12 



THE BIOLOGY OF INSECTS 



And not only is this true as regards form ; it holds fre- 

 quently also as to place of abode, method of feeding, life- 

 relations in the wide aspect. By processes of gradual 

 growth and, at times, of apparently sudden change is the 

 winged creature moulded to the atmosphere in and around 

 which it lives. A crawling larv^a dwelling in water, breath- 

 ing dissolved air and biting solid food, may be transformed 

 into a winged aerial being, which flits or poises itself with 



Fig. 5. — a, Owl Moth (Agrotis saiicia) Great Britain ; b, its caterpillar, 

 side \'iew ; c, caterpillar rolled up ; d, caterpillar, dorsal view ; /, mass 

 of eggs laid on twig. All natural size, e, single egg, X 20. From F. H. 

 Chittenden (after Howard), Entoyn. Bull. 27, U.S.D.A. 1901. 



easy grace as it seeks for food in the nectar-stores of floral 

 cups. 



Among the most fascinating aspects of the study of 

 insects must be reckoned the modes of behaviour often 

 associated with the function of breeding. The mother 

 lays her eggs amid suitable surroundings, often on food 

 substances which she herself, in her winged condition, 

 never tastes, but which supply the nutriment needed by 

 the newly hatched grub. In some cases great care is taken 



