THE METAMORPHOSIS OF THE SPHINGINA. 95 
are bereft of scales, except upon the nervures, upon the margin, 
and in some scattered spots. With the essential character of the 
Lepidoptera, they have almost the physiognomy of the Hymenop- 
tera, or bee tribe. 
It is rather curious to notice how the insects of one order 
mimic those of another with which they have no family con- 
nection. The strangest part of the matter is, that the habits of 
the Sesz7de are not in the least like those of the very violent- 
tempered insects whose uniform they wear. 
The Seszzde, although moths, fly in the hottest sunshine, and 
often rest on trees and shrubs, in order to lay their small round 
eggs. The caterpillars have an elongate, and almost cylindrical 
body, and they live in the interior of the trunks of trees, of 
branches, roots, and even in some fruits. Pale, and almost with- 
out the least colour, like beings which never see the light, 
there is no difficulty in determining that they are wood-eating 
larvee. 
One of these wasp-like moths is called the bee-shaped Sesza 
(Sesta apiformis), and it may be seen flying to and fro amongst 
the poplars by the river side, or running with much agility upon 
their trunks. This moth, which is classified by Mr. Stainton 
under the genus Sphecita, lays its eggs on the bark of poplar 
trees, low down and near the ground. When the caterpillars 
are hatched they gnaw the bark, and each endeavours to pene- 
trate the tree by excavating a tiny gallery. The larve live a 
long time, and drill holes of a considerable size, doing much 
harm to the trees. They are enabled to do this quietly and 
effectually, for instead of only living for a few. weeks before 
their metamorphosis into the chrysalis, and having jaws fitted 
for browsing the tender shoots and leaves, their caterpillar life 
lasts two years, and their masticating apparatus is strong, and 
admirably fitted for its purpose. It is very remarkable that 
they should only flourish upon those trees which have been 
injured; and it would appear that the abundance of the sap of 
perfect and healthy poplars is too much for the excavators. 
An examination of the caterpillar proves how admirably it is 
adapted for its peculiar method of life, and how perfectly help- 
less it would be upon a tender succulent plant. The legs are 
