THE SILK WORM MOTH. 129 



each of the three first annulations next the head, and 

 cannot be altered in their position. The other ten 

 feet are termed holders ; these are membranaceous, 

 flexible, and provided with small hooks, which assist 

 the animal in climbing. 



The shell is enclosed in a membranaceous sub- 

 stance, similar in consistence to the first six legs. The 

 mouth is vertical, and the jaws serrated like a saw. 

 The animal is furnished with eighteen breathing holes, 

 nine on each side down the body, at equal distances. 

 On each- side of the head, near to the mouth, seven 

 eyes may be discovered by the aid of a lens. The 

 two circular protuberances higher up the head, which 

 look very like eyes, are simply bones of the skull. 

 The spinning apparatus is similar to that described 

 at page 68 of this volume. 



When the worm becomes satiated with eating, it 

 then prepares for its change into the chrysalis con- 

 dition. The worm now fixes upon an angle, or 

 hollow place, whose dimensions agree with the size of 

 its intended cocoon, and begins its task by spinning 

 thin and irregular threads, intended for the support of 

 its future dwelling. The first day's labour consists 

 in forming a loose structure, of an oval shape, which 

 is termed floss silk, and within which covering, in the 

 three following days, it works the firm and consistent 

 yellow ball ; the labour always, of course, remaining 

 within the sphere of the cone which it is forming. 



If at any time the threads intended for the support 

 of the cocoon should be broken, the ball not being 

 properly poised, becomes unsteady, so that the insect 



