INSECTS 



light streak, and the whole series on each side is bordered 

 above and below by distinct pale lines, the upper line 

 often yellowish. Below the lower line there is a dark 

 band, and below this another pale line just above the 

 bases of the legs. The back of the first body segment 

 has a brown transverse shield, and the last three segments 

 are continuously brown, without spots or lines. 



From now on the tents increase rapidly in size by suc- 

 cessive additions of web spun over the tops and sides, 

 each new sheet covering a flat space between itself and the 

 last. The old roofs thus become successively the floors 

 of the new stories. The latter, of course, lap over on the 

 sides, and many continue clear around and beneath the 

 original structure; but since the tent was started in a 

 crotch, the principal growth is upward with a continual 

 expansion at the top. During the building period a 

 symmetrical tent is really a beautiful object (Plate 14 C). 

 Half hidden among the leaves, its silvery whiteness pleas- 

 ingly contrasts with the green of the foliage; its smooth 

 silk walls glisten where the sun falls upon them and reflect 

 warm grays and purples from their shadows. 



The caterpillars have adopted now a community form 

 of living; all feed together, all rest and digest at the same 

 time, all work at the same time, and their days are divided 

 into definite periods for each of their several duties. 

 There is, however, no visible system of government or 

 regulation, but with caterpillars acts are probably func- 

 tions; that is, the urge probably comes from some physio- 

 logical process going on within them, which may be in- 

 fluenced somewhat by the weather. 



The activities of the day begin with breakfast. Early 

 in the morning the family assembles on the tent roof, and 

 about six-thirty, proceeds outward in one or several 

 orderly columns on the branches. The leaves on the 

 terminal twigs furnish the material for the meal. After 

 two hours or more of feeding, appetites are appeased, and 



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