192 



THE STUDY OF INSECTS. 



upon the wings. With some of the lower moths the scales 

 are scattered irregularly over 

 the wings. But if the wing of 

 one of the higher butterflies be 

 examined with a microscope, 

 the scales will be found arranged 

 in regular, overlapping rows; 

 the arrangement being as reg- 

 ular as that of the scales on a 

 fish or of the shingles on a roof 

 (Fig. 231). In the upper part 

 of the figure the membrane is 

 represented with the scales re- 

 moved. 



The use of the scales on the wings is to strengthen them. 

 We thus see that the wings of these insects are furnished 

 with much fewer cross veins than are the wings of similar 

 size in other orders. A secondary use of these scales is that 

 of ornamentation ; for the beautiful colors and markings of 

 these insects are due entirely to the scales, and are destroyed 

 when the scales are removed. Upon the body, legs, and 



FIG. 231. Part of wing of butterfly, 

 greatly magnified. 



FIG. 232. Maxillae of cotton-moth, and tip of same enlarged 



other appendages, the scales and hairs doubtless serve to 

 protect the insect, being a sort of armor. 



The mouth-parts of moths and butterflies are especially 

 adapted for sucking nectar from flowers. If the head of a 

 butterfly be examined, there will be found a long sucking 



