Oct 1890
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1890natur..42..544p&link_type=abstract
Nature, Volume 42, Issue 1092, pp. 544 (1890).
Other
Scientific paper
MR. SIBLEY'S letter appears to me to contain valuable suggestions as to the meaning of the metallic appearance of certain chrysalides. It is probable that a resemblance to the objects he suggests does aid in concealing the pupæ. Mr. Roland Trimen has similarly concluded that certain brilliant beetles (Cassididœ) are protected by resembling drops of dew. At the same time I think that there is some evidence that the metallic appearance of the pupæ of Vanessidœ may have been originally acquired in order to favour concealment against glittering mineral surfaces. The evidence is as follows:-(1) In shape and character of the surface these pupæ strongly resemble a rough and broken piece of rock. (2) They appear in two forms, resembling grey and weathered as well as freshly exposed and glittering rock surfaces. (3) When they seek green leaves for pupation they either conceal themselves with the greatest care (V. atalanta), or a glittering variety of other species is represented by a green variety which is inconspicuous against the leaves (V. Io). (4) Another species (V. urticœ), which lacks the habit of V. atalanta and the green variety of V. Io, is, as far as my experience goes, very rarely found on the leaves of its food-plant, and when so found, is, as a rule, diseased.
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