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 Geometrince, or Geometers, comprises moths of a 



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 Geometrina 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. 



