160 THE COLOURS OF ANIMALS 



of living in companies. These two groups form, 

 perhaps, the sharpest contrast in nature. We 

 assume, almost as a matter of course, that the latter 

 are protected in some other way, that if captured 

 they would prove to be of little value, or even posi- 

 tively nauseous or dangerous. 



The value of Warning Colours 



At first sight the existence of this group seems to 

 be a difficulty in the way of the general applicability 

 of the theory of natural selection. Warning Colours 

 appear to benefit the would-be enemies rather than 

 the conspicuous forms themselves, and the origin and 

 growth of a character intended solely for the advan- 

 tage of some other species cannot be explained by the 

 theory of natural selection. But the conspicuous 

 animal is greatly benefited by its Warning Colours. 

 If it resembled its surroundings like the members 

 of the other class, it would be liable to a great deal of 

 accidental or experimental tasting, and there would 

 be nothing about it to impress the memory of an 

 enemy, and thus to prevent the continual destruction 

 of individuals. The object of Warning Colours is 

 to assist the education of enemies, enabling them to 

 easily learn and remember the animals which are to 

 be avoided. The great advantage conferred upon the 

 conspicuous species is obvious when it is remembered 

 that such an easy and successful education means an 



