LEPIDOPTERA. 247 
It remains for us to speak of two other species which are very 
important, inasmuch as their domestication in Europe is now an 

Fig. 226.—Attacus (Bombyx) Mylitia. 
accomplished fact. We mean the Attacus or Bombyx of the 
Ailanthus, and also that of the Castor-oil plant. 
Every one has heard of the Ailanthus silkworm (Aftacus 
(Bombyx) Cynthia), whose acclimatization in Europe has been 
















Fig. 227.— Cocoon of Attacus (Bombyx) Mylitta. 
materially assisted by the admirable and persevering efforts of 
M. Guérin-Méneville. 
The Ailanthus worm is a native of Japan and of the north of 
China. It was brought over in 1858 by Annibale Fantoni, and 
sent to M. Guérin-Méneville.by MM. Griseri and Colomba, of 
Turin. When it is nearly full-grown, it is emerald green, with 
the head, the feet, and the last segment of a beautiful golden 
yellow, and has black spots on each segment. This worm, in its 
full-grown state, is represeated by Fig. 228; in the same figure 
