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.
L. I. ch. I.
Cl. 2. S. a. 1.