LEPIDOPTERA. 



193 



We will take the genus Sesia as the representative of the Sesiida. 

 These singular insects have membranous wings, and resemble various 



Fig. 174. Sesia apiformis. 



Fig. 175. Six-spot Burnet Moth 

 (Zyganajitipendulcc). 



species of Hymenoptera. The largest species is the Sesia apiformis 

 (Fig. 174), that is, bee-like, which is found in this country, resting on 

 the trunks of willows and poplar-trees, from the end of May till the 

 middle of July. It resembles a hornet, and is of the 

 same size and has the same colours ; only they are not 

 quite so bright. When this moth is just hatched its 

 wings are ferruginous ; but its scales, light and ca- 

 ducous, fall as soon as the insect begins to fly. The 

 caterpillar, which lives in the trunks or roots of willows 

 and poplar-trees, is of a yellowish colour. The pupa 

 is long, of a brownish colour, enclosed in a cocoon 

 composed of agglutinated saw-dust, the product of the 

 caterpillar's erosions. 



In the middle of summer the meadows are fre- 

 quented by moths, with brilliant black and velvety 

 wings, marked with red, which fly heavily, and only 

 for a short time together. They remain motionless 

 during the great heat of the day. These are the 

 Zygcena, or Burnets, of the family of the Zyganidce. 

 The Ram Sphinx of Geoffrey, or the Six-spot Burnet 

 Moth (Zygcena filipendula, Fig. 175), is common from 

 the end of June till the beginning of August. Its legs, 

 antennae, head, and body are black and rather hairy ; its upper wings 

 are of a brilliant bluish green, with six spots of a beautiful red on 

 each, bordered by a little green. The caterpillar is yellow, spotted 

 with black ; its cocoon is boat-shaped, with longitudinal furrows, and 

 is straw colour (Fig. 176). 



Fig. 176. Cocoon 



of the Zygsena 



filipendulx. 



