i;^ 



spaces between each segment from the fourth to the tenth inclusive are banded with red, 

 the bands being widest and most conspicuous from the sixth to the nintli inclusive. 

 These bands are a striking feature in the appearance of the caterpillar, especially when, 

 it is coiled up as shown in figure 4 (after Eiley). The colour of the under side varies 

 from reddish to yellowish brown, feet reddish, prolegs brown, thickly clothed with 

 short hairs. 



This larva attains its full growth in the autumn and hybernates during the winter 

 under logs, the loose bark of decaying trees, or other suit- 

 able hiding places. By the genial warmth of spring it is 

 aroused from its torpid condition and feeds for a few days 

 on grass, or almost any other green thing it may meet 

 with. It then constructs a loose cocoon, within which it 

 enters the chrysalis state. 



The chrysalis is black 

 with a beautiful bloom on its 

 surface, which is easily rubbed 

 off; ithas a flattened projection 

 at its hinder extremity, which 

 is tipped with a few bristles. 



After remaining about a 

 fortnight in the pupa state, it 

 appears as a unique and very 

 beautiful moth. In figure 5 

 (after Eiley) a represents the 

 female, b the male. The wings 

 are white, ringed, streaked and 

 spotted with dark brown as 

 shown in the figure. The 

 thorax has ten or twelve black 

 spots with a bluish white centre ; the upper portion of the body is steel blue, streaked 

 along the middle and sides with yellow or orange ; legs white, ringed with black at the 

 extremities. The male differs from the female mainly in his smaller size and narrower 



abdomen. 



The Polyphemus Moth — I'elea Polyphemus, 



The caterpillar of 

 this insect is also known 

 as the American Silk 

 Worm, in consequence 

 of its having been exten- 

 sively reared for the sake 

 of its silk. When fuU 

 grown the larva presents 

 the appearance shown in 

 figure 6, is over three 

 inches in length, with a 

 very thick body. It is 

 of a handsome light yel- 

 lowish-green colour,with 

 seven oblique pale yel- 

 lowish lines on each side 



