422 THE LOBSTER-MOTH. 



Among the many silk-worm moths may be mentioned the DASEE-WORM of Bengal 

 (Bombyx fortunatus), an insect that makes an inferior silk, with which the bales are often 

 adulterated unless the owner or purchaser is very careful in examining them. The silk is 

 yellow, and there are several crops annually. A much more valuable insect is also cultivated 

 in Bengal, by the name of BOKO POLOO (Bombex textor). The caterpillar is small, and the 

 cocoon of proportionate dimensions. The silk is very good, and of a pure white. One of the 

 commonest insects reared by the same nation is the TUSSEK or TUSSEII of the Bengalese 

 (AntMrea pdphia), called by different names by the various tribes which cultivate it. It is 

 very abundant, and as it is hardy and feeds on many kinds of food, is a truly valuable insect. 

 It supplies the natives witli great part of their clothing, and is even imported into Europe. 

 There are several large manufactories of this silk, the most important of which is at Bhagulpore. 

 The habits of this insect seem to vary much according to the locality. 



The AILANTHUS SILK-WORM has lately attracted great attention, and appears likely to 

 supersede the ordinary silk-worm in many respects. It is a native of China, and has been 

 largely used for the purpose of supplying clothes for the people. As the name implies, the 

 caterpillar feeds upon the Ailanthus tree (Ailanthus fflandulosus), which, although imported 

 from China into the moderate climates of Europe and America, grows well and fast in these 

 countries, and has been firmly acclimatized. Rearing the Ailanthus-moth is one of the easiest 

 of processes, the caterpillars remaining quietly on the trees and spinning their cocoons amid 

 the branches. The eggs are hatched in a similar manner to those of the common silk-worm, 

 and after being fed through their first moult with picked leaves, are transferred to the trees, 

 and there left. It is of course necessary to cover the trees with netting in order to prevent 

 the birds from feeding on such delicate morsels. 



The color of the caterpillar is green, marked with black, except the head and the last 

 segment, which are yellow. The general color of this moth is grayish-yellow above, with 

 splashes and markings of dull violet, black, and white. The transparent crescent is worthy of 

 notice. The silk is strong, and takes dye easily, but does not possess the peculiar gloss which 

 has long been proverbial. It is a truly fortunate circumstance that this insect has been so 

 opportunely brought into notice, as it is wonderfully hardy, not subject to many diseases to 

 which the common and delicately constituted silk-worm is liable, and being apparently free 

 from that strange fungoid parasite which occasionally commits such fearful ravages, and has 

 been known to depopulate a whole district in a single night. 



An allied species, the ERIA SILK- WORM (Attacus ricini), has long been in use' in many 

 parts of Asia, where it is cultivated by the peasants, and affords them raiment of a marvel- 

 lously enduring character, and yet sightly. Although the cloth that is woven from the silk of 

 this insect is loose and seemingly flimsy of texture, it is so wonderfully durable, that a garment 

 is said to last during nearly an entire lifetime. 



THE family of the Arctiidae, so called because some of the hair-covered larvae have a bear- 

 like look, is represented in Europe by many examples, some being really handsome insects, 

 and others remarkable for some peculiarity in themselves or the larvae. 



Perhaps the most curious example of this family is the HOUSE-BUILDER MOTH, which 

 derives this name from its habits. It is common in many parts of the West Indies, and is in 

 some places so plentiful as to do considerable damage to the fruit-trees. As soon as the larva 

 is hatched from the egg, it sets to work in building its habitation ; and even before it begins to 

 feed, this industrious insect begins to work. The house is made of bits of wood and leaves, 

 bound together with silken threads secreted in the interior. When the creature is small, and 

 the house of no great weight, it is carried nearly upright ; but when it attains size and conse- 

 quent weight, it lies flat and is dragged along in that attitude. The entrance of this curious 

 habitation is so made that the sides can be drawn together, and whenever the creature feels 

 alarmed, it pulls its cords and so secures itself from foes. 



THE LOBSTER-MOTH derives its name from the grotesque exterior of the caterpillar. This 

 larva is one of the oddest imaginable forms, hardly to be taken for a caterpillar by one who 



