PROTECTIVE RESEMBLANCES, AND MIMICRY 363 





tions lead enemies to believe that they possess a sting. 

 The striking eye-spots of many insects are believed by some 

 entomologists to be of the nature of terrifying appearances. 

 The larva (Fig. 224:) of the Puss moth (Cerura) has been 

 often referred to as a striking example of terrifying appear- 

 ances. When one of these larvae is disturbed, " it retracts 



its head into the 

 first body ring in- 

 flating the mar- 

 gin, which is of a 

 bright red color. 

 There are two in- 

 tensely black spots 

 on this margin in the 

 appropriate position for 

 eyes, and the whole ap- 

 pearance is that of a large 

 flat face extending to the 

 outer edge of the red mar- 

 gin. The effect is an in- 

 tensely exaggerated cari- 

 cature of a vertebrate 

 face, which is probably 

 alarming to the verte- 

 brate enemies of the cat- 

 erpillar. . . . The effect is also greatly strengthened by two 

 pink whips which are swiftly protruded from the prongs 

 of the fork in which the body terminates. . . . The end 

 of the body is at the same time curved forward over the 

 back, so that the pink filaments are brandished above the 

 head." 



284. Alluring coloration. A few animals show what are 

 called alluring colors that is, they display a color pattern 

 so arranged as to resemble or mimic a flower or other lure, 

 and thus to entice to them other animals, their natural prey. 

 This is a special kind of aggressive resemblance. A species 



FIG. 224. Larva of the Puss moth (Centra). 

 Upper figure shows the larva as it appears 

 when undisturbed ; lower figure, when dis- 

 turbed. After POULTON. 



