ORDERS OF INSECTS. 



177 



and metamorphosed maxilla; (fig. 109, B). The wings are four in 

 number, and are covered more or less completely with modified 

 hairs or scales, which are pretty objects under the microscope, and 

 from which the wings derive their beautiful colours. The larvae of 

 the Lepidoptera (fig. 123) are generally known as caterpillars. They 



Fig. 123.— Large Cabbage White Butterfly (Pontia hrasswcn). a Larva or caterpillar ; 

 b Pupa or chrysalis ; c Iniago or perfect insect. 



are worm-like, provided with masticatory organs fitted for dividing 

 solid substances, possessing false legs (" prolegs ") in addition to 

 the three pairs proper to the adult, and having attached to the 

 under lip a tubular organ or spinneret, by which silken threads 

 can be manufactured. 



The Butterflies or Diurnal Lepidoptera are characterised by being 

 active during the daytime, by keeping their wings mostly erect 

 when at rest (fig. 123, c), by generally having club-shaped antennae, 

 and by having a chrysalis (6), which is almost always naked and 

 angular, and is generally attached to some solid object by silken 

 threads variously disposed. 



The Moths (fig. 124) are mostly active during the night-time, 

 when they are said to be " nocturnal." Many of them, however, 

 are " crepuscular " — that is to say, they are active during the hours 

 of twilight ; and a few come out in broad daylight and in the 

 brightest sunshine. The pupte or chrysalides are never angular, 

 as in the case of the Butterflies. 



In the Crepuscular Lepidoptera, including those forms which are 

 active during the twilight, the antennae are usually fusiform, or 

 grow gradually thicker from the base to the apex ; the wings are 



