THE SPIlIiNGID^E. 9.0 



end, and braced by a transverse thread at the other {d) : 

 this change, as we have already observed, is always 

 effected under the cover and protection of a leaf. The 

 examples here figured, of this group, are taken from 

 StoU, and indicate three remarkable variations both of 

 the larva and pupa. 



(93.) The perfect insects are conspicuous for the 

 great thickness of their head and thorax, no less than 

 for muscular strength : many fly in the same manner 

 as the common humming-bird hawk moth of Europe, 

 and are most active during the morning and evening, 

 resting with their wings erect : others prefer the meri- 

 dian heat, and repose with all the four wings expanded ; 

 Others, again, are never seen to take nourishment, but 

 are found in the forests, sheltered under leaves : there 

 is, in short, such a great diversity of habit in this fa- 

 mily, that it cannot be defined in precise terms ; but in 

 all, as showing their immediate connection to the hawk 

 moths, the eyes are remarkably large and prominent : 

 this affinity is further manifested by the feet, the palpi, 

 &c. 



(94.) The Sphingid^, or hawk moths, compose 

 the second great division of the Lepidoptera. They 

 form a tribe, or a group of equal value (although not 

 of extent) to the Papiliones, or butterflies, from which 

 they are distinguished both by the form of their antennae 

 and by the period of their flight. Such, at least, are 

 their popular distinctions, and by which the two groups 

 may be understood by common observers. The typical 

 peculiarities of this tribe are shown in all stages of their 

 existence. The larva, in the principal groups, is very 

 large, thick, and furnished with an incurved horn at the 

 end of the body (^fig. 7- c, d) : in some, which resemble 

 the Hesperian larva(6), the head is very large; while in 

 others (d) it is proportionally small. The chrysalis is 

 never suspended by the tail, or braced by a thread ; and 

 the antennae, unlike those of the diurnal butterflies, are 

 never tenuinated by a club. The whole structure of 

 the perfect insects denotes great strength and muscular 



H 2 



