184 IJanuary, 
Description of the manner of p^lpation of Dictyopteryx ForsTcaleana, Linn. — On 
lifting np one of the neatly folded-over lobes of the Maple which are met with so 
frequently during the middle and end of the month of June, we observe underneath 
it the little yellow larva of this species lying at full length on a coueh of white silk. 
Supposing we bring it home and watch it closely, we shall notice, about a week 
afterwards, that its three or four anterior segments become swollen, and, at the 
same time, that the larva loses all but the faintest power of motion, its ninth 
segment having an orange tint. After a time the larva is seen to pass slowly into 
the pupa state, and the whole of its larval skin remains collected in a little heap at 
the extremity of the abdomen ; the pupa is at first quite white, having the tip of 
its anal segment covered with a cluster of little brown bristles, which act like so 
many little anchors, and enable the pupa to obtain a fair hold of the silk contained 
in its abode. On close inspection, a httle brown spot is noticeable on one side of 
each of the eyes and in the centre, but situate at the bottom of the eyes a little 
dusky-coloured dot is dimly visible. At the expiration of a few hours we perceive 
that its head, thorax, and wing-cases turn to a pale amber-yellow, the abdominal 
segments retaining their original colour ; in the centre of the dorsal surface of the 
pupa's abdomen a pale orange-coloured blotch has made its appearance, and 
furthermore the anal segment has a somewhat swollen, glassy look. After an 
intenral of two or three days the eyes begin to turn pale brown, afterwards deepening 
into dark brown, and finally become quite black. After a suitable interval has 
expired, the head, thorax, and wing-cases become whitish, and the blotch on the 
dorsal surface of the abdominal segments deepens into a brownish tone. At the 
next phase of its economy the sides and base of the thorax assume a pale crimson 
hue, the crimson-coloured pigment spreading itself over the head, thorax, and 
wings, imparts a similar tint to them, ultimately, however, deepening to pale 
ochreous. While the immediately preceding part of its economy is taking place, , 
each wing becomes mapped out (so to speak) by a net-work of little narrow canals, 
thus imparting to the wings of this little insect its beautiful reticulations ; the 
decorations of the inner margin of the anterior wings then develope themselves ; in 
some individuals they are represented by a largish black blotch on each wing, 
while on others they are seen simply in the form of a thin dark line or two or three 
little black spots only ; consequently the markings on the anterior wings are dependent 
upon the presence, in more or less quantities, of this black-coloured pigment. The 
pupa gradually becoming more and more matured, its abdomiuinal segments are 
observed to have a yellowish appearance ; a little black dash is noticeable at each side 
of the basal portion of the pupa's thorax, this and the head having ochreous markings ; 
the eyes then have changed from black to a dull blneish tint, each having a black 
central spot ; the markings and colouration of the imago having finally settled 
down to their proper tone. The pupa, when disturbed, lashes its body about in a 
state of great alarm, especially so if brought in near contact with a lighted lamp. 
When sufficiently mature the imago escapes from its puparium, leaving the latter 
projecting. The puparium in most instances is whitish, at times quite white ; 
sometimes, however, it is stained with a pale brownish tint. — Id. 
