vii DEFENCES OF INSECTS 245 



mon, do the same, a combination of forces which 

 diffuses an atmosphere around the company probably 

 effective in warding off most enemies. Lady-birds 

 (Coccinella) can eject nauseous fluids, as can numerous 

 caterpillars. Offensive watery drops may likewise be 

 caused to issue from the bodies of Lepidoptera in 

 their perfect state. 



Caterpillars may be protected by the possession 

 of hairs, which would appear capable of causing 

 extreme discomfort on the delicate skin of the 

 mouth. Many persons know how 

 great can be the annoyance ex- 

 perienced in handling some of 

 these hairy larvae. The hairs shed 

 will sometimes produce inflamma- 

 tion or a rash on the hands, or on 

 the face or neck, should the 

 operator happen to touch these 



, ... FIG. 48. The larva of Buff- 



more sensitive parts when getting tip Moth (p y g<era buce- 



. , r 1 . , . , phala), a caterpillar with 



rid Of the minute hairS With Warning Colours and a 



i i i , nauseous taste; from Curtis. 



which his hands are covered. 

 There is experimental proof that such larvae are 

 regarded with aversion. Some animals positively 

 refuse to touch them, others may seize them, and 

 will afterwards relinquish them with every sign of 

 dislike and irritation. If to birds the hairy covering 

 is much less unpleasing, it may still be the means of 

 the escape of the possessor from these enemies. 

 When disturbed the caterpillar of the Great Tiger 

 Moth, which is beset with long dense hairs, usually 

 rolls itself up into a round ball, and is then taken by 

 a bird with great difficulty, judging by its tiresome 



