170 NATURAL HISTORY. 



two irregular transverse stripes ; has a remarkable spot 

 on the back of the thorax, resembling a death's head. 

 When handled it emits a singular noise, supposed to be 

 caused by the rubbing of the palpi or feelers against 

 each other ; this sharp sound, heard in the intervals of 

 buzzing, has been considered by the superstitious as a 

 messenger of boding evil. It is, however, injurious to 

 bee-hives. Its large caterpillar is yellow, with zigzag 

 lines of green and blue ; has a horn ; lives on the jessa- 

 mine, potato, and leaves of the pear, etc. Remains 

 closely concealed in the daytime, coming forth in the 

 dark only, when it seeks its food. Its first change is in 

 July or August, to a dark red-brown pupa, which in 

 September begins a new life as a perfect insect. 



IV. DIURNA BUTTERFLIES (Papilla) . 



Body cylindric, somewhat compressed on the sides; 

 antennae clubbed at the points, either straight or slightly 

 arcuate ; wings broad and elevated, proboscis tolerably 

 long ; six pairs of feet, of which sometimes the two fore 

 feet are shortened. Caterpillar somewhat of the milli- 

 pede form, smooth, or studded with tubercular promi- 

 nences, undergoing the transitionary process in the open 

 air, or inclosed in a very slight cocoon. This species 

 fly in the daytime only. 



1. HESPBRIA. 



Small butterflies, known also under the name o Skip- 

 pers ; the anterior wings somewhat falcate ; posterior 

 ones tailed and ornamented on the under side with eye- 

 shaped spots; caterpillars ovate or spindle-shaped; 



