Sub-family 2.—PLUSIADES.
Vein 5 of hind-wings more or less approximated to 4.
Genus 2.—PLUSIA, Ochs.
"Head rough-scaled. Antennæ in ♂ very shortly ciliated. Palpi rather long, curved, ascending, second joint rough-scaled, terminal moderately long or short, more or less rough-scaled in front, somewhat pointed. Thorax with large central or posterior crest. Abdomen with one or more crests. Tibiæ 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 12 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.
PLUSIA CHALCITES, Esp.
(Plusia criosoma, Dbld., Dieff. N. Z. 285; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. x. 1, 2. P. argentifera, Gn., Noct. vi. 352. P. eriosoma, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 36.)
(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.