The Nature Club: Protective Mimicry

An indoor programme · September

Subject — Protective Mimicry Among Common Insects

Special References: Vol. VI., Butterflies; Moths, Insects.

A Five minute talk: What does "protective mimicry" mean?

Illustrated talks: "Sheep in Wolves' Clothing."

(1) Butterflies: Viceroy mimics Monarch.

(2) Flies: Syrphus fly mimics wasps and bees.

(3) Caterpillars armed with horns or whips.

(4) Caterpillars with glaring eye spots.

(5) Caterpillars that take threatening attitudes.

(6) Insects that look like twigs.

Walking sticks. Cankerworms.

Tomato worms.

(7) Insects that look like leaves.

Luna moth.

Katydid.

Cocoons wrapped in dead leaves.

(8) Moths that imitate lichens on bark.

Voluntary citations of instances of protective mimicry by members. Striking illustrations of this are given in every volume of the Nature Library dealing with animal life.

Small wire screen cages or glass jars containing the living insects should illustrate each talk. Where living insects cannot be had, cabinet specimens may be substituted. Each should be designated by its name, pasted on the jar or cage containing it. These should be passed around, so that each member can verify by his own eyes the statements made. The average club can prepare for five out of the eight topics here suggested, for the insects are common ones, of wide distribution.

An afternoon ramble may very profitably be the next club meeting. Devote three hours to field study of insects, which exhibit protective mimicry. It is a fascinating study.