18G4.] 653 



tiouless during the day on the twig upon which it was taken, without 

 the indications of approaching change usually so noticeable in the larva? 

 of the Sphingidae. The following morning it had moulted, and so re- 

 markable had been its transformation that it could not have been recog- 

 nized as the same larva. Of its cast-oif skin there remained but the 

 head-case and a fragment of its terminal portion adhering to the stem. 



Maturfi Larva. 2.10 to 2.75 in. long, .35 in. broad. Head small, 

 suboval, flattened in front, dark brown, lighter posteriorly and on the 

 apex, with whitish lateral stripes. Body cylindrical. The abdominal 

 segments reddish-brown, with numerous tan color (sometimes whitish) 

 ocellated spots on the annulations, of which the ocelli are brown or 

 black. The first segment, not visible when at rest, light brown supe- 

 riorly, olive-brown laterally; the collar light brown, outlined with black. 

 The anterior of the second segment triangular as seen from above and 

 laterally, with the apex slightly rounded — extending horizontally and be- 

 yond the head when at rest — olive-brown laterally, with a small black vel- 

 vety spot anteriorly on the incisure of first and second segments, not visible 

 when contracted. The second and third segments olive-brown laterally, 

 and dorsally a black velvety spot, extending over one-half of the former 

 and two-thirds of the latter — acutely pointed anteriorly and rectangu- 

 lated laterally near its base, which is one-half of its diameter — in general 

 shape resembling that of a spear-head — bordered, except behind, by 

 white or light buff", shading into the brown of the body. Seven lateral 

 bands of whitish ocellated spots, crossing one segment, and bordered pos- 

 teriorly with darker brown, which is continued nearly across the follow- 

 ing segment. The vascular line obsolete. Caudal horn dark brown, .10 

 in. long, curved, granulated, shriveled, as if about to disappear. Legs 

 and prolegs black. 



As it approaches pupation, its color changes to dull purple, the tho- 

 racic spot is rounded laterally where previously angulated, the sides 

 sub-parallel, rounding into the apex which is sometimes acutely pointed, 

 sometimes truncate — in the former case resembling an Indian arrow- 

 head. Caudal horn nearly obsolete. 



I have also taken this larva twice on the Wild Bergamot (Monarda 

 ftsfiilusa) late in September. It feeds at fiist on the leaves, and subse- 

 quently, when it has nearly attained its growth, on the blossoms. It 

 eats rapidly and rests frequently, at which times it porrects its head at 



