Fig. 129.
Moth just emerged.
Fig. 130.
Moth whose wings are folded up.
It is on the middle of the upper part of the thorax that the envelope begins to split. The split extends over the middle of the forehead and back. The pieces of the thorax open, separate themselves from the other parts to which they were fixed, and the insect can take advantage of the opening which is made, and escape. Little by little also it advances its head. The head is the first out of the old skin, and the insect sets itself entirely free.
This occupies rather a long time; for we must remember that, under the pupal envelope, its legs, its antennæ, its wings, and many other parts, are enclosed in special cases. These peculiar circumstances show that the animal has much trouble and must employ some time in setting free all the parts.
At last our prisoner has come out of its narrow cell, and is delivered from its old covering. What poet can describe to us the sensations of this charming and frail creature which has just risen from the tomb, and for the first time is enjoying the splendid light of day, the radiant sky, and the flowers redolent with delicious perfumes, which are inviting it to kiss and caress them!
The wings strike one most. They are very small at the time of birth.
[Fig. 129] represents, after Réaumur, [44] a moth at the moment in which it has just emerged from the pupa. But at the end of a short period the wings become developed; only they are wrinkled, as [Fig. 130], given by Réaumur, represents.