4 ROMANCE OF THE INSECT WORLD CHAP. 



of eggs it is almost impossible to enumerate, among 

 the butterfly families especially scarcely two forms are 

 alike, even in the most closely allied species marked 

 diversity occurs. They may be round, oval,* oblong, 

 pear-shaped, lenticular,* or flattened like a lens. 

 Many of them are petiolated,* or placed upon foot- 

 stalks, which may be long and straight, or compara- 

 tively short and bent. Others are provided with 

 particular appendages to answer various ends. They 

 are enriched with all the colours of the rainbow, 

 though the prevalent hues are white, yellow, and 

 green. Sometimes the outer coat is hard and firm, 

 sometimes it is a mere filmy skin. The surface may 

 be smooth and plain, or beautified with delicate 

 sculptured designs, such as cross lines giving a 

 reticulated * appearance, or these lines may be curved, 

 as if the eggs were imbricated * or covered with tiles ; 

 or the pattern may assume the form of decided 

 knobs. The variation in external shape, markings, 

 and colour is not greater than in the modes of dis- 

 position of the eggs, and the localities where they are 

 placed. They are laid singly or in clusters, and for 

 the most part upon, or within, or near the substance, 

 be it plant or animal, which will serve as the food of 

 the larvae that will presently be hatched from them. 

 As a rule, the peculiarities of form and colour bear 

 relation to the circumstances of disposition, the 

 objects to be ensured being safety from external 

 injury and the proper development of the egg. 

 Those eggs from which the larvae are most rapidly 

 developed require the aid of the highest temperature 

 and the fullest exposure to he atmosphere. 



