264 THE INSECT WORLD. 
vorous insects. Their bodies and abdomens are slender, their 
wings large, thin, fragile, often of a dark colour, with brilliant 
markings. 
The caterpillars of the Geometrine are known by the name of 
loopers or geometers. We have described their singular organisa- 
tion 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 them- 
selves fall. 
“‘ Nevertheless, they do not generally fall to the ground,” says 
Réaumur ; ‘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 


Vig. 257.—Looper Fig. 258.—Seen Fig. 259.—Front Figs. 260 and 261.—Remounting its 
hanging by its at the side. . view. thread. 
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 
