Introductory Chapter. 5 



the thickest leaves on which they feed, or else bury 

 themselves in the earth till nio^ht comes ao^ain. 



Cannibal caterpillars are to be found on the potato- 

 plants ; they are of rather a reddish brown colour, 

 from an inch and a half to two inches in length. The 

 author was not very fortunate in rearing them to the 

 moth-stage ; it is said that they should be fed on the 

 young larvas, and possibly the specimens had cater- 

 pillars to feed on that were too old. There is room 

 for interesting experiments in Teneriffe on one, if not 

 more, species. 



Many of the caterpillars are most beautifully coloured 

 and marked. Those of the Hawk-moth are usually the 

 most brilliant, but, at the same time, they are most 

 delicate, and require the greatest attention as regards 

 freshness of food, ventilation, and cleanliness. 



Some larvae shed their skins twice only, others moult 

 seven times ; but the majority effect this change four or 

 five times. This is rather a laborious process for them, 

 and sometimes proves fatal. During the process they 

 cease feeding, but commence again with renewed vigour 

 after the change has taken place. The colourings and 



