528 



THE LUNAR HORNET CLEAR-WING. 



two rows of black dots along the back, and a row of red dots on either side. The colour 

 of the moth is very simple, the upper wings being of a soft golden-green, with a peculiar 

 silken gloss, and the under wings brown. The body is green, but with reflections 

 of blue. 



The well-known BURNET-MOTH, so familiar on account of the rich velvety-green, 

 spotted with scarlet, which decorates its wings, also belongs to this family. The caterpillar 

 feeds on many plants, and is notable for making a spindle-shaped cocoon in which it 

 passes through its pupal state. This cocoon is of a light brown colour, and is usually 

 fastened to an upright stem of grass. The species which is given in the illustration is 

 marked after the same manner as the Burnet Moth, except that the spots are white. 



In the -iEgeriidae, the wings are as transparently clear as in the Sesiadse, and the 

 general aspect is equally unlike that of a moth. The species which is shown in the illustra- 



LUNAR HORNET CLEAR-WING. Trochilium bembeci/orme. 



Syiitomis phtyea. 

 GREEN FORESTER. Ino tdtices 

 CURRANT CLEAR-WING. JEgkria. tipuliformis. 



tion is very common in England, and is fond of haunting currant-bushes, where it may be 

 captured without much difficulty, being rather dull and sluggish in taking to flight, though 

 when once on the wing it is quick and agile in its movements. On account of its 

 resemblance to the large gnats, it is popularly called the GNAT OLE AE- WING. The 

 caterpillar of this insect feeds upon the pith of the currant-trees. 



THE large insect in the same illustration represents the LUNAR HOENET CLEAR- WING, 

 an insect which is of tolerably, but not very frequent occurrence. Its popular name is 

 given to it in allusion to its singular resemblance to a hornet, the similitude being so close 

 as to deceive a casual glance, especially when the insect is on the wing. In common with 

 all the members of this genus, the Hornet Clear- Wing is a rather sluggish insect, being 

 oftener seen at rest than on the wing, and being mostly found while clinging to the trunks 

 or leaves of the trees on which they lived in the larval state. Their flight is rather slow 

 and heavy, and as their tongues are comparatively short, they are not able to poise them- 

 selves on the wing, and sip the sweets of flowers while balancing themselves in the air. 



The larva of the present species feeds upon the willow, boring into the young wood 

 and sometimes damaging it to a serious . extent. All these insects inhabit, while in the 

 larval state, the interior of branches or roots, and make a kind of eocoon from the nibbled 



