264 



THE INSECT WORLD. 



and even those of their own species, leaving nothing but the skin. 

 Some of them surround themselves with a Hght cocoon before be- 

 coming chrysahdes ; others bury themselves in soft, well-pulverised 

 soil. 



The family of Geom^trmcB^ oi Geometers," comprises moths of a 



Fig. 256. —Erebus strix. 



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 Libelhil(e\ 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 Geoinetrince are known by the name of I 

 loopers or geometers. We have previously described their singular 



■* A few species fly in bright sunshine. — Eu. 



t Dragon-flies. — Ed. 



