Insects. 7159 



when the pupa was moving through the water, becomes attached to the slcin ; each of 

 these organs is laid along the back on either side the dorsal surface, before the tinal 

 change takes place. The creature remains stationary for some little time ; at length 

 an uneasiness is observed with slight convulsions, and a small rupture is seen at the 

 vertex of the eyes, and gradually the skin parts along the back, and Lymnophlfeus 

 marmoratus is seen merging into new life. The imago of this species is very variable 

 in its coloration ; those which I have bred have scarcely any colour, being almost white 

 and transparent ; others, again, are highly coloured ; but this species may always be 

 distinguished by the anastomasis being dark brown, nearly black : this is a very per- 

 manent feature in its specific character. — Edward Parfilt ; Museum, Taunton, July 3, 

 1860. 



Expansion of the Wings in Lepidoptera on Emerging from the Chrysalis.— For the 

 last few years I have amused myself with observing the development of insect life, and 

 amongst other facts that have presented themselves I have been struck with the anxiety 

 evinced by Lepidoptera, on emerging from the chrysalis, to find some suitable object 

 to climb upon. If nothing is near they will run frantically about in all directions, 

 and nothing but absolute exhaustion causes them to cease their exertions. Should 

 they meet with a suitable resting place, as a piece of wood, a tree or a wall, they begin 

 to ascend, and having reached a position which suits them, at once compose themselves 

 to rest and wait the expansion of their wings, which takes place in a most marvellous 

 manner, and in a remarkably short space of time. Having at an early period observed 

 this particular instinct, I have always provided some suitable contrivance for the 

 accommodation of those moths or butterflies the pupae of which I might happen to 

 possess, and I have scarcely if ever had a cripple ; others are not always so fortunate. 

 Last year a friend of mine had a considerable number of pupae of Smerinthus Populi, 

 which he had reared from an early stage of existence. They were kept in a pan of 

 earth covered with a bell glass, the sides of which the moths could not climb. As they 

 emerged every one was crippled in the wings until I suggested setting up on the earth 

 under the glass a triangle of three pieces of firewood tied together at the top, that the 

 insects might follow their natural instinct ; it was done, and from that time all the 

 moths were perfect, having properly developed wings. We constantly hear of collectors 

 and breeders of moths and butterflies being disappointed in the result of the pains 

 they have taken during many weeks or months, by the production of crippled insects, 

 more especially in the case of the large moths, as Acherontia Atropos. Is it not 

 probable that this disappointment is due to the absence of that proper support which the 

 Author of their being has rendered necessary for them at this critical stage of their 

 existence ? Observe a moth or butterfly on its emergence from the chrysalis, and you 

 will see that its wings only exist as four little flaps of something soft and thick, as 

 much like bits of coloured velvet as anything else ; if you prick them with a needle 

 nearly the whole of the juices or blood of the insect flows from the puncture, showing 

 how delicate is their condition, and what an active state of vitality exists in the organs 

 which m an hour after may be punctured with impunity ; hence the anxiety of the 

 creature to be securely located as speedily as possible, with the wings in a pendent 

 position, in order that the fluid with which they are charged may the more speedily 

 and certainly perform its function. — Henry Deane ; Clapham Common, August 20, 

 1860. 



