82 



ETON NATUKE-STUDY 



the tint of their cocoons, in cases where these are made, in a similar 

 way. One of the most striking instances is that of the caterpillars 

 of the "tortoise shell," "peacock," and "red admiral" butterflies. 

 Professor Poulton allowed the caterpillars to change in little compart- 

 ments lined with 

 white, green, and 

 black paper, as well 

 as with gold leaf. 

 He obtained light, 

 dark, and even quite 

 golden chrysalides 

 result.* We 



Photograph by Wilfred Mark Webb. 



FIGURE 199. A Lobster Caterpillar. 



as a 



have found if cater- 

 pillars of the tor- 

 toise-shell butterfly 

 are allowed to sus- 

 pend themselves 

 from white paper, 

 and shortly after- 

 wards the piece from 

 which they are hang- 

 ing is removed and fastened by means of a pin to a tiny cork 

 previously stuck to the face of a looking-glass, very remarkable 

 chrysalides, which are golden all over, may be obtained. Many other 

 experiments that have recently been made, may be repeated, and 

 others, of an original kind, be devised. Probably the larvae of other 

 insects may be found to possess similar powers. Keturning to 

 caterpillars, those of a large hawk-moth like the privet hawk are 

 handsome creatures which it is a pleasure to possess and to watch. 



* " The Colours of Animals," pages 113-139. Kegan Paul & Co. 



