210 DARWINISM chap. 



being erected so as to produce a rude resemblance to the figure 

 of a sphinx, hence the name of the family. The protection is 

 carried further by those species which retract the first three 

 segments and have large ocelli on each side of the fourth 

 segment, thus giving to the caterpillar, when the forepart of 

 its body is elevated, the appearance of a snake in a threaten- 

 ing attitude. 



The blood-red forked tentacle, thrown out of the neck of 

 the larvae of the genus Papilio when alarmed, is, no doubt, a 

 protection against the attacks of ichneumons, and may, per- 

 haps, also frighten small birds ; and the habit of turning up 

 the tail possessed by the harmless rove-beetles (Staphylinidae), 

 giving the idea that they can sting, has, probably, a similar 

 use. Even an unusual angular form, like a crooked twig or 

 inorganic substance, may be protective ; as Mr. Poulton thinks 

 is the case with the curious caterpillar of Notodonta ziczac, 

 which, by means of a few slight protuberances on its body, 

 is able to assume an angular and very unorganic-looking 

 appearance. But perhaps the most perfect example of this 

 kind of protection is exhibited by the large caterpillar of 

 the Royal Persimmon moth (Bombyx regia), a native of 

 the southern states of North America, and known there as 

 the "Hickory -horned devil." It is a large green cater- 

 pillar, often six inches long, ornamented with an immense 

 crown of orange-red tubercles, which, if disturbed, it erects 

 and shakes from side to side in a very alarming manner. 

 In its native country the negroes believe it to be as deadly 

 as a rattlesnake, whereas it is perfectly innocuous. The 

 green colour of the body suggests that its ancestors were 

 once protectively coloured ; but, growing too large to be 

 effectually concealed, it acquired the habit of shaking its head 

 about in order to frighten away its enemies, and ultimately 

 developed the crown of tentacles as an addition to its terrify- 

 ing powers. This species is beautifully figured in Abbott and 

 Smith's Lepidojpterous Insects of Georgia. 



Alluring Coloration. 



Besides those numerous insects which obtain protection 

 through their resemblance to the natural objects among which 

 they live, there are some whose disguise is not used for 



