SPHINGIDjE. — ACHERONTIA. J 17 



not seem likely to be connected with the point in question, inas- 

 much as it is likewise found in Sphinx Convolvuli ; and, in con- 

 clusion, he acquaints us, that M, Passerini invites the attention of 

 naturalists to the subject, as it is his intention to furnish them 

 with the result of his observations, accompanied by dissections. 



I regret being unable to reconcile these various opinions, from 

 never having been fortunate enough to possess a living specimen 

 of the insect, although I once had an opportunity of hearing the 

 noise, through the kindness of Mr. Raddon. 



Another remarkable property imputed to this insect is its pro- 

 pensity to rob the honey-bee of its mellifljious stores, a fact that has 

 been noted by Kuhn, Huber, and others, and which has obtained 

 for it the name of the Bee-tiger Moth. 



Upon its entrance into life this singular insect also offers a pecu- 

 liarity ; the wings and members, upon its disengagement from the 

 pupa, being enveloped in a fine thin membrane, which, rapidly 

 drying and opening, liberates the captive prisoner, and its wings 

 become speedily enlarged, and the insect capable of performing all 

 the functions for which it is called into existence. 



Although of unusual occurrence generally, this species cannot 

 be esteemed scarce, as it is found annually in some parts of the 

 country, and in certain seasons, as above-mentioned, it abounds ; 

 but unless diligently sought after in the larva state is not easily 

 detected. In the potato-fields, near Ham, in Essex, nearly a 

 bushel of pupae were obtained in the course of a few weeks, by a 

 gentleman, from the labourers some years since ; and two years 

 ago Mr. Raddon procured a considerable number of larvcC from the 

 neighbourhood of Twickenham. In the same season many were 

 taken in Devonshire by Captain Blomer, who kindly supplied me 

 with specimens ; others were found near Hastings, Brighton, Wor- 

 cester, Birmingham, &c. and many of the imago in the autumn : the 

 latter has frequently been observed at sea. I have heard of a spe- 

 cimen having flown into a vessel when sailing midway between the 

 Glamorgan and Devonshire coasts, and of several having been taken 

 three or four miles from land; this circumstance luis induced some 

 persons to imagine that the insect was not truly indigenous, but its 

 simultaneous appearance in different parts of the country satisfac- 

 torily confutes that theory. 



" In the summer of 1825 the larva was frequently taken near Car- 

 lisle.'"' — T. C. Hiijsham, Esq. " In profusion near York, as. well 



