PROTECTIVE MIMICRY. 411 



question, of which several solutions not unworthy of examination 

 and discussion readily suggest themselves. For instance : — (1st) It 

 may be that as edible insects have more enemies among the 

 carnivorous birds, reptiles, and insects of a tropical jungle than 

 in the woods and meadows of England, they require more means 

 of protection in order to perpetuate their species; or (2nd), as the 

 breeding season of insects is generally of short duration in a 

 climate subject both to long droughts and torrential rains, it is 

 necessary that they should have every means of protection against 

 other foes; or (3rd) perhaps the race of butterflies is more ancient 

 in the tropics than in temperate regions, as would seem to be 

 indicated by the existence of a larger number of species, and 

 therefore they have enjoyed a longer opportunity for the perfect 

 evolution of accidental, variable likenesses into permanent, specific 

 ones. 



But whatever the reason, the fact remains that many species 

 of butterflies not sought as food are imitated, sometimes very 

 closely, in appearance by other species, which, not being blessed 

 with a deterrent smell or taste, would, were it not for this likeness, 

 be seized by every bird and lizard in search of a meal. Of the 

 species protected by their evil smell or taste it is further to be 

 remarked that they are generally of pretty large size, with a slow 

 fluttering flight, and conspicuously coloured, as though they actually 

 courted notice — hanging out danger signals, so to speak, for the 

 purpose of warning off their enemies. 



I will instance first Danais chrysippus of the family of Danaince, 

 almost every member of which has a strong unpleasant smell, and none 

 of which are sought as food by bird or lizard. The male and female 

 of this species are alike in general appearance, of a bright terra- 

 cotta colour, strongly contrasted with the black and white tips 

 of their forewings. They flutter lazily about on the flower heads 

 whence they draw their sustenance. Among them a quick eye 

 will detect the females of Hypolimnas misippus, also a common 

 butterfly, but not so common as Danais chrysippus. Even when set 

 side by side, the likeness is so strong that it might well deceive 

 an unpractised observer into the belief that the two specimens are 

 individuals of the same species. Again, some females of Hypolimnas 



