214 



COMMON BRITISH INSECTS. 



which the caterpillars feed. The tongue and antennae 

 are short, and the larva is naked, with the exception 

 of a few scattered hairs. There is a peculiarity in the 

 chrysalis, which will presently be described. 



A very characteristic example of this family is 

 depicted below, the insect being popularly and appro- 

 priately called WOOD LEOPARD MOTH (Zeuzera 

 czsculi}. This is a very pretty moth, though the 

 colours .are simply white and black, The white. 



Zeuzera sesculi (female). 



however, is partially translucent, and the black is in 

 reality the very deepest blue-green. The figure 

 represents the female. The male is coloured in a 

 similar manner, but his antennae are boldly curved, 

 and adorned for the first half of their length with a 

 deep double comb. 



The caterpillar of the Wood Leopard very much 

 resembles the perfect insect in markings, the green 

 colour being white and the spots shining black. 

 Behind the head is a large black plate. This cater- 

 pillar burrows into the limbs of many trees, especially 

 fruit trees, bat appears to do little if any harm to 

 them. Indeed, Mr. Newman states that fruit trees 



