The Naturalist's Library, Vol XXXI

Foreign Butterflies

Having already discussed the general history of butterflies at considerable length, in a volume devoted to the illustration of the kinds found in Britain, it is not our intention to resume the subject in this place, further than to make a few remarks on certain peculiarities presented by many foreign species, a selection from which forms the subject of the present volume. 66 The remarkable superiority in size and beauty of most tropical productions over those of temperate regions, is scarcely more strikingly exemplified in any department of nature than in this. The most richly ornamented of our native species, and we possess many of great beauty, appear insignificant when contrasted with those of Brazil and Eastern Asia. Various as are the modifications of form which they present in this country, we find nothing to prepare us for the peculiar outline and aspect which many kinds assume in the warmer regions of the earth. Here we seldom find any having the hinder wings prolonged into a tail, but among foreign species this is a common appendage, sometimes long and linear, at other times broad and spatulate; and occasionally there are not fewer than three or four on each of the hinder wings. Along with this variety of outline, they exhibit almost every possible shade of colour, from the most brilliant to the most obscure, combined and blended in the most elegant and harmonious designs, rendering this tribe of creatures one of the most ornamental to be found in nature. Although such endless diversity of colouring is observable in this class as a whole, it is, at the same time, worthy of remark, that most of the principal groups are characterized by the prevalence of particular hues, as well as considerable uniformity in their mode of distribution; that is to say, certain modifications of structure are generally accompanied with a certain pictorial design. Thus, the greater proportion 67 of the genus Pieris are white; Colias and Callidryas various shades of yellow, from the palest sulphur-yellow to deep reddish-ochre. Argynnis is almost invariably fulvous or reddish brown, variegated with numerous undulating black lines or spots; the under side more or less ornamented with silvery streaks and spots. In the species of the European genus Thais, the wings are spotted or chequered with black and red. The prevailing colour in the genus Argus is azure-blue. Danais, Ida, and Eupla, have this character in common, that the breast and head are always punctured with white. In Cethosia, hieroglyphical markings cover the under side of the wings in such a manner as is observable in no other genus. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 58571
Author: Duncan, James
Release Date: Dec 30, 2018
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Jardine, William, 1800-1874