FIG. 36.-Philosamia cynthia. leucina. These subfamilies may be discriminated by the help of a. Eggs; b. Larva; c. Cocoon; d. Pupa; e. Moth. (After Riley.) SUBFAMILY ATTACINÆ Genus PHILOSAMIA Grote This genus, which may be distinguished from all others in our fauna by the tufted abdomen of the perfect insect, is represented by a single species, which, originally imported from the eastern parts of Asia, has become thoroughly acclimatized on the Atlantic seaboard in the vicinity of the larger cities, from which, as centres, it has spread to some extent to the surrounding country. (1) Philosamia cynthia Drury, Plate IX, Fig. 2, 8. (The Ailanthus Silk-moth.) Syn. aurotus Fabricius; insularis Vollenhoven; vesta Walker; cannıngi Walker; walkeri Felder; pryeri Butler. The cut (Fig. 36) and the representation on our plate obviate all necessity for mere verbal description of the species. The insect which was originally introduced into Europe about the middle of the last century was first introduced into America in the year 1861. It was hoped that it would prove a valuable silkbearing species, but although a good grade of coarse silk may be made from it by the process of carding, and strong and serviceable fabrics are manufactured from it in China, no method of successfully and economically reeling the cocoons has yet been invented. The caterpillar feeds upon the ailanthus, and these shade trees in some places have been known to be completely defoliated by the worms. Genus ROTHSCHILDIA Grote This characteristically neotropical genus may always be recognized by the large more or less triangular translucent spots of the wings, and the general likeness to the species we figure upon our plate. The abdomen is without tufts. The antennæ of both sexes are doubly bipectinated. The fore wings are generally considerably produced at the apex. Two species occur within our faunal limits. (1) Rothschildia orizaba Westwood, Plate X, Fig 1, 9. (The Orizaba Silk-moth.) From Rothschildia jorulla Westwood, the other species found in our territory, this is easily separated by its generally lighter color and the much larger size of the translucent spots |