BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS 



which it rightly claims kinship. The Genus has then to 

 be considered, and finally the Species. Many species, 

 especially among the L£'/>/^''>p^£'m, exhibit distinct varieties, 

 and as such they are known. Soon after emergence 

 from the pupal state, Butterflies and Moths acquire their 

 perfect condition, and from then onwards there is no 

 further growth, in fact a number of species do not take 

 any food in the mature state, merely pairing, laying eggs, 

 and then passing away. All growth is completed during the 

 larval condition, and although the third transformation, 

 i.e. the pupal state, is all-important, it is quiescent as 

 regards butterflies and moths. 



It is not within our province to give detailed informa- 

 tion respecting anatomy, but it may be mentioned in 

 connection with these insects that the horns, feelers, 

 or antennae, as they are variously called, have, with few 

 exceptions, club-shaped extremities in butterflies, and 

 pectinated antennae in moths. The use of these feelers 

 is now believed to be that of smell. 



Attention should also be drawn to the protective 

 hairs with which certain larvae are lavishly provided. 

 These act as a deterrent with regard to many kinds of 

 birds, the Cuckoo being one of the few which relishes 

 hairy larvae, such as those of the Drinker and Tiger 

 Moths. Care should be exercised after handling these 

 hairy larvae as they are liable to cause blistering, especially 

 of the mouth. As the larva increases in size, it has the 

 habit of changing its skin on several occasions before 

 it is " full-fed," and ready to pupate. 



Lastly, the wonderful forms of, and colour-ornamenta- 

 tion upon, some kinds of pupae are very beautiful, and the 

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