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Home Nature-Study Course. 



Cocoon of cecropia. 



moth, giving details of 

 color and markings of the 

 wings, and the form of the 

 antennae. Note that the 

 mother moth is larger than 

 the father moth, but the 

 latter has much larger an- 

 tennae. These great feath- 

 ery antennae contain or- 

 gans for smelling. Note 

 that the moths do not need 

 to eat during the few days 

 of their winged existence 

 and, therefore, have poorly 

 developed mouth parts. 

 The pupils should under- 

 stand that the caterpillar 

 which devoted all of its 

 time to eating, stored up 

 enough energy so that the 

 moths do not need to eat. Note that the moths are quiet by day and 

 active by night, and that they are attracted by the light. 



LESSON CXIII. 



THE PUPA. 



Purpose. — To make the pupils familiar with the pupal form of the 

 cecropia. 



Cut open a cocoon carefully so as not to hurt the little inmate ; take 

 the insect out, place it on cotton in a wide-mouthed, quart fruit jar where 

 it may be observed, and also where the change from pupa to adult may 

 be watched. Call attention to the fact that the pupa is defenseless and 

 can move only a very little when disturbed. Make the pupils reason out 

 for themselves that the cocoon is such a perfect protection that the pupa 

 does not need to defend itself. Note that though the pupa is covered 

 by a smooth, hard skin the parts of the moth are plainly to be seen. 

 The antennae and both pairs of wings are folded over the breast. Count 

 the rings in the abdomen ; it is plain that this is another instance where 

 nature does up a great amount of material in a very small package. 



LESSON CXIV. 



THE COCOON. 



Purpose. — To call the attention of the pupils tc the wonderful con- 

 struction of this silken nest. 



