216 



ANIMAL LIFE 



tions lead enemies to believe that they possess a sting. 

 The striking eye-spots of many insects are believed by some 

 entomologists to be of the nature of terrifying appearances. 

 The larva (Fig. 138) of the Puss moth (Cerura) has been 

 often referred to as a striking example of terrifying appear- 

 ances. When one of these larvae is disturbed, " it retracts 



its head into the 

 first body ring in- 

 flating the mar- 

 gin, which is of a 

 bright red color. 

 There are two in- 

 tensely black spots 

 on this margin in the 

 appropriate position for 

 eyes, and the whole ap- 

 pearance is that of a large 

 flat face extending to the 

 outer edge of the red mar- 

 gin. The effect is an in- 

 tensely exaggerated cari- 

 cature of a vertebrate 

 face, which is probably 

 alarming to the verte- 

 brate enemies of the cat- 

 erpillar. . . . The effect is also greatly strengthened by two 

 pink whips which are swiftly protruded from the prongs 

 of the fork in which the body terminates. . . . The end 

 of the body is at the same time curved forward over the 

 back, so that the pink filaments are brandished above the 

 head." 



111. Alluring coloration. A few animals show what are 

 called alluring colors that is, they display a color pattern 

 so arranged as to resemble or mimic a flower or other lure, 

 and thus to entice to them other animals, their natural prey. 

 This is a special kind of aggressive resemblance. A species 



PIG. 138. Larva of the Puss moth (Cerura). 

 Upper figure shows the larva as it appears 

 when undisturbed ; lower figure, when dis- 

 turbed. After POULTON. 



