Cl. 3. S. A. 17.
(High Resolution Image)
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.
