LKPIDOI'TEUA. 179 



A low wailing sound emitted by this Moth may 

 also have added to these superstitious terrors. The 

 mode of producing this sound has given rise to 

 many hitherto futile discussions among naturalists ; 

 and it has been supposed to inspire terror in insects 

 as well as men, for it is known tbat Avhile pro- 

 ducing this low wailing cry, it will fearlessly enter a 

 beehive, and rifle the cells of their honey, in de T 

 fiance of the seemingly paralysed Bees. Sometimes, 

 however, the robber is boldly attacked and stung to 

 death, in which case a singular display of instinct 

 not unfrequently takes place. The Moth having 

 died with extended wings, it is found impossible to 

 eject him by the opening of the hive, which he had 

 entered with his wings partially closed ; and the 

 Bees, apparently aware that the decay of so large a 

 body within their dwelling would render it unhealthy, 

 proceed at once to coat it with wax, and thus, as 

 it were, embalmed, the Moth remains in its waxen 

 sere-cloth, perfectly innoxious for any space of time. 

 The exotic species of Acherontia, distributed over 

 nearly all parts of the globe, are inferior both in 

 size and beauty to our native insect ; and in no in- 

 stance are the curious skull-like markings on the 

 thorax so well defined as in the European Death's- 

 head Moth. 



