RHOPALOCERA (BUTTERFLIES) 



The classification of butterflies which we have 

 adopted is ilhistrated by a genealogical tree in Mr. 

 Scudder's smaller work on Butte7'flies (see p. 246) . Ac- 

 cording to this classification the group is divided into 

 four families and many sub-famihes. Most entomolo- 

 gists agree in regard to the position of the Hesperidae, 

 as these insects have many characters in common 

 with moths. The chief difference of opinion is in 

 the position accorded the Papilionidse and NymphaH- 

 dae, many naturalists placing" the former at the head 

 of the Lepidoptera. The Papilionidae, however, have 

 many features resembling those of the Hesperidae, as 

 pointed out by Scudder, and in the partial atrophy 

 of the fore-legs and the mode of transformation, the 

 Nymphalidae are farthest removed from the moths, 

 and therefore the most specialized of butterflies. 



HESPERID.^i. 



These butterflies resemble moths by having stout 

 bodies and the three pairs of legs developed as organs 

 of support. The antennae instead of being distinctly 

 club-shaped as in most butterflies are hooked at their 

 ends. Owing to their short, jerking motions, these 

 insects are known as skippers. When at rest, many 

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