THE ENTOMOLOGIST. 
Vou. XIX.] MAY, 1886. [No. 276. 
AN AFRICAN LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVA. 
Tue drawing issued with this number of the ‘ Entomologist’ 
is from a larva which was found in a bottle of zoological ‘‘ mixed 
pickles,” sent in spirits of wine, from South Africa. The species 
is unknown. Although to the European entomologist this may 
seem a veritable giant among caterpillars, itis by no means an 
uncommon size for Africa. There are several subtropical 
Bombyces which nearly or quite reach it in bulk, while the larva 
of Sphinx desmoulinii at times even exceeds this size. This latter 
larva is one of the most interesting found in Africa, for unlike the 
Sphinges generally it is furnished with long black spines on each 
segment, which are much more formidable looking than the usual 
anal spine of the group. At first sight one does not see the 
advantages of these spines in a glaucous larva, but we know that 
in their younger stages the larve of S. desmoulinii are in appear- 
ance almost identical with the nauseous and acrid larve of certain 
Acreide, which are never eaten by the usual insect enemies. 
These are also spined in hke manner; and it is undoubtedly one 
of those cases of self-protection by natural mimicry which are so 
exceedingly interesting. 
We are indebted to the editor of the ‘Field’ for the use of 
this woodcut. 
Joun T. CARRINGTON. 
ENTOM.— MAY, 1886. oO 
