﻿37 



enables them to readily see each other, therefore, when danger 

 threatens, these animals can quickly flock together. 



From this point my remarks will be confined to a consideration of 

 the protective colour and mimetical markings of Lepidoptera only. 



To the casual observer, the various hues and styles of ornamenta- 

 tion of the wing surfaces of Lepidoptera may appear to be distributed 

 without particular object or method. If we look at a collection of 

 set-out specimens, we shall probably be at a loss to say why this 

 species is of a uniform green, and that species curiously mottled 

 or striated with various shades of grey, red, or brown. To the 

 Lepidopterist the colours and pattern of an insect are most intimately 

 associated with the determination of species, but to the insect itself 

 it is a matter of different import. It is essential to the insect that 

 its colour and ornamentation should confer upon it a resemblance 

 to some other natural object, peculiar to the situation in which it 

 occurs, especially during its periods of repose. In fact, for its 

 protection at such times it is necessary that the insect should be as 

 unlike itself as ornate harmony with its surroundings can render it. 



We can only properly understand how it is that the structure, 

 colour, and pattern of an insect's wings can afford protection to the 

 msect, by going out into the woods and fields, and there studying 

 the normal habits of Butterflies and Moths when at rest. We shall 

 then observe that the various species have peculiar methods of 

 folding, expanding, or otherwise disposirrg their wings so as to accord 

 with the material upon which they are reposing, or if not with the 

 material itse'f, then with some other natural object, such as a leaf, 

 tuft of lichen, stick, stone, or even an excrescence on the bark of a 

 tree. The colours and pattern on the wings of the insects will be 

 found to render the assimilation wonderfully complete. 



In tropical regions numerous instances occur of species of 

 Lepidoptera imitating or mimicking, not only other species of 

 their own order, but also certain species of other orders. In 

 Britain however, with the exception of the resemblance of the clear- 

 winged Moths to Bees, Hornets, etc., there are probably no good 

 examples of mimetic analogy. So this phrase of protective mimicry 

 may be passed without further remark. 



By way of illustrating the subject of this paper a few familiar 

 examples of British Lepidoptera only will be referred to. 



As is well known the genus Vanessa is composed of species whose 

 wings are brilliantly coloured on the upper surface, and they are 

 consequently noticeable objects even at a distance, but the under 



