MELITtEA I. 
hybernate, as, for example, in the genus Limenitis. In the case of Phyciodes 
Nycteis, a species nearly allied to Phaeton, part of the summer brood mature, 
while much the larger part become lethargic in July, and so pass the winter. 
But in this species there is a second, or late summer brood, all the larvae of which 
hybernate at third moult. The growth of the larvae of Phaeton is so rapid, three 
out of its five stages requiring but about twenty days, that there is evidently 
ample time, in the latitude of Coalburgh, for a second brood, and one might be 
expected to occur. 
What is the mysterious principle which teaches the larvee of Phaeton alone, 
out of a hundred species of butterflies that frequent our fields, to protect them¬ 
selves in a web woven by the community; which regulates the labor of each in 
building, strengthening, repairing, or extending this web as the occasion requires; 
which prompts one detachment to work on the inside, another without, some to 
draw up leaves which shall be inclosed for the common food, some to secure in 
advance further supplies to be ready when the first are consumed ; which per¬ 
mits them to scatter in groups and brings them together again as the several 
periods of moulting draw near, and at last, when the moment comes to prepare 
for a state of rest that is to endure for nine months, during which they will 
be helpless against wind and storm, and the assault of enemies, leads them to 
build a more substantial structure than before, proof against rain and snow, fix¬ 
ing upon and binding down contiguous stems for its support, leaving ways for 
egress while the work goes on and closing them up when the work is done, and 
when an open door would endanger the house ! How do these creatures com¬ 
municate with each other ? Do they act under the direction of one common 
master, that everything is thus done at the right time and in the right way, or 
have they something akin to the knowledge and judgment of far superior beings 
which leads each one to see what is needed, and to do it without compulsion and 
without conflict or interference with others ? I wonder if all is really harmony ; 
if some do not shirk their duties; if there be not bickerings and fightings and 
larvicides ! Let us hope not. They seem to dwell in peace, and we will assume 
that they do, and go to them for a lesson as to Solomon’s ants or Sir John 
Lubbock’s wasps. 
