attacus

[Lat. attacus; Gr. ἀττακός (attakos) and ἀττάκης ( at takes ), a kind of locust.] A genus of moths belonging to the family Bombycidæ. A. cynthia is the Ailanthus Silk ATTACUS CYNTHIA (ONE-THIRD REAL SIZE). worm, so called because its caterpillar feeds upon the Ailanthus-tree ( Ailanthus glandulosus). It is a hardy insect, living well in this country, though it is a native of China. The Ailanthus is hardy also; and the rearing of the Attacus silkworm upon it is an easy proce . ( Wood , .)