SPHINGIDiE—Hawk Moths 
By Mr. John Marten. 
The larvae of this family are mostly of large size, and usually of 
bright colors. All have sixteen legs, and generally there is on the 
next to the last segment a prominent acute horn; this is wanting 
in some species, but is then replaced by a tubercle. 
When at rest they generally have the front part of the body 
raised up. They are cylindrical in form, and smooth or nearly so, 
not being thickly covered with hairs, as some caterpillars. 
Many are marked with several (usually six or seven) oblique pale 
stripes on the sides. The term “oblique bands,” when used in this 
group, applies to these; the word “horn” applies to the horn on the 
eleventh, or next to the last, segment. 
These larvae subsist on leaves, and are solitary—that is, not living 
in armies or families. 
Sesia diffinis, Boisd. 
Bright blue above, with the sides green and the under part dark 
colored. On the top of the first segment there is a transverse gold 
ridge, and on each side of all the segments except the second and 
third, there is a black dot. The horn is black and sharp. Head, 
light blue. Length, one inch and five-eighths. Found in June, 
feeding on the Bush Honeysuckle and the Fever-wort (Frostium per - 
foliatum). 
They spin cocoons under leaves, and appear as perfect moths in 
July. 
Sesia thysbe. 
The larva of this species tapers toward the front, and is of a 
yellowish-green color, with deep green punctures. There is an inter¬ 
rupted vinous red dorsal ray, and obsolete lateral lines of pale green. 
Stomata white, and each with a second white point is placed on a 
vinous red spot. The horn is straight, rather short, ferruginous. 
Feet and color of head, ferruginous. 
Found in June and August. It feeds on the Snowherry (Symphori- 
carpus) and different species of Hawthorn ( Cratcegus ). 
