Butterflies and Moths (British)

APPENDIX II

THE LEPIDOPTERIST'S CALENDAR

The success of the country rambles of an expert lepidopterist depends greatly on his knowledge of the times at which the various butterflies and moths generally appear, and of the localities which they are known to frequent. The experiences he has gained in the past enable him to calculate on the probabilities of the future, and he chooses both time and locality according to his requirements.

As he makes his way to the hunting ground he counts over the chances of meeting with a certain insect that is wanted to fill a long-standing blank in his cabinet; and we hear him discussing the probabilities as to whether this species is yet 'out,' or whether the larvæ of that species are feeding.

How different it is with the young and unguided entomologist! He rambles promiscuously here and there, having only the faintest idea as to what he is likely to see, and perhaps meeting with only four or five species when an experienced collector, without covering a larger area of ground, would take scores in the same time.

In order to afford some little help to the beginner, I have thought it advisable to introduce a calendar of operations to guide him in his work. The space at our command would not allow this to be carried out in detail, but the general instructions will undoubtedly assist most of my readers until the practical experience gained by a few years' work has enabled them to run on their own legs.

Of course, in making reference to the monthly lists of insects on the wing, allowance must be made for the forwardness or backwardness of the seasons. Thus, an insect entered in the April list may appear in March in an exceptionally warm season, but may not emerge till the early part of May if the spring has been unusually severe.

It will be observed that in cases where all the species of a certain genus or family appear on the wing in the same month, the name of that genus or family is entered on the list instead of the names of the individual species; but the latter can easily be obtained by reference to Appendix I.

There is not much field work to be done during this month. If the weather is very severe, hardly an insect will be found on the wing; but a mild January will sometimes entice the Brimstone Butterfly (Rhamni) and some of the hybernating Vanessas from their winter quarters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larvæ are now feeding freely, and a few hours spent in beating, sweeping, and searching will enable you to stock your cages liberally.

Sugaring may be continued throughout the month, and the sallow blossom may be searched as long as it proves attractive. Moths may also be attracted by light at night.

The following butterflies are generally out during April, in addition to the hybernated species already named:

Large White (Brassicæ)

Small White (Rapæ)

Green-veined White (Napi)

Orange Tip (Cardamines)

Wood White (Sinapis)

Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Euphrosyne)

Speckled Wood (Egeria)

Green Hairstreak (Rubi)

Small Copper (Phlœas)

Holly Blue (Argiolus)

Grizzled Skipper (Malvæ)

Dingy Skipper (Tages)

The following is a list of the principal moths for April:

Bombyces.

Small Lappet (Ilicifolia)

Kentish Glory (Versicolor)

Yellow Horned (Flavicornis)

Frosted Green (Ridens)

Noctuæ.

Pine Beauty (Piniperda)

White-marked Rustic (Leucographa)

Red Chestnut (Rubricosa)

All species of the genus Tæniocampa

Early Grey (Areola)

Mullein Shark (Verbasci)

Orange Underwing (Parthenias)

Light Orange Underwing (Notha)

Geometræ.

Brimstone (Luteolata)

Early Thorn (Bilunaria)

Belted Beauty (Zonaria)

Brindled Beauty (Hirtaria)

Waved Umber (Abruptaria)

Small Engrailed (Crepuscularia)

Engrailed (Biundularia)

Sloe Carpet (Pictaria)

Netted Mountain (Carbonaria)

Mottled Grey (Multistrigaria)

Satyr Pug (Satyrata)

Marbled Pug (Irriguata)

Campanula Pug (Campanulata)

Brindled Pug (Abbreviata)

Oak-tree Pug (Dodoneata)

Double-striped Pug (Pumilata)

Early Tooth-striped (Carpinata)

Shoulder Stripe (Badiata)

Many-lined (Polygrammata)

Tissue (Dubitata)

In addition to the above, a few species of the Tortrices, several of the Tineæ, and one or two of the Plume Moths (Pterophori) are out during April.

Little or nothing will be obtained by digging during May, yet a number of pupæ may be found among grass and leaves under trees, and also attached to the leaves and stems of low plants. These pupæ include those of several of the butterflies, among which may be mentioned Machaon, Selene, Euphrosyne, Aurinia, Megæra, Ianira, Rubi, Astrarche, Icarus, Bellargus, Corydon, Lucina, and Sylvanus.

Larvæ may now be taken in abundance by beating the boughs of oaks and other trees, and also by examining low plants.

The hybernating butterflies are still on the wing, and the following are also out:

Swallow Tail (Machaon)

Large White (Brassicæ)

Small White (Rapæ)

Green-veined White (Napi)

Bath White (Daplidice)

Orange Tip (Cardamines)

Wood White (Sinapis)

Small Pearl-bordered (Selene)

Pearl-bordered (Euphrosyne)

Greasy Fritillary (Aurinia)

Glanville Fritillary (Cinxia)

Speckled Wood (Egeria)

Wall (Megæra)

Marsh Ringlet (Typhon)

Small Heath (Pamphilus)

Green Hairstreak (Rubi)

Small Copper (Phlœas)

Brown Argus (Astrarche)

Common Blue (Icarus)

Clifden Blue (Bellargus)

Holly Blue (Argiolus)

Mazarine Blue (Semiargus)

Grizzled Skipper (Malvæ)

Chequered Skipper (Palæmon)

There is a great increase in the number of moths this month, and much good work may be done by means of light traps and by the examination of fences. Many moths are driven from their resting places early in the morning by the direct rays of the rising sun, and then seek out a spot where they are better sheltered, and where they are consequently less easily found. Hence the advantage of searching fences early in the morning.

The May list includes:

Sphinges.

Small Elephant (Porcellus)

All species of the genera Smerinthus and Macroglossa

Some of the Clearwings (Apiformis, Sphegiformis, and Culiciformis)

Cream-bordered Green (Chlorana)

Green Silver-lined (Prasinana)

Bombyces.

Wood Tiger (Plantaginis)

Muslin Moth (Mendica)

Common Swift (Lupulinus)

Pale Tussock (Pudibunda)

Small Lappet (Ilicifolia)

Emperor (Pavonia)

All species of family Drepanulidæ

Alder Kitten (Bicuspis)

Puss (Vinula)

Several of the 'Prominents' (Cuculla, Carmelita, Dictæa, Dictæoides, Trilophus, Ziczac, Trepida, Chaonia, Trimacula)

Chocolate Tip (Curtula)

Small Chocolate Tip (Pigra)

Noctuæ.

Knot Grass (Rumicis)

Sweet Gale (Myricæ)

White Colon (Albicolon)

Cabbage (Brassicæ)

Treble Lines (Trigrammica)

Marsh Moth (Palustris)

Light Brocade (Genistæ)

Mullein Shark (Verbasci)

Betony Shark (Scrophulariæ)

Starwort Shark (Asteris)

Camomile Shark (Chamomillæ)

Small Dark Yellow Underwing (Cordigera)

Small Yellow Underwing (Tenebrata)

Bordered Sallow (Umbra)

Lunar Double Stripe (Lunaris)

Geometræ.

Brimstone (Luteolata)

Speckled Yellow (Macularia)

Purple Thorn (Tetralunaria)

Scalloped Hazel (Bidentata)

Brindled Beauty (Hirtaria)

Peppered (Betularia)

Waved Umber (Abruptaria)

Ringed Carpet (Cinctaria)

Square Spot (Consonaria)

Small Engrailed (Crepuscularia)

Engrailed (Biundularia)

Grey Birch (Punctularia)

Small Grass Emerald (Viridata)

All species of family Ephyridæ

Cream Wave (Remutaria)

White Wave (Pusaria)

Round-winged Wave (Rotundaria)

Common Wave (Exanthemata)

Clouded Silver (Temerata)

White-pinion Spotted (Bimaculata)

Latticed Heath (Clathrata)

Brown Silver-line (Petraria)

Barred Umber (Pulveraria)

Netted Mountain (Carbonaria)

Common Heath (Atomaria)

Bordered White (Piniaria)

Rest Harrow (Ononaria)

Yellow Belle (Ochrearia)

Clouded Border (Marginata)

Horse Chestnut (Hippocastanaria)

Pretty Pinion (Adæquata)

Pugs (Venosata, Consignata, Pulchellata, Plumbeolata, Satyrata, Castigata, Pusillata, Irriguata, Indigata, Nanata, Vulgata, Assimilata, Exiguata, Coronata)

Yellow-barred Brindle (Viretata)

Ruddy High-flier (Ruberata)

May High-flier (Trifasciata)

Common Carpet (Sociata)

Silver-ground Carpet (Montanata)

Streamer (Nigrofasciaria)

Barberry Carpet (Berberata)

Flame Carpet (Designata)

Twin-spot Carpets (Ferrugata and Unidentaria)

Scarce Tissue (Certata)

Water Carpet (Suffumata)

Small Phœnix (Silaceata)

Oblique-striped (Virgata)

Broom Tip (Rufata)

A number of the Micros are also out this month. About twenty species of the Pyralides, one or two of the Pterophori, a few Crambi, about fifty of the Tortrices, and no less than two hundred of the Tineæ. The collector will do well to search fences and tree trunks for these moths, whenever he has the opportunity; and also to use the net freely in wooded country, waste places, and along hedgerows, before and at dusk.

There is a marked increase in winged insect life during this month. The early butterflies are disappearing, or perhaps have quite left us; but new species are taking their place. The Sphinges now reach their maximum, as do also the Bombyces; and the other groups are almost if not quite up to their highest total. The Noctuæ and Geometræ each amount to over a hundred species. No less than a hundred and fifty British Tortrices are on the wing; the Tineæ make a near approach to three hundred, and the Pyralides of the month are not far short of numbering a hundred species. It will thus be seen that the net and pill boxes, as well as the setting boards, are in constant demand.

Dull days may be well occupied in beating for moths, and in the examination of fences and the bark of trees; and on bright days, as soon as the butterflies have settled down to rest, the same work may be carried on till dusk.

Micros and Geometræ are out early in the evening, when they should be taken with the net. Later on the Noctuæ may be seen playing round their favourite flowers.

Sugar and light traps are likely to do good service during June, and decoy females of the Bombyces group may be called to your aid.

Larvæ are also abundant during June, and those of most of the butterflies may be taken by carefully searching their food plants.

The following is the list of imagines for the month:

Butterflies.

Swallow Tail (Machaon)

Black-veined White (Cratægi)

Large White (Brassicæ)

Small White (Rapæ)

Green-veined White (Napi)

Small Pearl-bordered (Selene)

Pearl-bordered (Euphrosyne)

Silver-washed Fritillary (Paphia)

Greasy Fritillary (Aurinia)

Glanville Fritillary (Cinxia)

Heath Fritillary (Athalia)

Small Tortoiseshell (Urticæ)

White Admiral (Sibylla)

Small Ringlet (Epiphron)

Meadow Brown (Ianira)

Ringlet (Hyperanthus)

Marsh Ringlet (Typhon)

Small Heath (Pamphilus)

Green Hairstreak (Rubi)

Small Copper (Phlœas)

Common Blue (Icarus)

Small Blue (Minima)

Duke of Burgundy (Lucina)

Grizzled Skipper (Malvæ)

Dingy Skipper (Tages)

Large Skipper (Sylvanus)

Chequered Skipper (Palæmon)

Sphinges.

Privet Hawk (Ligustri)

Spurge Hawk (Euphorbiæ)

Small Elephant (Porcellus)

Large Elephant (Elpenor)

Eyed Hawk (Ocellatus)

Poplar Hawk (Populi)

Lime Hawk (Tiliæ)

Humming Bird Hawk (Stellatarum)

All the Clearwings (Sesiidæ)

The Burnets (Fam. Zygænidæ)

Bombyces.

Family Nolidæ

Dew Moth (Irrorella)

Cinnabar (Jacobææ)

Scarlet Tiger (Dominula)

Family Cheloniidæ

Family Hepialidæ

Family Cossidæ

Family Cochliopodidæ

Dark Tussock (Fascelina)

Pale Tussock (Pudibunda)

Scarce Vapourer (Gonostigma)

Fox (Rubi)

Lappet (Quercifolia)

Family Drepanulidæ

Family Dicranuridæ

Pale Prominent (Palpina)

Coxcomb Prominent (Camelina)

Swallow Prominent (Dictæa)

Lesser Swallow Prominent (Dictæoides)

Iron Prominent (Dromedarius)

Pebble Prominent (Ziczac)

Great Prominent (Trepida)

Marbled Brown (Trimacula)

Buff Tip (Bucephala)

Peach Blossom (Batis)

Genus Cymatophora

Noctuæ.

Scarce Marvel-du-jour (Orion)

Genus Acronycta

Powdered Wainscot (Albovenosa)

Most of the species of genus Leucania

Flame Wainscot (Flammea)

Silky Wainscot (Maritima)

Small Rufous (Rufa)

Mere Wainscot (Hellmanni)

Concolorous (Extrema)

Flame (Putris)

Genus Xylophasia

Bird's Wing (Scabriuscula)

Small Mottled Willow (Exigua)

Bordered Gothic (Reticulata)

Feathered Ear (Leucophæa)

Large Nutmeg (Sordida)

White Colon (Albicolon)

Cabbage (Brassicæ)

Dot (Persicariæ)

Rustic Shoulder Knot (Basilinea)

Union Rustic (Connexa)

Dusky Brocade (Gemina)

Double Lobed (Ophiogramma)

Genus Miana

Treble Lines (Trigrammica)

Mottled Rustic (Morpheus)

Rustic (Taraxaci)

Pale Mottled Willow (Quadripunctata)

Reddish Buff (Caliginosa)

Marsh Moth (Palustris)

Brown Rustic (Tenebrosa)

Turnip (Segetum)

Heart and Dart (Exclamationis)

Light-feathered Rustic (Cinerea)

Sand Dart (Ripæ)

Garden Dart (Nigricans)

Lover's Knot (Strigula)

Double Dot (Augur)

Flame Shoulder (Plecta)

Double-spotted Square-spot (Triangulum)

Ingrailed Clay (Festiva)

Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing (Fimbria)

Large Yellow Underwing (Pronuba)

Gothic (Typica)

Heart Moth (Oo)

Genus Dianthœcia

Broad-barred White (Serena)

Small Angle Shades (Lucipara)

Angle Shades (Meticulosa)

Green Arches (Prasina)

Grey Arches (Nebulosa)

Silvery Arches (Tincta)

Pale Shining Brown (Advena)

Northern Arches (Exulis)

Genus Hadena (nearly all)

Lychnis Shark (Lychnitis)

Starwort Shark (Asteris)

Cudweed Shark (Gnaphalii)

Camomile Shark (Chamomillæ)

Shark (Umbratica)

Genus Habrostola

Burnished Brass (Chrysitis)

Plain Golden Y (Iota)

Beautiful Golden Y (Pulchrina)

Silver Y (Gamma)

Scarce Silver Y (Interrogationis)

Genus Anarta

Small Yellow Underwing (Tenebrata)

Bordered Straw (Peltigera)

Bordered Sallow (Umbra)

Spotted Sulphur (Trabealis)

Four-spotted (Luctuosa)

Family Erastriidæ

Purple Marbled (Ostrina)

Small Marbled (Parva)

Small Purple-barred (Viridaria)

Mother Shipton (Mi)

Burnet Noctua (Glyphica)

Black Neck (Pastinum)

Family Herminiidæ