vi DEFENCES OF INSECTS 219 



be mistaken for a withering leaf tossed along by the 

 wind. The Herald Moth (Gonoptera libatrix], one of 

 the most beautiful of these imitations, represents a 

 red-brown leaf having succumbed to a certain amount 

 of white fungoid growth. Lest its bright eyes* should 

 expose the deception, a tuft of hair falls over them and 

 conceals them during rest. The delicate veil is easily 

 raised as the insect takes to flight. 



It has been remarked that a striking harmony 

 exists between the colours of the British autumn and 

 winter moths and those that prevail in the respective 

 seasons. In autumn vegetation as a whole dons a 

 sober brown and yellow livery, and out of fifty-two 

 species then on the wing, forty-two are of correspond- 



FIG. 41. A " Walking-Stick," or Moss Insect ; from Belt. 



ing shades. Gray and silver are the characteristic 

 tones of nature's winter garb, and accordingly these 

 tints predominate in the winter moths. 



The Lcpidoptera apart, the whole order of Orthop- 

 tcra (grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, &c.) will be found 

 to be signally happy in respect of the possession of this 

 protection, every grade in resemblance being repre- 



