INSECTA. 147 



and folded together; soon, however, separating, they 

 commence a tremulous movement, in which they seem 

 to grow, but in truth are only unfolding, preparatory to 

 flight. After a short rest they may be seen fairly on 

 the wing, fluttering from flower to flower, sipping honey 

 from their bells. Their perfect life is, however, much 

 shorter than that of the caterpillar and nymphee, and 

 having enjoyed the sunshine for a brief space, prepares 

 for its posterity as the principal end of its brief exist- 

 ence. The female deposits her eggs, which are hard and 

 horn-like, on plants which she knows well how to select, 

 as affording nourishment and protection to the larvae. 

 The eggs of most are fastened together with an adhesive 

 substance, and deposited on the leaves and twigs of 

 plants; many cover them with a sort of down which 

 shields them from the air and weather. Having thus 

 provided for the future generation, the butterfly, if not 

 destroyed by some of the many enemies of the race, dies, 

 having fulfilled the ultimate end of her existence. 



The caterpillars, with the exception of the silkworm, 

 -which are of the greatest use to man in furnishing silk 

 are a very destructive race ; and their ravages would be 

 too seriously injurious to be guarded against, had not 

 nature provided against the evil, by raising up a host of 

 hostile pursuers, which seek them as prey. The insect- 

 eating birds destroy great numbers, but the ichnumon- 

 fly is, perhaps, their most formidable enemy. These 

 little green and gold colored wasps alight on the backs 

 of the caterpillars, and with their fine stings puncture a 

 number of small cells, in each of which they deposit an 

 egg ; in a little while a grub comes forth, ready to begin 

 a similar life, and again piercing the flesh of the victim, 

 feeds upon the juices, until the body is entirely exhaust- 



