510 MR. H. W. BATES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA 



I think it will be conceded that all these various kinds of imitative resemblances belong 

 to the same class of phenomena, and are subject to the same explanation. The fact of 

 one species mimicking an inanimate object, and another of an allied genus a living 

 insect of another family, sufficiently proves this. I do not see how they differ from the 

 adaptations of organs or instincts to the functions or objects they relate to. All are 

 adaptations, either of the whole outward dress or of special parts, having in view the 

 welfare of the creatures that possess them. 



Every species in nature may be looked upon as maintaining its existence by virtue of 

 some endowment enabling it to withstand the host of adverse circumstances by which 

 it is surrounded. The means are of endless diversity. Some are provided with special 

 organs of offence, others have passive means of holding their own in the battle of life. 

 Great fectindity is generally of much avail, added to capabilities, active or passive, of 

 wide dispersion ; so that when the species is extirpated in one part of its area of distribu- 

 tion, the place is refilled by migration of individuals from another part. A great number 

 have means of concealment from their enemies, of one sort or other. Many are enabled 

 to escape extermination, or obtain subsistence, by disguises of various kinds : amongst 

 these must be reckoned the adaptive resemblance of an otherwise defenceless species to 

 one whose flourishing race shows that it enjoys peculiar advantages. 



What advantages the JSeliconidce possess to make them so flourishing a group, and 

 consequently the objects of so much mimetic resemblance, it is not easy to discover. 

 There is nothing apparent in their structure or habits which could render them safe 

 from persecution by the numerous insectivorous animals which are constantly on the 

 watch in the same parts of the forest which they inhabit. It is probable they are un- 

 palatable to insect enemies. Some of them {Lycorea, Itima) have exsertible glands near the 

 anus, which are protruded when the insects are roughly handled ; it is well known that 

 similar organs in other families [Carahidce, Staphylinidce) secrete fetid liquids or gases, 

 and serve as a protection to the species. I have noticed also that recently killed speci- 

 mens of Danaoid Seliconidce, when set out to dry, were always less subject than other 

 insects to be devoured by vermin. They have all a peculiar smell*. I never saw the 

 flocks of slow-flying Seliconidce in the woods persecuted by birds or Dragon-flies, to 

 which they would have been easy prey ; nor, when at rest on leaves, did they appear to 

 be molested by Lizards or the predacious Flies of the family Asilidce, which were very 

 often seen pouncing on Butterflies of other families. If they owe their flourishing ex- 

 istence to this cause, it would be intelligible why the Zeptalidce, whose scanty number 

 of individuals reveals a less protected condition, should be disguised in their dress, and 

 thus share their immunity. 



Tliis explanation, however, would not apply to the imitation of Danaoid Seliconidce 

 by other species of the same subfamily. Moreover, there are several genera of other 

 groups {e. g., Seliconius, JPapilio) which contain mimetic species side by side with species 

 that are the objects of mimicry by members of other families, as will be seen by reference 

 to the Table at p. 603. There is no reason to conclude that some of these possess the 

 peculiar means of defence of the Danaoid Seliconidce, whilst their near kindred are de- 



* Mr. Wallace tells me the Euploece of the Eastern Archipelago have also this peculiar smell. 



