April 20, 1888.] 



SCIENTIFIC NE\A^S. 



Z7^ 



natural Itiistotj)* 



PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS. 

 The caterpillars of certain species of moths have a 



cuously, but in the form of a regular procession, until 

 they reach the part of the tree which they intend to 

 ravage. Some species, when they have consumed the 

 foliage of one tree, descend the trunk and march on, a 

 compact column, along the ground until they find 



PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS. 



very curious habit. They form, in common, a 1 another tree which suits their tastes. A " ranger _ of 

 large nest of silk, in which they spend the day. At the Crown lands " in the service of the South Australian 

 approach of night they sally forth to feed, not promis- I Government, informs us that he saw one day, crawling 



