LEAF-CUTTING CATERPILLAR. 17 



orifice. It is formed of a strip of nut-leaf, wound 

 up in a spiral manner, but so cleverly contrived 



LEAF CUTTING CATERPILLAR. 



that the strip is very narrow at the extremity, and 

 gradually widens as the work proceeds. This 

 happens from the gradual progress of the work,, 

 which is begun in the early stage of the cater- 

 pillar's existence, when it does not require a large 

 dwelling-place, and becomes more and more ex- 

 tended to suit the growth of its inmate. When 



c 



