BOMBYX. INSECTS. 365 



luted club, at least in one of the sexes, and without a tuft at 

 the extremity ; lower palpi cylindrico- conical, rising above 

 the hood ; abdomen almost cylindrical and obtuse ; wings 

 sloped ; spines at the extremity of the legs very small. 



The insects of this genus fly little, are rather inactive, and are found on the plants 

 where the female deposits her ova. Both sexes live in the perfect state but for the 

 time that is necessary for reproduction. The caterpillars have sixteen feet. They 

 are smooth, slightly hairy, and have not, like those of the Sphinxes, a horny appen- 

 dage on the last segment. To change into pupae they inclose themselves in a solid 

 cocoon, which they form along a branch or leaf, and the perfect insect is produced 

 in a short time after. 



Z. Jilipendula, Lat. Fab. Antennae and body of a blackish or blu- 

 ish-green ; upper wings deep changeable green, downy, with six 

 red spots on each ; the lower wings red, without spots ; legs long 

 and black. Inhabits Europe, in meadows. Fab. Spec. ii. 157- 



Z. scabiosce, Lat. Antennas and body of a black colour ; upper 

 wings green, with one or three united red spots. Inhabits Europe. 

 Fab. Spec. ii. 158. 



FAMILY III. NOCTURNA. 



All the wings horizontal or inclined in repose ; antennae seta- 

 ceous. 



With the exception of a small number, the lower wings in this family are furnish- 

 ed with a bridle, formed by a strong and sharp horny bristle, or a bundle of set 

 adapted to a groove in the upper wings, and keeping them horizontal when at rest. 

 The chrysalis is almost always inclosed in a cocoon rounded before, or without angles. 

 The number of membranaceous feet in the caterpillar varies. 



TRIBE I. BOMBYCITES, Lat. 



Antennae pectinated or serrated, at least in the males ; spiriform 

 trunk very short, or almost none ; body generally woolly and 

 thick in the females ; wings often extended, and when they 

 are inclined, the lower ones margin the other two, or are turn- 

 ed up ; caterpillars with sixteen feet. 



I. Wings broad, either extended or inclined like a roof, the lower ones bordering in 

 this case the upper ; caterpillars living discovered, on leaves. 



Gen. ATTACUS, LASIOCAMPUS, BOMBYX. 



II. Wings oblong, narrow, always inclined, the lower ones entirely covered ; cater- 

 pillars living in the interior of vegetables, or concealed in the earth and gnawing 

 their roots. 



Gen. HEPIALUS. 



Gen. BOMBYX, Fab. Lat. Phalcena, Lin. 

 Wings entire, extended horizontally or inclined, forming a tri- 

 angle with the body ; superior palpi concealed, the lower ones 

 very small, in the form of tubercles, cylindrical or conical, 

 and diminishing in thickness towards their point ; tongue none 

 or indistinct ; antennae pectinated, at leas"t in the males ; ab- 

 domen very large in the females ; caterpillar with 14 or 16 

 feet ; a forked tail in place of the last two in those which 

 have fourteen. 



