The Butterfly Book: A Popular Guide to a Knowledge of the Butterflies of North America — John Shaqi
The Butterfly Book: A Popular Guide to a Knowledge of the Butterflies of North AmericaHolland, W. J. (William Jacob)
Science
The Butterfly Book: A Popular Guide to a Knowledge of the Butterflies of North America
Holland, W. J. (William Jacob)
Butterflies -- North America
_Beating._--There are many species which are apparently not attracted by
baits such as we have spoken of in the preceding paragraph. The
collector, passing through the grove, searches diligently with his eye
and captures what he can see, but does not fail also with the end of his
net-handle to tap the trunks of trees and to shake the bushes, and as
the insects fly out, to note the point where they settle, and then make
them his prey. It is well in this work, as in all collecting, to proceed
somewhat leisurely, and to keep perfectly cool. The caricature sometimes
found in newspapers of the ardent lepidopterist running like a
"quarter-back" across a ten-acre lot in quest of some flying insect does
not represent the truly skilful collector, whose movements are more or
less stealthy and cautious.
THE BREEDING OF SPECIMENS
By breeding it is possible to obtain specimens in the most perfect
condition. Bred specimens which have not had an opportunity to fly are
always preferred on account of their freshness of color and perfection
of form. A great many species which apparently are exceedingly rare may
often be obtained in considerable numbers by the process of breeding,
the caterpillar being more readily found than the perfect insect.
Although the process of breeding involves a good deal of labor and care,
it affords a most delightful field for observation, and the returns are
frequently of the very greatest value.
_How to Get the Eggs of Butterflies._--The process of breeding may begin
with the egg. The skilful eye of the student will detect the eggs of
butterflies upon the leaves upon which they have been deposited. The
twig may be cut and placed in a vase, in water, and kept fresh until the
minute caterpillar emerges, and then from time to time it may be
transferred to fresh leaves of the same species of plant, and it will
continue to make its moults until at last it is transformed into a
chrysalis, and in due season the butterfly emerges. Eggs may frequently
be obtained in considerable numbers by confining the female under gauze,
with the appropriate food-plant. A knowledge of the food-plant may often
be obtained by watching the female and observing upon what plants she
deposits her eggs. The exceedingly beautiful researches of Mr. W.H.
Edwards were largely promoted by his skill in inducing females to
oviposit upon their food-plants. He did this generally by confining the
female with the food-plant in a barrel or nail-keg, the bottom of which
had been knocked out, and over the top of which he tied mosquito-netting.
The plant was placed under the keg. The insects thus confined may be
fed with a mixture of honey and water placed upon the leaves.
In collecting caterpillars it is well to have on hand a number of small
boxes in which to place them, and also a botany-box in which to bring
from the field a supply of their appropriate food.
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