PART I 



STRUCTURE AND LIFE-HISTORY 

 OF THE LEPIDOPTERA 



CHAPTER I 



GENERAL CHARACTERS 



The word Lcpidoptera, which you see at the head of this page, is 

 the name of the order of insects to which this vohime is to be 

 devoted. It is formed from two Greek woi'ds, one {lejns) signif}-- 

 ing a scale, and the other ipteron) denoting a wing; and was 

 apphed bj' the great natiirali^t Linnseus to the scaly-wmged insects 

 popularly known as Buttertlies 

 and Moths. 



Ever^' one of vay readers 

 has nndonbtedly handled some 

 of the interesting creatures of 

 this group — having been led 

 to do so either by the extreme 

 beauty of their clothing, or, 

 perhaps, from a murderous 

 intent in order to protect his 

 own garments from the ravages 



of a supposed marauder. A light mealy powder will probably have 

 been observed afterwards on the fingers that have touched the 

 victim's wings. 



This powder, although it sometimes presents a beautiful glossy 

 surface Avhen spread over the skin, does not exhibit any definite 

 form or structure without a more minute exj^mination. Yet these 



B 



3^ 



Fifi. 1. 



-Scales feom the 

 Butterflies. 



Wings ok 



