SPHINGES 



205 



chrysalis has been observed to squeak shortly before the emergence 

 of the perfect form. 



The fore wings of this moth are of a very rich dark brown, 

 beautifully mottled with lighter tawny shades, and with a small 

 but conspicuous yellow dot near the centre. The hind wings are 

 yellow, with a black band and margin ; and the body is yellow, 

 with six broad black bands, and six large blue spots down the 

 middle. 



The moth is rather widely distributed, and even common in 



FIG. 97. THE DEATH'S-HEAD HAWK MOTH. 



some parts, but is not nearly so often met with as the larva. It is 

 on the wing during August and September. 



It is probable that the reader will never have an opportunity of 

 capturing the perfect form of this remarkable species, but he may 

 with a little perseverance obtain some caterpillars and rear them. 

 These larvae feed on the potato, the deadly nightshade (Atropa 

 Belladonna), and the woody nightshade (Solatium Dulcamara) ; 

 and they are well known to potato growers in some parts of the 

 country. 



The colour of the caterpillar is generally pale yellow, with 

 numerous small black dots, and seven oblique violet stripes on each 



