96 



INSECT MISCELLANIES. 



by the proprietor, as well as when pounced upon by a 

 hunting spider, which spins no web. We have not 

 been able to satisfy ourselves whether or not this sound 

 of distress is produced by the same organ as the com- 

 mon buz in flying.* 



One of the most puzzling sounds to the curious in 

 such inquiries, is that emitted by the death's-head 

 moth {Jlcherontia Jltropos), when it is caught and 

 kept a prisoner. This is described to be a loud 



Death's-head hawk-moth (Achemntia Atropos). 



shrill cry, somewhat like that of a mouse, but much 

 more piteous. M. Lorrey ascribes the sound to the 

 rapid propulsion of air from two cavities in the belly ;! 

 Schroeter to its rubbing its tongue against its head; 

 and Rosel to the friction of the chest upon the abdo- 

 men. That the wings are not concerned in it, is 

 proved by the cry being uttered when both they and 



J. R. 



Latreille, Regiie Animal, v, 590. 



