4 NATUKK STUDY. 



one of the most startling caterpillars of our locality, were 

 interesting specimens, and I determined to study this one. 



I found the prize Thursday, Sept. 25, 1902, and on the 

 following Sunday, when I went for fresh Supplies, I re- 

 turned with three more caterpillars in less mature stage. 

 This form of the larva, which is well illustrated in Hol- 

 land's Butterfly Book, was smooth, somewhat slimy, and 

 dark brown in color, with white markings ; its close resem- 

 blance to the excrement of birds serving as an excellent 

 example of protective coloration. 



In three days one of these smaller caterpillars had 

 changed to a beautiful wood brown, with blue spots along 

 the sides. In thirty-six hours more, the coat was becom- 

 ing greenish, the small blue spots along the sides edged 

 with black making a beautiful combination of color; on 

 the enlarged part of the body, large eye-spots, which prob- 

 ably serve to frighten away its enemies. The upper part 

 of the body is so swollen and marked as to resemble a huge 

 head, and is further ornamented with yellow scent organs, 

 which it can protrude at will. This was similar to the 

 condition in which I had found the first caterpillar, which 

 at this time, just a week after discovery; was turning yel- 

 low. 



The leaves of the sassafras bush which was the home of 

 the larvae were rapidly dropping off, and it was difficult to 

 find food enough for a supply, but none of the creatures 

 showed at any time a voracious appetite. 



Ten days after discovery, there came the first noticeable 

 change in condition of Number One. It became very 

 restless, emptied the alimentary canal of much matter, and 

 grew exceedingly yellow, the mimicry of the color of the 

 fading leaves being very marked. 



Oct. 6, on the morning of the eleventh day after the cat- 

 erpillar came into my possession, it suspended il self for the 

 winter, having bound itself with a girdle which hung from 



