LEPIDOPTERA . 195 
of the hairs of the larva, which are fastened together with a 
fine web of silk. 
In the pupae of Lepidoptera the developing wings and 
legs are folded upon the sides and breast; the whole being 
enclosed in a hard skin (Fig. 
236). 
The members of this order 
as a rule feed upon plants, and 
are not aquatic ; some, as the 
Clothes-moth and the species 
that destroy Scale-bugs, feed Fig - **-*»■» of a moth, 
on animal matter, and a very few feed upon plants below 
the surface of the water. 
More than six thousand species of Lepidoptera are 
known to occur in America, north of Mexico. These rep¬ 
resent more than sixty families. 
In order to give a synopsis of the Lepidoptera it is 
necessary to enter into rather difficult technical details. 
Hence this is done in that portion of this chapter designed 
for advanced students and printed in fine type. The prin¬ 
cipal divisions of the Lepidoptera that are appropriately 
discussed here are three: the moths, the skippers, and the 
butterflies:— 
The Moths . — These are the insects commonly called 
millers. Most of the species fly by night and are frequently 
attracted to lights. When at rest the wings are either 
wrapped around the body, or are spread horizontally, or are 
folded roof-like on the abdomen; they are not held in a 
vertical position above the body. The antennae of moths 
are of various forms; they are usually thread-like or feather¬ 
like ; only in rare cases are they enlarged towards the tip. 
The moths include all but the last six families of Lepidop¬ 
tera. 
The Skippers .—The skippers are so called on account of 
their peculiar mode of flight. ' They fly in the daytime and 
dart suddenly from place to place. When at rest they 
