We give a representation (in Figs. [237], [239], and [240]) of the cases of the caterpillars of three different kinds. The females of these moths are completely destitute of wings, and resemble caterpillars. As a general rule they hardly ever leave their case. The males (Figs. [238], [242]) are of a blackish grey, and fly very swiftly.
The caterpillars of the genus Hepialus are difficult to observe, as they live in the interior of the roots of various vegetables. Such is the common Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli), which sometimes causes the greatest damage.
Fig. 243.—Zeuzera æsculi.
The type of the genus Zeuzera is Zeuzera æsculi, or Wood Leopard ([Fig. 243]). It has white wings with large blackish blue spots on the anterior, and small black spots on the posterior wings. The caterpillar, of a vivid yellow, spotted with black, lives in the interior of the trunks of a great many trees, principally the chestnut, the elm, the lime, and the pear tree. This moth, which is known also by the name of Coquette, is to be seen in the evening flying about the public gardens of Paris, and is not rare in England. The most celebrated species of the allied genus Cossus is the Wood-boring Goat Moth (Cossus ligniperda), figured in the [opposite plate]. The moth has a heavy brownish body and greyish wings streaked with black. It is found in most parts of Europe. The caterpillar is of a reddish colour, as if it had on a leathern jerkin, and disgorges a liquid which is believed to soften ligneous fibres, and it lives in the interior of willows and other trees. It was on this caterpillar that Lyonnet made his admirable anatomical researches.
Fig. 244.—Larva of Dicranura vinula.