The larva is rather stout, with the anterior segments wrinkled. It varies much in colour; the dorsal surface is usually reddish-brown; the lateral line is broad and black; a series of subdorsal stripes are also black; the ventral surface is green. Sometimes these markings are hardly visible, and the larva is entirely green, whilst occasionally the brown colouring predominates.
The larva is rather stout, with the anterior segments wrinkled. It varies much in colour; the dorsal surface is usually reddish-brown; the lateral line is broad and black; a series of subdorsal stripes are also black; the ventral surface is green. Sometimes these markings are hardly visible, and the larva is entirely green, whilst occasionally the brown colouring predominates.
It is a sluggish caterpillar, and feeds on low plants (Plantago, &c.) during the whole of the spring and summer. It often frequents the luxuriant growth surrounding logs and stones which have long been left undisturbed.
The pupa state is spent in the earth or amongst moss on fallen trees. When this stage occurs in the summer it is of short duration, but in the case of larvæ becoming full grown in the autumn, the regular emergence does not take place until the following spring.
The moth may be observed on mild evenings nearly all the year round, but is commoner during the summer. It is an extremely abundant species, and is very often seen resting on tree trunks during the daytime, in which position the colouring of both sexes will be seen to be very protective.
MELANCHRA AGORASTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra agorastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)
(PlateV., fig. 30 ♀.)
This species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and at Akaroa and Lake Guyon in the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches.The fore-wings are rich reddish-brown, with dull yellowish-white markings; the claviform is small, grey, margined with dark reddish-brown; the orbicular is also rather small, grey, margined with dull white; the reniform is rather large, oblong, dark grey, margined rather broadly with yellowish-white. The hind-wings are dark brown.The antennæ of the male are shortly pectinated.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches.The fore-wings are rich reddish-brown, with dull yellowish-white markings; the claviform is small, grey, margined with dark reddish-brown; the orbicular is also rather small, grey, margined with dull white; the reniform is rather large, oblong, dark grey, margined rather broadly with yellowish-white. The hind-wings are dark brown.The antennæ of the male are shortly pectinated.
This species very closely resembles a dark specimen ofMelanchra pelistisso far as the female is concerned, which is the only sex I have had an opportunity of examining.
The perfect insect appears in February and March. It is a scarce species.
MELANCHRA PICTULA, White.
(Dianthoecia pictula, White, Tayl. New Zeal., pl. i. 3.Meterana pictula, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 386, pl. xlii. 1.Mamestra pictula, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)
(Dianthoecia pictula, White, Tayl. New Zeal., pl. i. 3.Meterana pictula, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 386, pl. xlii. 1.Mamestra pictula, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 18.)
(PlateIV., fig. 37 ♂.)
Three specimens of this handsome species have occurred at Lake Coleridge in the South Island.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅝ inches. The fore-wings are grey, very faintly tinged with pink, the markings are yellowish-green margined with black,the reniform is large, oval, clear white, with a minute white dot above and below it, there is a series of conspicuous black-edged yellow spots near the termen; the cilia are grey with a series of minute black and white dots at their base.The hind-wings are pale crimson shaded with dark grey near the termen, there is an obscure grey spot near the middle; the cilia are grey. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅝ inches. The fore-wings are grey, very faintly tinged with pink, the markings are yellowish-green margined with black,the reniform is large, oval, clear white, with a minute white dot above and below it, there is a series of conspicuous black-edged yellow spots near the termen; the cilia are grey with a series of minute black and white dots at their base.The hind-wings are pale crimson shaded with dark grey near the termen, there is an obscure grey spot near the middle; the cilia are grey. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
The moth appears in March.
Described and figured from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA RHODOPLEURA, Meyr.
(Mamestra rhodopleura, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 19.)
(PlateIV., fig. 38.)
This species has been taken in the North Island at Napier and Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are greenish-grey, with the markings yellow margined with black;the hind-wings are dark greywith a terminal series of small yellow spots. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are greenish-grey, with the markings yellow margined with black;the hind-wings are dark greywith a terminal series of small yellow spots. The sides of the abdomen are bright crimson.
This insect is very closely allied toMelanchra pictula,but the absence of the white reniform spot and the grey hind-wings, will at once distinguish it from that species.
The perfect insect appears in May and June. It is decidedly rare.
MELANCHRA MEROPE, n. sp.
(PlateV., fig. 2.)
A single specimen of this handsome insect was taken in the Wellington Botanical Gardens in October, 1887.
The expansion of the wings is nearly two inches.The fore-wings are rich chocolate-brown, with yellow markings outlined in very deep brown; there is a rather broad broken transverse line near the base; a yellow blotch containing a slender curved brown line, on the dorsum at about one-fourth, forming the end of another extremely broken transverse line;the reniform is large, finely outlined with brown towards the base of the wing and half filled in with yellow towards the termen; between the reniform and the dorsum there is a jagged yellow transverse line; there is a terminal series of dark brown streaks and yellow spots, and the termen itself is scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are pale brown, pinkish tinged; there is an obscure terminal line; the cilia are brownish-pink. The head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen pale brown, with the crests darker.
The expansion of the wings is nearly two inches.The fore-wings are rich chocolate-brown, with yellow markings outlined in very deep brown; there is a rather broad broken transverse line near the base; a yellow blotch containing a slender curved brown line, on the dorsum at about one-fourth, forming the end of another extremely broken transverse line;the reniform is large, finely outlined with brown towards the base of the wing and half filled in with yellow towards the termen; between the reniform and the dorsum there is a jagged yellow transverse line; there is a terminal series of dark brown streaks and yellow spots, and the termen itself is scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are pale brown, pinkish tinged; there is an obscure terminal line; the cilia are brownish-pink. The head and thorax are dark brown, the abdomen pale brown, with the crests darker.
MELANCHRA PELISTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra pelistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.)
(PlateV., fig. 3 ♂, 4 ♀.)
This species has occurred at Wellington and at Paikakariki, in the North Island. In the South Island it has been found at Akaroa and Lake Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous more or less shaded with dark reddish-brown,especially in the vicinity of the transverse lines; there are several obscure pale marks near the base;the orbicular is grey, margined towards the dorsum with a conspicuous white or dull yellow crescentic line; the claviform is small, round, dull grey, edged with darker; the reniform is large, darker grey, paler towards the costa, margined withwhite or dull yellow towards the base of the wing and termen; there are two obscure transverse lines, the outer one often being slightly toothed towards the termen; sometimes there is a terminal series of minute black marks; the cilia are brown. The hind-wings are dark grey, with the cilia white.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dull ochreous more or less shaded with dark reddish-brown,especially in the vicinity of the transverse lines; there are several obscure pale marks near the base;the orbicular is grey, margined towards the dorsum with a conspicuous white or dull yellow crescentic line; the claviform is small, round, dull grey, edged with darker; the reniform is large, darker grey, paler towards the costa, margined withwhite or dull yellow towards the base of the wing and termen; there are two obscure transverse lines, the outer one often being slightly toothed towards the termen; sometimes there is a terminal series of minute black marks; the cilia are brown. The hind-wings are dark grey, with the cilia white.
This species varies considerably in the ground colouring of the fore-wings. In some specimens the wing is almost entirely rich reddish-brown, whilst in others this colouring is confined to the vicinity of the stigmata and transverse lines. Numerous intermediate varieties exist which seem to connect these two forms.
The perfect insect appears in January, February, and March. It is very common in the Wellington Botanical Gardens on the white rata blossoms.
MELANCHRA PROTEASTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra vitiosa, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20 (nec Butl.).Mamestra proteastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xx. 45.)
(PlateIV., fig. 40 ♂.)
This insect is very common in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown; there are several very obscure marks near the base, the orbicular and claviform spots are almost invisible, the reniform is pale brown with a minute dot above and below it towards the termen, followed by a pale, darker-margined, transverse line. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey, with the cilia paler. The female is rather darker in colour than the male.This is a very obscurely marked insect, closely allied to the next species, from which it can only be distinguished with difficulty.Its somewhat smaller size and the two minute white dots on the reniform stigma appear to be the most definite characteristics.
The expansion of the wings is 1¼ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown; there are several very obscure marks near the base, the orbicular and claviform spots are almost invisible, the reniform is pale brown with a minute dot above and below it towards the termen, followed by a pale, darker-margined, transverse line. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey, with the cilia paler. The female is rather darker in colour than the male.
This is a very obscurely marked insect, closely allied to the next species, from which it can only be distinguished with difficulty.Its somewhat smaller size and the two minute white dots on the reniform stigma appear to be the most definite characteristics.
The perfect insect appears in May and June.
Described and figured from specimens in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA VITIOSA, Butl.
(Apamea vitiosa, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pl. xlii. 3.Mamestra ochthistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.Mamestra vitiosa, Meyr. Trans. N. Z. Inst., xx. 45.)
(Apamea vitiosa, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pl. xlii. 3.Mamestra ochthistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 20.Mamestra vitiosa, Meyr. Trans. N. Z. Inst., xx. 45.)
(PlateIV., fig. 42; PlateIII., fig. 16, larva.)
This is a scarce species in the neighbourhood of Wellington. In Christchurch it is very common.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. In general colouration it closely resembles the preceding insect, but is considerably paler, with the markings much more distinct. There are no clear white dots above or below the reniform stigma, the orbicular is obliquely oval and rather conspicuous, and the claviform is strongly margined with black.The larva is rather robust, very pale green above with numerous white lines and dots; dark green beneath with yellow dots. In the light part there is a triangle of black spots on each segment. The young larva has a strong pink lateral line, but in mature specimens this line is confined to the anterior and posterior segments only. Length when full grown about 1¼ inches.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. In general colouration it closely resembles the preceding insect, but is considerably paler, with the markings much more distinct. There are no clear white dots above or below the reniform stigma, the orbicular is obliquely oval and rather conspicuous, and the claviform is strongly margined with black.
The larva is rather robust, very pale green above with numerous white lines and dots; dark green beneath with yellow dots. In the light part there is a triangle of black spots on each segment. The young larva has a strong pink lateral line, but in mature specimens this line is confined to the anterior and posterior segments only. Length when full grown about 1¼ inches.
This caterpillar feeds onMelicope simplex, and when amongst the foliage of its food-plant it is extremely hard to detect, owing to its protective colouring and sluggish habits. The larva is full grown about October.
The pupa is enclosed in a light cocoon on the surface of the ground.
The perfect insect appears from November till April.
MELANCHRA DIATMETA, Meyr.[15]
(PlateV., fig. 5.)
This species has occurred at Wellington.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown; there is a short longitudinal black streak near the base, an obscure yellow transverse line at about one-fourth, and several short oblique brown or yellow marks on the costa; the orbicular is oval oblique outlined very distinctly in yellow; the reniform is white, margined with yellow towards the base of the wing;there is a black longitudinal streak at the base on the dorsum, which bends upwards at about one-fourth, and runs in a somewhat curved direction to a little above the tornus. The veins are faintly marked in black, and there are several large yellow dots between the veins near the termen; the termen itself is slightly indented, the cilia are reddish-brown. The hind-wings are greyish-brown with the cilia reddish. There are two very conspicuous curved yellowish stripes on each side of the thorax.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown; there is a short longitudinal black streak near the base, an obscure yellow transverse line at about one-fourth, and several short oblique brown or yellow marks on the costa; the orbicular is oval oblique outlined very distinctly in yellow; the reniform is white, margined with yellow towards the base of the wing;there is a black longitudinal streak at the base on the dorsum, which bends upwards at about one-fourth, and runs in a somewhat curved direction to a little above the tornus. The veins are faintly marked in black, and there are several large yellow dots between the veins near the termen; the termen itself is slightly indented, the cilia are reddish-brown. The hind-wings are greyish-brown with the cilia reddish. There are two very conspicuous curved yellowish stripes on each side of the thorax.
The perfect insect appears in September and October. It is a rare species.
MELANCHRA TARTAREA, Butl.
(Graphiphora tartarea, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 384, pl. xlii. 2.Mamestra tartarea, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)
(PlateV., fig. 6.)
This species has occurred on the Murimutu Plains in the North Island. In the South Island it is a common species in the neighbourhood of Christchurch.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown; there is a short, dark-margined, pale transverse line near the base, and another at about one-third, the claviform spot is small, oval, dark brown, margined with black, the orbicular and reniform are very large, pale brown and very conspicuous;there is a broad pale brown terminal band, and a narrow shading of pale brown along the dorsum. The hind-wings are dark grey and the cilia dull white.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark chocolate-brown; there is a short, dark-margined, pale transverse line near the base, and another at about one-third, the claviform spot is small, oval, dark brown, margined with black, the orbicular and reniform are very large, pale brown and very conspicuous;there is a broad pale brown terminal band, and a narrow shading of pale brown along the dorsum. The hind-wings are dark grey and the cilia dull white.
This species can easily be recognised by the pale terminal band of the fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in March and April.
MELANCHRA HOMOSCIA, Meyr.
(Mamestra homoscia, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 21.)
(PlateV., fig. 7; PlateIII., fig. 10, larva.)|.
This dull-looking species has hitherto only occurred in the Wellington district, where it seems to be fairly common.
The expansion of the wings is about 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are uniform dark grey; the veins are marked with a series of white dots, preceded and followed by black marks; the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are scarcely visible; an indistinct wavy line runs parallel with the termen. The hind-wings are grey; the cilia are white with a cloudy line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are grey.Sometimes the grey colouring is very much darker, and a faint wavy line is present between the orbicular spot and the base of the wing. In other respects the species does not vary.The larva is rather attenuated and black in colour; the dorsal line is narrow and bright yellow; the subdorsal is broader and white; and the lateral line is pale brown. The head, legs, prolegs, and under surface are pale brown, speckled with black; the spiracles are pink; a conspicuous white spot is situated above the spiracles.
The expansion of the wings is about 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are uniform dark grey; the veins are marked with a series of white dots, preceded and followed by black marks; the orbicular, reniform, and claviform spots are scarcely visible; an indistinct wavy line runs parallel with the termen. The hind-wings are grey; the cilia are white with a cloudy line. The head, thorax, and abdomen are grey.
Sometimes the grey colouring is very much darker, and a faint wavy line is present between the orbicular spot and the base of the wing. In other respects the species does not vary.
The larva is rather attenuated and black in colour; the dorsal line is narrow and bright yellow; the subdorsal is broader and white; and the lateral line is pale brown. The head, legs, prolegs, and under surface are pale brown, speckled with black; the spiracles are pink; a conspicuous white spot is situated above the spiracles.
This caterpillar feeds on the Tauhinu (Pomaderris ericifolia) in December and January. It is very active in its habits, and immediately drops to the ground when disturbed. It is much infested by a dipterous parasite. The pupa state is spent in the earth and lasts about six weeks.
The moth appears in February, March, and April. It is attracted by light, and in consequence often enters houses.
MELANCHRA OMICRON, n. sp.
(PlateV., fig. 42.)
This species was discovered at Wellington by Mr. A. Norris.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale olive-green, mottled and striped with dull grey; there is a double transverse line near the base, another at about one-fourth, and another at about one-half, passing between the orbicular and the reniform; beyond this there are two indistinct shaded lines, and a terminal series of black marks;the orbicular is large, almost circular, and sharply outlined in black; the claviform is small and indistinct, and the reniform ill-defined, obscurely outlined in black towards the base. The hind-wings are brownish-grey, darker towards the termen.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale olive-green, mottled and striped with dull grey; there is a double transverse line near the base, another at about one-fourth, and another at about one-half, passing between the orbicular and the reniform; beyond this there are two indistinct shaded lines, and a terminal series of black marks;the orbicular is large, almost circular, and sharply outlined in black; the claviform is small and indistinct, and the reniform ill-defined, obscurely outlined in black towards the base. The hind-wings are brownish-grey, darker towards the termen.
The perfect insect appears in November.
MELANCHRA COMPOSITA, Gn.
(Cloantha composita, Gn., Noct. vi. 114.Auchmis composita, Walk., Noct. 616; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 12.Mamestra maori, Feld., Reis. Nov., pl. cix. 24.Leucania dentigera, Butl.Mamestra composita, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)
(Cloantha composita, Gn., Noct. vi. 114.Auchmis composita, Walk., Noct. 616; Butl., Voy. Ereb., pl. ix. 12.Mamestra maori, Feld., Reis. Nov., pl. cix. 24.Leucania dentigera, Butl.Mamestra composita, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)
(PlateV., fig. 8 ♂, 9 ♀; PlateIII., fig. 7, larva.)
One of the most abundant of our night-flying moths, occurring in great profusion throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale reddish-brown, darker towards the middle. There are two elongate, pointed, white markings touching the termen below the middle, and a central white streak, interrupted in the middle, by a small semicircular white mark, which represents the lower portion of the reniform spot; the orbicular and claviform spots are obsolete. The hind-wings are dark grey. The head and thorax are reddish-brown, and the abdomen is dark grey. The antennæ are serrate in the male but simple in the female. In some specimens the white markings are more extensive than usual, but otherwise there are no important variations.The larva is bright reddish-brown; the dorsal stripe is broad and black; the subdorsal narrower, edged with white; the lateral lines are dull red, white, and black; the ventral surface, head, legs, and prolegs are greenish-grey with black markings; the spiracles are black.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are pale reddish-brown, darker towards the middle. There are two elongate, pointed, white markings touching the termen below the middle, and a central white streak, interrupted in the middle, by a small semicircular white mark, which represents the lower portion of the reniform spot; the orbicular and claviform spots are obsolete. The hind-wings are dark grey. The head and thorax are reddish-brown, and the abdomen is dark grey. The antennæ are serrate in the male but simple in the female. In some specimens the white markings are more extensive than usual, but otherwise there are no important variations.
The larva is bright reddish-brown; the dorsal stripe is broad and black; the subdorsal narrower, edged with white; the lateral lines are dull red, white, and black; the ventral surface, head, legs, and prolegs are greenish-grey with black markings; the spiracles are black.
This caterpillar varies considerably in the intensity of the light and dark markings. It feeds on grasses in January and September, and is very active. It often occurs in prodigious numbers, and at such times may frequently be seen travelling at a great rate over bare ground in search of food. Amongst the grass it is hard to detect, as the striped colouring is very protective in that situation.
The pupa state is spent in the earth, or under moss on fallen trees.
The moth appears from September till April. It is double-brooded. A few of the second brood emerge in the autumn and hibernate as moths, but the majority pass the winter in the pupa state. Hence we sometimes meet with specimens on mild evenings in the middle of winter.
This insect is much attracted by light, and occasionally assembles in vast numbers round a brilliant lamp. I have had as many as one hundred specimens in my verandah at Karori, attracted during two or three hours. It is by far the commonest insect at the collectors' sugar, the numerous visitors of this species eagerly jostling each other in their haste to obtain a share of the sweets.M. compositais likewise observed in the utmost profusion on attractive flowers of all kinds, crowding out the rarer and more aristocratic species. Mr. Hanify has drawn my attention to the remarkable habit this insect has of suddenly stoppingduring its flight, and thus eluding pursuit. It also takes wing with unusual rapidity. Specimens of this moth may constantly be observed at rest in various situations during the daytime, when the protective character of the colouring will be at once apparent, especially when the insect is partially concealed amongst grass. Mr. Meyrick informs us that this species is common in Tasmania and South-Eastern Australia.
MELANCHRA STEROPASTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra steropastis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 22.)
(PlateV., fig. 10 ♂, 11 ♀.)
This insect has occurred in the North Island at Napier. In the South Island it has been taken at Blenheim and Christchurch, but does not seem to be a common species anywhere.
The expansion of the wings is from 1¼ to 1½ inches. In general appearance it somewhat resembles the preceding species, from which it may chiefly be distinguished by the absence of the sharp white central line and conspicuous tooth-like markings near the termen.There is also a minute white dot situated at the junction of veins 3 and 4 of the fore-wings.The hind-wings are dark grey.
The expansion of the wings is from 1¼ to 1½ inches. In general appearance it somewhat resembles the preceding species, from which it may chiefly be distinguished by the absence of the sharp white central line and conspicuous tooth-like markings near the termen.There is also a minute white dot situated at the junction of veins 3 and 4 of the fore-wings.The hind-wings are dark grey.
The perfect insect appears from November till February.
Described and figured from Mr. Fereday's specimens.
MELANCHRA INFENSA, Walk.
(Orthosia infensa, Walk. 748.Mamestra arachnias, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 23.Mamestra infensa, Meyr., ib. xx. 45.)
(PlateV., fig. 12.)
This species has occurred in the North Island at Napier, and in the South Island at Blenheim.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown, slightly speckled with dull white except on a suffused central streak from the base to about two-thirds; an obscure, moderately broad white costal streak extends from the base to two-thirds, sharply defined near the base only, and containing several very oblique ill-defined blackish marks; the orbicular is narrow oval, longitudinal, very finely margined with white and then with black; the claviform is obsolete; the reniform is only indicated by two white dots, representing its lower angles; the transverse lines are very acutely dentate but hardly traceable; the subterminal line is indicated only by three very acute slender whitish-ochreous dentations—one below apex, two touching the termen below the middle; the cilia are reddish-brown mixed with dull white. The hind-wings are dark grey; the cilia are dull white, with a faint grey line and tips white. The head, palpi, and thorax are reddish-brown speckled with white; the forehead with two black transverse lines; and the collar with a slender white line; thorax with strong anterior double tuft. Abdomen light reddish-grey.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are reddish-brown, slightly speckled with dull white except on a suffused central streak from the base to about two-thirds; an obscure, moderately broad white costal streak extends from the base to two-thirds, sharply defined near the base only, and containing several very oblique ill-defined blackish marks; the orbicular is narrow oval, longitudinal, very finely margined with white and then with black; the claviform is obsolete; the reniform is only indicated by two white dots, representing its lower angles; the transverse lines are very acutely dentate but hardly traceable; the subterminal line is indicated only by three very acute slender whitish-ochreous dentations—one below apex, two touching the termen below the middle; the cilia are reddish-brown mixed with dull white. The hind-wings are dark grey; the cilia are dull white, with a faint grey line and tips white. The head, palpi, and thorax are reddish-brown speckled with white; the forehead with two black transverse lines; and the collar with a slender white line; thorax with strong anterior double tuft. Abdomen light reddish-grey.
Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA OMOPLACA, Meyr.
(Mamestra omoplaca, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 24.)
(PlateV., fig. 13.)
This species has occurred in the South Island at Lake Coleridge and Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark reddish-brown, there is a short black median streak from the base, margined above with ochreous-white; the space between this and the costa is marked with suffused ochreous-whitish lines; in one specimena blackish suffusion extending from base of the dorsum obliquely to orbicular and reniform, the space between this and the subterminal line is suffused with pale whitish-ochreous; the orbicular and reniform are blackish-fuscous, black-margined, and connected by a blackish-fuscous spot; the orbicular is large, roundish; the reniform with its outer edge white; the claviform is small, suboval, blackish-fuscous; the transverse lines are indistinct; the subterminal is obscurely paler or hardly traceable, with two somewhat acute dentations below the middle; the terminal space is mixed with blackish-fuscous; the cilia are reddish-fuscous mixed with blackish. The hind-wings are fuscous-grey; the cilia grey-whitish, with a grey line.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches. The fore-wings are dark reddish-brown, there is a short black median streak from the base, margined above with ochreous-white; the space between this and the costa is marked with suffused ochreous-whitish lines; in one specimena blackish suffusion extending from base of the dorsum obliquely to orbicular and reniform, the space between this and the subterminal line is suffused with pale whitish-ochreous; the orbicular and reniform are blackish-fuscous, black-margined, and connected by a blackish-fuscous spot; the orbicular is large, roundish; the reniform with its outer edge white; the claviform is small, suboval, blackish-fuscous; the transverse lines are indistinct; the subterminal is obscurely paler or hardly traceable, with two somewhat acute dentations below the middle; the terminal space is mixed with blackish-fuscous; the cilia are reddish-fuscous mixed with blackish. The hind-wings are fuscous-grey; the cilia grey-whitish, with a grey line.
The perfect insect appears in December, February, and March.
Description compiled from that of Mr. Meyrick. Figured by Mr. W. B. Hudson from a specimen in Mr. Fereday's collection.
MELANCHRA ALCYONE, n. sp.
(PlateV., fig. 14 ♂.)
During the autumn of 1894 several specimens of this interesting species were captured in the Wellington Botanical Gardens by Mr. A. Norris.
The expansion of the wings of the ♂ is 1⅝ inches, of the ♀ 1½ inches. The fore-wings of the male arewarm brown, darker towards the base; there is a wavy, white-edged, black, transverse line at about one-fifth, followed by a round black spot;the costa is yellowish, with four pairs of short oblique black marks; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique, pale yellowish-brown slightly darker in the middle; the claviform is small, obscure, and brownish-black; the reniform is black, outlined with dull white;there is a series of very acute, dull white, tooth-like terminal markings, and the termen itself is slightly scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are grey with a series of small dark marks on the termen; the cilia are reddish-ochreous. The head and anterior portion of the thorax are reddish-ochreous; the rest of the thorax is rich brown, and there is a conspicuous black transverse line between the pale and dark colouring; the abdomen is reddish-ochreous with the crests reddish-brown. The female is much darker and duller than the male, the markings are much less distinct, there are several additional jagged transverse lines, and the white markings of the male are indistinctly indicated in drab.
The expansion of the wings of the ♂ is 1⅝ inches, of the ♀ 1½ inches. The fore-wings of the male arewarm brown, darker towards the base; there is a wavy, white-edged, black, transverse line at about one-fifth, followed by a round black spot;the costa is yellowish, with four pairs of short oblique black marks; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique, pale yellowish-brown slightly darker in the middle; the claviform is small, obscure, and brownish-black; the reniform is black, outlined with dull white;there is a series of very acute, dull white, tooth-like terminal markings, and the termen itself is slightly scalloped; the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are grey with a series of small dark marks on the termen; the cilia are reddish-ochreous. The head and anterior portion of the thorax are reddish-ochreous; the rest of the thorax is rich brown, and there is a conspicuous black transverse line between the pale and dark colouring; the abdomen is reddish-ochreous with the crests reddish-brown. The female is much darker and duller than the male, the markings are much less distinct, there are several additional jagged transverse lines, and the white markings of the male are indistinctly indicated in drab.
The perfect insect appears in March.
MELANCHRA DOTATA, Walk.
(Dasypolia dotata, Walk., Noct. 522.Mamestra dotata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 24.)
(PlateV., fig. 16.)
This species has occurred at Nelson.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are very dark brownish-black; there are several obscure black marks near the base;the orbicular is large, oblong, finely margined with black, the claviform is triangular, also finely margined with black, both orbicular and claviform are surrounded by a conspicuous black shading; the reniform is large ear-shaped, white towards the termen and dark brown towards the base of the wing, the white portion is traversed by a curved brownish line; there is a curved transverse line near the termen, the space immediately inside this line being paler than the rest of the wing; there is a terminal series of obscure pale dots. The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the base; the cilia are also brown.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches. The fore-wings are very dark brownish-black; there are several obscure black marks near the base;the orbicular is large, oblong, finely margined with black, the claviform is triangular, also finely margined with black, both orbicular and claviform are surrounded by a conspicuous black shading; the reniform is large ear-shaped, white towards the termen and dark brown towards the base of the wing, the white portion is traversed by a curved brownish line; there is a curved transverse line near the termen, the space immediately inside this line being paler than the rest of the wing; there is a terminal series of obscure pale dots. The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the base; the cilia are also brown.
A single specimen of this insect was reared from a pupa found at Wakapuaka, near Nelson. Mr. Fereday also has a specimen, but without note of locality.
MELANCHRA ASTEROPE, n. sp.
(PlateV., fig. 15.)
A single specimen of this insect was taken at light on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, in January 1891, at about 3,600 feet above the sea-level.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are dull brownwith a pale area on the dorsum near the base, and a very broad pale band just before the termen; there is a brokenblack-edged transverse line near the base, and a fainter transverse line at about one-third; the orbicular is oblong, the claviform crescentic,and the reniform oblong, white, and very conspicuous, all are strongly outlined in black; there is a shaded transverse line on each side of the broad pale terminal band; the termen is dark brown; the cilia are brown, and the veins are marked in black. The hind-wings are pale grey; there is a rather conspicuous dark crescent in the middle, and two shaded transverse lines; the cilia are grey.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are dull brownwith a pale area on the dorsum near the base, and a very broad pale band just before the termen; there is a brokenblack-edged transverse line near the base, and a fainter transverse line at about one-third; the orbicular is oblong, the claviform crescentic,and the reniform oblong, white, and very conspicuous, all are strongly outlined in black; there is a shaded transverse line on each side of the broad pale terminal band; the termen is dark brown; the cilia are brown, and the veins are marked in black. The hind-wings are pale grey; there is a rather conspicuous dark crescent in the middle, and two shaded transverse lines; the cilia are grey.
This species is evidently allied toMelanchra dotata.
MELANCHRA STIPATA, Walk.
(Xylina stipata, Walk., Suppl. 753.Mamestra stipata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 25.)
(PlateV., fig. 17 ♀.)
This fine species has occurred at Wellington in the North Island, and in the South Island at Christchurch, and West Plains, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are brown; there is a shaded, pale yellowish-brown, longitudinal line on the costa,and an extensive irregular patch of the same colour from about two-thirds to within a short distance of the termen; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique, pale yellowish-brown; the claviform is semicircular, broadly margined with black; the reniform is dull grey, with one large and one small white mark towards the termen; the termen is broadly shaded with dark blackish-brown, except near the apex of the wing and a little below the middle. The hind-wings are dark brownish-grey, with the cilia reddish-brown. The female is rather paler with a slightly olive tinge. Both sexes vary a little in the depth of their colouring.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are brown; there is a shaded, pale yellowish-brown, longitudinal line on the costa,and an extensive irregular patch of the same colour from about two-thirds to within a short distance of the termen; the orbicular is large, oval, oblique, pale yellowish-brown; the claviform is semicircular, broadly margined with black; the reniform is dull grey, with one large and one small white mark towards the termen; the termen is broadly shaded with dark blackish-brown, except near the apex of the wing and a little below the middle. The hind-wings are dark brownish-grey, with the cilia reddish-brown. The female is rather paler with a slightly olive tinge. Both sexes vary a little in the depth of their colouring.
The perfect insect appears from October till May. It is common at Christchurch, but rather scarce in Wellington.
MELANCHRA OCTANS, n. sp.
(PlateV., fig. 1.)
This distinctly marked little species was discovered by Mr. Philpott, at Mount Linton, near Invercargill.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous-brown; there are several wavy brown transverse lines near the base, two lines at about one-third,then a largeV-shaped white mark extending almost from the costa and touching the dorsum; the orbicular and reniform spots are situated in the middle of this mark, the orbicular is very finely outlined in brown, and contains a black dot towards the base of the wing; the reniform is large, dark brown,surrounded by a large triangular dark brown shading; there is an obscure subterminal line; the termen is slightly indented. The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the termen.
The expansion of the wings is 1¾ inches. The fore-wings are pale ochreous-brown; there are several wavy brown transverse lines near the base, two lines at about one-third,then a largeV-shaped white mark extending almost from the costa and touching the dorsum; the orbicular and reniform spots are situated in the middle of this mark, the orbicular is very finely outlined in brown, and contains a black dot towards the base of the wing; the reniform is large, dark brown,surrounded by a large triangular dark brown shading; there is an obscure subterminal line; the termen is slightly indented. The hind-wings are dark brown, paler towards the termen.
This species may be immediately recognised by the large, white,V-shaped markings on the fore-wings.
The perfect insect appears in March.
MELANCHRA RUBESCENS, Butl.
(Xylophasia rubescens, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 489.Mamestra rubescens, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 25.)
(PlateV., fig. 18 ♂.)
This insect is apparently a mountain species. It has been taken at Mount Arthur, Castle Hill, and Lake Wakatipu.
The expansion of the wings is about 1⅝ inches. The fore-wings are pale orange-brown, the orbicular and claviform spots are faintly margined with reddish-brown; the reniform is dark brown and very conspicuous; there are two large reddish-brown markings on the termen. The hind-wings are dark grey tinged with red. The cilia of all the wings are reddish-brown.
The expansion of the wings is about 1⅝ inches. The fore-wings are pale orange-brown, the orbicular and claviform spots are faintly margined with reddish-brown; the reniform is dark brown and very conspicuous; there are two large reddish-brown markings on the termen. The hind-wings are dark grey tinged with red. The cilia of all the wings are reddish-brown.
This species varies slightly in the shape and extent of the markings on the termenof the fore-wings, which occasionally cause the pale ground colour to form tooth-like projections. It also varies a little in the intensity of the other markings, and in the depth of the ground colour.
The moth appears in January and February, and is attracted by light. I have taken it in some abundance on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at an altitude of 3,500 feet above the sea-level.
MELANCHRA LIGNANA, Walk.
(Hadena lignana, Walk., Noct. 758. ?Xylophasia morosa, Butl., Cist. Ent. ii. 543.Mamestra lignana, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(PlateV., fig. 19 ♂.)
This pretty species is very common at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island it has occurred at Mount Hutt.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches.The fore-wings are greyish-cream-colour, slightly paler on the costa. There are two very distinct blackish transverse marks on the costa near the base, and two others at about one-third;the stigmata are all sharply and finely outlined in black; the orbicular is oval, the claviform triangular, the reniform large and oblong, containing a smaller black-edged mark in its centre, and a blackish blotch towards its lower margin; beyond the reniform there is a faint jagged transverse line; there are two dark patches on the termen,the pale ground colour forming two sharp tooth-like markings slightly below the middle; the termen itself is slightly indented, and the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are dark grey with the cilia white.
The expansion of the wings is 1½ inches.The fore-wings are greyish-cream-colour, slightly paler on the costa. There are two very distinct blackish transverse marks on the costa near the base, and two others at about one-third;the stigmata are all sharply and finely outlined in black; the orbicular is oval, the claviform triangular, the reniform large and oblong, containing a smaller black-edged mark in its centre, and a blackish blotch towards its lower margin; beyond the reniform there is a faint jagged transverse line; there are two dark patches on the termen,the pale ground colour forming two sharp tooth-like markings slightly below the middle; the termen itself is slightly indented, and the cilia are dark brown. The hind-wings are dark grey with the cilia white.
Some specimens of this insect are slightly darker than others, but in other respects there are no important variations.
The perfect insect appears from October till April. It comes freely to sugar and to light, and is often taken at rest on trees and fences in the daytime.
MELANCHRA CŒLENO, n. sp.
(PlateIV., fig. 39.)
This interesting species has been taken at Wellington by Messrs. Hawthorne and Norris.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are very pale brownish-cream-colour;there is a large irregular dark brown patch on the dorsum from about one-eighth to about two-thirds, another smaller patch at the tornus, and another still smaller on the termen a little above the middle; there are two very obscure transverse lines; the orbicular is finely outlined in brown; the reniform contains two very dark brown dots, and is rather strongly outlined in brown towards the base. The hind-wings are dark grey. The cilia of all the wings are grey with a paler line.
The expansion of the wings is 1⅜ inches. The fore-wings are very pale brownish-cream-colour;there is a large irregular dark brown patch on the dorsum from about one-eighth to about two-thirds, another smaller patch at the tornus, and another still smaller on the termen a little above the middle; there are two very obscure transverse lines; the orbicular is finely outlined in brown; the reniform contains two very dark brown dots, and is rather strongly outlined in brown towards the base. The hind-wings are dark grey. The cilia of all the wings are grey with a paler line.
The perfect insect appears in November.
MELANCHRA USTISTRIGA, Walk.
(Xylina ustistriga, Walk., Noct. 630.X. lignisecta, ib., 631.Mamestra ustistriga, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 26.)
(PlateV., fig. 20 ♂, 20A♀.)
This beautiful insect has occurred commonly at Wellington in the North Island, and in the South Island, at Blenheim, Christchurch, and Lake Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1¾ inches.The fore-wings, head, and thorax are pinkish-grey in the male, pale grey in female; the orbicular spot is rather large, nearly round, finely outlined in black; the reniform is very large, margined with black towards the base of the wing, and usually touching the orbicular spot or connected with it by a short black line; the claviform is triangular, also black margined; there is a cloudy oblique line below the reniform, and an irregular line between the reniform and the termen. The hind-wings and abdomen are pale pinkish-grey in male, dull grey in female; the cilia are white with a cloudy line.
The expansion of the wings is about 1¾ inches.The fore-wings, head, and thorax are pinkish-grey in the male, pale grey in female; the orbicular spot is rather large, nearly round, finely outlined in black; the reniform is very large, margined with black towards the base of the wing, and usually touching the orbicular spot or connected with it by a short black line; the claviform is triangular, also black margined; there is a cloudy oblique line below the reniform, and an irregular line between the reniform and the termen. The hind-wings and abdomen are pale pinkish-grey in male, dull grey in female; the cilia are white with a cloudy line.
This insect varies slightly in size, especially in the female. The larva is dull greyish-brown, with the subdorsal and lateral lines darker. It feeds on honeysuckle during the summer months.
The pupa state is spent in the earth.
The moth is very irregular in its appearance. I have captured specimens in January, February, March, April, July and September. It appears to pass the winter in both the pupa and imago states. It is very partial to light, and in consequence often enters houses.
MELANCHRA PRIONISTIS, Meyr.
(Mamestra prionistis, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27.)
(PlateV., fig. 21 ♂.)
This species is common at Wellington in the North Island. In the South Island it has been taken at Rakaia.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1⅝ inches, of the female 1¾ inches.The fore-wings are rather pale yellowish-brown, with numerous irregular longitudinal grey streaks; there are several very obscure jagged transverse lines, and the stigmata are almost invisible;a very broad blackish longitudinal band is situated on the dorsum. The hind-wings are brownish-grey; the cilia are grey tipped with white. The head and thorax are grey tinged with yellowish-brown; there is a conspicuous blackish streak on each side of the thorax.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1⅝ inches, of the female 1¾ inches.The fore-wings are rather pale yellowish-brown, with numerous irregular longitudinal grey streaks; there are several very obscure jagged transverse lines, and the stigmata are almost invisible;a very broad blackish longitudinal band is situated on the dorsum. The hind-wings are brownish-grey; the cilia are grey tipped with white. The head and thorax are grey tinged with yellowish-brown; there is a conspicuous blackish streak on each side of the thorax.
In this species the dorsal band is often considerably paler, but otherwise there is no variation.
The perfect insect appears from November till April. It comes freely to sugar, and occasionally to light. It is also sometimes met with at rest on trees in the daytime, where its colouring is protective. I have noticed that this moth is much commoner in some years than in others.
MELANCHRA PHRICIAS, Meyr.
(Mamestra temperata, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 27 (nee Walk.).Mamestra phricias, Meyr., ib., xx. 46.)
(PlateV., fig. 22.)
This species has occurred in the Manawatu district in the North Island. In the South Island it has been found at Christchurch and Lake Coleridge.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches.The fore-wings are pale silvery-grey; there are several obscure blackish marks near the base,two dark, shaded, transverse bands, one just before the orbicular, and one between the orbicular and the reniform; the orbicular is round, nearly white, with a faint greyish ring in the middle; the reniform is large, oblong, margined first with white and then with black; there is a series of black crescentic marks near the termen, and another smaller series on the termen; the cilia are dark grey. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey, the cilia are grey tipped with white. The terminal joint of the palpi is elongated.
The expansion of the wings is about 1½ inches.The fore-wings are pale silvery-grey; there are several obscure blackish marks near the base,two dark, shaded, transverse bands, one just before the orbicular, and one between the orbicular and the reniform; the orbicular is round, nearly white, with a faint greyish ring in the middle; the reniform is large, oblong, margined first with white and then with black; there is a series of black crescentic marks near the termen, and another smaller series on the termen; the cilia are dark grey. The hind-wings are dull brownish-grey, the cilia are grey tipped with white. The terminal joint of the palpi is elongated.
The perfect insect has been taken in December, February, March and June, and is attracted by light. It is rather a rare species.
MELANCHRA CUCULLINA, Gn.
(Xylocampa cucullina, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. Agrotis mitis, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 383, pl. xlii. 5.Mamestra cucullina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)
(Xylocampa cucullina, Gn., Ent. Mo. Mag. v. 40. Agrotis mitis, Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1877, 383, pl. xlii. 5.Mamestra cucullina, Meyr., Trans. N. Z. Inst. xix. 28.)
(PlateV., fig. 23 ♂.)
This species has occurred at Mount Arthur, and at Rakaia.