LEPIDOPTERA 



251 



Fig. 440. — Automeris io, larva. 



The larva is one that the student should learn to recognize in order 

 that he may avoid handling it; for it is armed with spines the prick of 

 which is venomous (Fig. 440). The same is true of the larva of the maia- 

 moth, but that is much less common. 

 The larva of the io-moth is green, 

 with a broad brown or reddish stripe, 

 edged below with white, on each 

 side of the abdomen. The spines are 

 tipped with black. This larva feeds 

 on various trees and shrubs. 



The polyphemus-moth, Telea polyphemus. — This is a yellowish or 

 brownish moth with a window-like spot in each wing. There is a gray 

 band on the costal margin of the fore wings; and near the outer margin 

 of both pairs of wings there is a dusky band, edged without with pink; 

 the fore wings are crossed by a broken dusky or reddish line near the 

 base, edged within with white or pink. The transparent spot on each 

 wing is divided by the discal vein, and encircled by yellow and black 

 rings. On the hind wings the black surrounding the transparent spot is 

 much widened, especially toward the base of the wing, and is sprinkled 

 with blue scales. The wings expand from 5 to 6 inches. 



Fig. 441. — Telea polyphemus, larva. 



The larva (Fig. 441) feeds on oak, butternut, basswood, elm, maple, 

 apple, plum, and other trees. When full-grown it measures 3 inches or 

 more in length. It is of a light green color with an oblique yellow line on 

 each side of each abdominal segment except the first and last; the last 

 segment is bordered by a purplish-brown V-shaped mark. The tubercles 



