284 



Marvels of Insect Life. 



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. . . . The tint of the under surface varies much, but it is always some ashy- 

 brown or reddish colour, which matches wath those of dead leaves. The habit 



of the species is always to rest on 

 a twig and among dead or dry leaves, 

 and in this position, with the wings 

 closel}^ pressed together, their outline 

 is exactly that of a moderately-sized 

 leaf slightly curved or shrivelled. 

 The tail of the hind-wings 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 antennse are drawn back 

 between the wings so as to be quite 

 concealed, and there is a little notch 

 hollowed out at the very base of the 

 wings, which allows the head to be 

 retracted sufftciently. 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 j)ecu- 

 liarities, 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 

 and swift flight is sufficient to save 

 it from its enemies when on the wing, 

 but if it were equally 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 near approach to this jx-rfect miraicr\- of a dead leaf is attamed by 

 butterflies of a neighbouring genus,' of which one species- occurs throughout the 

 East Indies and North Austraha. Another,^ found in Malaya, has the upper side 



and on the under side it is dull o(~hreous 



Photo by] 



A South American 



\H. Baslin. 



Leaf-Butterfly. 



In addition to the curved tip of the fore-wings which helps the leaf- 

 resemblance of the nnder side, there is on the hind-in?.rgin a gap 

 which looks as though it had been bitten out. The appearance of the 

 under side in this case is rather of two leaves overlapping, for the 

 midrib mark on the fore-wine is not continuous with the leaf-stalk tail 

 on the hind-wing. 



tawny with black tips to the fore-wini 



1 Dolcschallia. 



2 1). 



bisa!tidc. 



D. prati]ia. 



