MEANS OF DEFENCE OF INSECTS. 2G3 



the vespiform bees (Apis Goodeniana, K., Nomada, F.) 

 hanging- by its mandibles from the edge of a hazel-leaf, 

 apparently asleep, with its limbs relaxed and folded. 

 On being disengaged from its situation it became per- 

 fectly lively. 



There is no period of their existence in which insects 

 usually are less able to help themselves, than during 

 that intermediate state of repose which precedes their 

 coming forth in their perfect forms. I formerly ex- 

 plained to you how large a portion of them during this 

 state cease to be locomotive, and assume an appear- 

 ance of death ^. In this helpless condition, unless Pro- 

 vidence had furnished them with some means of secu- 

 rity, they must fall an easy prey to the most insignificant 

 of their assailants. But even here they are taught to 

 conceal themselves from their enemies by various and 

 singular contrivances. Some seek for safety by bury- 

 ing themselves, previously to the assumption of the 

 pupa, at a considerable depth under the earth ; others 

 bore into the heart of trees, or into pieces of timber ; 

 some take their residence in the hollow stalks of plants ; 

 and many are concealed under leaves, or suspend them- 

 selves in dark places, where they cannot readily be 

 seen. But in this state they are not only defended 

 from harm by the situation they select, but also by the 

 covering in which numbers envelop themselves ; for, 

 besides the leathery case that defends the yet tender 

 and unformed imago, many of these animals know how 

 to weave for it a costly shroud of the finest materials, 

 through which few of its enemies can make their way; 

 - — and to this curious instinct, as I long since observed, 



» Vol. I. 2d Ed. 66— 



