50 POND LIFE 



But a day comes when the much-harrowed larva, who has 

 spent most of its life in escaping, by dint of continual pre- 

 cautions, from its very numerous enemies, feels that it must 

 rest and sleep. It is approaching the pupa stage, a time when 

 it is to change from the caterpillar to the perfect insect. So 

 the thoughtful little creature fastens its case to larger stones 

 so as to prevent its being carried away by the stream, and 

 seals up the entrance with silken threads, or weaves pieces of 

 weed across, so that no enemy may attack it during the period 

 of rest that is now to come. 



One species on this occasion builds a special case of stones, 

 using large pebbles very many times greater than itself, and 

 fastens these to a rock beneath the water level ; and here, 

 protected from everything for these stone cases are even 

 difficult for man to open the caddis rests quietly whilst the 

 changes that will ultimately make it a moth-like creature 

 take place. The appearance of the caddis pupa is somewhat 

 ridiculous, for the little creature is enveloped in a transparent 

 envelope, resembling an elongated capsule, and can be clearly 

 seen within, bearing an appearance of sanctity. The little 

 creature rests with folded arms, sometimes moving gently, as 

 if the position was not altogether comfortable. Eventually 

 the time comes when it is ready to leave the water. Then it 

 tears open its celluloid-like capsule, bites through the silk 

 holding the stones together, and swims to a convenient plant, 

 by means of which it climbs to the surface. 



The larvae of the caddis-fly are most interesting pets, and 

 live well in an aquarium well stocked with vegetable life. 

 The little creatures, if taken out of their cases, are only too 

 eager to build fresh ones, and for this purpose will make use 

 of any suitable material. The writer has had cases made of 

 glass beads, matches, sealing-wax (chips), &c. In one case 

 a certain artistic worm, although supplied with sealing-wax at 

 the commencement, made its case entirely of sticks, grass, &c., 

 and then actually completed it with a red sealing-wax collar. 



To persuade the owner to leave its habitat, guile but not 

 violence must be used. Should you seize its head, a none too 

 easy matter, you may pull until the poor little creature comes 

 in twain, for it is able to hold on inside its case by means of 

 two small hooks situated on the end of its abdomen. But if 

 you attack the larva from the rear, the creature is only too 

 willing to quit. So a piece of fine straw, or the head of a pin, 

 will serve to drive the caddis-worm out of its home without 

 trouble or injury. 



Dragon-flies, the hawks of the insect world, are built so as to 



