124 TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 
The caterpillars of the genus Stauropus, or the Lobster 
Moths, are more extraordinary looking than those of the puss 
moth. They are found during August and September in large 
forests and woods, and usually upon beech, oak, and_ birch 
Mees, and “are very’ curious “opjects, “Whey -are' of a "pale or 
reddish-brown colour, or resemble leather in their tints, so that 
THE LOBSTER MOTH (Stauropus fagi). 
The male moth. The female upon the leaf. The caterpillar with its tail end in the air, 
and the long legs close to the head. 
they are not remarkable for beauty; but the second and third 
pairs of front legs are extremely long, the first pair being absent. 
There are two sharpish projections on every segment, from the 
fourth to the seventh, and there is a considerable enlargement 
of the sides of the ninth and the last segments. There are 
two little tails. 
When quiet the caterpillar usually erects its tail end, as 
well as the head, and the attitude renders the peculiar shape 
of the body more striking than ever. The long fore legs are 
