542 THE LITTLE ERMINE-MOTH. 



rently insignificant, though their vast numbers often give them powers of destruction 

 which are unequalled by the larger but scarcer insects. 



The PEBBLE HOOK-TIP MOTH, seen towards the middle of the illustration, is a curious 

 insect, and one that has greatly perplexed systematic entomologists to place it in its 

 proper position. The Geometridae, as a rule, have the antennae perfectly simple and 

 thread-like, but the male of this insect has those organs in a feathery form, like those of 

 other families. The larva, again, is of rather eccentric shape, with projections rJ.ong its 

 back, with tufts of stiff hairs, and assuming an attitude very like that which is charac- 

 teristic of the puss-moth larva already described. 



The popular name of this moth is derived from the hook-like tips of the wings. Its 

 colour is reddish buff, over which are drawn a number of waved dusky streaks. In the 

 centre of the wing there is a dusky spot, and an orange-brown stripe is drawn from 

 the inner margin to the extremity. 



THE family of the Yponomeutidae contains many very beautiful species, none of which 

 are of great size, but which, when magnified and a strong light thrown upon them, seem to 

 be among the loveliest of the moth tribes. The graceful LoNG-HoKN MOTH is one of the 

 prettiest and most elegant of these insects. If an observer be walking in the woods, and 

 should keep a careful watch among the leaves of the shrubs and underwood, he will often see 

 sundry delicate filaments, like the threads of the gossamer-spider, waving in the light, but 

 having an iridescent surface, which shows that they could never have derived their origin 

 from the spider. On following these filaments to their source, he will find that they belong 

 to a little reddish coloured moth, which sits on the branch with closed wings, and permits 

 the long thread-like antennas to wave freely in the breeze. It is then probable that other 

 specimens will be seen flitting about in the sunbeams, or even threading their way through 

 the thick foliage with au ease that seems truly wonderful when the great length and 

 tenuity of the antennae are taken into consideration. 



The caterpillar of this, and others of the same family, makes for itself a kind of case 

 of leaves, which it carries about wherever it goes, and which serves equally to conceal and 

 to protect the body. I have bred many species of the Yponomeutidae from their cases, 

 which seem to be most common upon the oak leaves, though they may be found on many 

 trees. The reader may perhaps wonder what becomes of the antennae during the pupal 

 state. In order to exhibit the curious provision which is made for this purpose, a figure 

 is given of the chrysalis, showing how the antennae are coiled up in a spiral form at the 

 extremity of the abdomen. 



The colour of this pretty moth is reddish brown of many tones, taking in some places 

 a golden hue, and having a rich gloss that has earned for it the name of Japan-moth. 

 When placed under the microscope, it affords a magnificent spectacle, its scales literally 

 blazing as if made from burnished gold, copper, and silver. 



The pretty LITTLE EEMINE-MOTH belongs to the same family, and derives its name from 

 its delicate white colour and black spots. The larva of this insect is of a grey colour 

 spotted with black, and in some places is found in almost incredible numbers. These 

 caterpillars live in society, and spread themselves over the ill-fated tree on which they 

 live, weaving strong webs as they go, and lowering themselves to the ground when 

 alarmed. During the spring of the present year I saw a large blackthorn tree standing 

 in a garden that was covered with these caterpillars and their webs. The tree swarmed 

 with them. Thousands were seen marching in battalions towards the few twigs on which 

 some green leaves still remained ; the air below the tree was filled with caterpillars that 

 were hanging at the end of their threads, and the walls of the garden and adjacent house 

 were covered with them. It was not possible to enter the garden without being covered 

 with their delicate but marvellously strong threads, for as soon as one set was broken 

 away, another set took their place. 



Fortunately they do not conceal themselves while in the pupal state, and can therefore 

 be easily destroyed, so as to prevent a second and a more numerous generation from 

 appearing to complete the work of rapine. As they have lived together, so together the> 

 undergo their transformation, making their cocoons in the webs which they had spun 



