Plate IV.—Fig. 6.
This moth is closely allied to the Chrysitis, which is found in England, differing, however, in the shape of the gold markings.[8] The fore-wings have a bright golden marginal band of varying width across them, from the apex to the base. It is found in rough places, and can be easily netted when hovering over clover-flowers or similar low-growing herbage at dusk. The hind-wings are grey-brown, shading off to a lighter tint towards the body. The antennæ are long and fine. The caterpillar feeds on the tobacco-plant, and is found in barrancos, but it is most usually met with on potato-plants; it envelops itself in a leaf, drawing it together with silk-like threads, and so forming a case in which it turns to the chrysalis. It is found very nearly all the year round, but is met with in greatest numbers during the spring months.
[8]Alpheraky describes the Indian variety Chrysitina as a Teneriffe moth.
PLUSIA TRIPARTITA (Hufn.) URTICÆ (Hübn).
Known in England as the Spectacle Moth. It is met with in the day-time as well as at dusk, like many others of the genus Plusia. Its fore-wings are dark grey, varied with greenish-white in the basal and marginal areas; the sub-terminal line is marked below the costa with black arrow-heads in front, and is bordered with deep black behind. It is common in the greater part of Europe and Northern Asia. The larva, which is greenish brown, has two white lines on the back, and slender white and green lines along each side above the feet. It feeds on nettle.
PLUSIA CIRCUMFLEXA.
Similar somewhat to the English Gamma, or silver Y moth, but a distinct variety, and found largely in Europe. The fore-wings are dark ashy-grey, with bronze markings, and have a pale golden mark in the middle resembling the letter r. The hind-wings are brown, of a lighter shade towards the base. It measures in expanse about two inches; the antennæ are long and fine. The larva, which is green with a yellowish stripe at the sides, feeds on the potato and other low-growing plants, and is found during the early spring months, and well on into the summer.
PLUSIA ERIOSOMA.
This is the fourth species described here of the large genus Plusia. It is a much brighter golden-brown colour than the last described specimen, measuring about one and a half inches across the wings. The fore-wings are golden-brown, having two distinct gold spots about the centre. The hind are of the same tint as the fore-wings, darker at the margin, and shading off lighter towards the base. It is found in India, but is not a European species.