474 



INSECTS AT HOME. 



The largest hump is that of the third segment, and it is 

 furnished at the top with a cleft projection. This curious 

 larva can be found on the common bramble, and is in best 

 condition about the end of August, or beginning of September, 

 when it is full-fed, and about to ' spin up.' When it finally 

 ceases to feed it spins a slight cocoon, which it fastens among 

 the leaves, changes into the pupal state, and makes its appear- 



LIII 



■f 



1. Platepteryx falcula. 2. Ps_vcbe opac^lla. 3. Tbyntira hatis. 4. Diphthera Orion. 

 a. Thy-itira, larva. b. Psyche, lai-va. 



ance as a Moth in tlie ensuing summer. This pretty Moth 

 used to be very plentiful about Oxford when I was collecting 

 there. It belongs to the family Trifidse. 



Next comes an example of the Bombycoidae — a Moth quite as 

 beautiful as the preceding insect, but with a different style of 

 beauty. Its scientific name is Diphthera Orion, and its popular 

 title the Scarce Merveil du Jour. See Woodcut LIII. P^ig. 4. 



The colour of the upper wings is Very remarkable. The 



