Notes in 1887 upon lepidopterous larve, éc. 591 
find some part of the larva which could be seized with 
safety. The larva remained motionless in the defensive 
position during the whole process, which lasted for some 
minutes. In this position the protection was very 
remarkable, the body bristling everywhere with sharp, 
stiff spines, except in the region of the tussocks. This 
experienced lizard finally seized the larva on the dorsal 
surface a long way behind the tussocks, evidently 
preferring the bristles. Although killed, the larva was 
not swallowed, and it had only been seized after many 
attempts and the closest examination. It is quite clear 
that the hairy covering would have saved it from any 
except a very hungry enemy. 
9. THE MEANING OF THE PECULIAR METHOD OF PRO- 
GRESSION IN THE LARVH OF CocHLIopopipz.—It is well 
known that these larve rest on the upper surface of the 
leaves of their food-plants, and that the body is inflated, 
so that a peculiar dome-like shape is produced. The 
larve are thus quite unlike caterpillars, and may 
sugeest the appearance of some kind of gall on the 
surface of the leaf, and there is also a certain degree of 
resemblance to the pupe of Coccinelide. It is probable 
that careful investigation of the larve in their natural 
surroundings, will, perhaps, reveal the object which is 
resembled for purposes of protection, although it is 
possible that the object is not now to be found in our 
country. George Tate, who supplied me with larve of 
Heterogenea asellus, could not remember any object 
which they resembled, but special attention must be 
directed to the point before we can accept this testimony 
as final. The terrifying appearance of the larval 
Cherocampa elpenor is founded upon that of a cobra-like 
serpent, which is quite unlike any of our native reptiles. 
The latter larva, nevertheless, gains protection because 
of the instinctive fear of anything snake-like felt by its 
enemies ; and the Cochliopodide certainly gain protection 
by assuming a form which is quite unlike that of a cater- 
pillar, and does not suggest the appearance of the food 
of any insect-eating vertebrate. When the movements 
of these larve (H. asellus) lead to their detection, they 
are greatly relished by lizards. 
If, then, protection is gained by the remarkable aiti- 
tude assumed upon the upper surface of the leaf, the 
