Page:Jardine Naturalist's Library Exotic Moths.djvu/233

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
ECNOMIDEA PITHECIUM.
183

that an accurate account has not been given of the nature of these appendages, as their occurrence is so rare among this tribe of insects. It is probable, however, that the projected points are not stings properly so called, but merely sharp needle-like pieces, charged with some acrid or poisonous matter.

The arrangement and appearance of the tufts on the caterpillar of Limacodes Cœlestina, formerly alluded to, are so similar to those of D. vulnerans, that it is no way improbable that they may possess like properties. But with regard to this and other species of similar construction, this point can be ascertained only by the observation of living specimens.



ECNOMIDEA[1] PITHECIUM.

PLATE XXI. Fig. 4.

Bombyx Pithecium, Abbot and Smith's Lepid. Georg., pl. 74.

This insect belongs to another group nearly related to Limacodes, but even of more singular aspect in the larva state, insomuch that it becomes indispen-

  1. From εκνομος, inusitatus, and ιδὲα, forma; in allusion to the singular shape of the larva.