SPHINGES 



205 



chi'vsalis has been observed to sqneak shortly before tlie emergence 

 of the perfect fox'm. 



The fore wings of this moth are of a very rich dark brown, 

 beautifiUlj- mottled with lighter tawny shades, and with a small 

 but conspicuous yellow dot near the centre. The hind wings are 

 yellow, with a black band and margin ; and the body is yellow, 

 with six broad black bands, and six large blue spots down the 

 middle. 



The moth is rather widely distributed, and even common in 



Fig. 97. — The Death's-Head Hawk Moth. 



some parts, but is not nearly so often met with as the larva. It is 

 on the wing during August and September. 



It is probable that the reader will never have an opportunity of 

 capturing the perfect form of this remarkable species, but he may 

 with a little perseverance obtain some caterpillars and rear them. 

 These larvae feed on the potato, the deadly nightshade {Atro2ia 

 Belladonna), and the woody nightshade [Solamim Dulcamara) ; 

 and they are well known to potato growers in some parts of the 

 country. 



The colour of the caterpillar is generally pale j-ellow, with 

 numerous small black dots, and seven oblique violet stripes on each 



