MEANING OF SHAPES AND COLOURS OF THE MEMBRACIBJE. 15 



in reality to the category of ' protective resemblance.' This is the case oF a peculiar 

 Membracid, Smilia {(Eda) inflala, F., whose pronotum is traversed by sac-like hollow 

 spaces, and completely conceals the tiny body when seen from above. Thus, this 

 insect, which usually sits quietly on a leaf or twig, resembles very closely the empty 

 pupal case of a butterfly." 



Passing the astonishing genus Bocydunu, which has been already discussed on 

 pp. 282, 283, we reach the remarkable genQYuHypsaiic/icnia, Micrcinie, Aiichon, Kleidos, 

 and^/(7/j//2>e^s(PlatesXLVI.-XLIX.). Theextraordinarydevelopmentsofthepronotum 

 in these genera, together with its less specialised form in Lampropfcra (XLVIL, 5), 

 probably serve to conceal the insects by their resemblance to vegetable structures. 



The CentrotidcB are also abundantly illustrated in this monograph, no less than 

 thirty-four genera being represented by figures, and often many figures, upon the 

 concluding series of plates (XLIX.-LX.). It is not necessary to say much about 

 them, for a glance at the plates will indicate that the forms and colours are in almost 

 all cases such as we should expect to resemble plant structures. There are a few 

 possible exceptions, such as the very dark-coloured species of Cent rot ijpus, Baimon, and 

 Ibiceps (Plates LIV., LV.), in some of which the conspicuousness is further 

 heightened by the contrast with pale markings. But it is impossible to feel confident 

 that some, or even all, of them may not be concealed by resemblance to some special 

 form of environment. 



In conclusion, I desire again to call attention to the fact that with few exceptions 

 the foregoing remarks are merely suggestions intended to serve as indications to the 

 naturalist on the spot, and are in no sense dogmatic utterances. I feel that in this 

 most remarkable group of insects the examination of figures, or even of the specimens 

 themselves in a museum, can only occasionally afford us the foundation for a valuable 

 opinion as to the bionomic meaning of the forms, colours, and patterns. But such 

 an examination continually suggests possible interpretations which may lead the 

 observer of the living species to think, and may sometimes even direct him into tlie 

 right track. It was in the hope that such success might be achieved from time to 

 time that 1 was glad to accept Mr. Buckton's courteous invitation to contribute this 

 section to his interesting monograph. 



EDWARD B. POULTON. 



Oxford, June 27, 19(,i3. 



Printed by Eallantyne, Hanson S^ Co 

 London ^ Edinburgh 



