COLOURS PRODUCED BY COURTSHIP 311 



The colours displayed in courtship are generally concealed 

 at other times 



The ceaseless sway of Natural Selection over all 

 the results of female choice is well seen in the arrange- 

 ments by which any conspicuous adornment is con- 

 cealed until it is wanted. The brilliant legs of the 

 male Synageles w^ere only observed when they were 

 being specially displayed: the bright colours of the 

 upper sides of the wings of most butterflies are con- 

 cealed hj the sombre and protective tints of the under 

 sides, except during flight and the short pauses between 

 the flights : the bright under wings of many moths 

 are similarly concealed by the upper wings, which har- 

 monise with the surroundings. 



The colours displayed in courtship are specially developed 

 and specially conspicuous in species which are best 

 adapted to their conditions 



An interesting contrast is afforded by species which 

 are so perfectly adapted to their conditions that free 

 play is given to Sexual Selection : in these, the colours 

 or appendages used in courtship make up the chief 

 part of the male's appearance. Mr. Wallace points to 

 the abundance of birds of paradise in New Guinea, 

 and of peafowls in India, as proofs that these species 

 are especially well equipped in the battle of life, and 



