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. composita_ is 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 stopping {23}during 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.) (Plate V., fig. 10 [M], 11 [F].) 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 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.) (Plate V., fig. 12.) This species has occurred in the North Island at Napier, and in the South Island at Blenheim.