INSECTS. 
243 
a larva, and in that state feeds voraciously upon 
the leaves of the plant where it is situated. Some 
of these larvce are without, and others with feet; 
some of their bodies are covered with hair, and 
others with stiff bristles or hooks. Soon after they 
leave the egg, they increase very sensibly in bulk ; 
and having continued in the larva state a certain time, 
they prepare themselves to appear under a new form. 
Previous to their passing into the state of a chry- 
salis*, the caterpillars cease to eat, and, after having 
fixed upon some spot where they may be as little 
exposed to danger as possible, begin to perform this 
great undertaking, by alternately extending and 
contracting their bodies to disengage themselves 
from the caterpillar skin. During this time they 
spin for themselves a little sepulchre, that varies ac- 
cording to the nature of the animal, but is built by 
each species in an uniform manner. In this enclo- 
sure they remain for a time apparently inanimate, 
and wrapped up in a case, through which, however, 
may be traced the rudiments of the future butterfly. 
Many of these little bodies are susceptible of 
warmth, and will move the tail part when placed in 
the hand. 
The situations of these lodgments vary according 
to the species ; some caterpillars bury themselves in 
the earth, and there remain till they are again called 
into life ; others fix themselves in the cavities of 
* Sometimes called a vymph, signifying a young bride, because the 
insect in that period puts on its beautiful attire, and prepares to as- 
sume the last form, in which it is appointed to multiply its species. 
