Essays on the Microscope / Containing a Practical Description of the Most Improved Microscopes, a General History of Insects, etc., etc.

by George Adams

THE METHOD OF COLLECTING THEM IN THEIR CHRYSALIS STATE.

Butterflies and moths may often be found in chrysalis under the projection of garden walls, pales, out-houses, in summer-houses, &c. and frequently affixed to the food on which the caterpillar fed. A great variety of moths in the pupa state may with more certainty be found, during the winter months, by digging under the trees on which they feed, particularly under the oak, willow, lime, and elm trees. When they are procured in this manner, they should be placed as soon as convenient in the breeding box before described, and kept covered with moist earth till the ensuing spring; when, as soon as the weather is mild, they may be dug up and placed somewhat nearer the surface of the mould, and in that manner left to come out of themselves. Should the collector not succeed in procuring chrysalides by this method, it will frequently happen that his labour will be amply recompensed by obtaining a variety of beetles.