302 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF {June, 
We are told that when at rest the larva of Stauropus fagi resembles 
a withered beech leaf. Next, it is stated that the second and third 
pairs of thoracic legs are so held that they resemble, “‘in the most 
beautiful manner, a bunch of brown scales (the stipules of the foliage 
leaves) which enclose the buds of the beech, and hang down after 
the latter are unfolded.’ As if withered beech leaves, thus adorned, 
were common during the life of this larva and as if beech were the 
only food plant of the larve. As a matter of fact, Stauropus feeds 
on the foliage of several other woody plants. When aroused the 
larva is said by Poulton to assume a terrifying attitude, the main 
suggestion of which is a spider-like creature. 
It is rather amusing to contemplate the variety of resemblances 
claimed for Stauropus larve. For instance, Poulton himself, ten 
years later, insists upon an entirely different resemblance from those 
above mentioned. He then says: . , 
“The young larve of Stauropus fagi have often been described as 
resembling ants. The likeness has recently been analyzed in much 
detail by Portschinski (Coloration marquante et Taches ocellées, 
V, St. Petersburg, 1897, p. 44). This acute observer considers that 
the head of the larva represents the globular abdomen of the ant, 
while the head and antennz of the latter are suggested by the larval 
caudal shield with its two appendages. He believes the disturbed 
larva represents an ant which has seized and is endeavoring to carry 
off some object on the branch which it is exploring... . . During 
the present summer (of 1898) I have had the opportunity of studying 
these larve. The young larve were thought to be ants by all the 
friends to whom they were shown. One lady considered that they 
were ‘double ants’—an interpretation evidently due to their dis- 
proportionate length and to the head-like appearance of the caudal 
shield.’ 
Birchall states that the young larva closely resembles a twig of 
beech with unopened buds, and that when feeding its likeness to a 
great earwig or to a Staphylinus is very striking. He also remarks 
upon the general suggestion of a crustacean in the larva’s aspect, 
but he further desires “to speak doubtfully of the sharp eyes of a 
bird or Ichneumon being deceived when engaged in its own special 
business, by any such colorable imitation”’ (p. 233). 
Mrs. Bazett* notes the great resemblance that the newly hatched 
% Journ. Linn. Soc. Lond., Zoology, Vol. XXVI, 1898, pp. 589, 590. 
46 Ent. Monthly Mag., XIII, 1877, p. 231. 
Ent. Rec., I, 1891, p. 210. 
