HAWK-MOTH CATERPILLARS. 309 



the "Eyed," are each beautiful insects in their way ; but in the 

 absence of long tubular trunks, and consequent inability to 

 feed hovering on wing, the appellation of "hawks " scarcely 

 befits them. They are also distinguished from the true 

 sphinxes by the form of their antennas, and by the dentated 

 margins of their foremost wings. 



We have no space here for minute description of the mark- 

 ings, variously shaded, striated, and clouded, of their usually 

 somewhat sober-suited pinions, of which, in the "Lime"* 

 the prevailing shades are olive-green; in the u Poplar, "\ 

 grayish brown and rust colour ; in the "Eyed"\ likewise gray 

 and brown, relieved in the hinder pair by carmine red, with 

 a large ocellus (or eye) of blue, brown, and black. 



In order, however, that our unscientific readers may have 

 a better chance of observing for themselves both the last- 

 named and preceding moths (all well worthy of admiration), 

 we shall give a short description of each in its caterpillar 

 state that wherein it may be the most easily procured and 

 reared to perfection. 



The caterpillars of hawk-moths are, for the most part, very 

 distinguished animals of their kind. They are generally large, 

 with skins smooth or curiously shagreened ; most frequently 

 coloured green, and adorned on each side by oblique stripes 

 of yellow, blue, or crimson. They may be further and easily 



* Smermtlius Tillce (Lime Hawk). f S. PopuU (Poplar Hawk.) 



J S. oceUatus (Eyed Hawk.) 



