244 ELEMENTARY STUDIES IN INSECT LIFE 



at the time when the observation is taken. At no other 

 time can it he so well or so accurately described. In 

 fact, every observation, both in the field and laboratory, 

 date of capture, locality, food plant, and other points 

 suggested at the time, should be carefully set down in 

 the pocket note-book, and this together with the breed- 

 ing-cage notes placed in ink in a larger record book for 

 permanent reference. Every study undertaken .should 

 be with a definite aim in view, and the habit should be 

 early formed of making accurate observations. Should 

 the note-taking and observations be dilatory, the prac- 

 tical and educative results will, it must be emphasized, 

 be of little or no value. 



Care of Pupae. When the larva* have pupated, the 

 breeding-cage must be removed to the cellar or to some 

 place where the temperature is uniform and moderate. 

 Though extreme cold may be endured, sudden changes 

 must be guarded against. 



The Adult. When after due care and watchfulness 

 the mature insect has come forth as the reward, it may 

 not be a butterfly, but a moth or a skipper. Compari- 

 son with the antennae (Figs. 1G7, 168, 1C9) will in the 

 majority of cases enable the observer to ascertain to 

 which class the insect in hand belongs. Is there any 

 difference between the pupa-case of a moth and the pupa- 

 case of a butterfly ? 



THE HOUSE-FLY OR BLUEBOTTLE-PLY 



For the study of the life history of the fly, the blue- 

 bottle-fly lends itself readily. 



Egg. The egg of the bluebottle-fly can be procured 

 by exposing fresh meat for several days. In winter- 

 time, warm days should be selected for the exposure. 



