[Illustration: FIG. 170.--THE SHEARS.] The caterpillar is greyish, and has a series of triangular black spots along each side of the back. It feeds on the roots of the dandelion (_Taraxacum officinale_), and changes to a peculiar spiny chrysalis. The perfect insect appears to be abundant everywhere, and is on the wing in June and July. _The Bright-line Brown-eye_ (_Hadena oleracea_) Every collector is sure to meet with this insect during his first season. The moth is abundant everywhere in June, the caterpillar may be found feeding in almost every waste and weedy spot in August and September, and the chrysalis is certain to be turned over by the pupa digger. [Illustration: FIG. 171.--THE BRIGHT-LINE BROWN-EYE.] The fore wings of the perfect insect are reddish brown. The orbicular spot is usually very indistinct, being of almost exactly the same tint as the ground colour, and surrounded by a very fine whitish line. The reniform is generally more conspicuous, a portion of it being of a light ochreous colour. Near the hind margin, and parallel with it, is a white line, bent sharply into the form of a W, just on the anal side of the middle. The hind wings are greyish brown in the base, and dark smoke colour towards the margin. The caterpillar is pale green or brown, dotted with both black and white, and adorned with a bright yellow line just below the spiracles. It feeds on the nettle (_Urtica dioica_), dock (_Rumex_), and many other low plants; and, according to some observers, on the elm (_Ulmus campestris_). Family--XYLINIDAE The next family--_Xylinidae_--contains twenty British species, several of which are local, but two or three are abundant and widely distributed. The transverse lines that so often cross the wings of the _Noctuae_ are nearly or entirely absent in this family, and longitudinal lines take their place. When the insects are at rest the wings are folded rather closely, the outer pair being arranged like a roof with a very gentle slope. The bodies of the perfect insects are very stout, particularly in the thorax, and thus present a rather powerful appearance. The larvae are smooth, and generally brightly coloured, and feed principally on low plants. The chrysalides are generally inclosed in cocoons on or beneath the ground, and are often provided with spines or bristles on the under side. We shall select two members of this family. _The Early Grey_ (_Xylocampa Areola_) One of the first of the _Noctuae_ to greet us in the spring is the Early Grey, which may be found resting on fences in April, and, if the season is mild, in March. [Illustration: FIG. 172.--THE EARLY GREY.]