T, BAINBRIGGE FLETCHER 143 
cocoon, which is pure white, measures about 5 to 6 mm. in length and about 
2-5 to 3 mm. in breadth, but the ground-work is much larger and may extend 
over the entire surface of a leaflet. The larva first of all applies a layer of 
silk over the surface of the leaf and this forms the ground-work, and then it 
begins to cover itself by forming the roof of the cocoon. Subsequent proceed- 
ings, and particularly the method of formation of the bubbles, may perhaps 
be best described in Mr. Green’s words :— 
“The remarkable little cocoons ......... are attached to the leaves 
and stems of many different plants, to posts and railings or to any material 
that may happen to be in the neighbourhood. These white cocoons are 
elongate, with a median ridge or crest composed of minute glistening globules, 
the nature of which has hitherto puzzled me. I could never find the cater- 
pillars that were responsible for the structures. One particular post, that 
was constantly ornamented with the cocoons, has been watched day and 
night for some time. I[ naturally expected to find the caterpillars making 
the ascent. The ground at the base of the post was scanned minutely, but 
no wandering caterpillars were to be found. It really seemed that, if they 
did not come up from below, they must come down from above. One morning 
after concluding my search, I instinctively glanced upwards, and there—sure 
enough—were several minute larve, hanging by long silken threads from the 
overspreading branches of an Inga-saman tree (Pithecolobium saman). They 
had let themselves down from a height of 30 or 40 feet, and were swinging 
in the breeze. This part of the mystery was now solved. They hung sus- 
pended until the wind drove them against something solid, and there they 
immediately attached themselves and constructed their cocoons. The con- 
struction of the cocoon is commenced immediately the caterpillar obtains a 
foothold. The position appears to be a matter of no consequence. The work 
is completed within two hours, which accounts for my failure to find uncovered 
larve. After weaving a thin silken covering, the creature rests for a few 
moments, and a convulsive movement. of the posterior segments is noticeable. 
Very soon a globular pellet—apparently composed of dried bubbles—is voided 
whole. The caterpillar then turns round inside the cocoon, rapidly attaches 
the globule to the roof of the cocoon by a stout silken cord, bites a small hole 
close to the point of attachment, and pushes the globule and cord up through 
this aperture. The rent is then quickly repaired. This is followed by another 
short pause, the evacuation of a second pellet, and a repetition of the previous 
performance, the second pellet being placed at the opposite extremity of the 
cocoon, in consequence of the caterpillar having reversed its position in the 
cocoon. The same movements are continued, until the complete crest of 
