50 Studies on Life-history of Bombijcine Moths. 



thoracic se<;nients is occupied b}- a large subchitinous plate, with a 

 pale median line, bordered on each side by a dark shade, also fol- 

 lowed on each side by a broad dark band, which is continued on to 

 the two hinder segments, and becomes on the 1st abdominal segment 

 split into two faint lines. This line on the prothoracic segment is 

 succeeded by two oblique dark stripes, the lower one situated just 

 above the spiracles, and twice as long as the upper of the two. The 

 dorsal surface of the abdominal segments with four diffuse obsolete 

 dusky stripes, not reaching the Vth and 8th segments, but on the 

 8th and 9th segments and on the suranal plate, these lines reappear 

 again (since this end as well as the front end of the body is often 

 exposed to the light) and form two parallel much broken and irregu- 

 lar bands which make a chain of about six pairs of dusky spots. 

 The two subdorsal bands are much broader, and each form a series 

 of about six dusky irregular spots ; the lower line partly including 

 the 8th spiracle. There is a broad dusky band on each side of the 

 thoracic segments, at the base of the legs. The middle abdominal 

 legs are very short, but the hooks are very numerous and form two 

 complete alternating circles; the anal legs are much larger than the 

 others, and are also pale. The thoracic legs are dusky amber in 

 color, the general effect however being pale. 



The larva is fierce and courageous, and its unusual shape adapts 

 it for resisting the attacks of birds which might endeavor to draw it 

 out of its case. When attacked from behind, it will turn around 

 quickly in its case and present its hard head to receive further 

 attacks; its jaws being unusually solid, with a thick cutting edge. 

 Moreover, even when seized, it can shorten and dilate the body, so 

 that when seized by forceps or by the bill of a bird it can prevent 

 or hinder its assailant from pulling it out of its case. 



The larva of Perophora melsheimerii Harris. 



Several specimens were received from Prof. Otto Lugger, of St. 

 Anthony's Park, Minn., where it seems more common than in 

 southern New England. His specimens were received September 

 13th, and being kept in a warm room they mostly pupated, and a 

 male issued from the case October 31st, and a female November 4th 

 She laid from 75 to 80 eggs. 



;Egg. — Length l.V mm.; diameter 0.1 mm. Long and slender, 

 cylindrical, slightly curved; both ends alike. They are fixed by 

 one end, adhering by a gluey mass to the surface on which they 



