BOOK I.
PART I.
The Caterpillars, described in this Book, are such as produce Moths; of which, as there is a great Variety, ’twas thought proper to range them under the following Heads or Chapters.
CHAP. I.
The Caterpillars belonging to this Chapter have six Hooks or Claws before, eight Feet in the middle, and some have, and some have not two Holders behind. Their Bodies are composed of twelve circular Joints, or Rings, conjoined by a common Membrane, which they are capable of contracting or expanding. When they would move along, they dilate the muscular Skin that separates the first Ring from the next; they advance the first Ring to a certain Distance, and then, by contracting and expanding the Skin of that Part, they move the second Ring: the same Method moves the Third, and so the whole Body marches in Succession: the Motion of their Feet and Claws corresponding with and assisting the progressive Motion of the Rings. Vide Spectacle de la Nature, Dial. I.
The Caterpillars under this Head may likewise be divided into three Classes:
- I. Naked or without Hair.
- II. Having little Hair.
- III. Having much Hair.
The First Class, or the NAKED and without Hair, may be subdivided in the following Manner.
Class I.
Such Caterpillars whose Bodies are Smooth.
Sect. A.
Without Risings, or Protuberances
L. 1. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 1. S. A. 1.
The Great Yellow-underwing Moth. The Caterpillar of this Moth lives through the Winter, and comes to its full Growth in May: It is found in Gardens, and other Places, and usually feeds in the Night, as many other of the naked Caterpillars do. Indeed, were they to do otherwise, they would soon be devoured by the Birds, which are much fonder of these Smooth Caterpillars than of the HAIRY ones. In the Day, they hide themselves within the Earth, and in other secret Recesses. They feed on the Leaves of the Stock-July and other Flowers, as also on Grass, &c. They put on the Chrysalis Form, within the Earth, in May, and the Moths are bred in June. Great Plenty of this Moth, and other Species of the Yellow-Underwing, were taken feeding on the Honey Dew, on the Limes and other Trees, in the Gardens of John Philips, Esq; at Layton in Essex; they were discovered, by the Help of a Candle and Lanthorn, from Twelve o’Clock at Night till Two in the Morning; and were so fearless, that they would suffer one to take them with the Hand. At the same Time the Angle-Shade and several other Moths were taken.
See Lister on Godartius, P. 52. N. 41. Albin, P. 72. Reaumur, Pl. 14. Pag. 342. vol. 1.
The Double Stock July-Flower.
Leucoium incanum, majus, variegatum, flore pleno. C. B. Pin. 201.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
II.
Cl. 1. S. A. 2.
The WILD ARRACH MOTH, Mr. Rosel says, The Caterpillar feeds on the Wild Arrach; that it changes to a Chrysalis, within the Earth, in September, and that the Moth appears at the End of May following. I once took some of these Caterpillars feeding on the Arrach in September, but had not the good Fortune to breed any Flies from them. See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 32.
The Wild Arrach in Flower.
Atriplex folio deltoide. Petiv. Herb.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
III.
Cl. 1. S. A. 3.
The ANGLE-SHADES, a Moth. It is advisable to look for the Caterpillar of this Fly on Nettles, altho’ some feed on Fruit Trees, Bramble Bushes, &c. It goes into the Chrysalis State at the End of June, in a Web mixed with Earth, which it forms upon the Ground; and thus it remains till the Beginning of September, when the Moth is produced. There is an early Breed of this Moth in May, but, as I have not had the Caterpillar in the Spring, I cannot relate its Progression. The Fly may be taken in the Evenings, in Gardens, feeding on the Flowers; but I have not met with them very frequent.
See Godartius, Part 1. Tab. 56. Lister on Godartius P. 54. N. 44. Albin, Pl. 13. Reaumur, Pl. 8. P. 258. Pl. 14. P. 342. Vol. 1.
The Great Mogul Plum.
Prunus fructu magno ovato rubente. Tourn.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
IV.
Cl. 1. S. A. 4.
The PEASE-BLOSSOM, a Moth. Its Caterpillars are reported by Merian, and Rosel, to feed upon the wild Lark-Spur that grows amongst Corn. They are full fed at the Beginning of August, when they change to the Chrysalis, but appear not in the Moth State till the June following. This Fly has been bred in England by the Honourable Mrs. Walters, and by Nathaniel Oldham, Esq; but, at present, is very rare.
See Merian, Vol. 1. Ch. 40. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 12.
The Lark-Spur.
Delphinium, hortense, flore majore & multiplici cœruleo. Tourn.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
V.
Cl. 1. S. A. 5.
The SMALL GREEN OAK MOTH. The Caterpillar feeds on the Oak, and sometimes such Numbers of them are produced at the Beginning of May, that they, in a Manner, strip the Oak-trees of their Leaves. They are enabled, by the Help of a Spining, which they fasten after the Manner of the Spider, to let themselves down from one Bough to another, and from thence to the Ground, if they have a mind. They change into the Chrysalis State in a curled Form within the Oak-leaves, (which they wrap over them, and fasten together by their Web) and, after remaining so for about fourteen Days, the Fly is bred. If you beat the Branches of the Oak-trees you may take Plenty of this Moth in the Day-time.
The Yellow Strip’d Tulip.
Tulipa hortensis flore luteo variegato.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
VI.
Cl. 1. S. A. 6.
The SMALL ERMINE MOTH. The Caterpillar that produces this Moth is as common as those just mentioned. I have seen a Hedge-row of White-thorn, at the End of May and at the Beginning of June, the Leaves of which have been eaten almost up by these Caterpillars. They feed also on Black-thorn, Fruit-trees, &c. when they are preparing to change to Chrysalis, they get together in Numbers, and spin a large transparent Web, within which they fasten themselves by the Tail, and undergo their Change. They remain in this Condition for about three Weeks: The Moths come forth in June and July, and are very common about most Hedges.
See Albin, P. 70. Reaumur, Pl. 12. Pag. 208. Vol. 2.
The Orange-Peach, with its Blossom.
Persica, dura carne buxea. C. B. Pin.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
VII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 7.
The BROOM-MOTH. The Food of this Caterpillar is the Leaves of Broom, on which I found Plenty of them, from the 20th to the 30th of September, near Shooter’s Hill in Kent; they were of the Bigness express’d in the Plate. The Green ones produced male Flies. They all went into the Earth at the Beginning of October, and, at the Beginning of May following, the Moths were bred. I never could take any of them in the Fly-state.
See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 52.
The Broom, in Flower and Seed.
Genista angulosa Trifolia. I. B. 1388.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
VIII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 8.
The SALLOW MOTH. The Caterpillar was fed by Mr. Dandridge on the common Sallow, until it changed to a Chrysalis within the Earth, which was at the Beginning of June. The Moth was produced about the Middle of September. These Moths are not common; for, in all my Practice, I have not been able to take above three or four, and that was in the Evening, near Shooter’s Hill, in the Month of September. The Caterpillars are likewise very scarce.
See Albin, Pl. 33.
Common Sallow in Flower.
Salix Cutifolio rotundo. C. B. Pin.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
IX.
Cl. 1. S. A. 9.
The CODLING MOTH. Mr. Rosel says, The Caterpillar of this Moth feeds on the Kernels of Apples and Pears. The Moth lays her Eggs at the End of June: Eight Days after the Caterpillars are bred; and, when full fed, they go out of the Fruit and change to the Chrysalis under the Bark of the Tree. They remain there all the Winter, and the Moths are bred in June following. I have, myself, found Plenty of these Flies sticking on the Bark of the Oak-trees, in Richmond Park, at the End of June, in the Day-time.
See Rosel, Cl. 4. Tab. 13.
The Codling-tree with its Blossom.
Pomum Coctile. Raii Hist.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
X.
Cl. 1. S. A. 10.
The PROVENCE ROSE MOTH. Rose Leaves are the Food of this Caterpillar. In the Middle of May I had some of them that changed to the Chrysalis folded in the Leaves; at the Beginning of June the Moths were bred. They may be taken in Gardens in the Evening.
See Rosel, Cl. 4. Tab. 9.
The Moss Provence Rose.
Rosa, Provincialis spinosissima, pedunculo muscoso. Boerh. Ind. alter.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XI.
Cl. 1. S. A. 11.
The SCOLLOP-WINGED OAK MOTH. I took the Caterpillar of this Moth, feeding on Oak-leaves, about the 10th of June, at which Time it went into the Chrysalis, spining itself up in a Leaf; and the Moth was bred on the 7th Day of July. Both Moth and Caterpillar are very scarce.
See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 63.
The Yellow Rose.
Rosa, Lutea, multiplex. C. B. Pin. 4831.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 12.
The BLACK-THORN MOTH, or, Figure of 8. The Caterpillar is easily found, feeding on Black Thorn, White Thorn, Crab-tree, &c. towards the End of May, at which Time it spins a hard Case against its Food, and changes to a Chrysalis; the Moth is bred about the End of August, and is not commonly taken.
See Albin, P. 13. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 16. Reaumur, Pl. 18. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.
The common Periwinkle.
Pervinca vulgaris angustifolia, flore pleno saturate purpureo. Tourn.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XIII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 13.
The GREEN MOTH with SILVER LINES. I fed its Caterpillar with Oak-leaves, on which it had been found. It work’d itself up in a dark brown Case on the Back-side of one of the Leaves, and changed into a Chrysalis the 27th of September; the Moth appeared the 20th of May following, and is difficult to meet with.
See Albin, P. 31.
The Bruxells Apricock.
Malus Armeniaca, Bruxells vulgo dicta.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XIV.
Cl. 1. S. A. 14.
The RANUNCULUS MOTH. The Caterpillars represented in this Plate were found feeding on the Ranunculus Flower about the Middle of June, at which Time they were full fed, and soon changed to the Chrysalis within a Spining or Web; and the Moths came out at the Beginning of September. The Caterpillar and Moth are both very rare.
See Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 53, 54.
The double Orange Ranunculus.
Ranunculus hortensis, flore aurantio pleno.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XV.
Cl. 1. S. A. 15.
The WATER-BETONY MOTH. The Caterpillars are sociable, and feed together. They may be found, towards the End of May, full fed, on the Water-Betony; as also on the Mullein, which is their proper Food. They go into the Earth about that Time, and change to the Chrysalis, within a Case composed of Earth and a webby Matter, which they spin together. The Moth appears in March following; but it is not commonly taken in its Fly-state.
See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 168. N. 25. Albin, Pl. 13. Rosel, Cl. 2. Tab. 22. Reaumur, Pl. 43. P. 602.
The Water-Betony; or Water-Figwort.
Betonica Aquatica, Ger. 579. Scrophularia Aquatica major. C. B. Pin. 235.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XVI.
Cl. 1. S. A. 16.
The SMALL ELEPHANT MOTH. Mr. Rosel informs us, That the Caterpillar is to be found on the Grass in Meadows, in the Month of August; but whether that be its favourite Food he does not know. It makes a Spining, and changes to a Chrysalis towards the End of that Month. The Moth is bred about the End of May.
In the Year 1743, on the 28th of May, I took several of these Moths, in the Evening (after Sun-set) as they were hovering about, and feeding on a Flower called The Batchelors Button, by the Side of Osterly Wood, near Brentford. They are very swift in flight, and therefore must be taken as soon as they approach the Flower. The Females layed their Eggs freely, and, after seven Days, the Caterpillars were hatch’d, to the Number of about 300. I took the utmost Pains to raise them; but, for want of their proper Food, they all died.
See Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 5.
The Guelder-Rose.
Opulus, Flore Globoso. Tourn. Inst. 607.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XVII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 17.
The GOLD-SPOT MOTH. The Caterpillar, whence this Moth is produced, may be found about the End of July, full fed, in the Marshes about Rotherhith, Vauxhall, and such like Places. It feeds on the Leaves of the great Water-grass, &c. but the Caterpillar is not so easily found as the Spining which it makes to contain its Chrysalis; for that spining, being of a whitish Colour, may be seen at a good Distance, in Shape and Manner as described in the Plate. It lies in the Chrysalis State about three Weeks, and the Moth is bred from the Middle to the End of August; but it is seldom taken in the Fly-state.
Purple Flowered Ketmia.
Ketmia, Syrorum, Flore purpureo violaceo. Tourn. Inst.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
XVIII.
Cl. 1. S. A. 18.
The SWORD-GRASS MOTH. Mr. Rosel informs us, That the Caterpillar of this Fly feeds on the Orache; that, in June, it changed to a Chrysalis within the Earth, in which State it remained three Weeks, and then the Moth was bred. I once took one of these Caterpillars, full grown, feeding on the Sword-grass in the Marshes at Rotherhith; but that was in the Month of August, and the Moth was bred with me at the End of September. Both Caterpillar and Moth are very scarce.
The Persian Iris.
Xiphium Persicum, præcox, flore variegato. Tourn.
Sect. B.
Caterpillars having Horns on their Tails.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 1. S. B. 1.
The JESSAMINE-HAWK MOTH. This Moth was bred in England by Mr. Dandridge, who took the Caterpillar, at Hampton-Court, full fed, on the Jessamine, about the Middle of July; at which Time it went into the Ground, and changed to a Chrysalis, and the Moth came forth at the End of October. This Gentleman had also five or six Caterpillars, of the same Kind, brought to him, that were taken upon an Elder-tree in Goodman’s Fields, which likewise changed to Chrysalis in the Ground in July; and the Moths were also bred in October: From whence I conclude that to be the Time when the Fly is usually bred.
See Albin, P. 6. Reaumur, Pl. 14. Pag. 342. Vol. 1.
The Jessamine in Flower.
Jasminum vulgatius flore albo. C. B. Pin. 397.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
II.
Cl. 1. S. B. 2.
The UNICORN, or BINDWEED-HAWK MOTH. Mr. Rosel reports this Caterpillar to feed in Corn-fields, on the Green-leaves of the Corn. At the End of July it was full fed, and went into the Earth in order to change to its Chrysalis State; and the Moth was bred in June following. Merian’s Account of this Fly is, That the Caterpillar feeds on the Roots of the Lesser Purple-Bindweed, which grows amongst Corn; that it went into the Ground, and changed to a Chrysalis at the End of July, and that the Moth was bred in September.
I have not yet had the good Fortune to meet with this Caterpillar, but have seen several of the Moths that have been bred and taken in England. The Dung of this Caterpillar is of a very extraordinary Size and Figure; as well as some others that are expressed in the Plates.
See Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 7. Merian, Chap. 25. Reaumur, Pl. 24. Pag. 322. Vol. 2.
The Small Bindweed.
Convolvulus minor vulgaris. Park. 171.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
III.
Cl. 1. S. B. 3.
The PRIVET-HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillars feed on Privet, Lilac, Holly, &c. and are to be found in Nurseries and Gardens. Look on the Ground under such Trees; and if you discover any of their Dung, that will direct you to the Caterpillars on the Trees above. They go into the Ground, and change to the Chrysalis State in August and the Moth appears in June following. ’Tis not very common to take the Moth in the Fly-state.
See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 144. N. 1. Moufet. P. 91. N. 5. P. 182. Ch. 2. Albin, Pl. 7 Reaumur, Pl. 20. P. 282. Vol. 2.
The Evergreen-Privet in Flower.
Ligustrum; foliis majoribus, & magis acuminatis, toto anno folio retinens.
Pluk. Alm.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
IV.
Cl. 1. S. B. 4.
The OLIVE-SHADES, or LIME-HAWK MOTH. This Caterpillar is to be got by beating the Boughs of the Lime and Elm Trees, in the Month of August; at which Time it goes into the Earth, and there changes to a Chrysalis, and the Moth is bred in May. By looking carefully about the Bodies of Lime and Elm Trees, in May, these and other Moths may be found: For, if the Flies are bred in the Morning, or any Part of the Day, they never offer to fly till Night. You may likewise get these Moths, and many other Sorts, in the Chrysalis State, by digging with a Trowel about the Roots of the Trees the Caterpillars feed on; and the best Time to dig for the Hawk Kind is the Month of April. This Fly is seldom taken on the Wing.
See Merian, Vol. 2. Ch. 24. Albin, Pl. 10. Rosel, Cl. 1. Tab. 11.
The small leaved Lime-tree in Flower.
Tilia fœmina, Folio minore. C. B. Pin.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
V.
Cl. 1. S. B. 5.
The EYED WILLOW-HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillars are to be found on the Willows that grow about the Chelsea Water-works, and in most such like Places. At the End of August, I have also found them in Gardens feeding on the Leaves of Apple-trees. They put on the Chrysalis Form within the Earth in September, and the Moths are produced in May. The Chrysalis and Moth may be got at the same Time as directed for the Lime-Hawk.
See Lister’s Godart. N. 24. Merian. Vol. 2. Ch. 37. Raii. P. 148. N. 2. Moufet. P. 91. N. 6. Albin, Pl. 8.
The Crack Willow.
Salix, folio longo, latoque, splendente, Fragilis. Raii. Syn.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
VI.
Cl. 1. S. B. 6.
The POPLAR HAWK MOTH. The Caterpillar of this Moth feeds on the Leaves of the Poplar Tree, as also on the Willow, and is to be found at the same Times and Places as the Willow-Hawk Caterpillar. It becomes a Chrysalis in the Ground in September, and the Moth appears in May. It is to be found in the Chrysalis and Fly-state as the before mentioned. All the Hawk-tribe fly very swiftly, and I am inclined to believe feed in wet marshy Places, by reason I have never taken them on the Wing in Places where I have always met with Plenty of other Moths.
See Albin, Pl. 57.
The Black Poplar-tree.
Populus nigra, minoribus foliis. C. B. Pin.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
VII.
Cl. 1. S. B. 7.
The LADIES BEDSTRAW, or ELEPHANT MOTH. The Caterpillars are to be found in the Ditches in Rotherhith Marshes, and also by the New River Side, near Hornsey. They feed on the White Ladies Bedstraw, and are full grown at the End of July; at which Time they usually go into the Chrysalis State, by making a light Spining amongst their Food, where they remain till the End of the following May: At which Time the Moth is bred; but very seldom taken in the Fly-state. Mr. Albin has mentioned something very remarkable of this Caterpillar, viz. its Dexterity in Swiming: For, feeding commonly in or near the Water, if at any time it happens to fall in, it turns itself on its Back, and swims, with its Head and Tail turned together, till it gets hold on some Part of the Plant, by which it helps itself up again. It lies in the Egg-state about nine Days.
See Raii Hist. Insect. P. 145. N. 2. Albin, Pl. 9.
The White Ladies Bedstraw.
Gallium Album. Ger. 967.
Sect. C.
Caterpillars having one Protuberance on the Rump, with indented
Markings.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 1. S. C. 1.
EALING’S GLORY, a MOTH. Its Caterpillar feeds on Black Thorn, White Thorn, Crab-tree, &c. becomes a Chrysalis in the Earth in May, and the Moth appears in September. Charles Lockyer, Esq; has bred great Numbers of this Moth at his House at Ealing; but I have heard of no body else who has met with them in any Plenty.
See Albin, Pl. 14. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 33.
The Black Thorn.
Prunus Sylvestris.
Sect. D.
Caterpillars having two or more Protuberances.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 1. S. D. 1.
The OZIER, or PEBBLE MOTH. Mr. Dandridge found the Caterpillar feeding on the Dutch Willow, in the Marshes near Rotherhith, about the Middle of July; it changed to a Chrysalis within the Leaves spun together; and at the Beginning of August came forth the Moth. This fly is very scarce.
See Albin, Pl. 14. Lister’s Godart. N. 21. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 20. Reaumur, Pl. 22. P. 282. Vol. 2.
The Ozier.
Salix, vulgaris, alba, arborescens. C. B. Pin.
Sect. E.
Caterpillars whose Shoulders rise into an angular Figure, having no
Holders behind.
L. 1. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 1. S. E. 1.
The PUSS-MOTH. Though the Caterpillar of this Fly seems most fond of the Willow, it is often found on the Abele, or Poplar Tree. It has a Power of stretching out, and putting back its Head, at Pleasure; which it seems to do as it thinks itself more or less in Danger. It is armed with two Tubes at the End of the Tail, and two others within those, of a Blood red Colour, which it nimbly, if touched by any Thing, darts out: The Use of these is (as I apprehend) to prevent the Ichneumon Flies from settling on them; but, notwithstanding those Flies are often able to remain long enough to leave their Eggs behind: In such Case, the Moth is not produced, but, instead thereof, the Ichneumon pictured in the Plate. Such Caterpillars as the Ichneumons have not fixed their Eggs on, usually go into the Chrysalis State at the Beginning of August, on the Body of the Tree, and generally near the Ground, the Caterpillar gnawing the Wood into a Kind of Sawdust; which, mixing with a glutenous Matter, or Cement, that comes from its Mouth, makes a hard Case, in which the Chrysalis is formed, on the outside of the Tree; the Moth appears the May following. These Moths are seldom taken in the Fly-state; but may easily be obtained by breeding the Caterpillars, which may be found at the same Time, and in the same Places, where you take those that produce the Willow and Poplar Hawks.
Figure 2. in the same Plate, represents a Moth called the KITTEN. The Caterpillar feeds on Black Thorn, Willow, &c. becomes a Chrysalis at the Beginning of August, and the Moth is bred in May. The Caterpillar and Fly are rarely to be met with.
See Lister’s Godart. N. 20. Moufet P. 183. Raii Hist. Insect. P. 153. Albin, Pl. 11. Rosel, Cl. 11. Tab. 19. Reaumur, Pl. 21. Pag. 282. Vol. 2.