AN 
AUSTRALASIAN CATERPILLAR. 
The caterpillar here represented, which, so far as 
can be judged from its general appearance, is the 
larva of some species of Sphinx, is remarkable for 
the singular appearance of the tail or terminal joint 
of the body, which is so formed as to bear a striking 
resemblance to a formidable head, with wide mouth, 
and black prominent eyes. This particularity is per¬ 
haps a provision of Nature for the security of the 
insect against some of its enemies, which may thus 
be deterred from attacking it during its larva state. 
Its particular history, however, like that of many 
other Australasian animals, is as yet unknown, ancl 
it can only be added, that in its general habit it is 
allied to the larva of the Sphinx Populi. It is re¬ 
presented on the plate in its natural size. 
