146 INSECT BEHAVIOR 



chrysalis, as this stage is commonly called. On the surface of the 

 pupa, the wings and feelers, legs and eyes of the future moth are 

 plainly visible through its reddish skin. In this form, the cecropia 

 lies dormant for thirty-nine weeks in its silken tomb. 



Then comes a day when the hot sun of summer strikes the cocoon. 

 Within, the pupal skin splits open and the silk of the cocoon parts 

 at one end. Its creator has excreted a few drops of fluid which dis- 

 solve the strands and thus liberate the insect. A glorious deep red 

 and grey moth with feathery feelers and great clear eyes pushes 

 itself to the light of day. Then, clinging to the edge of its weather- 

 worn cocoon, this wonderful insect creation prepares itself for the 

 world. 



It stretches and expands its wings ; waves them gently to and fro 

 in the welcome sun, until the moisture of birth has disappeared. 

 Then it rests for a time until the sun sets, a great glowing ball of 

 crimson. When night falls over the land and the fireflies are once 

 more upon the wing, the moth answers the strange mating call 

 within. It flies away through the perfumed foliage of the first 

 sultry night of summer. 



