SHROUD OF THE DEATHS-HEAD, 133 



small aperture, which is also a horny substance. In proof 

 that the vibration of these scales causes the sound, it is stated 

 that during its emission they, only, are in a state of strong 

 vibration, while all other parts of the insect may be at rest. 



There is another singularity, noticed by Curtis, in the his- 

 tory of the death's-head moth, which presents another curious 

 correspondence with its funereal character. One of these 

 moths, on bursting from the chrysalis, which is always found 

 buried in the earth, was observed by the above naturalist to 

 be enveloped, to the head, limbs, and antennce, by a fine mem- 

 brane, like tissue paper, which dropped off as these gradually 

 unfolded even as a shrouded body, on bursting from the 

 tomb, might cast off the cerements of the dead. 



The wings of the above specimen, as usual on emergement, 

 were not larger than a finger-nail; but the insect having 

 speedily placed itself in a position to admit of their hanging 

 down, they were soon injected with air or fluid, and in two 

 hours perfectly expanded. The " Death's-head," of which the 

 female is the largest, excels in size, not only every British, but, 

 with the exception of the " Peacock/ 7 every European moth. 



September, or the present month of October, is the season, 

 usually, when the Aclierontia Atropos assumes its winged form, 

 and may be found, occasionally, resting in day-time upon 

 trunks of trees, or, attracted by the taper's light, visiting our 

 houses, where their phantom forms are, now, much oftener 

 welcomed for their rarity and real beauty than dreaded for 



