24 THE LARVA. 



perfect insect. The shades of color also become more 

 sombre just before the larva changes its skin, as again 

 the}' become much brighter directly after, and in some 

 even the markings of the skin are changed by the moult- 

 iugs. 



0. TJie Food of Larvm comprises almost the entire 

 realm of organic matter. There is not a vegetable or 

 animal product but some species of insect may be found 

 to feed upon it. In fact, to cat is the great end and aim 

 of the larva state. Some commence by eagerly devour- 

 ing the ^^<^ shells from which they are hatched. Others, 

 with great apparent relish, cat the skins they cast off 

 from time to time. By far the greatest depredations com- 

 mitted by insects on the vegetable world and on manu- 

 factured fabrics is during tlieir larval state. Every plant 

 is inhabited by several r-pecies of larvae, that consume its 

 leaves and buds, stem, trunk, root and sap, and even the 

 old timbers are devoured by several kinds. Others feed 

 upon animal structures of every variety and in every state. 

 Some larva^, indeed, are hatched within the eggs or 

 larvae of other insects, and spend their lives preying on 

 the various parts of their guest. Some live on the muscu- 

 lar tissues or skins of animals and others in the intestinal 

 or other cavities of the body. Decaying flesh is eagerly 

 devoured by many, and even such tough materials as hair, 

 wool and feathers furnish food for many kinds. 



The majority of larva3 derive all their moisture from 

 the food they eat, no matter how dry it may be, and never 

 drink any water. A few, however, have been seen to sip 

 up drops of dew from the grasses and leaves on which 

 they live. 



Most larvae gather their own food, but some, as those 



