INSECT DISGUISES. o3 



backs are avoided." The blue butterflies maybe found in the 

 evening, resting with their heads downwards on the buds 

 and blossoms of grass, plantain, &c., which with their beauti- 

 fully-spotted undersides and general appearance when in the 

 attitude shown in our plate, they so closely resemble that 

 they usually escape notice. 



The chrysalides of butterflies possess a most extraordinary 

 means of disguising themselves, their shells being photogra- 

 phically sensitive for a short time after the caterpillars' skins 

 have been shed ; so that each individual assumes the colour 

 most prevalent in its immediate neighbourhood. As cater- 

 pillars are evidently unaffected by colour in their choice of a 

 resting-place on which to undergo their transformations, this 

 photographic power in the chrysalides is most important for 

 their concealment during their period of exposure in a state 

 of utter helplessness, which varies from a few weeks to half a 

 year, and in some exceptional cases occupies more than a 

 year. 



The Plilogoplwra meticulosa, or angle-shades moth, shown in 

 our coloured plate, is remarkable from its peculiar and pro- 

 bably unique appearance during the day, its time of resting, 

 the fore wings being curled on their outer margins, thus 

 adding greatly to the disguise, which is evidently that of a 

 withered, dried-up leaf. The curl disappears immediately 

 when the moth prepares for flight, and the wings then become 

 as flat as those of any other insect. 



There is a small moth belonging to the genus Antithesia, 

 very common in gardens, shown on the central leaf in our 

 coloured plate, which, when at rest, is exactly like the 

 excrement of a sparrow, or other small bird, and, as we always 

 find, the disguise it wears suits its habits, for it sits fully ex- 

 posed to view on the upper surface of leaves, &c., and will 

 drop off when the leaves are shaken as if it were really a 

 lifeless object. 



A most beautiful example of disguise among caterpillars is 

 found in that of the Papilio machaon, or swallow-tailed butter- 

 fly, which feeds on carrot leaves. The black markings of the 

 insect, as viewed from the side, closely imitate the interstices 



