82 
LEPIDOPTERA. 
The prettily-marked Burnet moths ( Antlirocera :) belong 
also to this group, the commonest species being the 
six-spot Burnet A. filipendulce ). It has the upper wings 
of a deep metallic green colour, with six crimson spots ; 
the hind wings are deep crimson, edged with a narrow 
black border. The caterpillar is dull yellow, somewhat 
hairy, with two rows of black spots on each segment. 
It feeds on clover and other leguminous plants. When 
about to assume the pupa state, the caterpillar creeps 
up the stem of some grass, rush, or other plant, and on 
it spins a 3 r ellow silken cocoon, pointed at both ends. 
In this case it changes to a black chrysalis—the beautiful 
moth appearing early in June. The second group, the 
Bombycina, as well as all the other groups of the Hete- 
roceral Lepidoptera, has the antennae thickest at the 
base, gradually tapering towards the tip. The Bomby¬ 
cina includes the Swifts, the Ghost moths, the wood 
Leopard and Goat moths, the Puss, Lobster, Buff-tips, 
the curious Tussocks, Vapourers, Gold-tails, Ermines, 
Tiger moths, Eggers, Lackeys, Drinkers, Lappets, the 
Kentish Glory, the Emperor, &c. The common Silk¬ 
worm moths of commerce belong to this group. 
The Swifts, so-called from the rapid flight of most 
of the species, are remarkable for their very short an¬ 
tennae. The Ghost Swift (Ilepialus liumuli ) is common 
everywhere. The wings of the male are of a silvery 
white, the fore-wings of the female yellow, with orange 
spots, hind-wings dull at the base, tawny towards the 
margin. The Goat moth (Cossus ligniperda) derives 
its name from the offensive goat-like smell of the cater¬ 
pillar, a formidable fellow, with black head and strong 
jaws, a fat body as thick as a mans finger. It feeds 
