334 Handbook of Nature-Stiidy 



the tubercles usually blue are sometimes black. After the last molt 

 the caterpillar eats voraciously for perhaps two weeks or longer and 

 then begins to spin its cocoon. 



References— Mo\hs and Butterflies, Ballard; Moths and Butterflies, 

 Dickerson; Caterpillars and their Moths, Elliot and Soule. 



Just out of the cocoon. 



Photo by M. V. Slingerland. 



LESSON LXXII 

 The Cecropia 



Leading thought — The cecropia moth passes the winter as a pupa in a 

 cocoon which the caterpillar builds out of silk for the purpose. In the 

 spring the moth issues and lays her eggs on some tree, the leaves of which 

 the caterpillar relishes. The caterpillars are large and green with beauti- 

 ful blue and orange tubercles. 



Method — It is best to begin with the cocoons, for these are easily found 

 after the leaves have fallen. These cocoons if kept in the schoolroom 

 should be thoroughly wet at least once a week. However, it is better to 

 keep them in a box out of doors where they can have the advantage of 

 natural moisture and temperature; and from those that are kept outside 

 the moths will not issue, until the leaves open upon the trees and 

 provide food for the young caterpillars when the eggs hatch. 



The Cocoon 

 Observations — i. How does the cocoon look on the outside? What is 

 its general shape? To what is it fastened? Is it fastened to the lower 

 or the upper side of a twig? Are there any dried leaves attached to it? 



2. Where do you find cecropia cocoons? How do they look on the 

 tree? Are they conspicuous? 



3. Cut open the cocoon, being careful not to hurt the inmate. Can 

 you see that it has an outer wall which is firm? What Hes next to this? 



