THE ANIMAL FOOD OF BlHDi 



51 



The highest group of the Lepidoptera iuckules the faniihar 

 butterflies. In their earUer stages they are caterpillars, many 

 of which i'oriii a portion of the diet of birds. 



Many of the larger butterfly larvae seem to be protected 

 from the attacks of birds by a disagreeable taste or smell. 

 The caterpillars of the beautiful pa})ilios have a peculiar })aii- 

 of yellow or orange-colored V-shaped organs concfahMl jusi 

 back of the licad. When the larva is irritate(t these arc thrusi 

 out; they emit a very disagreeable odor and are siii)i)ose(l 



A TKANE-FI-Y 



to be usefnl as a means of protection Irom birds and oilier 

 animals. 



The order of two-winged ilies — Diptera — contains com- 

 ])aratively few families of injurious insects. The species most 



