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24 
such as various mammals, birds, reptiles, and carnivorous insects- 
Their chief enemies are Ichneumons, a group of the Hymenoptera, 
of which 310 species are known in Britain. This struggle for 
existence has evolved various means of defence. One of the most 
usual is known as “‘ protective resemblance,”’ which may be general 
_ or special. The Privet Hawk Moth (Sphinx ligustri) and the 
_ Death's Head Moth (Manduca atropos) harmonise with the general 
artistic effect of their environments and are difficult to detect 
resting upon their food plants. The larve of the Lappet Moth 
(Gastropacha querctfolia) vary in colouring to assimilate with the 
stem of the hawthorn upon which they rest by day. The Looper 
Caterpillars exactly resemble a twig; their claspers have become 
modified to one pair at the extreme hind part of the body, and 
they so grasp the twig that they hold it, stiff and rigid, for several 
hours. Many are dimorphic. 
' Hybernating Caterpillars, ¢.g., those of the small Emerald 
Moth (Jodts vernaria), which feed on clematis, change their skins 
as the colour of the food-plant dies away in autumn. Certain 
species live in the trunks of trees, hollow stems, etc., and more 
or less protect themselves as internal feeders. Examples are to 
be found in the Goat Moth (Trypanus cossus), and the Leopard 
Moth (Zeuzera pyrina). A family known as Psychids manufacture 
little cases composed of lichen, bark, etc. 
The caterpillar of the Lobster Moth (Stauropus fagi) upon 
being touched assumes a terrifying attitude and mimics the 
appearance of a large spider. The members of another genus 
(Chaerocampa) have large eye-like markings, and possess the power 
of so altering their shape that these markings are thrown into 
great prominence. The larva of the Puss Moth (Dicranura vinula) 
entirely changes its appearance when disturbed, withdrawing its 
head, inflating the surrounding red margin and bringing into view __ 
two large black spots resembling eyes, the whole effect being that 
of an exaggerated caricature of a vertebrate face. It also has the 
power of ejecting a solution of formic acid. 
Larve living in exposed situations are usually protected by 
tufts of hair, which, when seized by a bird, come away. Larve 
ef conspicuous colouring, such as those of the Currant Moti» 
(Abraxas grossulariata) are known to be distasteful to birds. 
The imago is in the greatest danger when at rest. The 
butterfly resting with its wings folded shows the cryptic markings 
on the under-side of the wings, the gay colours of the upper surface 
remaining hidden. The moth rests usually with the wings wrapped 
round the body, the upper surface of the two fore wings showing ~ 
the cryptic patterns with the brightly coloured under-wings beneath 
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