510 Mr. G. A. K. Marshall on 



"The warning character of the Large spots and stripes 

 of the Anthias (Plate XVII, figs. 22-26) is well borne out 

 by the appearance of these insects in their natural haunts. 

 They are purely terrestrial in their habits, and prefer open, 

 treeless countr}^ where owing to their large size and 

 striking coloration they are very conspicuous objects. 

 Wiien alarmed they adopt a very characteristic warning 

 attitude, raising themselves high on their legs, walking in 

 a quick jerky maimer and often twisting sharply from side 

 to side ; but, as in the case of other aposematic insects, 

 when they find these demonstrations are of no avail they 

 endeavour to make good their escape and are then capable 

 of running at a very fair pace. Their acid secretion is 

 very powerful, and causes a strong stinging sensation when 

 it touches the skin of the face or the more tender parts of 

 the hands, and as it can be projected to a distance of some 

 four or five feet, the insect would have to be captured with 

 considerable caution even by an enemy which might be 

 aware of its powers. The liquid is always ejected upwards, 

 and the insects seem capable of controlling its direction 

 to a li-niited extent. A very similar warning attitude is 

 observable in the huge Cicindelids of the genus 3 fanUchora, 

 at least I have seen it in 31. herculeana. The habits of 

 this insect are very similar to those of Anthia, but it cannot 

 project its protective secretion, which merely exudes when 

 it is handled ; the liquid also is not acid as in Anthia, but 

 possesses a strong smell." 



Mr. Marshall brings forward the very probable hypothesis 

 that the posterior white spot or spots of the small and 

 medium-sized Carahidiv. are directive. The fact that they 

 form an important element in the Mutilloid appearance of 

 these Coleoptera is no objection whatever to this hypo- 

 thesis, which is explained in detail below ; for it is probable 

 that the posterior white spots of the female Mutillidx may 

 have a similar function, directing attention to the sting. 

 Mr. Marshall states (1902) that the abdomen is the most 

 conspicuous part of a Mutillid (see p. 512). 



"Among the diurnal Caraliiihx in South Africa the 

 frequent occurrence of a conspicuous white spot at the 

 apex of the elytra is very noticeable, and there is good 

 ground for believing that this spot is of a directive 

 character. Unlike such insects as Cantharidie, Lycidx, etc., 

 the CarcdiidiB do not appear to possess any general dis- 

 tastefulness, but dejDend for protection solely upon their 



