330 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS. [Dec., '05 



seem to know this for never is one seen on the bark with wings 

 spread like a butterfly for any length of time. 



With the Hymenoptera the conditions seem very different, 

 for here they are protected by a sting or such contrivance ; 

 therefore, we have them moving about fearlessly and not seek- 



ing cover. 



The Diptera are as a rule very quick on the wing : they that 

 are not, no doubt have some protection, while a few mimic 

 bees or wasps thus escaping injury or being able to accomplish 

 more easily some mischief. 



The Coleoptera are so well protected by the hard elytra 

 and chitin that other characteristics seem unnecessary, except- 

 ing their wonderful running powers. Their flight is slow and 

 even, and when in danger many rely on falling to the ground, 

 when as a rule they quickly disappear. 



Orthopterons have protection, like the katydid, in the grass 

 and bushes ; it being difficult to see them even at a short dis- 

 tance, unless in motion. Their wings are very remarkable for 

 a close resemblance to the leaves. The walking-stick when 

 motionless is another excellent example, and a better likeness 

 could not be found. Many of the locusts also are wonderfully 

 protected in their native haunts in the fields or even on the 

 roads ; this is the case with Dissosteira. This protection is all 

 right until you approach too closely, for then the insect seems to 

 know that it is valueless and immediately flies away. In this 

 order, the Diptera, and very often but not always in the Hymen- 

 optera, great alertness and rapidity play an important part. 



The Odonata are exceedingly conspicuous in their natural 

 haunts; even when resting they still remain so. With these 

 insects, phenomenal swiftness in flying no doubt protects them 

 as much as those favored with mimicry. Great alertness also 

 goes hand in hand with their other trait. 



Thus, with the insects, some are gifted with mimicry or pro- 

 tective coloration, while others are not so favored. From my 

 observations it appears that only the weak and slow forms have 

 these traits, while they that have some formidable weapon or 

 characteristic move about with apparent impunity at all times. 

 Of course there is great danger to all, but whichever defense 

 they possess answers the purpose admirably, as all natural 

 phenomena do. 



