In this vignette are represented a few only of the innumerable insect inhabit- 

 ants of an Oak. On the leaf at bottom is a group of the black and yellow 

 caterpillars of the Buff-tip Moth (Pygcera Bucephala), as they are accustomed 

 to repose in company after or before a change of skin. Over these, a minia- 

 ture file of the same, newly-hatched, are marching in order over a leaf, from 

 which, as they proceed, they strip the upper surface. Higher, towards the 

 left, is a nest of silk, with indrawn leaves, woven for winter occupancy by the 

 social caterpillars of a Gold-tail Moth (Porthesia auriflua). Dependent by a 

 silken line from the branch above, hangs one of the moth caterpillars termed 

 " Loopers " (Geometridce), of which there are two others, one fixed motionless 

 at right angles with a branch, the other walking, or looping, on the edge of a 

 leaf. These occupy the right-hand oak; and on the same, attached to 

 branches, are two of the curious structures of the moth caterpillar called the 

 Oak-bark builder (Pyralis strigulatus). Several Tent-makers (Tineidai) are 

 traversing the intermediate leaf, and a carnivorous Beetle (Scarabus clathratus) 

 is ascending the branches in search of prey. 



