THE TRIBE OF THE SOVEREIGNS 205 



hairs are very similar to the hairs upon the surface of 

 many leaves and they probably assist in leading other in- 

 sects to overlook the eggs. Yet, notwithstanding these 

 devices for protection, it remains true that a large 

 proportion of the eggs are attacked by tiny parasites 

 and probably many others are eaten by ants and 

 spiders. This very fact emphasizes the necessity of such 

 protective features as the laying of one egg in a place 

 upon the tip of a leaf and the hairy covering on the egg 

 shells. 



A few days after the eggs are laid each hatches into a 

 small caterpillar that immediately begins feeding upon 

 the green tissues beside it — first, however, devouring the 

 empty egg shell. It does not eat the midrib of the leaf, 

 but utilizes it as a perch, generally winding it more or less 

 with silken threads, apparently to make it stronger and 

 to prevent it from curling up. The caterpillar seems to 

 feed chiefly at night, resting quietly by day. After a week 

 or so it moults and then continues feeding as before. It 

 continues to feed and grow for several weeks, moulting 

 regularly until it becomes full fed as a caterpillar. It then 

 spins a web of silk closely upon the bark of twig or branch 

 or possibly upon some other object near at hand. In this 

 web it entangles the hooked claws of its hind legs and 

 hangs downward preparatory to the change to the chrys- 

 alis. Soon afterward the last larval skin is shed and the 

 chrysalis hangs in place of the caterpillar. This chrysaUs 

 has the characteristic form of all the members of this 

 limited group, the outer skin being well hardened and 

 there being a very prominent projection on the middle of 

 the back. 



The chrysalis hangs thus, buffeted more or less by 



