INSECTS
species of insects, and with some they involve a considerable degree of actual growth and change in the form of certain parts. The true transformation process, then, is really a period of rapid reconstructive growth preceding and following the molt, in which the shedding of the skin is a mere incident like the raising of the curtain for a new act in a play. During the intermission the actors have changed their costumes, the old scenery has been removed, and the new has been set in place. Thus it is
Fig. 136. External structure of a caterpillar
Ab, abdomen; AbL, abdominal legs; H, head; L1, L2, L3, the thoracic legs; Md, jaws; Sp, breathing apertures; Th, thoracic segments
with the insect at the time of its transformation—the special accouterments of the young have been removed, and those of the adult have been put on.
The life of the insect, however, would not make a good theatrical production; it is too much of the nature of two plays given by the same set of actors. The young insect is dressed for a performance of its own in a stage setting appropriate to its act; the adult gives another play and is costumed accordingly. The actor is the same in each case only in the continuity of his individuality. His rehabilitation between the two acts will differ in degree according to the disparity between the parts he plays, that is, according to how far each impersonation is removed from his natural self.
It is evident, therefore, that the transformation changes of an insect will differ in degree, or quantity, according to
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