C INTRODUCTION. 



such as various Longicornia and Melolonthim, require 

 three or more years. When the larvae have attained 

 full growth they moult once more, and become pupae. 



The pupa generally casts off the larval skin, but in 

 many species remains lying in it. The pupa may be 

 enclosed in a cocoon, or suspended by the caudal 

 extremity, as in the Chrysomelidce and CoccinelUdoB ; or 

 it may rest on the ground, or under the bark of trees ; 

 whilst others are subterranean. The pupae are com- 

 paratively soft, and have partially-developed elytra, 

 wings, and legs ; but these are all enclosed in separate 

 sheaths, and they are incapable of movement, beyond 

 being able slightly to move the abdomen : they do not 

 take food. After some time they change colour, throw 

 ofl* a membranous skin, and appear as beetles. 



The beetle is at first soft like the pupa, and is 

 usually nearly colourless ; but it hardens after a short 

 time, and the elytra and wings assume their proper 

 proportions and permanent positions. If the larva 

 has been insufficiently nourished, the beetle will be 

 small, and if the developing pupa has been disturbed 

 or kept too dry, a crippled condition is the result. 



