An elementary manual of New Zealand entomology : $b being an introduction to the study of our native insectsHudson, G. V. (George Vernon)
Science
An elementary manual of New Zealand entomology : $b being an introduction to the study of our native insects
Hudson, G. V. (George Vernon)
Insects -- New Zealand
During the day the larva closes the entrance and spins a loop of very
strong silk over a twig, the ends being joined to the upper edges of the
case on each side; in this way it hangs suspended, the caterpillar lying
snugly within. I have often known a larva to remain thus for over three
weeks without moving, and afterwards resume feeding as before; this
probably occurs while the inmate is engaged in changing its skin. At night
the larvæ may be seen busily engaged: they project the head and first four
segments of the body beyond the case, and walk about with considerable
rapidity, often lowering themselves by means of silken threads; the only
locomotive organs are, of course, their strong thoracic legs, which appear
to easily fulfil their double function of moving both larva and case. If
disturbed, these insects at once retreat into their cases closing the
anterior aperture with a silken cord which is kept in readiness for the
purpose, and pulled from the inside by the retreating larva. This operation
is most rapidly performed, as the upper edges of the case are flexible, and
thus fold closely together, completely obstructing the entrance. When full
fed, this caterpillar fastens its case to a branch with a loop of strong
silk, which is drawn very tight, preventing the case from swinging when the
plant is moved by the wind, and also rendering the insect's habitation more
inconspicuous, by causing it to resemble a broken twig. The anterior
aperture is completely closed, the loose edges being drawn together and
fastened like a bag. The posterior end of the case is {76}twisted up for
some little distance above the extremity, thus completely closing the
opening there situated. It is lined inside with a layer of very soft silk,
spun loosely over the sides, and partly filling up each end. In the centre
of this the pupa lies with its head towards the lower portion of the case,
the old larval skin being thrust backwards amongst the loose silk above the
chrysalis. In this stage of existence the extraordinary sexual disparities,
which are so characteristic of the family, manifest themselves, the male
and female pupæ being very widely different in all respects. The former is
figured at 1c, the female pupa differing from it in the following
particulars. It is much larger and more cylindrical in shape, the abdomen
occupying nearly the whole of the body, and consisting of nine visible
segments, the terminal one being obtusely conical. The head and thorax are
very rudimentary, more resembling those of the larva than the male, all the
appendages being, however, reduced to hardly visible warts. In colour it is
pitchy black and shining, and its length is about ten lines. This insect
remains in the pupa state during the winter months, viz., from May till
September. When about to emerge, the male chrysalis works its way down to
the lower end of the case, forces open the old aperture there, and projects
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