12 
HALF HOURS WITH EtfSECTS. [Packaed. 
pieces, of which there is a definite number to each of the 
thirteen segments or rings that compose the body of every 
insect, exclusive of the head* which is supposed to consist 
theoretically of four segments, we have to consider the 
numerous joints of the antennae, of the mouth parts which 
consist of three pairs of appendages, and of the legs. We 
see therefore that descriptive entomology has to take account 
of several hundred distinct pieces, which by changes in their 
relative size and position produce the immense range of vari¬ 
ation in the half a million species which are found living or 
dead upon the earth. Thus the idea of articulation upon 
which Cuvier founded this branch of the animal kingdom, 
which begins so simply in the worm and grows more complex 
in the crab and its allies, in the insect is carried out with a 
richness and profusion of detail that is almost bewildering. 
It is like comparing a boat dug out of a log to the Great 
Eastern, or an Indian’s wigwam to the cathedral of Milan. 
Our frontispiece conveys an idea of the metamorphosis of 
a butterfly, a moth and a beetle. The butterfly is the pretty 
Melitcea Phaeton , which flies in June and July. Its cater¬ 
pillar feeds on the golden rod, and when it transforms into 
the pretty white chrysalis, fastens itself by the tail to the 
stem of the plant and hangs head downwards, awaiting its 
final change into the butterfly. 
The moth whose transformations are represented on the 
left of the plate, is the Ctenucha Virginica. It is a dark 
blue insect which flies in the hottest sunshine, contrary to 
the habits of the majority of moths. Its caterpillar, which 
feeds on grass, is like the Hairy Bear of our gardens, and 
constructs under stones a pretty cocoon of hairs which it 
plucks from its own body. 
The water beetle is the common Gyrinus or whirligig beetle, 
so commonly seen gyrating in small parties over the surface 
of our ponds. Its singular larva is long and slender, with long 
fringed breathing appendages along the sides of the body. 
12 
