BOFF-TIP MOTH. 131 



Any one, however, who wishes to try the experi- 

 ment may easily do so, for there are few privet 

 hedges without their inhabitants, who may keep out 

 of sight, but can be brought tumbling to the ground 

 by some sharp taps administered to the stems of the 

 bushes. 



In the winter the chrysalis may be obtained by 

 digging under privet bushes. There the caterpillar 

 resorts, and works a kind of cell in the ground for its 

 reception. It is better hot to choose a frosty day for 

 the disinterment, or the sudden cold may kill the in- 

 sect, and the seeker's labour be lost. 



Should it be desirable to capture the larva and to 

 keep it alive the object can be easily attained ; for 

 the creature is hardy enough, and privet bushes grow 

 everywhere. In default of privet leaves, it will eat 

 those of the syringa and the ash. When it reaches 

 its full growth, it should be provided with a vessel 

 containing earth some inches in depth. Into this 

 earth it will burrow, and remain there until the moth 

 issues forth. 



Care should be taken to keep the earth rather 

 moist, as otherwise the chrysalis skin becomes so 

 hard that the moth cannot break out of its prison, 

 and perishes miserably. 



On the same plate, fig. 4, may be seen a moth of a 

 curious shape, very feathery about the thorax, the 

 head being all but concealed by the dense down, and 

 as difficult to find as the head of a Skye-terrier, were 



