364 
SPHINX. 
dreaded by the common people wherever it ap- 
pears, being considered by them as the harbinger of 
approaching death. We are informed by Reaumur, 
that one of these insects happened to fly one even- 
ing in at one of the windows of the dormitory of a 
French female convent, which disastrous accident 
threw all the members into the greatest conster- 
nation. 
The great beauty of the caterpillar from whence 
this moth proceeds is particularly deserving of our 
notice. It has seven bands of a mixed violet and 
sky blue colour upon a ground of bright yellow : 
these bands meet on the back, each pair forming an 
angle by their union, and the effect of the whole is 
increased by a number of jet black spots, which are 
sprinkled along that part of the back. A singular 
horn is situated on the last joint of the body ; it is 
of a yellow colour, hangs like a tail over the end of 
the body, and has a rough surface. This caterpillar 
is the largest of its kind in Europe : it measures 
near five inches in length, and is thick in pro- 
portion. The potatoe and the jessamine are said 
to be its favourite food ; and as it conceals itself 
during the day, and feeds only at night, it is not 
easily detected : in fact, these insects are very rare 
in this country, except in particular years, when we 
are assured they become too common ; so much so, 
that in 1804 they were very prejudicial to the 
crops of potatoes in some parts of Cornwall, &c. 
The caterpillar retires to a considerable depth un- 
derground for the purpose of completing its tram- 
