Hybernating moths may also be met with, on the wing if the weather is mild, or sleeping in their sheltered nooks during the frosts. These include several Noctuæ—Auricoma, Lithargyria, Suffusa, Vaccinii, Spadicea, Erythrocephala, Satellitia, Rubiginea, Croceago, Vetusta, Exoleta, Ornithopus, Furcifera, Semibrunnea, Socia, and Libatrix; and also a few Geometræ—Zonaria, Fluviata, Dubitata, Siterata, and Miata.
In addition to these hybernating insects, the collector may examine tree trunks and fences for the Early Moth (Rupicapraria), and late specimens of the Winter Moth (Brumata); and towards the end of the month he may expect to meet with fresh specimens of the Pale Brindled Beauty (Pedaria) and the Spring Usher (Leucophæaria). A few of the Tineæ may also be seen.
The net need not be used at all during the colder months of the year, as the moths are easily taken in pill boxes from the trunks and fences on which they rest.
Pupa digging may be carried on throughout the month if the weather is sufficiently mild, but it is of no use attempting this during a frost. Hybernating larvæ may also be searched out of their winter quarters if the collector does not mind giving them the attention they require; but, as a rule, it is better to wait till they themselves start out to feed in the spring, at which time all their food plants are showing leaf.
FEBRUARY
Our remarks under 'January' concerning pupa digging and other work apply equally well to this month. The same hybernating butterflies and moths may be looked for; and, in addition to
Pedaria, Leucophæaria, and Rupicapraria, which now appear more plentifully, the following species will probably be seen:
- Small Eggar (Lanestris)
- Small Brindled Beauty (Hispidaria)
- Oak Beauty (Strataria)
- Dotted Border (Marginaria)
- March Moth (Æscularia)
About half a dozen species of the Tineæ will also have made their appearance before the end of the month.