BOMBYCIDS. 129 
The Arctians are a genus of moths represented in this country by 
several exceedingly beautiful forms. The species are very variable, 
and on this account have caused considerable confusion. The 
antenne are usually feathered in the males and simple in the 
females. The larva is covered with stiff sharp-pointed hairs. The 
Cocoon and pupa of an Aretian,. 
cocoon is oval, loosely constructed of the hairs of the caterpillar 
interwoven with a few threads of silk. The chrysalis is stout, 
smooth, and dark brown in color. The moths of this genus come 
readily to a bright light, and a collector in the country will often 
find them flying about his room on warm summer evenings. They 
have a habit of feigning death when captured. Several of the 
species give off a strong odor when handled, which is probably a pro- 
tection to the insect from its enemies. 
Aretia nais. 
Arctia nais is a widely distributed insect, being found over the 
whole of the United States and the lower part of Canada. This 
insect, according to Edwards, has, on account of its variation received 
