:S6 



FIRST LESSONS IN ZOOLOGY 



some special thing to do to help the animals along". The 

 same is true of the colors and patterns which are such 

 conspicuous features of their external appearance. 



Try to catch a locust. The insect will be plainly seen 

 as it flies or leaps through the air, but how when it alights 

 on the ground.' If you do not watch carefully to see it 

 alight, }-ou will have great difficulty in finding it now. 



Fig. 224, — The rL-ath's-liead spliinx-motli ; ntite skull-like markings nn thorax 

 {belwecii wini^S). 1 liis moth i> looked 011 with su])erstitious dread b)' 

 many pecjple. (Natural size; jihotoi^raph l.>y the author.) 



It is almost indistinguishable among the pebbles, bits of 

 twigs, and soil of the surface. It resembles its surround- 

 ings in coloration and undoubtedly is thus often saved 

 from pursuing enemies. A bird sees a locust flying. The 

 locust alights and rests quietly on the ground; if distin- 

 guished the bird seizx'S it and it loses its life; if not dis- 

 tinguished the locust is saved, and saved by its color. 

 Sf) color is f)f use to the locust. 



But )iinv aliiiut tlif birds themselvc-s- the crouching. 



