LEPIDOPTERA. 



247 



It remains for us to speak of two other species which are very 

 important, inasmuch as their domestication in Europe is now an 



it5. Atiacua (Bombyx) Mylitta. 



accomplished fact. We mean the Attacus or Bombyx of the Ailan- 

 thus, and also that of the Castor-oil plant. 



Every one has heard of the Ailanthus silkworm (Attacus 

 (Bombyx) Cynthia), whose acclimatisation in Europe has been 



Fig. '221. Cocoon of Attacus (Bouibyx) Mylitta. 



materially assisted by the admirable and persevering efforts of 

 M. Gruerin-Meneville. 



The Ailanthus worm is a native of Japan and of the north of 

 China. It was brought over in 1858 by Annibale Fantoni, and 

 sent to M. Gruerin-Meneville by MM. Griseri and Colomba, of 

 Turin. When it is nearly full-grown, it is emerald green, with 

 the head, the feet, and the last segment of a beautiful golden 

 yellow, and has black spots on each segment. This worm, in 

 its full-grown state, is represented by Fig. 228 ; in the same 



