and Imitative Forms as a Means of Self-Protection 



Above, a number of seed-like 

 Membracidae from tropical 

 South America. They are 

 probably overlooked by all 

 but the most astute insect- 

 eating birds in search of a meal 



At left, an extraordinary 

 insect with a huge, helmet- 

 like expansion of the pro- 

 thorax. This is so large in 

 some insects that they are 

 completely covered by it 



Below, a strange look- 

 ing insect which, when 

 alive, looks as if it were 

 being attacked by a 

 spider. This is really 

 the insect's armor plate 



At right: The apparent 

 body and formidable 

 sting of this insect are 

 a mere pretense, being 

 only a homy outgrowth 

 from the thorax 



