138 



IV. 

 LEPIDOPTERA. ; 



This order of insects is kno^vn popularly by the names of Butterfly 

 and Moth. Linnaeus gave them the name of Lepidoptera, meaning 

 insects with scaly wings (xeTrts, a scale ; and irrepoV, a wing). They 

 are to be found in great numbers in all parts of the world. All the 

 insects contained in the order are, in their perfect state, remarkable 

 for the elegance of their shape, the rapidity and airiness of their 

 flight, and the multiplicity and beauty of their colours. Before they 

 arrive at this perfect state, the Lepidoptera have to undergo three 

 complete transformations. They leave the ^gg in the larva or 

 caterpillar state ; they pass next to the state of pupa, or chrysalis: 

 they then assume, after a variable time, their final or perfect form. 

 We will study them in their three different states in succession. 



The Larva, or Caterpillar. 



When the winter has stripped the leaves off the trees, th' 

 Lepidoptera are seen no more ; but as soon as the leaves begin t; 

 show themselves on the trees and shrubs, this tribe of the insect rac 

 again makes its appearance. Caterpillars of all kinds are gnawing a 

 the leaves, even before they are fully developed. Many of thei 

 have just emerged from the eggs which the perfect insects had laid i 

 an earlier period ; others have passed the winter in this state. 



When they come out of the egg the young caterpillars are i 

 shape more or less elongated and cylindrical. Their body 

 composed of twelve segments, or rings. In front is the head ; the 

 come three segments, on which are the front legs, and whic 

 constitute the thorax ; the other segments constitute the abdome: 

 The head is formed of two scaly parts. It is often very deep 

 hollowed out on its upper side, and divided into two lobes, whi( 

 contain in the angle formed by their separation the different parts 

 the mouth. The head is uniform, rarely having, so far as our cat( 



