
LY: 
LEPIDOPTERA. 
Tis order of insects is known popularly by the names of Butter- 
fly and Moth. linnzeus gave them the name of Lepidoptera, 
meaning insects with scaly wings (Aezis, a scale, and r7epov, a wing). 
They are to be found in great numbers in all parts of the world. All 
the insects contained in the order are, in their perfect state, remark- 
able for the elegance of their shape, the rapidity and airiness of their 
flicht, and the multiplicity and beauty of their colours. Before 
| they arrive at this perfect state, the Lepidoptera have to undergo 
three complete transformations. They leave the egg in the larva or 
caterpillar state; they pass next to the state of pupa or chrysalis ; 
they then assume, after a variable time, their final or perfect form. 
We will study them in their three different states in succession. 

Tur LARVA, OR CATERPILLAR. 
When the winter has stripped the leaves off the trees, the 
Lepidoptera are seen no more. But as soon as the leaves begin 
‘to show themselves on the trees and shrubs, this tribe of the 
insect race again make their appearance. Caterpillars of all 
kinds are gnawing at the leaves, even before they are fully 
developed. Many of them have just emerged from the eggs 
which the insects had laid at an earlier period; others have 
passed the winter in this state. 
When they come out of the egg, the young caterpillars are 
in shape more or less elongated and cylindrical. Their body is 
composed of twelve segments or rings. In front is the head ; 
then come three segments, on which are the front legs, and which 

