20S I.EPIDOPTERA. 



It is nearly black when young. In about a month 

 it changes to a pupa, spinning its remarkable white 

 cocoon of silk. The pupa stage covers about three 

 weeks. The effects of domestication can be clearly 

 seen in this species of moth ; for although the individ- 

 uals still possess wings they do not use them. The 

 common Cecropia moth, Plaiysamia Cccropia, also 

 belongs in the group of silk-makers. Cocoons of this 

 moth can be obtained in the autumn, and if hung in 

 a cool place, the scholars can watch the transforma- 

 tion the following March, April, or May. The beauti- 

 ful green Luna moth, Actias Lujia, and the common 

 Attacus Promethca are included in this family. 



SPHINGID.^. 



These ''hawk" or "humming-bird" moths always 

 interest the young. They are stout, strong insects, with 

 large, hairy bodies (see Fig. i6i, Macrosila quinque- 

 maciilata, Haw.). The rings of the thorax, as already 

 stated (see p. i88), are not so loosely connected as 

 in the slower flying butterflies and moths. 



The sucking-tube is extended to great length, that 

 it may reach the sweet fluids at the base of the deep 

 corollas of flowers. The legs are strongly spiked, and 

 well fitted to support the weighty body. By means 

 of the neat and most ingenious contrivance found in 

 many moths, the fore and hind wing on each side are 

 fastened together, so that the power of flight is greatly 

 increased. When the two wings are separated, the 

 little horny hook at the base of the hind-wing, and 



