LEPIDOPTERA 



91 



56. Saturniina. This super-family includes the largest 

 of the common moths. There are several families. The 

 Bombycidce includes the 

 Mulberry Silk-worm 

 which has been domestic- 

 ated and furnishes the silk 

 of commerce. The insect 

 is no longer found in the 

 wild state. It is reared 

 in China and Japan, in 

 India and in the Medi- 

 terranean countries, no- 

 tably France and Italy. 

 The silk industry has 

 been started in the 

 United States, but has 

 not proven profitable, 

 largely on account of the 

 high cost of labor, the 

 worms requiring con- 

 stant care. 



Several of our most 

 showy moths belong to 

 the Saturniidce, or giant - 

 silk-worm family. 

 Among these are the 

 Cecropia, the Polyphe- 

 mus, the Promethea, the 

 lOj the smallest of the 

 common species, and the 

 Luna. The latter is of 

 a delicate green color, large size, and possesses on 

 the hind wings long and gracefully curved tails which 



FIG. 64. Types of Moths (Sphingidos) . 

 Reduced. 



1, The Modest sphinx; 2, Achemon sphinx; 

 3, Pandorus sphinx; 4, Tomato-worm moth; 

 5, the Lined sphinx; 6, Tersa sphinx. 



