202 STATES OF INSECTS. (Larva.) 
There is not always that proportion between the size 
of larvee and of the insects that proceed from them that 
might have been supposed, some small larvee often pro- 
ducing perfect insects larger than some of those pro- 
ceeding from such as are of greater size. 
ix. As insects often live longest in the state we are 
treating of, I shall say something next upon the Age of 
larvee, or the period intervening between their exclusion 
from the egg and their becoming pupx. This is exceed- 
ingly various, but in every case nicely adapted to their 
several functions and modes of life. The grubs of the 
flesh-fly have attained their full growth, and are ready to 
become pup, in séx or seven days; the caterpillar of Ar- 
gynnis Paphia, a butterfly, in fourteen days; the larve of 
bees in ¢wenty days; while those of the great goat-moth 
(Cossus ligniperda) and of the cockchafer (Melolontha vul- 
garis) live three years, or at least survive three winters, 
before the same change. That of another petalocerous 
beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) is said to be extended to four 
or jive ; that of the wire-worm (Later Segetum) to jive. 
That of the stag-beetle (Zucanus Cervus) is affirmed by 
Rosel to be extended to stv years: but the most remark- 
able instance of insect longevity is recorded by Mr. Mar- 
sham in the Linnean Transactions*. A specimen of Bu- 
prestis splendida, a beautiful beetle never before found in 
this country, made its way out of a deal desk in an office 
in London in the beginning of the year 1810, which had 
been fixed there in the year 1788 or 1789; so that ac- 
cording to every appearance it had existed in this desk 
more than twenty years. Ample allowance being made 
* Linn. Trans. x. 399. 
