SOME EXPERIENCES IN MOTH HUNTING. 28 
in Guernsey, with the ‘“‘ Long-tailed Blue,” which is very rare as a rule, 
and not recognized as British. A friend took 80 specimens in his 
garden, and was abused in the papers for trying to “ exterminate 
the species” —a really very absurd idea because the plant on which these 
caterpillars feed does not grow in Guernsey, and therefore, the species 
could not possibly become inhabitant; they had, in fact, been blown 
over from France. 
The “ Death’s Head” Moth, the caterpillar of which is the largest 
we have, was fairly common in the caterpillar state some years ago. It 
was so in 1899 and 1900, and was taken in various parts of England 
generally feeding on potato leaves. I had some fine caterpillars 
given to me which I reared to moths. I have known as many as 14 
taken ina garden. The moth is very rarely seen and the number 
of specimens taken in a year may be counted on one’s fingers. They 
are nearly always taken at rest, Why? I cannot say, as J know little 
about the insect’s habits in the perfect state, except that there are two 
things worth noting. First, it’s fondness for getting into hives, where 
they ure sometimes killed and covered with wax by the bees; second, 
and more remarkable, the power of squeaking, exemplified in the speci- 
men I hatched this year. When I touched its leg with a camel hair 
brush it reared itself up on its legs and uttered sharp squeaks like a 
mouse, the only insect making a noise of the kind. Another insect 
commonly found in the caterpillar state, but not otherwise, is the 
“Small Eggar.” The caterpillars are found abundantly in this district 
making a web in the hedges, in which they live when not eating, 
crawling out to devour leaves. I can generally find five or six 
broods every May within a mile of my home, but never saw the 
perfect insect except bred from caterpillar, nor heard of anyone else 
doing so. : 
Another example is the “ Buff-tip” Moth. All have seen the 
caterpillars feeding in companies in the trees, especially lime trees. 
They strip the leaves off the branches, making them look like Winter ; 
the moth is hardly ever seen: I do not think I have seen more than 
three in my life. On the other hand, some insects; common in one 
