The Life of the Caterpillar 



I collect the uric excretions ejected by the 

 newly hatched Moths. 



This time, the liquid is whitish, sullied here 

 and there with uncertain tints. There is no 

 blood-red colouration; but the result is the 

 same. The virulent energy manifests itself in 

 the most definite manner. Therefore the Pro- 

 cessionary's virus exists equally in all cater- 

 pillars, in all Butterflies and Moths emerging 

 from the chrysalis; and this virus is a by- 

 product of the organism, a urinary product. 



The curiosity of our minds is insatiable. 

 The moment a reply is obtained, a fresh quest- 

 ion arises. Why should the Lepidoptera 

 alone be endowed in this manner? The or- 

 ganic labours accomplished within them can- 

 not differ greatly, as to the nature of the 

 materials, from those presiding over the 

 maintenance of life in other insects. There- 

 fore these others also elaborate a by-product 

 which has stinging powers. This can be veri- 

 fied — and that forthwith — with the elements 

 at my disposal. 



The first reply is furnished by Cetonia 

 floricola, of which Beetle I collect half a 

 dozen chrysalids from a heap of leaves half- 

 converted into mould. A box receives my 



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