144 ELEMENTARY ZOOLOGY. 



thought that this imitation is voluntary, but is simply the 

 result of the better preservation of such animals as have 

 in any way come to resemble harmful -ones in that they 

 are left more alone by their enemies. The "monarch" 

 is one of our large conspicuous butterflies which has an 

 offensive taste. The "viceroy" butterfly, though edible, 

 has considerable likeness to the monarch in color-pattern, 

 although its own nearest relatives are marked quite differ- 

 ently. It is thought that this may be a means of protec- 

 tion to the viceroy. Many flies and some moths and 

 beetles mimic bees and wasps. Non-venomous snakes 

 occasionally have the markings and motions of the venom- 

 ous, although they may belong to quite different genera. 



i 58. Practical Exercises. Do you know by observation, of any 

 wild animals that show a' general protective resemblance? That 

 show a special protective resemblance? What is the nature of the 

 adaptation form or color? Read all the references you can find 

 on mimicry. 



What range of color have you seen illustrated among animals? 

 In a single animal? Where do we find the animals of brightest hue? 

 What are believed to be the causes of color among animals? Enu- 

 merate the possible uses of color. What is albinism? Where is it 

 found ? 



159. Adaptations for Attack. Clearly, many of the 

 qualities mentioned in the preceding sections as of advan- 

 tage to the hunted will also be a help to the hunter. Often 

 in finding their prey they need to be acute of sense, and 

 in stalking and capturing it they need to be inconspicuous. 

 In addition to these qualities there are others that are 

 specially developed in the predaceous types. The sharp 

 and pointed teeth, fangs, claws, talons; the cunning, 

 stealthy mode of approach ; the powerful final spring and 

 general agility, are special adaptations to this mode of 

 life. It is here that nature is " red in tooth and claw." 



