214 



ELEMENTARY STUDIES IN INSECT LIFE 



the same kind, contending for necessities of life, as 

 grasshopper and grasshopper ; a " struggle between 

 fellows." (6) Between insects of different kinds, the 

 one endeavoring to devour the other, as grasshopper 

 with parasitic fly or predaceons beetle ; a " struggle 

 between foes." (c) Between insects and conditions of 

 life, as the grasshopper and the unfavorable winter 

 climate or the chance of securing proper nourishment 

 in the early spring ; a " struggle with fate." 





J\ 



FIG. 179. Long-winged grasshopper of the plains (Disaostei.ro, longipennis). 

 In 1873 the female of this species was unknown to scientists. The knowledge of 

 the existence of such an insect was based upon the finding of a male. From a pho- 

 tograph. 



To those who live there must be accredited some 

 characteristics not possessed by those who perish. If 

 such a characteristic protects or favors the life of the 

 individual, this characteristic will tend to remove the 

 individual from the intensity of the struggle. Traits 

 of advantage which have been evidenced during this 

 struggle are the "protective devices" discussed in 

 Chapter IV, and chief among the others are: warning 

 colors, parasitism, social organization, feigning death. 



Warning Colors.- - The object of protective coloration 

 is to conceal or disguise. The purpose of warning colors 



