114 INSECTS. 



called a larva, a word signifying a mask, because 

 therein its future form is more or less masked or 

 concealed. This name is equally applied to grubs, 

 caterpillars, and maggots, and to all young insects 

 before their wings begin to appear. Consequently, 

 in this first period, which is much the longest portion 

 of their lives, insects are always wingless, pass most 

 of their time in eating, grow rapidly, and to allow of 

 their growth, repeatedly cast oft' their skins. 



During the second period, some insects retain their 

 activity and their appetite for food, continue to grow 

 and acquire the rudiments of wings ; while others, at 

 this age, entirely lose their larva form, take no food, 

 and remain at rest in a death-like sleep. This is 

 called the pupa * state of the insect, because in this 

 condition they resemble an infant wrapped in 

 swaddling bands. The pupaa from caterpillars are 

 more commonly called chrysalids, because some of 

 them, as the name implies, are gilt or adorned with 

 golden spots, whereas pupae, that retain their legs 

 and capability of locomotion, are often named nymphs, 

 the reason for which is not very obvious. 



At the end of the second period insects again shed 

 their skin, and come forth fully grown, and (with few 

 exceptions) provided with wings. They thus enter 

 upon their last or adult state, wherein they no longer 

 increase in size, and during which they provide for 

 their progeny. This period only lasts a short time, 

 for most insects die immediately after they have laid 

 their eggs. Bees, wasps, and ants, however, which 

 live in society, and labour together for the common 

 good, continue much longer in the adult state. 



The innumerable races of insects may be classified 

 in accordance with the following table : 



* Pupa, a baby. Those who have seen infants in many parts of 

 the continent tied tight to a board, will appreciate the appropriate- 

 ness of the expression. 



