THE CECROPIA. 135 



of the apple or wild cherry. Failing to find that, cut off the 

 first branch on which you see a new tent. Set the twig in a 

 bottle of water in the insectary and supply the larvae with 

 apple or cherry leaves. The larvae molt about five times 

 changing their color somewhat each time. When they 

 cease to eat fresh food they are ready to pupate. Place 

 chips or bark on the floor of the cage for them to creep 

 under to make their cocoons. The moths emerge about the 

 end of July. 



Swallow-tail Butterfly. — The larvae are found on carrot-tops 

 and allied plants. They are green with black bands across 

 the back, somewhat like that of the milkweed butterfly on 

 the next page. The eggs, placed singly, are smooth round, 

 yellowish, finally brownish. The young larva is a hairy, black, 

 white-banded animal. Transfer the larvae to the insectary. 

 Try, however, to find some eggs so that the complete develop- 

 ment may be observed. The larva changes its markings with 

 every molt. For the chrysalis stage it attaches itself to a 

 stem or post ; if of the first brood the butterfly will emerge 

 in two weeks. The butterfly is black with yellow spots. 



Giant American Silkworm. — The cecropia emperor is 

 conspicuous as larva, cocoon and moth. Collect the large, 

 green, spiny- warted larva and leaves of its food plant, — apple 

 or maple or other kind. It is harmless to handle. The warts 

 are colored blue, coral red and yellow. Notice the pairs of 

 conspicuous breathing spiracles on each segment, except the 

 second and third. It can eat its own weight of leaves daily. 

 The cocoon attached to a twig is 2J to 4 inches long, of tough 

 papery texture on the outside. It should be kept in a cool 

 dry place all winter. In late May or early June the moth 

 will emerge. Its wings are rich brown, marked with half- 

 moon spots, and have a spread of from 5 to 7 inches. See 

 "Public School Nature Study," pages 74-76, for an illustrated 

 lesson. 



