LEP1DOP TER A . 
353 
On the hind wings the black surrounding the transparent 
spot is much widened, especially toward the base of the 
wing, and is sprinkled with blue scales. The wings expand 
from five to six inches. 
The larva (Fig. 432) feeds on oak, butternut, basswood, 
elm, maple, apple, plum, and other trees. When full grown 
it measures three inches or more in length. It is of a light 
green color with an oblique yellow line on each side of each 
abdominal segment except the first and last; the last segment 
is bordered by a purplish-brown V-shaped mark. The 
tubercles on the body are small, of an orange color with me¬ 
tallic reflections. The co¬ 
coon (Fig. 433) is dense 
and usually enclosed in a 
leaf; it can be utilized for 
the manufacture of silk. 
When the adult is ready 
to emerge, it excretes a 
fluid which softens the 
cocoon at one end, and f.g. ^.-T.u a *&**"“* 
breaking the threads it makes its exit through a large round 
hole. 
The Luna Moth, Tropcea lima (Tro-pas'a lu'na).—This 
magnificent moth is a great favorite with amateur collectors 
(Plate V). Its wings are of a delicate light green color, with 
a purple-brown band on the costa of the fore wings; there is 
an eye-like spot with a transparent center on the discal 
vein of each wing; and the anal angle of the hind wings is 
greatly prolonged. The larva feeds on the leaves of wal¬ 
nut, hickory, and other forest-trees. It measures when full 
grown about three inches in length. It is pale bluish green 
with a pearl-colored head. It has a pale yellow stripe along 
each side of the body, and a transverse yellow line on the 
back between each two abdominal segments. The cocoon 
resembles that of the preceding species in form, but is very 
thin, containing but little silk, 
24 
