Clje danaforan Entomologist. 



VOL. XX. LONDON, OCTOBER, iSSS. No. 10 



THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOMBYCID.E. 



(Third Paper.) 



BY A. R. GROTE, A. M., KREMEN, GERMANY. 



Sub-family Cochliince. 



A study of the American genus Lagoa in its various stages of growth 

 shows a manifest approach to the present group, so that we are warranted 

 in following the Dasychirince with the Cochliince. This sub-family is 

 remarkable for its peculiar larvae, called " slug caterpillars " or " saddle- 

 backs." The first name is given on account of their snail-like appearance, 

 the form being elliptical or oval, the false feet replaced by swellings on the 

 abdominal segments, so that the larva lies flat and close to the leaf. The 

 head is also retractile. The cocoon is egg-shaped or circular, firm and 

 spun between the leaves. The moths are not unfrequently green and 

 brown as are the larvae, and the name " saddle-backs " is given in allusion 

 to the bright green quadrate patch which covers the back in some species. 

 Dr. Packard calls one species monitor, in allusion to the singular shape 

 and armature of the larvae. The moths are of various shades of brown, 

 often with green patches, sometimes with darker lines and shades on 

 primaries. The ocelli are wanting and the tongue is short. The North 

 American genera fall into two series : one in which the male antennae are 

 pectinate, the other brush-like or sub-simple. To the first series belongs 

 the typical genus Limacodes of Latreille, and to this series belong the two 

 European species representing two distinct genera. As compared with 

 Europe, our fauna is rich in Cochliince. We have two species belonging 

 to the Asiatic genus Parasa, with grass-green thorax, and the fore wings 

 largely green. The larva of Parasa chloris H.-S., is described by Mr. 

 Henry Edwards, Papilio hi., 128 ; that of Parasa fraterna Gr., by the 

 same author, Ent. Amer. iii. , 169. (I here correct a statement of mine, 

 that the sub family Chloephorince does not occur in North America. Mr. 

 Henry Edwards describes Earias obliqnata from Florida, a form unknown 



