CHŒROCAMPA CELERIO.
Plate IV.—Fig. 2.
(Sharp Winged Hawk-Moth.)
This beautiful moth is somewhat allied to the last described, the colour being similar, but the body is longer and more tapering. It is found in England, and in most countries where the vine grows, on which it feeds. The fore-wings are greyish brown with a silvery grey stripe from the apex to the base; the outer lower margin is bordered by a similar stripe. The hind-wings are of a rosy pink colour, veined with, and having a marginal band of brown. The body is feathered, and has a series of five short silver streaks down each side. The antennæ are greyish white, not so long as those of the Tithymali. From three to four inches is the length of the beautiful bright green caterpillar. This has two dark and two light spots on its head, and a horn on its tail. A faint yellow longitudinal line runs along each side. It is rather liable to the attacks of the ichneumon fly, and so it is as well to search for the eggs before putting it aside for rearing. This year (1893) some were found in April, this being unusually early, as it does not appear generally till June, from which date until August it is very commonly met with in the vineyards. The pupa lies in a dormant state for four weeks, and then turns to the moth freely and strongly.