In England this species is found from Shropshire and Staffordshire northwards to Cumberland; thence through Scotland to Aberdeen and Sutherland. In Wales it has been obtained commonly near Rhos in the north.
Abroad its range spreads to Amurland; and it occurs in North America, where it is known as germana, Morrison.
The Early Grey (Xylocampa areola).
A typical specimen of this widely distributed and, at least in the southern half of England, rather common species, is shown on Plate [12], Fig. 7. A dark form has been named ab. suffusa, Tutt, and one with the fore wings of the typical grey colour, but with a pinkish flush, is ab. rosea, Tutt.
The caterpillar (figured from a skin, on Plate [8], Fig. 2) is yellowish-brown, with a fine pale central line along the back, often only distinct on rings 1, 11, and 12, and always obscured by dark brown patches on 7 and 8; a blackish line low down along the sides. The body tapers towards each end, and especially so towards the small head. It lives upon honey-suckle, and feeds on the leaves at night, during May and June, or sometimes later.
Fig. 1.
Early Grey at rest.
(Photo by W. J. Lucas.)