302 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [June, 



We are told that when at rest the larva of Stauropus fagi resembles 

 a withered beech leaf. Next, it is stated that the second and third 

 pairs of thoracic legs are so held that they resemble, "in the most 

 beautiful manner, a bunch of brown scales (the stipules of the foliage 

 leaves) which enclose the buds of the beech, and hang down after 

 the latter are unfolded." As if withered beech leaves, thus adorned, 

 were common during the life of this larva and as if beech were the 

 only food plant of the larvae. As a matter of fact, Stauropus feeds 

 on the foliage of several other woody plants. When aroused the 

 larva is said by Poulton to assume a terrifying attitude, the main 

 suggestion of which is a spider-like creature. 



It is rather amusing to contemplate the variety of resemblances 

 claimed for Stauropus larvae. For instance, Poulton himself, ten 

 years later, insists upon an entirely different resemblance from those 

 above mentioned. He then says: 



"The young larvae of Stauropus fagi have often been described as 

 resembling ants. The likeness has recently been analyzed in much 

 detail by Portschinski {Coloration marquante et Taches ocellees, 

 V, St. Petersburg, 1897, p. 44). This acute observer considers that 

 the head of the larva represents the globular abdomen of the ant, 

 while the head and antennae of the latter are suggested by the larval 

 caudal shield with its two appendages. He believes the disturbed 

 larva represents an ant which has seized and is endeavoring to carry 



off some object on the branch which it is exploring During 



the present summer (of 1898) I have had the opportunity of studying 

 these larvae. The young larvae were thought to be ants by all the 

 friends to whom they were shown. One lady considered that they 

 were 'double ants' — an interpretation evidently due to their dis- 

 proportionate length and to the head-like appearance of the caudal 

 shield." 45 



Birchall 46 states that the young larva closely resembles a twig of 

 beech with unopened buds, and that when feeding its likeness to a 

 great earwig or to a Staphylinus is very striking. He also remarks 

 upon the general suggestion of a crustacean in the larva's aspect, 

 but he further desires "to speak doubtfully of the sharp eyes of a 

 bird or Ichneumon being de'ceived when engaged in its own special 

 business, by any such colorable imitation" (p. 233). 



Mrs. Bazett 47 notes the great resemblance that the newly hatched 



45 Journ. Linn. Soc. Lond., Zoology, Vol. XXVI, 1898, pp. 589, 590. 



46 Ent. Monthly Mag., XIII, 1877, p. 231. 



47 Enl. Rec. II, 1891, p. 210. 



