178 ZOOLOGY. 



selves) are called moths, and the species of Sphinx are named humming- 

 hirds. The body is generally clothed with a hairy covering, the eyes are 

 usually large, and the stenimata, when present, are usually hidden by the 

 hair. The antenna present several types of form, but in their details they 

 offer some important variations from the simple types. The scales of the 

 wings contribute much to the variety and splendor of the tints observable 

 in these insects, which probably surpass all the other orders in their 

 colorino-. In a few the disks of the wings are without scales, leaving them 

 transparent. The distribution of the nervures in the wings varies, and is 

 now employed in classification. The wings are reduced in size, or wanting, 

 in some females. In some genera they are carried vertically over the back, 

 in some they are horizontal, and in others deflexed. The feet are penta- 

 merous, generally hairy, and in most cases of equal length; but in some the 

 anterior pair are so much reduced in size as to be of no use in walking. 



The liquids of flowers furnish the Lepidoptera with food, but in some 

 ca,ges they require none in the adult state. 



In the larva state they are known as voracious eaters, under the name of 

 caterpillars. These have a mandibulate mouth, composed of a pair of 

 corneous mandibles, a pair of maxillas each with a small palpus, and a labium 

 with two palpi. They have six thoracic feet corresponding to those of the 

 imago, and a number of abdominal or fiilse feet, varying from four to ten. 

 These are used chiefly for holding, and the former for walking. They 

 generally move forwards, but those of the Tortncidoi can move rapidly 

 backwards, and some, by bending and straightening the body suddenly, can 

 leap. Some caterpillars are smooth, some covered with hair, which may 

 be harmless, or with the quality of nettles, and it may be long or short, dense 

 ■or sparse, bristly or woolly ; and some of them have horn-like projections. 

 Some are ornamented with various bright colors ; some which feed upon 

 leaves are green, some found among lichens have their color, and others 

 which feed upon branches resemble a projecting stick, as if to prevent their 

 numerous enemies from readily recognising them. In a few cases the 

 •caterpillar forms a case for itself, with which it moves about, and into which 

 it withdraws when danger threatens. In growing, caterpillars moult fre- 

 quently, and undergo various changes in color. They usually rest by day 

 and feed by night. Some are solitary and wandering, and some live in 

 society, either in large webs, or congregated upon a single spot. A few live 

 upon skins, hair, and wool, but the great majority of caterpillars feed upon 

 vegetables, including leaves, roots, seeds, and grain. The most acrid and 

 acid leaves are eaten by some species ; some devour almost every kind of 

 plant, and some plants feed various species. The pupa has the feet, &c., 

 hidden, and is motionless, except that the articulations of the abdomen are 

 capable of moving. Some of these are inclosed in a silken cocoon, some 

 in a cocoon formed chiefly of the hair of the caterpillar, whilst others sus- 

 j^end themselves without any exterior covering. 



These insects are divided according to their habits into three sections by 

 Latreille : The first {Diurna) include those which fly by day, and with very 

 few exceptions they have the antennoe knobbed ; the second {Crepiiscularm), 

 382 



