South African insects. 185 



although of a fierce disposition this statement requires 

 confirmation. 



A silvery coloration of the iniderside effectually protects 

 at least three native butterflies when at rest, viz., Nyvi- 

 phalis Jaliliisa, lolaiis Silas and L Sidus. These butter- 

 flies are extremely rapid on the wing and fly generally in 

 the brightest sunshine, but their flight is usually short. 



The best representations of protective resemblance to 

 the young foliage are offered by the larvge of Ccenobasis 

 amcena, Feld. (a small moth allied to Limacodes), and of 

 Lyccena amarah and X. otacilia. The first of these is a 

 most lovely object ; the tufted tubercles Avith which it is 

 adorned, and the loop-like markings on the sides, disguise 

 it effectually. From observing one on the still dewy tree 

 in the early morning, I am inclined to think that the 

 enamelled spots of blue and white, which shine on its back, 

 are advantageous in disguising it while feeding. The 

 imago of this and of another species are colour protected, 

 while the pupa case fastened to the branch resembles an 

 excrescence of the bark. 



The larva and mature form of a Ilarpa.r allied to 

 //. spinociila, two spiders and two small caterpillars also 

 have a general resemblance to the young foliage. 



The Orthopterous insect Phaneroptera zehvata deserves 

 instead the specific name of '"' pinnaiifoliata,'''' for in every 

 ^tage it is most difficult of detection, and though very 

 abundant I have heard it singing towards dusk on a 

 branch close to my face and yet found it extremely difficult 

 to see the insect. 



An undetermined Hemipterous insect has a general 

 resemblance in colour to the foliage, and when viewed 

 obliquely, its colour and markings cause it to strikingly 

 resemble the scarred ])etioles and petiolules of the leaves. 

 Various small geometric caterpillars which feed on the 

 foliage are in like manner disguised. The larva of a 

 moth, probably a species of Psyche, strips the leaflets to 

 form cases: in addition to the leafy protection the case is so 

 tough that I imagine ^q\v coidd open it. A small cater- 

 pillar, referred to in the " Descent of INIan" ( Vol. I., p. 416), . 

 packs the flowers and leaflets on its back by means of 

 short setfe which secrete a glutinous substance. This 

 caterpillar, when placed in a box with leaves and floAvcrs, 

 showed a preference for coloured objects by detaching and 

 fixing on its back pieces of pink paper from the lining of 



TEANS. EJNT, sue. 1878. — TAKT il. (.JULY.) O 



