The head and upper part of the little grubs
are of a glossy black, the next two segments are brownish, and
the rest of the body ia a pale amber. They are sharp, lively
little creatures, who run about with short, quick steps.
For a time, after they are out of the bag where
they are hatched, they remain in the heap of fluff that was
stripped from their mother. Here there is more room, and more
comfort too, than in the bag whence they came; and while some
take a rest, others bustle about and exercise themselves in
walking. They are all picking up strength before leaving the
outer case.
They do not stay long amid this luxury. Gradually,
as they gain vigour, they come out and spread over the surface
of the case. Work begins at once, a very urgent work - that
of dressing themselves. By and by they will think of food: at
present nothing is of any importance but clothes.
["Fabre's Book of Insects" retold
from Fabré by Mrs. Rodolph Stawell]