1 94 LEPID OP TKRA. 



tion, with the head curving upward, its skin splits. 

 Gradually this larval skin shrinks, and works its way 

 upward towards the silken attachment (see PI. IX., 

 Fig. 146). The chrysalis is kept meantime from fall- 

 ing to the ground by elastic ligaments at the end of 

 its body, by which it is fastened to the larval skin. In 

 time, the long, horny piece at the extremity of the 

 chrysalis, called the cremaster, which is the homo- 

 logue of the anal plate of the larva, is withdrawn, as 

 seen in PL IX., Fig. 147, which, though slightly in- 

 accurate, illustrates the process. Before the larval skin 

 has become disconnected with the chrysalis, the latter 

 has taken hold of the mass of silk by the hooks of 

 its cremaster and hangs securely.^ 



The chrysalis finally assumes the form shown in PI. 

 IX., Fig. 148. It is one of our most beautiful chrysalids, 

 of a pale green color marked with characteristic golden 

 spots, which do not lose their color in alcohol. Within 

 the chrysalis case the insect remains motionless, and 

 the changes which transform the caterpillar into the 

 butterfly take place in from nine to fifteen days. As 

 it is quiet, organs of locomotion are not needed, and 

 these are encased in sheaths and fastened tightly to 

 the body. At the end of this time the chrysalis ex- 

 hibits great muscular strength, and in twenty-four or 

 forty-eight hours succeeds in splitting its case, and 

 the imprisoned butterfly is liberated. At first its body 

 and legs are weak, and the soft, moist wings are folded. 

 In this condition the insect will stand or seemingly sit 



1 For figures and detailed description, see America?!. Ento- 

 mologist, 2d series, Vol. I., p. 162, 1880. 



