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Show 206 MR. E. B. POULTON ON THE PROTECTIVE [Mar. 1, T A B L E II.-Larva which only becoi Species of Larva. Chcerocampa elpenor. Cerura vinula. The phytophagous hymeno-pterous Croesus septentrionalis. A phytophagous hymeno-pterous larva, probably Nematus ribesii. Method by which rendered conspicuous. Larvae brown, sometimes green. When approached, the anterior part of the body is distended, and resembles a serpent-like head (of the Cobra type), while the real head is drawn in. Two pairs of large eye-like marks are seen by an enemy approaching from above or the side, while another pair meet an enemy coming Irom the front, and these last are modified in the terrifying attitude out of other markings. (Poulton, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1886, pt. ii. p. 154 &c.) Green and purplish brown. When attacked, the head is drawn in and a bright red margin inflated, with two intensely black marks on it in the appropriate position for eyes; this terrifying face is turned towards any point at which the larva is touched ; also pink whips are swiftly protruded from tbe two prongs in which the body terminates. Green, orange, and black. Gregarious ; but not conspicuous until approached ; then most conspicuous, all individuals whipping about with the abdomen and everting the ventral glands. Green, with yellow and black markings. Gregarious, becoming conspicuous when approached, as in the last species, but without ventral glands. 1 1 Unpleasant attribute real or imaginary. Suggested danger. Terrifying aspect; the whips might be thought to be stings; the larva also ejects strong formic acid to a considerable distance. (Poulton, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond. 1886, pt. ii. p. 157.) Many median ventral glands everted on approach of enemy, and producing a most unpleasant smell. ? Taste or smell. Proof lies in what follows. i Results A. Weismann. A tame Jay ate the larva at once; Sparrows and Chaffinches (wild) were frightened by it, and would not come near the seed - trough in which it was placed ; Fowls were evidently frightened, but in the end cautiously attacked it, when it was soon eaten. Devoured by L. viridis. Lady Verney. Refused by small birds, which were evidently fright. ened by it, and would not come near a tray with crumbs on it, on which the larva had been placed ('Good Words,' 1877, p. 838.) |
