72 THE COLOUKS OF AKIMALS 



CHAPTER VI 



AGGRESSIVE RESEMBLANCES ADVENTITIOUS 

 PROTECTION 



Aggressive Resemblances 



PASSING now to Aggressive Resemblances, the appear- 

 ance of the larger Carnivora harmonises well with 

 their surroundings, enabling them to approach their 

 prey. The colours of snakes, lizards, and frogs are 

 doubtless Aggressive as well as Protective. Certain 

 carnivorous insects, such as the Mantidae, are well- 

 concealed by their colour ; and this, although chiefly 

 Protective, is probably also of value in enabling them 

 to creep upon their prey. Aggressive, like Protective, 

 colouring may be either Special or General. 



Alluring Colouration 



Special Aggressive Resemblance sometimes does 

 more than hide an animal from its prey ; it may even 

 attract the latter by simulating the appearance of 

 some object which is of special interest or value to it. 

 Such appearances have been called Alluring Coloura- 



