ATTACKING THE LEAVES. 253 



uous in the larval state that it might easily be controlled by 

 hand-picking should it at any time prove troublesome. 



No. 135. The Abbot Sphinx. 



Thyreus Abbotii Swainson. 



This is not a common insect, yet it is found occasionally 

 over a large portion of the United States and Canada. The 

 caterpillar (see Fig. 263) attains full growth about the end of 



FIG. 263. 



July or the beginning of August, when it measures nearly two 

 and a half inches in length. It varies considerably in color, 

 from dull yellow to reddish brown, each segment being marked 

 transversely with six or seven fine black lines, and longitu- 

 dinally with dark-brown patches, giving to the larva a check- 

 ered appearance. Near the posterior extremity of the body 

 there is a polished black tubercle above, ringed with yellow. 



The chrysalis is commonly formed in a little cavity on the 

 surface of the ground, covered with a few pieces of leaves 

 loosely fastened together and mixed with grains of earth, but 

 it is said sometimes to bury itself below the surface. It is 

 about an inch and a quarter long, of a dark-brown color, 

 roughened with small indentations except between the joints, 



