The Processionary: the Community 



ways takes places and restores the balance of 

 things; if the called are legion, the chosen are 

 a well thinned-out troop, as is proved by the 

 Cicada, the Praying Mantis 1 and the Cricket. 



The Pine Processionary, another crucible 

 of organic matter of which various devourers 

 take advantage, is also reduced in numbers 

 immediately after the hatching. The delicate 

 mouthful has shrunk to a few dozens of sur- 

 vivors around the light globular network in 

 which the family passes the sunny autumn 

 days. Soon they will have to be thinking of 

 the stoutly-built winter tent. At such a time, 

 it would be a boon if they could be many, for 

 from union springs strength. 



I suspect an easy method of fusion among 

 a few families. To serve them as a guide 

 in their peregrinations about the tree, the 

 caterpillars have their silk ribbon, which they 

 follow on their return, after describing a bend. 

 They may also miss it and strike another, one 

 differing in no respect from their own. This 

 new ribbon marks the way to some nest 

 situated in the neighbourhood. The strayed 



*A predatory insect, akin to the Locusts and Crickets, 

 which, when at rest, adopts an attitude resembling that 

 of prayer. Cf. Social Life in the Insect World: chaps, 

 v to vii. Translator's Note. 



43 



