THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE PUSS-MOTH. 
Written and Illustrated with Photographs from Life by rep ENocK, F.1.8. 
HERE are few insects which make so strong a first impression on the mind of 
the young entomologist as the Puss-Moth, so called from the likeness of its 
face, as well as the silver-erey colour and markings on the wings, to the domestic 
silyer-grey puss of our home. The moth is fairly common, and generally falls to the 
lot of the collector in his first season; but should he fail to find the perfect insect 
he will, if he keep his eyes open, see the strange caterpillar, with its “face” and forked 
tail, either at rest or feeding upon the willow or poplar during July and August; and if 
carefully provided with fresh food it will make its tough cocoon in the crevice of the 
bark, or even upon the side of the breeding-box, where it will be safe and require no 
further attention until the following June, when the perfect imsect will emerge. 
After pairing, the female flies at dusk to a considerable distance searching for 
willow or sallow bushes, on the upper side of whose leaves she lays from one to three 
circular, pin-cushion-shaped, reddish eggs, as shown in Fig. I. These eggs of the puss- 
moth are hatched in about a month’s time. The larvee at first are velvety black (Mig. 2), 
with a thorny process at each side of the head, and a forked tail, which is kept 
erect; each fork bemg telescopic, from which a long pink, whip-like extension is 
protruded and waved about whenever an Ichneumon fly approaches. 
From some cause or other a large percentage of the larve die in babyhood. 
Fig. 3 shows a larva which has passed 
through this critical period and is rejoicing 
in twisting and twirling its body about 
previous to eating up the old suit adhering 
to the leaf at its side. 
When nearing maturity the larva 
frequently hides itself amone the willow 
leaves in so successful a manner that the 
sharp eyes of birds and entomologists are 
deceived. When the larva has stripped the 
stems of the terminal leaves it becomes a 
conspicuous object (Fig. 4), and were it not 
for the terrifying appearance which it puts 
on it would soon fall a prey to sparrows; 
but, as I have frequently noticed, they 
look askance at the strange creature with 
a black head, surrounded by a_ bright 
crimson ring bordered by two black eye-like 
spots, giving the larva a most terrifying 
appearance, which is intensified when the 
pink tails are flashed forth—and the sparrow 
declines the anticipated feast. 
Most of the larvee are full-fed about 
the first week in August, when they lose 
their pure colours which protected them 
so well during thew life among the leaves. 
Fig. 1. Eggs of Puss-Moth on leaf of Sallow. 
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