PART I.. _the_ Caterpillars, _described in This Book, Are Such As Produce

The CATERPILLARS, described in this Book, are such as produce Moths; of which, as there is a great Variety, ’twas thought proper to range them under the following Heads or Chapters.

CHAP. I.

The CATERPILLARS belonging to this Chapter have six Hooks or Claws before, eight Feet in the middle, and some have, and some have not two Holders behind. Their Bodies are composed of twelve circular Joints, or Rings, conjoined by a common Membrane, which they are capable of contracting or expanding. When they would move along, they dilate the muscular Skin that separates the first Ring from the next; they advance the first Ring to a certain Distance, and then, by contracting and expanding the Skin of that Part, they move the second Ring: the same Method moves the Third, and so the whole Body marches in Succession: the Motion of their Feet and Claws corresponding with and assisting the progressive Motion of the Rings. Vide Spectacle de la Nature, Dial. I.

The CATERPILLARS under this Head may likewise be divided into three Classes:

I. NAKED or without HAIR.

II. Having little HAIR.

III. Having much HAIR.

The First CLASS, or the NAKED and without HAIR, may be subdivided in the following Manner.

CLASS I.

Such CATERPILLARS whose Bodies are SMOOTH.

SECT. A.

Without Risings, or Protuberances

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 1. S. A. 1.

The Great Yellow-underwing Moth. The CATERPILLAR of this MOTH lives through the Winter, and comes to its full Growth in May: It is found in Gardens, and other Places, and usually feeds in the Night, as many other of the NAKED CATERPILLARS do. Indeed, were they to do otherwise, they would soon be devoured by the Birds, which are much fonder of these SMOOTH CATERPILLARS than of the HAIRY ones. In the Day, they hide themselves within the Earth, and in other secret Recesses. They feed on the Leaves of the Stock-July and other Flowers, as also on Grass, &c. They put on the Chrysalis Form, within the Earth, in May, and the Moths are bred in June. Great Plenty of this Moth, and other Species of the YELLOW-UNDERWING, were taken feeding on the Honey Dew, on the Limes and other Trees, in the Gardens of John Philips, Esq; at Layton in Essex; they were discovered, by the Help of a Candle and Lanthorn, from Twelve o’Clock at Night till Two in the Morning; and were so fearless, that they would suffer one to take them with the Hand. At the same Time the ANGLE-SHADE and several other Moths were taken.

See Lister on Godartius, P. 52. N. 41. Albin, P. 72. Reaumur, Pl. 14. Pag. 342. vol. 1.

The Double Stock July-Flower.

Leucoium incanum, majus, variegatum, flore pleno. C. B. Pin. 201.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 1. S. A. 2.

The WILD ARRACH MOTH, Mr. Rosel says, The Caterpillar feeds on the WILD ARRACH; that it changes to a Chrysalis, within the Earth, in September, and that the Moth appears at the End of May following. I once took some of these Caterpillars feeding on the Arrach in September, but had not the good Fortune to breed any Flies from them. See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 32.

The Wild Arrach in Flower.

Atriplex folio deltoide. Petiv. Herb.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 1. S. A. 3.

The ANGLE-SHADES, a Moth. It is advisable to look for the Caterpillar of this Fly on Nettles, altho’ some feed on Fruit Trees, Bramble Bushes, &c. It goes into the Chrysalis State at the End of June, in a Web mixed with Earth, which it forms upon the Ground; and thus it remains till the Beginning of September, when the Moth is produced. There is an early Breed of this Moth in May, but, as I have not had the Caterpillar in the Spring, I cannot relate its Progression. The Fly may be taken in the Evenings, in Gardens, feeding on the Flowers; but I have not met with them very frequent.

See Godartius, Part 1. Tab. 56. Lister on Godartius P. 54. N. 44. Albin, Pl. 13. Reaumur, Pl. 8. P. 258. Pl. 14. P. 342. Vol. 1.

The Great Mogul Plum.

Prunus fructu magno ovato rubente. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 1. S. A. 4.

The PEASE-BLOSSOM, a Moth. Its Caterpillars are reported by Merian, and Rosel, to feed upon the wild Lark-Spur that grows amongst Corn. They are full fed at the Beginning of August, when they change to the Chrysalis, but appear not in the Moth State till the June following. This Fly has been bred in England by the Honourable Mrs. Walters, and by Nathaniel Oldham, Esq; but, at present, is very rare.

See Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 40. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 12.

The Lark-Spur.

Delphinium, hortense, flore majore & multiplici cœruleo. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. V. CL. 1. S. A. 5.

The SMALL GREEN OAK MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the Oak, and sometimes such Numbers of them are produced at the Beginning of May, that they, in a Manner, strip the Oak-trees of their Leaves. They are enabled, by the Help of a Spining, which they fasten after the Manner of the Spider, to let themselves down from one Bough to another, and from thence to the Ground, if they have a mind. They change into the Chrysalis State in a curled Form within the Oak-leaves, (which they wrap over them, and fasten together by their Web) and, after remaining so for about fourteen Days, the Fly is bred. If you beat the Branches of the Oak-trees you may take Plenty of this Moth in the Day-time.

The Yellow Strip’d Tulip.

Tulipa hortensis flore luteo variegato.

L. 1. CH. 1. VI. CL. 1. S. A. 6.

The SMALL ERMINE MOTH. The Caterpillar that produces this Moth is as common as those just mentioned. I have seen a Hedge-row of White-thorn, at the End of May and at the Beginning of June, the Leaves of which have been eaten almost up by these Caterpillars. They feed also on Black-thorn, Fruit-trees, &c. when they are preparing to change to Chrysalis, they get together in Numbers, and spin a large transparent Web, within which they fasten themselves by the Tail, and undergo their Change. They remain in this Condition for about three Weeks: The Moths come forth in June and July, and are very common about most Hedges.

See Albin, P. 70. Reaumur, Pl. 12. Pag. 208. Vol. 2.

The Orange-Peach, with its Blossom.

Persica, dura carne buxea. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 1. VII. CL. 1. S. A. 7.

The BROOM-MOTH. The Food of this Caterpillar is the Leaves of Broom, on which I found Plenty of them, from the 20th to the 30th of September, near Shooter’s Hill in Kent; they were of the Bigness express’d in the Plate. The Green ones produced male Flies. They all went into the Earth at the Beginning of October, and, at the Beginning of May following, the Moths were bred. I never could take any of them in the Fly-state.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 52.

The Broom, in Flower and Seed.

Genista angulosa Trifolia. I. B. 1388.

L. 1. CH. 1. VIII. CL. 1. S. A. 8.

The SALLOW MOTH. The Caterpillar was fed by Mr. Dandridge on the common Sallow, until it changed to a Chrysalis within the Earth, which was at the Beginning of June. The Moth was produced about the Middle of September. These Moths are not common; for, in all my Practice, I have not been able to take above three or four, and that was in the Evening, near Shooter’s Hill, in the Month of September. The Caterpillars are likewise very scarce.

See Albin, Pl. 33.

Common Sallow in Flower.

Salix Cutifolio rotundo. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 1. IX. CL. 1. S. A. 9.

The CODLING MOTH. Mr. Rosel says, The Caterpillar of this Moth feeds on the Kernels of Apples and Pears. The Moth lays her Eggs at the End of June: Eight Days after the Caterpillars are bred; and, when full fed, they go out of the Fruit and change to the Chrysalis under the Bark of the Tree. They remain there all the Winter, and the Moths are bred in June following. I have, myself, found Plenty of these Flies sticking on the Bark of the Oak-trees, in Richmond Park, at the End of June, in the Day-time.

See Rosel, Cl. 4. Tab. 13.

The Codling-tree with its Blossom.

Pomum Coctile. Raii Hist.

L. 1. CH. 1. X. CL. 1. S. A. 10.

The PROVENCE ROSE MOTH. Rose Leaves are the Food of this Caterpillar. In the Middle of May I had some of them that changed to the Chrysalis folded in the Leaves; at the Beginning of June the Moths were bred. They may be taken in Gardens in the Evening.

See Rosel, Cl. 4. Tab. 9.

The Moss Provence Rose.

Rosa, Provincialis spinosissima, pedunculo muscoso. Boerh. Ind. alter.

L. 1. CH. 1. XI. CL. 1. S. A. 11.

The SCOLLOP-WINGED OAK MOTH. I took the Caterpillar of this Moth, feeding on Oak-leaves, about the 10th of June, at which Time it went into the Chrysalis, spining itself up in a Leaf; and the Moth was bred on the 7th Day of July. Both Moth and Caterpillar are very scarce.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 63.

The Yellow Rose.

Rosa, Lutea, multiplex. C. B. Pin. 4831.

L. 1. CH. 1. XII. CL. 1. S. A. 12.

The BLACK-THORN MOTH, or, Figure of 8. The Caterpillar is easily found, feeding on Black Thorn, White Thorn, Crab-tree, &c. towards the End of May, at which Time it spins a hard Case against its Food, and changes to a Chrysalis; the Moth is bred about the End of August, and is not commonly taken.

See Albin, P. 13. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 16. Reaumur, Pl. 18. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The common Periwinkle.

Pervinca vulgaris angustifolia, flore pleno saturate purpureo. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. XIII. CL. 1. S. A. 13.

The GREEN MOTH with SILVER LINES. I fed its Caterpillar with Oak-leaves, on which it had been found. It work’d itself up in a dark brown Case on the Back-side of one of the Leaves, and changed into a Chrysalis the 27th of September; the Moth appeared the 20th of May following, and is difficult to meet with.

See Albin, P. 31.

The Bruxells Apricock.

Malus Armeniaca, Bruxells vulgo dicta.

L. 1. CH. 1. XIV. CL. 1. S. A. 14.

The RANUNCULUS MOTH. The Caterpillars represented in this Plate were found feeding on the Ranunculus Flower about the Middle of June, at which Time they were full fed, and soon changed to the Chrysalis within a Spining or Web; and the Moths came out at the Beginning of September. The Caterpillar and Moth are both very rare.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 53, 54.

The double Orange Ranunculus.

Ranunculus hortensis, flore aurantio pleno.

L. 1. CH. 1. XV. CL. 1. S. A. 15.

The WATER-BETONY MOTH. The Caterpillars are sociable, and feed together. They may be found, towards the End of May, full fed, on the Water-Betony; as also on the Mullein, which is their proper Food. They go into the Earth about that Time, and change to the Chrysalis, within a Case composed of Earth and a webby Matter, which they spin together. The Moth appears in March following; but it is not commonly taken in its Fly-state.

See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 168. N. 25. Albin, Pl. 13. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 22. Reaumur, Pl. 43. P. 602.

The Water-Betony; or Water-Figwort.

Betonica Aquatica, Ger. 579. Scrophularia Aquatica major. C. B. Pin. 235.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVI. CL. 1. S. A. 16.

The SMALL ELEPHANT MOTH. Mr. Rosel informs us, That the Caterpillar is to be found on the Grass in Meadows, in the Month of August; but whether that be its favourite Food he does not know. It makes a Spining, and changes to a Chrysalis towards the End of that Month. The Moth is bred about the End of May.

In the Year 1743, on the 28th of May, I took several of these Moths, in the Evening (after Sun-set) as they were hovering about, and feeding on a Flower called The Batchelors Button, by the Side of Osterly Wood, near Brentford. They are very swift in flight, and therefore must be taken as soon as they approach the Flower. The Females layed their Eggs freely, and, after seven Days, the Caterpillars were hatch’d, to the Number of about 300. I took the utmost Pains to raise them; but, for want of their proper Food, they all died.

See Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 5.

The Guelder-Rose.

Opulus, Flore Globoso. Tourn. Inst. 607.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVII. CL. 1. S. A. 17.

The GOLD-SPOT MOTH. The Caterpillar, whence this Moth is produced, may be found about the End of July, full fed, in the Marshes about Rotherhith, Vauxhall, and such like Places. It feeds on the Leaves of the great Water-grass, &c. but the Caterpillar is not so easily found as the Spining which it makes to contain its Chrysalis; for that spining, being of a whitish Colour, may be seen at a good Distance, in Shape and Manner as described in the Plate. It lies in the Chrysalis State about three Weeks, and the Moth is bred from the Middle to the End of August; but it is seldom taken in the Fly-state.

Purple Flowered Ketmia.

Ketmia, Syrorum, Flore purpureo violaceo. Tourn. Inst.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVIII. CL. 1. S. A. 18.

The SWORD-GRASS MOTH. Mr. Rosel informs us, That the Caterpillar of this Fly feeds on the Orache; that, in June, it changed to a Chrysalis within the Earth, in which State it remained three Weeks, and then the Moth was bred. I once took one of these Caterpillars, full grown, feeding on the Sword-grass in the Marshes at Rotherhith; but that was in the Month of August, and the Moth was bred with me at the End of September. Both Caterpillar and Moth are very scarce.

The Persian Iris.

Xiphium Persicum, præcox, flore variegato. Tourn.

SECT. B.

CATERPILLARS having Horns on their Tails.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 1. S. B. 1.

The JESSAMINE-HAWK MOTH. This Moth was bred in England by Mr. Dandridge, who took the Caterpillar, at Hampton-Court, full fed, on the Jessamine, about the Middle of July; at which Time it went into the Ground, and changed to a Chrysalis, and the Moth came forth at the End of October. This Gentleman had also five or six Caterpillars, of the same Kind, brought to him, that were taken upon an Elder-tree in Goodman’s Fields, which likewise changed to Chrysalis in the Ground in July; and the Moths were also bred in October: From whence I conclude that to be the Time when the Fly is usually bred.

See Albin, P. 6. Reaumur, Pl. 14. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The Jessamine in Flower.

Jasminum vulgatius flore albo. C. B. Pin. 397.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 1. S. B. 2.

The UNICORN, or BINDWEED-HAWK MOTH. Mr. Rosel reports this Caterpillar to feed in Corn-fields, on the Green-leaves of the Corn. At the End of July it was full fed, and went into the Earth in order to change to its Chrysalis State; and the Moth was bred in June following. Merian’s Account of this Fly is, That the Caterpillar feeds on the Roots of the Lesser Purple-Bindweed, which grows amongst Corn; that it went into the Ground, and changed to a Chrysalis at the End of July, and that the Moth was bred in September.

I have not yet had the good Fortune to meet with this Caterpillar, but have seen several of the Moths that have been bred and taken in England. The Dung of this Caterpillar is of a very extraordinary Size and Figure; as well as some others that are expressed in the Plates.

See Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 7. Merian, Chap. 25. Reaumur, Pl. 24. Pag. 322. Vol. 2.

The Small Bindweed.

Convolvulus minor vulgaris. Park. 171.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 1. S. B. 3.

The PRIVET-HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillars feed on Privet, Lilac, Holly, &c. and are to be found in Nurseries and Gardens. Look on the Ground under such Trees; and if you discover any of their Dung, that will direct you to the Caterpillars on the Trees above. They go into the Ground, and change to the Chrysalis State in August and the Moth appears in June following. ’Tis not very common to take the Moth in the Fly-state.

See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 144. N. 1. Moufet. P. 91. N. 5. P. 182. Ch. 2. Albin, Pl. 7 Reaumur, Pl. 20. P. 282. Vol. 2.

The Evergreen-Privet in Flower.

Ligustrum; foliis majoribus, & magis acuminatis, toto anno folio retinens.

Pluk. Alm.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 1. S. B. 4.

The OLIVE-SHADES, or LIME-HAWK MOTH. This Caterpillar is to be got by beating the Boughs of the Lime and Elm Trees, in the Month of August; at which Time it goes into the Earth, and there changes to a Chrysalis, and the Moth is bred in May. By looking carefully about the Bodies of Lime and Elm Trees, in May, these and other Moths may be found: For, if the Flies are bred in the Morning, or any Part of the Day, they never offer to fly till Night. You may likewise get these Moths, and many other Sorts, in the Chrysalis State, by digging with a Trowel about the Roots of the Trees the Caterpillars feed on; and the best Time to dig for the Hawk Kind is the Month of April. This Fly is seldom taken on the Wing.

See Merian, Vol. 2. Ch. 24. Albin, Pl. 10. Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 11.

The small leaved Lime-tree in Flower.

Tilia fœmina, Folio minore. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 1. V. CL. 1. S. B. 5.

The EYED WILLOW-HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillars are to be found on the Willows that grow about the Chelsea Water-works, and in most such like Places. At the End of August, I have also found them in Gardens feeding on the Leaves of Apple-trees. They put on the Chrysalis Form within the Earth in September, and the Moths are produced in May. The Chrysalis and Moth may be got at the same Time as directed for the Lime-Hawk.

See Lister’s Godart. N. 24. Merian. Vol. 2. Ch. 37. Raii. P. 148. N. 2. Moufet. P. 91. N. 6. Albin, Pl. 8.

The Crack Willow.

Salix, folio longo, latoque, splendente, Fragilis. Raii. Syn.

L. 1. CH. 1. VI. CL. 1. S. B. 6.

The POPLAR HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillar of this Moth feeds on the Leaves of the Poplar Tree, as also on the Willow, and is to be found at the same Times and Places as the Willow-Hawk Caterpillar. It becomes a Chrysalis in the Ground in September, and the Moth appears in May. It is to be found in the Chrysalis and Fly-state as the before mentioned. All the Hawk-tribe fly very swiftly, and I am inclined to believe feed in wet marshy Places, by reason I have never taken them on the Wing in Places where I have always met with Plenty of other Moths.

See Albin, Pl. 57.

The Black Poplar-tree.

Populus nigra, minoribus foliis. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 1. VII. CL. 1. S. B. 7.

The LADIES BEDSTRAW, or ELEPHANT MOTH. The Caterpillars are to be found in the Ditches in Rotherhith Marshes, and also by the New River Side, near Hornsey. They feed on the White Ladies Bedstraw, and are full grown at the End of July; at which Time they usually go into the Chrysalis State, by making a light Spining amongst their Food, where they remain till the End of the following May: At which Time the Moth is bred; but very seldom taken in the Fly-state. Mr. Albin has mentioned something very remarkable of this Caterpillar, viz. its Dexterity in Swiming: For, feeding commonly in or near the Water, if at any time it happens to fall in, it turns itself on its Back, and swims, with its Head and Tail turned together, till it gets hold on some Part of the Plant, by which it helps itself up again. It lies in the Egg-state about nine Days.

See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 145. N. 2. Albin, Pl. 9.

The White Ladies Bedstraw.

Gallium Album. Ger. 967.

SECT. C.

CATERPILLARS having one Protuberance on the Rump, with indented Markings.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 1. S. C. 1.

EALING’S GLORY, a MOTH. Its Caterpillar feeds on Black Thorn, White Thorn, Crab-tree, &c. becomes a Chrysalis in the Earth in May, and the Moth appears in September. Charles Lockyer, Esq; has bred great Numbers of this Moth at his House at Ealing; but I have heard of no body else who has met with them in any Plenty.

See Albin, Pl. 14. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 33.

The Black Thorn.

Prunus Sylvestris.

SECT. D.

CATERPILLARS having two or more Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 1. S. D. 1.

The OZIER, or PEBBLE MOTH. Mr. Dandridge found the Caterpillar feeding on the Dutch Willow, in the Marshes near Rotherhith, about the Middle of July; it changed to a Chrysalis within the Leaves spun together; and at the Beginning of August came forth the Moth. This fly is very scarce.

See Albin, Pl. 14. Lister’s Godart. N. 21. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 20. Reaumur, Pl. 22. P. 282. Vol. 2.

The Ozier.

Salix, vulgaris, alba, arborescens. C. B. Pin.

SECT. E.

CATERPILLARS whose Shoulders rise into an angular Figure, having no Holders behind.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 1. S. E. 1.

The PUSS-MOTH. Though the Caterpillar of this Fly seems most fond of the Willow, it is often found on the Abele, or Poplar Tree. It has a Power of stretching out, and putting back its Head, at Pleasure; which it seems to do as it thinks itself more or less in Danger. It is armed with two Tubes at the End of the Tail, and two others within those, of a Blood red Colour, which it nimbly, if touched by any Thing, darts out: The Use of these is (as I apprehend) to prevent the Ichneumon Flies from settling on them; but, notwithstanding those Flies are often able to remain long enough to leave their Eggs behind: In such Case, the Moth is not produced, but, instead thereof, the Ichneumon pictured in the Plate. Such Caterpillars as the Ichneumons have not fixed their Eggs on, usually go into the Chrysalis State at the Beginning of August, on the Body of the Tree, and generally near the Ground, the Caterpillar gnawing the Wood into a Kind of Sawdust; which, mixing with a glutenous Matter, or Cement, that comes from its Mouth, makes a hard Case, in which the Chrysalis is formed, on the outside of the Tree; the Moth appears the May following. These Moths are seldom taken in the Fly-state; but may easily be obtained by breeding the Caterpillars, which may be found at the same Time, and in the same Places, where you take those that produce the Willow and Poplar Hawks.

Figure 2. in the same Plate, represents a Moth called the KITTEN. The Caterpillar feeds on Black Thorn, Willow, &c. becomes a Chrysalis at the Beginning of August, and the Moth is bred in May. The Caterpillar and Fly are rarely to be met with.

See Lister’s Godart. N. 20. Moufet P. 183. Raii Hist. Insect. P. 153. Albin, Pl. 11. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 19. Reaumur, Pl. 21. Pag. 282. Vol. 2.

The Willow.

Salix.

L. 1 CH. 1. III. CL. 1. S. E. 3.

The WILD ROSE-MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the Sweet Briar sometimes, but most commonly on the Oak; changes to a Chrysalis (within the Leaves of such Trees fastened together by a Spining) at the End of September, and the Moth is bred in the Middle of May. The Caterpillar and Fly are both scarce.

See Albin, P. 65. Reaumur, Pl. 22. Pag. 282. Vol. 2.

The Wild Rose, or Sweet Briar.

Rosa sylvestris; foliis odoratis. C. B. Pin.

CLASS II.

CATERPILLARS having little HAIR.

SECT. a.

Without Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 2. S. a. 1

THE GOAT-MOTH. The most likely Means of obtaining the Caterpillars is, to separate the Bark of some old Willow from the Body of the Tree by a Chissel. Thus probably you may discover some of them: Put them into an earthen Jar, and feed them with Willow Wood, which Food they seem most fond of; but cover the Jar least they creep away. Do not keep them in a Box, or any Thing made of Wood, least they eat their Way through it and be lost. These Caterpillars are full fed about the Middle of May, at which Time they gnaw the Wood into a Kind of Sawdust, which, being mixed with a glutenous Matter from their Mouths, makes a Case wherein they change to the Chrysalis. They lye in that State for about six Weeks; after which the Moths appear, and may be found on the Bodies of Willow Trees. This Chrysalis, by the Help of strong, short Saw like Teeth round Part of each Joint, and pointing towards the Tail, is enabled to force its Fore Part through the Body of the Tree, (as is expressed in the Plate), near which you’ll find the Moth, if you chance to look that Day it is bred. They are reported to be three Years proceeding from the Egg to the Fly; but this I have not myself experienced.

See Lister on Godart. P. 49. N. 39. Albin, Pl. 35. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 18. Reaumur, Pl. 17. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The Willow-tree.

Salix.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 2. S. a. 2.

THE EMPEROR-MOTH. The best Way to be furnished with this fine Moth is, to breed it from the Caterpillar, which may be found in its infant State during the Month of May; but it is most adviseable to seek for them before the 20th. The Caterpillars, when newly hatch’d, are sociable, and keep together for about three Weeks, after which Time they separate and are difficult to be found. The most certain Food to take them on is the Black Thorn, and of that such as is not of above two or three Years Growth. They are usually found on Twigs about one or two Feet from the Ground, and (as I have observed) herd in Clusters together, when they are in their first, second and third Skins.—On the 12th of May 1745, I had about sixty Caterpillars hatched from such Sort of Eggs as are expressed round the Black Thorn in the Plate: On the 19th they appeared in their second Skin; on the 25th, in their third; on the 18th of June, in their fourth, and, on the 22d, in their fifth. The Caterpillars grew so much in this Skin in four Days, that they were three Times as big as when full fed in their fourth Skin. On June the 30th, they shifted into their sixth and last Skin; in which Skin (as well as in the former Skins) such as appear most Green are the female Caterpillars. On the 12th of July some of them began to spin Cases, in order for their Change into the Chrysalis State; and, on the 26th, the whole threescore had spun themselves up. Thus they remained throughout the Winter, and, from the 16th to the 30th of April following, I had forty of the Moths bred; but the Rest of the Aurelias did not produce their Moths till the Year following: So that about twenty of my Number were in the Chrysalis State near two Years; and yet produced Moths at last that were equally beautiful and large. The Female lays from 250 to 300 Eggs, in such Manner as is represented in the Plate, and these she hides in three or four different Places for the more certain Security of some of them.

The Case which contains the Chrysalis is well worthy Notice, being composed of a glutenous Matter fit to resist all Kinds of Weather; and, for its greater Security, that Part which I call the Mouth is doubly guarded: So that, if any Insect should chance to force the first Fence, it will there meet with a second Resistance, and that of so strong a Nature, from its particular make, that I am apt to believe few, if any, can ever enter; and thus the Chrysalis is preserved in the most secure and wonderful Manner, as will be better understood by attending to the Figure represented in the Plate. The Moth is very seldom taken in the Fly State.

The Black Thorn.

Prunus Sylvestris. Ger.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 2. S. a. 3.

This Plate represents the Male and Female of the EMPEROR-MOTH, of which I have already given an Account.

See Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 23. Albin, Pl. 25. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 4, 5. Reaumur, Pl. 49 and 50. Pag. 554. Vol. 1.

The White Fruit-bramble.

Rubus vulgaris major, fructu albo. Raii. Syn.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 2. S. a. 4.

THE PLUMB-TREE MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds in Gardens on various Fruit-trees: It changes to a Chrysalis about the End of May, within Leaves spun together, and lies in that State till the Middle of June, when the Moth appears.

See Albin, Pl. 36.

The red Roman Nectarine.

Nucipersica Romana rubra.

SECT. b.

CATERPILLARS, hairy, with Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 2. S. b. 1.

THE WILLOW RED-UNDERWING MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Willow; changes to a Chrysalis, betwixt the Bark and Body of the Willow Tree, about the Middle of June. The Moth is bred in the Middle of July, and may be found at that Time on the Barks of Willows, and other Trees, as also against Walls, Houses, Barns, &c. If the Weather proves very hot, the Moth will fly in the Day-time. The Caterpillar is rarely found.

See Albin, P. 80. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 15.

The weeping Willow.

Salix orientalis, flagellis deorsum pulchre pendentibus. Tourn. Cor.

CLASS III.

CATERPILLARS having much HAIR.

SECT. A.

Without Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 3. S. A. 1.

THE GREAT TYGER MOTH. The Caterpillars are hatch’d from the Egg in August, and feed in their infant State on Nettles, Lettice, &c. till the End of October; when, if the Weather be cold and bad, they find themselves a Residence for the Winter in Holes and private Recesses, where they continue till the March or April following, as the Spring is more or less forward. At their coming out of their Holes they feed on the young Nettles, Chickweed, &c. that grows in dry Ditches and Gardens; and, when they are in their last Skin, which is usually at the End of May, they may easily be found in the Places already mentioned. At the Beginning of June they spin a Bag, and within that change to the Chrysalis, in which State they lye for one Month, after which the Moths come abroad and are very common. I have observed, that most of the hairy Caterpillars live throughout the Winter, after the Manner above mentioned.

See Lister’s Godart. N. 99. Moufet. 15. P. 93. Raii Hist. Insect. P. 151. N. 3 and P. 152. N. 7. Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 5. Albin. Pl. 20. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 1. Reaumur, P. 534. Vol. 1.

The Hatfield Plumb.

Prunus, fructu magno crasso subacido. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 3. S. A. 1.

THE CREAM-SPOT TYGER MOTH. Chickweed, Nettles, Lettice, &c. are the Food of this Caterpillar, which is to be found on such Growths in dry Ditches, in Woods, &c. at the End of April. It lives all Winter as the last mentioned, and changes to a Chrysalis, within a Spinning, at the Beginning of May. The Moth is bred about three Weeks after; flies in the Day-time, and is very common.

See Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 6. Albin, Pl. 21. Reaumur, Pl. 31. Pag. 534. Vol. 1.

Chickweed.

Alfine media. C. B. 250.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 3. S. A. 3.

The SCARLET TYGER MOTH. The Caterpillar lives all Winter, and is to be taken feeding on the Hounds-Tongue, Nettles, and White Archangel, at the End of April. If you look for them from Charlton-Church, in Kent, down to the Road that leads to Woolwich, there you will find them in Plenty. They make a Spinning in May amongst the dead Leaves on the Ground, and there change to the Chrysalis. The Moths come forth in June and fly by Day.

See Merian, Vol. 2. Ch. 8. Albin, Pl. 22.

The Hounds Tongue in Flower.

Cynoglossum majus, vulgare. C. B. 257.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 3. S. A. 4.

The BLACK ARCHES, a MOTH. The Caterpillar of this Fly remains in Egg all Winter, and hatching about the Middle of April, feeds on the Leaves of the Oak, Apple Trees, &c. A Caterpillar brought up by Mr. Cabrier came to its full Growth near the Middle of June; at which Time it fastened itself, in the Corner of the Box, by a few small Threads: The 14th it changed to a Chrysalis, and the Moth appeared the 4th of July. The Caterpillar was fed, in its infant State, with Lettice, there being no Oak Leaves at that Time. This Moth is to be found sticking on the Barks of the Oak Trees in Richmond, Bushey, and other Parks, in July; but is not common.

See Merian, Vol. 2. Ch. 22.

The Apple Tree in Blossom.

Malus.

L. 1. CH. 1. V. CL. 3. S. A. 5.

The GREAT ERMINE MOTH. Its Caterpillar feeds on most Kinds of Plants and Flowers; turns to a Chrysalis, within a Web on the Ground, in September: The Moth is bred in the May following, and may be found sticking on the Barks of Trees, on Pales, Walls, &c.

The small Garden Sun-Flower.

Corona Solis, perennis & vulgaris. Vaill.

L. 1. CH. 1. VI. CL. 3. S. A. 6.

The SPOTTED BUFF-MOTH. The Caterpillars of this Moth are very mischievous in Gardens, feeding on most Kind of Herbage; but may easily be shaken off the Plants and killed. They change to the Chrysalis within a Web on the Ground, and sometimes within the Ground, in September, and the Moths came out in May. Their Eggs are of a light green Colour; and the Caterpillars, when first hatch’d, which is about the Middle of June, are white and hairy. The Moth is frequently taken sticking on Houses, Walls, Pales, &c.

Arsmart.

Persicaria maculosa. Ger. 361.

L. 1. CH. 1. VII. CL. 3. S. A. 7.

The GIPSEY MOTH. The Caterpillars are very destructive to all Fruit-trees, on which they are found in Swarms envelop’d with a Web like that of the Spider. In the Day-time they disperse themselves over the whole Tree, but at Night come together again, and retire to their Web. They put on the Chrysalis, form within a Spinning, at the Beginning of July, and the Moth is bred about fourteen Days after. Their Eggs are covered with a yellowish Down, whereby they are preserved from Cold throughout the Winter. This Moth is very common in Germany, and was produced from a Nest of Eggs that were sent to Mr. Peter Collinson, who gave them to Charles Lockyer, Esq; He bred Moths from them as above mentioned; and, having turned Numbers of them wild (as I have been informed) about Ealing near Brentford, in Middlesex, they are to be found there, but not any where else that I have yet heard of.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 3. Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 18.

The Crab-tree.

Malus sylvestris. Ger. 1276.

L. 1. CH. 1. VIII. CL. 3. S. A. 8.

The BUFF-TIP MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the Willow and Oak, and may be easily found amongst the Willows growing about Chelsea, and in such like Places. They may be taken full fed towards the End of August; at which Time Numbers of them go into the Earth, and there Change to the Chrysalis, and the Moths appear in the following May. It is not a very common Thing to take this Moth flying.

See Lister’s Godart, N. 95. Raii Hist. Insect. P. 162. N. 14. Albin, Pl. 23. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 14.

The Yellow Dwarf-Willow.

Salix folio longo subluteo, non auriculata, viminibus luteis. Raii. Syn.

L. 1. CH. 1. IX. CL. 3. S. A. 9.

The WHITE-SATIN MOTH. Its Caterpillar feeds on the White Poplar, as also on Willow; changes to a hairy Chrysalis, within the Leaves spun together, in June; lies in that State about twenty Days, and then the Moth flies abroad. You may take these Flies by shaking the Boughs of the Trees they feed on. Their Eggs, when first laid, are of a pale green Colour, which they cover with a Substance looking like Leaf-silver. They continue about one Month in the Egg-state, and the Caterpillars live all Winter.

See Lister on Godart. P. 84. N. 87. Rosel, Cl. 2, Tab. 9. Reaumur, Pl. 34. Pag. 534. Vol. 1.

The White Poplar-Tree.

Populus alba majoribus foliis. C. B.

L. 1. CH. 1. X. CL. 3. S. A. 10.

The LACKEY-MOTH. The Caterpillars are very common, and feed on most Kind of Herbage, especially Black Thorn, White Thorn, &c. about the Middle of June they change to the Chrysalis within a Case, which they spin, and cover with a fine Dust of the Colour of Brimstone. In this State they remain for about one Month; then the Moth appears, and lays her Eggs, in a spiral Order, round the young Twigs of such Trees as are proper Food for the infant Caterpillars. They hatch in the Spring, and keep together in a Web while young. As these Caterpillars are destructive in Gardens to Fruit-trees, &c. its adviseable to destroy them.

See Godartius, P. 1. Tab. 10. Albin, Pl. 19. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 6. Reaumur, Vol. 2. Pl. 4. Pag. 120.

Figure 1. Tway Blade. 2. The Crane’s Bill. 3. The Yellow-Vetchling.

1. Bifolium, vulg. C. B. 2. Geranium Robertianum. 3. Lathyrus luteus sylvestris dumetorum. 1. B. II. 304.

L. 1. CH. 1. XI. CL. 3. S. A. 11.

The GREAT EGGER-MOTH. The Caterpillars of this Moth are to be found, full grown, towards the End of May, feeding on Black Thorn and White Thorn. At the Beginning of June, they spin a brown Case, in the Shape of an Egg, in which the Chrysalis is formed: They remain in that State for about one Month; then the Moth is produced. The Males fly swiftly in the Day-time, from 12 o’Clock to 5 in the Afternoon. The Eggs are of an oval Shape, and usually hatch at the latter End of July. When the Caterpillars are young, you may feed them with Black Thorn, or White Thorn, and, during the Winter, with Bramble, Holly, Privet, &c. When you breed any female Egger-Moths, take one of them and put it in a Box (covered with a Piece of Crape, to prevent its getting away), carry the Box with you to the Sides of Woods and green Lanes; and, if the Day be fair, and the Sun shines bright, put it upon the Ground: And, if there is a Breed of these Moths near, the Males will come and endeavour to get at the Female. By this means I have taken with my Net near twenty in an Hour. This Method of taking Flies is called Simbling; and many other Kinds of Moths are to be catched the same Way.

See Godart. P. 1. Tab. 7. Lister’s Godart. N. 88. Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 10. Moufet, P. 92 N. 9. Raii’s Hist. Insect. P. 142. N. 2. Albin, Pl. 18. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 35. a. Reamur, Pl. 35. Pag. 534. Vol. 1.

The White Thorn in Flower.

Mespilus sylvestris, seu Oxyacantha.

L. 1. CH. 1. XII. CL. 3. S. A. 12.

The GRASS EGGER-MOTH. I took the Caterpillars of this Moth feeding on Clover amongst Grass. They make a Spinning and Case, on the Surface of the Earth, about the Middle of June, and therein turn to a Chrysalis. The Moth flies in the Middle of August; but is not commonly met with.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 35. b.

The double flowering Cherry, and Grass.

Cerasus hortensis, flore roseo. C. B. Pin. 450.

L. 1. CH. 1. XIII. CL. 3. S. A. 13.

The DECEMBER MOTH. Mr. Dandridge took some of its Caterpillars, at the Beginning of June, on the Hasle; but, observing they eat but little, gave them fresh Boughs that were wet with Rain, on which they fed greedily. The next Day he gave them Water and Honey mixt together, of which they drank a good Quantity, and fell to eating again very heartily. In this Manner he fed them every Day, and sometimes twice a Day, till the Middle of the same Month, when they went into the Earth and changed into Chrysalis. The Moths came out at the End of December. I took this Year (1748) two of these Caterpillars on the Leaves of an Oak, wherewith I fed them till the Middle of June, when they spun a dirty coloured Case which contained the Chrysalis; and the Moths were bred on the 24th October.

See Albin, P. 85. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 60.

The Nut-tree.

Corylus, Sativa, fructu anguloso. C. B. 418.

L. 1. CH. 1. XIV. CL. 3. S. A. 14.

The SPOTTED RED and WHITE UNDERWING MOTH. I found and fed the Caterpillar on Black Thorn: It made a Spinning, and changed to Chrysalis in the Middle of April, and the Moth came abroad about the Middle of May. The Caterpillar lives all Winter, and the Moth is rarely to be met with.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 43.

Figure 1. The Black Thorn. 2. The Columbine. 3. The Ranunculus. 4. The White Bells.

1. Prunus sylvestris. C. B. 2. Aquilegia vulgaris simplex. C. B. 3. Ranunculus. 4. Hyacinthus, flore albo. C. B.

L. 1. CH. 1. XV. CL. 3. S. A. 15.

The WOOD TYGER MOTH. This Moth I first discovered in Cain Wood. The Caterpillar lives all Winter, feeds on Chickweed, Lettice, the Lesser Plantain, &c. and is full grown about the Middle of April, when it changes to the Chrysalis within a Spinning: The Moth is bred in the Middle of May, flies by Day, and may be taken in Cain or Tottenham Woods; an Afternoon is the best Time.

The Vredenriek Hyacinth, and Lesser Plantain.

Hyacinthus Belgicus Vredenriek dictus. Plantago minor. I. B.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVI. CL. 3. S. A. 16.

The MOTHER of PEARL MOTH. Nettles are the Food of the Caterpillar, within the Leaves of which (folded together) it lives, and feeds till the Beginning of June; when it puts on the Chrysalis Form wrapt up within a Leaf, whose Edges are fastened by a Spinning: Fourteen Days after the Moth appears, and may be taken, very commonly, in an Evening, amongst Nettles.

See Albin, P. 73. Rosel, Cl. 4. Tab. 4.

The Cherry-Plumb.

Prunus, fructu majori, rotundo, rubro. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVII. CL. 3. S. A. 17.

The YELLOW JULY OAK-MOTH. The Food of the Caterpillar is the Leaves of the Oak Tree, on which it feeds till the Middle of June; then it changes to a Chrysalis in some Chink or other that it meets with in the Bark of the said Tree, over which Chink or Hole the Caterpillar spins a strong Web, which prevents any Bird or Insect from getting at it in its Chrysalis State. The Moth is bred in the Middle of July, and may, now and then, be found on the Barks of the Oak Trees in Richmond and other Parks, about that Time; but it is not a common Fly.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 17.

The May-cherry.

Cerasus, majalis, fructu duro subdulci. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 1. XVIII. CL. 3. S. A. 18.

The SMALL EGGER-MOTH. Black and White Thorn are the Food of the Caterpillars, which are always found in Colonies; the whole Nest of them feeding together till they are ready to change. When they are first hatch’d from the Egg, they spin a Web to shelter themselves from the Weather; and, as they grow, enlarge it with several Divisions. They seldom go from the Plant they are first hatched on, till they have eaten it quite bare and want Food. They ordinarily spin a Thread from their main Web to guide them Home again; this is very particular, and seems necessary to them. About the Beginning of July you may find them full fed; then they spin a Web, within which a Case is formed, shaped like an Egg, which contains the Chrysalis: In this State they remain all Winter, and the Moths are bred in March. It is adviseable, if you feed the Caterpillars, to take the whole Nest with the Web. I have seldom taken the Moths.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 62. Albin, P. 19.

The Almond Tree, Blossom and Fruit.

Amygdalus sativa fructu majore. C. B. Pin. 441.

L. 1. CH. 1. XIX. CL. 3. S. A. 19.

The FOX COLOURED MOTH. The Caterpillar is hatch’d in July, lives all Winter, and feeds on Grass, Brambles, &c. I have seen them in September as large as they are in the Middle of April, which is the Time they go to Chrysalis, within a Spinning or Web. The Moth is bred in the Middle of May, and the Cock flies swiftly in an Afternoon; but may be taken in a Net, by the Sides of Woods and green Lanes.

See Albin, P. 81.

The Blackberry Fruit.

Rubus, fructu nigro.

SECT. 2 A.

CATERPILLARS having Rings of different Colours surrounding them.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 3. S. 2 A. 1.

The CINNABAR-MOTH. The Caterpillars of this Fly are sociable and feed together in Numbers on the Ragwort; in July they are full grown, and then some go into the Earth, and others spin on the Surface of the Ground, in order to their Change into the Chrysalis State. The Moths are produced in the May following, and are common in Fields and Gardens.

See Lister on Godart. P. 61. N. 54. Albin, Pl. 34. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 48. Reaumur, Pl. 16. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The Ragwort, in Flower.

Jacobea, vulgaris. J. B. H. 1057.

SECT. 3 A.

CATERPILLARS having indented Markings.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 3. S. 3 A. 1.

The BRAMBLE MOTH. Its Caterpillar is to be found feeding on the Bramble, on the Oak, &c. at the Beginning of September; and, towards the Middle of the same Month, it changes to a Chrysalis, mixing its Hairs with the Bag it spins: The Moth comes forth the May following, and is not very common.

The Orange Apricock.

Malus Armeniaca, fructu aurantio.

SECT. b.

CATERPILLARS having hairy, or fleshy Protuberances, on the Head, Back, or Tail.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 3. S. b. 1.

The LAPPIT-MOTH. The Eggs of this Moth are laid about the Middle of July, and remain in that State fourteen Days. I fed the Caterpillars, when first hatch’d, with Black Thorn, and continued giving them the same Food till October; at which Time they were in their fourth Skin, and appeared as represented at Letter a; They there stretched themselves at full Length on the Twigs, and remained so till the April following, without eating any thing that I could perceive, notwithstanding at different Times I put in fresh green Food to try them. About the End of May the Caterpillars are full grown, in which Condition b represents the Female; they then make a Spinning, within which the Chrysalis is formed, and remains in that State for one Month, when the Moth is bred; though it is rarely met with in the Fly-state. The Caterpillars are to be found, at the End of May, sticking close to the Boughs of the Black Thorn, Bramble, &c. You must look for them about a Foot or two from the Ground; but, as their Colour nearly resembles the Bark of their Food, it is very difficult to see them.

See Albin, Pl. 16. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 41. Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 17. Reaumur, Pl. 23. Pag. 322. Vol. 2.

The Privet leaved Phylerea.

Phyllyrea, Ligustri folio. C. B.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 3. S. b. 2.

The DRINKER-MOTH. Its Eggs are usually laid about the Middle of July; in about fourteen Days the Caterpillars come out: They feed in the Winter-season on long Grass, &c. and change to Chrysalis at the End of May (within such a Case as is expressed in the Plate) at which Time they are easily found upon the Grass, by the Sides of Fields and Hedges. The Moths are bred at the End of June, and may be taken flying in an Evening, in green Lanes and by the Sides of Woods.

See Lister’s Godart. N. 82. Albin, Pl. 17. Raii Hist. Insect. P. 142. N. 3. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 2.

Figure 1. The Yellow Vetchling. 2. Bistort. 3. The White Darnel Grass. 4. The Wood-Pease.

1. Lathyrus sylvestris, dumetorum, flore luteo. C. B. 2. Bistorta major. I. B. 3. Gramen loliaceum spica longiori. C. B. 4. Astragalus sylvaticus. Ger. Emac.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 3. S. b. 3.

The YELLOW-TAIL MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Elder, Oak, Black Thorn, &c. upon all which Growths you may find them at the End of May. It changes to a Chrysalis, within a Spinning, at the Beginning of June, and the Moth comes forth at the End of the same Month. They may be found sticking against the Barks of the Trees in Parks, and other Places, and also flying in the Evening. They lay Eggs of a pale Colour, and cover them with a woolly Substance. The Caterpillars are hatch’d in August, and will feed on Black Thorn till the End of October; at which Time they spin themselves little Cases, and remain in them till the Spring following.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 21. Reaumur, Pl. 16. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The Alder-Tree.

Alnus, rotundifolia, glutinosa, viridis. C. B.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 3. S. b. 4.

The DAGGER MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Rose Trees, Fruit-trees, and Shrubs; becomes a Chrysalis within the Earth in October, and in May following the Moth appears, and may be found sticking against Pales, Walls, Trees, &c. Their Eggs are very small, and of a fine green Colour, and the Caterpillars are common in Gardens and other Places. It is observed, that the Protuberance on the Back of the Caterpillar is of a fleshy Substance, with Hair growing out of it.

See Albin, P. 86. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 7. Reaumur, Pl. 42. Pag. 602.

The most double Sweet Briar Rose.

Rosa sylvestris, sive Eglanteria, flore pleno.

L. 1. CH. 1. V. CL. 3. S. b. 5.

The WILD PINE-TREE LAPPIT-MOTH. Mr. Rosel informs us, That the Caterpillars of this curious Fly feed on the Pinus sylvestris, or WILD PINE: That they are full fed in the Month of June, at which Time they change to Chrysalis, within such a Spinning as is represented in the Plate; and, after lying in that State three Weeks the Moths appear.

About the Middle of September, 1748, I took one of these Caterpillars upon a White Thorn Bush, near Richmond Park; which is still alive this 20th Day of January 1748-9, though it has eat nothing, that I know of, since it has been in my Custody. It remains stretched out, in the Manner of the Lappit-Caterpillar represented at the Letter a of the first Plate of this Section; and I do not think it will begin to feed until there are Buds of Black or White Thorn to give it. This is the only Caterpillar of the Kind that I have known taken in England.—For the Drawings exhibited in my Plate, I am obliged to Mr. Rosel.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 59.

The Wild Pine-Tree.

Pinus sylvestris. C. B. Pin.

SECT. c.

CATERPILLARS, having many Tufts of Hair, producing TUSSOCK-MOTHS.

L. 1. CH. 1. I. CL. 3. S. c. 1.

The BLACK TUSSOCK-MOTH. This Moth is bred about the Middle of June; at which Time it lays Eggs of a light grey Colour, inclosed within a woolly Substance; and thus they continue for about one Month. When the infant Caterpillars appear, they feed on Black Thorn, White Thorn, Bramble, &c. They live all the Winter in the Caterpillar State, and change to a hairy Chrysalis, within a Spinning, about the Middle of May. The Caterpillars may be found, full fed, on Black Thorn that grows by the Sides of Woods and Hedges; as for the Moth, it is not commonly taken in the Fly-state.

See Albin, Pl. 26. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 37.

The White double Garden-Rose.

Rosa Alba hortensis, flore pleno. I. B. 1144.

L. 1. CH. 1. II. CL. 3. S. c. 2.

The YELLOW TUSSOCK-MOTH. Its Caterpillar feeds on the Red Archangel, Oak, Hasle, &c. towards the End of September. It makes a Spinning, within which a hairy Chrysalis is formed, where it lives till the Middle of May following, and then the Moth takes its flight; but it is not a very common Fly.

See Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 47. Albin, Pl. 26. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 38. Reaumur, Pl. 33. Pag. 534. Vol. 1.

The Red Archangel.

Lamium rubrum. Ger. 568.

L. 1. CH. 1. III. CL. 3. S. c. 3.

The RED-SPOT TUSSOCK-MOTH. The Caterpillars are very common, feeding on most Elm and Lime Trees about Town. They make a Spinning under the Copings of Walls, Pales, &c. at the End of May; and the Moth is bred at the End of June and in July. The Females have no Wings; but, if you carry one or two of them in a Box (where there is a Breed of this Moth) the Males will follow you in order to get at them: So that, if you put the Box on the Ground, you may easily take the Cocks with your Net. Several other Moths may be taken by the like Means.

See Albin, P. 89. Reaumur, Pl. 19. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.

The smooth Leaved Elm.

Ulmus folio Glabro. Ger. Em. 1481.

L. 1. CH. 1. IV. CL. 3. S. c. 4.

The ORANGE TUSSOCK-MOTH. The Food of its Caterpillar is Hasle, St. John’s Wort, Oak, &c. About the Middle of May it made a Spinning, and changed to a Chrysalis, and the Moth came forth three Weeks after. It is very scarce, and the Female has no Wings. I took one of these Caterpillars, feeding on Oak Leaves, on the 25th of September 1748; two Days after, it spun up in order to its Chrysalis State, and, on the 8th of October, the Moth was bred: From whence I conclude, this Moth breeds twice in a Year.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 40. Albin, P. 90.

The elegant upright St. John’s Wort.

Hypericum pulchrum Tragi. I. B. III. 383.

L. 1. CH. 1. V. CL. 3. S. c. 5.

The NUT-TREE TUSSOCK-MOTH. The Caterpillar of this very scarce Fly was fed upon the Hasle. About the Middle of September it spun up, and changed into a Chrysalis, and the Moth was bred at the Beginning of April.

See Albin, P. 90. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 53.

The Masculine Apricock.

Armeniaca, fructu minore præcocior. Miller.

L. 1. CH. 1. VI. CL. 3. S. c. 6.

THE SYCAMORE TUSSOCK-MOTH. You may find the Caterpillars on Sycamore Trees, and, towards the End of August, they are usually full fed; at which Time they spin themselves up, intermixing their Hairs with the Web, and change into the Chrysalis State. The Moths are bred in May and June, are not uncommon, and may be found on the Bodies of the Trees in St. James’s Park, on Pales, Walls, &c.

See Albin, P. 83. Reaumur, Pl. 34. Pag. 534. Vol. 1.

The Sycamore Tree.

Acer majus, multis falso Platanus. I. B.

CHAP. II.

Caterpillars that perform their progressive Motion after a different Manner, viz. by drawing up the Tail towards the Head, whereby their Bodies become bent into the Form of a half Loop, on which Account they are called HALF-LOOPERS.

CLASS I.

CATERPILLARS having eight Feet, two Holders, and six Claws or Hooks, and having Protuberances.

SECT. a.

L. 1. CH. 2. I. CL. 1. S. a. 1.

THE CRIMSON UNDERWING MOTH. The Caterpillar of this Moth feeds on Oak-leaves, and becomes a Chrysalis, within some of the same Leaves spun together, at the Beginning of June. The Moth appears at the Beginning of July, and is extremely scarce, as is also the Caterpillar.

The Oak-Tree.

Quercus Latifolia. C. B.

CLASS II.

CATERPILLARS which are hairy, having two Holders, four Feet, and six Hooks or Claws.

SECT. a.

L. 1. CH. 2. I. CL. 2. S. a. 1.

The SILVER Y MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Sage, Clover, Burdock, &c. changes to a Chrysalis, within a slight Spinning, in August, and the Moth is bred in September; is very common in most Fields and Gardens, and flies in the Day as well as at Night. There is an early Breed of this Moth in May.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 5. Albin, P. 79. Lister on Godart. P. 20. N. 14. Reaumur, Pl. 19. Pag. 342. Vol. 1. Pl. 26. P. 348. Vol. 2.

Common Sage in Flower.

Salvia hortensis. I. B.

CHAP. III.

The Caterpillars of this Chapter have two Feet and two Holders, with six Hooks or Claws; but have no Feet in the Middle Part of their Bodies like those already described. Their progressive Motion is performed by fixing the Head-part, and drawing up the Tail to it; so that each Step, forming a Loop, they are called LOOPERS. They are provided with strong and sharp Claws in their Holders, by which they can fasten themselves in such manner as to support the Rest of their Bodies, either perpendicularly or horizontally, or in any other Posture they please, without any regard to the Center of Gravity in their respective Bodies. They are able likewise, out of their own Viscera or Bowels, to furnish themselves with Lines, whereby they can let themselves down from the Branches of Trees, or other Heights, as they find Occasion.

CLASS I.

Smooth or naked Loopers.

SECT. a.

Having no Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 3. I. CL. 1. S. a. 1.

The BRINDLED BEAUTY MOTH. The Caterpillar will feed on most Fruit-trees, as also on the Willow, &c. Its Chrysalis is formed within the Earth towards the End of June, and the Moth comes forth in April. I have taken Plenty of them sticking on the Barks of the Willow Trees about the Water-works at Chelsea.

See Merian, Vol. 1. P. 75. Chap. 37. Albin, Pl. 39.

The Honey-Cherry.

Cerasus, sylvestris, septentrionalis, fructu rubro parvo serotino. Raii. Syn.

L. 1. CH. 3. II. CL. 1. S. a. 2.

The JULY ARRACH MOTH. The Caterpillar may be found, full fed, on the wild Arrach, about the Middle of September; at which Time it changes to a Chrysalis in the Earth: The Moth is bred in July, and may be taken in an Evening in and near the Gardens about Vauxhall and other Places.

See Albin, Pl. 47.

The Black Curran-Tree.

Ribes nigrum vulgo dictum, folio olente. I. B.

L. 1. CH. 3. III. CL. 1. S. a. 3.

The MOTTLED UMBER-MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Fruit-Trees, Oak, Elm, Black-Thorn, &c. and turns to a Chrysalis, within the Earth, about the Middle of May. The Moth comes forth in October, and may be found at that Time sticking on the Bark of Trees in Parks, &c.

See Albin, P. 100.

The Apricock-Plumb.

Prunus fructu parvo præcoci. Tourn.

L. 1. CH. 3. IV. CL. 1. S. a. 4.

The JULY SALLOW MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the common Sallow, in the Top-leaves of which (spun together) it lies concealed in the Day-time. Some Leaves, thus spun together, looked as if they had been dead; but, on Examination, Caterpillars of this Sort were found therein: They changed to a Chrysalis, spun amongst the Leaves, at the End of May. The Moth is bred at the Beginning of July, and may be taken, in the Evening, by the Sides of Woods, Hedges, &c.

The Wild Black Cherry.

Cerasus major ac sylvestris, fructu subdulci nigro colore inficiente. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 3. V. CL. 1. S. a. 5.

The BUFF ARGUS-MOTH. The two Caterpillars exhibited in this Plate were taken by me upon the Oak, they feed likewise on the wild Briar, White-Thorn, &c. They tied themselves up against the Leaves, after the Manner of the White Butterfly, with their Heads upwards; changed into Chrysalis about the Middle of June, and the Moths were bred about the Middle of July. These I suppose to be Male and Female of the same Species. You may take them flying, in an Evening, by the Sides of Woods and Hedges, and in green Lanes.

The double-flowered Sweet Briar.

Rosa sylvestris odora, sive eglanteria, flore duplice. Park. Parad.

L. 1. CH. 3. VI. CL. 1. S. a. 6.

The GREEN BROOM-MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the Leaves of the common Broom; and, about the Middle of June, changes to a Chrysalis in a thin Spinning; in which State it continues for about three Weeks, then the Moth appears, and may be taken in the Day-time, by beating the Furze and Broom, wherein they usually are found.

See Rosel, Cl. 3. Tab. 12.

The Needle Furze.

Genista minor Aspalathoides, vel Genista spinosa Anglica. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 3. VII. CL. 1. S. a. 7.

The LIME MOSS MOTH. The Eggs are of a greenish Colour, and are laid in June; after being in that State about ten Days the Caterpillars are hatch’d. They feed on the Moss that grows on Lime Trees; live and feed all the Winter in the Caterpillar State, and about the Beginning of May, are full grown, at which Time they make a Spinning amongst the Moss, and change to Chrysalis. The Moths are bred at the Beginning of June, and may be taken in the Evenings, by the Sides of Woods, in green Lanes, &c.

The Yellow-flowered Sage.

Phlomis fructicosa, Salviæ folio latiore & rotundiore. Raii Hist. 511.

SECT. b.

Naked Loopers, with Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 3. I. CL. 1. S. b. 1.

The SPOTTED ELM-MOTH. Its Caterpillar is not very common, altho’ it feeds on the Leaves of the Elm, Lime and Oak. It goes into the Earth, and turns to a Chrysalis in August: The Moth appears in May, and is then to be found sometimes, sticking on the Barks of the above Trees; but it is not common.

See Albin, P. 40, 41. 91, 92.

The Witch Elm.

Ulmus folio latissimo scabro. Ger. Em. 1481.

L. 1. CH. 3. II. CL. 1. S. b. 2.

The SWALLOW-TAIL MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on Bramble, Oak Leaves, and other Growths; lives all the Winter: When it changes to a Chrysalis, which it does in March, the Chrysalis is fastened by the Tail, and lies, with its Head upwards, within a few fine Threads of its own spinning. The Moth is bred in May and June, and may be taken flying in an Evening by the Sides of Woods, and in green Lanes.

See Rosel, Cl. 3. Tab. 6. Albin, P. 94.

The Bramble.

Rubus, fructu nigro. C. B.

L. 1. CH. 3. III. CL. 1. S. b. 3.

The OCTOBER-MOTH. Its Caterpillar is to be found, full fed, at the End of May, by beating the Boughs of the Oak, Elm, Black-Thorn, &c. which are the Food it feeds upon. It changes to the Chrysalis State, within the Earth, about that Time, and the Moth is bred in October, when it may be found sticking on the Bark of Trees, in Parks and other Places.

The smooth leaved Elm.

Ulmus folio Glabro. Ger. Em. 1481.

L. 1. CH. 3. IV. CL. 1. S. b. 4.

The BRIMSTONE MOTH. The Caterpillar is found on the White-Thorn, towards the Middle of September, when it is full fed, and changes to a Chrysalis, within a Spinning, and the Moth is produced in the April and May following. It flies slowly, and is easily taken in an Evening. This Moth breeds twice in a Year; the first Time in April and May, the second in July and August.

Figure 1. The White Thorn. 2. The Blue Bells. 3. The Red Ranunculus.

Fig. 1. Oxyacanthus. Ger. 2. Hyacinthus Anglicus. Ger. 3. Ranunculus hortensis flore rubello.

L. 1. CH. 3. V. CL. 1. S. b. 5.

The SCALLOP WINGED MOTH laid her Eggs on the 5th of August, and eight Days after the Caterpillars appeared. I fed them with White-Thorn and Privet, till the Beginning of October, at which Time several of them changed to the Chrysalis betwixt the Leaves spun together. They remained in that State during the Winter, and the Moths were bred in May following. This Moth is to be taken, in the Evening, by the Sides of Woods, Hedges, &c.

The White Thorn, with its Fruit.

Mespilus, Apii folio; sylvestris, sive oxyacantha. C. B. Pin. 458.

L. 1. CH. 3. VI. CL. 1. S. b. 6.

The RICHMOND-BEAUTY, a MOTH. Mr. Rosel assures us, that the Caterpillars feed on the Leaves of the Pear Tree, &c. and is to be found at the End of May and the Beginning of June. They change to the Chrysalis amongst the Pear Leaves: They continue fourteen Days in that State, and the Moth appears about the End of June. This Moth is to be taken in an Evening by the Sides of Woods, in green Lanes, Gardens, &c.

See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 10.

The Spanish or Catalonian Jasmine.

Jasminum humilius magno flore. C. B. Pin.

L. 1. CH. 3. VII. CL. 1. S. b. 7.

The HAWTHORN MOTH. The Caterpillars that produce this Kind of Moth are of various Colours, some being much lighter than others. I got several of them by beating the Boughs of the White Thorn, about the Middle of September; at which Time many of this Sort spin themselves amongst the Leaves and change to Chrysalis, and the Moths are bred in the Middle of May following. This is a very scarce Fly.

The Carolina Hawthorn.

Mespilus Caroliniana, Apii foliis volgari similis major fructu luteo. Millar.

L. 1. CH. 3. VIII. CL. 1. S. b. 8.

The ORANGE MOTH. The four different coloured Flies represented in the Plate, were all produced from Caterpillars that were hatched from the Eggs of such a Female as is represented at Fig. 1. The Eggs were of a pale green Colour, and were hatch’d on the 13th July 1747; and the young Caterpillars were fed with the Leaves of Black-Thorn, till about the 20th, when they changed their first Skin; on the second of August they changed their Skin again, and, about the Middle of the same Month, they left off eating: But, October the 25th, being put on Bramble Leaves, they began to eat again, and changed their Skin a third Time, November the 28th; after which they remained pretty quiet the whole Winter without eating. At the End of March they began to eat the fresh Buds of the Black and White-Thorn, and changed their Skin for the fourth Time. About the End of April, one that was separated from the Rest changed its Skin a fifth Time May the 10th: spun up May the 29th: and the Moth was produced June the 17th. Several others spun up between May the 22d and June the 5th, and the Moths were produced between June the 12th and 25th. One that did not change its Skin, for the last Time, till June the 26th, was given to the Proprietor of this Work; it spun up in the Leaves, on the 10th of July, and the Moth, Fig. 2. was bred on the 1st of August. Of eight Moths that were produced, three were Females of the common Orange Kind, and five were Males, one of which only was all over of an Orange Colour. Amongst the Caterpillars there was one that changed its fourth Skin, July the 4th, and fed for some Time; however, it has not yet changed its fifth Skin, tho’ it continued alive, without eating, till December the 25th 1748, at which Time it was put on Bramble Leaves, and has continued to feed thereon till the present 3d of February 1748-9.——The Author of this Work was favoured with the preceeding Account by a most skilful and exact observer, whose Name, had he leave to mention it, would do him great Honour.

The Dwarf-Willow.

Salix pumila Alpina, rotundifolia repens, inferne subcinerea. C. B. Pin.

CLASS II.

Hairy Loopers.

SECT. a.

Having no Protuberances.

L. 1. CH. 3. I. CL. 2. S. a. 1.

The LARGE MAGPYE, or CURRAN MOTH. Most Gardens and Hedges abound with the Caterpillars of this Fly, which feed on Curran and Gooseberry-Bushes, and also on the Black Thorn, &c. They change into the Chrysalis State, hanging by the Tail, at the End of May, and the Moths appear in the Middle of June. They are very common, and easily taken in an Evening in the Gardens, and most other Places, and may likewise be catch’d in the Day-time, by beating the Hedges and Bushes. The Caterpillar lives all Winter, and in the Spring begins to feed as soon as the Buds are open.

See Lister on Godart, P. 13. N. 9. Merian, Vol. 1. Chap. 29. Albin, P. 43. Rosel, Class 3. Tab. 2.

The Curran Tree.

Ribes major fructu rubro, Hort. Eyst.

L. 1. CH. 3. II. CL. 2. S. a. 2.

The GOOSEBERRY-MOTH. The Caterpillars are hatch’d at the latter End of the Year, and live all Winter. About the Middle of May you may find Plenty of them on the Gooseberry and Curran Bushes; about which Time they go into the Ground, and turn to Chrysalis, and about the Middle of June the Moths appear. They are common in most Gardens in the Evening, and may be taken in the Day-time, as the last.

See Lister on Godart, P. 19. N. 12. Merian, Vol. 1. Chap. 25. Albin P. 47. Rosel, Class 3. Tab. 4.

The Gooseberry Tree, with its Flower and Fruit.

Grossularia, fructu obscure purpurascente. Clus.

Hairy Loopers.

SECT. b.

Having Tufts of Hair, partly round each Joint.

L. 1. CH. 3. I. CL. 2. S. b. 1.

The BRINDLE-MOTH. This Caterpillar, which is not common among the Loopers, was found by Mr. Dandridge on the Hasle, at the Beginning of June. It also feeds on Oak, &c. On the 14th of the same Month it went into the Ground and changed into a Chrysalis, and at the Beginning of April following the Moth came out. The Females have no Wings. I have had several of this Kind of Moth bred in February from the Chrysalis, which I got by digging with a Trowel at the Root of Oak Trees. The Moth is rarely taken in the Fly-state.

Bladder-Sena, with Reddish-Seed Vessels.

Colutea vesicaria, vesiculis rubentibus. J. B.

CHAP. IV.

Caterpillars shaped like Wood-Lice.

CLASS I.

SECT. a.

L. 1. CH. 4. I. CL. 1. S. a. 1.

The SMALL OAK-EGGER-MOTH. This Caterpillar I took in Hornsey-Wood on an Oak-Tree, at the Beginning October, soon after which Time it chang’d to a Chrysalis, by fastening the Oak-Leaf close to the Bottom of the Box I kept it in with a Spinning. Thus it remained through the Winter, and the Moth was bred at the End of May. Both Caterpillar and Fly are very rare.

The Double Velvet-Rose.

Rosa holosericea, multiplex. Park. Parad.

CHAP. V.

Of Moths, whose Generation is not yet known.

CLASS I.

SECT. a.

L. 1. Ch. 5. I. Cl. 1. S. a. 1.

THE GLORY OF KENT, a Moth. This is the only Moth of the Kind that I have yet heard was ever taken in England or elsewhere. It was found about the Middle of April, 1741, flying in a Wood, in the Day-time, near Cookham, by Westram, in Kent. It was taken by Mr. William Constable, who lives near that Place; and the Moth is at present in the Collection of Mr. Charles Cabrier, of London.

The Double-Flowering Peach.

Persica Africana nova, flore incarnato pleno. Tourn.

L. 1. Ch. 5. II. Cl. 1. S. a. 2.

THE CLEIFDEN NONPAREIL, a Moth. This curious Fly was found by Mr. Davenport, sticking against the Body of an Ash Tree, near Cleifden, in Buckinghamshire. It was taken in the Month of July: Is at present in the Possession of Charles Lockyer, Esq; and is the only one of the Sort that I have yet seen or heard of.

The Ciphian Rose.

Rosa; pimpinella minor Scotica, floribus ex albo & corneo eleganter variegatis. Pluk. Alm.