ro4 TRUE TALES OF THE INSECTS. 



Before each ecdysis the locust stops feeding for a 

 while and remains motionless. The first three or larval 

 skins are almost invariably shed on or near the ground, 

 the young crowding together in some sheltered nook ; 

 for the last two or pupal moults they seem to prefer to 

 fasten to some elevated object. Immediately after the 

 operation the bod)- is soft and colourless, as it was on 

 leaving the ^'g%. 



Obviously these moults are most critical periods, and 

 the last moult — from pupa to the winged — -is the most 

 critical, the most difficult of all. Clutchinof a orrass-stem, 

 or whatever be the chosen object, securely with its hind 

 feet, which are drawn up under the body ; the head 

 downwards, if in the favourite position ; motionless, with 

 antennae drawn down over the face, the whole attitude 

 betokening helplessness, — thus the pupa awaits the 

 swelling, and the ultimate splitting of the skin, when 

 the struggle ensues to find release. Having succeeded 

 at last in drawing itself out of its old " misfit," it, with 

 unsteady gait, turns round and clambers up the side of 

 the shrunken cast-off coat, and there rests while the 

 body hardens, the crooked limbs straighten, and the 

 wings dry, unfold, and expand, like the petals of some 

 opening flower. The pale colours appertaining to 

 moulting gradually give way to the natural tints, and 

 a fresh bright locust eventually starts on a new career. 

 Ravenous from long fast, by-and-by it joins its voracious 



