66 
LYCMN1DJE 
Many of the Lycecnidcu are exceptionally interesting in their larval stages ; and certain 
genera of these butterflies are so intimately associated in their early life-history with that of other 
creatures that they seem to be actually dependent on them for their very existence in some cases. 
The immature stages of a butterfly’s life are so rapidly run through, especially in hot countries, 
that the interdependence of all organic life on the earth is strikingly brought under one’s notice 
in the case of such Lyccenid life-histories. Most of the Lyccvnidce here may be found on the 
wing during the greater part of the year, and even the tiny butterflies of the genus Zizera seem 
to stand the cold spells of January and February better than most other insects, and may be seen 
abroad when other butterflies are hidden in sheltered nooks. 
The eggs of this Family are usually sub-globular or hemispherical, and a feature of the 
eggs of certain genera is their strongly-marked reticulation or honey-combing of the surface ; also 
the broad, blunt abdomen-tip of those pupae which are affixed without a band or girdle round the 
middle. 
The Lycoznidce in very many instances exhibit striking seasonal changes, especially on 
the underside, and it seems probable that some which have been differentiated as species will 
eventually be proved to be merely wet and dry forms of the same insects. The “tails” which 
adorn the hindwings of some of these butterflies appear to withstand much hard wear, though one 
might imagine that a tough breath would destroy them; and specimens may often be taken in 
which the^e delicate appendages are in almost perfect condition, the insect as a whole being in a 
very tattered and delapidated state. Many Lyccemdce, more especially the tailed groups, have a 
constant habit, whilst resting with closed wings on a leaf or twig, of working the hindwings up and 
down alternately, with a see-saw motion, the forewings being held still. The large anal lobes on 
the hindwings with which many of these butterflies are provided are usually held at right angles 
to the plane of the wings when closed. 
It is very difficult to observe exactly whether the movements of the tails in the open air 
are voluntary or otherwise, as of course the slightest breath of wind will wave these slender organs, 
so having some pupae of Tajuria cippus , a species with two pairs of long, slender tails and large 
anal lobes on the hindwings, they were put into a large stoppered glass jar. When the insects 
emerged they were closely observed, and they evidently moved the tails at will, the least possible 
vertical movement of the hindwings, one wing upwards the other downwards, causing the tail-tips 
to wave through a large space, by catching the base of one tail with the base of the other—the 
hollowing and smoothing movement of the anal lobes is also apparently caused by this action, the 
rubbing of the hindwings together—and the Lycaenids of these groups, with tails and’anal 
lobes, generally rest with closed wings. It has been remarked that the tails and usual black 
markings on the anal lobes together resemble a head with waving antennas, thus inducing enemies 
to attack a non-vital part. It is, however, rather a fanciful resemblance ; it seems more probable 
that the tails may tend to protect the insect by their motion, which would of itself draw attention 
to that part of the insect, or rather distract attention from other parts. The presence of the “tails” 
