120 



LEPIDOPTERA. 



external protection, their chrysalis being in most cases either suspended 

 loosely by the tail, hanging in a perpendicular position 

 from a little button of silk (Fig. 120), or having, in addi- 

 tion to this support, a girdle of silk passing round the 

 body and fastened on each side, by which the chrysalis 

 is supported horizontally or obliquely. These chrysalids 

 are generally ornamented with gold-coloured spots, from 

 which they receive their name ; moreover, they frequently 

 present externally spines and angular points, giving them 

 a very remarkable appearance. 



In the second section of Lepidopterous in- 

 sects, Crepuscularia, are placed 



PUPA OF' VANESSA. The Hawk-Moths (Sphinx], These are furnished 



with a stiff scaly spine upon the outer border of their 



lower wings, which is received into a kind of hook, situated beneath the upper 



pair, and keeps them, when in repose, in an inclined or horizontal position ; 



FIG. 121. UNICORN HAWK-MOTH. 



their antennae are for the most part prismatic or angular in their shape, or 

 sometimes they are toothed like a comb. Their caterpillars have always six- 

 teen feet, and their chrysalids are destitute of the angular projections which 

 frequently exist in those of the Diurnal species. They are, moreover, gene- 

 rally enclosed in a cocoon, and sometimes buried in the earth. These insects 

 are only seen on the wing in the grey dawn of morning, or in the evening twi- 

 light. The type of the family is the genus Sphinx, so called because the 

 usual attitude assumed by their caterpillars resembles that attributed to the 

 Sphinx of ancient fable. These insects in their perfect state fly with great 



