xvi EviwPF.AN Butterflies and Moths. 



themselves firm. But \vc must not conclude that every mine is the work of one of these larvE, 

 for tiic larvit of some flies and beetles mine in leaves in a similar manner. There are only a few 

 mining larvre known among the Macro-Lepidoptcra. We may mention those of the genus Ino, and 

 that of Cidaria Licultaria. The latter mines in the leaves of Primula Aiiricula. Most of the 

 larvae of Macro-Lepidoptera which do not feed in the interior of plants live exposed, but others 

 live in webs, or between leaves which they have spun together. Others live in sack-like cases, 

 covered externally with portions of the food-plant, which they carry about with them. Most of 

 the larvae oi Micro-Lcpidoptcra which are not miners also live in webs, or in leaves spun together, 

 turned over, or rolled up ; or in silken tubes ; or else in cases. Many of the larvae of J\lacro- 

 Lepidoptera which live exposed, especially among the Noctttce, hide themselves during the day on 

 or in the earth, under plants, in dry leaves or moss, or in the crevices of bark, &c., and only come 

 out to feed at night. Many larvae live in company, either exposed or in a common web. They 

 generally separate while feeding, and assemble together again to rest, or when about to undergo 

 their moults. The larvae of the genus Cnetlwcampa are particularly deserving of notice. They 

 always keep together in great numbers, and march forward to eat in a regular procession, either in 

 a long train, one behind the other, or else one goes first and others follow ; and thus the train 

 becomes gradually broader, remains for a time of equal breadth, and towards the hinder end 

 again becomes narrow. After they have finished eating, they return in similar order. They have 

 acquired the name of Processionary Caterpillars from these regularly-arranged trains. 



The duration of the larva state is very variable. It generally lasts two or three months, and 

 only extends to ten months when the larva passes the winter in that state. In several genera of 

 Tiiicina the larva: require only a few days before they assume the pupa state ; and the growth of 

 the larvae of some Macro-Lepidoptera is also very rapid. Larvae of Cucullia Chaniouiillce, bred from 

 the eggs, have been known to reach their full growth in fourteen days. On the other hand, the 

 larvae of the genus Cossiis, many Scsiidtr, and generally those also of Plcretcs Llatromila, require 

 two or three years to reach their full growth. The growth of larvae is accelerated by warmth, and 

 retarded by cold. Many larvae hybernate : some when they are very young, and even previous to 

 the first moult ; and it is remarkable that in this case many, like those of the ZygcBucB, leave off 

 eating long before they commence their actual winter sleep, and remain without food for months 

 before winter. Others hybernate when they are full grown, and some of these live far into the 

 summer without taking food ; but this has only been observed in the case of AI icro-Lcpidoptcra. 

 But the greater number hybernate when half grown, and feed till late in the autumn. The larvae 

 of many Noctiia: perhaps feed even in winter during mild weather, and as soon as their food-plant 

 grows up in spring they at once begin to feed upon it again. Many of these moult before they 

 re-commence feeding, and others very soon afterwards. Many species, such as those of the genus 

 Melitcsa, live in company till winter, pass the winter in a common web, but disperse in spring, and 

 lead a solitary life afterwards. 



Mctamorpliosis. — When the larva has reached its full size, the last moult, called " pupation," 

 takes place. This change also is attended with very various circumstances. The larva: of many 

 butterflies, as well as those of the Plume Moths and of some other Alicro-Lepidoptera, attach 

 themselves by the tail to a twig or some other object, and undergo their transformations suspended 

 freely in the air. The larvae of many other butterflies, as well as those of the genus Elachista, are 

 fastened with a fine thread, which they draw round the body or over the mouth. Other larva; 

 prepare themselves a more or less hidden or protected place of safety called a cocoon. This is 

 composed of threads, in which hairy caterpillars generally weave their hairs, as well as fragments 

 of leaves, moss, or wood-shavings. These cocoons are of different consistencies : sometimes quite 



