CHAP. VI.J 



ORTHOPTERA. 



251 



varieties of hue, from the pale yellow of an opening 

 bud to the rich green of the full-blown leaf, and the 

 withered tint of decay. So perfect is the imitation in 

 structure and articulation, that this amazing insect when 

 at rest is almost undistinguishable from the foliage around : 

 not only are the wings modelled to resemble ribbed and 

 fibrous follicles, but every joint of the legs is expanded 

 into a broad plait like a half-opened leaflet. 



It rests on i!f abdomen, the legs serving to drag it 

 slowly along, and thus the flatness of its attitude serves 

 still further to add to the appearance of a leaf. One of 

 the most marvellous incidents connected with its organi- 

 sation was exhibited by one which I kept under a glass 

 shade on my table ; it laid a quantity of eggs, that, in 

 colour and shape, were not to be discerned from seeds. 

 They were brown and pentangular, with a short stem, 

 and slightly punctured at the intersections. 



EOO3 OF THE LEAF INS3CT. 



The " soothsayer," on the other hand (Mantis supersti- 

 tiosa, Fab. 1 ), little justifies by its propensities the appear- 

 ance of gentleness, and the attitudes of sanctity, which 

 have obtained for it the title of the "praying mantis." Its 

 habits are carnivorous, and degenerate into cannibalism, 

 as it preys on the weaker individuals of its own species. 

 Two which I enclosed in a box were both found 

 dead a few hours after, literally severed limb from 

 limb in their encounter. The formation of the foreleg 

 enables the tibia to be so closed on the sharp edge 

 of the thigh as to amputate any slender substance 

 grasped within it. 



1 M. arldifolia and M. extensicottis, 

 as well as Empusa gongyloidcs, re- 

 markable for the long leaf-like head, 



and dilatations on the posterior 

 thighs, are common in the island. 



