The Effect of Food on the Colour of Moths

Abstract

IN a very interesting paper published in the Journal of Economic Biology (1905, No. 1), Mr. W. E. Collinge describes and figures a remarkable series of specimens of the magpie moth (Abraxas grossulariata, Linn.), obtained as the result of raising the larvæ on lettuce, the ordinary food being currant. The specimens all differed from the type in the direction of great loss of markings, the most extreme one representing the aberration known as dohrni or deleta. The same sort of effect has been produced on the tiger moth by G. Koch, as a result of feeding the larvæ on lettuce; and a good account of various experiments of the same kind is given by Dr. Vernon on pp. 288–9 of his work on “Variations in Animals and Plants” (1903).