152 THE BUTTERFLY VIVARIUM. 



In a few days the eggs will be hatched, the 

 minute Caterpillars coming forth, already variegated 

 with green, yellow, and black, as in their full-grown 

 state, though the markings are so minute as to be 

 rather indistinct to the naked eye. In about three 

 weeks or rather more, and after casting their skin 

 several times, these Caterpillars Avill have attained 

 their full size, and in that state they are remarkably 

 handsome, as shown at No. 1, in Plate III. 



When thus full grown they will cease feeding, 

 and secure themselves with a loop of silken web 

 round the middle, for changing to the Chrysalis 

 state, as already described. The Chrysalides so 

 secured in some convenient situation, will form 

 pretty objects in the Vivarium for a period of from 

 seven or eight to sixteen days, according to the heat 

 of the weather. (See Plate III. No. 2.) After that 

 time the back of the Chrysalis will split by the ex- 

 pansion of the insect within, as described in Chapter 

 VII., and the student will enjoy the interesting 

 spectacle of the escape of the perfect insect from its 

 prison, with all its attendant phenomena. The 

 females of the brood produced at this time (that is, 

 in July) lay eggs in their turn, the Caterpillars of 

 which do not attain their full growth and enter 

 upon the chrysalis stage till late in the autumn ; 



