4 BUTTERFLIES 



in general may be divided into three groups: first, a few 

 large joints at the base connecting the feeler with the head; 

 second, many rather small joints which make up the prin- 

 cipal length; third, several larger joints which make up the 

 outer part or "club" of the antennse. In the case of the 

 Skippers, there are in addition a number of small joints 

 coming to a sharp point at the end of the club. Just be- 

 low the insertion of the antennae on each side of the head 



are the large com- 

 pound eyes, which are 

 almost hemispherical. 

 With a powerful glass, 

 one can see the honey- 

 comb-like facets, of 

 which there are thou- 

 sands, making up 



Butterfly Antennae, magnified. (From Holland) ■• t ■ i i 



each eye. J ust below 

 the eyes there are two hairy projections, called the palpi, 

 between which is the coiled tongue or sucking tube. {See 

 plate, page 64-65.) 



Anatomically the thorax is divided into three parts — 

 the prothorax, the mesathorax, and the metathorax; but 

 the lines of division between these parts are not easily 

 seen without denuding the skin of its hairy covering. The 

 prothorax bears the first pair of legs. The mesathorax 

 bears the front pair of wings and the second pair of legs. 

 The metathorax bears the hind pair of wings and the 

 third pair of legs. In many butterflies, the first pair of legs 

 are so reduced in size that they are not used in walking. 



The abdomen is composed of eight or nine distinct rings 

 or segments, most of which have two spiracles or breathing 

 pores, one on each side. It also bears upon the end of the 



