56 



THE COLOURS OF ANIMALS 



the antennae (see fig. lA), When the moth is about 

 to fly the antennae are brought forward, and the same 

 action raises the tufts and uncovers the eyes. The 

 moth ajDpears in the autumn and lives through the 

 winter, so that the resemblance to dead leaves is 

 peculiarly appropriate. 



The Angle- shades {Phlogophora meticulosa) is also 



beautifully concealed by 

 resembling a withered 

 and crumpled leaf. The 

 colours of the Yellow 

 Underwing {Triphcena 

 pronuha), as seen during 

 flight, strongly suggest 

 the appearance of a yel- 

 low leaf whirled along 

 by the wind and then 

 suddenly dropping. The 



Fia. 14.— The base of left antenna of en /l /Inn awiff riQP nnrl 



ing the tuft of hair which covers the eyes • i i ± 



of the moth in the position of rest ; rapi-cl descent are Very 



X 24-5 diameters. n- ^ , £ 



unhke the flight oi a 

 moth. When at rest, it hides deeply amid thick 

 foliage or among dead leaves on the ground ; it is 

 extremely difficult to detect, and instantly rises when 

 disturbed. 



The Eev. Joseph Greene has pointed out that the 

 various shades of yellow and brown are especially 

 characteristic of autumn moths, while grey and silvery 

 tints predominate in the winter species ; such tints 



