264 



THE INSECT WOELD. 



nivorous insects. Their bodies and abdomens are slender, their 

 wings large, thin, fragile, often of a dark colour, with brilliant 

 markings. 



The caterpillars of the Geometrince are known by the name 

 of loopers or geometers. We have described their singular 

 organisation above. They are continually spinning a silken thread, 

 which keeps them attached to the plant on which they live. 

 If you touch the leaf which supports them, they immediately let 

 themselves fall. 



" Nevertheless, they do not generally fall to the ground," says 

 Reaumur ; " there is a cord ready to support them in the air 

 (Fig. 257), and a cord which they can lengthen as they will ; 

 this cord is only a very thin thread, but has nevertheless strength 

 enough to support the caterpillar (Figs. 258, 259). All that 



Fig. 257. Looper Fig. 258. Seen 

 lumping by its -at the side, 



thread. 



Fig. 259. Front 



Figs. 260 and 261. Remounting its 

 thread. 



there seems to fear is, that the thread may lengthen too quickly 

 and the caterpillar fall, rather than descend gently to the 

 ground. But what we must first remark and admire is, that 

 the caterpillar is mistress of its movements, and is not obliged 



