Wales, remarkable for their economy in the larva state, imitating in this respect the goat moths, Ægeriæ, &c., but differing from them materially in the winged state.[1] The wings are smooth and generally glossy; the antennæ of the males pectinated, but terminated by a thread at the extremity. The female antennæ are filiform; the palpi are curved up before the eyes, divergent, round, and terminating in a point; and the spiral tongue is described as short or not at all discernible. In several respects this genus seems allied to the Arctiidæ, but its true relations are doubtful.
The species here figured is distinguished by its dusky grey anterior wings, thickly speckled with brown and white dots, a conspicuous ear-like mark, and an angular patch of dark dots near the shoulder; the hind-wings are dark, with a silvery margin.
The eggs of this moth are deposited on the bark of the Casaurina figured, where some branch shoots from the stem; and the larva, when hatched, immediately enters into the bark, boring downwards a cylindrical cell to the centre of the stem, which it increases as it grows in bulk, and uses as a retreat and dwelling-place, weaving over its entrance a convex covering, in which is interwoven the ends of leaves, together with some of its excrement, as represented on the plate. This covering is fastened securely at the upper end, while the lower is left in
- ↑ The genus corresponds to Nycterobius of Macleay. We have placed it provisionally at the end of the Hepialidæ, in consequence of the similarity in the habits of the larvæ.
