82 LEPIDOPTERA. 



The prettily-marked Burnet moths {Anthrocera) belong 

 also to this group, the commonest species being the 

 six-spot Burnet A. fillpendulce). It has the upper wings 

 of a deep metallic green colour, with six crimson spots ; 

 the hind wings are deep crimson, edged with a narrow 

 black border. The caterpillar is dull yellow, somewhat 

 hairy, with two rows of black spots on each segment. 

 It feeds on clover and other leguminous plants. When 

 about to assume the pupa state, the caterpillar creeps 

 up the stem of some grass, rush, or other plant, and on 

 it spins a yellow silken cocoon, pointed at both ends. 

 In this case it changes to a black chrysalis — the beautiful 

 moth appearing early in June. The second group, the 

 Bombycina, as well as all the other groups of tlie Hete- 

 roceral Lepidoptera, has the antennae thickest at the 

 base, gradually tapering towards the tip. The Bomby- 

 cina includes the Swifts, the Ghost moths, the wood 

 Leopard and Goat moths, the Puss, Lobster, Buff-tips, 

 the curious Tussocks, Vapourers, Gold-tails, Ermines, 

 Tiger moths, Eggers, Lackeys, Drinkers, La})pets, the 

 Kentish Glory, the Emperor, &c. The common Silk- 

 worm moths of commerce belong to this group. 



The Swifts, so-called from the rapid flight of most 

 of the species, are remarkable for their very short an- 

 tennae. The Ghost Swift {Hepialus humuli) is common 

 everywhere. The wings of the male are of a silvery 

 white, the fore-wings of the female yellow, with orange 

 spots, hind-wings dull at the base, tawny towards the 

 margin. The Goat moth {Cossus lignijyerda) derives 

 its name from the offensive goat-like smell of the cater- 

 pillar, a formidable fellow, with black head and strong 

 jaws, a fat body as thick as a man's finger. It feeds 



