Chapter IV: Part 4

"This singular genus is a remnant of a widely diffused, but now fragmentary group, to which belong also _Lobophora_ (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_. _Rhopalodes_ 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 antennæ thickly scaled; in _Remodes_ the areole is also simple, the antennæ 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 II., figs. 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, compensating 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.

(_Cidaria lestevata_, Walk. 1416. _Sauris ranata_, Feld. cxxxi. 11., _Tatosoma lestevata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 67.)

(Plate VI., fig. 25 [M].)

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 1-3/8 inches. _The fore-wings are
bright-green; there are 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 represented by four specimens only--two in Mr. Fereday's collection and two in my own.

{40}TATOSOMA AGRIONATA, Walk.

(_Cidaria agrionata_, Walk. 1417. _Cidaria tipulata_, ib. 1417. _Cidaria
inclinataria_, ib. 1418. _Cidaria transitaria_, ib. 1419. _Sauris
mistata_, Feld. cxxxi. 12. _Tatosoma transitaria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z.
Inst. xvi. 68. _Tatosoma agrionata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VI., fig. 26 [M], 27 [F].)

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 1½ inches. _The fore-wings are
bright-green traversed by numerous black, wavy, transverse lines; these
black lines are 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 sometimes 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 TIMORA, Meyr.

(_Tatosoma agrionata_, Meyr. (nec Walker), Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 68. _Tatosoma timora_, Meyr., ib. xvii. 64.)

(Plate VI., fig. 28 [M], 29 [F].)

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 1-3/8 inches. _All the wings are sparsely
covered with scales. The fore-wings of the male are dull reddish-brown,
with numerous obscure transverse dusky stripes; there are two rather
conspicuous blackish blotches on the costa_, 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.--PARADETIS, Meyr.

"Palpi short, arched, roughly-scaled beneath. Antennæ bipectinated.
Fore-wings with vein 6 from below 9, 7 from below angle of areole, 10
very shortly anastomosing with 9, 11 out of 10 considerably before angle
of areole, 12 free. Hind-wings with veins 6 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 modification of the normal type of this family, to which it must be referred. It is also the only New Zealand genus except _Declana_ in which the female has pectinated antennæ; but this character recurs in a few exotic genera not otherwise allied."--(Meyrick.)

Plate II., 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.

{41}PARADETIS PORPHYRIAS, Meyr.

(_Parysatis porphyrias_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 58. _Paradetis porphyrias_, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 36 [M].)

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 ¾ inch. _The fore-wings of the male
are 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 has
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 flies 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 consequently 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.--CHLOROCLYSTIS, Hb.

"Face with short cone of scales. Palpi rough-scaled. Antennæ 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS 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 ½ 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 have 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS BILINEOLATA, Walk.

(_Eupithecia bilineolata_, Walk. 1246. _E. muscosata_, ib. 1246.
_Scotosia humerata_, ib. 1362. _Eupithecia semialbata_, ib. 1708. _E.
cidariaria_, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 62. _Cidiaria aquosata_, Feld., pl.
cxxxi. 33. _Helastia charybdis_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 503. _H. 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}The expansion of the wings is ¾ 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[26]) is about ½ 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_, _Rubus_ (?), and _Muhlenbeckia_ (?). 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS ANTARCTICA, n. sp.

(Plate VI., fig. 20.)

This species was discovered by Mr. Philpott at West Plains, near Invercargill.

The expansion of the wings is 7/8 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 _C. bilineolata_, but its larger size, longer wings, and barred cilia will, I think, distinguish it from that species.

The perfect insect appears in November.

CHLOROCLYSTIS ARISTIAS, Meyr.

(_Chloroclystis aristias_, Meyr., Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1897, 385.)

(Plate VI., fig. 21 [M], 22 [F].)

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 1-1/8 inches. _All the wings are 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 of all the wings are grey barred with black.

{43}The perfect insect was found in a limestone valley at the foot of Mount Peel, where it was fairly common.

CHLOROCLYSTIS NEREIS, Meyr.

(_Pasiphila nereis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)

(Plate VI., fig. 11 [M].)

This insect has occurred at Mount Arthur, Mount Hutt, and the Humboldt Range, Lake Wakatipu, at elevations from 2,500 to 4,000 feet.

The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. _All the wings are 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
termen 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS DRYAS, Meyr.

(_Pasiphila dryas_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xxiii. 97.)

(Plate VI., fig. 12 [M].)

This species has occurred at Wellington.

The expansion of the wings is 1 inch. _The fore-wings are dull
rosy-brown, traversed by numerous obscure blackish transverse lines,
somewhat concentrated towards the 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS SPHRAGITIS, Meyr.

(_Pasiphila sphragitis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 51.)

(Plate VI., fig. 13 [M], 14 [F].)

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 5/8 inch, of the female ¾ inch.
_The fore-wings are pale ochreous; there is a narrow darker area at the
base followed by a narrow oblique pale 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 barred 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}CHLOROCLYSTIS LICHENODES, Purd.

(_Pasiphila 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 ¾ 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS INDICATARIA.

(_Eupithecia indicataria_, Walk. 1708. _Pasiphila indicataria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 52.)

(Plate VI., fig. 17 [M], 17A [F].)

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 7/8 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 with 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 antennæ are 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS INDUCTATA, Walk.

(_Coremia inductata_, 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS MACULATA, 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 7/8 inch. _All the wings are
creamy-white slightly tinged with green. The fore-wings have several
irregular large black marks on the costa_ extending about {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 black spots._ The cilia are cream-coloured barred with black.
The 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.

CHLOROCLYSTIS RECTILINEATA, n. sp.

(Plate VI., fig. 22.)

This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. W. P. Cohen.

The expansion of the wings is ¾ inch. _The fore-wings are pale grey_;
there are several irregular black, transverse lines near the base, very
broad on the costa; a broad, pale, central area with no distinct
markings; _then two very fine, almost straight, parallel, dark transverse
lines alternating with two broader white lines, and followed by a very
conspicuous black line, this 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.--PHRISSOGONUS, Butl.

"Face with short cone of scales or smooth. Palpi moderate or short,
porrected, more or less rough-scaled. Antennæ in male ciliated or naked.
Posterior tibiæ with all spurs present. Fore-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.)

We have one species in New Zealand.

PHRISSOGONUS DENOTATUS, Walk.

(_Scotosia denotata_, Walk. 1361. _Phibalapteryx parvulata_, ib. 1721. _Phrixogonus denotatus_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 53.)

(Plate VI., fig. 19 [M].)

This dull-looking insect is common and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is ¾ inch. _The fore-wings 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 antennæ are 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 space
between veins 10 and 12, these veins being slightly distorted in
consequence._

The larva, which feeds on the blossoms of the wharangi (_Brachyglottis repanda_), 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 the remains of the blossoms.

The perfect insect appears from October till February. It frequents dense undergrowth in the forest, and is generally found resting with extended wings on the 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}Genus 5.--ELVIA, Walk.

"Face smooth. Palpi rather long, straight, porrected, densely
rough-scaled above and beneath, terminal joint short. Antennæ in male
stout, flattened, bipectinated (2½). 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."--(Meyrick.)

We have one species.

ELVIA GLAUCATA, Walk.

(_Elvia glaucata_, Walk. 1431; Feld. cxxxii. 25. _Elvia donovani_, Feld. cxxxii. 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 costa; 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 frequently several large cream-coloured blotches towards the base or middle of the forewings.

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. Antennæ 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 deltoidata_.)

"A very large genus, principally characteristic of temperate regions in both hemispheres.--(Meyrick.)

There are twelve New Zealand species.

{47}HYDRIOMENA GOBIATA, Feld.

(_Cidaria gobiata_, Feld. cxxxi. 2. _Phibalapteryx simulans_, Butl.,
Cist. Ent. ii. 506. _Phibalapteryx undulifera_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii.
506. _Phibalapteryx anguligera_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507.
_Phibalapteryx rivularis_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 507. _Scotosia gobiata_,
Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 70. _Cephalissa gobiata_, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 43 [M], 44 [F].)

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 1¼ inches. _All the wings vary
from pale ochreous to rather dull yellowish brown, sometimes very
slightly tinged with green. There is usually a large number of fine,
slightly waved, oblique lines arranged on both pairs of wings, very like
the markings in Venusia 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[27]) 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.

HYDRIOMENA PRIONOTA, Meyr.

(_Arsinoe prionata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 73. _Anachloris prionata_, Meyr., ib. 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 1½ 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 very pale yellowish-brown_; there are a few obscure dark lines near
the dorsum. _The veins are distinctly dotted in black, and the outline of
all the wings is deeply scalloped._

The perfect insect appears in January, but is not common.

HYDRIOMENA DELTOIDATA, Walk.

(_Coremia deltoidata_, Walk. 1321. _Cidaria inclarata_, Walk. 1411.
_Cidaria perductata_, Walk. 1412. _Cidaria congressata_, Walk. 1412.
_Cidaria conversata_, Walk. 1413. _Cidaria descriptata_, Walk. 1414.
_Cidaria bisignata_, Walk. 1415. _Cidaria aggregata_, Walk. 1415.
_Cidaria congregata_, Walk. 1415. _Cidaria plagifurcata_, Walk. 1416.
_Coremia pastinaria_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 64. _Cidaria inopiata_, Feld.
cxxxii. 3. _Cidaria monoliata_, Feld. cxxxii. 8. _Cidaria perversata_,
Feld. cxxxii. 14, 24. _Scotosia deltoidata_, Meyr., Trans. 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 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 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, bounded 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.

{48}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.[28] (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.

HYDRIOMENA 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 1-3/8 inches. The fore-wings are
blackish-brown, darker towards the apex and termen; _there is an obscure
rust-red wavy band 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.

HYDRIOMENA SUBOCHRARIA, Dbld.

(_Aspilates (?) subochraria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 285. _Camptogramma
subochraria_, Butl., Cat., pl. iii. 16. _Camptogramma strangulata_, 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 1¼ inches. _The fore-wings are bright
ochreous-yellow_; there is 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
transverse 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 {49}the clearings at the foot of the Tararua Range. According to Mr. Meyrick the typical form is common in Tasmania and Victoria.

HYDRIOMENA TRIPHRAGMA, 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; whitish-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).

I am unacquainted with this species, which Mr. Fereday stated he was unable to identify. I have therefore inserted Mr. Meyrick'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 wings 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 overhanging 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 VII., 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 band, 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 _Hydriomena 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 {50}preceding 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. _Cidaria timarata_, Feld. cxxxii. 19. _Cidaria 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 1¼ inches. _The fore-wings are dark brown,
with the veins 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 base; 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 CALLICHLORA, Butl.

(_Cidaria callichlora_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 509; Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76.)

(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_, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 505. _Cidaria chaotica_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 76. _Cidaria arida_, Meyr., 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 {51}transverse line near the base, _and a very broad
central band 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, sometimes being found as high as 2,600 feet above the sea-level. Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.

HYDRIOMENA SIRIA, 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 5/8 inch. _The fore-wings are rich brown
with two transverse bands 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.--EUCHOECA, Hb.

"Face smooth, flat. Antennæ in [M] 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.

EUCHOECA RUBROPUNCTARIA, Dbld.

(_Ptychopoda rubropunctaria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. li. 287. _Asthena
visata_, Gn. ix. 438. _Asthena_, Gn., E. M. M. v. 42. _Asthena
pulchraria_, Butl., Cat. pl. 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 7/8 inch. _All the wings are pale
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:[29] "The caterpillar has ten
legs, 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.

{52}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,[30] 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. Antennæ in [M] 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 Region."--(Meyrick.)

We have two species.

ASTHENA PULCHRARIA, Dbld.

(_Acidalia pulchraria_, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. ii. 286. _Chlorochroma
plurilineata_, Walk. 563, 676. _Asthena ondinata_, Gn. ix. 438, pl. xix.
4; Butl., Cat. pl. iii. 20. _Cidaria ondinata_, Feld. cxxviii. 17.
_Asthena pulchraria_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 69.)

(Plate VI., fig. 37 [M], 38 [F].)

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 are very
pale 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 undergrowth. 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, 1892, 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 SCHISTARIA, 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. 39, 40 [M], 41, 42 [F] varieties.)

This pretty species is common, and generally distributed throughout the country.

The expansion of the wings is nearly an inch. _All the wings vary from
very pale brown to rather dull purplish-brown; there are numerous jagged,
darker, transverse lines forming several more or less distinct bands._
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 {53}three-fourths to about
five-eighths; there are in addition, numerous very fine, wavy lines near
the termen. The spaces between these bands are paler, and in some
specimens the bands are very conspicuous, whilst in others they are
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 larvæ 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. Antennæ in [M] 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 _V. verriculata_; figs. 25 and 26, neuration of _V.
undosata_.)

We have three species represented in New Zealand.

VENUSIA VERRICULATA, Feld.

(_Cidaria verriculata_, Feld. cxxxi. 20. _Panopæa verriculata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 62. _Pancyma verriculata_, ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 30 [M], 31 [F].)

This remarkable species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in the South Island at Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin and West Plains.

The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. _All the wings are pale
yellowish-brown, with many straight oblique parallel dull brown lines; on
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; _all 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 (_Cordyline_), 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}have long remained in the dark as to the explanation of such an unusual type of wing-marking.

VENUSIA XANTHASPIS, Meyr.

(_Hermione xanthaspis_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 61. _Aulopola xanthaspis_, Meyr., ib. xviii. 184.)

(Plate VI., fig. 32 [M].)

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 band on the costa; 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.

(_Cidaria undosata_, Feld. cxxviii. 2. _Epiphryne undosata_, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 60.)

(Plate VI., fig. 33 [M], 34 [F].)

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 are pale
yellow with a variable number of fine jagged 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 _entirely dull greyish-brown with the transverse lines very faint_, intermediate varieties between all these forms also occurring.

The larva, according to Mr. Purdie,[31] is about ½ inch long, 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 larvæ were found in April.