JONG 
LEPIDOPTERA. 
Tuts order of insects is known popularly by the names of Butter- 
fly and Moth. Linnezus gave them the name of Lepidoptera, 
meaning insects with scaly wings (Aezés, a scale ; and rrepdv, a wing). 
They are to be found in great numbers in all parts of the world. All 
the insects contained in the order are, in their perfect state, remark- 
able for the elegance of their shape, the rapidity and airiness of their 
flight, and the multiplicity and beauty of their colours. Before 
they arrive at this perfect state, the Lepidoptera have to undergo 
three complete transformations. They leave the egg in the larva, or 
caterpillar, state ; they pass next to the state of pupa, or chrysalis ; 
they then assume, after a variable time, their final, or perfect, form. 
We will study them in their three different states in succession. 
THe Larva, or CATERPILLAR. 
When the winter has stripped the leaves off the trees, the 
Lepidoptera are seen no more. Sut as soon as the leaves begin 
to show themselves on the trees and shrubs this tribe of the 
insect race again make their appearance. Caterpillars of all 
kinds are gnawing at the leaves, even before they are fully 
developed. Many of them have just emerged from the eges 
which the perfect insects had laid at an earlier period; others 
have passed the winter in this state. 
When they come out of the egg, the young caterpillars are 
in shape more or less elongated and cylindrical. Their body is 
composed of twelve segments, or rings. In front is the head ; 
then come three segments, on which are the front legs, and which 
