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昆 蟲^; fi 誌 第參卷 第壹； 



dry forms than in the wet forms ； and in MelanitlS 丄 eda, the small spot 

 cn the upper surface of the fore wings of the wet forms are represented 

 by a large conspicuous marking in the dry forms. It is not improbable 

 that these phenomena imply some compensative significance to the reduc- 

 tive variation of the under surface spots. Tlie similar tendency found in 

 the spring forms of the present species could probably be interpreted in 

 the same way. The fact that the females have more numerous and 

 more conspicuous eye-spots than the males is certainly of wide occur- 

 rence among this subfamily. The same tendency is also recognizable 

 in the present species as has already been stated. 



ON THE ETHOI.OGICAI. SIGNIFICAISCE OF THE EYE-SPOTS. 



Dar\vin("(") has suggested the idea of explaining the ethological 

 significance of the eye-spots with bis theory of the sexual selection. 

 Thence no alternative has been broup-bt forward. Bateso ヽ' （2) maintains 

 (p. 294) :- "As to the function of ocellar markinp-s nothing is known, 

 and I am not aware that any suggestion has been made which calls for 

 serious notice." However, somewhat earlier than the publication of his 

 "Materials," a new explanation has been proposed by Poulton ，い i)、vhich 

 has been maintained throughout his subsequent works." ム"） His view is 

 well presented in the following passao-es, taken from "Darwin and the 

 Origin of Species," p. 232 :- " Hence the conclusion that the usual value 

 of these markings is to divert attention from the vital parts and give the 

 insect extra chance of escape. Their disappearance from the dry season 

 broods is interpreted as due to the paramont necessity for concealment 

 during that time of special stress. 



However, none of the evidence introduced, as it appears, does not 

 give any direct proof to such hypothesis ； most of them merely show that 

 such markings as these do sometimes attract the attention of the enemies, 

 c^hould any marKings have significance of the above speculations, they 

 must be such that would be perfectly concealed during- the time of repose 

 of the owner, and when exposed, would be so conspicuous as to attract 

 attention of the attacking enemies. The undeniable tendency existing" 

 in the eye-spots of the wet forms of developing mainly on the under 

 surface and especially on the hind wings which tend naturally to be 



