58 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



rious species of butterflies and moths lay their 

 eggs upon very different kinds of plants, they 

 are always those which are best suited to the 

 wants of their young ; and if they are removed 

 from these arid placed upon others, they gene- 

 rally die. 



The young caterpillar grows rapidly ; and 

 after casting its skin four or five times, in the 

 manner I have already described to you, it 

 ceases to eat, and commences making its co- 

 coon. 



The different kinds of caterpillars place them- 

 selves in different situations for the purpose of 

 making this curious covering. Some descend 

 into the earth ; some attach their cocoon, which 

 is made of dried leaves or bark, to the boughs of 

 trees ; some suspend themselves by a silken 

 cord, which they fasten around their necks; and 

 others are simply glued to any convenient 

 place. 



Some kinds of caterpillars remain in this state 

 many months ; while others become perfect in 

 a few weeks. During this time great changes 

 are going on: the different parts of the butterfly 

 become perfect and strong ; the wings are co- 



