M Transactions: 



species so closely resemble a dead branch or twig of tree oa 

 which they may be resting that none but a practical entomo- 

 logist could observe them, so closely do they resemble a dry 

 branch. Again, the pupa or chrysalides of the GeometrcB are 

 rarely subterranean, while the greatest number of the 

 Noctuince go into the earth before assviming the pupa state- 

 The pupa of the Geometrce are more frequently found among 

 dead leaves, sometimes in a loose cocoon, and sometimes 

 suspended by the tail like the butterflies. The British 

 Geometrce number about two hundred and sixty s^secies, 

 while the Noctuinoi will number about three hundred 

 species. The most remarkable order among all the Lepi- 

 doptera are unquestionably the Spliingince. None attract 

 more attention. Their large size, rapid movement, and the 

 splendour of all the species very properly constitute them to 

 represent the first order among the moths. They belong to 

 the first subdivision of the great section Hetceroeera. They 

 are all easily distinguished by the short stout body of the per- 

 fect insect. The family of the SpKingido} contains several 

 genera, the first genus being Smerinthus. All the cater- 

 pillars of this genus are green, and invariably covered with 

 small tubercles closely arranged in regular rows. The sides 

 are marked with a series of streaks of a paler green than the 

 rest of the body. The most remarkable species of this fine 

 division is no doubt the well-known death's-head moth, 

 Acherontia atropos : the robust body and the wings straight 

 at the external margin, the short antenncB and the shorter 

 proboscis, scarcely longer than the head, are quite sufiicient 

 to mark this species as very distinct from the other hawk 

 moths. The caterpillar is also very distinct in form from all 

 the other species. The dorsal horn or tail is decumbent in- 

 stead of being raised, and the body is jagged with small 

 excrescences instead of being smooth, and is entirely with- 

 out the minute tubercles which so much distinguish the 

 caterpillars of the genus Srfiermthus. Some seasons the 

 death's-head moth is unusually common in the caterpillar 

 state. Many attempts are made to obtain the perfect insect 



