PEBBLE PROMINENT MOTH. 101 



pointed backwards, a peculiarity which has 

 given the name of I^otodonta to the whole 

 genus. When this caterpillar is at rest, it has a 

 most eccentric appearance. It grasps with its 

 claspers the object on which it sits, and turns 

 both its tail and head upwards, so that the 

 sharply humped segments and the large head 

 present a general effect which is well defined by 

 the word zigzag. 



This remarkable larva may be found towards 

 the middle and end of autumn upon the poplar 

 and sallow, and can best be taken by beating 

 the branches. It is impossible to mistake this 

 for any other larva, although its colour is but 

 different shades of yellowish brown. When ftdl- 

 fed it descends to the ground, and spins a cocoon 

 upon the surface of the earth, emerging about 

 May or June. It is tolerably plentiful, and can 

 be easiest obtained by taking the caterpillars and 

 rearing them. 



