ISO 



EVENINGS AT THE MICROSCOPE. 



THE SUCKER OF A BrTTERFI.T. 



This specimen shows very distirictlj that the two 

 sides are but semi-tubular, and as one pair of the op- 

 posing edges are open at each extremity, and the other 



jDair separate throughout, we are 

 able to discern very clearly the 

 array of hooks, by which the edges 

 are united at the will of the animal. 

 No trace of the curious little point- 

 ed barrel-shaped jpapillae, is found 

 here, but I have seen it in other 

 examples. 



It seems highly probable, from 

 ^ the observations of the excellent 

 anatomist just named, that the ex- 

 A »nmu ponion of o»e baif.cyi,udor. Jiaustiou of thc ncctar of a flowcr, 

 which is effected with great rapidity and completeness, 

 is a process dependent on respiration, and connected 

 with the air-pipe that permeates each division of the 

 sucker. 



It will not be a very violent transition, if from the 

 sucking pump of the Butterfly I carry yon to the silk- 

 spinner of the caterpillar. Here I have a Silkworm in 

 the act of commencing its cocoon ; by inclosing which 

 in this glass tube, we shall conveniently have the insect 

 at command, and shall be able to view the process un- 

 der a low magnifying power and reflected light. Now 

 the grey face of the worm is presented to us ; and we 

 can see, below the edge of the head-shield, a short broad 

 upper lip, forming two blunt points. Below this is the 

 pair of strong brown mandibles^ convex outwardly and 

 concave inwardlv, each cut at its broad bitinij edije inlo 

 several teeth. Below these are two little points which 

 represent the maxilloe^ and between them a blunt 

 rounded knob, which is the lower lip {lahium'). 



