270 



THE INSECT WOULD. 



green, with black warty spots, each having a hair of the same 

 colour. They are wonderfully lively, the moment they are dis- 

 turbed taking refuge in a rolled leaf, which serves them as a 

 dwelling place. If they are pursued, they let themselves fall by 



Fig. 275. Antitliesia salicana. 



Fig. 276. - Poedisca occultana. 



Fig. 277. Argyrolepia 



the aid of a thread, and do not re-ascend till they think they 

 can count on repose and security. This, and many kindred species, 

 do a great deal of damage to our trees. They strip them of 

 their leaves, and sometimes give them, during the first days of 



Fig. 278. Sericoris Zinkenana. Fig, 279. Sarrothripa revaj'ana. 



summer, the sad and melancholy appearance which they present 

 in the middle of winter. 



"We have just alluded to the tube formed of a rolled leaf, in 

 which the caterpillar takes refuge, and in which it lives. This 



Fig. 280. Cochylis francilana. 



Fig. 281. Choreutes dolosana. 



tube it constructs itself. Reaumur has devoted a magnificent 

 chapter of his Memoirs to observations on the skill with which 

 divers species of caterpillars fold, roll, and bind the leaves of 

 plants and trees, especially those of the oak. Let us listen to 

 the great observer : " If one looks attentively at the leaves of the 

 oak-tree towards the middle of the spring, many of them will be 

 seen to be rolled in different ways. The exterior surface of the 



