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INSECT MISCELLANIES. 



been deserted by the proprietor, as well as when 

 pounced upon by a hunting spider, which spins no 

 web. We have not been able to satisfy ourselves 

 whether or not this sound of distress is produced by 

 the same organ as the common buz in flying 1 *. 



One of the most puzzling sounds to the curious in 

 such inquiries, is that emitted by the death's-head 

 moth (Acherontia Atropos), when it is caught and 

 kept a prisoner. This is described to be a loud 



Death's-head [hawk-moth (Acherontia Atropoi). 



shrill cry, somewhat like that of a mouse, but much 

 more piteous. M. Lorrey ascribes the sound to the 

 rapid propulsion of air from two cavities in the belly t ; 

 Schroeter to its rubbing its tongue against its head ; 

 and Rosel to the friction of the chest upon the abdo- 

 men. That the wings are not concerned in it, is 

 proved by the cry being uttered when both they and 

 * J. R. f Latreille, Regne Animal, v. 590. 



