186 THE COLOURS OF ANIMALS 



Some of the advantages of true mimicry (to be 

 more fully described below) also follow, when a group 

 of insects is rendered conspicuous by the same 

 colours and patterns, and when certain members of 

 the group are noted for the possession of especially 

 unpleasant attributes. Thus it is more than probable 

 that the species marked by alternate rings of black 

 and yellow (including the chrysalis of the Magpie 

 Moth and the caterpillar of the Cinnabar Moth), gain 

 considerable advantages from the justly respected 

 appearance of Hornets and "Wasps. It must not be 

 forgotten, however, that the latter also are probably 

 benefited, although to a much smaller extent, by the 

 greater publicity which follows from the resemblance. 



The causes which have determined the resemblance 

 between Warning Colours in different Insects 



Hence the causes which determine the frequent 

 repetition of the same colours and markings in dis- 

 tasteful forms are as follows: (1) The fact that a 

 limited number of colours and patterns are especially 

 efficient in attracting the attention of enemies, and in 

 thus facilitating their education; (2) the fact that 

 the education of enemies is also rendered easy by 

 requiring them to learn only a small number of pat- 

 terns and colours ; (3) the great additional advantage 

 conferred by trading upon the reputation of a well- 

 known and much-feared or much -disliked insect. 



