CLOTHES MOTH. 287 



11. MOTH TRIBE. 



Like the butterflies, these insects pass through three 

 distinct states. The caterpillars of several of the species 

 bury themselves in the ground, and there change into 

 chrysalids; and those of others spin a silky covering, and 

 under the protection of that, undergo their metamor- 

 phosis. 



Silk-worm. It is stated that the Silk- worm was origi- 

 nally introduced into Europe from China and the East 

 Indies. In our climates the eggs are generally hatched 

 about the beginning of May, and the insects are so ten- 

 der, that it is necessary they should be kept in rooms, 

 or other sheltered places. The caterpillars are usually 

 fed on mulberry or lettuce leaves, and attain their largest 

 size about the middle of June, They now spin their case, 

 or coccoon, as it is generally called, and of that silk which 

 is afterwards spun, woven, and manufactured into various 

 articles of dress and ornament. It is said to require as 

 many as two thousand Silk-worms to make a pound of 



k. In this coccoon the caterpillar changes to a chrysa- 

 lis, and in about twenty days afterwards, if undisturbed, 

 the moth becomes perfected, and issues forth from one of 

 the extremities of its prison. 



Clothes Moth. Furs and woollen clothes, which are not 

 exposed to the air, are frequently much injured by the 

 caterpillars of these insects. The parent moth lays its eggs 

 upon them, and the caterpillars, as soon as hatched, form 

 cases of the filaments of the fur or wool, which from time 

 to time they enlarge, as their bodies increase in size. In 

 these cases they undergo their change into chrysalids, and 

 finally into perfect insects. 



