During the whole of the lengthy and meticulous process the four talons have never yielded.

The whole operation has been conducted with the utmost delicacy and prudence.
The insect hangs motionless, held by the tip of the abdomen.

The abdomen is disproportionately distended; swollen, apparently, by the reserve of organisable humours which the expansion of the wings and wing-covers will presently employ.

Meanwhile the creature rests and recovers from its exertions.

Twenty minutes of waiting elapse.
Then, exerting the muscles of the back, the suspended insect raises itself and fixes the talons of the anterior limbs in the empty skin above it.