THE CLASSIFICATION OF INSECTS 89 



and nocturnal habits. In some cases, however, the hind- 

 wings are brightly coloured — as in the common red under- 

 wing moth ( Catocala nwpta). The larvae have usually 

 live pairs of prolegs, though in some species there 

 are only two or three pairs. The adult moths rest 

 during the daytime upon fences or tree trunks. The 

 family, which comprises upwards of 8000 known species, 

 is represented in all parts of the world. Perhaps the best- 

 known British example is the cabbage moth (Mamestra 

 brassicce), whose caterpillars are exasperating pests. 



The puss-moths, prominents, and their allies {Noto- 

 dontidce) are foi.nd throughout the world, except in New 

 Zealand. The larva? are usually without prolegs on the 

 hindmost segment of the body. They are often very 

 curious in form, and assume most remarkable attitudes 

 when alarmed. Some species form a cocoon, while others 

 bury themselves in the ground before changing to the pupa. 



The hawk-moths (Splihigidce) are robust, swift-flying 

 insects which are represented in all parts of the world. 

 The privet hawk-moth (Sphinx Ugustri) is a well-known 

 British species. In this family the caterpillars have 

 always ten prolegs, and usually a spine or "tail'' at the 

 posterior end of the body. The pupa stage is passed 

 underground, within an earthen cell or cocoon. 



The large family Gcomctridtv comprises the carpets, 

 pugs, and their allies. Their caterpillars are known as 

 "loopers." They have usually only two pairs of prolegs, 

 these being on the tenth and last segments. 



The family Bombycidce includes the true silk-moths. 

 The common " silkworm," the larva of Bombyx mori, is 

 perhaps better known than any other caterpillar. From 

 the cocoons spun by these insects the silk of commerce is 

 chiefly obtained. The family is well represented in the 

 East, but sparsely in Africa and tropical America. An 



