542 THE LITTLE ERMINE-MOTH. 



apparently insignificant, though their vast numbers often give them powers of destruc- 

 tion 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 

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

 characteristic of the puss-moth larva already described. 



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

 color 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-HORN 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 colored moth, which sits on the branch 

 with closed wings, and permits the long thread-like antennae 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 an ease that seems truly 

 wonderful when the grea tlength and tenuity of the antennae are taken into consid- 

 eration. 



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 color 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 ERMINE-MOTH belongs to the same family, and derives its name 

 from its delicate white color and black spots. The larva of this insect is of a gray color 

 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 stand- 

 ing 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, anothet 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 

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



