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.
L. I. ch. I.
Cl. 1. S. B. 7.
(High Resolution Image)
The White Ladies Bedstraw.