1906] 



Nature Study No. 37. 



149 



NATURE STUDY No XXXVII. 



The Cecropia Emperor Moth (Samia cecropia, Linn.) 



By Arthl'R Gibson, Assistant Entomologist, Experimental Farm, Ottawa. 



BT~" 



Cecropia Emperor Moth and Cocoon, reduced in size. 



Among 1 our native insects, probably none attract greater 

 attention from those who have made no study whatever of ento- 

 mology than the large Emperor Moths, the caterpillars of all ol 

 which are true silk-worms. These moths are the largest we have 

 in North America, and, being of such a size and also of striking 

 beauty, they always command admiration. Unlike many other 

 moths, their mouth parts are aborted and consequently they are 

 unable to eat. In their caterpillar state, however, they are very 

 voracious eaters and during that period of their existence will con- 

 sume many times their weight ot food. When full grown these 



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