CHAPTEE III. 



PROTECTIVE COLORATION. 



THE resemblances in colour and in shape, often perfect to the 

 most minute detail, which many animals bear to their in- 

 animate surroundings, is a fact familiar to most persons. 



Tree-frequenting animals are often green in colour. Among 

 vertebrates numerous species of parrots, iguanas, tree-frogs, 

 and the green tree-snake are examples. There are several 

 green moths, such as the Oak Tortorix, and the Emeralds. 

 Green butterflies are not common, but there is one species in 

 this country the green Hairstreak (Thecla rubi). This is 

 a particularly good example, since the green colour is only 

 developed on the underside of the wings. Now, this butterfly 

 when at rest folds the wings over the back, so that it is 

 precisely the green underside which is alone visible. On 

 the other hand, the moths, if not entirely green, have the 

 upper wings only of that colour. This is equally advanta- 

 geous, for the upper wings alone are displayed when the insect 

 is sitting upon a leaf. Among beetles and other insects are 

 numerous species which frequent plants, and are green in 

 colour ; and of course innumerable caterpillars are green. 



The very general tawny colour which animals that frequent 

 arid deserts exhibit, is equally striking, and is to be seen in 

 many groups of the animal kingdom. A beautiful case of 

 stuffed animals illustrating this Darticular class of " protective 



