iO ANIMAL COLORATION. 



moths, are for the most part tree frequenters. Their colour 

 obviously assimilates to that of their surroundings ; they agree, 

 therefore, in conforming to the same environment ; hence their 

 similarity of colour, which is believed to be effective as a pro- 

 tection from their enemies or as a means of allowing them to 

 steal upon their prey unobserved. 



The patterns of coloration of other animals may have a 

 similar meaning : the spots of the jaguar are believed to be 

 suggestive of round patches of sunlight such as are admitted 

 through a screen of leaves ; spotted deer may also perhaps be 

 partially concealed by a similar impression being created. The 

 transverse striping of the tiger is always said to enable the 

 animal to shun observation among tall grasses ; the Thylacine 

 may benefit by the same plan of coloration. This protectice 

 coloration is widely spread among animals. 



The salamander, several species of British caterpillars, and 

 the Heloderm lizard agree with each other in the startling 

 contrast of their colours, which are black and yellow ; these 

 animals, as well as many others which are conspicuously 

 coloured, have been shown to possess some disagreeable quality, 

 rendering them either unfit for food or dangerous to meddle 

 with. It is believed that this warning coloration has been 

 acquired in order to prevent any other animal making the 

 mistake of attempting to kill and eat them. It is an advertise- 

 ment — a highly coloured advertisement one may say — of their 

 un suitability as food. 



Finally, the particular and minute resemblances, often perfect 

 down to the smallest detail, which animals belonging to quite 

 different genera or families show for each other, are believed 

 to be advantageous, in that one animal is mistaken for the 

 other. In these cases a perfectly eatable and helpless insect 

 mimics one that is nauseous or dangerous ; it is therefore let 



