Nov. 23, 1888.] 



SCIENTIFIC NEWS. 



53* 



Natural litetorg* 



MIMETISM IN ANIMALS. 

 One of the most interesting as well as prevalent 

 phenomena of the animal world is that which in its 



The likeness may be either to some other animal of very 

 different nature or to some plant or part of a plant, or 

 to a portion of lifeless matter. It may further be per- 

 manent, depending on the shape and colour of the creature 

 concerned, or it may turn upon some position, attitude, or 

 action capableof being assumed orperformed when wanted. 



Brown Caterpillars of Elder Moth (Uroptcrix Sambucdrid), Assuming the Appearance of 



Branches of the Tree. 



most intensified form is known as mimicry, or mimetism. j These various forms of mimicry can be more easily 

 Multitudes of animals when in their natural haunts ] rendered intelligible by examples than by any kind ot 

 are found to bear so close a resemblance to the objects general description. 



GONEPTERYX RHAMNI. 



with which they are surrounded or in actual contact 

 that, without close scrutiny, they escape being seen. 



Lasiocampa Querci folia. 



One of the most striking cases of mimicry which have 

 lately been brought to light is that of a yellow spider 



