THE LEAF BUTTERFLY-THE SOOTHSAYER. 



o83 



with marks on each side resembling leaf-veins. When the wings are closely pressed 

 together, the whole outline is exactly like that of a half-shrivelled leaf, which it then 

 resembles in color. The tail of the hind wings forms a perfect stalk, and rests upon 

 the twig, while the insect is supported by the middle pair of legs, which are hardly to 

 be distinguished from the twigs around. The head is drawn back between the wings, 

 at whose base is anotch to let it in. Knowing' all this, one must look closely at the 

 picture which he gives in order to distinguish the alighted butterfly from a leaf. 



LEAF IHTTERriA-. 



Another singular insect is the Mantis, or " Soothsayer," notable for its apparently 

 feeble structure and voracious appetite. It is of slow movement, yet flies constitute a 

 great part of its food. It steals cautiously upon its prey, and, when near enough, 

 flings out its long fore-legs and gtasps its prey. These legs are curiously constructed ; 

 the tibia can be shut upon the sharp edge of the thigh, like a pair of shears, with 

 which it can cut any slender substance, and even give a decidedly unpleasant nip upon 

 the finger of the naturalist who incautiously seizes it. 



The Mantis, by the attitude it assumes when lurking for its prey or advancing upon 

 it — which is done by the support of the four posterior legs only, whilst the head and 



