4 The Butterflies and Moths of Teneriffe. 



many sided, &c., &c. The colours also of the eggs are 

 various, but most frequently they are yellow, green, or 

 greenish white. A microscopic examination of these 

 will prove both interesting and instructive. 



The caterpillars, as soon as they emerge from the 

 eggs, the time of which varies with different species, at 

 once commence to eat, and continue to do so voraciously 

 till they turn to the pupa state. This being the case, 

 they must be constantly supplied with fresh food when 

 kept in captivity, once certainly, if not twice a day. 

 There are, however, one or two varieties which cease to 

 eat, and lie in a semi-dormant state for some time before 

 taking the form of a chrysalis ; the caterpillar of the 

 Exoleta moth is an example of this. The greatest 

 cleanliness, together with good ventilation, freshness of 

 food, and regularity in feeding, are essential to keep all 

 caterpillars in health. 



If we watch the creature feeding, we shall observe 

 that it takes the leaf edgeways between its two fore-feet, 

 ceaselessly moving its head up and down, and taking a 

 large piece of leaf at each mouthful. Some moth-cater- 

 pillars are night- feeders, and so hide themselves under 



