412 NATURE SKETCHES IN TEMPERATE AMERICA 



individuals which bear a light median stripe along the back. 

 This form of coloring is perfectly protective when the insects 

 are in their natural environment. 



In this species the color markings, or patterns, are quite 

 variable; though these variations are not nearly so numerous 

 as those exhibited in the following ornate grouse locust, given 



A row of Granulated Grouse Locusts {Tetrix granulata), show- 

 ing the median striped form. These insects are well 

 protected in their natural surroundings. 



in the third photographic illustration. Notwithstanding the 

 extraordinary variety of color patterns of these Acridians, they 

 hanuonize in every instance with the soil, making it difficult 

 to locate them. This protective resemblance is heightened 



f ftfl^tff 



A TOW of the Ornate Grouse Locusts (Tetrix omata), showing 

 many color forms and hybrids. 



by the little insects living on the soil scattered with debris 

 faded out by the sun. The lights and shadows in whatever 

 way they play are copied exactly. No shade, color, or arrange- 

 ment of markings seems imj)ossible of simulation, and every 

 individual is a study of color harmony. It is in the ornate 



