142 PRACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



some species of butterflies and moths make chrysalids on 

 trees, while that of others burrow in the ground when 

 they are about to change to perfect insects. 



The large, yellow Swallow-tail {Papiho Turnus), weaves 

 its chrysalids on the spice-bush, wild cherry, and sassafras 

 trees, and they may easily be taken by amateur collectors 

 for the chrysalids of the Promethius moth. The black 

 Swallow-tail (P. Asterias), comes from a chrysalis of the 

 parsley worm, which is very numerous, and may be gath- 

 ered from most umbelliferous plants. 



The best time to collect chrysalids, is in the autumn, 

 when the foliage has left the trees. They should be kept 

 in a cold room until hatched, as a warm room forces their 

 development, and many insects will come out with im- 

 perfect wings. Chrysalids kept all winter in a house, 

 will hatch nearly a month earlier than those in the fields. 



Before the hatching season commences, the chrysalids 

 should be tied singly on a strong string or wire, with the 

 small ends upward, and strung across a room, that is un- 

 occupied. Some authors recommend screening the chrys- 

 alids in a box, with gauze, wire-netting, etc. The re- 

 sult would be that the moths would beat their wings to 

 pieces endeavoring to escape, or crawl over each other 

 when the wings are be-draggled, causing them to suffer 

 and dry in a cramped position. They are always restless 

 until a proper place is reached where they can hang by the 

 legs and stretch their wings. 



When the moths emerge from suspended chrysalids, 

 they lower themselves to the underside of their cases and 

 remain quiet, straining and stretching their wings, which 

 dry in fine condition. They can generally be taken be- 

 fore they attempt to fly, as those that hatch early in the 

 morning, usually lie still until evening. Should a few 

 come out in the night and fly before morning, they soon 

 settle with but little injury to their wings. 



During the hatching season, many males can be allured 



