COMBINATION OF MANY METHODS OF DEFENCE 279 



The same larva assumes a terrifying attitude (mimetic 

 of a spider) when disturbed 



As soon as the larva is disturbed it holds the 

 anterior part erect, and assumes a terrifying position 

 which mimics that of a large spider. All the points 

 in a spider's attitude and appearance which impress 

 the imagination are seized upon by the larva and 

 exaggerated for the sake of effect, while quite novel 

 touches are added with the same object. The first 

 pair of legs, which are not unusually long, are held 

 so as to suggest the jaws of a spider, but they are 

 larger and more widely gaping than any actual jaws. 

 The four elongated legs are held widely apart and 

 are made to quiver in the most terrific manner, as if 

 the animal was preparing to seize its prey. The hind 

 part of the body is turned so far over the head that 

 the two appendages project over it, and they are at 

 the same time made to diverge. In this position they 

 strongly suggest the appearance of a pair of antennae, 

 and add an ideal finish to the aj)parent monster, 

 which is, indeed, exactly like nothing upon earth, but 

 which is, nevertheless, most effective in its appeal to 

 the imagination. When the hind part is thus turned 

 forward, its ventral surface of course becomes the 

 dorsal surface of the abdomen of the supposed spider, 

 and it is appropriately coloured and has an appearance 

 of plumpness which greatly adds to the resemblance. 

 When the larva is much irritated, it gently moves 



