. Essentials of biology presented in problems. Biology. 250 CONSIDERATIONS FROM STUDY OF INSECTS rih tection are seen when we examine insects in their native haunts. We have noted that various animals, such as the earthworm and crayfish, escape observation because they have the color of their surroundings. Insects give many interesting examples of protective coloration or protective resemblance. The grass- hopper is colored hke the grass on which it fives. The katydid, with its green body and wings, can scarcely be distingmshed from the leaves on which it rests. The walking stick, which resemb
. Essentials of biology presented in problems. Biology. 250 CONSIDERATIONS FROM STUDY OF INSECTS rih tection are seen when we examine insects in their native haunts. We have noted that various animals, such as the earthworm and crayfish, escape observation because they have the color of their surroundings. Insects give many interesting examples of protective coloration or protective resemblance. The grass- hopper is colored hke the grass on which it fives. The katydid, with its green body and wings, can scarcely be distingmshed from the leaves on which it rests. The walking stick, which resembles the twigs on which it is found, and the walking-leaf insect of the tropics, are other examples. One example frequently quoted is the dead-leaf butterfly of India. This insect at rest resembles a dead leaf attached to a limb; in flight, be- cause of its vivid colors, it is con- spicuous. The underwing moth is another example of a wonderful sim- ulation of the background of bark on which the animal rests in the daytime. At night the brightly colored under- wings probably give a signal to others of the same species. The beautiful luna moth, in color a delicate green, rests by day among the leaves of the hickory. The small measuring worms stand out stiff upon the branches on which they crawl, thus simulating lateral twigs. Hundreds of other examples might be given. This likeness of an animal to its immediate surroundings has already been noted as 'protective resemblance. Aggressive Resemblance. — Sometimes animals which resemble their surroundings are thus better able to catch their prey. The polar bear is a notable example. Some insects are thus colored. The mantis, shown in the figure, has strongly built forelegs, with which it seizes and holds insects on which it preys. The mantis. The underwing moth; above flying; below, at rest on Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration
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