Insect Architecture. 



easy substance to roll. In some trees it is very brittle. It 

 has also a natural elasticity, a disposition to spring back if 

 it be bent, which is caused by the continuity of its threads, 

 or nervures. This elasticity is speedily overcome by the 

 ingenuity with which the caterpillar works ; and the leaf is 

 thus retained in its artificial position for many weeks, under 

 every variety of temperature. We will examine, in detail, 

 how these little leaf-rollers accomplish their task. 



One of the most common as well as the most simple fabrics 

 constructed by caterpillars, may be discovered during sum- 

 mer on almost every kind of bush and tree. We shall take 

 as examples those which are found on the lilac and on the 

 oak. 



A small but very pretty chocolate-coloured moth, abundant 



Lilac-tree Moth. (Lozotania riteana, STEPHENS ?) 



in every garden, but not readily seen, from its frequently 

 alighting on the ground, which is so nearly of its own colour, 



Nest of a Lilac-leaf Roller. 



deposits its eggs on the leaves of the currant, the lilac, and 

 of some other trees, appropriating a leaf to each egg. As 



