310 HAWK-MOTH CATERPILLARS. 



easily discriminated from the "vulgar crew/' by a stiff-pointed 

 horn rising from near the tail ; also by the remarkable elevation 

 (when at rest) of the head and shoulders, while the hinder 

 legs attach them firmly to a supporting branch. Prom this 

 peculiar position, they have derived the Liimsean name of 

 Sphinx after the fabled monster of antiquity. Now for 

 a few more of the distinctive features which belong, in their 

 first estate, to the "Hawks' above noticed, namely, the 

 " Convolvulus/' " Privet/' " Humming-bird," " Death's- 

 head," "Lime," "Poplar," and "Eyed." 



The caterpillar of the "Convolvulus," so called from its 

 frequenting and feeding on that most destructive of weeds, 

 but most elegant of wild flowers, the large white bindweed, 

 is somewhat variously coloured; but usually of a bright green, 

 with black or brown spots, and oblique stripes of yellow 

 at the sides. 



The beautiful Sphinx of the Privet is produced from a 

 caterpillar* well worthy of the perfect insect. Its smooth 

 doublet of bright apple-green is laced by seven oblique stripes 

 of white and purple, and buttoned (as we may fancifully term 

 it) with golden studs, the little circlets of orange-yellow 

 which surround the stigmata, or breathing-holes, on either side. 

 A black and yellow horn completes its exterior adornment. 

 It may be found in July, August, or even as late as September, 

 feeding on the leaves of privet, lilac, ash, and elder. 



* Vignette to " A Summer's Day Dream." 



