INSECTS. 



137 



mention, tliat tlie Oak-moth measures three niches and a half 

 across the expanded whigs, and the Emperor-moth (^Satm-niu 

 pavonia minor. Fig. 121) is of equal dimensions. 



■ISA.v. .J^ 



Fig. 121 — Emperor Moth. 



To snch species the lines of Spencer are strictly applicahlc, 



" The velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, 

 Tlie silken down with which his back is dight, 

 Pis broad outstretch'd horns, his airy thighs, 

 His glorious colours, and his glistening eyes. * 



The caterpillars of some moths are of large size ; those of 

 others are so minute that the thickness of an ordinary leaf is 

 sufficient to afford them concealment, a^ they eat awav its 

 interior; — nay, half its thickness is sufficient, as an examina- 

 tion of any leaf, showing upon one side only their whitish 

 zigzag lines, will testify. 



Some, from their peculiar movement, which seem as if they 

 were measuring the space they traverse, are called sni-veyors 

 {Geometroe), and they can fix themselves to a twig in a manner 

 so stiff and motionless as to seem a part of the plant. Others, 

 with inimitable skill, construct vestures for themselves of very 

 different materials, occa- 

 sionally employing what to 

 us would seem the most un- 

 suitable. Some, like those 

 represented in Fig. 122, 

 possess the art of rolling a 

 leaf, so as to convert it to 

 a habitation; and others, 

 spinning a snow-white ca- 

 nopy, dwell together in 

 social communities. 



Fig. 122.— Nest of Tortrix. 



* From his poem, entitled Minopotmos, or the Fat« of the Butterfly. 



