264 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



and even those of their own species, leaving nothing but the skin. 

 Some of them surround themselves with a light cocoon before be- 

 coming chrysalides ; others bury themselves in soft, well-pulverised 



soil. 



The family of GeomctrincE, or Geometers, comprises moths of a 



%,hm 



i'ig. 256. — Erebus stri> 



middling size, and usually flying after sunset and during the night* 

 They frequent the alleys of damp woods, where they become the 

 prey of the Libellulce\ and other carnivorous insects. Their bodies 

 and abdomens are slender, their wings large, thin, fragile, often of a 

 dark colour, with brilliant markings. 



The caterpillars of the Geometrince are known by the name of 

 loopers or geometers. We have previously described their singular 



* A few species fly in bright sunshine. — Ed. 



t Dragon-flies, — Ed. 



\ 



