THE TIGER-MOTH. 97 



instances the golden title has been universally be- 

 stowed. 



The last, and perfected state, is called the " imago," 

 or image, because now each individual is an image 

 and representative of the entire species. 



The Woolly Bear, then, is the larva of the Tiger- 

 moth ; and if any inquiring reader would like to keep 

 the creature, and watch it through its stages, he will 

 find it an interesting occupation. There is less 

 difficulty than with most insects, for the creature is 

 very hardy, and the plant on which it mostly feeds 

 is exceedingly common. 



Generally, the Woolly Bear is found feeding on 

 the common blind nettle, but it may often be 

 detected at some distance from its food, getting over 

 the ground at a great rate, and reminding the spec- 

 tator of the porcupine. In this case it is usually 

 seeking for a retired spot, whither it resorts for the 

 purpose of passing the helpless period of pupa-hood. 



If it is captured on such an occasion, there will be 

 little trouble in feeding, as it will generally refuse 

 food altogether, and, betaking itself to a quiet corner, 

 prepare for its next stage of existence. 



If taken at an earlier period of its life, it feeds 

 greedily on the nettle above-mentioned, and the 

 amount of nutriment which one caterpillar will con- 

 sume is perfectly astounding. I once had nearly 

 four hundred of them all alive at the same time, and 

 they used to be furnished with nettles by the armful. 



