Microscopical 



Essays, 



fpecies of moth which proceeds from thefe larva is very fmall, 

 but exceedingly beautiful. 



The larva of the phryganea moll I y live in little cafes of their 

 own building, which are formed of a variety of materials, that 

 they train after them in the water wherever they go. Thefe cafes 

 are generally cylindrical, and open at both ends ; the infide is 

 lined with filk fpun by the larva, the outfide formed of different 

 fubfiances, as bits of reed, ftone, gravel, and fome entirely of 

 fmall (hells, &c. which they arrange and manage with lingular 

 dexterity. They never quit this cafe. When they walk they put 

 out the head, and a few of the firft rings of the body, training the 

 cafe after them. 



Having lived in the water for fome time, they become inhabi- 

 tants of the air. They affume the pupa form in the water, doling 

 up the two ends of the cafe with bars of filk, by which it is 

 fecured from the attacks of it's enemies ; and at the fame time 

 •there is a free paflage for the water, which is ftill neceffary for it's 

 exiffence ; at a proper period the pupa forces it's way through the 

 cafe, and makes for the land, where it's further change inflantly 

 commences, and is foon completed. 



We mail clofe thefe fpecimens of the induftry of infects with an 

 account of that which is difplayed by the larva of the tinea. The 

 greateftpart of the body of thefe little creatures, except the head 

 and fix fore feet, is covered over with a thin tender fkin ; the 

 body of the infecl: is cylindrical, and lodged in a tube which is 

 open at both ends. Soon after they are born they begin to cover 

 themfelves, and are, therefore, feldom to be found but in thefe 



tubes 



