'LIFE HISTORY OF THE CATERPILLAR 



127 



their life-history — the larva or caterpillar stage. As soon as 

 hatched they crawl to the nearest leaf, upon which they range 

 themselves side by side, with their heads toward the margin of 

 the leaf. They feed in this position, nibbling at the green 

 surface of the leaf-blade, and leaving the network of veins 

 untouched. . ■■ 



Fig. 43. Denuded t^igs sliowlDg cast skins of the caterpillars. 



These caterpillars continue to feed in this manner for about 

 a week, remaining side by side when feeding, and marching 

 in processions from one leaf to another, as the food supply is 

 exhausted. Wherever they go each spins a silken thread on 

 the surface traversed, so that the combination of all the 

 threads makes a sort of carpet that serves as a foothold for 



