CHAPTER III 



THE PUSS-MOTH 



There occur to me two instances which show 

 wonderful subconscious foresight in insects. 

 The first refers to a well-known species, the 

 " Puss " moth, as it is commonly called, 

 (Dicranura vinula). The larva of this moth is 

 a great favourite with young collectors, no 

 doubt on account of its wonderful colouring 

 and unusual form, and also because it possesses 

 a unique (to the genus) caudal apparatus 

 which comes into use when the larva is 

 attacked by ichneumon-flies, to whose atten- 

 tions it is much subject. The defence consists 

 of two slender whip-like processes which are 

 projected at will and flourished about over its 

 body when the caterpillar is attacked by the 

 flies, or even when disturbed by the human 

 presence. The " puss " larva is altogether a 

 fascinating creature, and interesting to watch 

 throughout its larval existence ; but it is the 

 larva-pupal change to which I shall confine 

 my description. 



