The Life of the Caterpillar 



month, until the Microgaster's offspring have 

 achieved their full growth. The two calen- 

 dars synchronize in a remarkable way. When 

 the caterpillar leaves off eating and makes its 

 preparations for the metamorphosis, the para- 

 sites are ripe for the exodus. The bottle 

 dries up when the drinkers cease to need it; 

 but until that moment it must remain more or 

 less well-filled, although becoming limper 

 daily. It is important, therefore, that the 

 caterpillar's existence be not endangered by 

 wounds which, even though very tiny, would 

 stop the working of the blood-fountains. 

 With this intent, the drainers of the bottle are, 

 in a manner of speaking, muzzled; they have 

 by way of a mouth a pore that sucks without 

 bruising. 



The dying caterpillar continues to lay the 

 silk of his carpet with a slow oscillation of the 

 head. The moment now comes for the para- 

 sites to emerge. This happens in June and 

 generally at nightfall. A breach is made on 

 the ventral surface or else in the sides, never 

 on the back: one breach only, contrived at a 

 point of minor resistance, at the junction of 

 two segments; for it is bound to be a toilsome 

 business, in the absence of a set of filing-tools. 

 360 



