io 4 OUR INSECT FRIENDS AND FOES 



the soft grey colourings and markings on its broad 

 upper wings harmonize with the fence on which 

 it rests, that it is quite invisible at a distance of 

 three or four feet. 



Caterpillars show protective colouring in a 

 very marked degree. A number of species are 

 green, so that theyblend perfectly with the plant 

 on which they feed; and it is noticeable that 

 larvae that feed on leaves have oblique mark- 

 ings, while those which are grass feeders are 

 striped longitudinally, the stripes and spots 

 being generally coloured to correspond with the 

 flower of the plant which is the insect's natural 

 habitat. 



To thoroughly appreciate the wonderful 

 force of protective resemblance, we must go out 

 into the fields and lanes and discover examples 

 for ourselves ; as many insects that are pro- 

 tectively coloured appear so brilliantly tinted 

 when seen away from their natural environment, 

 that it seems impossible that they can ever be 

 anything but conspicuous. Take, for instance, 

 the larva of the Privet Hawk moth (Sphinx 

 Ligustri) ; with its large, brilliant green body and 

 purple markings it would seem almost im- 

 possible that such a conspicuous creature could 

 ever be overlooked ; and yet again and again it 

 will be passed over, even by an experienced 

 entomologist, when in its natural surroundings. 

 For we have to take into consideration not only 

 the colour of the insect, but the varying effects 

 of light and shadow, that contribute in no small 

 degree in screening it from observation. 



The larva of Papilio machaon (one of the 



