LEPIDOPTERA. 173 



There are many other Moths of the Sphinx 

 tribe equally remarkable, both in size and general 

 aspect, the transformations of which might with 

 equal success be made the subject of observation in 

 the Vivarium. The Sphinx Convolvulus, for instance, 

 in certain seasons when it is abundant, as in 1856, 

 when, after having been for a long time one of the 

 collector's greatest rarities, it was observed in con- 

 siderable numbers. The Caterpillars of the Poplar 

 Hawk-moth, Smerinthus Populi, which are some- 

 what less in size and devoid of the violet tone in 

 their lateral stripes, may be found each season if 

 well looked for, as well as those of the Lime Hawk- 

 moth, Smerinthus Tilice, and also those of the 

 handsome Sphinx Ocellakis, all of which must 

 be searched for towards the close of summer or 

 beginning of autumn. 



Then there is the giant of the Sphingiclcc, the 

 well-known Death's-head Moth, the splendid larva 

 of which should always be procured if possible. 

 This fine insect, the only English species of the 

 genus Atropos, deserves describing at some length. 



My attention was especially recalled to this 

 magnificent insect by the discovery in my garden, 

 about the middle of September last, of a remarkably 

 fine larva, of unusual size even for this large species. 



