386 MODERN CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS. 
106. 3. ditto of Notodonta dromedaria.). The larva of Endromis 
versicolor is also naked, with a pyramidal horn on the eleventh seg- 
ment; in this respect approaching the Sphingide, as it also does in 
the ordinary position of the body, and the oblique stripes at its sides. 
But the most extraordinary larva in the family is that which has been 
termed the lobster caterpillar (that of Stauropus Fagi), and which 
has the second and third pairs of legs greatly elongated ; the inter- 
mediate segments of the body with elevated conical tubercles ; and the 
apex of the body is swollen, terminated by two long slender appen- 
dages, without any anal feet; and this part of the insect, as well as 
the head, is generally elevated in repose. Ochsenheimer, probably 
op account of the want of anal feet in the larva, placed this insect in 
the genus Cerura; but Mr. Curtis thinks it makes a near approach 
to Notodonta trepida, a situation which appears to me most natural, 
when we consider the variations in form of the larve of the prominent 
moths. 
Latreille considers that some of these prominents, especially Ptero- 
stoma palpina (fig. 106. 4.), establish the passage between this family 
and the Noctuida, by means of the genus Calyptra (the herald moth), 
which he places at the head of that family. Some prominents have 
also the thorax crested, a peculiarity more especially found in the Noc- 
tuide. Pygeera bucephala also approaches the Noctuide in the larva 
burying itself in the earth without forming any cocoon. Mr. Curtis 
considers the last-named genus as very nearly related to the Noto- 
dontz. Its larvee, for some time after they are hatched, live in society, 
arranging themselves closely, in regular rows, upon a leaf, commen- 
cing at one end, and eating their way to the other. 
The types of the family are distinguished by their larve being 
very thickly clothed with long hairs, whence they have obtained the 
name of woolly bears ( fig. 107. 3. larva of Arctia Caja). Such are 
especially the larvee of the various species of tiger moths, and others 
nearly allied to them. These are amongst the most beautiful of all 
the species of moths, the fore wings being ornamented with white and 
brown, or black, and the hind wings red, with black or blue markings. 
Some of these caterpillars are extremely destructive, from their poly- 
phagous habits. Of these, Porthesia auriflua may especially be 
mentioned. ‘This species, in 1782, abounded to such an extent, that 
fears were entertained for the preservation of fruit trees, hedges, 
and even growing corn and grass. So great, indeed, was the dread 
