1072 



PRACTICE OF AGRICULTURE 



Part III. 



6894. Tfiehaivk-7noth,'sphi/nge, or sphinx, is ch'ieQy Been in the evening. The name sphynx is applied to 

 the genus on account of the posture assumed by the larvje of several of the larger species, which are often 

 seen in an attitude much resembling that of the Egyptian sphynx, with the fore parts elevated, and the 

 rest of the body applied flat to the surface. One of the most elegant insects of this genus is the privet 



hawk-moth {Sphinx ligustri, fig. 757.), measuring 



7sr 



measuring 

 nearly four inches and a half from wing's end to 

 wing's end. The caterpillar (^g-. 748 a), which is very 

 large, is smooth, and of a fine green, with seven ob- 

 lique purple and white stripes along each side : at 

 the extremity of the body, or top of the last joint, is a 

 horn or process pointing backwards. This beau- 

 tiful cater^Villar is often found in the months of July 

 and August, feeding on the privet, the lilac, the 

 poplar, and some other trees, and generally changes 

 to a chrysalis {Jig. 757 a) in August or September, 

 retiring for that purpose to a considerable depth 

 beneath the surface of the ground; and after cast- 

 ing its skin, continuing during the whole winter in 

 a dormant state, the s|)hinx emerging from it in 

 the succeeding June. The egg of the sphinx (A) is 

 very different from that of the papilio. Another 

 perhaps still more beautiful insect is the sphinx 

 ocellata, or eyed hawk-moth, which is principally 

 found on the willow-tree, in its perfect state, in the 

 month of June. The largest and most remarkable 

 of the British hawk-moths, is the sphinx atropos, 

 or death's head hawk-moth. The upper wings are 

 of a fine dark-grey color, with a few slight va- 

 riegations of dull orange and white ; the under 

 wings are of a bright orange color, marked by a pair of transverse black bands : the body is also orange- 

 colored, with the sides marked by black bars : on the top of the thorax is a very large patch of a most 

 singular appearance, exactly resembling the usual figure of a skull, or death's head, and is of a pale grey, 

 varied with dull ochre color and black. When in the least disturbed or irritated, this insect emits a stri- 

 dulous sound, sometimes like the squeaking of a bat or mouse ; and from this circumstance, as well as from 

 the mark above mentioned, is held in much dread by the vulgar in several parts of Europe, its appear- 

 ance being regarded as a kind of ill omen, or harbinger of approaching fate. The caterpillar from which 

 this curious sphinx proceeds, which is principally found on the potatoe and the jessamine, is in the highest 

 degree beautiful, measuring sometimes five inches in length ; its color is a bright yellow, and its sides are 

 marked by stripes of a mixed violet and sky-blue color. It usually changes into a chrysalis in the month 

 of Sei)tember, and emerges the complete insect in June or July following : some individuals; however, change 

 in July or August, and produce the moth in November. 



6895. The moths {Phalcence) are a numerous genus like the sphinges. They fly abroad only in the even- 

 mg and during the night, and obtain their food from the nectar of flowers. The larva is active and quick 

 in motion, and preys voraciously on the leaves of plants. The most remarkable British moths are the 

 clothes-moth {P. sarcitella, fig. 158 a) ; the eggs of which are deposited on woollen clothes, furs. Sec. on 

 which the larvae feed and change to chrysalids, appearing in the imago state in August. The most trouble- 

 some in gardens are the cabbage-moth {P. oleracea, b) ; the gooseberry-moth (P. wavaria,c) ; the currant- 

 moth {P. grossularia, d) ; and the codling-moth, common on fruit-trees, hedges, and oak-trees, (P. po. 

 monella, e). 



SuBSECT. 5. Of N'europterous, or Nerve-winged Insects. 

 6896. The neuroptera, or nerve- winged insects, have four naked membranaceous wings, 

 but no sting ; and they differ from the last order, as their wings are without their minute 

 scales or down. Most of the insects in this family are aquatic, residing in the water 

 during their immature state, and resorting thereto in their perfect slate. 



6897. The dragon-fly {Libellula) is well known as frequenting rivers, lakes, pools, and stagnating waters, 

 in which the females deposit their eggs. The egg, when deposited by the parent in the water, sinks to the 

 bottom, and remains there till the young insect has acquired sufficient maturity and strength to burst 

 from its confinement. The larva, at first small, increases to nearly half the size of the perfect fly, by 

 changing its skin at different intervals, like the caterpillars of moths and butterflies. The slender-bodied 

 dragon-fly (L. virgo, fig. 759 a.) is the most common. 



6898. The day-fly {Ephemera) differs in many respects from all other insects. The ]arvae^ivo in the 

 water, where earth and clay seem to be their only nourishment, for three years, the time they consume in 

 preparing for their change, which is performed in a few moments. The larva, when ready to quit that 

 state, rises to the surface of the water, and getting instantaneously rid of its skin, becomes a chrysalis. This 

 chrysalis is furnished with wings, which it makes use of to fly to the nearest tree or wall ; and there set- 

 tling, it in the same moment quits a second skin, and becomes a perfect ephemera. In this state all the 

 species live but a very short time, some of them scarcely half an hour, having no other business to perform 

 than that of continuing the rnce. They are called the insects of a day ; but very fcv; of them ever see (he 



