177 



LIMACODES CIPPUS. 



PLATE XXI. Fig. 2. 



Phalaena Cippus, Cramer, Pap. Exot., i. pi. 53, fig. E. — Bom- 

 byx Cippus, Fabr., Abbot and Smith, Lepid. Georg., ii. pi. 73. 



The generic name (which signifies resembling a 

 snail) refers to the appearance of the caterpillar, 

 which is one of the most singular of the nocturnal 

 Lepidoptera. It is destitute of feet, properly so 

 called, their place being supplied merely by a few 

 protuberances; and along the under side of the 

 body there is a soft pliable membrane, always co- 

 vered with a kind of glutinous matter, by means of 

 which and the aid of the protuberances the creature 

 is enabled to slide rather than creep over the surface 

 of a body. The back appears composed of three 

 parts, the intermediate of which is separated from 

 the others by a kind of keel, and is oral, a little 

 pointed at both ends ; the lateral parts projecting a 

 little beyond the edges of the body, properly so 

 called, and forming a kind of ledge when viewed 

 from below. The head is entirely retractile, and 

 concealed under a circular portion of the ledge 

 alluded to, which hangs over it like a kind of hood. 



M 



