Many of the hybernating larvæ will come out during March if the weather is mild, and commence to feed; and the young caterpillars will begin to appear from the eggs of the early moths already named. This is consequently a good time to commence the search for larvæ if you intend to go in for rearing. During the daytime some may be beaten from the boughs of trees and shrubs; and those which feed on low plants, being generally nocturnal in their habits, should be searched for in the evening, after dark, with the aid of a lantern.
The hybernating butterflies are now flying more freely than before, and, if the weather is bright and warm for the time of year, a few freshly emerged species may be seen. These may possibly include:
- Large White (Brassicæ)
- Small White (Rapæ)
- Green-veined White (Napi)
- Holly Blue (Argiolus)
As regards moths, several fresh species may be expected to appear, while those named as appearing in February are still to be found. The new-comers may include:
- Bombyces.
- Kentish Glory (Versicolor)
- Yellow-horned (Flavicornis)
- Noctuæ.
- Pine Beauty (Piniperda)
- White-marked Rustic (Leucographa)
- Red Chestnut (Rubricosa)
- All species of the genus Tæniocampa
- Early Grey (Areola)
- Green-brindled Dot (Oleagina)
- Orange Underwing (Parthenias)
- Light Orange Underwing (Notha)
- Geometræ.
- Early Thorn (Bilunaria)
- Engrailed (Biundularia)
- Mottled Grey (Multistrigaria)
Sugaring may be commenced towards the end of March, and sallow blossom may be searched in the evening, but it is probable that only a few species will be taken by these means.
A few more species of the Tineæ appear in March, and four or five of the Tortrices are out before the end of the month.
APRIL
This is really a busy month with the entomologist, and it will be necessary to put all apparatus and appliances into perfect order early. The cyanide bottle should be freshly charged, nets examined and repaired if necessary, and all setting boards, breeding cages &c. put in perfect trim for the new season's work.