xiv INTR OD UCriON. 



larvae live on the leaves and roots of low plants, and either bury themselves during the day 

 under the plant, or near it under stones, lumps of clay, large dry leaves, etc. The larvae of 

 Geotnetridce feed openly on bushes and trees and resemble dry twigs, so that it requires much 

 practice to distinguish them. A few, such as Phorodcsma and Enpithecia, live among leaves and 

 flowers which they have spun together. 



Larvae which live on high trees may be obtained by beating the leaves and branches 

 as already mentioned. An inverted umbrella may be held beneath to receive them; a white 

 umbrella is the best, as the larvae can then be most easily seen. A mallet covered with 

 indiarubber to avoid injuring the trees is sometimes used to strike the trunks. 



A sweeping-net, such as those used by coleopterists for beetles, may also be used for 

 collecting larvae. This mode of collecting is generally most successful about dusk. 



Looking for caterpillars at night with a lantern will also repay the trouble. Most of 

 those of the Noctuce emerge from their hiding places at night to feed. Many prefer low plants, 

 such as primroses, violets, sorrel, etc. 



Pupae are either subterranean, as in most of the hawk-moths, Noctiia and Geometrida, or 

 enclosed in a cocoon on leaves or stalks, on the trunks of trees, or hanging free on w-alls, 

 branches, fences, etc., as in butterflies. Many construct a cocoon of pieces of bark, lichens 

 and moss which so closely resemble the trunks of the trees to which they are attached that 

 it requires a very practised eye to detect them. Many pupae are placed under the bark of trees 

 and under moss growing on them, and may be found in the winter. Some also occur in the 

 stems of thistles, vetches and reeds. 



Turning over stones, especially in high mountainous districts, is sometimes productive. 

 Late in the autumn and at the beginning of winter, pupae may be found by digging with a 

 trowel near the trunks of trees standing alone near the borders of woods or in avenues. The 

 pupae which are found should be placed in a box filled with cotton-wool or moss, so as not 

 to shake them, and should afterwards be transferred to a suitable breeding-cage. 



REARING. 



The most beautiful and perfect specimens are those which have been reared, and species 

 which are either very scarce in the perfect state or cannot otherwise be found, may be obtained 

 in this manner, and the collector thus practically gains much useful and interesting information 

 about early stages of the insects. 



Rearing from the eggs is difficult and involves much time and trouble. Eggs may 

 sometimes be obtained by enclosing a female in a box lined with white paper. They can 

 then be transferred with the paper to which they are attached to a glass jar or a jam-pot, 

 over which a piece of glass may be laid. As soon as the eggs begin to darken in colour 

 a few leaves of the food-plant should be placed in the glass, as food for the young larvae 

 when they emerge. 



Cleanliness is of the utmost importance. Lest the delicate young larvae should be 

 injured in changing the food it is better to use a soft brush to transfer them to the fresh 

 food. This method may be employed until the larvae are so large that they can be placed in 

 cages. When about to moult the larvae refuse food, and must then be left undisturbed. 



For rearing larvae, square boxes, or large cylindrical glasses or large wide-mouthed 

 bottles for those which live on low plants, may be used. The glasses and bottles must be 

 covered with stout gauze. 



For larger caterpillars and those which live on shrubs and trees a cage is required well 

 made of strong wood. The best form is one like that figured (Fig. 7). In this the top and sides 

 consist of a frame-work fitted with wire or gauze. One side forms a door, so constructed as 

 to leave plenty of room on both sides for the larvae to pupate, without being disturbed in 

 opening and shutting it. It is better if the top is also movable, so that the larvae may be 



