ARCHITECTURE OF MOTHS. 87 



mouths, generally made more comfortable and suit- 

 able to their tender skin by a lining of the softest 

 silky texture. 



CASE OP THE CLOTHES MOTH, (Tinea pelliotieUa.) 



These they wear from infancy to maturity ; wisely 

 disregarding change of fashion, while they have com- 

 fortable and convenient coverings. They, no doubt, 

 require to be enlarged as the animal increases in bulk ; 

 and this they accomplish with the greatest dexterity 

 and accuracy. To lengthen their covering is an easy 

 matter, by adding a ring of hair or wool to each end ; 

 but, when too narrow, the task is somewhat more 

 difficult. But it sets about it in a manner similar to 

 the mode employed by a tailor, by slitting the case 

 open from one extremity to another, and then inserting 

 a piece of the breadth required, with the utmost 

 accuracy. The cut is, however, not made from one 

 end to the other at once, as in that event the sides of 

 the case would get too far apart, and leave the tenant 

 naked. It therefore only cuts each side half way 

 down, as shewn in the following figure : 



and, after having inserted the necessary addition, pro- 

 ceeds to cut the other half and fill it up in the same 



