20 BUTTERFLIES IN DISGUISE 



case is found in the less close but still striking 

 mimicry of our Red-spotted Purple (Basilarchia 

 astyanax) by the female of Semnopsyche diana, 

 an instance the more remarkable as the mimicked 

 species belongs to the same genus as our two 

 other mimicking forms. 



When we take a general view of mimicry as 

 exhibited by one butterfly for another, how 

 strange it seems; and what an interesting illus- 

 tration it is of the adaptability and pliancy of 

 natural forces, that for the evident protection of 

 one species in the struggle for existence so exact 

 and beautiful a resemblance should be brought 

 about ! Consider for a moment that the subjects 

 of mimicry are at the fuial stage of life; they 

 have already passed through nearly all the dan- 

 gers to which the species as a species is sub- 

 jected, — so rudely subjected that they are indeed 

 but a centesimal, or even less, rarely or never 

 more, of those brought into the world with them. 

 During the early period of their life they were 

 exposed to vastly more dangers than they can 

 now experience. At times they were absolutely 

 helpless, without the power of movement. They 

 are now endowed with powers of flight sufficient 

 to thwart the purpose of many a foe ; yet it is in 



