LEP1D0PTERA. 
2ig 
The larvae of the Flannel-moths are remarkable for the 
possession of ten pairs of legs, 
three thoracic and seven abdomi¬ 
nal. All other known lepidopter- 
ous larvae, except perhaps those 
of Micropteryx , have lost some of 
the abdominal legs. The cocoons 
of these insects are also remark- fig. 248.—Cocoon of Megaiopyge. 
able, being furnished with a trap-door (Fig. 248). 
Family PsYCHlDiE (Psy'chi-dae). 
The Bag-worm Moths . 
The Bag-worms are those caterpillars that have the curi* 
ous habit of building each for itself a silken sac covered 
with little twigs within which it lives (Figs. 
249 and 250). When the caterpillar wishes 
to move from one place to another it pushes 
forth the front end of its body and creeps 
along, carrying its house with it. It is said 
that the species that inhabit Ceylon are be¬ 
lieved by the natives to be composed of 
individuals who in a previous incarnation 
were human beings and stole kindling-wood, 
and who now atone for the theft by repeat¬ 
ing the act as an insect. 
When a Bag-worm is fully grown, it 
fastens its sac to a twig and changes to a 
pupa within it. And here the females remain until death, 
leaving their eggs within their 
sacs. These females are grub¬ 
like creatures without wings. 
But the male pupa works his 
way out from the lower end 
r 1 • j 1 j. Fig. 250.—Bag of Fig. 251 .—Psyche 
of his SaC and Changes to a Psyche con/ede - confederata. 
winged moth. Figure 250 rep- rata ' 
resents the sac of a male with the empty pupa-skin projecting 
Fig. 249.—Bag of 
Oiketicus abbot ii.‘ 
