The abdomen is dull white tipped with pale brown. One specimen of this insect is considerably tinged with very pale olive-green instead of pink, but it is otherwise identical. As the available material is so extremely limited, I am unable to say which is the typical form. The perfect insect appears in December. I am indebted to Messrs. J. H. Lewis and W. R. Morris for my specimens. AGROTIS SERICEA, Butl. (Chersotis sericea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 490. C. inconspicua, ib. 545. Agrotis sericea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 33. A. inconspicua, ib. 34. Agrotis sericea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 46.) (Plate V., fig. 38 ? .) This species has occurred in the South Island at Christehureh, Rakaia, and Ashburton. The expansion of the wings is about 11 inches. The fore-wings vary from very pale grey to dark blackish-grey ; there is an obscure transverse line near the base, and another at about one-fourth ; the orbicular is oval and dark centred, the claviform is elongate, often very obscure, the rcniform is broad dark centred, usually joined to the orbicular by a dark patch ; all the stigmata are outlined in black; beyond the reniform there is a rather jagged transverse line, and several faint wedge-shaped markings ; there is a series of minute elongate black marks on the termen ; the cilia are grey with three dark lines. The hind-wings are grey with several fine black marks on the termen ; the cilia are white. This species seems to be rather variable both in ground colour and in markings. The perfect insect appears in October, November, December and January. It is not a common species. 32 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. AGKOTIS CEEOFACHOIDES, Gn. (Agrotis ceropachoides, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 39; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 34.) (Elate VI., fig. 1.) This species has occurred at Rakaia. The expansion of the wings is 1J inches. The fore-wings are bluish-grey , dotted and streaked with darker grey ; there are no distinct markings, except an obscure transverse shading near the termen, and a series of dull terminal spots; the costa is slightly concave. The hind-wings are grey, paler towards the base, with a dark line on the termen ; the cilia of all the wings are grey. The perfect insect appears in July, August and September. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. Genus 11.— HELIOTHIS, Ochs. " Head rough-scaled ; eyes naked. Antennae in $ ciliated. Thorax without crest. Abdomen not crested. Tibiae spinose, anterior tibiae with horny7 apical hook. "A rather small genus, but very generally distributed, though commoner in sub- tropical regions ; it is a development of Caradrina ; some of the species have a very wide natural range. The larva3 feed especially on the blossoms of their food-plants." — (Meyrick.) This genus is represented in New Zealand by the world-wide Heliothis armigera. HELIOTHIS AEMIGEKA, Hb. (Heliothis armigera, Hb. H. conferta, Walk., Noct. 690. H. armigera, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 34.) (Plate V., fig. 40 <?, 41 ? .) This species has occurred plentifully at Waimarama (Hawkes Bay) and Wellington, in the North Island ; and at Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Bakaia, and Ashburton in the South Island. In Wellington it is certainly not so common as formerly, and Mr. Meyrick observes that its abundance is declining in some other localities also. The expansion of the wings is from 1J to If inches. The fore-wings are pale yellowish-brown, sometimes tinged with red. There is an irregular band of dull grey or brown near the termen ; the rcniform is small and black; the orbicular minute, also black; the claviform is obsolete; there are several very indistinct traces of transverse lines towards the base of the wing. The hind-wings are dull yellow, with a very broad, blackish, terminal band. The head and thorax are yellowish-brown, and the abdomen is dull yellow. This insect varies a good deal in the ground colouring of the fore-wings, which ranges from dull yellow to brick-red, or even to dark yellowish-brown. The hind-wings are also much darker in some specimens than in others. The larva feeds on the seeds and flowers of various plants. It is extremely variable in its colouring. Some specimens are dull green, with a few obscure red spots on the sides of the anterior segments. Others are brownish-black, with many fine yellow stripes and dots, and the red spots confined to the three anterior segments. Others, again, have numerous olive-green, white, and pale green lines, with a reddish blotch on the side of nearly every segment. This caterpillar is often rather destructive in gardens. Amongst other things, it devours tomatoes and peas, the flowers and young fruit of pumpkins and vegetable marrows, the flowers and leaves of geraniums, veronicas, etc. It is full grown in the autumn. The pupa is concealed in the earth, the insect remaining in this condition until the following summer. I.— THE GABADBININA. 33 The moth appears in January and February. It often flies by day, and may then be seen disporting itself amongst the flowers of the Scotch thistle. Its larva may also be found feeding on these flowers. This insect is practically cosmopolitan ; it has occurred in the following countries: Australia, Samoa, India, Ceylon, Madagascar, Africa, Europe, North and South America.* Genus 12.— COSMODES, Gu. " Eyes naked. Antenna' in male filiform, shortly ciliated. Thorax with strong transverse anterior and posterior crests. Abdomen strongly crested towards base. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 short-stalked." — (Meyrick.) We have only one species in New Zealand. Cl ISMODES ELEGANS, Don. [Phalmna clcgans, Don. Ins. N. II. Cosmodcs elegans, Gn., Noct. vi. 290; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 35.) (Plate VI. , fig. 2.) This beautiful species has occurred at Napier and Ohau in the North Island. In the South Island it has been taken at Christchurch and Governor's Bay. The expansion of the wings is 1| inches. The fore-wings are rich orange-brown, with four large green spots margined with silver; there is a curved silvery mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale yellow, shaded with orange-brown towards the terinen ; the cilia are pale orange-brown mixed with white. The perfect insect appears in March and April. Mr. Meyrick states that it occurs commonly in Eastern Australia.! Family 3— PLUSIAD^. The Plusiadce are characterized as follows : — " Ocelli usually distinct. Tongue well developed. Posterior tibia' with all spurs present. Fore- wings with veins 7 and 8 usually out of 9, 10 usually connected with '.). Hind-wings with veins '■'< and 4 connate or short-stalked, ."> well developed, 0 and 7 connate or short-stalked or seldom closely approximated only, 8 shortly anastomosing with cell near base, thence evenly diverging." (See Plate II., ties. 14' to 18.) " This family is by no means very prominent in temperate regions, but within the tropics it assumes immense proportions, and is there, probably, the most abundant family of the Lepidoptera. There is much greater diversity of size, colour, and form than in the Garad.rinidee, and also more variation in structure, though this remains more uniform than usual. Imago with fore-wings usually relatively broader and less elongate than in the Caradrinidce, body often more slender. "Ovum spherical, more or less reticulated, often also ribbed. Larva with few hairs, sometimes with prologs on segments 7 and 8 absent or rudimentary. Pupa usually in a cocoon above the ground." — (Meyrick.) The family is represented in New Zealand by the following four genera : — Sub-family 1. — Hypenides 1. Hypenodes. I '2. Plusia. Sub-family 2. — Plusiades - 3. Dasypodia. 1 4. Rhapsa. ' Meyrick, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. :;."». I Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 35. 34 NEW ZEALAND MACIiO-LEPIDOPTEllA. Sub-family l.—HYPENIDES. Vein 5 of hind-wings parallel to 4. Genus 1.— HYPENODES, Gn. Head loosely scaled, with small frontal tuft. Antennas in 3 ciliated. Palpi very long, porrected, second joint thickened with rough projecting scales, terminal rather short, cylindrical. Thorax with appressed scales. Abdomen with small crest near base. Tibia? smooth-scaled. Fore- wings with vein 7 separate, 9 and 10 out of 8. Hind-wings with vein 5 parallel to 4. "Although consisting of very few species, this genus is almost universally dis- tributed. Imago with fore-wings unusually elongate. Larva without prolegs on segments 7 and 8." — (Meyrick.) We have one species in New Zealand. HYPENODES EXSULAPJS, Meyr. (Hypenodes exsularis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 46.) " Male. — 16 mm. (about f inch). Head, antennae, thorax, and abdomen whitish-ochreous, brownish-tinged ; abdominal crest black. Palpi dark fuscous. Legs dark fuscous, posterior pair whitish-ochreous. Fore-wings elongate, posteriorly gradually dilated, costa slightly arched, termen obliquely rounded ; ochreous-brown, closely irrorated with rather dark fuscous ; a hlack mark beneath costa at base ; a cloudy hlackish longitudinal mark in disc beyond middle ; second line obscurely indicated, paler, anteriorly partly blackish-edged, from posterior extremity of discal mark to dorsum beyond middle ; an oblique wedge-shaped white spot from apex, touching second line ; a sub-terminal series of white dots ; a terminal row of black dots ; cilia fuscous, with a basal series of whitish- ochreous dots. Hind-wings pale whitish-grey ; a grey transverse discal spot ; a dark grey interrupted terminal line ; cilia grey-whitish. "Taranaki, in March ; one specimen. " In the British Museum is an unnamed specimen from China, which appears to be certainly the same species ; it, therefore, probably ranges through many of the South Pacific islands. From its small size and inconspicuous appearance it is doubtless often overlooked. ' ' — (Meyrick . ) Sub-family ±—PL USIADES. Vein 5 of hind-wings more or less approximated to 4. Genus '2.— PLLSIA, Ochs. " Head rough-scaled. Antenna1, in 3 very shortly ciliated. Palpi rather long, curved, ascending, second joint rough-scaled, terminal moderately long or short, more or less rough-sealed in front, somewhat pointed. Thorax with large central or posterior crest. Abdomen with one or more crests. Tibia? rough-scaled. Hind-wings with vein 5 more or less approximated to 4." (Plate II., figs. 14 and 15.) " A considerable genus, occurring throughout the world. Most of the imagos are handsome insects, often with metallic markings ; some of them fly actively in bright sunshine. Larva usually without prolegs on segments 7 and 8, segment Pi more or less prominent above. Pupa in a rather open cocoon." — (Meyrick.) This genus is represented in New Zealand by a single and very widely distributed species. I.— THE CARADRINTNA. 35 PLUSIA CHALCITES, Esp. (Plusia erhsoma, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. 285; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pi. x. 1, 2. P. argentifera, Gn., Noct. vi. 352. P. eriosoma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 3G.) (Plate VI., fig. 3 <? .) This insect is probably generally distributed in the North Island, and in the northern portions of the South Island. It has occurred very commonly at Taranaki, Napier, and Nelson, but in Wellington it is rather a scarce species. The expansion of the wings is about li inches. The fore-wings are dark grey with bronzy reflections ; there is a pale band on the termen, and several of the transverse lines are indicated by paler colouring, the two basal ones being often silvery ; the orbicular is partly outlined with golden- white, and the claviform is wholly filled in with the same colour. The hind-wings are yellowish-grey, darker towards the termen. Mr. Meyriek mentions a variety in which the characteristic golden-white discal spots on the fore-wings are absent. I have not yet had the good fortune to see this form, and think it must be a rare one. The larva has twelve legs ; it is much attenuated towards the head ; its colour is pale green, darker on the back ; there is a number of wavy white lines and dots on the larva, as well as a few isolated black dots and hairs. It feeds on geraniums, mint, bean, Scotch thistle, and many other garden plants and weeds. Its original food appears to have been the "potato plant" (Solatium aviculare) ; but now it only occurs on this shrub in uncultivated localities, where there is no European vegetation. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon of white silk, generally situated between two dead leaves on or near the ground. The moth first appears about September, and continues abundant until the end of summer. In Nelson I have seen it in great profusion, hovering over various flowers in the evening, at which time it also occasionally endeavours to gain access to bee- hives. In the same locality I have met with the young larva' in the middle of winter, so that there is probably a continuous succession of broods all the year through in favourable situations. This insect is found in Australia, Pacific Islands, Africa, South Asia, South Europe, and occasionally in the South of England.* Genus 3.— DASYPODIA, Gn. "Eyes naked. Palpi with terminal joint very slender. Antenna- in male filiform, hardly pubescent. Thorax and abdomen not crested. Tarsi in male very much thickened, with dense scales (teste Guenee)." — (Meyriek.) We have one species. DASYPODIA SELENOPHORA, Gn. (Dasypodia selenophora, Gn., Noct. vii. 175; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 38.) (Plate VI., fig. 4.) This large and very handsome insect has occurred at Auckland, Napier, and Wellington in the North Island, and at Nelson, Richmond, and Christchurch, in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about 3 inches. The fore-wings are very rich deep brown; there are two faint jagged transverse lines near the base, a straight shaded line at about one-third ; the reniform is very large, crescentic, steely blue, finely margined first with black, then with orange, and * Meyriek, 'Handbook of British Lepidoptera,' 159. 36 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. then again with black ; the centre of the crescent is filled in with black ; beyond this spot there are three fine black wavy transverse lines emitting three very sharp teeth between the reniform and the dorsum ; there is a faint shaded line near the termen. The hind-wings are rich hrown, slightly paler than the fore-wings; there are three shaded, wavy, transverse lines. The termen of both wings is slightly scalloped with a minute bluish-white dot at each indentation ; the cilia are dark brown. The life-history is thus described by Mr. Colenso : — The larva when full grown is about 3| inches in length, elongate, slightly thicker in the middle, and with the skin smooth. It is ash-colour, speckled with minute points of black and red ; two minute carmine spots are situated close together on its back ; and, when in motion, two large triangular black splashes are also visible. The under side of the larva is dull white, with several dull olive spots corresponding to its ventral prolegs. Its head is small, and pale Indian yellow in colour ; its anal and ventral prolegs are large ; on being touched the caterpillar coils itself up very rapidly and closely. The specimen from which Mr. Colenso's description was taken, was found at rest on the trunk of a large acacia-tree, which is probably the food-plant of the larva. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon formed of leaves fastened together with silk. The insect appears to remain in this condition for about two months. The pupa-case (after emergence) is nearly cylindrical, very obtuse at the head, and tapering regularly downwards from the end of the wing-cases, with the tail conical ; the abdominal segments are very strongly marked. Its colour is dark red, with a bluish or violet bloom, but smooth and shining on its prominent parts.* The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March, but it is rather a scarce species. It is attracted by light, and thus occasionally enters houses, where specimens are generally captured. Mr. Meyrick states that this insect occurs commonly in Eastern Australia.! Genus 4.— RHAPSA. " Eyes naked. Palpi very long, obliquely ascending, loosely rough-scaled throughout, second joint with dense long projecting tuft above towards apex, terminal joint moderate. Antennae in male moderately bipectinated, apex simple. Thorax and abdomen not crested. Fore-wings in male beneath with large broad costal fold on anterior half." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 10 and 17 neura- tion of $ Bhapsa scotosialis ; fig. 18 head of ditto.) We have two species. EHAPSA SCOTOSIALIS, Walk. (Bhapsa scotosialis, Walk., Suppl. 1150. Herminia lilacina, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, pi. xlii. 11. Bhapsa scotosialis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. six. 38.) (Plate VI., fig. 5 $, 0 ? .) This remarkable species is extremely abundant and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings have the costa considerably arched towards the apex, and the termen is bowed outwards in the middle; the colour is pale brown in the male and dark brown in the female; there are several obscure black marks near the base; the orbicular is very small, orange or pale grey outlined in black, the claviform is absent, the reniform is conspicuous, the outer edge is much indented, the inner edge is outlined with dull orange-nil, there is a black blotch between the orbicular and the reniform; beyond the reniform there is a curved transverse line enveloping a series of minute black dots, then a very conspicuous wavy transverse line shaded towards the base of the wing; there is a pale triangular area at the apex, and a series of small crescentic dark brown markings on the termen; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are grcyish-ochreous ; there is a rather faint line across the middle, followed by a broad shade ; a series of * Trans. N. 'A. Inst. xi. 300. I lb. xix. 38. T.—THE CABADRININA. 37 small crescentic marks is situated on the termen ; the cilia are dark greyish-ochreous. The antenna of the male are strongly bipectinated. The female is considerably darker, the markings are less distinct and numerous, and there is no black blotch between the orbicular and the reniform. Some male specimens are much paler in colour than others, hut with this exception there does not appear to he any important variation. The eggs are round, flattened above, bright green, becoming dull purplish about two days after being laid. The young larva when first emerged is about J inch in length ; the head is brown ; the body dull white, with a series of black tubercles round each segment, each tubercle emitting a tuft of bristles. The larva has sixteen legs, but the two anterior pairs of ventral claspers are not employed in walking, the caterpillar's modi' of progression, consequently, resembling that of a larva with twelve legs only. The food-plant is Piper excelsum. The perfect insect appears from September till April, and is very common amongst undergrowth in the forest. It is seldom found in the daytime, lint at night it is extremely abundant in densely wooded situations. It flies in a very stealthy manner, and may soon be recognised on the wing by this feature alone. When disturbed it always secretes itself amongst dead fern fronds or other vegetable refuse, where its sombre colour effectually conceals it. The costal fold on the under side of the fore-wing of the male contains a very large tuft of extremely long hairs. It probably emits a scent agreeable to the female. EHAPSA OCTIAS. Meyr. [Hyperaucha octias, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Loud., 18!I7, 383.) (Plate VI., fig. 7.) This interesting little species has recently occurred in some numbers in the neigh- bourhood of Wellington. I have no record at present of its capture in any other New Zealand locality. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings have the costa straight, and the termen with a large projection slightly above the middle ; the colour is pale brown ; there is a broad dark brown patch on the costa at the base, a jagged transverse line at about one-fourth, a very broad, oblique, blackish-brown, oblong patch >>n the costa at about one-third; beyond this patch is situated the reniform which is very large, indented towards the termen where it is outlined in dark brown ; there is a very fine jagged transverse line from beneath the reniform to the dorsum; a large irregular patch of dark brownish-black just before the apex, and an obscure transverse line ; there is a series of minute, dark brown, crescentic marks on the termen. The hind-wings are dull whitish-grey ; there is a faint blackish dot in the middle, a wavy line a little below the middle, and a terminal series of small dark marks. The antennas are filiform in both sexes. The perfect insect appears in October, November and December. It frequents dense forest ravines, and is generally disturbed from amongst dead leaves or old fern fronds. It is usually a very scarce species, but appears to be much commoner in some years than in others. According to Air. Meyrick, it is also found in Australia. This species is placed by Mr. Meyrick in the genus Bhapsa. The simple antenna' and absence of the broad costal fold in the males would appear, however, to remove it from that genus, as restricted by him in the 'Transactions' of the New Zealand Institute, xix. 38. In all other respects it appears to conform to the genus.* * Since this was written I find that Mr. Meyrick has created a new genus, 'Hyperaucha, for the reception of this insect. See 'Transactions of the Entomological Society of London,' 1897, 383. ( 38 ) II. — THE NOTODONTINA. The Notodontina are characterized as follows : — " The maxillary palpi are obsolete. Fore-wings with vein lb usually furcate, but with lower fork often weak or tending to be obsolete, 5 rising not nearer to 4 than to 6, parallel, 7 and 8 out of 9. Hind- wings almost always with frenulum, lc absent. (Plate II., figs. 19 to 64, and Plate I., figs. 12 and 13.) " Imago with fore-wings more or less broad-triangular ; hind-wings broad-ovate." — (Meyrick.) Larva (in New Zealand) generally with 10 or 12 legs only (Plate III., figs. 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 24), rarely with 1G {Sphinx, PI. III., figs. 13 and 14). " Pupa with segments 9 to 11 free ; not protruded from cocoon in emergence." — (Meyrick.) This is a very extensive group of the Lepidoptera, and so far as it is represented in New Zealand is equivalent to that group formerly known as the Qeometrina, with the addition of the family Sphingidce. The insects here included comprise many of our most interesting, abundant, and beautiful species. Some of them are so extremely variable that it is often a matter of considerable difficulty to determine the most conve- nient points on which to base the specific distinctions ; although fortunately great advances have been made in this direction of late years owing to the increase in the number of workers, and the consequent accumulation of available material. In con- nection with this portion of the subject, special mention should be made of Mr. Meyrick's paper on the group, which appeared in the ' Transactions ' of the New Zealand Institute for 1883. This essay has been of the greatest value in dispelling the doubts which formerly existed respecting the limits of many of the most variable species. The Notodontina are represented in New Zealand by the six following families : — 1. Hydiuomenid.e. 4. Orthostixid^i. 2. STEKimnxE. 5. Selidosemid.e. 3. Monocteniad.e. 6. Sphingid^;. Family 1.— HYDRIOMENID^. The Hydriomenidae are thus characterized : — "Tongue well developed. Fore-wings with vein 10 rising separate; anastomosing with 11 and 9 (forming double areole), or rising out of 11 and anastomosing with 9 (forming simple areole). Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, parallel to 4, 6, and 7 almost always stalked or connate, 8 anastomosing with upper margin of cell from near base to beyond middle, or sometimes approximated only and connected by a bar or shortly anastomosing beyond middle." (Plate II., figs. 19 to 43.) "A very large family distributed in equal plenty throughout all temperate regions, but becoming scarcer within the tropics. The structure is very uniform throughout, and the generic distinctions slight. Imago with body slender, fore-wings usually broad. " Ovum broad, oval, rather flattened with usually oval reticulations. Larva elongate, slender, with few hairs, without prolegs on segments 7 to !) ; often imitating live or dead twigs and shoots. Pupa usually subterranean."— (Meyrick.) II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 39 This family is very extensively represented in New Zealand by the following fifteen genera : — 1. Tatosoma. 5. Elvia. 9. Venusia. 13. Dasyukis. 2. Pakadetis. 6. Hymuomena. 10. Asaphodes. 14. Notobbas. 3. Chloeoclystis. 7. Euchceca. 11. Xanthoiuioe. 15. Bamana. 4. Pheixogonus. 8. Asthena. 12. Lythiua. Genus POTATO SOMA, Butl. " Face smooth. Palpi long, straight, porrectod, shortly rough-scaled, terminal joint short. Antennas in male simple, stout, gradually dilated from base to near apex, apex attenuated. Abdomen in male very excessively elongate. Hind-wings in male deeply excised near dorsum, dorsal lobe folded into a long pocket, fringed with hairs. Fore-wings with vein 6 rising out of 9, 7 from or above angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 anastomosing moderately with 10, 12 free. Hind- wings with veins 6 and 7 separate, 8 free, united with 7 before transverse vein by an oblique bar. " This singular genus is a remnant of a widely diffused, but now fragmentary group, to which belong also LobopJwra (Europe), Rhopalodes (South America), Sauris (Ceylon), and Remodes (Borneo.) In all, the hind-wings of the male are peculiarly modified, usually much diminished in size, and with the dorsum formed into a distinct lobe, the object of which is unknown. A similar structure is found only in one or two genera of Tortricina. RJwpalodes is the nearest genus to this, but vein 5 is said to be obsolete, and the lobe does not form a pocket ; in Sauris the areole is simple, and the antennae thickly scaled ; in Remodes the areole is also simple, the antennas flattened and scaled, and the dorsum is furnished with three superposed lobular folds, so that it represents the extreme of development in this direction." — (Meyrick.) It will be seen on reference to Plate IP, tigs. 22 and 23, which represent the structure of the hind-wings of the male and female of Tatosoma agrionata respectively, that in the male veins 1 and 2 are absent, having no doubt become absorbed during the formation of the characteristic sexual lobe ; vein 8 is connected with the margin of the cell by an oblique bar, this being probably due to an extension of the wing in the costal region, com- pensating for the loss in the dorsal region due to the above-mentioned lobe. In the hind- wings of the female the normal neuration of the family is almost preserved, the only peculiar feature consisting in the origin of veins 6 and 7 from a point on the margin of the cell. Of this remarkable genus we have three species, and I think it quite possible that others may reward the industry of future collectors. TATOSOMA LESTEVATA, Walk. (Gidaria lestevata, Walk. 1416. Sauris ranata, Peld. exxxi. 11. Tatosoma hstemta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 67.) (Plate VI., fig. 25 3 ■) This beautiful species has occurred at Wainuiomata, near Wellington, in the North Island, and at Nelson and Christchurch, in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1£ inches. The fore-wings are bright-green ; there arc four wavy, black, transverse lines; the first near the base, the second a little before the middle, the third considerably beyond the middle, and the fourth near the termen ; the terminal line is very faint towards the tornus, and it emits three or four very sharp, longitudinal, black, tooth-like marks ; all the transverse lines are much stronger where they cross the principal veins. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-green. The perfect insect appears in February. At present I believe the species is repre- sented by four specimens only— two in Mr. Fereday's collection and two in my own. 40 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. TATOSOMA AGKIONATA, Walk. (Cidaria agrionata, Walk. 1417. Cidaria tipulata, ib. 1417. Cidaria inclinataria, ib. 1418. Cidaria transitaria, ib. 141'.). Sauris mistata, Peld. cxxxi. 12. Tatosoma transitu ria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 68. Tatosoma agrionata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. G4.) (Plate VI., fig. '26 $ , 27 2 .) This fine species has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island. It is generally distributed in the South Island, and has also been found at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is about li inches. The fore-wings are bright-green traversed by numerous black, wavy, transverse lines; these black lines arc grouped into four more or less distinct bands, the outermost of which is interrupted at each of the veins ; there is a conspicuous black dot in the middle of the wing, a number of small triangular black marks near the termen, and a series of minute black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are ochreous, tinged with green towards the termen. In the female the abdomen is much shorter, and the hind-wings are larger than in the male. The perfect insect appears from December till April. It frequents dense forests, and is generally found at rest on the trunks of trees. In these situations the pattern of the fore-wings is extremely protective, the whole insect bearing the closest possible resemblance to a patch of moss. This species may also be taken at sugar, and some- times at light, but I have found that it can be obtained most plentifully by a careful scrutiny of the tree-trunks in a favourable locality. As a rule I think that the males are considerably commoner than the females. I have noticed them in the proportion of about four to one. TATOSOMA TTMOIU, Meyr. (Tatosoma agrionata, Meyr. (nee Walker), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 68. Tatosoma timora, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.) (Plate VI., fig. 28 3 , '29 ? .) This rather sombre, though interesting insect, has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is If inches. All the wings are sparsely covered with scales. The fore-wings of the male are dull reddish-brown, with numerous <>l>senre transverse dusky stripes; there arc two rather conspicuous blackish blotches on the casta, a white dot in the middle of the wing, a wavy, pale, transverse line near the termen, and a series of black terminal dots ; the veins are dotted in black. The hind-wings are very small, dull grey, with the lobe large and conspicuous. The female is faintly tinged with green, the markings on the fore-wings are rather indistinct; the hind-wings are small, though much larger than those of the male. The perfect insect appears from November till May. It frequents densely wooded districts, but is not a common species. Genus '2.— PABADETIS, Meyr. " Palpi short, arched, roughly-scaled beneath. Antenna1 bipectinated. Fore-wings with vein (> from below '■), 7 from below angle of areole, 10 very shortly anastomosing with ',), 11 out of 10 con- siderably before angle of areole, 12 free. Hind-wings with veins 0 and 7 stalked, 8 separate, united to 7 before transverse vein by an oblique bar. "This singular genus is of quite uncertain affinity, and stands at present alone. The simple areole, and connecting bar of 7 and 8, can only have arisen by modifi- cation of the normal type of this family, to which it must lie referred. It is also the only New Zealand genus except Declaim in which the female has pectinated antenna' ; but this character recurs in a- few exotic genera not otherwise allied." — (Meyrick.) Plate 11., figs. 27 and 28 represent the neuration of the male of Paradetis porphyrias, vein '2 of the hind-wings being absent in that sex. In the female, which is the sex from which Mr. Meyrick characterized the genus, the vein is present as usual. Only one species is known. II.-— THE NOTODONTINA . 41 PAEADETIS POEPHYEIAS, Meyr. (Parysatis porphyrias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 58. Parade tis porphyrias, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VI., fig. 36 <?.) This interesting little insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, the Otira Gorge, and Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings is about | inch. The fore-wings of the male arc deep purplish- brown ; there is a wavy, reddish, transverse line at about one-third and another at about two- thirds ; between these two lines near the dorsum there are often four, more or less distinct, yellow- dots ; there is an obscure orange mark at the origin of the first line and a conspicuous mark at the origin of the second. The hind-wings are deep purplish-brown. The cilia of all the wings are white. The fore-wing lias the apex hooked and the termen deeply excavated above and below the middle. The female is very much paler; the lines are more distinct and the veins are marked in brown. The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents rather open spots in the forest, and Hies in a very busy manner close to the ground amongst the numerous ferns and other plants, which are always abundant in such situations. It is con- sequently very inconspicuous and sometimes difficult to capture. Thus, no doubt, it is often overlooked, and perhaps is much commoner than at present appears probable. Genus 3.— CHLOEOCLYSTIS, Hb. "Face with short cone of scales. Palpi rough-scaled. Antennae in male shortly ciliated. Abdomen crested. Fore-wings with areole simple, vein 11 running into or anastomosing with 12. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to beyond middle." (Plate II., figs. 19 and 20.) " This genus is especially characteristic of New Zealand, and is also found in South Asia, a few stragglers occurring in Europe and elsewhere." — (Meyrick.) We have twelve species, several of which are very beautiful. CHLOEOCLYSTIS PLINTHINA, Meyr. (Pasiphila plinthina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 49.) (Plate VI., fig. 8.) This pretty species has occurred at Wellington. The expansion of the wings is about £ inch. All the wings are traversed by numerous obscure, wavy, reddish-yellow lines ; the fore-wings have a dark shading near the base, a very large white blotch in the middle, and a dark chocolate-brown patch near the apex. The hind-wings hare a large shaded white patch in the middle, a blackish dot near the base, and a series of brownish crescentic marks on the termen ; the cilia of all the wings are pale brown barred with brownish- black. The termen of the fore-wings is very oblique, of the hind-wings rather irregular. Many specimens of this insect are strongly tinged with green, and the shape and size of the white patches on the fore- and hind-wings are subject to slight variations. The perfect insect appears in November and December. It frequents brushwood, where it may be occasionally taken at rest on tree-trunks but more often dislodged from the foliage. It is not a very common species. CHLOEOCLYSTIS BILINEOLATA, Walk. {Eupithecia bilineolata, Walk. 1246. E. muscosata, ib. 124(3. Scotosia humerata, ib. 1362. Eupithecia semialbata, ib. 1708. E. cidariaria, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. G2. Cidiaria aquosata, Feld., pi. exxxi. 33. Helastia charybdis, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 503. II. calida, ib. 504. Pasiphila muscosata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. 50. P. bilineolata, ib.) (Plate VI., fig. 9 type, fig. 10 variety.) This beautiful little species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country. 42 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPTDOPTERA. The expansion of the wings is f inch. The fore-wings are bright green with numerous wavy darker lines. There is a jagged transverse black line near the base, two at about one- fourth, enclosing a rather paler space ; beyond this there are several rather irregular, fine black marks, and an obscure white patch below the apex ; the cilia are dull green. The hind-wings are grey slightly tinged with reddish ; the dorsum and termen are shaded with green, and there is a number of curved black lines on the dorsum ; the cilia are dull greenish-grey. The termen of the fore-wings is slightly bowed, and all the wings are finely scalloped and sharply outlined in black. A very distinct variety frequently occurs in which the entire ground colour is orange-yellow. This variety can be artificially produced by exposing a typical specimen to the fumes of bruised laurel leaves. Intermediate forms may also be found, but are much scarcer than either the typical form or the variety. The larva (according to Mr. Purdie *) is about J inch long ; colour brownish, surface very rugged ; body tapering somewhat towards the head. Two pairs of small dorsal tubercles about the middle, the posterior pair being larger ; oblique lateral dark markings faintly seen on dark ground colour; below lighter. Food-plants: Aristotelia, Leptospermum ericoides, Bubus (?), and MuhlenbecJcia (?). Found in December and January. The perfect insect appears from September till May, and is often very common. It rests on tree-trunks with outspread wings, in which position it so closely resembles a patch of moss that it is extremely difficult to detect, even when specially searched for. CHLOEOCLYSTIS ANTAECTICA, n. sp. (Plate VI., fig. 20.) This species was discovered by Mr. Philpott at West Plains, near Invercargill. The expansion of the wings is § inch. The fore-wings are rather dull green ; there is a reddish-brown patch near the base, followed by two, slightly oblique, reddish bands ; the central band is very broad, green, traversed by numerous fine wavy lines ; there is a broad reddish band on the termen. The hind-wings are slaty-grey, tinged with pink towards the termen and dorsum. The cilia of all the wings are pink barred with black. Two other specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Philpott have the bands on the fore-wings more or less brown in place of red, but are otherwise identical. This insect is evidently very closely allied to G. bilineolata, but its larger size, longer wings, and barred cilia will, I think, distinguish it from that species. The perfect insect appears in November. CHLOEOCLYSTIS AEISTIAS, Meyr. (Chloroclystis aristias, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.) (Plate VI., fig. 21 <?, 22 ? .) This beautiful insect was discovered on the Mount Arthur Tableland in January, 1896, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. The expansion of the wings is 1|- inches. All the wings arc very pale greenish-grey. The male has three distinct dark brownish bands near the base, an irregular broad suffused band near the middle, becoming obsolete before it reaches the dorsum, a dark patch at the apex, another patch on the termen below the apex and another near the tornus. The hind-wings are traversed by numerous, very fine, wavy blackish lines, becoming darker towards the dorsum. In the female there are three wavy reddish-brown bands on the costa of the fore-wings, becoming obsolete towards the dorsum, then a wavy yellowish line, followed by two rust-red patches. The hind-wings resemble those of the male. Both sexes have the veins dotted with black, and the cilia oi all the wings are grey barred with black. * N. Z. 'Journal of Science,' July, 1884, II. -THE NOTODONTINA. 43 The perfect insect was found in a limestone valley at the foot of Mount Peel, whore it was fairly common. CHLOEOCLYSTIS NEEEIS, Meyr. (Pasiphila nereis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.) (Plate VI., fig. 11 J.) This insect has occurred at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and the Humboldt Kange, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations from 2,500 to 4,000 feet. The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. All the wings arc dusky grey with numerous black and dull white, wavy transverse lines; there is often a somewhat paler area near the apex of the fore-wings, and the fcermen of the hind-wings is slightly scalloped ; the cilia are dull white barred with dark greyish-black. The perfect insect appears in January and February. It generally frequents cliffs on mountain sides, resting with outspread wings on the dark rocky surfaces. In these situations it is extremely difficult to detect, and the protective value of its colouring is thus at once demonstrated. CHLOEOCLYSTIS DEYAS, Meyr. (Pasiphila dryas, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xxiii. 07.) (Plate VI., fig. 12 3 .) This species has occurred at Wellington. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull rosy-brown, trovers,,/ I,,/ numerous obscure blackish transverse lines, somewhat concentrated towards /he middle and forming an ill-defined central band; the termen is slightly shaded with blackish, and the veins are marked with dotted lines. The hind-wings are grey, tinged with rosy-brown ; there are numerous very faint blackish transverse lines and the veins are marked with blackish dots. The cilia of all the wings are dark grey. The termen of the hind-wings is rather irregular. The perfect insect appears in December and January, and is attracted by light. I once took a specimen in July, but this may have been due to an exceptionally mild winter. CHLOEOCLYSTIS SPHEAGITIS, Meyr. (Pasiphila sphragitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.) (Plate VI., fig. 13 <?, 14 2 .) This extremely variable insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch in the South Island. The expansion of the wings of the male is § inch, of the female | inch. The fore-wings arc pale ochreous ; there is a narrow darker area at the base followed by a narrow oblique pal: band; then a broad central band, formed of numerous oblique, wavy, brown, transverse lines, next, a rather narrow curved pale band, followed by several small irregular patches on the termen, sometimes forming a dark brown terminal band ; all the markings are much darker on the costa, and portions of the costa, termen, and dorsum are frequently tinged with green. The hind-wings are pale ochreous; there are numerous wavy, pale brown lines on the dorsum, becoming obsolete towards the costa. The termen of all the wings is edged with fine black crescents. The cilia are pale ochreous haired with dark brown. The perfect insect may be met with from September till February, but is most abundant in the early spring. It is extremely common in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, frequenting the forest gullies, where numerous specimens may be easily dislodged from amongst the dense undergrowth. This moth rests with expanded wings on the leaves and stems of shrubs, but is extremely difficult to find in such situations, the colouring of the insect causing it to closely resemble the droppings of birds. 44 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. CHLOEOCLYSTIS LICHENODES, Purd. (Pasipkila lichenodes, Purdie, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 70.) (Plate VI., figs. 15 and 16, varieties.) This extremely interesting species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island ; it has also been found at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is about J inch. The fore-wings are dull green; there is a large pale brown area near the base, divided by fine black lines into three distinct patches ; the central portion of the wing is mottled with black, pale brown, and dull green ; there is a very broad, irregular band of chocolate-brown near the termen, outlined with black towards the base and with white towards the termen, the white line almost dividing the band into four or five patches. The hind-wings are dull greenish-brown ; there are several irregular black and white transverse lines and small patches of chocolate-brown, the markings being more distinct towards the dorsum. The cilia of all the wings are pale brown barred with dark brown. I have observed that in many specimens of this species the ground colour is entirely pale brown instead of green ; the markings, however, are not variable. The perfect insect appears from November till February. It frequents forests, resting with outspread wings on lichen-covered tree-trunks, where its wonderfully perfect protective colouring may be seen to great advantage. The remarkable brown patches on the wings have undoubtedly been acquired for this protective purpose, and Mr. Purdie's name is certainly a most appropriate one. It is not, I think, a common species. CHLOEOCLYSTIS INDICATAEIA. (Eupithecia indicataria, Walk. 1708. Pasiphila indicataria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 52.) (Plate VI., fig. 17 S , 17a ? .) This rather dull-looking species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the North Island, and at Nelson in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is § inch. The fore-wings of the male are dull greenish-grey ,• there is an oblique, black-edged, reddish, transverse band at about one-third, and another very irregular band near the termen ; between and beyond these bands there are numerous irregular, broken, reddish and blackish transverse lines ; there is a rust-red patch on the termen below the apex. The cilia are grey barred with brown. The hind-wings are dull grey writh several faint, jagged, transverse lines ; the termen is rather irregular. The female is much browner than the male, and the lines are more numerous and distinct, especially on the hind-wings. The antenna arc simple in both, sexes. The perfect insect appears from October till March, and is fairly common in wooded localities. It is sometimes attracted by light. CHLOEOCLYSTIS INDUCTATA, Walk. (Coremia indiictata, Walk. 1322. Scotosia subitata, ib. 1362. Pasiphila inductata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.) " This is a distinct species ; but I have only seen the British Museum specimens, and am unable to say to which section it belongs, or to give a proper description. The termen of the fore-wings is more bent, and the hind-wings are narrower than in any other species; ground colour light reddish, with the margins of the median band formed by distinct black lines." — (Meyrick.) I am unacquainted with this insect. CHLOEOCLYSTIS MAC UL ATA, n. sp. (Plate VI., fig. 18.) This interesting species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen. The expansion of the wings is about I inch. All the wings arc creamy-white slightly tinged with green. The fore-wings have several irregular large black marks on the costa extending about 1I.—THE NOTODONTINA. 45 two-thirds towards the apex ; there is a curved transverse series of black dots at about two-thirds, and several obscure brown marks on the termen near the middle and at the tornus. The hind-wings have several irregular rows of conspicuous Unci; spots. The cilia are cream-coloured barred with black. Tbe apex of the fore-wing is very much rounded. The perfect insect appears in December, and is attracted by light. Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen. CHLOBOCLYSTIS EECTILINEATA, n. sp. Plate VI., fig. 22.) This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen. The expansion of the wings is | inch. The fore-wings are pale grey ; there are several irregular black, transverse lines near the base, very broad mi the costa ; a broad, pale, central area with no distinct markings; t/im two very fine, almost straight, parallel, dark transverse lines alternating with two broader white lines, and followed by a very conspicuous black line, tins being again immediately followed by a fainter black line; beyond these lines the wing is darker, with a wavy transverse white line and a row of black terminal marks. The hind-wings are grey with several faint, wavy, transverse lines and a series of darker marks on the termen. The cilia of all the wings are grey. Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Cohen. Genus 4.— PHBISSOGONUS, Butl. "Face' with short cone of scales or smooth. Palpi moderate or short, porrected, more or less rough-scaled. Antennae in male ciliated or naked. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Pore- wings in male with swelling or tuft or rough scales on costa, vein 5 sometimes distorted or absent; areole simple, 11 running into 12. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) ^Ye have one species in New Zealand. PHRISSOGOXFS DENOTATUS, Walk. (Scotosia denotata, Walk. 1361. Phibalapteryx parvulata, ib. 1721. Phrixogonus denotatiis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.) (Plate VI., fig. 19 J .) This dull-looking insect is common and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is \ inch. The fore-ioings are very dark grey, with numerous obscure black and pale brown transverse lines; there are several black dots on the veins, and a white mark on the termen near the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey with numerous wavy black lines, especially near the dorsum. The antennm arc simple in both sexes. The cilia are dull pink barred with black. The female is slightly tinged with reddish-brown. The male has a peculiar dilation on the costa, beyond the middle, beneath which is a naked longitudinal mark occupying the sjyaee between reins 10 and 12, these veins being sliijlithj distorted in consequence. Tbe larva, which feeds on the blossoms of the wbarangi (Brachyglottis rejpanda), is pale green with a, series of elongate triangular brown markings down the back and an obscure series of brown marks on each side. It may be found during the latter end of October and beginning of November, but is extremely inconspicuous amongst its food-plant. The pupa is concealed in a light cocoon constructed of tbe remains of the blossoms. Tbe perfect insect appears from October till February. It frequents dense under- growth in the forest, and is generally found resting with extended wings on tbe dark-coloured stems of the kawakawa (Piper excelsum), where it is practically invisible. In this situation its colouring is evidently specially adapted for protective purposes. 46 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. Genus 5.— ELVIA, Walk. " Face smooth. Palpi rather long, straight, porrected, densely rough-scaled above and beneath, terminal joint short. Antennae in male stout, flattened, bipectinated (2.}). Thorax somewhat crested. Fore-wings with vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 out of 10, running shortly into 12. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 stalked, 8 anastomosing with 7 from near base to near transverse vein." — (Me*yrick.) We have one species. ELVIA GLAUCATA, Walk. (Elvia glaueata, Walk. 1431 ; Feld. exxxii. 25. Elvia donovani, Fold, exxxii. 5. Elvia glaucata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 65.) (Plate VI., fig. 23 and 24 varieties.) This very pretty insect is generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about an inch. The fore-wings vary from pale green to dark .steely blue, rarely pale reddish-brown ; there is an almost straight, black transverse line near the base; a broad curved line before the middle, shaded towards the termen; then a straight line, breaking up into dots towards the dorsum, followed by a conspicuous cream-coloured blotch near the casta ; this again is followed by a fine jagged cream-coloured line ; there is a terminal series of black dots. The hind-wings are cream-coloured, tinged with steely blue or green towards the termen ; there are a few obscure transverse lines and a short series of dots from the dorsum. The apex of the fore-wing is very blunt, and the termen is slightly hollowed out towards the tornus ; the termen of the hind-wings is deeply scalloped. This species is extremely variable. In addition to the variations above indicated, the markings of many specimens differ considerably in intensity, and there are fre- quently several large cream-coloured blotches towards the base or middle of the fore- wings. The perfect insect appears from September till March, but is not a common species. It frequents forest districts, and may sometimes be found at rest on tree-trunks, where the beautiful colouring of its fore-wings closely imitates that of certain lichens, and renders its detection in such situations extremely difficult. Unlike the insects included in the two preceding genera, this species closes its wings when at rest, the anterior pair alone being visible. These wings are not held flat, but are curiously folded longitudinally, and the end of the abdomen is also curled upwards. By slightly raising the insect above the level of the surrounding surface, this peculiar attitude considerably increases its resemblance to a lichen growing on the stem or branch of a tree. It will also be observed that in this species, which when at rest exposes only its fore-wings, these alone are protectively coloured ; whilst in the genera, Chloroclystis and Phrissogonus, where both pairs of wings are displayed, both pairs are protectively coloured. Genus 6.— HYDRIOMENA, Hb. "Face with somewhat projecting or loose scales, or with conical tuft. Palpi rough-scaled. Antennae in male ciliated, rarely dentate or naked. Abdomen not crested, or with crests on two basal segments only. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to beyond middle. (See Plate II., fig. 32 head, figs. 33 and 34 neuration of Hydriomena dcltoidata.) "A very large genus, principally characteristic of temperate regions in both hemispheres." — (Meyrick.) There arc twelve New Zealand species. IT.— THE NOTODONTIXA. 47 HYDKIOMENA GOBIATA, Feld. (Cidaria gobiata, Peld. cxxxi. 2. Phibalapteryx simulant, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 50G. Phibalapteryx undulifera, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 50G. Phibalapteryx anguligera, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. Phibalapteryx rivularis, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. Scotosia gobiata, Meyr., Trans. N. X. Inst. xvi. 70. Cephalissa gobiata, il). xvni. 184.) (Plate VI., fig. 43 $ , 44 ? .) This insect has occurred plentifully at Wanganui and Wellington in the North Island, and is generally distributed throughout the South Island. The expansion of the wings is from 1 to 1^ inches. All the wings vary from pale ochreous to rather dull yellowish brown, sometimes very slightly tinged with green. Then' is usually a large number of fine, slightly waved, oblique lines arranged on both pairs of wi)igs, very like the markings in \'euusia verriculata (see page 53), both insects evidently having acquired this style of colouring for similar protective purposes. In many specimens the whole of the anterior portion of the fore-wings, a small area at the base of the hind-wings, and a band near the termen are much paler in colour than the rest. There is usually a very oblique elongate pale area near the apex, and an irregular dark spot considerably below the apex. The outline of all the wings is more or less distinctly scalloped. The larva (according to Mr. Purdie *) is about 1 inch in length, greyish-brown, with a rough prominent dorsal tubercle about the ninth segment. There are sometimes other smaller tubercles. It feeds on various species of Coprosoma in January, March, and May. The perfect insect appears from October till March, and generally frequents rather open country where Manuka and Cabbage Tree Palms are abundant. EYDEIOMBNA PEIONOTA, Meyr. (Arsinoe prionota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris prionota, Meyr., il). xviii. 184.) (Plate VI., fig. 47.) This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill and Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is rather under li inches. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown, with many obscure, wavy, transverse, brown lines, which tend to form two ill-defined bands, one rather narrow near the base and the other much broader near the middle of the wing. The hind-wings are eery pale yellowish-brown ; there are a few obscure dark lines near the dorsum. The reins ore distinctly dotted in black, and the outline of all the icings is deeply scalloped. The perfect insect appears in January, but is not common. HYDKIOMENA DELTOIDATA, Walk. [Coremia deltoidata, Walk. 1321. Cidaria inclarata. Walk. 1411. Cidaria congressata, Walk. 1412. Cidaria conversata, Walk. 1413. Cidaria bisignata, Walk. 1415. Cidaria aggregata, Walk. 1415. Cidaria plagifurcata, Walk. 141G. Coremia pastinaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. Cidaria rrumoliata, Peld. exxxii. 8. Cidaria perversata, Feld. exxxii. 14, 24. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. Cephalissa deltoidata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xviii. 184.) (Plate VII., figs. 1 to 9 varieties.) This pretty insect is extremely abundant throughout the country. The expansion of the wings varies from 1| to If inches. The fore-wings vary from brownish- black to dull orange-brown ; there is a small darker area near the base, then two pale whitish wavy transverse lines, then a broad darker central band, often containing within it a still darker central band, hounded by two wavy black transverse lines; beyond the central band there are nearly always two or three pale brown or whitish, wavy, transverse lines, then an interrupted line just before the termen, and a short oblique whitish line below the apex; there is a black dot a little above the centre of the wing, and a white dot on the termen near the middle. The hind-wings are yellowish-brown, with several wavy, transverse lines near the dorsum ; there is a series of fine crescentic black lines on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings. ,\. X. • Journal of Science," July, 1SS4. ( 'ida perdu eta ta, Walk. 1412. Cidari a descrii otai '.a, Walk. 1414. congrt '■ga- ta, W. ilk. 1415. C 'ida rid Cidan la inopia ta, Feld. exxxii. 3. Scott >sii I delto, dat a, Meyr., Trans. 48 NEW ZEALAND MACPO-LEPIDOPTEBA. This species is extremely variable, but may generally be recognised by a careful scrutiny of the above-named characters. One very striking variety occasionally met with has the central band of the fore-wing completely divided in the middle, which thus forms two dark patches, one on the costa, and one on the dorsum. (See Plate VII., figs. 7 and 8.) A further development of this variety, of which I have only seen one example, taken by Mr. Hawthorne at Springfield, Canterbury, and now in his collection, has only the costal patch present, the whole of the lower portions of the band being completely obliterated.* (See Plate VII., fig. 9.) The minor varieties are too numerous to specify. The larva feeds on grasses. When full-grown its length is about 1 inch. The colour is dark brown, with the skin very much wrinkled. It is sluggish in its habits, and lives through the winter, becoming full-grown about the end of September. During severe weather it generally seeks refuge from the elements amongst the stalks and roots of the rank herbage often surrounding stones or fallen logs. The pupa is concealed in the earth. The perfect insect appears early in January, and continues in the utmost profusion until the middle or end of March. It may often be seen resting with the wings folded backwards and forming together a triangle, whence the moth has probably derived its name of deltoidata. In the neighbourhood of Wellington I have observed that this insect has very much decreased in numbers during the last ten or fifteen years. HYDEIOMENA HEMIZONA, Meyr. (Hydriomena hemizona, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.) (Plate VII., fig. 10.) This insect has occurred at Terawhiti in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are blackish-brown, darker towards the apex and termen ; there is an obscure rust-red wavy baud near the base, and another at three-fourths, considerably bowed towards the termen at the middle; there are also numerous wavy darker lines. The hind-wings are dull grey, and the termen is slightly scalloped. This species may be distinguished from any of the varieties of H. deltoidata by its narrower wings, and the absence of any distinct central band on the fore-wings. The perfect insect appears in January. It is a scarce species. HYDEIOMENA SUEOCHEAEIA, Dbld. (Aspilates (?) suboeh ratio, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285. Camptogramma subochraria, Butl., Cat., pi. iii. 1G. Camptogramma strangulate, Gn. x. 423. Camptogramma fuscinata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. Arsinoe subochraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. Anachloris subochraria, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VI., figs. 45 and 46 varieties.) This species is fairly common and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about 1\ inches. The fore-wings are bright ochreous-yellow ; there s a brown dot a little above the middle, and a dark brown transverse band at about three-fourths ; the termen is shaded with dark brown. The hind-wings are ochreous, with an obscure central trans- verse line. A variety (Hydriomena fuscinata, Gn.) often occurs in which the whole of the wings are more or less tinged with purplish-brown (Plate VI., fig. 46). The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents tussock country and swampy situations. In the Wellington district it is extremely abundant in A econd specimen of this variety has since occurred in the neighbourhood of Nelson. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 49 the clearings at the foot of the Tararua Range. According to Mr. Meyrick the typical form is common in Tasmania and Victoria. HYDRIOMENA TEIPHRAGMA, Meyr. (Cidaria triphragma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 74.) "Male. — 26-27 mm. (about 1 inch). Fore-wings moderate, termen strongly sinuate; pale dull greyish-purple; a very small darker basal patch, outer edge strongly convex, margined by a dark fuscous fascia, posteriorly whitish-edged ; a dark fuscous fascia before one-third, irregularly outwards- curved, posteriorly suffused, anteriorly sharply defined and whitish-edged; a minute blackish discal dot; a dark fuscous fascia beyond middle, forming a strong angle in middle, upper and lower halves both inwards-curved, anteriorly suffused, posteriorly sharply defined and whitish-edged. Hind-wings moderate, termen somewhat irregular, projecting in middle ; wbitish-ochreous mixed with pale purplish ; an angulated darker band before middle. " A very distinct species, probably not variable. " Blenheim ; two specimens received by Mr. Fereday from Mr. Skellon." — (Meyrick). T am unacquainted with this species, which Mr. Fereday stated he was unable to identify. I have therefore inserted Mr. Meyriek's description without alteration. HYDRIOMENA RIXATA, Feld. Cidaria rixata, Feld. cxxxii. 1 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 75. Coremia squalida, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 505.) (Plate VII., fig. 11.) This pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wTings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings have a dull green patch near the base, with numerous dull brown and dull white wavy transverse lines ; there is a very broad blackish- brown central band paler in the middle, but almost black at the edges; this band has a large rounded projection on its outer edge near the middle, and below this projection it is deeply indented ; the remainder of the wing is dull yellowish-green, with several brown and white transverse lines; one of the white lines is more conspicuous than the rest and very wavy ; there is a shaded oblique black mark from the apex. The hind-wings are very pale yellowish-brown ; there are a few obscure brownish transverse lines near the dorsum, and a faint series of crescentic marks near the termen. The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents the over- hanging banks of streams in densely wooded ravines, where it often occurs in the utmost profusion. HYDRIOMENA PURPURIFERA, Fereday. (Cidaria purpurifera, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 119 ; Meyr., ib. 75.) (Plate VIE, fig. 12.) This extremely pretty insect has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are rather bright green ; there is a darker area near the base, a very broad purplish-brown central baud, with a large square projection on the middle of its outer edge ; above this projection there is a very conspicuous white mark, bordering the central band ; the remainder of the wing is green ; there is a wavy white line near the termen, and an oblique bluish-black mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale brownish-yellow. This species is closely allied to Hydrio?nena rixata, but easily distinguished by its brighter green colouring, purplish central band with square projection, and broad white marking beyond the central band. The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents forest at elevations of from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. It is found in drier situations than the pre- 7 50 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. ceding species, and is not confined to forest streams. It is common in certain localities, but is not nearly so generally distributed as Hydriomena rixata. HYDRIOMENA SIMILATA, Walk. (Cidaria similata, Walk. 1413. Gidaria timarata, Feld. cxxxii. 19. Gidaria similata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.) (Plate VII., fig. 14.) This beautiful species has occurred at Napier and Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch, Dunedin, Lake Wakatipu, and Invercargill in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1\ inches. The fore-wings are dark brown, with the reins and margins broadly shaded with bright green ; there are numerous irregular wavy blackish streaks forming three ill-defined darker transverse bands; the first at the hase ; the second from one-fourth to about two-thirds, partially divided into two from the costa downwards ; and the third near the termen outwardly edged with white. The termen itself is bordered first with green, and then with a series of fine black marks ; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are very pale reddish-brown, darker towards the dorsum, with numerous pale brown wavy transverse lines. There is a series of black crescentic marks on the termen, and the cilia are pale reddish-brown. This species is rather variable. The spaces between the darker bands on the fore-wings are usually green, but in some specimens this is partially or wholly replaced by pale yellowish-brown. The dark bands also vary considerably in width and distinctness, and in many specimens the central band is entirely divided by a conspicuous pale brown or green transverse space. The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about 1 inch long, cylindrical. Back a dull deep green ; lateral stripe reddish-white, edged below with a darker colour ; ventral side lighter green, with four parallel white or yellow lines close together, extending from the forelegs to the prolegs. Outer side of prolegs white. There are traces of a median dorsal stripe of brownish-red on the anal segments. Beaten from Coprosma. Found in January. Mr. Purdie states that he is not quite certain as to the identification of the species, as the median belt of the fore-wings is much more distinctly defined, and the colour is a duller green than is usual in H. similata. The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally found resting on moss-covered tree-trunks, where its colouring affords it a most efficient protection from enemies. HYDRIOMENA CALLICHLOEA, But]. (Cidaria callicJUora, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 509; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 7G.) (Plate VII., fig. 13.) This beautiful insect has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Invercargill in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright green, with three very distinct wavy black transverse lines ; the first near the base, the second a little before the middle, and the third considerably beyond the middle ; between these there is a number of fainter fine wavy lines. The hind-wings are whitish with several very faint wavy transverse lines ; the cilia of all the wings are dull yellowish-brown. The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. HYDRIOMENA ARIDA, Butl. (Melanthia arida, Bull., Gist. Ent. ii. 505. Cidaria chaotica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. Cidaria arida, Mcyi'., ib. xvii. 64.) Plate VII.", fig. 15.) This species has occurred in the South Island at Akaroa, Mount Hutt, Arthur's Pass, and Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull grey; there is a fine yellowish II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 51 transverse line near the base, and a very broad central hand with a prominent projection somewhat below the middle, almost touching the termen ; there is a brown dot above the middle of the wing and numerous fine brown wavy lines in the central band ; the veins are marked in white near the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous, with a few very faint transverse marks near the dorsum. The termen of the fore-wings is slightly bowed in the middle. The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents forest, some- times being found as high as 2,600 feet above the sea-level. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. HYDKIOMENA SIEIA, Meyr. (Cephalissa siria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93.) (Plate VI., fig. 48.) This odd little species was discovered by Professor Hutton at Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is jj inch. The fore-wings are rich brown with two transverse hands of darker brown ; the first near the base, rather narrow; the second near the middle, considerably broader, especially on the costa. The hind-wings are bright orange. The termen of the fore-wings is slightly excavated below the apex, and considerably bowed a little below the middle. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. Genus 7.— EUCHCECA, Hb. " Pace smooth, fiat. Antenna' in 3 shortly ciliated. Palpi short, slender, loosely scaled, Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle. "A small genus containing a, few species distributed throughout the northern hemisphere and one Australian." — (Meyrick.) We have one species. EUCHCECA BUBEOPUNCTAEIA, Dbld. (Ptychopoda rubropunctaria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. li. 287. Asthena visata, Gn. ix. 438. Asthena, Gn., E. M. M. v. 12. Asthena pulchraria, Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 18. Hippolyte rubropunctaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60. Epicyme rubropunctaria, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VI., fig. 35.) This little species is common and generally distributed throughout both the North and South Islands, and has also occurred at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is about § inch. AH the wings are pah- ochreous, with numerous obscure reddish transverse lines. On the fore-wings there are four transverse series of black dots ; the first near the base, the second a little before the middle, the third a little beyond the middle, and the fourth on the termen ; between the second and third series of dots there is very frequently an elongate blackish patch, especially towards the dorsum. The hind-wings have three series of black dots; the first near the base, the second near the middle, and the third on the termen. The termen of both fore- and hind-wings slightly projects near the middle. This species varies considerably in the extent of the blackish marking near the middle of the fore-wings, as well as in the colour and intensity of the reddish transverse lines. The larva is thus described by Mr. Fereday : * "The caterpillar has ten less, is cylindrical, rather stout, with the segmental divisions incised ; its colour is pale dull green, sometimes suffused with pink, brown, purple, or dark green; the dorsal line is purplish-brown, suffused, the central line whitish; the spiracular line is whitish, broadly margined with purplish-brown; the segmental divisions are pale yellowish-brown." The food is Haloragis alata, a common herbaceous plant growing in swampy situations. The pupa is enclosed in a slight earth-covered cocoon. * Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60. 52 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. The perfect insect appears from September till March, and is sometimes common. It is generally found in wooded districts, but prefers rather open situations in the vicinity of streams, where its food-plant may often be seen. According to Mr. Meyrick,* this insect is common in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and the Australian and New Zealand specimens are similar in appearance. Genus 8.— ASTHENA. "Face smooth, flat. Antennae in 3 shortly ciliated. Palpi short, slender, loosely scaled. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle. (Plate II., figs. 30 and 31.) "A genus of a few widely scattered species most numerous in the Australian llegion." — (Meyrick.) We have two species. ASTHENA PULCHEAEIA, Dbld. (Acidalia pulchraria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. '286. Ghlorochroma plurilineata, Walk. 563, 676. Asthena ondinata, Gn. ix. 438, pi. xix. 4 ; ButL, Cat. pi. iii. 20. Gidaria ondinata, Feld. cxxviii. 17. Asthena pulchraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.) (Plate VI., fig. 37 3 , 38 ? .) This beautiful little insect has occurred at many localities throughout both the North and South Islands. It is probably a common species in most wooded districts. The expansion of the wings is almost an inch. All the wings arc very pule greenish-white with numerous faint green, wavy, transverse lines. The fore-wings have a more or less distinct brown band on the costal edge, and a conspicuous greenish central dot. The hind-wings often have a slight projection on the termen near the middle. The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents dense forest under- growth. It is chiefly attached to the Kawakawa {Piper excelsum), and may often be found resting with outspread wings on the under-surfaces of the leaves of this plant, where it is very inconspicuous. There are probably two or more broods during the summer. On the 11th of May, 189'2, I observed large numbers of this species flying over the Manuka bushes in the Wellington Botanical Gardens in brilliant moonlight. The night was very cold, but notwithstanding this the moths were most numerous and active. The appearance of this insect under such unusual conditions may have been quite accidental, as I have never seen a recurrence ; but one is often somewhat unobservant in the winter, hence the record of this observation may be of use in directing the attention of others to the subject. According to Mr. Meyrick this species is also found in Tasmania, and South-east Australia. ASTHENA SCHISTAKIA, Walk. [Acidalia schistaria, Walk. 782. Asthena subpurpureata, Walk. 1588. Acidalia tuhuata, Feld. cxxviii. 5. Asthena schistaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.) (Plate VI., figs. 30, 40 3 , 41, 42 ? varieties.; This pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. All the wings envy from very pule brown to rather dull purplish-brown ; there are numerous jagged, darker, transverse lines forming several more or less distinct bun, Is. The first of these bands extends from the base to about one-eighth; the second, composed of only two or three lines, is situated at about one-third; the third extends from Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 53 three-fourths to about five-eighths ; there are in addition, numerous very fine, wavy lines near the tenuen. The spaces between these bands are paler, and in some specimens the bands are very conspicuous, whilst in others they arc hardly perceptible. One specimen in my collection (Plate VI., fig. 39) has a very broad chocolate-brown band across the middle of both pairs of wings, the remaining portions being unusually pale in colour. There is always a dark brown dot in the centre of each wing, and a series of very fine dots on the termen. The larva, which feeds on Manuka (Leptospermum), is very ornamental. Its general colour is light green, with black dorsal and lateral stripes, and a series of diagonal markings bordered with crimson ; the legs and prolegs are also crimson, and the segments are divided by brilliant yellow rings, a white line extending down each side of the larva. This caterpillar is difficult to find, as it remains closely concealed amongst the dense Manuka foliage, from which it can be dislodged only by vigorous and continued beating. The larva' allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging suspended by a, silken thread, which they rapidly ascend when the danger is past. The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon about one inch below the surface of the earth. The perfect insect appears from October till April. It is very common in most situations where its food-plant is found and, owing to its pale colour, is readily seen when flying in the evening twilight. Specimens may also be taken in the daytime resting with outspread wings on the trunks of trees and on fences, where they are much more easily detected than many other species. Mr. Meyrick thinks that this insect will also be found in Australia. Genus 9.— VENUSIA, Curt. "Face smooth. Antenna' in $ bi-pectinated, apex simple. Palpi loosely scaled. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 13, head of 1'. verriculata ; figs. 25 and '2(>, neuration of V. undosata.) We have three species represented in New Zealand. VENUSIA VEEEICULATA, Feld. (Cidaria verriculata, Feld. cxxxi. 30. Panopma verriculata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. G2. Pancyina verriculata, ib. xviii. 181.) (Plate VI., fig. 30 3 , 31 ? .) This remarkable species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in tlic South Island at Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin and West Plains. The expansion ot the wings is about 11 inches. All the wings are pale yellowish-brown, with main/ straight oblique parallel dull brown lines ; an the fore-wings there are three lines broader and more isolated than the rest, running from the apex to the dorsum ; on the hind-wings the lines near the middle are rather thicker than the others, and have a broad space on each side of them ; (/// the lines are clearly marked on the abdomen, so that each line appears to be continuous from one side of the moth to the other. The perfect insect appears from October till May, and frequents the Cabbage Tree Palm (Gordyline), on which its larva probably feeds. According to Mr. Fereday the moth always rests on the dead leaves of the plant, keeping its wings in such a position that the lines are continuous with the parallel veins of the dead leaf, which they precisely resemble in appearance. We have, I think, in this species a most instructive instance of special adaptation to surrounding conditions ; and the action of natural selection, in preserving favourable variations of colour and habit, appears to be here unmistakably indicated. Had our investigations been confined to the examination of cabinet specimens only, we might 54 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. have long remained in the dark as to the explanation of such an unusual type of wing- marking. VENUSIA XANTHASPIS, Meyr. (Hermionc xanthaspis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. Aulopola xanthaspis, Meyr., Lb. xviii. 184.) (Plate VI., fig. 32 3 .) This handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and at Lake Guyon. The expansion of the wings is a little over 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright yellow ; there is a broad pale reddish-brown bond on thecosta ; a conspicuous oval dark brown spot above the middle, often touching the costal band ; a double series of minute, brown dots near the termen. The hind-wings are pale yellow, with a double series of minute brown dots parallel to the termen. The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is apparently a rare species. Mr. Fereday has six specimens taken at Lake Guyon, and I have two specimens captured on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. These comprise, I believe, all the specimens at present taken. VENUSIA UNDOSATA, Feld. (Gidaria imdosata, Feld. exxviii. 2. Epiphryne undosata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xvi. GO.) (Plate VI., fig. 33 $ , 34 ? .) This neatly marked little insect has occurred at Napier and Palmerston in the North Island ; and at Nelson, Mount Hutt, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is hardly an inch. All the wings arc pule yellow with a variable number of fine jaye/ed reddish-brown transverse lines, which are usually most distinct towards the termen. The fore-wings have a broad band of reddish-brown along the costal edge ; a blackish dot above the middle just touching the costal band, and a small brown mark near the apex. The hind-wings have a minute black dot a little above the middle. This species is rather variable : in some specimens the transverse lines are much broader, forming bands of reddish-brown ; in others the whole of the wings are dull reddish-brown, except a small yellow area near the base; whilst others are entire!// dull greyish-brown with the transverse lines very faint, intermediate varieties between all these forms also occurring. The larva, according to Mr. Purdie,° is about I inch lung, feeding on the Ribbonwood (Plagianthus betulinus). The ground colour is green, with the dorsal and lateral stripes white. The dorsal stripe is interlined with short black dashes, and there is a dark blotch about the ninth segment. The dorsal and lateral stripes may be margined with purplish- red. The under side is green. The larva- were found in April. The perfect insect appears from November till February, and frequents forest. According to my experience it is rather a local species, although plentiful where found. Mr. Meyrick states that it is "very common in bush, from August to February, and in May." f Genus 10.— ASAPHODFS, Meyr. " Face with a tuft or hardly projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected, rough-scaled. Antennae in male bi-pectinated, apex simple. Thorax glabrous beneath. Posterior dime with all spurs present. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base U> beyond middle."— (Meyrick.) (See Plate 11., figs. 35 and :di, neuration of Asa j ili mles megaspilata.) We have live species of this genus in New Zealand. \. /.. 'Journal of Science' July, 1884. I Trans. X. '/.. Inst. x\i. GO. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 55 ASAPHODES ABKOGATA, Walk. (Aspilates abrogata, Walk. 1075. Fidonia (?) servularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 43. Z%o?i£ abrogata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. Asapkodes abrogata, Meyr., ib. xviii. 1H4.) (Plate VII., fig. 21 <? .) This species has occurred at Murimutu in the North Island ; and in the South Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, Dunedin, and Invercargill. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. .1// the wings are ochreous with pair brown markings. The fore-wings have a conspicuous dot in the middle, a wavy transverse line a little beyond the middle, another line just before the termen, and a brown shading on the termen broader near the apex of the wing. The hind-wings have a brown central dot and two transverse lines. The cilia of all the wings are brownish. This species varies considerably in the distinctness of the brown markings, and there is occasionally a transverse line near the base of the fore-wings. The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open country, often at elevations of from -2,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It is, I think, rather a local species, though abundant where found. I met with it in considerable numbers on the chalk range near Kekerangu in the Marlborough Province. ASAPHODES SIKIS, Hawth. (Asaphodes siris, Hawth., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxix. 283.) (Plate VII., fig. 16.) This interesting little species was discovered near Wellington by Mr. Hawthorne. The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings are dull ochreous ; there is a small curved brown patch near the base ; then a pale band, followed by a very broad brown central band, paler in the middle ; there is a very sharp projection on the outer edge of the central band, a conspicuous black dot in the centre of the wing, and a series of minute black dots on the termen. The hind- wings are pale ochreous, with a faint central transverse line. The perfect insect appears in March. Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Hawthorne's collection. ASAPHODES MEGASPILATA, Walk. (Larentia megaspilata, Walk. 1198. Cidaria assata, Feld. exxxi. 4. Gidaria nehata, Feld. exxxi. 6. Harpalyce megaspilata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63. Probolaa megaspilata, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VII., tigs. 17, is, and 19 $ ; figs. 19a and '20 ? , varieties.) This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull ochreous ; there is a series of fine brown and reddish wavy transverse lines near the base, forming a rather broad basal band ; then a pale central area containing a blackish dot above the middle ; next, a very distinct band made up of several fine wavy grey lines, with a rounded projection near the middle ; this is followed by numerous pale brown curved marks forming more or less broken transverse lines; there is always an oblique slaty patch below the eipex, and a series of minute dots on the termen. The hind-wings are ochreous brown, slightly darker towards the base, with numerous indistinct wavy brown lines. The apex of the fore-wing is very pointed and slightly hooked downwards; the termen is bowed near the middle. The female is much duller and more uniform in colour than the male, and the antenna' are simple. This species is very variable. Some male specimens have several more or less distinct white markings on the middle of the fore-wings ; the transverse bands also differ considerably in both size and intensity. The females are not so variable ; but in some specimens the bands on the fore-wings are almost absent, whilst others have the fore- wings rich brown, with a very conspicuous dark central band. 56 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. The eggs when first deposited are pale yellow. They turn dark reddish-brown for some days before the young larva emerges. The young larva is rather stout, dark brownish-black with numerous fine parallel ochreous lines ; the whole body is covered with rather long bristles. The perfect insect appears from October till April, and frequents forest, where it is generally very abundant. It is a difficult insect to identify on the wing, and in consequence is often captured under a misapprehension. This species probably hibernates in the imago state during the winter months, as we may often observe specimens abroad on mild evenings, at that season. ASAPHODES PAEOEA, Meyr. (Harpalyce humeraria, Meyr. (nee Walk.), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. Harpalyce parora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 63. Probolma parora, ib. xviii. 184.) " Male, female. — 29-34 mm. (about 1^ inches) . Fore-wings moderate, apex acute, termen excavated on upper half, acutely projecting in middle ; varying from light grey to light reddish-fuscous ; about eighteen irregular dentate darker striae, sometimes partially obsolete; first three, seventh and eighth, and eleventh to thirteenth usually more distinct and blackish ; seventh and eighth closely approximated, forming a small blackish or reddish spot on dorsum, sometimes partially suffused with blackish ; eleventh to thirteenth closely approximated, widely remote from eighth, parallel to termen ; a blackish discal dot ; sometimes a broad purplish-grey median band ; sixteenth sometimes spotted with blackish towards costa; a terminal row of blackish dots. Hind-wings moderate, upper angle broadly projecting, termen shortly projecting in middle ; varying from whitish-grey to very pale reddish- fuscous, faintly striated with darker. "Very variable in colour, but always distinguishable by the peculiar form of wing. "Wellington, Christchurch, Mount Hutt ; common amongst bush, in January, February, April, and May ; probably generally distributed ; twenty specimens."— (Meyrick.) I am unacquainted with this insect, but it would appear to closely resemble A. megaspilata. ASAPHODES EUFESCENS, Butl. (Larentia (?) rufescens, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 502. Eurydice cymosema, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 63. Eurydioe rufescens, ib. xvii. 63. Romodotis rufescens, ib. xviii. 181.) " Male, female. — 25-29 mm. (about 1^ inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen rather strongly sinuate ; brown-whitish, sometimes more or less suffused with brown ; numerous fine dark fuscous sinuate subdentate lines ; three before middle and four beyond middle more blackish, generally partially suffused with brown, leaving a clear median space on costal half, in which is a transverse blackish discal dot ; termen suffusedly greyish ; a suffused oblique dark fuscous sub- apical streak. Hind-wings moderate, termen irregularly crenulate, somewhat projecting in middle; grey whitish ; several subdentate grey lines, only distinct towards dorsum ; a dark grey discal dot. "Variable only in the degree of the brownish suffusion; in the markings of the fore-wings it agrees almost exactly with some forms of A. megaspilata, but, apart from structure, may be always known by the whitish hind-wings and rather larger size. "Dunedin; ten specimens sent to Mr. Fereday by Capt. Hutton." — (Meyrick.) I have only seen one specimen of this insect, in Mr. Fereday's collection, and it appeared to me to be identical with the somewhat variable female of A. megaspilata. Genus 11.— XANTHOEHOE, Hb. " Face with somewhat projecting scales or conical tuft. Antenna' in male bi-pectinated, apex usually simple. Palpi rough-scaled. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 37 and 38.) II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 57 This interesting genus is relatively far more numerous in New Zealand than elsewhere, its place in other regions being largely taken by Hydriomena. We have no less than thirty-one known species, and many others will no doubt be ultimately discovered, especially in the mountainous districts of the west coast of the South Island. XANTHORHOE LIMONODES, Me.yr. (Epyaxa limonodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 5-i.) (Plate VII., fig. 46 $ .) This species has occurred at Wellington and at Cape Terawhiti in the North Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings of the male are dull olive- green with numerous, rather obscure, wavy brownish transverse lines; these lines are all more distinct near the casta : there are two transverse rows of white dots near tlie base, a very broken line of white dots at about three-fourths, one of the dots forming a crescentie marl,- above the middle; beyond this line the colour is often paler, especially towards the apex, but inside this line there is often a considerably darker patch ; there is a very distinct blackish patch just below the apex. The apex of the wing slightly projects, and the termen is arched. The hind- wings are very pale greenish-ochreous ; there is an obscure dusky transverse line in the middle. The female has the fore-wings much browner; there arc several additional rows of white dots and two conspicuous white spots above the middle. The species is rather variable. In many specimens the dorsal half of the fore- wing is much paler than the costal half. The perfect insect appears from November till March, and frequents dense forest. It is not a common species. XANTHORHOE SUBDUCTATA, Walk. (Larentia subductata, Walk. 1198. Epyaxa subductata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 55.) This species has occurred at Auckland. " The expansion of the w'ings of the female is 26 mm. (about 1 inch). Head, palpi, and thorax pale greyish-ochreous, somewhat mixed with yellow-greenish, and densely irrorated with fuscous. Antennae whitish-ochreous annulated with fuscous. Abdomen grey-whitish, densely irrorated with fuscous. Legs dark fuscous, apex of joints ochreous- whitish, middle and posterior pair irrorated with grey-whitish. Fore-wings with costa gently arched, termen waved, slightly rounded, oblique; pale greyish-ochreous, mixed with yellow-greenish, and thinly sprinkled with fuscous, tending to form faint waved lines ; three light fuscous fasciae, each marked with three dark fuscous lines ; first near base, outer edge sharply angulated above middle ; second from two- fifths of costa to before middle of dorsum, slightly curved; third from two-thirds of costa to two- thirds of dorsum, outer edge somewhat prominent in middle, rather sinuate above it ; a crescentie black obscurely whitish-margined discal spot; a short oblique cloudy fuscous streak from ape> ; cilia light fuscous, somewhat sprinkled with whitish. Hind-wings light grey ; a grey discal dot before middle; a median band of three darker lines, outer rather prominent in middle; faint indications of other darker lines, most distinct posteriorly; cilia grey- whitish, with two cloudy grey lines." — (Meyrick.) The perfect insect appears in December. XANTHORHOE ROSEARIA, Dbld. {Cidaria rosearia, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. '285, Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 13. Corcmia ardularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 63. Coremia inamanaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 63. Epyaxa rosearia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.) (Plate AIT., fig. 22 $, 23?.) This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island; and in the South Island at Akaroa, Christchurcb, and Dunedin. b 58 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from, pale pinkish-grey to pale greenish-grey; there is an obscure darker basal area, a rather broad central band, formed of numerous shaded, wavy, dark grey lines, which are generally absent towards the middle of the band; there is a black dot above the middle; the termen is shaded with dark grey, and there is an oblique pale mark near the apex. The hind-wings are grey with a few very faint wavy lines. The cilia of all the wings are pinkish-grey. The female is dull yellowish-grey, u-ith the markings very indistinct. Both sexes vary slightly in the ground colour, and in the intensity of the markings. Mr. Purdie has pointed out that the species is very liable to fade, and hence it appears to vary more than is actually the case.* The eggs are oval, pale yellow, changing first to orange, and then to dull grey before hatching. The young larva, when first emerged, is pale greyish-brown and very slender. Later on the caterpillar becomes dull olive-green speckled with black ; there are two paler stripes just below the middle of the back, then a fine black line, followed by a very fine white one, then a broad pink stripe on the side ; below this is a broad black line followed by a white line and two fine black ones. The larva is moderately stout, and the two prolegs are very close together. The larva, when full-grown, measures about f inch in length. The general colour is dull reddish-brown, often greenish-tinged. The back and sides are marked with numerous slightly waved fine black lines ; there is a double series of black dots down the back, a broad black lateral line, followed by a fine white line. The under side of the larva is pinkish-brown ; the head greenish-brown speckled with black. The caterpillar is obscurely marked, and very variable. It is often clouded with greenish colouring. The food-plant is watercress. The pupa, which is enclosed in a slight cocoon constructed of earth and silk, is found on the surface of the ground. The perfect insect is most abundant in December, and is attracted by light. It seems to be about during the entire year, as Mr. Meyrick states that he has taken numerous specimens from May till September, and hence concludes that it is essentially a winter species. t I can to some extent confirm this observation, as I have also found the insect during the winter, although not commonly. It is probable that there are several broods in the course of a year, and that the species hibernates as an imago. Regarding the synonymy of this species Mr. Meyrick remarks that " G. ardularia, Gn., is the male and G. inarruenaria, Gn., the female of this species. C. subidaria, Gn., quoted by Butler as a synonym, is an Australian species, and not identical." \ XANTHORHOE OKOTHYLA, Meyr. (JEpyaxa orophyla, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 71.) (Plate VII., fig. 24 J, 25 5.) This line species has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Castle Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin and Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings of the male is lj inches, of the female If inches. The fore- wings of the male arc pale brownish-grey; there is an obscure bent blackish line near the base, a moderately broad central baud bounded by two very distinct shaded blackish lines, the basal one of which is not curved; the termen is shaded with darker grey, and there is an oblique pale mark near the apex. The hind-wings are pale grey tinged with ochreous. The female is slightly darker than the male; and there are numerous wavy pale and dark grey lines tilling up the entire wing on each side of the central hand. The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents open country on the mountain sides, at elevations of from '2, -000 to 4,000 loot. i Trans. N. Z. Inst, xviii. 208. | lb. xvi. 71. J lb. IT.— THE NOTODONTINA. 59 I observed it in great abundance on the Humboldt Range at the bead of Lake Wakatipu, where it frequented the damp rocky precipices which were fringed with a luxuriant growth of Alpine plants. At Castle Hill it occurred much less commonly, so that it would appear to be most plentiful in the extreme south of New Zealand. The colouring is protective when the insect is resting on rock surfaces. XANTHOEHOE SEMIFISSATA, Walk. (Coremia semifissata, Walk. 1320. Coremia ypsilonaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. Cidaria delicatulata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 94. Epyaxa semifissata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.) (Plate VII., fig. 26 S , 27 ? .) This extremely pretty insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about an inch. The fore-wings of the male are pale pink; there are several wavy brown lines near the base, a very distinct broivn central band, narrowest near the middle, but much broader on the casta than on the dorsum : the centre of this band is paler towards the costa ; the termen is shaded with brown, except near the apex of the wing; the reins are dotted in black. The hind-wings are bright ochreous with numerous wavy darker lines. The female is darker in colour than the male, the central band is broader; there are numerous brown and pink wavy lines on each side of the central baud, and the principal reins are marked in pale ochreous. The grey transverse lines on the hind-wings are much more distinct in the female than in the male. The perfect insect appears from September till April, and is very common in rather open forest districts, usually frequenting undergrowth on the edges of the denser forest. It is often one of the earliest of the Notodontina to appear in spring, and its advent is then especially welcome to the collector after the long inaction of winter. It is evidently closely allied to X. orophyla, which appears to be the southern and Alpine representative of this interesting insect. Coremia ypsilonaria, Gn., is the male, and Cidaria delicatulata, Gn., is the female of this species. XANTHOEHOE LOPHOGEAMMA, Meyr. [Xanthorhoe lophogramma , Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Loiul. 1897, 386.) (Plate VII., fig. 47 3 , 48 ? .) This species was discovered at Castle Hill in January, 1893. The expansion of the wings is about 1J inches. The insect differs from X. semifissata in the following respects : In the male the general colour is slightly duller, the outer edge of the central band on the fore-wings is mure indented, and the reins an' not dotted in black. In the female the markings on the fore-wings are less distinct, the veins are not marked in pale ochreous, the outer edge of the central band is more deeply indented, and there is a darker shading near the termen than in A", semifissata. The hind-wings of both sexes are dark ochreous, without any transverse markings. XAXTHOEHOE CHLAMYDOTA, Meyr. {Epyaxa chlamydota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 72.) (Plate ATI., fig. 28.) This very handsome species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christchurch and Akaroa in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1| inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous, with tiro broad, dark, purplish-brown bands. The first, which is at the base, is slightly paler near the body, and strongly curved outwards towards the termen ; it is followed by several very line pale brown transverse lines. The second band is very broad, and is situated near the middle of the /ring ; its inner edge is curved inwards, and its outer edge has tiro rounded projections, one eery large about the middle, and 60 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEIiA. another much smaller near the dorsum ; the middle portion of this central hand is considerably paler than the edges; tJie two projections of the central band are bordered with bright red. The upper part of the termen is ochreous, with several faint brown marks ; the lower part is dull grey. The hind- wings are dark ochreous, with a few obscure purplish-grey markings ; the termen of the hind-wing projects slightly near the middle, and is rather jagged. The species varies a little in the depth of its colouring, but the markings appear to be constant. The perfect insect appears from November till April. It chiefly frequents forest, but is not a common species. At present, more specimens have been found in the Wellington Botanical Gardens than elsewhere. XANTHORHOE STINAEIA, Gn. (Camptoijramma stinaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 92. Larcntia stinaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.) (Plate VII., fig. 29 <? .) This species has occurred in the South Island at Christohurch, Dunedin, and at the foot of Mount Hutt. The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. AH the wings are deep ochreous ; the fore-wings have an oblique white line running from the, dorsum near the base, towards the middle of the wing ; tltis line is edged with blackish-brown towards the dorsum ; there is a very conspicuous white transverse line at about three-fourths shaded with brown towards the body ; the apex of the fore-wing slightly projects. The hind-wings have no markings. The perfect insect appears in December and January. It seems to be fairly common, frequenting Carex subdola* Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday. XANTHORHOE MNESICHOLA. (Larcntia mnesichola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 56.) (Plate VII., fig. 89 3 .) This dull little species has occurred in the South Island on Mount Arthur, at elevations of from 4,000 to 4,800 feet. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are pale brownish-ochreous, and rather glossy; there is a series of minute black dots at the base, a second series at about one-third, then a cloudy curved band, slightly darker titan the rest of the wing, followed by a third series of minute black dots ; a fourth series is situated slightly before the termen. The hind-wings are very pale brownish-ochreous. The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Meyrick states that it is rather common. XANTHORHOE PR.EFECTATA, Walk. (Acidalia prafectata, Walk. 781. Acidalia subtentaria, Walk. 1610. Acidalia absconditaria, Walk. 1611; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 21. Larcntia prafectata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.) (Plate VII., fig. 30.) This interesting species has occurred in the South Island at the Dun Mountain, Mount Arthur, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is about li inches. All the wings are pure white ; the fore-wings have a minute grey dot above the middle, a series of extremely minute dots a little before the termen, and several rows of very faint grey marks close to the termen. The hind-wings have a row of very obscure dots across the middle, and several rows of very faint grey marks close to the termen. The face and collar are brown, and there is sometimes an extremely faint brown tinge on the costal edge of the fore-wings. The body is pure white. The perfect insect appears in November, December, January, and February. I do not think it is a very common species, and at present I have only observed it on the I >un * Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 7H. 77. _ THE NOTODONTTNA. 61 Mountain near Nelson, at an elevation of about 2,700 feet above the sea-level. Here I took several specimens on the flowers of an Alpine veronica in the dusk of evening, and saw several others, which I was unable to capture. Mr. Meyrick has taken it on Mount Arthur at an elevation of 4,500 feet, and Mr. Fereday states that it frequents swampy places near Christchurch. XANTHORHOE NEPHELIAS, Meyr. (Larentia nephelias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 78.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Arthur's Pass, West Coast Koad, and he has since taken it on Mount Arthur. " Male, female. — The expansion of the wings is 32-34 mm. (about lj inches). Fore-wings moderate, in female narrower and more elongate, termen rounded ; pale whitish-grey, slightly ochreous-tinged ; an indistinct suffusion of dark fuscous scales before middle ; a small dark fuscous discal dot ; a rather irregular cloudy dark fuscous line beyond middle, sinuate beneath costa, shortly angulated in middle ; a very faint stria beyond this ; a terminal band composed of two rows of cloudy partially confluent dark fuscous spots, separating on costa; cilia pale whitish-grey. Hind-wings moderate, in female narrower, termen rounded ; ground colour as in fore-wings, with a few grey scales posteriorly. "A remarkable-looking species. "I took two tine specimens above Arthur's Pass (4, GOO feet), in January." — (Meyrick). I am unacquainted with this species. It is evidently very conspicuous and distinct. XANTHORHOE CATAPHRACTA, Meyr. (Larentia cataphracta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.) (Plate YIP, fig. 33 3 , 34 ? .) This large and conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass, Lake G-uyon, and Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings of the male is 1| inches, of the female \\ inches. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown, with numerous slightly waved oblique black and white transverse bands ; one very broad white band is situated near the middle, and another at about three-fourths ; there is a broad longitudinal reddish-brown line on the costal edge, in which the transverse lines almost disappear ; there is also a pale, somewhat triangular, area at the apex. The hind-wings are very pale greyish-ochreous. The cilia of all the wings are very pale ochreous. The female is duller and paler than the male. The perfect insect appears from December till March, and frequents grassy slopes on the mountain sides, at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. I observed this insect in great abundance on the Humboldt Range at the head of Lake Wakatipu, but have not found it at any of the other Alpine localities I have visited, so I imagine that it is a rather local species. XANTHORHOE CLARATA, Walk. (Larentia clarata, Walk. 1197; But!., Cat. pi. iii. 14. Cideria pyramaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 93. Larentia clarata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.) (Plate VIP, fig. 31 3 , 32 2.) This conspicuous species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Rotoiti, Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, Mount Hutt, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings of the male is H inches, of the female li,- inches. The species differs from the preceding in the following respects : The ground colour of the fore- wings is brighter, the markings are less oblique and much more jagged ; the large white central hand is often broken up into several distinct oval patches ; the costal edge is very slightly shaded with 62 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEliA. brown, and the transverse lines do not disappear before reaching the casta. The hind-wings are bright ochreous. The cilia of all the wings are white, strongly barred with yellowish-brown. There is slight variation in the details of the markings, but the species can always be i in mediately recognised. The perfect insect appears in December, January, and February. It frequents open grassy places at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 feet, and is often extremely abundant in these situations. XANTHORHOE COSMODORA, Meyr. (Larentia cosmodora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur, at an elevation of 4,500 feet. Female. — 27 mm. (slightly over 1 inch). Head, palpi, antenna1, thorax, abdomen, and legs whitish-ochreous, slightly brownish-tinged ; abdomen with a double dorsal series of dark fuscous dots. Fore-wings with costa hardly perceptibly arched, termen slightly rounded, oblique ; whitish-ochreous, slightly yellowish-tinged ; a curved irregular black line rather near base, followed by a white line ; median band rather darker, tinged with yellowish-fuscous towards edges, margined with dentate black lines and outside these with white, anterior from one-third of costa to two-fifths of dorsum, rather curved, posterior from two-thirds of costa to three-fourths of dorsum, somewhat prominent beneath costa, and with a more distinct double prominence in middle ; two white dentate-edged spots within median band, first beneath costa, containing small black discal dot, second on dorsum ; a waved white suhterminal line ; a fine dark fuscous terminal line interrupted into numerous dots ; cilia whitish- ochreous, with dark fuscous bars hardly reaching base. Hind-wings whitish-ochreous, with faint darker greyish-tinged lines ; a median band of four more distinct cloudy grey lines, first three straight, fourth well marked, rather dark fuscous, waved, somewhat prominent in middle, beneath confluent with third ; a faint white suhterminal line ; cilia pale whitish-ochreous, with a faint greyish line tending to form spots. " Appears in January; one specimen. It is conceivable that this may be the other sex of the following species, but they are very dissimilar, and I do not at present think it probable." — (Meyrick.) XANTHORHOE BRYOPIS, Meyr. (Larentia bryopis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 57.) Discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island on Mount Arthur, 4,500 feet above the sea-level. "Male.— 29-32 mm. (about 1£ inches). Head, palpi, thorax, abdomen, and legs pale greyish- ochreous, slightly greenish-tinged, irrorated with blackish. Antenna? whitish, annulated with black. Fore-wings with costa gently arched, termen somewhat rounded, rather oblique; pale greyish-ochreous, tinged with olive-greenish, irrorated with blackish-grey, tending to form waved transverse lines on basal area ; median band margined with dentate black lines and outside them with white ; anterior from one-third of costa to one-third of dorsum, curved, posterior from beyond two-thirds of costa to three-fourths of dorsum, somewhat indented above middle, with a moderate double prominence in middle; three blackish-grey subdentate lines within median band, first near and parallel to anterior edge, other two near and parallel to posterior edge, first and second tending to be confluent below middle, space between these more or less suffused with white, enclosing a small black discal spot ; an obscure dentate whitish suhterminal line, anteriorly margined with dark fuscous, preceded and followed by waved fuscous lines ; a terminal series of pairs of dark fuscous dots ; cilia ochreish-grey, whitish, h;ii id with fuscous, and with a fuscous basal line. Hind-wings ochreous-grey, with waved darker grey transverse lines, except towards base; a dark grey discal dot before, middle; posterior edge of median band formed as in fore-wings, followed by an obscure whitish line and somewhat paler hand ; terminal dots and cilia as in fore-wings, but more obscure. "Appears in January; not uncommon. Nearest allied to A", beata." — (Meyrick.) II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 63 XANTHORHOE BEATA, Butl. (Ciclana beata, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 397, pi. xliii. 6. Larentia beata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 79.) (Date VII., fig. 35 3 , 36 2 .) This very beautiful species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, is common and generally distributed throughout the South Island, and has also been found at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are bright green ; there is a darker area at the base edged with a jagged white line; then a paler band followed by a very broad darker green central band edged with very jagged white line*, and containing several white patches in the middle, one of which is situated close to the costa and encloses a Hack dot; beyond this central band there is a paler area, then an interrupted darker green band edged with white ton-arch the termen. There is an oblique pale mark from the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are very pale oehreous, sometimes slightly tinged with green ; there are several obscure rows of dusky spots. The white markings included in the central baud are rather variable. The egg is smooth, oval, and pale green in colour. The young larva is orange-brown, becoming greenish-brown soon after emergence. The full- grown larva is dark brown above and pale brown beneath, the two colours being sharply separated on the sides by a broken white line. A series of V-shaped markings is situated on the back, each mark enclosing a paler area. Several fine black wavy lines traverse the darker portions of the larva, ami a dark mark, edged with black beneath, is situated on each segment just above the ventral surface. The food-plant is watercress. The pupa is enclosed in a frail cocoon on the surface of the ground. The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents forest. It is often dislodged from dense undergrowth during the daytime, and may be found in the evening on the blossoms of the white rata. It is very much commoner in some years than in others; hut occasionally several seasons will pass without our noticing a single specimen of this attractive insect. The colouring is extremely protective when the moth is resting on moss-covered tree trunks. XANTHOEHOE ADONIS, n. sp. (Plate VII., fig. 49 3 .) This extremely beautiful insect has occurred in the South Island at Castle Hill, and at Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are vivid green : there is a broad, wavy, black transverse line near the base ; a somewhat broken line at about one-third, much broader on the costa and edged with white towards the base; a very conspicuous lima// black line at two-thirds, shaded towards the base, and sharply edged with white towards flic termen ; between this line and the termen there are several black marks, forming another extremely broken transverse line. The hind-wings arc pale orange-brown, with a faint grey central band. The perfect insect appears in January. It frequents forests at elevations of from 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the sea-level, but it is not common. Mr. Meyrick regards this insect as identical with Xaiithorliue beata. XANTHORHOE CHLOIOAS, Meyr. (Larentia chlorias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.) This species was discovered in the South Island at Castle Hill, by Mr. Meyrick. "The expansion of the wings of the male is :!() mm. (about 1} inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen hardly rounded; bright yellow; base of costa dark fuscous-purple ; a curved row of three very small dark purple-fuscous spots about one-fourth, and another of four spots before middle, costal spots larger; a 64 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. triangular purple blotch on costa before apex, reaching half across wing, anteriorly margined by a strongly sinuate bluish-black streak ; a row of three dark purple-fuscous dots from apex of this to dorsum, and a subterminal row of six similar dots ; cilia yellow. Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded ; rather paler than fore-wings, with two curved posterior rows of cloudy purple-fuscous dots. " A very beautiful and conspicuous species. "I took one line specimen in a wooded gully near Castle Hill, at 3,100 feet, in January." — (Meyrick.) XANTHORHOE /EGROTA, Butl. (Selidosema agrota, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 499. Larentia agrota, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 80.) (Plate VII., fig. 37 3 .) This rather inconspicuous species has occurred at Palmerston and Kaitoke in the North Island ; and at Christchurch, Dunedin, and Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. It has also been taken at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1| inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous-brown ; there are several indistinct wavy blackish lines near the base, a black dot above the middle, then three or four more lines, followed by a cloudy shading on the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous-brown. The cilia of all the wings are dull ochreous-brown barred with black. The perfect insect appears from November till March and is sometimes very common. It usually frequents rather open situations in the neighbourhood of forest, and I have often observed it amongst the bushes of "Wild Irishman" (Discaria toumatou.) It is extremely abundant on the banks of the Kiver Dart, at the head of Lake Wakatipu. XANTHORHOE LUCIDATA, Walk. (Larentia lucidata, Walk. 1200. Coremia plurimata, ib. 1321. Panagra uenipunctata, ib. 1666. Larentia psamathodes, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81. Larentia lucidata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 64.) (Plate VII., fig. 38 <?.) This rather dull-coloured species has occurred at Napier, Palmerston, and Wellington in the North Island, and at Dunedin in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings arc dull yellowish-brown ; there are numerous fine, almost straight blackish lines parallel to the termen, forming four more or less distinct transverse bands; the first at the base rather broad, the second a little before the middle, the third beyond the middle, and the fourth just before the termen ; there is a black dot a little above the middle of the wing, and the veins are marked with white dots between the transverse bands. The hind-wings are pale brownish-ochreous ; there are numerous, rather faint, wavy, blackish, transverse lines, which are much more distinct near the dorsum. There is a series of distinct black dots on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings. The perfect insect appears during the winter months from March till August. It is rather a scarce species, hut on mild evenings it is sometimes taken at light. XANTHORHOE HELIAB, Meyr. (Larentia helias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.) (Plate VII., fig. 40.) Two specimens of this species have been taken at Dunedin in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are pale ochreous ; the fore-wings have a slender brown transverse line at the base, then a large loop-like marking from the costa, almost meeting a smaller, similarly looped marking from the dorsum ; next a broad irregular dark brown band a little beyond the middle, considerably indented towards the termen; tins is loll.. wed by a rather narrow pale band, and then by a narrow brown band, also indented towards the termen; there is a small oblique brown mark below the apex, and a terminal series of black dots. The hind-wings have several faint dusky transverse lines near the base, a row of small spots near the Mc mnt Arthur, "».'/' >,-yelte •r; there bai id foil ■owed by ulai ■ yello w spaces mte r edge ! of the it' n liddle ; beyond dari ; brown. The nea r the temieii ; II.— THE NOTODONTINA. fcermen, and a terminal series of minute black dots. The cilia of all the wings reddish-oehreous. The perfect insect appears in January. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. XANTHOKHOE PBASINIA8, Meyr. (Larentia prasinias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.) (Plate' VII., fig. 41.) This bright-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Castle Hill, and Inveroargill. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are bright or is a small brown area near the base, with the outer edge indented; then a pale a very broad brown central band, composed of wavy transverse lines, with irreg between them, the largest of these spaces containing a small black dot ; the i central band is very wavy, and has several rather prominent projections near tl this are several rather faint brownish lines ; the cilia are yellow, barred with hind-wings are pale ochreous, shaded with grey near the base, and with yellow the cilia are yellow, barred with brown. The perfect insect appears in January, and frequents forest. It is found at elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, but is not by any means a common species. XANTHORHOE CHIONOGEAMMA, Meyr. [Larentia chionogramma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.) (Plate VIE, fig. 42 3 , 43 2 .) This rather dull-looking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt. The expansion of the wings is about H inches. The fore-wings are rather dark greyish- brown ; there are numerous indistinct wavy paler and darker transverse lines near the base ; a rather broad transverse brown band towards the middle, shaded towards the base, and edged with an interrupted jagged white line towards the termen ; beyond this there are several broken darker and paler lines. The hind-wings are very pale greyish-ochreous, clouded with grey near the base, and with several rows of small cloudy grey spots near the termen. The female is paler than the male and the markings are less distinct. The perfect insect appears in December and January, and frequents wooded valleys on the lower slopes of the mountains, at elevations of from -2,000 to 3,000 feet. XANTHOEHOE CAMELIAS, Meyr. (Larentia camelias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the North Island at Whangarei. " The expansion of the wings of the male is 23 mm. (rather less than 1 inch). Head, antennae, and thorax whitish-ochreous, greyish-tinged, with a few dark fuscous scales. Palpi fuscous. Abdomen whitish-ochreous, with a double dorsal series of dark fuscous dots. Legs whitish-ochreous, irrorated with purple-reddish and dark fuscous. Fore-wings with costa rather sinuate in middle, on anterior half gently, on posterior half very strongly arched, termen moderately sinuate below apex, bowed in middle ; light greyish-ochreous, with numerous cloudy, waved, brown-grey transverse lines, somewhat bent near costa ; a black discal dot ; margin of basal patch and anterior edge of median band indicated by series of very minute white dots, preceded and followed by black points ; posterior edge of median band marked by a darker line, followed by a fine white line reduced on lower half to a series of points, subterminal line represented by four cloudy blackish dots on upper half and another above tornus ; cilia greyish-ochreous (imperfect). Hind-wings fuscous-whitish ; a median band of four cloudy greyish lines, bent near costa; a cloudy grey spot above tornus ; cilia fuscous-whitish (imperfect.) "Appears in December. Immediately recognisable by the peculiar form of fore- wings."— (Meyrick.) 9 fifi NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. XANTHOEHOE FALCATA, Butl. (Larentia falcata, Butl., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.) A single specimen of this species is in the British Museum collection of New- Zealand Lepidoptera. Of this specimen Mr. Meyrick remarks as follows : — " This appears to be a good species allied to X. camel las, but with the costa of fore-wings less arched posteriorly, and posterior edge of median band practically straight, not bent near costa; also much darker in general colouring. I have not yet seen any specimen except the original type." XANTHOEHOE OBARATA, Feld. (Cidaria obarata, Feld. cxxxii. 33. Larentia obarata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.) (Plate VII., fig. 45.) This little species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Christohurch and Mount Hutt in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. The fore-wings are pale greyish-ochreous ; there is an interrupted reddish-brown transverse band near the base ; tiro faint, interrupted shaded blackish hues, one at about one-third and the other at about tiro-thirds, enclosing between them a large central area, which contains a very distinct black dot above the middle, and several irregular shaded black marks; beyond this there is a wavy reddish-brown band; the apex of the wing is somewhat projecting, and the termen is considerably bowed. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a paler central hand, and numerous faint, wavy, darker grey lines. The cilia of all the wings are white, banded with dark grey. The perfect insect appears from November till January. Mr. Fereday states that it is a plain-frequenting species, especially attached to gorse hedges.* Described and figured from a specimen kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday. XANTHORHOE CHORICA, Meyr. (Larentia chorica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 58.) (Plate VII., fig. 44.) A single specimen of this beautiful insect was taken at Akaroa by Mr. Fereday. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are pale ochreous. The fore-wings have a short transverse black mark from the costa near the base ; a fine wavy white transverse line, followed by a wavy black band; the middle of the wing is white, marbled with very pale blue ; beyond this there is a broad black band wavy towards the termen, with a very prominent rounded projection near the middle; there are two reddish-brown marks on the costa before the apex, a blackish patch on the termen below the apex, and a row of terminal black dots ; the apex is slightly projecting, and the termen is strongly arched. The hind-wings have several fine blackish transverse lines near the base ; a broad shaded band in the middle, and a terminal series of black dots. The perfect insect appears in January. Described and figured from the specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. XANTHORHOE SUBOBSCURATA, Walk. (Scotosia subobscurata, Walk. 1358. Larentia petropola, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82.) This species has occurred in the South Island at the Otira Gorge. " The expansion of the wings is 3!) mm. (1J inches). Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded dark grey, densely irrorated with bluish-whitish ; costa broadly suffused with ochreous-whitish anteriorly; a very obscure curved ochreous-whitish line towards base, anteriorly dark -margined ; two obscure curved subdentate adjacent whitish lines about one-third, followed by a dark line ; a blackish : Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 82. 1 1. —THE NOTODONTINA. 67 discal dot ; a very irregular dentate curved dark grey line beyond middle, followed by two adjacent whitish lines ; a sharply dentate obscure whitish subterminal line, anteriorly dark-margined. Hind- wings moderate, termen rounded; markings as in fore-wings, but more obscure, paler and more suffused towards base. "A line species, with a peculiar bluish tinge. "I took two specimens at rest on rock-faces in the Otira Gorge, at 1,800 feet, in January, and saw others." — (Meyrick.) X.VXTHOEHOE CINEREAKIA, Dbld. {Cidaria (?) cinerearia, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286. Larentia (?) invexata, Walk. L199 ; But]., Cat., pi. iii. 11. Larentia semisignata, Walk. 1200. Larentia inoperata, Walk. 1201. Larentia diffusaria Walk. 1201. Larentia pimctilineata, Walk. 1202 ; But!., Cat,, pi. iii. 12. Cidaria dissociata, Walk. 1731. Cidaria semilisata, Walk. 1730. Larentia corcularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. Gl. Larentia infantaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 62. Helastia eupitheciaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 95. ? Cidaria sphceriata, Feld. exxxi. 11. Larentia cinerearia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xvi. 83.) (Plate VIII., tigs. 2 and 2a, varieties.) This species is extremely abundant, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is from j, inch to 1 inch. The fore-wings vary from pale to dark grey : there are generally four mure or less distinct blackish marks on the casta , forming the beginning of transverse bands; the rest of the wing is marbled with dark-grey or black, the disposition of the markings varying exceedingly in different specimens. The hind-wings are pale grey, with a black dot above the middle. The variation existing in this species is very great, and is thus described by Mr. Meyrick : * " Three main forms occur : one large, greyer, and more uniform ; a second of middle size whiter and generally strongly marked sometimes bluish-tinged, only found in the hills ; and a third small greyish but ochreous- tinged, strongly marked ; these are connected by scarcer intermediate forms, and are, I believe, due to the direct effect of food and situation. " The larva feeds on lichens." The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents a great variety of situations. The colouring of the fore-wings is beautifully adapted for protection on lichen-covered banks, rocks, or fences, where specimens may often be found resting with closed wings during the daytime. This species flies rather freely at evening dusk, and may then be taken plentifully at sugar, blossoms or light. It is, however, a difficult matter to procure specimens in really good condition for the cabinet, as the insect is so extremely restless when confined in a box that if it is not killed tit once, it will speedily injure itself during its struggles to escape. This moth is found at elevations ranging from the sea-level to 3,500 feet. XAXTHOKHOE ANTHBACIAS, Meyr. (Larentia anthracias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 81.) This species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu. "The expansion of the wings of the male is from 24-'25 mm. (about 1 inch, Fore-wings moderate, termen sinuate ; dark fuscous, faintly striated, more or less sprinkled with whitish : a curved blackish line near base, posteriorly obscurely whitish-margined ; a curved, obscure whitish fascia at one-third, blackish margined and bisected by a blackish line ; a well-denned black discal dot ; a white fascia, partially mixed with fuscous, beyond middle, anteriorly strongly blackish-margined, posteriorly more obscurely, and bisected by a blackish line, somewhat irregular, moderately angulated in middle ; ♦ Trans. X. Z. Inst. xvi. 83. 68 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. an obscure dentate yellowish or whitish subterminal line ; an interrupted black terminal line. Hind- wings moderate, termen rounded ; dark fuscous ; two nearly straight lines before middle, faintly darker ; a faint paler or sometimes whitish sinuate fascia beyond middle, margined and bisected with darker. " Varies slightly in distinctness of pale markings. "Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu (5,400 feet), on the open mountain sides, in December and January; twelve specimens." — (Meyrick.) XANTHORHOE BULBULATA, Gn. (Cidaria bulbulata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 91. Larcntia bulbulata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 84.) (Plate VIII., fig. 1.) This species has occurred in the South Island at Kekerangu, Christchurch, Castle Hill, and Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is barely 1 inch. The fore-wings are very pale brownish-ochreous ; there is a brown area near the base ; a moderately broad brown central band with a distinct projection near the middle ; the termen is broadly shaded with brown, with a wary paler line in the middle of the shading ; there are often several oval paler marks in the middle of the central band, and pale brown spots and lines between the darker brown markings. The hind-wings are bright orange, with the cilia pale brown. The perfect insect appears from September till March, and frecpuents open, grassy places, from the sea-level to elevations of from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Genus 12.— LYTHEIA, Hb. " Face rough-haired or loosely scaled, antennae in male bi-pectinated, apex sometimes simple. Palpi with long rough hairs. Thorax roughly hairy beneath. Fore-wings with areole simple. Hind- wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 39 and 40, neuration of L. chrysopeda.) We have two interesting little species in New Zealand. The genus also occurs in Europe, and probably elsewhere. LYTHEIA CHliYSOPEDA, Meyr. (Arcteuthes chrysopeda, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 48.) (Plate VIII., fig. 33 S , 34 $> .) This bright-looking little species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur. The expansion of the wings is about ;j inch. The fore-wings are eery dark, glossy brown • there is a pale yellowish transverse line near the base, a broader, rather wary orange-yellow line a little before the middle, another still broader at about two-thirds, and an indistinct fne line near the termen. The hind-wings are rich orange-brown, with three broad, wary, dark brown transverse bands; the termen is narrowly margined with dark orange-brown. The female is generally rather paler than the male, very faintly marked specimens occasionally occurring. The perfect insect appears in January and February. It frequents the tussock openings in the forest on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. In these situations it appears to be fairly abundant, flying actively in the hottest sunshine. LYTHEIA EUCLIDIATA, Gn. ICoremia euclidiata, Gn. x. 420. Corcmia glyphicata, ib. 420. Fidonia catapy.irha, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Load. 1H77, 392, pi. xliii. 2. Stratonice catapyrrhd, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 64. Stratonicc euclidiata, ib xvii. (33. Arctesthes euclidiata, ib. xviii. 184. Arcteutlies euclidiata, ib. xx. 17.) (Plate VII I. . tig. 3.-) 3 ■• This pretty little species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Kotoiti near Nelson, Lake Guyon, Otira Gorge, Dunedin, and Mount Linton near Invercargill. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 69 The expansion of the wings is J inch. The fore-wings are dark greyish-brown speckled with black and white ; there is a curved black transverse line near the base, followed by a white line, then two black lines close together followed by another white line, then a broad black line followed by a pale central band containing a well-marked central dot, beyond this there are two angulated black lines, and a very conspicuous white line ; there is a broad black shading on the termen, traversed by a rather obscure tine white line. The hind-wings are rather narrow, yellowish-orange speckled with black near the base, there is a strongly angulated black line near the middle, and an obscure blackish band near the termen. On the under side the fore-wings are yellow, with two black transverse bands from the costa near the termen and a red mark near the apex ; the hind-wings arc streaked with white and yellow, and broadly bordered with red on the casta and termen ; there are two very broad black transverse bands. The female is paler than the male, with the dark markings rather narrower. The perfect insect appears in February and March, and frequents open, sunny places, at elevations of from 1,000 to -2,000 feet above the sea-level. Genus 13.— DASYUEIS, Gn. " Face rough-haired or with projecting scales. Palpi moderate, porrected, with long dense rough hairs. Antenna? in male shortly ciliated. Thorax and coxa? densely hairy beneath. Posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with areole double. Hind-wings with vein 8 anastomosing with cell from near base to beyond middle." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., fig. 42, neuration of fore- wing. Hind-wing as in Xanthorhoe.) Of this genus we have four species in New Zealand. DASYUEIS ENYSII, Butl. (Fidonia enysii, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud. 1877, 391, pi. xlii. 9. Statin, homomorpha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. Statira enysii, Lb. xvii. 65. Stathmonyma enysii, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., fig. '28.) This species has occurred in the South Island on the Dun Mountain near Nelson, and lit Mount Hutt. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are greyish-brown, with numerous wavy blackish transverse lines ; there is usually a wavy yellowish transverse stripe near the base, and another broader and more conspicuous stripe near the termen; the termen itself is broadly shaded with dark brown. The hind-wings are orange-yellow; there is a small dusky brown area near the base, then a taint straight transverse line, followed by a slightly waved conspicuous dark brown line; there is a very wavy broad dark brown line near the termen, and the termen itself is narrowly edged with dark brown. The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents stony situations on the mountains, at elevations of from '2,500 to 4,000 feet. I have taken numerous specimens on the "Mineral Belt," Dun Mountain, but have not yet met with it elsewhere. This insect is probably often mistaken during flight for Notoreas Irephos, from which it may easily be distinguished by its larger size, paler colouring, and simple antennce of the nude. DASYUEIS ANCKPS, Butl. [Fidonia anceps, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 39:2, pi. xliii. 3. Statira anceps, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Iubt. xvi. 91. Stathmonyma a>iceps, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII. , fig. 29.) This species has been taken in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Arthur's Pass. The expansion of the wings is about H inches. The fore-wings are bluish-grey; there are four wavy dark grey transverse lines, the three lines nearest the base are double, and the line nearest the termen is shaded towards the base. The hind-wings are pale yellow ; there is a small dusky area near the base, then a slightly curved grey line, followed by two curved dark grey lines 70 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. close together ; there is a series of irregular blotches near the terrnen, and the termen itself is broadly edged with black near the apex of the wing, and narrowly near the tornus. The cilia of all the wings are bluish-grey, barred with dusky black. The perfect insect appears in January and February, and frequents bare rocky situations on the mountains, at elevations of from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. On one occasion I met with this species very plentifully, though in poor condition, on Mount Peel, near Mount Arthur ; but subsequent visits have led me to think that, as a rule, it is rather a scarce species. The bluish-grey colouring of the fore-wings affords this moth a most efficient protection from enemies, whilst resting on the rocky ground which it always frequents. Apart from special characters, the fainter colouring of this insect will at once distinguish it from any of the numerous allied species. DASYURIS PABTHENIATA, Gn. (Dasyuris partheniata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 93 ; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 92.) (Plate VIII., fig. 30 $, 31 ? .) This bright-looking species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Mount Arthur and Mount Hutt in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about \\ inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-yellow; the base is speckled with black and dull green scales ; there is a rather indistinct band at about one-third; a broad wavy dark brown band a little beyond the middle, with a projection towards the termen, followed by a clear space and another broad irregular dark transverse band ; the termen is broadly bordered with dark brown, which is often almost continuous with the last-named transverse band. The hind-wings are bright orange; there is a large speckled area near the base edged with a curved black line, followed by a clear space, and an interrupted dark brown transverse Hue considerably beyond the middle ; the termen is rather narrowly edged with a dark brown line, wavy towards the base of the wing. The cilia of all the wings are yellow barred with black. The species varies considerably in the extent of the dark markings, especially on the fore-wings. The egg is oval and white, without sculpture. The young larva, which is very attenuated, has sixteen legs. Its colour is pale yellowish- brown above, and dull ochreous beneath. The food-plant is unknown. The perfect insect appears from October till March, and frequents open, grassy situations. At Wellington, during October and November, it is common on the cliffs close to the shores of Cook's Strait, flying very rapidly on hot, sunny days, which renders its capture very difficult in such steep situations. Mr. Fereday's specimens were obtained amongst the tussock grass at the foot of Mount Hutt. The insect was also found plentifully on the slopes of Mount Arthur, at an elevation of about 4,500 feet above the sea-level, and also on the Tararua Range in the North Island. DASYUEIS HECTOEI, Butl. (Euclidia hectori, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 387, pi. xlii. 1. Statira hectori, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 91. Stathmonyma hectori, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., fig. 32.) This very striking species has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings is H inches. All the wings are dark greyish-black, speckled with bluish-grey scales. The fore-wings have live rather indistinct wavy darker transverse lines, and a very broad darker shading near the termen ; there is a fine white mark near the apex, continued as an indistinct wavy line towards the tornus. The hind-wings have three or four IT.— THE NOTODONTTNA. 71 indistinct darker transverse lines, and a very broad terminal shading; there are two, more or less distinct, line, wavy, white lines, the first a. little below the middle, and the second near the termen ; the cilia are dark grey barred with pale grey. On the under side all the wings are dark blackish-grey, traversed by six broad wavy whitish lines. The perfect insect appears in December, January and February, and frequents rocky crags on mountains, at elevations of from 4,700 to 5,700 feet above the sea- level. It delights to rest on blackened rocks in the hottest sunshine, but dashes away with the greatest rapidity on the approach of the collector, so that it is generally rather difficult to capture. Genus 14.— NOTOREAS, Meyr. " Face roughly haired. Palpi moderate, second joint with long or very long spreading hairs beneath, terminal joint moderate or rather long, often concealed. Antenna- in male bi-pectinated. Thorax beneath more or less strongly clothed with long hairs. Fore-wings with vein (3 rising out of 9, 7 almost from angle of areole, K> anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 anastomosing moderately or very shortly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings normal. " — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., tig. 43, fore-wing of Notorcas brephos.) This interesting genus, of which we have no less than fifteen species, comprises a number of gaily coloured little insects, chiefly inhabiting mountain regions. All the species are day-fiiers, and most of them only appear during the hottest sunshine. Mr. Meyrick regards the genus Notoreas as most closely approaching to the ancestor of the family Hydriomenidcp. NOTOEFAS INSIGNI8, Butl. (Aspilates insignis, Butl, Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud. 1S77, 393, pi. xliii. 1. Pasithca insignis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. Kvi. 85. Notoreas insignis, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., fig. :-! «? .) This very striking species has been taken in the South Island at Castle Hill. The expansion of the wings of the male is 1^ inches, of the female 1 inch. The fare- wings of the nude are dull yellowish-brown : in the middle of the wing there is an almost straight Ion,/ white streak from the base to about th ree- fourths ; there is another straight white streak parallel to the termen and almost touching the apex. The hind-wings are bright ochreous speckled with brown near the base. The female lias the wings rather narrower than the male, and the ground colour is paler. The perfect insect appears in January. Mr. Fereday's specimens, which formed the basis for the above figure and description, were captured on a bare mountain side at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. Mr. Hawthorne has directed my attention to the remarkable similarity existing between the markings on the fore-wings of this species and those on Xanthorhoe stinaria. NOTOEFAS OEPHN.FA, Meyr. (Pasithca orphncea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 85. Notoreas orphnma, ib. xviii. 184.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island at Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings of the female is from 28 to 30 mm. (about lj inches). "Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded; dark fuscous, mixed with yellowish and whitish, which tend to form alternate fasciae ; a discal dot and numerous curved irregularly dentate blackish lines, varying in strength and intensity; cilia barred with blackish and whitish. Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded; dark fuscous; a blackish discal dot; a cloudy whitish irroration forming a double curved fascia beyond middle, and a dentate subterminal line ; cilia as in fore-wings. " Imitative in colour of the dark lichen-grown rocks. 72 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTEBA. " I took three specimens almost on the summit of Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, at 5,600 feet, in January." — (Meyrick.) NOTOREAS ISOLEUCA, Meyr. [Notoreas isoleuca, Meyr., Trans. Bnt. Soc. Lond., 1897, 38G.) (Plate VIII. , fig. 27.) This little species has been taken in the South Island on the Craigieburn Eange, near Castle Hill. The expansion of the wings is about f inch. All the wings are very dark blackish-brown; the fore-wings have five slender wavy white transverse lines. The hind-wings hare three white transverse lines, the first near the base, the second near the middle, and the third, which is very slender and considerably broken, near the termen. The cilia of all the wings arc white, barred with blackish- brown. The perfect insect was captured in January, amongst a varied growth of stunted Alpine vegetation, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. NOTOREAS MECHANITIS, Meyr. (Pasithea mechanitis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas mechanitis, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII. , figs. 9, 10, 11, varieties.) This insect has occurred in the South Island at Mount Arthur, Arthur's Pass and Mount Hutt. The expansion of the wings is about § inch. All the wings are dark brownish-black. The fore- wings have an almost straight transverse yellow or white stripe near the base, edged with black towards the body ; a rather wavy stripe at about one-third, edged with black towards the termen : then several irregular yellowish or white spots or marks , followed by a very distinct white stripe, somewhat pro- jecting towards the termen near the middle ; there is a broken fine yellow line near the termen. The hind-wings have a shaded white or yellow transverse line near the base, another near the middle, a third, considerably finer and often broken, near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are white shaded with grey near the base, but with no distinct bars. The perfect insect appears from January till March, and flies with great activity in the hottest sunshine. It frequents grassy mountain sides at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 4,500 feet above the sea-level, and in these situations it is often very abundant. NOTOREAS PARADELPHA, Meyr. (Pasithea paradelpha, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 86. Notoreas paradelpha, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., figs. 12, 13, 14, varieties.) In the South Island this insect has occurred on Mount Arthur, and on Ben Lomond, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations of from 3,600 to 5,000 feet. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The species is said to be distinguished from the preceding "by the barred cilia, the absence of any clear yellow colouring, the less prominent angulation of the post-median line and the more elongate wings." * — (Meyrick.) The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. In habits it exactly resembles Notoreas mechanitis. NOTOREAS PERORNATA, Walk. (Fidonia perornata, Walk. 1672. Pasithea perornata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas perornata, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII. , figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, varieties.) This very pretty insect has occurred at Palmerston and Wellington in the North Island, and at Kekerangu, Mount Arthur, Lake Coleridge, Mount Hutt and Lake Wakatipu, in the South Island. Trans. N. '/.. Inst. xvi. 86. II.— THE NOTODONTIX.t. 73 The expansion of the wings is about f inch. The fore-wings are dark brownish-black, with five transverse white or orange-yellow lines, which vary considerably both in width and colour in different specimens ; the two basal lines are almost straight, the rest are wavy, the last but one has, near the middle, a strong projection towards the ternien. The hiyid-wings are bright orange, with three or four mure or less broken black transverse lines. The ternien is narrowly bordered with black; the cilia of all the wings are white, more or less distinctly barred with blackish-brown. The perfect insect appears in February, March and April, flying very actively in the hot afternoon sunshine. It is extremely abundant on the coast hills in the neighbour- hood of Wellington. It also occurs commonly at Kekerangu, and is occasionally found on mountains as high as from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. I have observed that all the Wellington specimens have the transverse lines on the fore-wings narrow and mostly white ; those from Mount Arthur broad and white, those from Kekerangu and Lake Wakatipu broad and orange-yellow. The last-named forms approximate most closely to some of the very yellow varieties of Notoreas paradelpJia* NOTOEEAS STEATEC4ICA, Meyr. (Pasithea strategica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas strategica, ib. xviii. 184.) (Elate VIII., tig. 15.) A single specimen of this conspicuous species was taken in the South Island at Lake Guyon, by Mr. W. T. L. Travers. The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown, becoming blackish-brown near the base; there are two broad white transverse lines near the base, the outermost slightly curved, then a dull orange shading , followed by a very broad, outwardly bent, white transverse band, edged witli black towards the base : between this band and the ternien there is a fine wavy white transverse line. The hind-wings are dull yellowish-brown near the base, becoming blackish towards the ternien ; there is a small cream-coloured area near the base, then two rather broad, slightly irregular. cream-coloured bands, and a rather fine wavy white line near the ternien. The cilia of all the wings are white, barred with blackish-brown. The perfect insect appears in January. Described and figured from the type specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. NOTOREAS CALLICRENA, Meyr. (Pasithea. callierena Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 87. Notoreas callicrena, ib. xviii. 184.) (Elate VIII. , rig. 16.) A single specimen of this very handsome species was captured by Mr. Fereday in the South Island, high on the mountains at the head of Lake Wakatipu. The expansion of the wings is If inches. The fore-wings are deep orange-brown, shaded with black near the base and in t/ie vicinity of the three cream-coloured transverse bands; the first of these hands is situated near the base, the second at about one-third, ami the third, which is rather wavy, at about two-thirds; there is a fine wavy white line close to the termen. The hind-wings are dark, grey, with two broad cream-coloured bands, the first near the base and the second near the middle ; there is a slender wavy line near the termen. The cilia of all the wings are cream-coloured, barred with brownish-black. The perfect insect appears in January, and evidently frequents high mountains. Described and figured from the type-specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. * In connection with these three species of Notoreas I should here mention that I hare a number of specimens in my collection which appear to me to establish a complete transition between N. mechanitis, N. paradelpha, and N. perornata. From a careful study of these specimens I am led to believe that these three forms are really only varieties of one very variable species. Mr. Meyriek does not at present share this opinion, but I am disposed to think that this is chiefly due to the comparatively limited number of specimens he has had the opportunity of examining. In any case I do not regard tin question of the specific or varietal values of these, or indeed of any other forms, as matters of great scientific importance, being, to a great extent, merely matters of individual opinion. 10 74 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. NOTOREAS NIPHOCEENA, Meyr. (Pasithea niphocrena, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 88. Notoreas niphocrena, ib. xviii. 184.) This species was discovered by Mr. Meyrick in the South Island, at Arthur's Pass, West Coast Eoad. " The expansion of the wings of the female is from '24 to 25 mm. (1 inch). Fore-wings moderate, termen rounded ; rather dark fuscous, mixed and obscurely striated with orange ; a curved white sub- dentate line before one-fourth, anteriorly blackish-margined ; a similar white line beyond one-fourth, posteriorly blackish-margined ; space between these sometimes suffused with orange ; a slender irregularly dentate white fascia beyond middle, rather strongly angulated in middle, anteriorly blackish-margined, posteriorly closely followed by a dentate orange line ; a dentate orange line near termen, dilated on costa. Hind-wings moderate, termen rounded ; orange, lighter anteriorly ; basal half dark fuscous mixed with orange, its outer edge irregularly curved ; a dentate subterminal fascia and narrow terminal fascia dark fuscous, sometimes obscure. " Possibly when the male is known this may prove to be a Dasyuris. "I took two specimens on the mountain-side above Arthur's Pass at 4,500 feet, in January."— (Meyrick.) NOTOREAS SIMPLEX, n. sp. (Plate VIII. , fig. 26.) A single specimen of this species was captured on Mount Arthur in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1£ inches. The fore-wings are bright ochreous; there are four broad black transverse bands near the base, edged with white, and separated from one another by yellow spaces of almost equal width ; the outermost of these bands is situated a little more than half- way between the base and termen ; the last two lines become obsolete before they reach the costa ; there are no other markings, except a black shading on the termen near the tornus, which is traversed by an obscure jagged paler line ; the cilia are white barred with black. The hind-wings are bright orange-yellow, without markings ; the cilia are ochreous. The perfect insect appears in January. The type-specimen was taken on the mountain-side, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. NOTOREAS EEROX, Butl. (Fidunia ferox, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud. 1877, 392, pi. xlii. 8. Pasithea ferox, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 88. Notoreas ferox, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., fig. 17.) Two specimens of this species were captured by Mr. J. D. Enys, at Castle Hill in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dull brown, with numerous fine, wavy, dusky lines and a faint dot above the middle. The hind-wings are orange-yellow, dotted with black near the base; there is a rather broad straight transverse blue): band near the middle, followed bij a much finer wavy line; there are three fine, wavy lines parallel with the termen, and the termen itself is finely bordered with black. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. NOTOREAS ZOPYRA, Meyr. (Pasithea zopyra, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas zopyra, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VEIL, figs. 18 and 19, varieties.) This bright-looking little species has occurred at Mount Arthur and at Mount Hutt, in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about '; inch. The fore-wings are dark bluish-grey, with numerous slender, wavy, blackish transverse lines, and a distinct blackish dot above the middle. The hind-wings are bright orange, speckled with grey near the base and dorsum; there are from two to four very fine, wavy, broken, blackish, transverse lines, and the termen is narrowly bordered with black. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 75 The perfect insect appears in January, frequenting shingle flats on the mountain sides, at about 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It flies rapidly in the hottest sunshine, and, when it alights on the stones, is extremely difficult to find. The brilliant hind-wings, which are very conspicuous when the moth is flying, quite disqualify the eye from detect- ing the extremely obscure object, which the insect instantly becomes when resting with its fore-wings alone exposed. This method of increasing the value of protective tints by means of bright colours temporarily displayed was very clearly described, I believe for the first time, by Lord Walsingham in his address to the Fellows of the Entomological Society of London, in January, 1891. It is certainly well exemplified by this and several other species of the genus Notoreas, and it will be at once noticed by the collector, how extremely difficult it is to follow these active little moths, as they fly with short and rapid flight over the grey rocks and stones, with which their fore-wings so completely har- monize ; the momentary glimpse obtained of the brilliant hind-wings so completely deceives the eye, that there is much more difficulty in marking the spot where the insect alights, than would have been the case if the brilliant colour had never been displayed. NOTOREAS VULCANICA, Meyr. Pasithca vulcanica, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Nvtorcas vulcanica, ib. xviii. 18-4.) (Plate VIII., fig. 24.) This species has been taken in the North Island at Makotuku, and the Kaweka Range, in the Hawkes Bay District. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. The fore-wings are very dark blackish-grey ; there is a rather narrow black transverse line near the base, another at about one-third ; then a small black dot, followed by a wavy, rather broad, black band, and two cloudy wavy black transverse lines near the termen. The hind-wings are very dark orange : there is a large black basal patch, then a broad black band joining the basal natch near the dorsum ; beyond this is a fine black line, then another broad black line followed by a very fine war;/ line of the orange ground colour: the termen is very broadly margined with black. The perfect insect appears from January to March. Mr. Meyrick states that he found it resting on the roads near Makotuku. Described and .figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. NOTOREAS BREPHOS, Walk. (Fi Ionia brephosata, Walk. 1037; Bufcl., Cat. pi. iii. 14. Larentia catocalaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 62. Fidonia brephos, Feld. exxix. 5. Pasithsa brephos, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 89. Notoreas brephos, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, varieties.) This very pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about 1 inch. The fore-wings are dark grey ; there is a wavy black line near the base, two similar lines enclosing a very broad central area, with a black dot a little above the middle ; beyond this there is a more or less distinct wavy band of pale grey or brown ; there are several obscure wavy blackish lines near the termen. The hind-wings are bright orange, dotted with grey near the base and dorsum, with from two to four more or less distinct wavy black transverse lines, generally rather narrow ; the termen is moderately broadly bordered with black. This insect is extremely variable, and, so far as I can judge from an extensive series, several of the varieties appear to indicate that both Notoreas zopyra and N. vulcanica may ultimately have to be ranked as varieties of N. breplws, but the evidence on this point is not yet conclusive enough to render such a course at present desirable. % 76 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. The perfect insect appears from December to March. It is very active, and is extremely fond of settling on roads or bare ground in the hot sunshine, instantly darting away on the approach of an enemy. It is also common on the mountains, and is often found at elevations of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. NOTOBEAS OMICHLIAS, Meyr. (Pasithea omichlias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 90. Notorcas omichlias, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate VIII., fig. 25.) Two specimens of this dull-looking little species were captured at Castle Hill, by Mr. J. D. Enys. The expansion of the wings is § inch. All the wings are dark grey ; the fore-wings have several obscure blackish marks near the base, a dull black spot on the casta at about one-third with a yellowish centre ; beyond this there are four similar spots forming a transverse band, and several more or less conspicuous wavy blackish lines near the termen. The hind-wings have several obscure wavy blackish transverse lines near the base and dorsum ; the cilia are pale grey, obscurely barred with darker grey. The perfect insect was taken " high up " on the mountains, probably at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. This species is probably often overlooked through being mistaken for XantJwrhoe cinerearia. Genus 15.— SAMANA, Walk. " Face loosely haired. Palpi long, straight, porrected, attenuated. Antennae in male dentate, ciliated (1). Fore-wings with vein 0 rising below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 anasto- mosing strongly with 9, 11 anastomosing strongly with 10, 12 free. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) Of this genus we have two species in New Zealand. SAMANA FALCATELLA, Walk. (Samaiw falcatella., Walk, xxvii. 197. Panagra falcatella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 93. Samana falcatella, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 65.) (Plate VIII. , fig. 36.) This unusual-looking species has occurred in the South Island, at Nelson and at Dunedin. The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are very pale ochreous, speckled with grey; there is a very fine longitudinal black streak from a little beyond the base to considerably before the middle, slightly clouded above ; an elongate dot above the middle ; a very oblique slightly curved black streak from near the apex to the middle of the dorsum, edged with white towards the base, and clouded with brown towards the termen ; the apex of the wing is very acute. The hind-wings are white, with a black dot above the middle. The perfect insect appears in February. It is apparently a rare species. SAMANA ACUTATA, Butl. (Samana acutata, Butl., P. Z. S. L. 1877, 401; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 67.) The type-specimen of this species exists in the collection of the British Museum. According to Mr. Meyrick, who made a cursory examination of it, the species differs from S. falcatella in the following respects : — The first dark line runs from the dorsum near the base to below the costa before the middle ; the lower extremity of the second line is connected with the tornus by an oblique streak. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 77 Family 2 — STERRHID^E. " Face smooth. Tongue developed. Palpi shortly rough-sealed. Fore-wings with vein 10 rising out of 9, 11 anastomosing or connected with 9. Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, rising from middle of transverse vein, parallel to 4, 8 very shortly anastomosing with upper margin of cell near hase, thence rapidly diverging." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 49 and 50.) Although less numerous than the preceding, the family is pretty evenly distributed throughout the world, but poorly represented in New Zealand. We have only one genus, viz;., Leftomeris. Genus 1.— LEPTOMERIS, Hb. " Antennae in male ciliated with fascicles. Posterior tibia in male dilated without spurs, in female with all spurs present. Hind-wings with veins 6 and 7 sometimes stalked (variable in the same species)." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 49 and 50.) We have one species, which also occurs in Australia. LEPTOMEKIS KUBEARIA, Dbld. (Ptychopoda (?) rubraria, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286; Walk. 781. Fidonia (?) acidaliaria, Walk. 1037 Acidalia figlinaria, Gn. ix. 454, pi. xii. 8. Acidalia rubraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57.) (Plate VIII. , fig. 37 <? , 38 2 .) This pretty little insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about £ inch. The fore-wings are reddish-ochreous with three dull brown wavy transverse lines, the first rather narrow at about one-fourth, the second slightly broader at about one-half, the third much broader, and sometimes -partially divided near the costa ; there is a black central dot, a series of rather large dull brown spots near the termen, and a chain of minute black dots on the termen. The hind-wings are pinkish-ochreous ; there is a dull brown war)/ transverse band near the base, then two close together a little beyond one-half, a shading on the termen, and a very distinct series of minute black terminal dots. The cilia of all tin' wings are dull brown, mixed with reddish-ochreous. There is often considerable variation in the intensity of the colouring of this insect, some specimens being much darker than others, but the markings are very constant, and the species is thus always easily recognizable. The eggs are yellowish-white, and very large for the size of the moth. The young larva is brownish-purple with a dull white line on each side. The food-plant is unknown. The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. In the late summer and autumn it frequents dried-up, weedy pastures, where it is often extremely abundant. Straggling specimens, which have probably hibernated during the winter, may also be taken in the early spring. Mr. Meyrick states that this species occurs very commonly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and that there is no difference between Australian and New Zealand specimens.0 Family 3— MONOCTENIADiE. "Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, parallel to 4, rising from about or below middle of transverse vein, 8 free or anastomosing shortly near base or seldom from near base to beyond * Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 57. 78 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. middle (then without areole of fore-wings); approximated to upper margin of cell to middle or beyond." (See Plate II., figs. 44 and 45.) "Ovum subcylindrical, smooth. Larva more or less elongate, usually with few hairs, prolegs on segments 7, 8, and sometimes 9 rudimentary or absent. Pupa subterranean or in bark." — (Meyrick.) According to Mr. Meyrick this is to be regarded as a decaying family. In Australia it is still prominent, being represented there by nearly 100 known species. We have two genera represented in this country — 1. DlCHROMODES. 2. ThEOXENA. Genus 1.— DlCHROMODES, Gn. " Face smooth. Palpi long, straight, porrected, roughly scaled above and beneath. Antennae in male pectinated on inner side only. Fore-wings with vein 6 from a point with 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 anastomosing moderately with 9, 11 separate, approximated to 10 in middle, 12 free. Hind-wings with veins G and 7 separate, 8 free, closely approximated to 7 from base to near transverse vein." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 44 and 45, neuration of D. petrina.) There are three species belonging to this genus known in New Zealand. DICHEOMODES NIGEA, Butl. (Cacopsodos niger, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc, Loud. 1877, 395, pi. xliii. 4. Dichromodes nigra, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. GO.) (Plate VIII., fig. 40.) This little insect has been taken at Nelson. The expansion of the wings is £ inch. All the wings are dull Hack. The fore-wings have a darker central area, bordered by two jagged pale grey transverse lines, the first at about one-third and the second at about two-thirds ; there is also a faint line near the termen. The hind-wings have a very obscure dark central line. The perfect insect appears in February. It occurs quite commonly on the track to the Dun Mountain, near Nelson, frequenting openings in the birch forest, where it may be captured at rest on bare ground in the hot sunshine, at elevations of from 1,500 to 2,000 feet. DICHEOMODES GYPSOTIS, Meyr. (Cacopsodos niger, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. lust. xvi. 94 (nee Butl). Dichromodes gypsotis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 60. This insect was discovered by Mr. Meyrick at Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. The expansion of the wings of the female is 13 mm. (\ inch). " Fore-wings rather narrow, costa sinuate, termen sinuate ; white, slightly mixed with grey ; dorsum narrowly grey ; a slender black fascia almost at base ; a slender black fascia at one-third, dentate inwards above middle, dilated on costa ; a slender black fascia beyond middle, shaiply angulated in middle, dilated on costa, connected below middle with preceding fascia by a suffused bar; close beyond this a rather broad parallel grey fascia ; an indistinct grey subterminal line. Hind-wings moderate ; termen rounded dark grey." — (Meyrick.) Taken in December, at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above the sea-level. DICHEOMODES PETEINA, Meyr. {Dichromodes petrina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 21G.) (Plate VIII., fig. 39.) This dull-looking little insect has occurred at Paikakariki and Wellington in the North Island, and at Kekerangu in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is | inch. The fore-icings are dull greenish-grey ; there is a II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 79 black, wavy, somewhat broken transverse line at about one-third, and another at about two-thirds, enclosing a slightly darker central band, with a black dot above middle; there is also a darker shading on the termen, and an obscure wavy paler line. The hind-wings are grey, with an obscure wavy central line. Tht' perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It frequents dry, open, sunny situations, generally alighting on paths or roads. It is also attracted by light, Genus ±— THEOXENA, Meyr. " Palpi moderate, triangularly scaled, porrected. Antennae in male bi-ciliated with long tufts of cilia (5). Fore-win^s with vein (3 from below 9, 7 from angle of areole, 10 out of 9 above 7, 11 anastomosing shortly with 9, 12 free, closely approximated to 11 on areole. Hind-wings with veins 0 and 7 from a point or short-stalked, 8 live, closely approximated to 7 from base to uear transverse vein." — (Meyrick.) We have one species. THEOXENA SCISSAEIA, Gn. (Panagra scissaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 43. Theoxena scissaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 56.) (Plate VIII., fig. 41.) This delicate-looking species has occurred at Christchurch. The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. All the wings are white. The fore-wings have a longitudinal, slightly curved black line, extending from a little beyond lli<- base, almost as far ax the termen below the apex; above this line there is a black dot at about one-third; the apex of the fore-wing is slightly hooked, and there is a row of minute black dots on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings. The perfect insect appears in January. According to Mr. Fereday it frequents the plains near Christchurch, and towards the foot of Mount Hutt. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. Family 4.— ORTHOSTIXID^E. " Hind-wings with vein 5 fully developed, rising from about middle of transverse vein, 8 connected with upper margin of cell by an oblique bar towards base." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate II., figs. 46 and 47.) This small family is represented in New Zealand by a single genus only. The peculiar oblique bar connecting vein 8 with the cell towards base, combined with the development of vein 5, distinguish it from all other families. If there is any chance of confusion with those forms of Hydriomenidce in which vein 8 is also connected by a bar (though in them the bar is placed beyond and not before the middle of cell), the absence of the characteristic areole of the Hydrioinenidce will be a further test. Genus 1. -EPIRKANTHIS, Hb. "Face with appressed scales. Tongue developed. Palpi very short or moderate, porrected or subascendine;, rough-scaled. Antennae in male evenly ciliated. Thorax rather hairy beneath. Femora glabrous; posterior tibiae with all spurs present. Fore-wings with vein 10 anastomosing with 9, 11 anastomosing with l'l and 10 before 9. Hind-wings with 0 and 7 separate." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 46 and 47, neuration of Epirranthis alectoraria ; fig. 48, head of ditto.) Represented in New Zealand by two species. 80 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTERA. EPIBEANTHIS ALECTORAEIA, Walk. (Lyrcea alectoraria, Walk. 259; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 95. Aspilates (?) primata, Walk. 1076; Butl., Cat. pi. iii. 4. Endropia mixtaria, Walk. 1506; ButL, Cat. pi. iii. 5. Amilapis (?) acroiaria, Felcl. cxxiii. 6. Lyrcea varians, ButL, Cist. Ent. ii. 196. Ploseria alectoraria, Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 86.) (Plate VIII., figs. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, varieties ; Plate III., fig. 24, larva.) This species has occurred in tolerable abundance at many localities in both the North and the South Islands. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is from 1 inch to 1J inches. The wings range in colour from pale yellow to dark orange-hrown, dark reddish-brown, or even dull brown, with innumerable intermediate tints. There is often a central transverse line reaching from the costa of the fore-wing to the dorsum of the hind-wing. Many of the varieties are speckled with darker colour; others have irregular yellow patches, generally situated on the fore-wings just below the apex and on the dorsum near the base ; there are often two white dots near the apex of the fore- wings. Most of the varieties closely resemble the varied hues of fading leaves. In many of the forms greyish speckled marks occur on various parts of the wings, no doubt imitating the irregular patches of mould which are often present on dead leaves. One very well- marked variety is bright yellow, with the costa rosy and two large white-centred rosy spots arranged transversely on each wing. (See Plate VIII., fig. 47.) All the specimens of this insect are so extremely variable that it is almost impossible to adequately describe the species. The apex of the fore-wing is always very acute ; the termen is bowed just below the apex, and is furnished with slight indentations of variable depth. The termen of the hind-wing is also furnished with variable indentations. The egg is oval and much flattened above. AVhen first laid it is pale green in colour, but becomes dull olive-green as the embryo develops. The young larva is very pale green, with the head brownish -yellow. At this early stage its colouring already completely harmonises with that of the under side of the leaves of its food-plants, Pittosporum eugenioides and P. tenuifoUiim. The full-grown larva is very robust, and about 1 inch in length. Its colour is pale green, with numerous yellow dots and a series of diagonal yellow stripes on each segment ; there is, in addition, a series of broad crimson blotches on the back and a small crimson flap projecting from the end of the terminal segment ; the prolegs and spiracles are also crimson. The remarkable shape and colouring of this caterpillar, in conjunction with the peculiar attitude assumed when at rest, affords it complete protection, causing it to resemble, in the closest possible manner, one of the buds of its food-plant. These larva' grow very slowly, and probably occupy three or four months in attaining their full size. They are very sluggish in their habits. The pupa is greenish-brown in colour. It is enclosed in a cocoon, constructed of two or three leaves of the food-plant, fastened together with silk. The insect remains in this condition for three weeks or a month. The moth first appears about the end of October, and is met with until the middle of March. It frequents forest, where it is occasionally dislodged from amongst the under- growth. It is also found in the evening on the flowers of the white rata. It is, however, rather uncertain in its appearance, being much commoner in some years than in others. EPIERANTHIS HEMIPTERAEIA, Gn. (Hemerophila hemipteraria, Gn. ix. 220, pi. vi. 2. Xyridacma hemipteraria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. [nst. xx. 60. Ploseria hemipteraria, Hdsn., Manual N. Z. Ent. 85.) (Plate VIII., fig. 48 $ , 49 ? ; Plate III., fig. J9, larva.) This remarkable-looking species has occurred in the North Island, at Auckland and Wellington. At present it has not been observed in the South Island. II. — THE NOTODONTINA. 81 The expansion of the wings is from Lf to L| inches. All the wings are pale ochreous-brown, with a variable number of minute black dots ; there are four or five oblique, wavy brown transverse lines on both fore- and hind-wings, the central and terminal lines being often slightly darker than the others; there is always a black dot in the middle of the lure-wine, and a shaded spot near the terrnen below the apex. The apex of the hind-wing is very pointed and projects downwards ; the almost straight terrnen has a series of prominent projections. This species varies much in the intensity of the markings, and in the number of the black dots on both the fore- and hind-wines. The peculiar outline of its hind-wings, however, distinguishes it from any other species with which I am acquainted. The larva feeds on veronicas in September and October. Its length when full grown is about 1 inch. Some larvae are green, with a broad bluish dorsal line, and two tine yellow lateral lines. Others are brown, with a dull yellow dorsal line. During the daytime these caterpillars firmly clasp the stem of their food-plant with their prolegs, and hold the rest of their body rigidly out from the branch. In this position they are very inconspicuous, and may readily be mistaken for young leaves or twigs. At night they become much more active, and may then be seen walking about and feeding. The pupa is rather robust, with a sharp spine at its extremity. Its colour is pale olive-brown, with the wing-cases and sides of the abdomen pinkish. It is not enclosed in any cocoon, hut is merely concealed amongst the dead leaves and rubbish around the stem of the veronica. The insect remains in this state for less than a month, so that the protection of a cocoon wo'uld appear to be unnecessary. The moth appears in December and January. It usually frequents gardens and other cultivated places, probably on account of the number of veronicas that are often growing in such situations. It is also attracted by blossoms and by light, but is not a common species. The colouring and wing-outline of this moth cause it to very closely resemble a dead leaf, especially when resting amongst foliage or on the ground. This insect may be occasionally noticed abroad on mild evenings in the middle of winter ; the females probably hibernate and deposit their eggs early in the spring. Family 5.— SELIDOSEMID^E. "Hind-wines with vein 5 imperfect (not tubular) or obsolete, 6 and 7 usually separate, 8 usually obsoletely connected with upper margin of cell near base, approximated to near middle." (See Plate II., rigs. 51 to 64.) " A very large family, equally common throughout all regions. It varies consider- ably in superficial appearance, and is also remarkable for the variability of structure of veins 10 and 11 of the fore-wings in many (not all) species. Imago with body slender to rather stout ; fore-wings broad to rather elongate, triangular ; posterior tibia- of male often enlarged and enclosing an expansible tuft of hairs. The structure termed the fovea is a circular impression on the lower surface of the fore-wings above the dorsum near the base, usually placed about the origin of the basal fork of 1/* ; it is generally confined to the male, and is often sub-hyaline, sometimes surmounted by a small thickened gland ; it may possibly be a scent-producing organ. It is strictly confined to that branch of which Selidosema is the type, but is not invariably present there. "Ovum subcylindrical or elongate-ovate, more or less reticulated, sometimes ribbed. Larva elongate, more or less slender, with few hairs, without developed prolegs on segments 7, 8, and usually 9 ; often remarkably like a twig of its food-plant. Pupa subterranean, or in a slight cocoon above ground." — (Meyrick.) 11 82 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. Of this extensive family we have nine genera represented in New Zealand : — 1. Selidosema. 4. Sestea. 7. Azelina. '2. Hybeenia. 5. Gonophylla. 8. Ipana. 3. Chalastka. 6. Deepanodes. 9. Declana. Genus 1.— SELIDOSEMA, Hb. " Face with appressed or shortly projecting scales. Tongue developed. Antennae in male bi- pectinated, towards apex simple. Palpi rough-scaled. Thorax sometimes crested posteriorly, hairy beneath. Femora nearly glabrous ; posterior tibia? in male dilated. Fore-wings in male with fovea ; vein 10 sometimes connected with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10 near base only, or if separate, sometimes anastomosing with 12." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 59 and 60, neuration of Selidosema dejectaria.) This genus is universally distributed and of considerable extent. We have nine species in New Zealand. SELIDOSEMA FENEEATA, Feld. (Rhyparia fencrata, Feld. exxxi. 7. Zylobam fenerata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 498. Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 97.) (Plate VIII. , fig. 50 $, 51 2.) This species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about D inches. The fore-wings of the male are very pale ochreous-brown ; there is a double jagged transverse line near the base, a single jagged line a little before the middle, and a double one a little beyond the middle ; an almost continuous jagged line near the termen. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous, almost white; their outline is peculiar ; the dorsum is very short, the termen very long, first oblique and then rounded with a small projection midway between the apex and the tornus. The female has the fore-wings pale grey, and the hind- wings dull white ; the markings resemble those of the male, but the outline of the hind-wing is of the usual form. This insect varies slightly in the depth of its colouring. It may be distinguished from the allied species by the peculiar outline of the hind-wings in the male, and by the pale grey colouring of the female. The perfect insect appears from October till March and is very common. It has a great liking for the faded fronds of tree-ferns, from which specimens may often be dislodged. Both sexes are very abundant at various blossoms during the evening, and are also attracted by light. The female is sometimes observed in the winter months, and probably hibernates. SELIDOSEMA EUDIATA, Walk. (Cidaria rudiata, Walk. 1420. Boarmia astrapia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 218. Boarmia rudiata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst, xxiii. 101.) (Plate IX., fig. 1<? , 2? .) This species is fairly common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and has occurred at Dunedin, and at Stewart Island. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings of the male is H inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings are very pale ochreous-brown ; there are two interrupted jagged transverse lines near the base ; a single very indistinct line in the middle ; a double, nearly continuous jagged transverse line beyond the middle; a double jagged line near the termen completely interrupted in the middle; there is generally a dark patch on the termen just below the apex of the wing. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous. There is a series of black dots on the termen of both fore-wings and hind-wings, and the termen of the hind-wing is slightly indented. This species varies a good deal in size ; the specimens from Stewart Island are II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 83 considerably larger and have more distinct markings, than those found in the vicinity of Wellington. The larva is cylindrical, of even thickness throughout, and almost uniform dull greyish-brown in colour, occasionally with a series of small oblong black marks on segments 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It feeds on the young leaves and buds of the ake ake {Vivaria traversii). It is extremely difficult to find as it almost exactly resembles a twig of its food-plant. It is full grown about April. The pupa is concealed in the earth. The perfect insect appears from October till March. It seems to prefer cultivated districts, and is generally observed at rest on garden fences or tree-trunks. It also frequents flowers in the evening. SELIDOSEMA SUAVIS, Butl. {Pseudocoremia swam, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 497. Pachycnemia mitata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 501. Pseudocoremia lupinata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98. Boarmia suavis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii- 101.) (Plate IX., fig. 3 3 , 4 ? .) This species is very common and generally distributed throughout the country, and lias occurred as far south as Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is 1 j inches. The fore-wings of the male are dull yellowish-brown, speckled with black; there are two curved transverse lines near the base; a very obscure line near the middle, darker on the costa ; two doubly curved lines beyond the middle, slightly darker on the dorsum; and two very faint jagged lines near the termen. The hind-wings are pale ochreous, tinged with brown near the termen. The female has narrower wings, shorter body, and is usually duller in colour than the male. This insect is rather variable, some specimens of both sexes being much darker than others; but all the forms may usually be recognised by their dull speckled colouring and absence of conspicuous markings. The larva feeds on the white rata (M. scandens) and the tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa). Its length when full grown is about lg inches. The upper surface is dark reddish-brown with numerous blackish stripes and white markings, which give it a very variegated appearance; the under side is pale green ; there are two small tubercles on the back of the eighth segment. The pupa is concealed amongst refuse on the ground, the larva constructing no cocoon before changing. The perfect insect appears from October till April, and may often be observed on mild days in the middle of winter. It is common in forest districts, where it is usually seen resting on the tree-trunks, in which situation its colouring must afford it efficient protection from many enemies. SELIDOSEMA HUMILLIMA, n. sp. (Plate IX., fig. 5.) This inconspicuous-looking insect has occurred at Wellington. The expansion of the wings of the male is about 1^ inches. The fore-wings are dull yellowish-brown; there are three short oblique dark brown stripes on the costa, inclined very much towards the termen ; the first of these stripes is distinctly double, and the second and third partially so ; there is an indistinct brown mark just below the apex, several slender faint streaks on the veins near the middle of the wing, and a very distinct brown shading on the dorsum. The hind-wings are very pale ochreous. This species may be readily distinguished from the other species of the genus by its small size and by the obliquity of the costal stripes. In S. humillima the costal markings slope very rapidly from the base towards the termen ; in the 84 NEW ZEALAND MACEO-LEPIDOPTERA. other allied species these markings are but slightly inclined, and in some cases slope in the reverse direction. The perfect insect appears from December till March. It frequents the immediate neighbourhood of Wellington, but is not a common species. At present I am only acquainted with the male insect. SELIDOSEMA PRODUCTATA, Walk. (Larentia productata, Walk. 1197 ('.'). Selidosema pungata, Feld. cxxxi. '23. Selidosema (?) fragosata, Feld. cxxxi. 29. Zylobara productata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 98.) (Plate IX., figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 $ varieties, 11, 12, 13, and 14 5 ditto; Plate III., fig. '22, larva.) This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the North and South Islands. It has also occurred at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings of the male is lj| inches, of the female li inches. The fore-wings vary from pale yellowish-brown to rich chocolate -brown ; there are two curved transverse lines near the base, generally enclosing a paler stripe between them; next a broad dark central area ; then a wavy paler transverse line, usually followed by a very much paler irregular band, generally formed by two partially disconnected patches, one on the costa and one on the dorsum ; there is a jagged, whitish, transverse line near the termen, always broken in the middle, and often shaded with black towards the base of the wing. The hind- wings are ochreous, speckled with brown towards the dorsum ; there is usually a brown central dot. This is an extremely variable insect. In some specimens there are very extensive white patches on the wings, whilst in others the colouring is almost uniform rich brown, and the characteristic markings can only be detected with difficulty. It may, however, be distinguished from the allied species by the interrupted pale jagged transverse line near the termen and by the absence of greenish colouring. The eggs are oval with the surface honeycombed; they are pale green in colour. The young larva, when first hatched, is much attenuated, light reddish-brown with a broad pale lateral stripe, and a few bristles. The full-grown larva measures about li inches in length; it is rather slender and has a large hump on the sixth segment. Its colour is dark reddish- brown, mottled and striped with dull white and greenish. It feeds on the white rata (Metrosidos scandens). During the day it firmly grasps a stem of its food-plant with its prolegs, holding the rest of its body out from the branch in a perfectly straight and rigid position. When in this attitude it so exactly resembles a twig, that, even in the case of captive specimens, it is often a matter of the greatest difficulty to find a caterpillar amongst the branches. Several times I have even caught hold of a larva, thinking it to be a twig, so perfect is the resemblance. At night these larva? become much more active, and by the aid of a lantern they may then be seen busily walking about and feeding. The pupa, is enclosed in a slight cocoon about two inches below the surface of the earth. The larva' of the autumnal brood remain in this condition during the winter, but in the case of the spring and summer broods the pupa state only occupies a few weeks. The moth appears from November till May. It is very common in forest legions, and may be observed resting on the trunks of the trees, its pale yellow hind-wings being completely concealed by the mottled brown fore-wings. In this position the insect is almost invisible, and the protection afforded by its colouring is at once apparent. In the autumn evenings it is often very abundant at the blossoms of the white rata. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 85 SELI] x )SE MA APIXTABOHA, Meyr. (Selidosema aristarcha, Meyr,, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiv. 216.) (Plate IX., fig. 17 S, 18 <? ; Plate IIP, tig. 17, larva.) Of this fine species only about a dozen specimens have hitherto been captured, all of which have occurred in the immediate vicinity of Wellington. It is conse- quently at present a rarity, but future collectors will probably find the insect in many other parts of the country. The expansion of the wings varies from 1{ to U inches. The fore-wings are light ochreous-hrown ; there is a small white-edged brown spot near the base; two oblique curved brown transverse lines enclosing between them a white space towards the dorsum ; a short stripe on the costa, near the middle, edged with white towards the base of the wing; a doubly curved transverse hue beyond the middle, finely edged with whit.' towards the base of the wing; there is also a short white-edged brown stripe extending from the apex of the wing to the last-named transverse line, the two lines enclosing between them a small pale triangular area; there are five short longitudinal brown lines running from the termen to the outermost of the transverse lines, two of them being tipped with white towards the base of the wing. The hind- wings are dull ochreous-brown, with two very faint brown transverse lines towards the dorsum, and several whitish spots and one brown spot near the tornus. The female is a little darker in colour than the male. This insect varies slightly in size. The larva feeds on Cyathea dealbata (tree-fern) in September. Its colour is dull reddish-brown with an irregular brownish-black blotch on the side of each segment, and a dark brown dorsal line. It is very sluggish in its habits. The pupa is concealed amongst moss, Ac, on the surface of the ground, the insect remaining in this state for about six weeks. The moth appears from September till March, and frequents dense forests. It has been dislodged from its food-plant in the daytime, and has also been taken on the flowers of the white rata in the evening. SELIDOSEMA MELINATA, Feld. {Numeria iiivliiiata, Feld. cxxix. 9. Pseudocoremia indistincta, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud. 1877, 394, pi. xliii. 8. Pseudocoremia melinata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 99.) (Plate IX., fig. 15 $, 16 ? .) This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings of the male is 11 inches, of the female \\ inches. The fore-wings are dull greenish-grey, with black markings ; there is a transverse line near the base ; another near the middle, followed by two broken irregular lines, then a broader, paler area sometimes white, followed by a series of jagged pale markings shaded with black. The hind-wings are ochreous mottled with pale brown near the dorsum : there is a series of black dots on the termen of both fore- and hind- wings. This species is extremely variable, but may always be recognised by its greenish tinge, and the absence of indentations on the termen of both fore- and hind-wings. The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is about § inch long ; dull green with darker longitudinal striations. It may be beaten from New Zealand broom {Car- micJnclid) in February. There must be some other commoner food-plant, as the moth is found in many localities where the New Zealand broom does not occur. The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is generally very abundant in all wooded districts. It is also common in birch forests on the mountain sides, where it may be taken at altitudes of from 3,000 to 1,000 feet above the sea-level. 86 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. In the lowlands I have observed as many as half a dozen specimens on a single tree- trunk. Whilst resting in this situation they are very inconspicuous, the colouring of the fore-wings harmonizing perfectly with the insect's surroundings, and the pale- coloured hind-wings being then entirely concealed by the upper pair. In connection with this fact it is very interesting to notice that in all those cases where the hind- wings are exposed to view during repose, they are protectively coloured in a similar manner to the fore-wings. It will be observed that the two following species of Selidosema exhibit protective colouring on both pairs of wings, these being invariably exposed when the insects are at rest. SELIDOSEMA DEJECTAKIA. (Boarmia dejectaria, Walk. 394. Boarmia attracta, Walk. 394. Boarmia exprompta, Walk. 395. Tcphrosia patularia, Walk. 422; Butl., Cat., pi. iii. 8. Tephrosia scriptaria, Walk. 422. Scotosia crcbinata, Walk. 1358. Scotosia stigmaticata, Walk. 1359. Scotosia lignosata, Walk. 1361. Gnophos pannularia, Gn., E. M. M. v. 42. Scotopteryx maoriata, Feld. cxxvi. 4. Hemerophila (?) sulpitiata, Feld. cxxvi. 7. Hemerophila caprimulgata, Feld. cxxvi. 12. Boarmia dejectaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 100.) (Plate IX., figs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 3 varieties, 23 and '24 ? ditto ; Plate III., fig. 12, larva.) This large insect is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is from 1J to 2 inches. The fore-wings vary from pale ochreous to very dark rich brown ; there is an oblique transverse line near the base, often enclosing a darker basal area ; a small dark brown spot in the middle of the wing surrounded by a ring ; a very oblique, wavy, transverse line beyond the middle, often double towards the dorsum, and several irregular markings on the termen ; there is often a white spot on the middle of the termen, and a pale blotch on the apex of the wing. The hind-wings resemble the fore-wings in colour ; there are two obscure trans- verse lines near the base ; generally forming a dark basal area ; a wavy line near the middle, and a strongly shaded line near the termen. The termen of both the wings is indented, the depth of the indentations varying greatly in different specimens. This insect is very variable, but its large size and oblique transverse lines suffice to distinguish it from any of the other allied species. The larva feeds on a great variety of plants, mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), white rata (Metrosideros scandens), Solarium avicidare, fuchsia {Fuchsia excorticata), and Pennantia corymbosa, being amongst the number. The caterpillar may often be recognised by a large hump, which is situated on each side of the third segment. Its colouring appears to be so entirely influenced by its surroundings that a description is impossible. For instance, larva; taken from the pale green foliage of the mahoe resemble in colour the twigs of that plant ; others captured feeding on the white rata are dark reddish-brown, those from Solarium aviculare are purplish slate-colour, whilst those from the fuchsia are pale olive-green tinged with brown, like the sprouting twigs. The pupa is enclosed in a slight cocoon situated about two inches below the surface of the ground. Those larvae which become full grown in the autumn remain as pupa' during the winter, but the summer broods only remain in the pupa state a few weeks. The perfect insect appears from November till March. It has a great partiality for resting with outspread wings on the walls of sheds and outhouses, where it is frequently noticed by the. most casual observer. It is very common inmost situations, and may be taken in large numbers at sugar, light, or blossoms, during the whole of the summer. Its extreme abundance and great variability, in both the larval and imago states, would render it a good subject for a, series of experiments, resembling those conducted by Messrs. Poulton and Merriiield on several allied European species. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. fi7 SELIDOSEMA PANAGEATA, Walk. (Scotosia panagratd, Walk. 1360. Angerona menanaria, Walk. 1500. Epirrhanthis (?) antipodaria, Fekl. cxxvi. 3. Hyperythra desiccata, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. -195. Hyperythra arenacea, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 495. Barsine panagrata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 100.) (Plate IX., figs. 25, 'JO, '27, and '2s j varieties, 29 and 30 ? ditto.) This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout the country. It has occurred as far south as Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is from \\ to Y\ inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale yellowish-white to rich brown or dark brownish-black ; there is a jagged transverse line near the base ; a large black or white spot in the middle of the wing ; a doubly curved transverse line beyond the middle, then a very jagged transverse line, followed by several paler markings, and an obscure line parallel with the termen, The hind-wings are paler in colour ; there is a slightly curved transverse line near the base ; a jagged line near the middle, and a very faint line beyond the middle. The termen of both fore- and hind-wings is slightly indented. The female varies from pale ochreous to dark slate-colour; the markings resemble those of the male, but the termen of the wings is more indented. This species is so extremely variable that a more detailed description would be useless ; its numerous forms may, however, be at once recognised by the unbroken jagged transverse lines of both fore- ami hind-wings. The larva is quite as variable as the perfect insect. When very young it is bright green, with a conspicuous white dorsal line; as ago advances the caterpillar becomes dark olive-brown, sometimes striped with paler brown or green, whilst many specimens retain the green colouring throughout the whole of their lives. The favourite food- plant is the kawa-kawa (Piper excelsum), which the larvas voraciously devour, thus causing the riddled appearance which the leaves of that plant almost invariably present. These larva? often select a forked twig to rest in, where they lie curled round, with the head and tail close together. Other f I-plants are Aristotelia racemosa and Myrtus bnllata. Those caterpillars found on the latter plant are strongly tinged with pink, and are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the young shoots, where they generally feed. The burrows of the larva- of Hejrialus virescens are frequently utilised by the caterpillars, which feed on the Aristotelia, as convenient retreats during the winter. When full-grown these caterpillars descend to the ground and construct loose cocoons of silk and earth on the under sides of fallen leaves. The moth usually emerges in about a month's time, but the autumnal larva.' either hibernate or remain in the pupa state throughout the winter. The perfect insect appears from October till April. It frequents forest and is extremely common. It also occurs in great abundance on the white rata blossoms in the autumn, and specimens may be occasionally seen even in the depth of winter. Genus '2.— HYBEENIA, Latr. " Face with appressed scales or short rough scales. Tongue developed or weak. Antennae in male bi-pectinated, pectinations sometimes short and terminating in fascicles of cilia, apex simple. Palpi shortly rough-scaled. Thorax with small triangular anterior crest, hairy beneath. Femora glabrous ; posterior tibia? in male not dilated. Fore-wings in male without fovea ; vein 10 sometimes out of 9, sometimes anastomosing or connected with 9, 11 sometimes out of 10, usually anastomosing with or running into 12, rarely absent. Female semiapterous or apterous." — (Meyrick.) We have one species. 88 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. ■ HYBEENIA INDOCILIS, Walk. (Zermizinga indocilisaria, Walk. 1530. Hybernia boreophilaria, Gn., E. M. M. v. 61. Hybernia indocilis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 97.) (Plate IX., fig. 31 <?,32 ? .) This species has occurred plentifully in the neighbourhood of Christchurch. The expansion of the wings of the male is 14- inches, of the female J inch. All the wings are pale grey, speckled with darker grey. The fore-wings have four obscure wavy transverse lines .• the first near the base, the second and third near the middle, rather close together, and the fourth near the termen, much interrupted; there is a series of black dots on the termen. The hind-wings have two very faint transverse lines, and a series of black terminal dots; the termen of the hind-wings is slightly scalloped. The cilia of all the wings are grey. The female has the wings extremely small and quite useless for flight ; in colour and markings they resemble those of the male, except that the transverse lines are black and sharply defined. The perfect insect appears from July to January. Mr. E. W. Fereday states that the male is found plentifully at rest on the bare ground, amongst Leptospermum, and the female on the stems. Described and figured from specimens kindly given to me by Mr. Fereday. Genus 3.— CHALASTEA, Walk. "Face with a slight cone of scales. Palpi rather long, porrected, roughly scaled. Antennae in male bi-pectinated. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 very shortly touching 9, 11 free, 12 very shortly touching 11. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 51 and 52.) This genus is represented by one species only. I have made a very careful examination of several denuded specimens of Chalastra pelurgata, and I find that in the fore-wings veins 9, 10, and 11 rise almost from a point. Vein 10 afterwards approaches closely to 9, but does not actually touch it, and con- sequently does not form a true areole. Vein 12 also appears to me to be free. CHALASTEA PELUEGATA, Walk. (Chalastra pelunjata, Walk. 1430. Itama cinerascens, Feld. cxxxi. 1. Stratocleis streptophora, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 106.) (Plate IX., figs. 33 and 34 J varieties, 35 and 36 ? ditto; Plate III., fig. 21, larva.) This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Palmerston North, and is probably common throughout the whole of the North Island. In the South Island it has been taken in the Otira Gorge, and at Dunedin, Otara and Invercargill. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale orange-brown to dull yellowish-brown ; there is a doubly curved dark brown transverse line near the base; a broad straight line a little before the middle ; a very strongly curved line a little beyond the middle, and a less strongly curved line near the termen, often composed of a series of triangular white ilnts edged with dark brown; all these lines are much stronger on the costa, and are sometimes almost obliterated elsewhere. The hind-wings are pale yellow, with several brown-edged white spots at the tornus, and an indistinct line parallel to the termen. The apex of the fore-wing is consider- ably produced, and there is a large rounded projection on the termen. The hind-wings have several small projections on the termen. In the female the fore-wings are pale yellow or orange, the trans- verse lines and white spots are usually more conspicuous, and the projections on the termen of the fore- and hind-wings larger. This is a very variable insect, especially in the male, some specimens of which sex are very much clouded and dappled with dark brown both on the fore- and hind-wings. II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 89 Many of these darker forms might readily be taken for distinct species, when compared with the pale orange-brown variety, but a good series of specimens presents numerous intermediate forms which completely connect these extreme varieties. The females also vary, but are never as dark as the males. The larva feeds on Todea hymenophylloides, a fern which grows in shady places in the depths of the forest. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is about 1^ inches. It is very variable ; some specimens are dull brown, with a row of green or pale brown lunate spots down each side, and a dark brown line down the back. Others are bright green, with a diagonal reddish-brown stripe on the side of each segment; the segmental divisions are reddish-brown, intersected by numerous very minute whitish lines. The pupa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground. The perfect insect appears from November till March, and is very common in forest regions. It may often be dislodged from the dead fronds surrounding the stems of tree- ferns, and is also met with in great abundance towards the end of summer on the blossoms of the white rata. Genus 4.— SESTEA, Walk. " Pace smooth. Palpi short, rough-haired beneath, porrected. Antennae in male stout, serrate, shortly ciliated. Fore-wings with vein f> from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 rising out of 9 above origin, anastomosing again shortly with 9, 11 anastomosing shortly with 10, 12 anastomosing shortly with 11. Hind-wings normal." — (Meyrick.) (Plate II., (ig. 53, neuration of fore-wing of Sestra humeraria.) We have two species in New Zealand. It will be seen that my figure of the neuration of Sestra humeraria does not precisely agree with Mr. Meyrick's description. The differences in the results arrived at are probably due to the variability in structure of veins 10, 11 (and 12), mentioned when dealing with the characters of the entire family. Similar slight discrepancies also occur in connection with the three following genera. SESTEA HUMERARIA, Walk. (Macaria humeraria, Walk. 910. Lozogramma obtusaria, ib. '.is.;,. Cidaria obtruncata, ib. 1421. Sestra fusijilagiata, ib. 1751. Amastris encausta, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 105. Sestra humeraria, ib. xviii. 184.) (Plate X., tigs. 1 ami -1 varieties; Plate IIP, fig. 20, larva.) This species is very common, and generally distributed throughout both the North and the South Islands ; it also occurs plentifully at Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings are pule plum-colour; there is an indistinct, curved, brownish transverse line near the base; a straight dark brown line across the middle, and a curved series of blackish dots beyond the middle ; the apex is pointed, and the termen has a strong projection a little above the middle. The hind-wings are ochreous, with a series <>( minute brownish dots across the middle. This is a variable species. The fore-wings are often much clouded with rich brown, and in some specimens scarcely a trace of the original purplish colour remains ; the central straight transverse line is often absent, and the other lines are frequently very indistinct, except on the costa ; the dots on the hind-wings are also often absent, and occasionally specimens are met with in which all the wings are almost white. The larva is rather elongate, dull yellowish-brown or greenish-brown ; there is a very broad dark brown dorsal line, and several wavy lateral lines ; the prolegs are black, the spiracles are also black ; there is a slight hump on the posterior edge of each of the last six segments, the hump on the penulti- mate segment being considerably larger than the others. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is about 1 inch. 12 90 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. It feeds on Pterin incisa, a beautiful pale green fern, attaining a height of four feet or more, and growing in open situations in the forest. This fern is especially abundant on old decaying logs situated amongst light brushwood. When disturbed these larva' immediately drop to the ground and coil themselves up. In this situation they are very inconspicuous, as their colouring so closely resembles that of the faded fronds or steins of the fern. The pupa is buried in the earth about two inches below the surface, the insect remaining in this state during the winter months. The moth first appears about September, and continues in gre; L abundance until the end of March or beginning of April. It frequents forest, and is noticed most commonly in the neighbourhood of its food-plant. There are probably several broods in the course of a year. SESTBA FLEXATA, Walk. (Cidaria flexata, Walk. 1421.) (Plate IX., fig. 37.) This species has occasionally occurred in the neighbourhood of Wellington. I have no records of its capture elsewhere, but expect it will be found to be generally distributed. The expansion of the wings is about LJ inches. The fore-wings are bright orange-red; there is a very faint transverse line near the base, darker on the costa ; a dark red oblong mark on the costa near the middle ; and a faint transverse line beyond the middle, also darker on the costa. The hind- wings are bright ochreous-yellow, with the cilia orange. This insect varies considerably in the intensity of its colouring. It has long been considered as merely a variety of tiestra lmmeraria, but as I have not observed any intermediate forms, although the two insects frequently occur together, I think it may be regarded for the present as a distinct species. The perfect insect appears from October till December, and is found in the same localities as S. humeraria. Genus 5.— GONOPHYLLA, Meyr. " Pace shortly rough-haired. Palpi moderate, arched, ascending, shortly rough-scaled, terminal joint short. Antennae in male rather stout, pubescent. Coxa' and femora densely rough-haired beneath. Fore-wings with vein 0 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 shortly touching 9, 11 separate, 12 free. Hind-wings normal."— (Meyrick.) (Elate IE, figs. 63 and 64, neuration of Gonophylla nelsonaria.) Of this genus we have but one species. GONOEHYLLA NELSONAKIA, Feld. (Gonodontis (?) nelsonaria, Feld. exxiii. 3. Gonodontis felix, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 389, pi. xlii. 10. Phyllodoce nelsonaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 104. Gonophylla nelsonaria, ib. xviii. 184.) (Elate X., ties. 3 and 4 J varieties, 5 and 6 ? ditto.) This handsome insect is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Nelson and Dunedin, and is possibly generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wine. js 11 inches. The fore-wings of the male are rich reddish- brown, mottled with darker; there are several small white marks on the costa; a black dot in the middle of the wm-, and an almost straight white transverse Hue beyond the middle; outside this line the wing is speckled with greyish-white. The hind-wings arc pale pinkish- brown; there is a black dot in the middle, and a curved blackish transverse hue a little beyond ih<' middle, being a continuation of the transverse line of the fore- wing ; beyond this line, and on the dorsum, there are generallv several small blackish markings. The female has the fore-wings IT.— THE NOTODONTINA. 91 orange-red, speckled with darker; there is a doubly curved transverse line near the base, and an almost straight transverse line near the termen, both dark red; beyond the outer transverse line the wing is shaded with dark brown. The hind-wings are pale reddish-orange, with a curved blackish transverse line. In both sexes the apex of the fore-wing is projecting, and there is a strong angular projection on the termen a little before the middle: the termen of the hind-wing has several small projections. The variation of this insect is considerable, especially in the male. The ground colour of the fort1- wines often inclines to dull brown, or even dull yellowish-brown; the light and dark mottling, and the greyish markings near the termen are sometimes hardly visible ; there is often a yellowish blotch opposite the large angle in the termen of the fore-wing. The hind-wings also are very variable in their colouring. All these varieties exist in the female in a less pronounced degree. The perfect insect appears during the first week in February, and is generally over by the middle or end of March. The males are first noticed, the females not appearing until about a fortnight later. I have never taken this insect in the day- time, and in fact have never seen it except on the blossoms of the white rata, where, on fine evenings, it is often very abundant. As yet, however, Wellington is the only locality where 1 have met with it. Genus 6.— DEEPANODES, Gn. "Face with cone of scales. Palpi moderate, triangularly scaled, porrected. Antenna' in male moderate, simple. Fore-wines with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, ID very shortly touching 9, 11 rising out of 1<> before angle of areole, 12 free. Hind-wings normal. (Plate EI., figs. <)1 ami 62 neuration of Drepanodes muriferata.) A characteristic South American genus. The single New Zealand species is very similar to some South American forms."-- (Me\ rick.) DEEPANODES MUEIFERATA, Walk. [Gargaphia muriferata, Walk. 1635. Panagra ephyraria, Walk. L761. ? Zanclognatha (?) cookaria, Feld. exxiii. 26. Zanclognatha (?) haastiaria, Feld. exxiii. 32. Drepanodes muriferata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 107.) (Plate X., figs. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 j varieties, 12 ? .) This species is very abundant in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also been taken at Taranaki, Christchurch, Dunedin, Envercargill and Stewart Island, and is probably common and generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about H inches. All the wings of the male are yellowish- brown; there is a faint transverse line near the base, and a conspicuous darker transverse line running from a little before the apex of the fore-wing to the middle of the dorsum of the hind- wing; there is also a dark spot in the centre of the fore-wing, often containing two white dots. In the female, all the wings are slate-coloured; the transverse' lines are very faintly indicated, and the central dot of the fore-wing is reddish-brown. The apex of the fore-wing in each sex is conspicuously hooked, and the termen is bowed and sometimes has a very slight angle in the middle. Both sexes of this insect are very variable. In the male, the ground colour ranges from dingy-brown to bright orange-brown; the transverse lines differ much in intensity, and in some specimens the central area of the wings enclosed by them is much darker than either the basal or the marginal portions; occasionally there is a series of black markings between the outer transverse line and the termen of the fore-wings, whilst the transverse line itself is frequently edged with a band of paler 92 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIPOPTERA. colouring. The female also varies in the ground colour and in the intensity of the transverse lines, which are sometimes marked by a few black dots. The larva, according to Mr. Purdie, is light grey, cylindrical, about f inch in length. It may be beaten in February from an undergrowth of Carpodetus and Aristotelia. The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense forest and is often very abundant. The colouring of the upper and under surfaces of its wings, and the shape of the wings are both very protective, giving the moth an exact resemblance to a dead leaf. When disturbed, the insect adds to this deception by keeping its wings quite motionless and rigidly extended, and allowing itself to fall through the air like a leaf. The resemblance in this case to the inanimate object is very perfect, and has no doubt enabled the moth to escape from many enemies. It is, in fact, an extremely interesting example of the simultaneous development of structure and instinct in a useful direction, through the agency of natural selection. This species is much attracted both by light and by blossoms. Genus 7.— AZELINA, Gn. " Face with some projecting hairs. Palpi rather long, ohliquely ascending, roughly scaled, attenuated. Antenna? in male thick, simple. Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10 very shortly touching 9, 11 separate, 12 free. Hind-wings normal. A genus of some extent, specially characteristic of South America. Guenee made a separate genus (Pohjyonia) of the New Zealand species, but without any point of distinction."— (Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 54 and 55, neuration of Azelina gallaria.) We have three species in New Zealand.* AZELINA GALLAKIA, Walk. Selenia gallaria, Walk. 185, Butl., Cat,, pi. iii. 6, 7. Euchlaena (?) palthidata, Feld. cxxxii. 21, 22. Stratoclc is gallaria, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 105 ; Azelina gallaria, xx. G2.) (Plate X., figs. 13 to 20 3 varieties, 21 to 23 ? ditto.) This species is very common in the neighbourhood of Wellington. It has also occurred at Palmerston North, Makotuku, Christchurch, Dunedin and Stewart Island. The expansion of the wings is 1+ inches. The fore-wings of the male vary from pale yellowish-brown to bright orange-brown, or reddish-brown; there is a wavy transverse line near the base, often obsolete except on the costa ; another wavy transverse line beyond the middle, also frequently obsolete except on the costa ; followed by a eery conspicuous straight line, often double, ninniny obliquely from a little before the apex to the dorsum ; outside this line, near the tornus, there are, in most specimens, two black spots or one large rust-red spot; the termen has two projections near the apex, inside which there is usually a darker blotch. The hind-wings are as variable in colour as the fore-wings ; there is one wavy line near the base, followed by an almost straight line, which is a continuation of the straight line of the fore-wing; beyond this line the ground colour is generally much darker; the termen itself has no projections. The female has broader wings and a shorter body than the male ; the ground colour and markings are similar to those of the male, but are usually more sombre, and the termen of both fori1- and hind- wings is furnished with a number of prominent projections. The under side of the wings in both sexes is beautifully marbled with yellow and reddish- brown, and several of the markings of the upper surface are faintly indicated. This species, as will be seen from the foregoing, is so extremely variable that a more detailed description would be useless, especially as the straight, oblique, transverse lines of both fore- and hind-wings will at once distinguish it from the two other members of the genus. * Mr. Meyrick now includes these three species in the genus Gonophylla. (See Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.) J I. —THE NOTODONTTNA. 93 The perfect insect appears from November till March. It frequents dense forest, and is most abundant at the flowers of the white rata in the evening. Earlier in the year, before the rata blooms, it may sometimes lie taken at sugar. AZELINA OPHIOPA, Meyr. (Gonophylla ophiopa, .Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 387.) (Plate X., fig. 2(1 <?, '27 $ variety, 28 ? .) This species has occurred occasionally in the neighbourhood of Wellington, but has not yet been recorded from any other locality. Tin' expansion of the wings is f1 inches. The fore-wings of the male are pale orange- brown ; there is a doubly toothed shaded transverse line near the base, the teeth being marked with two black spots; a conspicuous wavy transverse line runs from the apex to the dorsum, and is also marked with several black dots; the space between the two transverse lines is paler than the rest of the wing; there is a row of small black dots on the termen, and the termen itself has two small projections. The hind-wings are yellowish at the base, becoming orange beyond the middle; there is a faint brownish transverse line near the base, and a conspicuous wavy transverse line at the middle, marked by a series of black dots ; this central transverse line divides the yellowish ground colour of the basal area, from the orange ground colour of the rest of the wing. The female is larger and duller than the male; the fore-wings are yellowish drab, with the outer transverse line dull red ; there is a series of minute black dots on the termen ; the hind-wings are dull yellow, with a wavy central transverse line. The only variety of this species which has come under my observation is a male. In this specimen all the wings are pale yellowish-brown, with very broad black transverse lines. (See Plate X., fig. '27.) This insect is evidently closely allied to Azelina fortinata. It may, however, be distinguished from that species by the smaller projections on the termen of the fore- and hind-wings, and the dotted transverse lines of the male. The perfect insect appears from January till April. It is met with much later in the season than either of the two other species of Azelina. It frequents forest, and may be found on the blossoms of the white rata, but is, I think, the rarest of the genus. AZELIXTA FOETINATA, Gn. [Polygonia fortinata, Gn., E. M. M. v. 41. Gaustoloma (?) ziczac, Feld. exxxii. 4. Azelina fortinata, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 10G.) (Plate X., tig. '24 3 , 25 ? .) This beautiful insect occurs occasionally in forests in both the North and the South Islands. It has been taken at Wellington, Nelson, Castle Hill, Akaroa, Mount Hutt, West Plains and Otara. The expansion of the wings is 1^ inches. The fore-wings of the male are pale orange-brown, with a doubly toothed black transverse line mar tie lias,, ami a less acutely toothed line beyond tlie middle ; between these there is a black mark on the costa ; the termen has two Large projections, and several smaller ones; between the outer transverse line and the termen there are several small black markings. The hind-wings are yellowish, clouded with orange-brown towards the termen, which also has several projections; there is a faint blackish line near tin- base, and a much stronger black line near the middle, starting from the dorsum and reaching about half-way across the wing. The female has the fore-wines dark brown, with the central area between the two transverse lines paler ; the hind-wings are also considerably darker than those in the male. This species varies a little in the depth of the ground colour, but not otherwise. The perfect insect appears in December, January and February. It frequents dense forest, and is generally disturbed from amongst ferns and undergrowth. 94 NEW ZEALAND MAGBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. Genus 8.— IPANA, Walk. " Face roughly haired. Antennae in male simple, shortly ciliated. Palpi as in Declana. Thorax densely hairy above and beneath, with slight median crest. Abdomen in male elongate. Femora densely hairy; posterior tibiae in male short and much swollen, furnished on inner side with very large dense tuft of hairs. Fore-wings in male without fovea; veins 10 and 11 separate." — (Meyrick). We have one species in New Zealand. IPANA LEPTOMEEA, Walk. (Ipana leptom&ra, Walk., Noct. 1662.) (Plate X., figs. 29, 31, and 31a 3 varieties, 30 ? .) This species is common in the neighbourhood of Wellington, and I expect generally distributed throughout New Zealand ; but as there appears to have been some confusion in Mr. Meyrick's papers between it and the female of Declana junctilinea, I am unable to assign the localities there mentioned to either of the species. The expansion of the wings of the male is 11 inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings of the male are uniform pale brownish-ochreous, generally with two transverse series of minute darker brown dots parallel to the termen, and two or three similar dots near the middle of the wing. There is a series of very small parallel brown lines on the costa. The hind-wings are greyish-brown with two very deep indentations in the termen. The female has the fore-wings pale greyj and the hind-wings darker grey; the markings and outline resemble the male. In a few male specimens I have observed four large black spots on the fore-wings, two near the base, and two near the termen. All these spots are sometimes joined together by a very broad black band, which extends along the whole of the central portion of the fore-wings. I have also a male specimen in which the fore-wings arc entirely marbled with dark grey. In the female two or three moderately large spots are occasionally present on the fore-wings, near the termen. All these varieties appear to be much scarcer than the typical form. The larva, which feeds on manuka (Leptospermum), has ten legs. It is rather slender, dark brown, mottled with grey and dull red. There are two large tubercles on the sides of the seventh and eighth segments. It is a sluggish caterpillar and is o-enerally seen in a motionless condition, clasping the stem of its food-plant with its prolegs, and holding the rest of its body in a perfectly rigid position like a small branch. The pupa is enclosed in a cocoon of silk and refuse on the surface of the ground. The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It is a forest- dwelling species, and may often be captured in some numbers, at dusk, on the flowers of the white rata (M. scandens). It is very sluggish and nearly always drops to the ground when disturbed and feigns death. Genus 9.— DECLANA, Walk. "Face roughly haired. Antennas in male bi-pectinated to apex or simple. Palpi with second joint ascending, rough-haired, terminal joint rather long, slender, clavate, porrected. Thorax densely hairy above and beneath, with more or less developed median crest. Femora densely hairy. Fore-wings in male without fovea:; vein (J sometimes out of 0, 10 sometimes out of '.), connected or anastomosing with 0, 11 sometimes out of 10, sometimes connected or anastomosing with 10." —(Meyrick.) (Plate II., figs. 56 and .'.7. neuration of Declana jioccosa, 58 head of ditto.) We have seven species. IT.— THE NOTODONTINA. 95 DECLANA ATEONIVEA, Walk. {Detunda atronivea, Walk.. Suppl. ii. 619. Chlenias (?) manxifera, Pereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. (1879), 268, pi. ix 1. Detunda atronivea, Meyr., ib. xvi. 101.) (Plate X., fig. 33 f , 34 ? ; Plate HI . fig. is, larva.) This very handsome and conspicuous insect appears to be restricted to the North Island, where it is rather rare. It has occurred at Wellington, Otaki, and Napier. The expansion of the wings of the male is 1| inches, of the female nearly 2 inches. The fore- wings are brilliant shining white, with numerous bitch markings : these consist chiefly of three irregular branching transverse bands, and a series of wedge-shaped spots on the terrnen; the larger markings are brownish in the centre. The hind-wings are dark grey, becoming almost black on the terrnen, with a fine wavy transverse black line. This species varies considerably in the size and shape of the black markings on the fore-wings, which are often slightly different on the opposite sides, in the same specimen. The eggs of this moth are oval in shape, slightly roughened on the surface and light blue in colour. They are deposited towards the end of October. The young larva escapes by gnawing a hole out of the side. When first hatched it is dull brownish-black, with creamy-white lateral lines and prolegs; the head is reddish. It feeds on Panax arborea. After the first moult the lateral lines become much wider, especially towards the head. After the second moult the two dorsal tubercles are fully developed, the thoracic segments much swollen and flattened above, the latter bearing traces of the black markings of the full-grown larva. After the third moult the larva becomes a dark brownish colour inclining to chocolate on the dorsal surface. The characteristic markings on the penultimate and anal segments of the adult larva now appear, and the dorsal tubercles are yellowish in colour; the extra prolegs are very small, and are visible as wart-like appendages on the lower surface of the tenth segment. The full-grown caterpillar is a remarkable-looking annual. The head is very small; the first three segments of the bodj are enormously swollen and flattened above, the flattened portions being white, with several small black ring-shaped markings; there is a pair of large yellowish tubercles on the dorsal surface of the seventh segment, and two smaller ones on the tenth and eleventh segments; the larva is much stouter towards the posterior extremity, especially behind the ninth segment ; the penultimate segment is Eurnished with a large creamy-white ridge, starting on the back and proceeding downwards and forward-; the extra pair of prole-- is -mall and only occa- sionally used in walking. The general colour of the larva is brownish- or blackish-green; the tenth and eleventh segments are generally darker, and there are many fine parallel linos of darker colouring on the central portions of the larva; the whole insect is also speckled with black ; the -piracies are red. The larva varies a good deal in colour, but its peculiar structure will at once distinguish it from any other. These larva;' often coil themselves up when at rest, clinging firmly with their large prolegs to their food-plant. ^Yhilst thus engaged they have a very remarkable appearance. I have not yet ascertained the precise object of the peculiar shape and coloration of this caterpillar. It appears to resemble very closely a lichen-covered twig, but I suspect in this case there is something more special aimed at. In connection with this subject, it is noteworthy that the flattened extremities of the elytra of the beetle, Ectuj>»is ferrugatis, closely resemble in both shape and colour the remarkable anterior segments of the larva of JJ. atronivea. As both insects feed on the same plant, and thus exist under very similar conditions, it is highly probable that the peculiarities have been independently acquired in each species for similar purposes. The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon amongst dead leaves, &C, on the surface of the ground. 96 NEW ZEALAND MACBO-LEPIDOPTEBA. The perfect insect appears in February and March, and may sometimes be taken at blossoms in the evening. It is also attracted by light, and has been found occasionally, in the daytime, resting on tree-trunks. It hibernates during the winter, coming abroad again the following spring to lay its eggs. I have observed that a good many pupa? from the autumnal brood do not emerge until September or October, so that the insect evidently spends the winter both as a pupa and as an imago. DECLANA EGREGIA, Feld. (Chlenias egregia, Feld. cxxxi. 24; Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. '268, pi. ix. 2. Detunda egregia, Meyr., ib. xvi. 101.) (Plate X., fig. 35.) This very handsome insect has occurred in the South Island at Nelson, Christchurch, Akaroa and the Otira Gorge. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are creamy-white ; there is a small thirl; brown mark at the base, a broad transverse wavy brown band before the middle, a very large four-cornered irregular brown mark beyond the middle, one of its comers touching the apex and the other the tomus ; the termen is shaded with pale grey, and there is a series of faint brown marks on the costa and dorsum. The hind-wings are dull white, darker towards the termen ; there are two very faint transverse lines. The perfect insect appears from November till February. It is a very rare species. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection. DECLANA FLOCCOSA, Walk. (Declaim floccosa, Walk. xv. 1649. Argua scabra, Walk, xxviii. 448. Daclana feredayi, But!., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 1877, 398, pi. xliii. 5. Declaim nigrosparsa, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 500. Declaim floccosa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 102.) (Plate X., figs. 39 to 43 $ varieties, 44 to 47 ? ditto.) This species has occurred very commonly at Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. It is probably generally distributed throughout the country. The expansion of the wings is about If inches. The fore-wings are pale greyish-white with numerous small brownish-black streaks, exhibiting a slight concentration near the apex. The hind- wings are dull white, clouded with greyish towards the termen. This insect is so extremely variable that I have given descriptions of a few of the principal varieties below ; all these forms may, however, be connected by specimens exhibiting every inter- mediate gradation both in colour and in markings. 1. Fore-wings with several large brown spots near the middle. '1. Fore-wings covered with numerous black spots (formerly known as Dcclaua nigrosparsa) (fig. 47). 3. Fore-wings with two more or less conspicuous curved black or brown lines from costa to dorsum (figs. 41, 42, and 44). 4. Fore-wings with these transverse lines joined by two others running parallel to dorsum and costa. 5. Fore-wings with transverse lines and black spots (fig. 43). 6. Fore-wings diffused with dark greyish-black, except two broad bands of the original light colour extending from costa to dorsum; hind-wings darker than usual (fig. 45). 7. Fore-wings with a dark brown central band ; hind-wings clouded with dark brown towards termen, with a faint curved transverse line near the middle (figs. 39 and 40). All these varieties occasionally have tufts of orange-yellow scales on both the wings and on the body, and they also vary in other minor particulars (fig. 46). The egg of this insect when first laid is oval in shape and light green in colour, becoming bronzy a few days before the emergence of the larva. The young larva is very attenuated, with only ten legs. 77. THE NOTODONTINA. 97 Its colour is pale yellow striped with brownish-pink near the segmental divisions. It is very active, and does not devour the egg-shell after emergence. The full-grown larva has the body much flattened underneath. In colour it is pale brownish- pink, with numerous irregular darker markings, which in some specimens almost form two broad sub- dorsal lines. The under surface of the larva is pale green. There is a series of fleshy filaments of a pinkish-brown colour along each side of the insect, and an extra pair of prolegs on the ninth segment. This caterpillar is, however, very variable, its colouring appearing to depend largely cm its surroundings. The favourite fond-plants are Leptospermum ericoides and Aristotelia racemom. The larva' found on the former plant are usually pale yellowish-brown, whilst those from the latter are much darker brown, often mottled with grey like the stems of the Aristotelia. A specimen 1 once found on a mountain beech (Fagus cliff ortioides), the gnarled stem and branches of which were covered with grey lichens and mosses, was mottled with the most beautiful shades of greenish-grey. These larval varieties are very interesting, and in order to test the direct influence of food on the colouring of the larva?, I once divided a batch of eggs deposited by a single female into two equal parts, and fed one half on Aristotelia, and the other half on Leptospermum. The differences in colouring between the two lots of larva' thus treated were, however, of the most trivial description. This somewhat surprised me at first, as I had previously observed quite distinct varieties on each plant, when found in a state of nature. Hence I am now disposed to think that these differences have been brought about gradually, by natural selection acting on larva' feeding on the same plant lor a huge number of generations. By this means a sufficient amount of variation might be accumulated, to cause the closest possible approximation in colouring to the stems of the several food-plants. It is also noteworthy that many of these f l-plants grow in widely dissimilar localities, so that the free inter-breeding of insects dependent on them would not be likely to occur, and thus the peculiarities of colouring adapted to the stems of each food-plant would not be disturbed by the effects of inter- breeding. In connection with the foregoing experiment it is also interesting to observe, that the specimens fed on Aristotelia matured much more rapidly than those on Leptosper?num; the former plant evidently being the more nourishing food for the larva'. Also that out of the batch led on Aristotelia 28 became moths, of which 12 were males and 10 females ; whilst out of those fed on Leptospermum only -24 became moths, of which 15 were males and '.) females. In all other respects, excepting food-plant, the two lots of larva1 were subjected to identical treatment. During the day this larva rests quietly attached to the stem of its food-plant, where it is very difficult to detect, as the filaments so closely embrace the twig or tree-trunk that the whole insect exactly resembles a swelling in the stem. The pupa of JD.floccosa is enclosed in a loose cocoon on the surface of the ground. The perfect insect appears about September, and continues in more or less abundance until the end of April. There are most likely several broods in a season, and, as we frequently meet with specimens of the moth on mild days in the middle of winter, it probably also hibernates. This insect is usually observed at rest on fences and tree-trunks, where its grey mottled colouring causes it to closely resemble a patch of lichen. 13 98 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTEBA. DECLANA JUNCTILINEA, Feld. (Plate X., fig. 37 <?, 38 2 .) This species has occurred occasionally in the Wellington Botanical Gardens. It is no doubt found elsewhere, but I cannot give any other localities with certainty. The expansion of the wings of the male in 1 1 inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings of the male are pale yellowish-brown, with two indistinct, irregular, transverse darker lines near the base, a conspicuous curved line a little beyond the middle, followed by a blackish patch ; there is a series of very fine parallel oblique brown stripes on the costa, and several series of curved, blackish marks near the termen, and on the central portions of the wing. The fore-wings of the female are much greyer, with a conspicuous, irregular, white streak from the apex towards the dorsum, the central portions of the wing are white, and, with the exception of the fine, oblique costal stripes, the other markings of the male are usually absent. The hind-wings of both sexes are dull ochreous. The strongly pectinated antennae of the male, and the oblique costal markings of both sexes, will at once distinguish this species from any of the varieties of Declaim floccosa. This moth varies in the intensity of the markings, which in some specimens are very indistinct. The perfect insect appears from November till March. It is generally captured on blossoms in the evening. DECLANA HEEMIONE, n. sp. (Plate X., fig. 36.) A single specimen of this very handsome insect was captured at Khandallah near Wellington. The expansion of the wings is \\ inches. The fore-wings are bright purplish-brown, clouded with silvery -white towards i//< middle and on the termen ; there is a very fine oblique chocolate-brown mark at the base, a broad broken transverse band at about one-eighth ; a fine curved transverse line at about three-fourths, shaded towards the termen; there are four wavy brown marks on the termen inclining obliquely upwards towards the costa ; the termen itself is narrowly edged with chocolate- brown. The cilia are silvery mixed with brown ; the termen is very strongly bowed. The hind- wings are grey, shaded with purplish-grey towards the termen ; the cilia are grey. The type specimen was captured at sugar in November. DECLANA GRISEATA, n. sp. (Plate X., fig. 32 ? .) This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. The expansion of the wings of the male is Is inches, of the female If inches. The fore-wings are dull slaty-grey, with a slightly paler cent nil band; there is a fine oblique wavy transverse line at about one-fourth, another at about one-half, and indications of a third at about three-fourths ; nume- rous minute black streaks are thickly scattered over the wing, especially near the base and the termen ; the outline of the termen is very slightly scalloped. The hind-wings are pale grey, darker near the termen. The body is very dark slaty-grey. The antenna- of the male are not bi-pectinated. The perfect insect appears in January, and is attracted by light. It is a scarce species. DECLANA NIVEATA, Butl. (Declaim niveata, Butl., Cist, Ent. ii. 500. Atossa niveata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 104.) This species has occurred at Dunedin, in the South Island. " The expansion of the wings of the male is 30 mm. (about lj inches). Pore-wings elongate- triangular, costa somewhat sinuate, termen rounded, dentate ; dull white, faintly irrorated with grey ; costa marked with short indistinct dark grey direct strigulse ; an irregular line towards base, and another twice angulated about two-thirds, obscurely indicated by dark grey scales; some scattered SPHINX. than one-half, gradually tl uckened to apex, then double posterioi : tuft. Ab lomen smooth, broad, II.— THE NOTODONTINA. 99 dark grey strigulse before termen. Hind-wings moderate, termen crenate, angularly projecting in middle; 'wholly white. "I took one fine specimen at rest on a tree-trunk near Dunedin, in February." — (Meyrick.) Family 6.— SPHINGID^. "Head with dense appressed hairs. < tcelli absent. Eyes glabrous. Antenna:- thickened towards middle or posteriorly, in male ciliated with partial whorls. Labial palpi moderate, ascending, with dense projecting scales. Thorax densely hairy beneath. Femora densely hairy. Fore-wings with vein 16 furcate, 6 out of 8, 9 absent (rarely present in exceptional individuals). Hind-wings with veins 3 and 4 approximated at base, 5 from middle of transverse vein, parallel to 4, 6 and 7 connate or stalked, 8 connected by oblique bar with margin of cell before middle, more or less approximated to 7 near beyond cell." (Plate I., figs. L2 and 13, neuration of Deilephila after Meyrick .) " This family is generally distributed, but is most plentiful in the tropics. The imagos are usually large insects, with stout, heavy bodies, elongate-triangular fore-wings with very oblique termen, and relatively small hind-wings ; the wing muscles are very strong, and the flight exceptionally powerful. Ovum spheroidal, smooth. Larva stout, usually with an oblique, projecting anal horn, anterior segments sometimes retractile or raised in repose. Pupa subterranean." — (Meyrick.) Only one genus is represented in New Zealand, viz., Sphinx. Genus 1. " Tongue strongly developed. Antennae 1< pointed, apex slender, hooked. Thorax with lo conical, pointed. Tibia- with appressed scales. 11 A moderately large genus, ranging over the whole world, but principally cha- racteristic of America. Imago living at dusk, feeding on the wing." —(Meyrick.) This genus is represented in New Zealand by one almost cosmopolitan species. SPHINX CONVOLVULI, L. [Protoparce distans, Butl. Sphinx convolvuli, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxii. 213.) (Plate XIII., fig. 1. ; Plate III., figs. 13 and 14 varieties of larvae.) This handsome insect often occurs in the northern portions of the North Island, but becomes very rare southward of Napier and New Plymouth. In the South Island it has been taken at Nelson, and recently a very mutilated specimen of what appears to be this species has been found by Mr. Philpott, near West Plains, Invercargill. With these exceptions I have not heard of its appearance in any other localities in the South Island. The expansion of the wings is about 3^ inches. The fore-wings are greyish-brown with several irregular, darker markings near the base; and a broad, dark, central band; beyond the central band there is a very irregular, pale grey, toothed line. The hind-wings are yellowish-grey, with four trans- verse, darker stripes, the outermost one strongly toothed. The head and thorax arc dark grey, paler on the back, with two conspicuous tufts of pale grey hair on the shoulders. The abdomen is grey, striped on the sides with rose-colour and black. The larva feeds on Convolvuhis. Like many of the caterpillars of the Spldngidce, there are two very distinct varieties : one is bright green, with white spiracles, and a series of diagonal yellow lines above them ; the other is dull yellowish-brown, with broad blackish-brown dorsal and ventral lines, and a series of triangular blackish spots above the spiracles, which in this variety are jet-black. In both these forms of 100 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. larvae the anal horn is dark red tipped with black, and the skin is covered with numerous tine wrinkles. The length of the caterpillar when full grown is 3A inches. About the middle or end of February these larvae generally bury themselves in the ground, where they are transformed into pupae. They remain in that condition until the following summer. The pupa is about '2 inches in length and is of a dark mahogany-brown colour. It is furnished with a large curved process, projecting from the lower side of the head, and containing the enormous proboscis of the future moth. The perfect insect appears in November and December. It Hies with incredible velocity at evening dusk, and is often observed hovering over flowers, and whilst poised in the air above them, extracts the honey with its long proboscis. Mr. A. P. Buller has very kindly furnished me with the following interesting notes on the habits of this species, as observed by him in the Auckland district : — "During the summer of LS79 I came across 8. convolvuli in great numbers, near Ohinemutu, in the Hot Lake district, frequenting at dusk a tall, delicately perfumed meadow flower (Oenothera biennis, commonly called the evening primrose). They were to be seen on the wing soon after sundown, and on warm, still evenings literally swarmed. It was an extremely pretty sight to watch their rapid movements as they darted from flower to flower, never alighting, and keeping up a constant vibration of their wings as they probed the yellow blossoms. They appeared to be extremely local, for I only met with them on a few of the grassy slopes round the shores of Lake Rotorua. I visited the same locality two years later, at the same season, and only occasionally saw one, although the evening primrose was in full bloom at the time. In 1882 I captured several at flowers of the trumpet-tree (Brugmansia) in a garden near Auckland. The same summer I found large numbers of the larvae at Waiwera (near Auckland), on a species of convolvulus growing in profusion on the sandhills in the vicinity. Although the larva- were so abundant I never came across the perfect insect. I obtained some twenty or thirty of the pupae, but unfortunately was never successful in hatching out the imago. As far as my knowledge goes, this beautiful moth is confined to the Auckland and Waikato districts, although I have heard of a single specimen being taken in Hawkes Lay." I am also much indebted to Air. Buller for the loan of a very perfect specimen of this moth, expressly lent to me for figuring and describing in the present work. Mr. Meyrick informs us that this insect occurs throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the islands of the South Pacific, wherever a suitable situation is found, and has been met with far out at sea.' In America it is represented by a form which seems to he regarded as specifically distinct, but which he thinks is probably identical. If this be the ease the insect is practically cosmopolitan. * 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xxii. '214. 101 III. TH E LASIOCAMPINA. Not represented in New Zealand. I V. — T HE PAPILIONINA The Papilionina are distinguished by the following characters: — "Head rough-haired. Ocelli absent. Tongue developed. Ajitennaa slender, dilated apically, forming a gradual or abrupt club. Labial palpi moderately long, more or less rough-haired, terminal joint rather pointed. Maxillary palpi obsolete. Thorax more or less hairy. Fore- wings with lb simple, lc absent, 5 usually from or above middle of transverse vein. Hind- wings without frenulum, lc absent, '6 and 4 usually connate, 8 rising out of cell near base, rapidly diverging."— (Meyrick.) (See Plate [., figs. 7, 8, 15, 16, '2.5, 26, 27.) This is one of the most interesting groups of the Lepidoptera. The insects comprised in it are popularly known as butterflies, and from their bright colouring and conspicuous appearance are always favourites with beginners. The Papilionina attain great development in the tropics, especially in South America, where, it is said, a single valley sometimes contains as many species as the whole of Europe. In New Zealand there are only fifteen species of butterflies, the group being extremely poorly represented both here and in the South Pacific Islands. Formerly the Papilionina was known as the Bhopalocera, and was regarded as constituting a division of equivalent value to the remainder of the Lepidoptera, which was termed the Heterocera. For some time past entomologists have, how- ever, practically abandoned this classification of the order, the Heterocera, or moths, being clearly composed of several groups each of equivalent value to the Rliopalocera, or butterflies. Mr. Meyrick states in his ' Handbook of British Lepidoptera ' that the Papilionina " stands rather conspicuously isolated at the present day, but there is little doubt that its origin must be traced to the Thyrididce, a family of the Pyralidina." In this group the wings are generally held erect in repose, the under surface of the hind-wings and the apical portion of the under surface of the fore-wings being nearly always protectively coloured, these being portions of the wings exposed to view when the insect is at rest. There is an unusual amount of ornamental colouring on the upper surface. The flight is invariably diurnal. The larva has ten prolegs. The three following families of Papilionina are represented in New Zealand : — 1. NYMPHALIDiE. -2. SATYKIDiE. 3. LyC.ENII'E. 102 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. Family l.-NYMPHALID^E. "Anterior legs in both sexes much reduced, useless for walking; posterior tibiae without middle spurs. Fore-wings with veins 8 and 9 out of 7. Hind-wings with praecostal spur." (Plate I., figs. 7 and 8.) " An extremely large family, mainly tropical. The species are of large or moderate size, usually dark-coloured, with light or bright bands or rows of spots. "Ovum cylindrical or sub-conical, ribbed and often reticulated. Larva with pairs of tentacles or more usually series of bristly spines. Pupa exposed, suspended by the tail, often angular or with metallic spots." — (Meyrick.) (See Plate III., figs. 1, 2, and 3 larva', '27, 31 and 32 pup*.) We have three genera represented in New Zealand : — 1. Anosia. 2. Vanessa. 3. Junonia. Genus 1.— ANOSIA. " Eyes glabrous. Club of antennae elongate, gradual. Fore-wings with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings with transverse vein present." (Plate I., fif,fs. 7 and 8, neuration of A. erippus.) " A genus of moderate extent, generally distributed within the tropics, with two or three species ranging beyond them. Imago with termen of fore-wings sub- concave. Larva with pairs of long tentacles. Both larva and imago are protected by a strong nauseous scent, or taste, and are uneatable to birds." — (Meyrick.) We have two species in New Zealand. ANOSIA EKIPPUS, Cr. (Papilio archippus, Fabricius, Spec. Ins., p. 55, n. 243 (1781). Danais archippus, Butler, Butterflies of N. Z., Trans. N. Z. Inst. x. 265. Anosia plexippus, L.) (Plate XL, fig. 1, fig. 2 under side; Plate IIP, fig. 3 larva, fig. 27 pupa. J This handsome insect has occurred from time to time at various localities in both the North and the South Islands, but does not appear to be generally common. Particulars of the early captures of this butterfly are thus given by Mr. Enys ° : "First recorded as a New Zealand insect by Mr. Fereday, in a paper read before the Canterbury Institute, January 2, 187-1, and printed in vol. vi. of ' Transactions.' Mr. Fereday received the butterfly from F. H. Meinertzhagen, of Hawkes Bay. Dr. Hector also obtained it in Westland. It has also been caught near Auckland. In vol. xi. of ' Transactions ' Mr. F. W. Sturm records that he first saw this insect, or a closely allied one, at the Reinga, up the Wairoa River, Hawkes Bay, December, 1840, or January, 1841. In 1848 he captured a, number at the Waiau, a tributary to that river. Again in 1861 he captured three on the Rangitikei River near Mr. Birch's run. He also records other captures." From these records it will be seen that the insect was observed as early as 1840, and it thus seems scarcely probable that it was accidentally introduced by man, as Mr. Butler appears to suppose.! Recently A. erippus has occurred many times in the neighbourhood of Cook's Straits. In 1879 several specimens were bred from larvae found by Mr. C. W. Lee near Wangaehu. In 1881 I captured two specimens near Nelson and saw three others. In 1890 two specimens were taken by Mr. R. I. Kingsley, and in January of the following year I captured two more, all near Nelson. During the autumn of 1892 'Catalogue oi X. Z. Butterflies,' p. '21. | 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' x. 265. TV. THE PAPILIONINA. 103 one specimen whs taken near Otaki by Mr. Eutherfurd, and several others were seen. The same year a specimen was also taken by Sir James Hector at Petone. In L896, I understand from Mr. Kingsley, several specimens were again seen in the Nelson district. The expansion of the wings is from 3| to -i\ inches. Above, all the wings are rich orange- brown bordered with black, the veins are also black. There are two rows of small white spots round the margins of all the wings, and several orange-brown spots near the apex of the fore- wings. Beneath, the markings are similar, except that the white spots are larger, and the hind- wines are very pale yellowish-brown. The male has a black chitinous spot on vein 2 of the hind- wings which is wanting in the female ; the wine-veins in the male are also slightly narrower. The larva of this insect feeds on most of the different kinds of milkweed (Asclepias), and also upon dogbane (Apocynum). A single caterpillar, fully grown, which was found in a building in the centre of the town of Wellington, formed the subject from which the figures of the metamorphosis of this insect were taken, but this specimen did not afford sufficient material for an exhaustive investigation of the life-history. The following account, taken from Professor Riley's 'Third Annual Report of the Noxious, Beneficial, and other Insects of the State of Missouri,' is therefore inserted : — "The egg is invariably deposited on the under side of a leaf, and is conical and delicately reticulate with longitudinal ribs, and fine transverse stria:'. It is yellowish when first deposited, hut becomes grey as the embryo within develops. "In about five days after laying the egg hatches, and the young larva as soon as hatched usually turns round and devours its egg-shell — a custom very prevalent with young caterpillars. At this stage it differs considerably from the mature larva ; it is perfectly cylindrical, about 0'12 inch long, and of much the same thickness throughout. The head is jet black and polished ; the colour of the body is pale greenish-white, with the anterior and posterior horns showing as mere black conical joints, and with two transverse-oval black warts, nearer together, on the first joint. It is covered with minute black bristles, arising from still more minute warts. "When the young larva is three or lour days old a dusky band appears across the middle of each joint, and by the fifth or sixth day it spins a carpet of silk upon the leaf, and prepares for its first moult. After the first moult the anterior horns are as long as the thoracic legs, the posterior ones being somewhat shorter; the characteristic black stripes show quite distinctly, but the white and yellow stripes more faintly. After this it undergoes but slight change in appearance, except that the colours become brighter, and that at each successive moult the horns become relatively longer. There are but three moults, and the intervals between them are short, as the larvae frequently acquire their full growth within three weeks from hatching. "As soon as the larva is full grown it spins a little tuft of silk to the under side of whatever object it may be resting upon, and after entangling the hooks of its hind legs in the silk it lets go the hold of its other legs and hangs down, with the head and anterior joints of the body curved. In this position it hangs for about twenty-four hours, during which the fluids of the body naturally gravitate towards the upturned joints, until the latter become so swollen that at last, by a little effort on the part of the larva, the skin bursts along the back behind the head. Through the rent thus made the anterior portion of the pupa is protruded, and by constant stretching and contracting the larval skin is slipped and crowded backwards until there is but a small shrivelled mass gathered around the tail. Now comes the critical period — the culminating point. "The soft and supple chrysalis, yet showing the elongate larval form with distinct traces of its prolegs, hangs heavily from the shrunken skin. From this skin 104 NEW ZEALAND MACRO-LEPIDOPTERA. it is to be extricated and firmly attached to the silk outside. It has neither legs nor arms, and we should suppose that it would inevitably fall while endeavouring to accomplish this object. But the task is performed with the utmost surety, though appearing so perilous to us. The supple and contractile joints of the abdomen are made to subserve the purpose of legs, and by suddenly grasping the shrunken larval skin between the folds of two of these joints as with a pair of pincers, the chrysalis disengages the tip of its body and hangs for a moment suspended. Then with a few earnest, vigorous, jerking movements it succeeds in sticking the horny point of its tail into the silk, and firmly fastening it by means of a rasp of minute claws with which that point is furnished. Sometimes severe effort is needed before the point is properly fastened, and the chrysalis frequently has to climb by stretching the two joints above those by which it is suspended, and clinging hold of the shrivelled skin further up. The moment the point is fastened the chrysalis commences, by a series of violent jerkings and whirlings, to dislodge the larval skin, after which it rests from its efforts and gradually contracts and hardens. The really active work lasts but a few