Chapter XL 



Earth-Mason Caterpillars. 



Many species of caterpillars are not only skilful 

 in concealing themselves in their cocoons, but also 

 in the concealment of the cocoon itself; so that 

 even when that is large, as in the instance of the 

 death's-head hawk-moth (Acheroniia afropos), it is 

 almost impossible to find it. We allude to the 

 numerous class of caterpillars which, previous to 

 their changing into the pupa state, bury themselves 

 in the earth. This circumstance would not be sur- 

 prising, were it confined to those which are but too 

 well known in gardens, from their feeding upon and 

 destroying the roots of lettuce, chicory, and other 

 plants, as they pass a considerable portion of their 

 lives under ground; nor is it surprising that those 

 which retire under ground during the day, and come 

 abroad to feed in the night, should form their cocoons 

 where they have been in the habit of concealing 

 themselves. But it is very singular and unexpected, 

 that caterpillars, which pass the whole of their life on 

 plants, and even on trees, should afterwards bury 

 themselves in the earth. Yet, the fact is, that per- 

 haps a greater number make their cocoons under 

 than above ground, particularly those which are not 

 clothed with hair. 



Some of those caterpillars, which go into the 

 ground previous to their change, make no cocoon at 

 all, but are contented with a rude masonry of earth 

 as a nest for their pupas: into the details of their 

 operations it will not be so necessary for us to 

 go, as into those which exhibit more ingenuity 



