. Insect architecture. Insects. EMPEROR-MOTH. 321 consequently attracted the attention of every Ento- mologist. The caterpillar * feeds on fruit-trees and on the willow, and spins a cocoon, in form of a Flo- rence flask, of strong silk, so thickly woven, that it appears almost like damask or leather. It differs from most other cocoons in not being closed at the upper or smaller end, which terminates in a narrow circular aperture, formed by the convergence of little bundles of silk, gummed together, and almost as elastic as whalebone. In consequence of all these terminating in needle-shaped poi
. Insect architecture. Insects. EMPEROR-MOTH. 321 consequently attracted the attention of every Ento- mologist. The caterpillar * feeds on fruit-trees and on the willow, and spins a cocoon, in form of a Flo- rence flask, of strong silk, so thickly woven, that it appears almost like damask or leather. It differs from most other cocoons in not being closed at the upper or smaller end, which terminates in a narrow circular aperture, formed by the convergence of little bundles of silk, gummed together, and almost as elastic as whalebone. In consequence of all these terminating in needle-shaped points, the entrance of depredators is guarded against, upon the principle which prevents the escape of a mouse from a wire trap. The insect, however, not contented with this protection, constructs another in form of a canopy or dome, within the external aperture, so as effec- tually to shield the chrysalis from danger. We have formerly remarked (page 192) that the caterpillar of the /Egeria asiliformis of Stephens, in a similar way did not appear to be contented with a covering of thin wood, without an additional bonnet of brown. Cocooni of the Emperor-moth, cut open to shew their simciure. * Figured in Insect Transformations, p. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Rennie, James, 1787-1867. London, M. A. Nattali
Size: 1690px × 1478px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1840, booksubjectinsects, bookyear1846
