70 BUTTERFLIES 



than many of the Swallowtail chrysalids. About two 

 weeks later the butterflies emerge. 



The Eclosion of the Butterfly 



The transformation of a chrysalis into a butterfly is 

 always one of extraordinary interest. Comparatively 

 few definite descriptions of this process have been given 

 by careful observers. One of the best of these is that 

 written by Mr. Scudder in connection with the emergence 

 of this butterfly, and it is so accurate and complete that 

 it seems worth while to quote it at length: 



"The butterfly generally emerges from the chrysalis 

 early in the day," writes Mr. Scudder, "and the first signs 

 of the immediate change are strong forward and back- 

 ward movements of the chrysalis at intervals of a few 

 seconds; perhaps the third or fourth attempt will be suc- 

 cessful, when a click may be heard at the distance of 

 several feet; but all the subsequent movements are abso- 

 lutely noiseless, though rapid; at intervals of three or four 

 seconds, spasmodic movements similar to the first carry 

 on the process; first the split continues along the thorax; 

 then it runs down either side between the legs and wings, 

 ultimately to the tips of the antennae. As this progresses, 

 the actions become more strenuous and more frequently 

 repeated; with eager efforts the butterfly pushes forward 

 its half -detached head; now an antenna springs from its 

 case, at once assuming its natural attitude; the other soon 

 follows, and then the wings are partially drawn from their 

 sheaths, and while in this position seem to be used as 

 levers or arms to aid in withdrawing the rest of the body; 

 next the legs appear, seize the upper part of the chrysalis 

 skin, and speedily withdraw the whole body. It is now a 



