ix] THE ENEMIES OF BUTTERFLIES 107 



II. Lizards. In those parts of the world where 

 lizards of larger size are abundant there is plenty of 

 evidence that certain species are very destructive to 

 butterfly life. As might be expected this is especially 

 true of forms which are either arboreal or semi-arboreal 

 in habit. Among the reptiles of Ceylon, for example, 

 are several species of the genus Calotes, of which two, 

 C. ophiomachus and C. versicolor, are particularly abun- 

 dant. In appearance and habits they are not unlike 

 chameleons though far more active in their movements. 

 Like chameleons, too, they are able to change colour, 

 and the fact that they can assume a brilliant scarlet 

 hue about the head and neck has probably led to their 

 popular name of "blood-suckers." It is not impossible 

 that the assumption of this scarlet coloration may 

 serve as a lure to bring insects within range. These 

 lizards have often been observed to seize and devour 

 butterflies. Moreover, it is a common thing to find 

 butterflies with a large semi-circular patch bitten out 

 of the hind wings, and there is little doubt but 

 that such injuries have been inflicted by lizards. 

 There is, however, no evidence to suggest that they 

 exercise any discrimination in their choice of the 

 butterflies which they attack. This is borne out by 

 their behaviour towards various species offered to 

 them, both when at liberty and when caged. In an 

 ingenious series of experiments Col. Manders brought 

 various butterflies within reach of a Calotes by the 

 help of a fishing-rod and a long line of fine silk, by this 

 means simulating natural conditions as far as possible. 



