24 THE MOTHS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



rather glossy chrysalis. The early stages are figured on 

 Plate 6. 



The moth usually emerges in June, earlier or later, according 

 to season. Under very favourable circumstances some of the 

 moths will leave the chrysalis in May and give rise to a second 

 generation in July. An unfavourable year, on the other hand, 

 retards emergence, and the moths do not come up until late 

 June or mid-July ; such has been the case this year (1907). 



Generally distributed and by no means uncommon through- 

 out the southern half of England, but somewhat local north- 

 wards. It has been recorded from the most southern counties 

 of Scotland, and Kane states that in Ireland it is widely dis- 

 tributed but usually scarce. 



The method of folding down its wings in repose is very similar 

 to that of the previous two species. 



The Death's-head Hawk Moth {Achcrontia {Mauducd) 



alropos). 



The fine moth represented on Plate 8 is the largest species 

 found in the British Isles, although in measurement from tip 

 to tip when the wings are expanded it does not exceed that of 

 the next species, both varying in this respect from 4^ to 5 

 inches. It is, however, a stouter bodied insect, and its wings 

 are broader. The colour and markings are so well shown in 

 the illustration that a description is unnecessary. Beyond a 

 greater or lesser intensity of the paler markings on the fore 

 wings and the thorax, also some modifications in the black 

 band of the hind wings, there is nothing very striking in the 

 way of variation. Perhaps the most important aberrations are 

 connected with the inner black band of the hind wings, which 

 may be much widened and diftuse, or, on the other hand, 

 entirely absent. 



When full grown, the caterpillar attains a length of nearly 

 5 inches, and is of considerable thickness throughout. Usually 



