Fig. 268.—Penthina pruniana.
Here are some drawings of a few of the numerous species of this section, remarkable for their small size and beauty:—Penthina pruniana, Ædia pusiella, Xylopoda fabriciana, Pœdisca autumnana, Tortrix roborana, Philobacera fagana, Tortrix sorbiana, Antithesia salicana, Pœdisca occultana, Argyrolepia æneana, Sericoris Zinkenana, Sarrothripa revayana, Cochylis francilana, Choreutes dolosana (Figs. 268 to 281).[74]
| Fig. 269.—Ædia pusiella. | Fig. 270.—Xylopoda fabriciana. |
In a book of this kind we can only mention some types among these last insects, which claim our attention in what we might almost call a tyrannical manner. We will, therefore, content ourselves by saying a few words about the Green Tortrix, the Pyralis of the Vine, the Bee-hive Moth, some species of the Clothes Moth family (Tineina), and finally of the Œcophoræ.
| Fig. 271.—Pœdisca autumnana. | Fig. 272.—Tortrix roborana. |
| Fig. 273.—Philobacera fagana. | Fig. 274.—Tortrix sorbiana. |
The Green Tortrix (Tortrix viridana) has wings of a green colour, with the margin and fringe whitish on the anterior, and of an ashy grey on the posterior wings. The under-side of the four wings is of a bright white, as if it had been silvered. This pretty moth comes out in the month of May. It is so common everywhere, that at this season it is only necessary to shake the branches of the oaks which border the alleys of the woods to set in motion hundreds of them. The caterpillar is green, with black warty spots, each having a hair of the same colour. They are wonderfully lively, the moment they are disturbed taking refuge in a rolled leaf, which serves them as a dwelling-place. If they are pursued, they let themselves fall by the aid of a thread, and do not re-ascend till they think they can count on repose and security. This, and many kindred species, do a great deal of damage to our trees. They strip them of their leaves, and sometimes give them, during the first days of summer, the sad and melancholy appearance which they present in the middle of winter.