Fig. 349. Cecropia moth just emerged from the cocoon, on which it hangs. The moth comes from the pupa.
Butterflies have uncovered pupæ. They fly by day. The wings are folded over the back when at rest. The antennæ or feelers have knobs on the ends. ([Fig. 350] B.) The body is slender.
Moths have pupae either inside cocoons or protected by being underground or in some sheltered place. Many moths fly at night. The antennæ are never knobbed. ([Fig. 350] M M.) leave the wings spread when they are at rest. The body is stout.
Occasionally you may come across insects that very closely resemble butterflies, yet have some characters that are similar to those of moths. They are the skippers, so named because of their strong and rapid flight. The antennæ have knobs, but these knobs are drawn out and turned back in the form of a hook. ([Fig. 350] S.) The body is rather stout. The pupa is covered by a thin cocoon. In some species the wings are held vertically, in others horizontally.
Suggestions for Study.
Cocoons and butterfly chrysalids are very hard to find because they so closely resemble the withered leaves that cling to shrubs and trees.
Fig. 350. Antennæ or feelers.
You will probably find cocoons of the ce-cro-pi-a and pro-mé-the-a moths. The former, illustrated by [Figs. 347] to [349], is commonly found on fruit trees; the latter swings loosely from a branch of ash, wild cherry, or lilac. The promethea cocoon is enfolded in a leaf which the caterpillar fastened to a twig by means of silk before it spun the cocoon. If you are rewarded for your search by finding some of these winter homes, leave a few of them in a cool place and occasionally dip them in water that they may not become too dry. Look at them carefully from time to time and note any changes that take place. Following are a few suggestions that will help you in the study of cocoons: