. Discovery. Science. 146 DISCOVERY Insects Amongst insects, the adult forms occasionally hibernate, for instance the common house-fly. The great majority of house-flies die down in the autumn, but a few manage to live over the winter in retired crannies, especially in chinks in the timbers of warm stables, or hidden away in restaurants or kitchens. In the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere the butterfly known as the Painted Lady is the most ubiquitous of its kind. It passes the winter in the adult state. Dr. Sharp tells us : " In the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere
. Discovery. Science. 146 DISCOVERY Insects Amongst insects, the adult forms occasionally hibernate, for instance the common house-fly. The great majority of house-flies die down in the autumn, but a few manage to live over the winter in retired crannies, especially in chinks in the timbers of warm stables, or hidden away in restaurants or kitchens. In the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere the butterfly known as the Painted Lady is the most ubiquitous of its kind. It passes the winter in the adult state. Dr. Sharp tells us : " In the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere Vanessa may be. Fig. 4.—a, b, c, d, e, A WHEEI;IM.\I„ OR ROTIFER, IN V.\RI0US .STATES OF ACTIVITY : /, IX A STATE OF SUSPENDED ANIMATION. Highly magnified. lA/:cr Baker.) considered the dominant butterflies, they being very numerous in individuals, though not in species, and being, many of them, in no wise discomfited by the neighbourhood of our own species. Several of them are capable of prolonging and interrupting their lives in the winged condition to suit our climate ; and this in a manner that can scarcely be called hibernation, for they frequently take up the position of repose when the weather is still warm, and on the other hand recommence their activity in the spring at a very early period. This phenomenon may frequently be noticed in the tortoise-shell butterfly ; it is as if the creature knew that, however warm it may be in the autumn, there will be no more growth of food for its young, and that in the spring vegetation is sure to be forthcoming. ... It should, however, be recollected that many larvae of butterflies hibernate as young larvje after hatching, and, sometimes, without taking any food.'y As is well known, the activities of the inhabitants of the beehive, although lowered and to some extent in suspense, are still carried on. It is quite different with wasps and bumble-bees. The colony dies down and disappears ; only the queen survives, and this she do
Size: 1471px × 1699px
Photo credit: © Paul Fearn / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcontribu, booksponsoruniversityoftoronto, booksubjectscience
