142 Sumatra. 



The end of the upper wings terminates 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 

 mai'ks are more clearly seen on the outer portion of the base 

 of the wings, and on the inner side toward the middle and 

 apex, and they are produced by striae and markings which are 

 very common in allied species, but which are here modified 

 and strengthened so as to imitate more exactly the venation 

 of a leaf. The tint of the under surface varies much, but it is 

 always some ashy brown or reddish color, which matches 

 with 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 closely pressed together, their outline 

 is exactly that of a moderately-sized leaf slightly curved or 

 shrivelled. The tail of the hind wings forms a jserfect stalk, 

 and touches the stick while the insect is supported by the mid- 

 dle 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 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 sufiiciently. All these 

 varied details combine to produce a disguise that is so com- 

 plete 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 mim- 

 icry, 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 closely allied species (Kallima inachis) 

 inhabits India, where it is very common, and specimens are 

 sent in every collection from the Himalayas. On examining 

 a number of these, it will be seen that no two are alike, but all 

 the variations correspond to those of dead leaves. Every tint 



