134 



INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



like the mainspring of a watch (Fig. 118). In a moment it 

 can be darted into a flower to obtain the nectar on which the 

 insect lives, and which is sucked up through the centre of this 

 delicate proboscis. Any one, by applying a pin to this 



Fig. 117. PLUJIED MOTH (MAGNIFIED). 



Fig. 118. HEAD OF 

 BUTTERFLY. 



" tongue" as it is commonly but incorrectly called will find 

 that it consists of two pieces, and that by their union the canal 

 is formed, through which the nutriment is imbibed. 



The number of these insects is very great. "Dr. Bur- 

 mcister supposes them to amount to not fewer than 12,000 

 species; and of these nearly 2000 have been described as 

 British."* In expanse of wing, and beauty of colouring, they 

 stand unrivalled. Some foreign 

 species measure, when expanded, 

 not less than nine or ten inches ; 

 and others display tints so splendid 

 that they have been compared to 

 those of gems and flowers. 



Even in those which are natives 

 of our more northern clime, con- 

 siderable diversity exists. Some 

 are scarcely distinguishable from 

 the leaves of the plants, or the 

 trunks of the trees on which they 

 repose (Fig. 119); others vie 

 with the snow-flake in the purity 

 of their vesture. Some exhibit 

 gorgeous metallic hues; and 

 others an azure surpassing that 

 Fig. no. OAK-LEAP MOTH. of the summer sky at noon. 



* \Vcstwood, page 310, 



