GOAT-MOTH. 
.183 
Tlie caterpillar, which, is said sometimes to attain 
a size exceeding that of the Death’s-head-moth, is 
of a lurid red, slightly tinged -\vith dull yellow, and 
liaving a patch of chestnut-red on the back of each 
segment. Tlie head is entirely black, and there are 
two triangular spots of the same colour just behind 
it. (PI. XIV. fig. 3.) It does not consume the foliage 
of trees, like so many other caterpillars, but derives 
its nutriment from the solid wood, which it readily 
comminutes by the action of its jaws. By means of 
these powerful oigans, it mines its way through the 
stem of the most healthy tree, to the material injury 
of its vital functions, and, by forming numerous 
galleries in sill directions which admit air and mois- 
ture, often occasions a rapid decay. As this creature 
lives for a longer time than is assigned to most other 
larvas, these destructive operations are continued for 
a lengthened period, thi-ee years being the space tliat 
usually elapses before it becomes a elirysalis. Pre- 
peuatory to undergoing tliis change, it scoops out a 
hollow in the tree, which it lines with a warm fa- 
bric composed of the raspings of the wood and layers 
of strong silk. In this well protected dormitory the 
chrysalis reposes for a longer or shorter time accord- 
ing to circumstances, and when the inclosed fly is 
fully matured, the difficult task awaits the former 
of transporting itself to tlie surface, as it is impos- 
sible for the motli to emerge luid develope its wings 
either in the narrow cell or the perforations that 
lead to it. This is accomplished cliiefly by means 
of a series of small spinous projections arming the 
