MIMICRY IN CEYLON BUTTERFLIES. (i 
and the hector form of P. polytes (fig. 4 A) the under surface of the 
hind wing is very like the upper one, and what was written of the 
difference there applies here equally. 
But it may be objected that though model and mimic may be 
readily distinguished at rest, whether with wings expanded or 
closed, yet the resemblance between them may be sufficient to 
deceive such enemies as attack them when flying. Such, however, 
is certainly not the case. The mode of flight of P. polytes is 
similar for all three forms, and is totally distinct from that of P. 
hector and P. aristolochie. In these two last species the flight is 
very peculiar. The insect steers a very even course for a butterfly, 
and looks as if it were flying mainly by means of its fore wings, 
which vibrate very rapidly. In P. polytes, on the other hand, the 
flight is of the somewhat lumbering up and down type, which is 
characteristic of many of the Papilionide. Though not easy to 
express in words, the difference is exceedingly marked, and the 
practised eye has no difficulty in distinguishing between P. polytes 
and P. hector or P. aristolochie at a distance of 40 to 50 yards. 
During the time I was in Ceylon I spent many hours catching and 
watching these three species, where and whenever the opportunity 
presented itself, and I have come to be strongly of opinion that in 
the natural state the differences between these so-called models and 
mimics, whether resting or flying, are so distinct that they are little 
likely to be confounded by an enemy with any appreciation of colour 
or form. 
And here I would draw attention to certain points in connection 
with the distribution of these species in Ceylon. During my stay 
on the Island I managed, with some assistance, to catch nearly 
50 specimens of females of P. polytes, and I subsequently received 
10 more specimens from Mr. E. E. Green, of which 4 (1 male form, 
1 aristolochiz form, and 2 hector form) were from Kandy or Pera- 
deniya, and 6 (2 aristolochiz form and 4 hector form) were from 
higher up-country, either at Pundaluoya or Hakgala. Ihave included 
these specimens in the following table, with the idea of comparing 
the distribution of these forms with that of the supposed models :— 




: | z ay Oe 
| 2 2 a sider | o Sp 
= ~ ai tt | ~ 
as} 4s x a Leal =) 2G 
a 2 ca = Bo be As 
S 2 = 5p as | tq 
2 = Site” | PRe Seentp Riees cihe en ae eee 
5c GS a E Ma| ae 
a S) <A) pe ee y 
is vies) IE | AT 
| 
Male form .. at. 14 ) — == ht ] as 
[4 
Aristolochise form A Gran 2 — 1 i Pe 
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} 
Hector form Seat aie | 5 1 | 3 | 4 4. 
| | 


