| OCR Text |
1887.] VALUE OF COLOUR AND MARKINGS IN INSECTS. 203 (continued). ..xperiments. A. Weismann, using Lacerta viridis. Eaten by L. viridis, " but, not exactly relished." Untouched by L. viridis. E. B. Poulton, using three species of Lizards and Hyla. Evidence insufficient, as the single larva which had disappeared may have escaped. Generally unnoticed ; but tasted by Frogs, and then rejected. Once chewed for some time by a hungry L. muralis, and then rejected. How far support given to Wallace's suggestion, that brilliant and conspicuous larvae would be refused by some at least of their enemies. Strong support. Strong support. Strong support from Jenner Weir's observations. D'Orville states that they are eaten by birds in the wild state; Jenner Weir did not find this ; and there must have been a difference in habit, perhaps due to the species of birds under observation or to extreme hunger. Strong support, from the behaviour of the Frogs and Spiders. Strong support. The most complete evidence afforded by any larva, and the most complete unanimity in observa-vations, in which others agree as well as those quoted. Strong support. How far support given to Poulton's suggestion, that a limit to the success of this method of defence would result from the hunger which the success itself tends to produce. Support from Weismann's observation, which seems to show that the Lizard ate the larva, though not liking it. Strong support from Jenner Weir's observations with Lizards. No evidence from Jenner Weir. D'Orville's observations may possibly be a case in point. The larva? being tasted seems to point towards their being eaten in a condition of excessive hunger. The birds seemed to relish them. That hungry Lizards should often make determined attempts to eat so nauseous a larva is strong evidence for the suggestion ; and it is seen that one Lizard succeeded in swallowing the larva. No evidence. |
