194 THE COLOURS OF ANIMALS 



cently, the British butterflies did not inchide an ex- 

 ample, but a large and handsome American Danaid 

 {Danais archippus) seems to be gradually extending 

 its range into every country where the food-plants 

 (Asclepiads) of its larva are to be found. Several 

 individuals have been caught in this country of late 



Fia. 48.— Tbe Xorcli American Dtnais ar.-h'ppns. whic-h has now spread into 

 this country ; npper side : half natural size. 



Fig. 49. — Danais archippux, showina: the conspicuous colours on the under 

 sides of the wings. 



years, and there is no doubt that it wih thoroughly 

 establish itself if it can meet with a sufficient supply 

 of larval food, and can withstand the ceaseless energy 

 of collectors. It is far larger than any of our native 

 butterflies. It is shown half the natural size in 

 fig. 48, while fig. 49 gives the appearance of the 

 under side. The latter figure shows that the insect 



