These moths are the smallest of the Lepidoptera. Like the snout moths,
they have strongly developed labial palps, but are distinguished from
them by their small wings; the hind wings are especially small, and have
sharp tips. The extent of the wings is increased by a broad marginal
fringe. When at rest, the wings slope like a roof, and the fringe near
their tips is often turned upwards. Antennæ thread-like, tolerably
long—in the males of a few species may even be very long. Caterpillars
slightly hairy, with five, or, rarely, four pairs of pro-legs. To this
family belong the well-known =Clothes Moth=; the =Corn Moth=, living in
stored-up grain; and also—
The =Carrot Moth= (_Depressaria nervosa_ = _Hæmylis daucella_).
_Moth_: Length ⅖ inch. Span of wings rather over ⅘ inch. Fore wings
reddish-grey brown, blackish on the nerves, and with scattered whitish
markings. Hind wings more of a grey brown. Thorax and abdomen very
shiny, and somewhat brighter than the wings. _Caterpillar_: Nearly ⅖
inch long, tolerably thick, especially in the middle, and variegated.
Head, thorax, and last body segment shining black, the last two regions
with reddish-yellow margin, and the thorax, in addition to this, divided
into right and left halves by a longitudinal yellow line. The rest of
the body is olive green; a broad orange-coloured line divides it into a
darker dorsal and a lighter ventral side. On the back many ill-defined
warts of a shining black colour. _Habits_: In March and April many of
the carrot moths which have survived the winter come out of their
hiding-places; they only fly at night. The eggs are laid separately on
umbelliferous weeds, carraway, or carrot plants. The caterpillars are
first seen when the plants flower; they live on the flower-stalks, which
they bind together by a few threads, and devour the flowers and young
fruits, sometimes even the flower-stalks. The caterpillars are very
active, and let themselves down by a thread when disturbed. Usually they
are fully grown in five weeks, and then bore into the stalks of the
plant, where they become pupæ. It is not known whether there are one or
two generations. The caterpillars are found at very various times, from
May to August.
The =Diamond-back Moth= (_Plutella cruciferarum_ = _Tinea xylostella_).
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account