262 



THE INSECT WOKLD. 



agriculture. There are some of them which eat any caterpillars 

 they may chance to meet, and even those of their own species, 



Fig. 253. Catocala Americana. 



leaving nothing but the skin. Some of them surround them- 

 selves with a light cocoon before becoming chrysalides, others 

 bury themselves in soft well-pulverised soil. 



Fig. 254. Catocala paranympha. 



The family of Geomelrince, 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 t and other car- 



* A few species fly in bright sunshine. ED. f Dragon-flies. ED. 



