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.
L. I. ch. I.
Cl. 3. S. A. 11.
(High Resolution Image)
The White Thorn in Flower.
Mespilus sylvestris, seu Oxyacantha.
L. 1. Ch. 1.