84

PLATE CIII.

The Caterpillars of this Moth feed on the White and Black Thorn,together with several herbaceous plants ; it has been observed to thrivebetter in the breeding cage when regularly supplied with fresh grafs,to keep the former in a proper state of moisture.

The Female deposits her eggs in June or July, the Caterpillars arehatched in Autumn, and remain in that state during the Winter;about the middle of May it spins a large brown cafe, within which itpastes to the Pupa state; the Moths appear in June.

In the Caterpillar state it is scarcely possible to distinguish the Malefrom the Female, except that the former is smaller than the latter; butin the last state their colours are entirely different, the Female beingof a pale yellowish teint, inclining to fox colour, the Male is of arich brown.

The Eggs are very curious, they resemble in shape those of a Hen ,but are neatly mottled with dark brown.

The Caterpillars cast their skins several times, and always there!)/assume a new appearance, though the general colours and character ofthe species may be traced through every stage. Our figure is copiedfrom a very large and sine coloured specimen of the Female, thatwas met with at Darent-Wood , Dartford .

Explanation of the Figure shewn in Plate 103.

The Eggs of the natural size.

The Case which encloses the Pupa ; the former is torn open t0expose the latter within.

plate