New Zealand Moths and Butterflies (Macro-Lepidoptera)Hudson, G. V. (George Vernon)
Science
New Zealand Moths and Butterflies (Macro-Lepidoptera)
Hudson, G. V. (George Vernon)
Lepidoptera -- New Zealand
The length of this larva when full grown is nearly 3 inches. Its colour
is dirty white, becoming darker on the back. The head is dark brown, very
rough and horny; the three first segments are also horny on the dorsal
surface. The rest of the body is very much softer, and is furnished with
several horny tubercles, each of which emits a long bristle.
This larva is very lively when disturbed. It usually disgorges a large
quantity of black juice from the mouth, biting meantime, in order no doubt
to frighten its enemies. It feeds on the roots of various grasses.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March, and is often
extremely abundant at light.
{137}APPENDIX.
BY FLORENCE W. HUDSON.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF THE PLANTS MENTIONED IN THIS WORK.
The following list of trees, shrubs, &c, has been prepared to assist
entomologists in recognising the various food-plants mentioned in
connection with the insects described in the foregoing pages. In order to
meet the requirements of beginners, all botanical terms have been omitted.
Those desiring precise scientific information on these plants, will of
course consult works specially dealing with botany.
ACIPHYLLA SQUARROSA (Spear-grass). A plant often found on the sea-coast,
or open hilly country, with long, very sharp spines instead of leaves.
The flowers are very small, and are placed round a tall central shoot,
which is also covered with spines.
ASCLEPIAS (Milkweed).
ASTELIA SOLANDRI. A plant found growing on the stems of large forest
trees. It has very long, narrow, dark green leaves springing from the
base of the plant, and lemon-coloured flowers arranged on a long stem.
The berries are bright crimson.
ALECTRYON EXCELSUM (Titoki). A moderate-sized tree with leaves rather
long, toothed, and light green. The fruit has a very remarkable
appearance; it consists of a shining black seed, partially surrounded by
a bright red fleshy covering.
APOCYNUM (the common Periwinkle).
ARISTOTELIA RACEMOSA (Wine-berry, New Zealand Currant, Makomako). A
well-known tree, often found in clearings in the forest, where it usually
takes the place of the original trees; in fact this plant seems to seize
on every vacant space. Its leaves are pale green, the flowers are much
like those of the garden "flowering currant," and the berries are small
and dark red.
BEILSCHMIEDIA TAWA (Tawa tree). A handsome tree, with very long, narrow,
light green leaves, and smooth bark.
BRACHYGLOTTIS REPANDA (Wharangi). One of the early flowering shrubs, with
large bunches of small, strong-scented, white flowers. The leaves are
large and pale green, the under side being white.
CARMICHÆLIA, or New Zealand Broom. A genus of shrubs closely resembling
the common broom, but with very small flowers, more or less streaked with
blue or lilac.
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