162 SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDY OF INSECTS. 



fluted scales. A lens is required to see this. Certainly 

 the scientific study of the wing of the moth or butter- 

 fly does not destroy our appreciation of its beauty 

 (Fig. 60). 



Let us now watch the moth in active movement. It can 

 run well, although it is not much given to this mode of 

 locomotion except shortly after emerging from its pupal 

 case. If at this particular time it is disturbed or interfered 

 with, it will run very quickly. Its wings are small and in- 

 capable of flight (Fig. 61). If these moths are reared in 

 school this feature should not be missed, nor should the 



Fig. 60. Scales from the wing 

 of the Cabbage Lutterfly, 

 magnified. 



Fig. 61. The Cabbage Butterfly 

 as it emerges from the Chrysalis 



rapid way in which they expand to the full size be over- 

 looked. 



On the wing the moth is active. Watch its rapid flight. 

 How do we describe its course ? Straight or uneven ? Can 

 we suggest a meaning in the seemingly erratic and more or 

 less aimless course it follows ? Does this make it easier 

 for moths and butterflies to " dodge " their natural enemies, 

 the bats and the birds ? It is probable that this is so. 



It may be noted in passing that this fluttering irregu- 

 larity of flight exhibited by butterflies and moths has 

 suggested to certain writers the idea of aimlessness in life. 



