MEANING OF SHAPES AND COLO UPS OF THE MEMBRACIDJE. 
285 
in reality to the category of ‘ protective resemblance.’ This is the case of a peculiar 
Membracid, Smilia (HJda) injlata , F., whose pronotum is traversed by sac-like hollow 
spaces, and completely conceals the tiny body when seen from above. Thus, this 
insect, which usually sits quietly on a leaf or twig, resembles very closely the empty 
pupal case of a butterfly.” 
Passing the astonishing genus Bocydium , which has been already discussed on 
pp. 282, 283, we reach the remarkable genera Hypsauchenia, Micreunr, Anchon , Kleidos, 
and Elaphiceps{ Plates XLVI.-XLIX.). The extraordinary developments of thepronotnm 
in these genera, together with its less specialised form in Lamproptera (XLVII., 5), 
probably serve to conceal the insects by their resemblance to vegetable structures. 
The Centrotida are also abundantly illustrated in this monograph, no less than 
thirty-four genera being represented by figures, and often many figures, upon the 
concluding series of plates (XLIX.-LX.). It is not necessary to say much about 
them, for a glance at the plates will indicate that the forms and colours are in almost 
all cases such as we should expect to resemble plant structures. There are a few 
possible exceptions, such as the very dark-coloured species of Cent rotypus, I) aim on , and 
Ibiceps (Plates LIV., LV.), in some of which the conspicuousness is further 
heightened by the contrast with pale markings. But it is impossible to feel confident 
that some, or even all, of them may not be concealed by resemblance to some special 
form of environment. 
In conclusion, I desire again to call attention to the fact that with few exceptions 
the foregoing remarks are merely suggestions intended to serve as indications to the 
naturalist on the spot, and are in no sense dogmatic utterances. I feel that in this 
most remarkable group of insects the examination of figures, or even of the specimens 
themselves in a museum, can only occasionally afford us the foundation for a valuable 
opinion as to the bionomic meaning of the forms, colours, and patterns. But such 
an examination continually suggests possible interpretations which may lead the 
observer of the living species to think, and may sometimes even direct him into the 
right track. It was in the hope that such success might be achieved from time to 
time that I was glad to accept Mr. Buckton’s courteous invitation to contribute this 
section to his interesting monograph. 
EDWABD B. POULTON. 
Oxford, June 27, 1903 . 
