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resemble the head, eyes and antennae of a butterfly, 

 so that when at rest, it is very difficult to say which 

 is the head and which is the tail of the insect. 



The tail markings and points are so much more 

 strongly emphasized than the actual head and anten- 

 nae, that it is only when the wing is slightly open that 

 one is undeceived." Mimicry of one insect by ano- 

 ther, and mimicry of leaves, grass, &c, by insects ai-e 

 of course, well-known facts, but Mr. Sibree says. " I 

 do not remember to have seen any similar instance 

 noticed of that of resemblance between the diiferent 

 parts of the same insect ; but may not the reason of 

 this mimicry of the head by the tail be of some service 

 in directing the attention of birds and other enemies 

 to the less vital part of the butterfly's structure ? It is 

 evident that the hinder portion of the wing, might be 

 snapped at and broken off, and yet no serious injury 

 be done to the vital parts of the insect." 



A common case of mimicry of Insects especially 

 as to mimicry of colour, is to be noted in some of the 

 orthopterae, the Mantis species. We meet very often 

 with an orthoptera in our gardens, a Mantis, 

 for example, clinging to the bark of a tree with- 

 out our noticing it owing to its colour being ex" 

 exactly like the colour of the bark. In support of 

 this remarks I quote the words of Gosse on thi 

 point. " Some species allied to the mantis found 

 " principally in tropical countries are remarkable for 

 " the extraordinary resemblance which their wings, 

 " legs, &c. are made to bear to withered twigs, and to 

 " different leaves either green or dry, with all their 

 " ribs and veins. So perfect is the similitude in some 

 " instances that even when we look at them in our 

 " hands, with a full knowledge of their nature, it is 

 " difficult to persuade ourselves, that they are animal 



