MACROGLOSSIN.T.. 3 



on the back of the larva towards the hinder extremity ; and 

 in many s])ecies the \avv:e are dimorphic, two constant forms, 

 green or brown, being met with, though there is, as a rule, 

 little or no variation in the moths themselves. 



SUB-FAMILY I. MACROGLOSSIN.E. 



This sub-family includes the Humming-bird Hawk-moths 

 and Bee Hawk-moths. They are of comparatively small size, 

 the antenn?e are stout, frequently thickened from the base to 

 the tip, which is slightly hooked, and the palpi are generally 

 angulated externally. The fore-wings form a long triangle, much 

 narrowed towards the base, and are usually about twice as 

 long as broad. The hind- wings are much shorter than the 

 fore-wings. The body is pubescent, the thorax stout, and the 

 abdomen either tapering or obtuse, but always provided with 

 a large expansile tuft at the extremity. The moths hover over 

 flowers in the daytime, and rarely settle. Their flight is very 

 rapid. The larvae usually feed on low plants ; the head is 

 rather small, and the anterior segments are retractile, and taper 

 towards it; the horn is long and curved, and the pupa is 

 formed on the ground among leaves. 



The moths belonging to this sub-family differ considerably 

 in appearance. Some species are densely clothed with scales, 

 while others, except along the borders, are only provided with 

 a few loose scales on first leaving the pupa, which are quickly 

 lost, leaving the central part of the wings quite bare. Most of 

 the species have the hind margins of the wings entire ; but 

 others (some of which are European, though not British) 

 have the hind margins more or less regularly dentated and 

 excavated. 



These moths are especially interesting on account of their 

 resemblance to humming-birds, which is heightened by the 



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