42 LEPIDOPTERA. 



(maxillae) is very long, being in some instances twice as 

 long as the body. 



Most of these insects fly in the twih'ght and, at that 

 time, are frequently mistaken for humming-birds, on 

 account of their habit of remaining poised in the air, 

 by means of their powerful wings, while extracting the 

 nectar from flowers. 



The larvae feed upon the leaves of various plants. 

 When full grown they are usually of large size, with 

 a naked, cylindrical body, five pairs of prolegs, and a 

 horn or tubercle on the eighth abdominal segment. 

 The name Sphinx was given to these insects on ac- 

 count of the peculiar attitude of the larvae when at 

 rest. When full grown they descend into the ground, 

 where they make rude earthen cells in which they un- 

 dergo their transformations. The pupae are naked, 

 conical, and often furnished with a free tongue-case, 

 resembling the handle of a jug. " Most of the species 

 fly in June and July. The larvai transform in the 

 latter part of August and September." (i, 271). 



The Tomato-worm, Potato-worm, or Northern To- 

 bacco-worm, Macrosila {Sphinx) quinque-maculata 

 Haworth, is one of the best known members of this 

 family. The perfect insect may be found from June 

 to autumn, although most of them leave the pupae 

 state during July. It is a large moth, expanding four 

 and one half inches, and has five yellow spots on each 

 side of the abdomen. 



The eggs are laid on the leaves of tomato, potato, 

 tobacco, and sometimes bittersweet {Solanitm Dtilcam- 

 ard). The larvae feed on these plants, and are most 

 abundant during July and August. When full grown, 

 the body is three inches in length, and dark green. 



