INTRODUCTION. 9 



those of Elymnias and Mdattitis have two lengthened appendages on the hinder segment and 

 two short ones on the head ; those of Charaxes have four projections on the head and two short 

 ones on the hinder segment ; in the Hcspcridic the head is usually large and the neck narrow, 

 while in the Pieriitic the head is small. The outline, though typically cylindrical, varies from 

 fusiform among the slug-like caterpillars of the Lycunidtc, to an almost uniform lengthened 

 cylinder among the PicriHiC. Caterpillars are often nocturnal feeders, and escape observation 

 by lying concealed during the day-time. 



The CHRYSALISES too vary much in shape, colour and ornamentation, (see Plate II) ; 

 the colour usually being adapted to that of the surface to which the chrysalis is attached. The 

 only peculiarities on which it is necessary to touch in this short introductory notice, are 

 in the matter of positions selected for transformation, and the methods of securing the 

 chrysalis from disturbance duiing the state of torpor. There are five typical methods adopted 

 for this purpose : first, the suspension of the chrysalis by the tail only from the underside of a 

 leaf or twig or other object ; this is the usual practice with the NymphaliiLry (see Plate II, 

 Athyma hiuothc'e and Adolias hihentina) ; second, the suspension of the chrysalis in a horizon- 

 tal position, or with the head inclined upwards, attached by the tail and also by a thread 

 passed round the middle of the body and secured at both ends : this position is adopted by 

 many of the Lycanidiv, (see Plate II, Amblypodia timoleoti) ; third, the suspension of the 

 chrysalis by the tail vertically, head downwards, but girt in addition by a thread round the 

 middle of the body : this method is of frequent occurrence among the Pierince, (see Plate II, 

 Heboinoia glaiuippc) ; fourth, the attachment of the chrysalis by the tail, but in an erect 

 position with the head upwards, and further secured by threads, either passing round the middle 

 of the body, or attached on either side : this is the usual posture among the Papilioiiida , (see 

 Plate II, Papilio polytes*) ; fifth, with the chrysalis free, but enclosed either in the rolled-up 

 edge of a leaf, or between two or more small leaves drawn together by silky threads. This 

 method is typical among the Hesperidic, (see Plate II, Is/nene cedipodea). In the ^tx\\\% Parnas- 

 sius {Papilioiiidii) the chrysalis is enclosed in a loose silky web on a leaf ; the chrysalis of the 

 "Grayling" {Hippanhia semale) is described by Newman as being placed beneath the surface 

 of the soil, and there are doubtless many other exceptions ; but the five postures and methods 

 described above are typical of the five great divisions of Butterflies. 



The IMAGO or perfect state is the most highly developed, and a knowledge of the structure 

 of its various organs is essential to the comprehension of the divisions into families and genera. 

 Plate I. shows the principal features, and explains the names, which have been used to describe 

 the different parts. A careful study of this plate will render the descriptions of the species 

 intelligible to the reader. The perfect insect has always fuur wings and six legs, the latter 

 sometimes not all fully developed ; the body is in three sections — the head, the thorax, and 

 the abdomen ; and the head is furnished with antennaj, eyes, and oral appendages. Butterflies 

 derive their nourishment from liquid substances, and the structure of the mouth is adapted to 

 this end. The under jaws are developed into a long flexible tube called the " proboscis" or 

 " haustellum," which, when not in use, is curled up closely under the face ; the under lip (or 

 labiuni) is furnished with two processes, called the " labial palpi " or "palpi " (see Plate I.) 

 projected forwards, or upwards, one on each side of the mouth ; the upper jaws and upper lip 

 (or lairum) are rudimentaiy and scarcely discernible. 



The PALPI consist of three joints, the middle one usually the longest, the basal and 

 terminal joints being often very short. They are covered with scales or hairs, varying much 

 in length and texture. The very long hairs of the palpi are distinctive of the family Satyrina: ; 

 they also vary much in size and form, and occasionally, as in Libythca, and in some of the 

 Lyc(znidce, are very largely developed ; in some cases the palpi are separated throughout their 

 length ; in others they meet at the tip, forming a sort of beak in front of the head. 



_ * The position shown in the figure of the chr>-salis of Papilio polytes in Plate II, is not typical. The abdo- 

 minal half of the chrysalis and the stem to which it is attached should be at least vertical, if not leaning slightly 

 over ; the upper half of the chrysalis extending outwards nearly horizontally. 



