134 TRANSFORMATIONS OF INSECTS. 
thread to the twig or leaf, and let themselves drop rapidly by 
their silken cable. They are called geometric caterpillars, and 
those of Exnomos illustraria are very good examples of the 
group; they may be noticed in different positions in the accom- 
panying engraving, which also represents the moth. 
The caterpillars of the Zerenide attack the buds of peaches 
and apricots early in June, or during the last weeks of May, and 
are especially fond of the leaves of the red and dark gooseberry 
THE CATERPILLARS OF £yx20n05 tllustraria. 
bushes; they are geometrical larve, and are very distinctly and 
readily seen, for, singularly to say, their colours do not resemble 
those of the plants, but have some sort of analogy with those 
of their moths. They have a dull white or greenish colour, 
with orange and black patches; they have also black hairs, 
which are rather prominent and abundant, so that the insects 
show very distinctly in contrast with the tender green of the 
leaves and buds they destroy so readily. When in danger 
they drop down, holding on by a silken thread, and they make 
