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330 DIVISION Ill. ARTICULATED ANIMALS.—CLASS IV. INSECTA. 
of the lower pair. The wings are horizontal, or deflexed, and sometimes 
rolled round the body. The antennx gradually diminish to the tips. Some 
of them are destitute of a proboscis, and many of the females are without 
wings. The caterpillars generally spin a cocoon, and have from ten to six- 
teen feet; the chrysalides are always rounded. To this group belongs one 
of the most important and valuable animals known in the kingdom of nature, 
and, at the same time, it contains some of the most mischievous and de- 
structive. 
The Linnwan genus Phalena embraces a vast number of families and 
varieties, and consequently later naturalists have separated it into several 
sections and numerous genera, not, however, without introducing consider- 
able confusion. 
Herratus (Fabricius). — The hind wings of this genus are destitute of 
a bridle. The caterpillars live in the earth, and eat the roots of plants. 
The Ghost Moth, Z/. humuli, is a well-known species. The males have 
silvery-white wings, and the females buff, with reddish marks. 
Cossus (Fabr.).— The caterpillars of this genus live in the interior of 
trees, and form their cocoons of the sawdust they make. The chrys- 
alis, immediately before undergoing its final change, works itself to the 
outer opening of its cell, to make its escape. 
C.. Ligniperda. —The Goat Moth. This is a handsome species, of a 
white color. Its larva is like a thick, short, red worm, and lives in the 
interior of various trees. When alarmed, it discharges a fetid liquor, which 
softens the wood. 
Bombyx. — The insects of this group have the proboscis very short; the 
wings are extended and horizontal, or roof-like. The larve are exposed, 
and feed upon the tender parts of vegetables ; they generally make a cocoon 
of pure silk. All the species are, more or less, silk-makers, such are the 
Great Atlas Moth of China, B. cecropia; the Great Peacock, B. pavoniu 
major; and the Emperor Moth, B. pavonia minor, of Europe. 2B. Neus- 
tria, the Lackey Moth, is so named from the color of the caterpillar, which 
has longitudinal lines of various hues, and a blue head. Its larve live in 
society, upon fruit trees, under webs of large size. They are very injuri- 
ous to fruits. 
B. Processionea. —The Processionary Moth. The caterpillars of this 
insect are also social, and often change their abode, marching in procession, 
one being in front, serving as a guide, followed by two, and then by three, 
four, five, and so on. 
“T kept some for a little time in my house in the country,” says Réaumur. 
“T brought an oak branch which was covered with them into my study, where 
T could much better follow the order and regularity of their march than I 
