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Show 246 MR. E. B. POULTON ON THE PROTECTIVE [Mar. 1, TABLE "V Species and Stage. Imago Pieris rapce Imago Pieris napi Imago Anthocharis carda-mines. Imago Vanessa io Imago Vanessa urticce Imago Smerinthus populi.. Imago Hepialus lupulinus.. Protective resemblance, or habits of concealment, evasion, &c. 3. LEPIDOPTEEOUS Same as the last species, but not such strong flight; on the other hand, its smaller size renders its concealment more perfect. Flight rather weaker than in the last species. Protection otherwise similar, except that the green veining of the undersides accords well with the fact that the species especially prefers shady places, where green is the predominant colour. Flight irregular and puzzling, although not rapid. The green and white mottled under surface of the wings harmonizes exceedingly well with the green and white flower-heads of Unibelliferae, which are especially selected as a resting-place (T. W . Wood, quoted by Wallace). The orange patch on the male's fore wing is not conspicuous on the underside. Flight strong: underside very dark and the insect well concealed on dark trunks, earth, or in shaded corners. Insect seldom seen at rest, except in intervals of flight, hence well concealed at night &c. As in the last species, only smaller and so more readily concealed : undersides not so dark and more variegated, but well concealed in the same places. Flight feeble: in the evening. The irregular outline of the wings, the way they are held, their grey and brown tints (which are alone seen in repose), all render the insect highly protected by suggesting withered leaves. They are also generally well concealed in dark corners, for they are not commonly seen at rest. Flight extremely powerful : in the evening. The various shades of brown of the fore wings and thorax are alone seen at rest, and the insect suggests bark, or even more closely the wood of a cleft tree darkened with age. It is very rarely seen at rest, although an abundant species. Flight very peculiar and puzzling, consisting of rapid oscillations, always taking place near the ground, and for a short time at dusk and in the early morning. At other times, when resting, very difficult to see, because of its small size and attitude, which exposes the brown tints of upper wings, with white markings, and of the body. It thus harmonizes with any of the brown surroundings (earth or dead leaves &c), and is seldom detected, although exceedingly abundant. When disturbed it feigns death and falls to the ground, where it is very difficult to find. |