lies are fairly numerous in New Zealand, but the diurnal section is decidedly poorly represented, our total number of butterflies being limited to fifteen, of which one (Diadema nerina) has

arge number, chiefly belonging to the Geometrid? and Micro-Lepidoptera, many of which are very interesting. Of the life-histories of the latter, however, I re

Rhopal

Nymph

dum (Plate VIII., f

ains in the South Island, but becomes an alpine species further north. I have taken a very peculiar form (Fig. 1a) on the "Mineral Belt" near Nelson, but can find no record of its appearance in the North Island at present. Its larva is as yet unknown, but in all probability it feeds on

Nymph

e VIII., fig. 2, 2a undersi

the soft green pupa may be seen through the rent. The insect now works the skin upwards by violent wriggling motions until it is gathered in a crumpled mass round its tail, the old rent extending on one side almost up to the silken pad to which it is suspended. Through this rent the tail of the pupa is brought and firmly anchored in the silk by a few vigorous strokes, the insect hanging meanwhile to the skin which has not been quite cast off on the reverse side to the rent. When thus firmly attached to the silken pad, the pupa shakes itself entirely free, whirling itself round and round until the old skin is dislodged from the silk and falls to the ground. The two usual varieties of pup? are shown at Figs. 2d and 2e, many of them being more or less ornamented with metallic gold or silver spots. The butterfly emerges in a fortnight or three weeks, and is common from February till April in most situations, but the greatest

y Lyc

s (Plate VIII., fig.

erect bristles on each segment, a large number of shorter ones being situated on the ventral surface, and behind the head. After the second moult, a brilliant crimson dorsal line is noticeable, but beyond this I have no record, as my larv? unfortunately died just after completing their third moult. Up to this time they had fed but sparingly on the dock, eating minute holes in the leaves and clinging to them with great firmness. It is much to be regretted that their subsequent history could not be followed, especially as I only succeeded in obtaining the eggs on this one occasion, although I frequently kept

y Lyc

na p

e roadside on a hot summer's day. Its larva must be very abundant, but has hitherto escaped atten

Hete

y Sph

d by the splendid Sphinx convolvuli, an

y Hep

ata (Plate

able to this insect, but as it unfortunately died shortly afterwards it is impossible to speak with any degree of certainty at present. Two closely allied species are P. umbraculata, and P. cervinata. The former is rather smaller than P. signata and of a more uniform brown, with a white stripe in the centre of each fore-wing, surrounded w

y Hep

ate IX., fig. 1 ♂, 1a

th its strong mandibles. The plant most usually selected by the caterpillar is Aristotelia racemosa, called by the settlers "New Zealand currant," from its large clusters of ric

, which effectually prevents it from becoming flooded with water; afterwards it pursues an almost horizontal course until it reaches the centre of the tree when it appears to suddenly terminate. This, however, is not the case, for, if the gallery floor is carefully examined a short distance before its apparent termination, a round trap-door will be found, compactly constructed of very hard, smooth silk, and corresponding so closely with the surrounding portion of the tunnel that it almost escapes detection. When this lid is lifted a long perpendicular shaft is disclosed which runs down the middle of the tree to a depth of 14 or 16 inches, and is about six lines in diameter. At the bottom of this the elongated pupa (Fig. 1b) sleeps quietly and securely in an upright position, the old larval skin forming a soft support for the terminal segment of the pupa to rest on. The upper end of this vertical shaft is lined with silk, which forms a framework on which the trap-door rests when closed. The lid itself is of a larger size than the orifice which it covers, and this makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to force it from the outside, whilst it fits down so closely to the aperture as not to be readily lifted. The object of this most ingenious contrivance is, in all probability, to prevent the ingress of insects, large numbers of spiders, slugs, and various Orthoptera bein

h can be often successfully cut out of their burrows and kept amongst damp moss until they emerge. It appe

lly referred to this species, probably belongs to

y Bom

Plate IX., fig. 3 ♂,

ral slate-coloured lines extending the whole length of the insect, and thus dividing the black into squares. Round the middle of each segment, at its greatest circumference, a variable number of brilliant blue warts are situated, and out of these dense tufts of long black hair take their rise. There are, however, no warts along the ventral surface. This description applies very well as a rule, but the larva is subject to many slight variations. It remains in this state for nearly three months, or more, according to the season, and is very common, numbers being found on the differen

insect, parasitic in the prese

y Psy

ate X., fig. 1 ♂, 1a ♀

he head and three first segments being dark brown, with numerous white markings. The abdominal segments are considerably thickened near the middle of the insect, rudimentary prolegs being present on the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth segments of the abdomen. The anal prolegs are very strong, and are furnished with numerous sharp hooklets, which retain the larva very firmly in its case. As it grows it increases the length of its domicile from the anterior, causing it gradually to assume a more tubular form, tapering towards the posterior aperture, which is enlarged from time to time. The outside is covered with numerous fragmentary leaves and tw

endering the insect's habitation more inconspicuous, by causing it to resemble a broken twig. The anterior aperture is completely closed, the loose edges being drawn together and fastened like a bag. The posterior end of the case is twisted up for some little distance above the extremity, thus completely closing the opening there situated. It is lined inside with a layer of very soft silk, spun loosely over the sides, and partly filling up each end. In the centre of this the pupa lies with its head towards the lower portion of the case, the old larval skin being thrust backwards amongst the loose silk above the chrysalis. In this stage of existence the extraordinary sexual disparities, which are so characteristic of the family, manifest themselves, the male and female pup? being very widely different in all respects. The former is figured at 1c, the female pupa differing from it in the following particulars. It is much larger and more cylindrical in shape, the abdomen occupying nearly the whole of the body, and consisting of nine visible segments, the terminal one being obtusely conical. The head and thorax are very rudimentary, more resembling those of the larva than the male, all the appendages being, however, reduced to hardly visible warts. In colour it is pitchy black and shining, and its length is about ten lines. This insect

y Noc

a (Plate XIII., f

ect, is occasionally taken at light

ntity of pale-brown "frass," visible at the bases of the leaves. The formidable spear-like points with which this plant is armed must afford the caterpillar considerable protection from enemies. As a rule a single

amber, amongst the roots of the spear-gra

have seen it as high as 4,000 feet in the Nelson

y Noc

striga (Plate

latter end of summer, being one of the la

ds on grasses, but I h

female differing only in having her abdomen rounded at the ti

y Noc

(Plate X., fig

not infrequently selecting the deserted burrows of wood-boring beetles as a secure retreat from its enemies. When full grown it is olive-green, the colour being lighter on the ventral surface and between the segments. A row of ill-defined, feathery, black markings extends down the back and sides and there are also two tolerably conspicuous ochreish spots on every se

ts colouring renders it so inconspicuous amongst moss that I have frequently lifted a handful of the latter out of the breeding cage, and only discovered that the insects had emerged by their falling from the moss on to the table. A very noticeable peculiarity in this sp

y Noc

late X., fig. 7, 7

black spot on each side of the second to eighth abdominal segments, and a cloudy lateral line of the same colour; the legs and prolegs being pale green, and the whole insect more or less marbled with black. This description and the figure on Plate X. exhibit the usual peculiarities of the larva, but in some individuals the markings there indicated are quite obsolete, and the insect is of an almost uniform pale-green colour. When mature, this caterpillar sometimes constructs a slight cocoon amongst moss, on fallen trees, but more often buries itself in the usual manner, the moth app

y Noc

ta (Plate X., fi

e spring and autumn i

very inconspicuous when amongst the grass. Sometimes it occurs in great numbers, nearly every blade of grass having its caterpillar; in fact this was almost the case in the Wairarapa valley in the summer of 1886, when the larv? must have produced a marked effect on the paddocks. When full-grown this caterpillar changes into a light chestnu

y Noc

striga (Plate

occasionally occur among the hosts of other Noctu?. The larva, which feeds on the honeysuckle, is of a pale brown colour, with two obscure darker lines on each side, the under-surface being light slate-colour. The pupa state is spent in the ground, and m

y Noc

ra (Plate X., fi

h yellow subdorsal and lateral lines and numerous streaks and dots of the same hue. The ventral surface is a rich yellowish brown, and the subventral line white, the spiracles being white with black rings; a reddish blotch also adorns each of the three thoracic segments. It feeds voraciously on geraniums, tomatoes, peas, and many other garden plants, where it often commits the most serious ravages. About the end of April it is full-grown, when it descends to the ground and bu

y Noc

(Plate X., fig

ted plants, and is doing much good in the Nelson gardens by the havoc which it is committing among the Scotch thistles-weeds equally injurious to the agriculturalist and the gardener, not only crowding out useful plants, but rapidly exhausting the soil in which they grow. Formerly this insect must have fed exclusively on the New Zealand nightshade (Solanum aviculare), on which plant it may still be occasionally found in the forest, where no imported species are available, but, like many other caterpillars in this country, it is forsaking the native vegetation for the European. When full-grown, this larva spins a slight coco

Geome

a (Plate XI., f

is a pseudo-geometer possessing twelve legs (Fig. 1a), and thus almost exactly resembling the caterpillars of the genus Catocala, belonging to the Noctuid?; the curious filaments on each side of the insect making this likeness still more complete. It feeds on the "New Zealand currant" (A. racemosa), from which, individuals can be occasionally beaten during the spring and early summer. They are almost impossible to find by searching in the ordinary way, from a habit they possess of clinging firmly to the twigs, which they exactly imitate in colour. When full-grown this caterpillar constru

Geome

(Plate XI., fig. 2

at night, from October till March, but is most abundant o

colour is darker, except on the thorax, where it is green, the legs being also green. There are in addition numerous fine, wavy lines down the back and sides of the larva, and the dorsal surface of the thoracic segments and ventral prolegs are bright reddish brown (Fig. 2b). These l

' time. The sexes are widely different, both being figured on the Plate (Fig. 2 ♂, 2a ♀). I have noticed that at least four fem

Geome

aria (Plate XI.,

picuous lateral lines are then reduced to a single obscure ochreous band. These caterpillars are very inconspicuous during the daytime, as they remain quite motionless for hours together, sticking straight out from the stems of their food-plant, which they closely resemble. The pupa is unusually robust, and possesses a sharp spine at its extremity. In colour it is pale olive brown, with a pinkish line on each side of the abdomen, the wing-cases being more or l

Geome

Plate XI., fig. 4; Pla

ly amongst foliage during the summer, but most abund

derful resemblance to the buds of the plant, and can only be dislodged by vigorous beating. It is easily reared in cap

t green in colour, becoming brown at o

pes. The spiracles and antenn? are pink and very conspicuous. The legs and prolegs are very small, and the latter are bright red in colour; a fleshy process which projects from the last segment of the larva is similarly coloured. The whole insect

the autumn and occasionally in the winter. As the larv? grow very slowly I am incline

Geome

a (Plate XI., f

ern, growing in many open spots in the forest to a height of three or four feet. Its general colour is dull brownish yellow, slightly darker on the back, and ornamented with a number of wavy yellow lines on each side. The ventral surface and

they are not subject to any notable variations. The specimen drawn at Fig. 6 is regarded as a variety of this species by Mr. Meyrick, but I myself believe it to be quite distinct, as among over a doze

Geome

a (Plate XI., fig. 8

mer, often noticed at rest on fences and trees during the day and

(Metrosideros scandens) are dark reddish brown. Fig. 8b is drawn from a larva found on the fuchsia, which, when in its favourite position, viz., sticking straight out from the side of a branch, is so much like one of the sprouting twigs that it absolutely defies detection. When full-grown this insect buries itself abou

exists. The sexes are distinguished by the usual differences in the antenn?. My experience leads me to believe that the light varieties occur more frequently in the female than in the ma

Geome

a (Plate XI., fig.

rring in great numbers in the fo

ariably present. Other food-plants are the "currant" (A. racemosa), and the Myrtus bullata; those taken from the latter have a strong pinkish tint, and are consequently very inconspicuous amongst the young shoots where they generally feed. The burrows of Hepialus virescens are frequently utilized by the larv? which feed on the "currant," as convenient retreats during the winter, a large number being often found in a single hole. When full-grown they descend to the ground and construct, on the under-side of fallen leaves, loose cocoons of silk and earth from which the perfect insects emerge in about a month's time. The autumnal larv?, however, either hibernate or remain in the pupa state throughout the winter. This moth is even

Geome

a (Plate XII., fig.

ecimens, however, may be readily procured with a lantern at night, when they may be found walking about and eating. The pupa state is spent in the earth, about two inches below the surface, the moth appearing in three or four weeks' time, this period, however, being extended in the case of autumnal larv?, to as many months. It is extremely variable, scarcely two individuals being found exactly alike. The colouring, as in the caterpillar, is chiefly protective, consisting of a delicate tracery of browns and greys, wh

Geome

ata (Plate XIII.,

bers during January and February, in all open situ

through the winter, becoming full-grown in September, when it changes into a

wards and forming together a triangle, whence its name of deltoidata. Any unusual-looking specimens of this species should always be netted, in order to form a thoroughly representative series, as

Geome

ia (Plate XII.,

e legs and prolegs are also crimson, and the segments are divided by brilliant yellow rings, a white line extending down each side of the larva. It is difficult to find, as it remains closely concealed amongst the dense manuka foliage, from which it can only be dislodged by vigorous and continued beating. The caterpillars allow themselves to fall a short distance, hanging suspended by a silken thread,

a most beautiful insect, and may be found amongst the foliage of the ka

y Pyr

placa (Plate

ubtless many of the other Pyrales we meet with in the New Zealand forest have similar habits, their larv? probably feeding on different kinds of mosses. These can always be ex

y Pyr

lla (Plate XIII.,

little insect, that rises in such multitudes from ever

ots in which it resides. These caterpillars are very active, and consequently rather difficul

er, changing into pup? about September, from whic

us and the closely allied genus Xeroscopa (Meyr) probably do n

y Pyr

sellus (Plate

e it may be captured in the daytime or taken by hundreds at the attracting lamp in the

earing rather later in the season, the earliest specimens being met with

y Pyr

a (Plate XII., fig.

round patches of Muhlenbeckia adpressa, which grows f

pt until the moth emerges, as specimens obtained in this way are far superior to any captured in the open. The pupa is dark brown, and shining; it lies in the centre of one of the swellings, the larva having previously prepared a safe outlet for the moth in the for

suffused with dark brown, while the females usually resemble the figure (3), and are often more than twice the size of their mates. This insect is generally placed in

Tortr

opa (Plate XIII.,

in openings in the forest, and usually flies away with

lowish white, darker on the back, some specimens becoming quite pink on the dorsal surface. When full-grown it encloses itself i

ing much broader wings, and darker in colour than those i

as the larva may be found feeding in t

Tortr

a (Plate XIII., f

in New Zealand, and may be found almost with

in a state of nature. It now, however, eats numerous European plants, including honeysuckle and occasionally the fruit of the appl

aries considerably; it feeds between several rolled-up leaves, in which it is af

ss suffused with yellow. It is most abundant in the middle of summer, a

Tortr

bliquana (Plate

ore assuming the pupa state this insect provides a ready means of escape for the future moth by drilling a small hole through the hard shell and pulp of the peach to the air; it also spins a slight cocoon inside the stone, the pupa resting in the place formerly occupied by the kernel,

y Tin

(Plate XII., fig. 7

destructive, feeding on dried peas, amongst which it creates great havoc, drilling numerous holes through them and spinning a large number together, in the centre of which the caterpillar undergoes its change into a pupa

y Tin

(Plate XIII., f

t is extremely abundant

brown with a yellowish head and white markings. It is very large, considering the size of the future moth, full-grown specimens often measuring as muc

nd, where it is very inconspicuous. It also has a habit of running into any crevice immediately on the approach of an enem

y Tin

a (Plate XII., fig.

us), feeding on the soft inner surface, but leaving the hard wood untouched. In colour it is pale yellow, the head and prothorax are dark brown and corneous, and the remaining segments are provided with two

rmly woven together with silk, and attached to the inner surface of the bark, where it may be s

ngs are completely concealed by the dark upper pair, which render its discovery very difficult. The sexes may be at o