im-i] Brijaiit: Ecoitomic Status of tlic Western Meadotdark 483 



is forthcoming the best conclusion would seem to be that birds 

 occasionally eat butterflies, and that when they become extremely 

 available the number taken is increased. 



Spiny and hairy caterpillars have often been pointed out as 

 specially well protected insects. At least fifty of the stomachs 

 examined have contained these caterpillars. In one instance the 

 larva of the mourning-cloak butterfly {Euvanessa antiopa) has 

 been taken from a stomach. The size as well as the spiny char- 

 acter of this caterpillar would seem to preclude attack. Numbers 

 of small hairy caterpillars have been taken from the stomachs. 

 Judd (1899) states that "The hairiness of caterpillars seems to 

 secure them from the attack of birds more effectually than do 

 any of the protective devices so far considered." Comparing 

 the relative abundance of these caterpillars available for the 

 western meadowlark with those not so protected, it seems safe to 

 say that certain of the smaller hairy caterpillars are not often 

 passed by beeau.se of their hairiness. 



Stjnk-bugs (Pentatomidae), in spite of their noxious secretion 

 and disagreeable odor, form a constant article of diet for the 

 western meadowlark. In the examination of a collection of birds 

 from Newman, Stanislaus County, it was found that stink-bugs 

 (Euschistus, Podisus, Alydus, Coryzus) had been taken every 

 month from March to October, inclusive, and formed five and 

 three-tenths per cent of the food for the year. Pinicate beetles 

 {Eleodes sp.), having a noxious secretion, are commonly taken 

 as food by meadowlarks. 



Many stinging insects also form a constant article of diet. 

 Chief among these are ants, bees and wasps, and cow-killers 

 (Mutillidae). Kissing-bugs (Reduviidae) have been found in a 

 few instances. The stomachs of two out of four birds eating 

 reduviids were empty, indicating that the poison might have 

 caused some discomfort. Bees and wasps are so often taken that 

 it can hardly be said that their stinging propensities preclude 

 attack. Probably their agility is much more important in pro- 

 tecting them from the attack of birds. Over two hundred ants 

 have been taken from a single stomach. If the stings or the 

 poison had any effect, it does not seem reasonable that a bird 

 would feed exclusively on ants even when hard pressed for food. 



