THE PUPA OR CHRYSALIS. 95 



the summary of it is as follows : — The larva first 

 attaches a series of threads, at regular distances, to 

 the part of the leaf which is to be rolled over. 

 Having completed this part of its work, it begins 

 to pull them one by one, till by degrees, drawn 

 by these gossamer cables, the leaf begins to turn 

 over in the direction required. If the leaf be of too 

 stiff a texture, refusing to yield to all the tension 

 its means can exert, the little larva gnaws through 

 portions of the veins, or eats away part of the sur- 

 face of the leaf, till the causes of resistance are thus 

 weakened, and the green bed-curtain which is to 

 shelter its long slumber is drawn closely round in 

 the direction required. 



Other larvae of the same class, instead of rolling, 

 cut off portions of the leaf, to form the sides and 

 top of the dwelling, the floor being supplied by the 

 part of the same leaf not mutilated. Reaumur 

 carefully watched the progress of another minute 

 larva, the Tinece, in the act of splitting the upper 

 from the lower surfaces of rose-leaves, and making 

 its sleeping-room between; and if, in the course 

 of the process, any portion became too far divided 

 or rent, it was refastened with a web so neatly, 

 that the repair was scarcely visible to the naked 

 eye. Other kinds make leaf habitations by sewing 



