MOTHS 241 



supposed ; but owing to its size and to the inexpert eye its repulsiveness, it is 

 generally killed. So at least I have discovered in Hants. 



The insect, both in the larval form and as a moth, has the singular power 

 of emitting a shrill squeak or chirp when disturbed. 



In many places it is known as the " BEE-ROBBER," owing to its fondness 

 for honey, to obtain which it will enter a beehive. It is said that the squeak 

 which it emits quiets the bees, being an imitation of the call of the queen bee 

 herself. 



Convolvulus Hawk-moth (Sphinx convolvuli) " UNICORN or BINDWEED 

 HAWK." Almost the same size as the Death's-Head, but not so stout in body. 

 Found occasionally in Great Britain, but only breeds exceptionally, most of 

 the moths migrating from the Continent. It may be identified by the broad 

 stripes on the abdomen, consisting of broad red and black, and narrow white 

 bands, divided down the back by a broad grey stripe with a fine black line in the 

 middle. 



Privet Hawk (Sphinx ligustri). E. 3-4 inches. This moth is not unlike 

 the former, but is distinguished easily by the bands on the abdomen, which 

 are red and brown (no white), divided by a brownish grey stripe down the back, 

 with a blackish line in the middle. L. is 3 inches long, green, with seven oblique 

 white stripes, each edged with purple in front ; the horn is large and bristly, 

 slightly forked at the tip. P.p. Privet, lilac, ash, elder, in July and August. 

 P. underground, reddish brown in colour ; often remaining there for two 

 winters. Moth found in June or July, chiefly in South. 



Pine Hawk (Hyloicus pinastri). E. 3-3! inches. An olive-brown moth, 

 with bands of dark brown and white on the abdomen. Found in June and 

 July occasionally, chiefly in Suffolk. 



Small Elephant (Metopsilus porcellus). E. 1^-2 J inches. The wings are 

 ochreous, with rose-pink margins ; the head and body are pinkish, with 

 yellowish variations. L. greyish brown, without a horn, but possessing in 

 its place a double wart. P.p. Bed-straw, willow-herb, purple loosestrife, etc., 

 on which it may be found in August and September. Flies from May to July, 

 over honeysuckle and other flowers. Widely distributed. 



The Elephant (Chcerocampa elpenor). E. 2j-2f inches. Fore-wings olive- 

 green and pink ; hind-wings black and pink. Head and body olive-brown and 

 pink. Appears in June, at dusk, hovering over honeysuckle, soapwort, petunias, 

 and other flowers ; also comes to sugar. L., full grown, measures nearly 3 inches ; 

 blackish grey ; identified by the remarkable eye spots on fourth and fifth seg- 

 ments. The head and " eye " segments somewhat resemble an elephant's head 

 and trunk : hence its name. It feeds in July and August on willow-herb, 

 bed-straw, etc. P. encased in a cocoon of earth and leaves spun together on 

 the ground. It is a fairly common species. 



Humming-bird Hawk-moth (Macroglossa stellatarum). E. if-2 inches. 

 Quite a common species ; may be recognized by its brown fore-wings and orange 

 hind-wings, with brownish edgings, and the black tuft on the end of the abdomen. 



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