THE MICROSCOPE 



JUNK, 1S96. 



Number 42 New Series 



Objects Seen Under The Microscope 



BY CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

 XXXII. — THE SCALE OF INSECTS. 



It is well kuown to every one that the dust which re- 

 mains on the fingers after touching a butterfly's wing is 

 a mass of beautiful feathers or scales, varying in shape 

 and color with the different species. Some of these are 

 so delicately ornamented that no unassisted eye can see 

 them and some of them are used as test objects for the 

 microscoi)e. It is interesting to view parts of the wings 

 as opa(|ue objects, thus observing the arrangement of the 

 scales which is much like that of the tile on a roof. (Figs. 

 m, u, and o.) 



The common cabbage butterfly has several diff"erent 

 shapes in the scales of its wings, some are very long and 

 slender, some battledore shaped, while others are heart 

 shaped. In looking at the wing, observe the membrane 

 where the scales have rubbed oft" and you will see little 

 cups or tubes into which the scales fit, and around each 

 are radiating folds of the upper membrane, giving them 

 a star-like appearance. 



The Morpho-menelaus (fig. A), a blue butterfly, has 

 striated scales, and with a liigh power each line is seen 

 to be slightly beaded. Each scale consists of three dis- 

 tinct laminsB, two external and colored, and the inner one 

 a highly polished colorless membrane, which reflects the 

 light and increases the brilliancy. 



Polyommatus argus (fig. C), another blue butterfly 



