A SINGULAl! 1!E8KMBLANCE. 601 



resembled a dead leaf attached to a twig, as almost certain to 

 deceive the eye, even when gazing full ujion it. I captured 

 several specimens on the wing, and was able fully to understand 

 the way in which this wonderful resemblance is produced. 



" The ends of the upper wings terminate in a fine point, just 

 as the leaves of many tropical shrubs and trees are pointed, 

 while the lower wings are somewhat more obtuse, and are 

 lengthened out into a short thick tail. Between these two 

 points there runs a dark curved line, exactly representing the 

 midrib of a leaf, and from this radiate on each side a few oblique 

 marks, which well imitate the lateral veins. These marks are 

 more clearly seen on the outer portion of the base of the 

 wings and on the inner side towards the middle and apex, and 

 they are produced by stride and markings which are very com- 

 mon in allied species, but which are here modified and strength- 

 ened so as to ianitate more exactly the venation of a leaf. 



" The tint of the under surface varies much, but it is always 

 some brown or ashy colour, which matches with those of dead 

 leaves. The habit of the species is always to rest on a dead 

 twig and among dead or dried leaves, and in this position, with 

 the wings closely pressed together, their outline is exactly that 

 of a moderately sized leaf, slightly curved or shrivelled. The 

 tail of the hind wing forms a perfect stalk, and touches the 

 stick while the insect is supported by the middle pair of legs, 

 which are not noticed among the twigs and fibres that surround it. 

 The head and antennae are drawn back between the wings, so as 

 to l)e quite concealed, and there is a little notch hollowed out at 

 the very base of the wings, which allows the head to be retracted 

 sufficiently. All these varied details combine to produce a 

 disguise that is so complete and marvellous as to astonish every- 

 one who observes it ; and the habits of the insects are such as to 

 utilize all these peculiarities, and render them available in such 

 a manner as to remove all doubt of the purpose of this singular 

 case of mimicry, which is undoubtedly a protection to the 

 insect. Its strong swift flight is sufficient to save it from its 

 enemies when on the wing, but if it were equall}^ conspicuous 

 when at rest, it could not long escape extinction, owing to the 

 attacks of the insectivorous birds and reptiles that abound in 

 the tropical forests. A very closely allied species, Kallima 

 liiKchis, inhabits Lrdia, where it is very common, and specimens 



