IV. 

 LEPIDOPTERA. 



THIS order of insects is known popularly by the names of Butter- 

 fly and Moth. Linnaeus gave them the name of Lepidoptera, 

 meaning insects with scaly wings (ACTU'S, a scale, and rrrepoV, a wing) . 

 They are to be found in great numbers in all parts of the world. All 

 the insects contained in the order are, in their perfect state, remark- 

 able for the elegance of their shape, the rapidity and airiness of their 

 flight, and the multiplicity and beauty of their colours. Before 

 they arrive at this perfect state, the Lepidoptera have to undergo 

 three complete transformations. They leave the egg in the larva or 

 caterpillar state ; they pass next to the state of pupa or chrysalis ; 

 they then assume, after a variable time, their final or perfect form. 

 We will study them in their three different states in succession. 



THE LARVA, OR CATERPILLAR. 



"When the winter has stripped the leaves off the trees, the 

 Lepidoptera are seen no more. But as soon as the leaves begin 

 to show themselves on the trees and shrubs, this tribe of the 

 insect race again make their appearance. Caterpillars of all 

 kinds are gnawing at the leaves, even before they are fully 

 developed. Many of them have just emerged from the eggs 

 which the insects had laid at an earlier period ; others have 

 passed the winter in this state. 



When they come out of the egg, the young caterpillars are 

 in shape more or less elongated and cylindrical. Their body i-s 

 composed of twelve segments or rings. In front is the head ; 

 then come three segments, on which are the front legs, and which 



