

264 THE INSECT WORLD. : 
nivorous 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 
organisation 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 

themselves 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; 
eh, this cord is only a very thin thread, but has nevertheless strength 
Bh enough to support the caterpillar (Figs, 258, 259). All that 






Fig. 257.—Looper Fico. 258.—Seen Fig. 259.—Front Figs. 26 i 
ray { J Be 200. &. 2079.— igs. 260 and 261.— i 
heaping by its at the side. view. nee mre, ee 
thread. ee 
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 

