THE EMPEROR MOTH. 97 



is in the month of August, and in the end of 

 April they transform into the perfect fly. 



The Emperor Moth is not by any means rare in 

 Britain, and is to be found in Kent, Sussex, Nor- 

 folk, and Devonshire. 



The singular provision which Nature makes for 

 the protection of this moth, deserves particular 

 notice. When the time of its continuation in the 

 caterpillar state is expired, by much labour it 

 forms a kind of bag or purse- of a very tough sub- 

 s.ance. This it fixes against the trunks of trees, 

 &c., by a number of hairs or filaments, which re- 

 main on the external surface. It lines the outer 

 case by one of a firm texture, the top of which is 

 closed by several bristles that unite in the centre, 

 exactly representing a cap, and excludes almost the 

 possibility of its receiving an injury during this 

 defenceless state. In this bag it passes to the 

 aurelia state, and remains until it transforms the 

 perfect insect. 



Authors instance many plants as the food of the 

 Emperor Moth ; it will live on the rose, the elm, 

 alder, oak, the willow, and on thorns and brambles 

 particularly. 



