8 LEPIDOPTERA. 



nectar from the bottom of the cup. When at 

 rest they fold their antennae under their breast. 

 Some of the small species fly in the day-time. 



The bodies of the caterpillars are for the most 

 part large, smooth, and dotted, with a horn 

 above the tail. They undergo their metamor- 

 phosis in the earth ; and their chrysalids, which 

 are inclosed in a sort of web of a coarse 

 texture, remain locked under ^ ground till the 

 spring. 



The large Death's-head Moth {Sphinx Atro- 

 pos) from its formidable appearance, and death- 

 like head upon its back, has been considered 

 as an insect of ill omen, and the harbinger of 

 fate. From its egg proceeds a large and beau- 

 tiful caterpillar, of a bright yellow colour, 

 spotted with black, and marked on the sides 

 with seven violet and sky-blue stripes. It feeds 

 on the potatoe and jasmine, and retires under 

 ground in September. 



SPECIFICATION. 



Sphinx atropos. S. alis integris : posticis luteis fas- 

 ciis fuscis, abdomine luteo cingulis nigris. Linn. 



