880 
Beginning with the first, we may start with the assertion, that a 
really objective analysis of colour-patterns necessarily involves the 
exact consideration of the whole complex of markings in all its 
details. So we must as well pay attention to the underside as to 
the upper surface, and attribute the same importance to those features, 
in which the mimics differ from their models as to those in which 
they agree with them. Viewed from this standpoint (which up till 
now has very rarely been observed), we easily come to the con- 
clusion, that all the elements, which enter in the composition of the 
pattern of mimetic forms, can be traced back to those of their non- 
mimetic congeners, and therefore may be counted among the cha- 
racteristic features of the genus (or family) to which the mimics 
belong. 
_ The same remark holds good for the particular hues the mimics 
display, and even for the apparently aberrant shapes they sometimes 
assume. When e. g. the mimetic Dismorphia’s differ from the 
majority of the species belonging to the genus by the greater 
length and the more slender contour of their wings and body, 
the question if such a form of butterfly might really be regarded 
as aberrant, has carefully to be considered, instead of being 
accepted as solved. That it deviates from the “common” type, 
is obvious, but since when has mere commonness been regarded 
as a proof of primitivity? Do the Monotremes represent a widely 
aberrant and deeply modified type of Mammals, merely because 
they are (at present) restricted to two families? The broad square 
shape of the majority of Rhopalocera, with their rounded hind- and 
triangular forewings, including a short body, may far more probably 
be itself a modification of the narrow-winged form with slender 
body, such as we find in so many Sphingids and Heterocera, especi- 
ally in an eminently primitive family as the Hepialids. Even among — 
Rhopalocera themselves this latter habitus is no rare exception, for 
we find it prevailing in several families, e.g. the Ithomiids and 
Heliconids. So in matter of shape the resemblance between these 
“models” and their Dismorphian mimics can safely be attributed to 
their both having remained faithful to the more ancient form of 
Lepidopterous insects. Its antiquity may even reach far over the 
limits of this order, for the same contours prevail among many 
other, less specialised groups of insects, e.g. Odonata, Neuroptera or 
Trichoptera. Coming once more to the question of colours, it is 
easily conceivable that white need not at all be regarded as the most 
primitive hue in the Pierid family, several other colours: red, yellow, 
brown, black, occurring just as frequently, especially on the under- 
