206 THE INSECT WOELD. 



fastens together with some silky threads. Its pupa (Fig. 188), of 

 a yellowish brown, has short bristles on the rings of the abdomen. 

 The caterpillar possesses in the highest degree the retractile power 

 which has gained for certain species of this genus their popular 

 names. The Privet Sphinx (Sphinx ligustri, Fig. 189) has its 



Fig. 189. Privet Hawk- Moth (Spidnx tiyustri). 



upper wings rather narrow, about two inches long, of a reddish 

 grey, and veined with black above, with the middle of a dark 

 brown, the inner margin with rose-coloured .hairs, and the hind 

 margin having two whitish flexuous lines running along it. The 

 hind wings are of a rose tint, with three black bands. The wings 

 are of a reddish grey below with a common black band. The 

 abdomen has black and rose-coloured rings above, and in the 

 middle a brownish band wholly divided by a black line. 



This species is very common in all parts of Europe. One finds 

 it in gardens from June to September. Of all the caterpillars 

 of the genus Sphinx, this is the one which, by its attitude when 

 in a state of repose, most resembles the sphinx of fable, from 

 which the genus has derived its name. It is of fine apple 

 green, with seven oblique stripes, half violet and half white, 

 placed 011 each side of its body, and three or four small white 



