THE GHOST MOTH. 277 



Fig. 1), the case and its hood ; B, the hood de- 

 tached. More care and forethought than these 

 contrivances manifest, we are not acquainted with 

 for any order of beings. I conjecture it would 

 have produced the emperor moth. 



June 16. I this day captured in a neighbouring 

 meadow a fine specimen of the four- spotted dragon- 

 fly (libellula quadrimaculata) , and note this for 

 my entomological friends ; being the first certain 

 instance I am acquainted with of its being taken in 

 England of late years, for Ray mentions it. An- 

 other, I believe, escaped by its shyness. It is a 

 handsome creature, about three inches in breadth 

 between the extremities of its wings. The two 

 dark linear marks on the upper margin of each 

 wing, and tapering downy body, distinguish this 

 fly from any other. I can add nothing regarding 

 its history or manners. 



The ghost moth (hepialus humuli) is commonly 

 seen here, as I believe it to be in most other places, 

 but is mentioned to point out to any young person 

 unacquainted with this insect its singular habit 

 when on the wing, which at once distinguishes it 

 from any other moth. The larva which produces 

 this creature is hidden in the ground during the 

 season of winter; the fly being formed in the month 

 of May, and soon rising from the soil, then com- 

 mences its short career. At this time one or more 

 of them may frequently be observed under some 

 hedge in a mead, or some low place in a damp pas- 

 ture, only a few feet from the ground, persevering 



