84 ETON NATURE-STUDY 



is time for them to descend to the ground to bury themselves, they 

 lose their bright tints and harmonise more or less completely with 

 the soil. There is one caterpillar which is of special interest, and 

 has quite a number of methods of defence. It is that of the lobster 

 moth (see figure 199). When hatched, its long legs and the swollen 





FIGURE 202. The larva of the Hover-fly preying on aphides. 



end of its body taken in conjunction with its dark brown colour and 

 peculiar movements, might easily cause it to be mistaken by its 

 enemies for an arit, an insect which is usually left severely alone on 

 account of the acid which it can eject. Other observers have noted 

 further characteristics which the lobster caterpillar possesses. When 

 it remains quiet, it looks for all the world like a piece of dried leaf. 

 Should, however, the suspicions of a hungry bird be aroused, and it 

 attempt to peck at the caterpillar, the latter starts into action, and 

 by waving its long legs affects the appearance of some huge spider, 

 and so scares away the bird. There are other enemies of more 

 subtle character, to the attacks of which caterpillars are open ; that is 



