62 LIFE IN THE INSECT WORLD. 



drawing the edges together ; but it is not satis- 

 fied if the smallest crack remains open; and 

 after this is done, it goes into the middle of the 

 leaf, and taking hold of the threads on the under 

 side, draws them down, so as to bring the edges 

 of the leaf together, when they adhere as if they 

 had been glued. The caterpillar, thus hidden 

 from view, feeds upon the buds and leaves of 

 the plant. 



There are many different kinds of leaf-rolling 

 caterpillars, some of which curl up the leaves like 

 a roll of paper, and fasten them securely with 

 silk. Some caterpillars cut out pieces of leaf, 

 which they fasten skilfully together, so as to 

 form a little tent or house, in which they live. 



But the ingenuity of caterpillars is chiefly dis- 

 played in their preparations for their chrysalis 

 state. They seem to know that they are now 

 about to be placed in a very helpless situation, 

 and resort to very curious contrivances to con- 

 ceal themselves from observation. Some retire 

 to dark, out-of-the-way corners, and fastening 

 themselves to a fence or wall, weave over them 

 a silken web. 



Those which are satisfied with this flimsy 



