BOMBYCID^. 283 



The genus Pyromorpha has thin, oblong wings, very broad 

 at base, the hinder pair being as broad as the fore-paii- ; with 

 a small, slender body. P. dimkUata Herrich-Schseffer (after- 

 wards described l)y Clemens under the name of Malthaca per- 

 lucidula) is blackish brown, with the basal half of the costal 

 region of both wings yellowish. It expands one inch, and is 

 found sparingly in the Middle States, but has been detected 

 near Boston by Mr. Sanborn. 



The species of Gkiucojv's and its allies, abounding in tropical 

 America, are represented in the Northern States by Ctenucha^ 

 which has pectinated antennae, long, slender, acutely pointed 

 palpi, and rather broad wings ; the apex of the fore-pair being 

 much rounded. The thick-bodied larva feeds on sedges and 

 grass, and is very hairy, like an Arctian. The pupa is short 

 and thick, and much like that of Arctia. Ctenucha Virginica 

 Charpeutier is of a deep indigo blue, with a smoky tinge on the 

 fore wings, a lighter blue abdomen and a satfron collar. It 

 flies in the hottest sunshine. The female lays 

 her smooth, green, spherical eggs in abroad mass. 



Lycomorpha has dentated antennae, the body 

 is unusuallv slender, and the wings long and nar- 



* . *^ ^^ Fiff 213 



row. L. Pliolus Drury is deep blue, the wings 

 being saffron at base. The larva feeds on lichens. From Mr. 

 E. Bicknell I have received the eggs of this moth. The 

 larvae hatched August 10th, and closely resembled the larvae 

 of the Arctians when of the same age. 



The genus CaUahicia, according to Grote, differs from its 

 better known ally, Ctenucha, by its antennae not being so 

 broadly pectinated, its shorter palpi, and by important differ- 

 ences in the venation of the wings. C. vermiculata Grote (Fig. 

 213, hind wing) occurs in Colorado Territor3^ 



BoMBTCiD.E Latreille. This large and handsome family com- 

 prises some of the largest and most regal of moths. Their 

 thick heavy bodies, and small sunken heads, and often obsolete 

 mouth-parts (the maxillffi or tongue being especially short com- 

 pared with other moths), and the broadly pectinated antennte, 

 together with their broad, often falcate wings and sluggish 

 habits, notwithstanding numerous exceptions, afford good 



