Same British Moths Described 
organs, in addition to the wings, in order to determine 
a species. Such examination demands the use of a 
microscope, and is undertaken by the specialist, so I do 
not explain it here. 
The classification and nomenclature used in the 
following descriptions are those which appear in South’s 
“ Synonymic List of British Lepidoptera.” It can be . 
obtained in the form either of a reference and exchange 
list, or printed on one side of the paper only for label- 
ling the collection. The English names given are those 
in general use. Let it be noted that all the figures on 
the coloured plates are three-quarters natural size. 
NaturaL Orper LEPIDOPTERA, 
SuBporDER HETEROCERA (MOTHS). 
SPHINGES.—Family Spoincipa@ (Hawk Morus). 
Acherontia atropos: the Death’s-head Hawk-Moth 
(Plate XVI., Fig. 1)—This is the largest British 
moth, Although widely distributed, it can hardly 
be said to be common. The insect derives its com- 
mon name from the skull-like mark on the thorax, 
The usual expanse of the wings is 44 inches, The 
caterpillar is green or brown, with lighter diagonal 
stripes, and it has the short tail characteristic of its 
family. It feeds on Potato leaves. The moth appears 
in autumn. It is able to make a squeaking noise when 
irritated. It is attracted by light, but not by flowers. 
Sphinx convolvuli: the Convolvulus Hawk-Moth 
(Plate XVI., Fig. 2).—Commoner than the last, and 
a 
