COLORS AND MARKINGS OF ANIMALS 



443 



and soil of the surface. It resembles its surroundings 

 in coloration and undoubtedly is thus often saved from 

 pursuing enemies. A bird sees a locust flying. The lo- 

 cust alights and rests quietly on the ground; if distinguished 

 the bird seizes it and it loses its life; if not distinguished 

 the locust is saved, and saved by its color. So color is of 

 use to the locust. 



FIG. 229. The so called deaths'-head sphinx moth; this moth is looked 

 on with superstitious dread by many people. (Natural size.) 



But how about the birds themselves -the crouching, 

 immovable, dust-colored quail which waits until the hawk, 

 not perceiving it, flies away; and the rabbit, colored like 

 the dead grass and ground about it, which lies rigid until 

 you are fairly upon it, although it sees your every movement ? 

 Swift of foot as the rabbit is, it relies more for safety on its 

 protective color than on its fleetness. Among the green 

 leaves of trees live the katydids; they are all green. On the 



