228 STATES OF INSECTS. 



and a line in diameter, fastened by the other extremity 

 to a twig, which it closely surrounds as if with a ring, 

 at first sight resembling a fruit of a very singular ap- 

 pearance a . I have specimens of this cocoon with both 

 stalk and ring. A bell-shaped cocoon fastened by a foot- 

 stalk, but of softer consistence, to a blade of grass, found 

 by Mr. Sheppard, I can also show you ; and my friend 

 Mr. Wilkin had a similar one out of the late Mr. Hud- 

 son's collection. Most larvae spin their cocoons in soli- 

 tude : some of those, however, which live in society do it 

 close together under their common tent. 



There are other cocoons that should be noticed here, 

 such as those formed by the larva of Zygcena Filipejidulo', 

 and some Bo?nbyces, saw-flies (Tenthredo L.), and bee- 

 tles [Curculio, Donacia F.), &c. These are formed of 

 a substance which seems more analogous to gum than 

 silk, yet furnished from the silk reservoirs, and usually 

 present the appearance externally of parchment or mem- 

 brane. That of the insect first mentioned is coated, 

 however, with a slight interior silken lining; as indeed 

 are almost all cocoons, of whatever substance. 



The second class, into which I have divided larvae that 

 inclose themselves in cocoons, includes those which form 

 their coverings not solely or principally of silk, but in 

 which other materials are mixed more or less. The co- 

 coons of some of these larvae are merely composed of b, 

 few leaves slightly tied together, either irregularly, or ar- 

 ranged, particularly when they are of a linear figure, with 

 considerable symmetry. The grubs of many beetles, as of 



a Linn. Trans, vii. t. ii.f. 5, 6. 



