336 Studies in the Theory of Descent. 



under consideration. Weir, 8 as is well known, 

 showed that certain brightly coloured and con- 

 spicuous larvae were refused by insectivorous birds ; 

 and Butler 9 proved the same for lizards and frogs. 

 These experiments are unfortunately so briefly 

 described, that in no case is the species experi- 

 mented with mentioned by name, so that we do 

 not know whether there were any Sphinx cater- 

 pillars among them. 10 I have likewise experimented 

 in this direction with lizards, in order to convince 

 myself of the truth of the statement that (i) there 

 are caterpillars which are not eaten on account of 

 their taste, and (2) that such larvae possess bright 

 colours. I obtained positive, and on the whole, 

 very decided results. Thus, the common orange 

 and blue striped caterpillars of Bombyx Neiistria 

 enjoyed complete immunity from the attacks of 

 lizards, whilst those of the nearly allied Eriogaster 

 Lanestris and Z. Pini were devoured, although not 

 exactly relished. That the hairiness is not the 

 cause of their being unpalatable, is shown by the 

 fact that L. Pini is much more hairy than B. 

 Neustria. The very conspicuous yellow and black 

 ringed caterpillar of Euchelia Jacobcece gave also 

 most decided results. I frequently placed this 



8 " On Insects and Insectivorous Birds," Trans. Ent. Soc. 

 1869, p. 21. 



9 Ibid., p. 27. 



10 [Messrs. Weir and Butler inform me that they have not 

 experimented with Sphinx-larvae. R.M.] 



