LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 137 



although they afford food to a great number of 

 insects. They are called animalcules. The 

 musqueto catches these, and conveys them to its 

 mouth by means of little hooks attached to its 

 head. 



After existing for a short time in the state of 

 a worm, it becomes a chrysalis ; and enclosed 

 in its little case, it lies coiled up on the surface 

 of the water, taking no food, but unrolling itself 

 and descending to the bottom when disturbed. 



When the proper time has arrived for it to 

 leave the water and take its place among the 

 inhabitants of the air, it stretches itself out at 

 full length, bursts its skin at the top, and draw- 

 ing itself out with its wings closely folded 

 around it, it raises its head, and using its skin, 

 which is still attached to the lower part of the 

 body, as a boat, begins to float to land. This 

 is a dangerous moment ; for if a drop of water 

 gets into its little boat, or a puff of wind blows 

 it over on its side, it may sink instantly. It 

 generally arrives safety, however, and spread- 

 ing its wings, goes whirring and whizzing about 

 in the air, as if it had never known any other 

 element. 



And now, if I have succeeded in making you 



