LEPIDOPTERA. 353 



On the hind wings the black surrounding the transparent 

 spot is much widened, especially toward the base of the 

 wing, and is sprinkled with blue scales. The wings expand 

 from five to six inches. 



The larva (Fig. 432) feeds on oak, butternut, basswood, 

 elm, maple, apple, plum, and other trees. When full grown 

 it measures three inches or more in length. It is of a light 

 green color with an oblique yellow line on each side of each 

 abdominal segment except the first and last ; the last segment 

 is bordered by a purplish-brown V-shaped mark. The 

 tubercles on the body are small, of an orange color with me- 

 tallic reflections. The co- 

 coon (Fig. 433) is dense 

 and usually enclosed in a 

 leaf ; it can be utilized for 

 the manufacture of silk. 



When the adult is ready ,. 



to emerge, it excretes a 



fluid which softens the 



cocoon at one end, and **«■ «3.-*v>« '*****»*»• 



breaking the threads it makes its exit through a large round 



hole. 



The Luna Moth, Tropcea luna (Tro-pae'a lu'na). — This 

 magnificent moth is a great favorite with amateur collectors 

 (Plate V). Its wings are of a delicate light green color, with 

 a purple-brown band on the costaof the fore wings; there is 

 an eye-like spot with a transparent center on the discal 

 vein of each wing; and the anal angle of the hind wings is 

 greatly prolonged. The larva feeds on the leaves of wal- 

 nut, hickory, and other forest-trees. It measures when full 

 grown about three inches in length. It is pale bluish green 

 with a pearl-colored head. It has a pale yellow stripe along 

 each side of the body, and a transverse yellow line on the 

 back between each two abdominal segments. The cocoon 

 resembles that of the preceding species in form, but is very 

 thin, containing; but little silk. 



