68 OF THE PUPA STATE. 



both these have nearly disappeared ; and equally 

 wonderful changes have taken place in the structure 

 and dispositions of the nerves and other organic 

 processes. 



Such are the extraordinary metamorphoses to which 

 this animal is subject. It will be observed, that the 

 change from the one form to the other was not direct, 

 and that a distinct, and not less singular state 

 intervened. After casting its skin several times, and 

 even parting with its jaws, and at length, progressing 

 in bulk, and attaining its full growth, the caterpillar 

 attaches itself to a leaf by a silken filament. In this 

 condition its body becomes much contracted ; its skin 

 splits once more, and discloses a uniform mass, without 

 exterior eyes, mouth, or limbs, and exhibiting no 

 appearance of life except when touched, in which case 

 it gives indications of existence by a slight motion. In 

 this death-like casement, in a state of torpor, it remains 

 for months without food. The casement at length 

 bursts, and although not longer than an inch, and in 

 diameter a quarter of an inch, a butterfly springs into 

 existence of dimensions extraordinary, covering a 

 surface of nearly four inches square. 



Butterflies and moths, while in the pupa state, are 

 enclosed in a membranous skin, with their legs, 

 antennae, and wings, closely folded over their breast 

 and sides. The whole body is enclosed in an external 

 case, or covering of a horny consistence, which pre- 

 vents the organs beneath from being so distinctly 

 seen through, as may be observed in many other 

 species of insects. These pupae are often tinged with 



