BY A. W. SCOTT, M.A. 27 



The larvfB excavate to some little depth, cylindrical cells in 

 the interior of the stems or branches of several species of indi- 

 genous plants, in which they wholly pass their lives and undergo 

 all the primary changes. Over the external entrance of this 

 habitation they construct a covering, composed of triturated 

 portions of bark and wood held together by silken threads ; the 

 edges of which are closely adherent to the branch, and thus leave 

 no opening for the egress or ingress of the animal. In this 

 particular, the protective covering, although similar in construc- 

 tion and general appearance, differs materially from that formed 

 by the caterpillars of the Gryptophasce, where the lower portions 

 are left unattached to afford to the insects a free passage in order 

 to obtain their natural food, the leaves of the tree within the 

 stems of which they are located. At first, this covering is but a 

 speck, but by the time the larvae have attained maturity, it 

 assumes an inflated bag-like form of considei^able dimensions, and 

 which, in many instances, is so large that the smaller plants are 

 destroyed by the bark having been eaten completely round the 

 main stem. 



The chrysalis is placed within this dwelling, head upwards, 

 and, being provided with serrated corneous abdominal rings, and 

 considerable vitality, is capable of locomotion, a power it 

 exercises frequently by moving up and down the walls of its cell 

 with alacrity. At the last metamorphosis, the anterior half of 

 the chrysalis is thrust out of the aperture, when the skin rends 

 asunder, and the perfect insect departs, leaving the exuvi^ 

 remaining in that position. 



The perfect insects are about the most beautiful of the 

 nocturnal Lepidoptera ; but unfortunately the colours fade quickly 

 after death ; and it is difficult to imagine that the specimens we 

 meet with in cabinets, were ever the beings so brilliant at their 

 births ; consequently no adequate idea can be formed of the 

 beauty of the various species of this group, nor correct descrip- 

 tions given of the colouring, unless by the examination of very 

 recent specimens. These moths are nocturnal in their habits, and 

 fly with great velocity. 



