| OCR Text |
Show 887.] VALUE OF COLOUR AND MARKINGS IN INSECTS. 201 (continued). Experiments. A. Weismann, using Lacerta viridis. Avoided by L. viridis. Entirely disregarded by L. viridis until after another similar but palatable larva had been introduced; then tasted, but rejected. Devoured by L. viridis, " but not exactly relished." E. B. Poulton, using three species of Lizards and Hyla. Eaten by very hungry L. muralis, and, I believe, by L. viridis, and yet evidently disliked by all. L. muralis, when hungry, bit the larva, retaining it for a long time, but in the end rejected it, and much irritated by hairs. Seized and relinquished by hungry L. muralis, Probably eaten later ; but insufficient evidence. 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 in Jenner Weir's observation ; and Butler's shows that the hairs are much disliked. Strong support, on the whole. It is impossible to decide whether the Sky-Lark was killed by the larvas. If so, it strongly opposes the theory of any instinctive knowledge. Strong support. 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. No evidence. Strong support. No evidence, for the Missel- Thrush appeared to relish the larvae. It is certainly a support to the suggestion that a Lizard when hungry enough should make such a determined attempt io eat the larva, which it evidently disliked. It is certainly a support to the suggestion that a Lizard when hungry enough should make such a determined attempt to eat the larva. Strong support. Eaten, although unpleasant in some way. |
