1877.] J. Anderson — Floral simulation o/'Gongylus gongylodes. 195 



f ore limbs, banded violet and black, and drawn up in front o£ the centre of 

 the corolla, the simulation of a papilionaceous flower is complete. The ob- 

 ject of the bright colouring of the under surface of the prothoracic expansion 

 is evident, its purpose being to act as a decoy to insects, which, mistaking it 

 for a corolla, fly directly into the expectant, serrated, sabre-like, raptorial arms 

 of the simulator. It is no new fact that many insects resemble the leaves 

 of plants and trees, and that they manifest forms and colours which serve to 

 protect them in the struggle for existence, but, as far as Dr. Anderson had 

 ascertained, this was the first recorded instance of an insect simulating the 

 corolla of a flower for the evident purpose of attracting insects towards it 

 for its sustenance. It is even more remarkable than this, for it is a localiz- 

 ed adaptation for such a purpose, a portion of the insect being so modified 

 in form and colour that the appearance of the corolla of a plant is produced, 

 in conjunction with the remainder of the long attenuated prothorax, which, 

 at a distance, resembles the flower-stem : the anterior limbs when in 

 repose even adding to and heightening the deception. 



Mr. W. T. Blanford said he thought that the simulation of a flower 

 by this or an allied species of Mantis had been noticed by Mr. S. E. Peal, 

 who some years since sent a drawing of the animal to Mr. Wood-Mason. 

 The facts had not, however, Mr. Blanford believed, been published, as 

 Mr. Wood-Mason waited until he could obtain specimens. 



The Chaieman announced that the next meeting would be held in No- 

 vember, after the recess. 



The following communications have been received — 



1. Three Translations from the Hamdseh. — By C. J. Ltall, Esq. 

 C. S. 



2. Note on Khdnja Khan Garh near SaUmdhdd, Burdwdn. — By 

 Babu Goue Das Baisakh. 



3. Metrical Translations from the Quatrains of TJmar Khayydm, — 

 By P. Whallet, Esq., C. S. 



4. Further Proofs of the Monogamy of Kdliddsa's Heroes. — By G. 

 S. Leonaed, Esq. 



