Part 79

I have often found a large subterranean caterpillar, that I believe to be the larva of this insect; but as I have never succeeded in rearing a specimen, I cannot assign it to this species with absolute certainty.

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.

{138}CARPODETUS SERRATUS. A pretty shrub or small tree with rather small, serrated, bright green leaves and numerous clusters of small whitish fragrant flowers, followed by nearly globular hard green fruits.

CAREX SUBDOLA (Sedge).

COPROSMA. A genus of shrubs with small, generally rather dull green leaves, insignificant flowers, and bright, variously coloured berries. One common species, Coprosma foetidissima, has a most objectionable odour when cut or bruised.

CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS (Ti-tri, or Cabbage tree, as it is usually called). This is one of the most remarkable-looking trees in New Zealand. It much resembles a palm in general appearance. The leaves are long and narrow, with parallel veins; the flowers are whitish, very numerous, growing in drooping clusters at the top of the tree.

CYATHEA DEALBATA (Silver tree fern). A large tree fern, growing from ten to forty feet high, with a slender black stem, and dark green fronds silvery underneath.

DISCARIA TOUMATOU (Wild Irishman, Tumatakuru). A straggling shrub, or small tree, often common in dry, open places. It is furnished with numerous long sharp spines, with several very insignificant flowers and leaves at the base of each spine.

DONATIA NOVÆZEALANDIÆ. A small Alpine plant, with very short stems, around each of which are placed numerous leaves. It has a superficial resemblance to a moss.

FAGUS CLIFFORTIOIDES (Mountain Beech, but more often known as Birch or Black Birch). A very handsome forest tree, usually growing in somewhat elevated localities. It has small light green leaves, and black stems with very rough bark.

FUCHSIA EXCORTICATA (our native Fuchsia). A very common tree or shrub growing in the forest. The bark is pale reddish-brown; the leaves rather elongate, dark green, with pale under-side. The flowers closely resemble those of the cultivated fuchsia, but are less brightly coloured. This plant partially sheds its leaves in winter.

GALINIA SETIFOLIA. A large, grass-like plant growing in clumps, with very long, dark green leaves, which cut the fingers unless the plant is carefully handled. A number of small, brown flowers is situated near the top of a tall stem, in the centre of each clump.

HALORAGIS ALATA. A herbaceous plant abundant on dry hills; the leaves are deeply indented, slightly rough, and arranged on opposite sides of the stem. The flowers are small and green; the fruit is a nut with small wings attached.