O? z; =O nj CD D m CD THE BUTTERFLY BOOK THE BUTTERFLY BO~K PLATE !, Frontispiece. rOPYNtjHTED Bt V.'. J. HOLLAND, ,t9H HUTTERFLIES. 1. Pyrameis Cardui, Linn., * (The Pa nted Lady); 2. P. Huntera, Fabr., t. (Hunter's Butterfly): 3. Grapta Interrogations, Fabr., $ (The Quest on Sign); 4. Colias Philodice, Godt., ' ; 5. Do., S (The Clouded Sulphur); 6. Vanessa Antiopa, Linn., 5 (The Mourning Cloak). THE BUTTERFLY BOOK A POPULAR GUIDE TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA BY W. J. HOLLAND, PH. D., D. D., LL D CHANCELLOR OF THE WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA; DIRECTOR OF THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM, PITTSBURGH, PA.; FELLOW OF THE ZOOLOGICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETIES OF LONDON J MEMBER OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FRANCE, ETC., ETC. WITH 48 PLATES IN COLOR-PHOTOGRAPHY, REPRO- DUCTIONS OF BUTTERFLIES IN THE AUTHOR'S COL- LECTION, AND MANY TEXT ILLUSTRATIONS PRESENTING MOST OF THE SPECIES FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES LONDON HUTCH1NSON & CO. PATERNOSTER Row 1902 PRINTED IN AMERICA TO MY GOOD WIFE AND MY TWO BONNY BOYS, THE COMPANIONS OF MY LEISURE HOURS AND MY VACATION RAMBLES, I DEDICATE THIS BOOK, WITHOUT ASKING THEIR PERMISSION PREFACE A' some time or other in the life of every healthy young per- son there appears to be developed what has been styled "the collecting mania." Whether this tendency is due to the natural acquisitiveness of the human race, to an innate apprecia- tion of the beautiful and the curious, or to the development of an instinct such as is possessed by the bower-bird, the magpie, and the crow, which have the curious habit of gathering together and storing away trifles which are bright and attractive to the eye, I leave to students of the mind to decide. The fact is patent that there is no village without its youthful enthusiast whose collection of postage-stamps is dear to his heart, and no town in which there are not amateur geologists, archseologists, botanists, and zoologists, who are eagerly bent upon the formation of collections of such objects as possess an attraction for them. One of the commonest pursuits of boyhood is the formation of a collection of insects. The career of almost every naturalist of renown has been marked in its early stages by a propensity to collect these lower, yet most interesting and instructive, forms of animal life. Among the insects, because of their beauty, butterflies have always held a foremost place in the regard of the amateur collector. For the lack, however, of suitable in- struction in the art of preserving specimens, and, above all, by reason of the almost entire lack of a convenient and well-illus- trated manual, enabling the collector to identify, name, and properly classify the collections which he is making, much of the labor expended in this direction in the United States and Canada fails to accomplish more than the furnishing of tem- porary recreation. It is otherwise in Europe. Manuals, compre- hensive in scope, and richly adorned with illustrations of the Preface leading insect forms of Great Britain and the Continent, have been produced in great numbers in recent years in England, France, and Germany. The result is that the youthful collector enters the field in those countries in the possession of a vast advantage over his less fortunate American fellow. It is to meet this want on this side of the Atlantic that this volume has been written. Its aim is to guide the amateur collector in right paths and to pre- pare him by the intelligent accomplishment of his labors for the enjoyment of still wider and more difficult researches in this and allied fields of human knowledge. The work is confined to the fauna of the continent of North America north of the Rio Grande of Texas. It is essentially popular in its character. Those who seek a more technical treatment must resort to the writings of others. If I shall succeed in this book in creating a more wide-spread interest in the world of insect life and thereby diverting attention in a measure from the persecuted birds, which I love, but which are in many species threatened with extinction by the too eager attentions which they are receiving from young naturalists, who are going forth in increased numbers with shot-gun in hand, I think I shall render a good service to the country. I flatter myself that I have possessed peculiar facilities for the successful accomplishment of the undertaking I have proposed to myself, because of the possession of what is admitted to be un- doubtedly the largest and most perfect collection of the butterflies of North America in existence, containing the types of W. H. Ed- wards, and many of those of other authors. I have also enjoyed access to all the other great collections of this country and Europe, and have had at my elbow the entire literature relating to the subject. The successful development in recent months of the process of reproducing in colors photographic representations of objects has been to a certain degree the argument for the publication of this book at the present time. A few years ago the preparation of such a work as this at the low price at which it is sold would have been an utter impossibility. "The Butterflies of North America," by W. H. Edwards, published in three volumes, is sold at one hundred and fifty dollars, and, as I know, is sold even at this price below the cost of manufacture. "The Butterflies of New England," by Dr. S. H. Scudder, in three volumes, is sold at seventy-five dollars, and likewise represents at this price only vi Preface a partial return to the learned author for the money, labor, and time expended upon it. The present volume, while not pretend- ing to vie in any respect with the magnificence of the illustrations contained in these beautiful and costly works, nevertheless pre- sents in recognizable form almost every species figured in them, and in addition a multitude of others, many of which have never before been delineated. So far as possible I have em- ployed, in making the illustrations, the original types from which the author of the species drew his descriptions. This fact will no doubt add greatly to the value of the work, as it will not only serve as a popular guide, but have utility also for the scientific student. I am under obligations to numerous friends and correspondents who have aided me, and take the present opportunity to extend to them all my hearty thanks for the generous manner in which they have assisted me in my pleasant task. I should fail, how- ever, to follow the instincts of a grateful heart did I not render an especial acknowledgment to Mr. W. H. Edwards, of Coalburg, West Virginia, and Dr. Samuel H. Scudder, of Cambridge, Massa- chusetts. Justly esteemed as the two foremost lepidopterists of America, it is my honor to claim them as personal friends, whose kindness has much aided me in this labor of scientific love which I have undertaken. For the kind permission given me by Dr. Scudder to use various illustrations contained in the "Butterflies of New England" and other works, I am profoundly grateful. I am under obligations to Messrs. Charles Scribner's Sons for permission to use the cuts numbered 46-49, 51-56, 59, 61, 62, and 73, which are taken from the work entitled "Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting, " by W. T. Hornaday, and to the authorities of the United States National Museum and the heirs of the late Professor C. V. Riley for other illustrations. Should this book find the favor which I have reason to think it deserves, I shall endeavor shortly to follow it by the preparation of a similar work upon the moths of the United States and Canada. OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR, W. J. H. WESTERN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, August 1 6, 1898. vn TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION \ CHAP. PAGE I. THE LIFE-HISTORY AND ANATOMY OF BUTTERFLIES . . 3-25 The Eggs of Butterflies. Caterpillars: Structure, Form, Color, etc.; Moults; Food of Caterpillars; Duration of Larval State; Transformation. The Pupa, or Chrysalis: The Form of Chrysalids; Duration of Pupal Life; The Transformation from the Chrysalis to the Imago. Anatomy of Butterflies: The Head; The Thorax; The Abdomen; The Legs; The Wings; Internal Organs; Polymorphism and Dimorphism; Albi- nism and Melanism; Monstrosities; Mimicry. The Distribution of But- terflies. II. THE CAPTURE, PREPARATION, AND PRESERVATION OF SPECI- MENS 26-57 Collecting Apparatus : Nets; Collecting-Jars; Field-Boxes; The Use of the Net; Baits; Beating. The Breeding of Specimens : How to Get the Eggs of Butterflies; Breeding-Cages; How to Find Caterpillars; Hibernating Caterpillars. The Preservation of Specimens : Papering Specimens; Mounting Butterflies; Relaxing Specimens; The Prepara- tion and Preservation of Butterfly Eggs; The Preservation of Chrysa- lids; The Preservation of Caterpillars. The Preservation and Arrangement of Collections : Boxes; Cabinets and Drawers; Label- ing; Arrangement of Specimens; Insect Pests; Greasy Specimens; Mould; Repairing Specimens; Packing and Forwarding Specimens; Pins; The Forceps. III. THE CLASSIFICATION OF BUTTERFLIES 58-68 The Place of Butterflies in the Animal Kingdom; The Principles of Scientific Arrangement; The Species; The Genus; The Family, etc.; Scientific Names; Synonyms; Popular Names. IV. BOOKS ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLIES . . . 69-74 Early Writers; Later Writers; Periodicals. ix Table of Contents THE BOOK PAGE THE BUTTERFLIES OF NORTH AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO. Family I. Nympbalidce, the Brush-footed Butterflies . . 77 Subfamily Euploeince, the Milkweed Butterflies ... 80 Subfamily Ithomtince, the Long-winged Butterflies . . 85 Subfamily Helicomince, the Heliconians 91 Subfamily Nymphalince, the Nymphs 93 Subfamily Satyrince, the Satyrs, Meadow-browns, and Arctics 197 Subfamily Libytheince, the Snout-butterflies .... 226 Family II. Lemoniidce 228 Subfamily Erycinince, the Metal-marks 228 Family III. Lyccenidce 236 Subfamily Lyccenince, the Hair-streaks, the Blues, and the Coppers 236 Family IV. Papilionidce, the Swallowtails and Allies . . 272 Subfamily Pierinx, the Whites, the Sulphurs, the Orange-tips 272 Subfamily Papilionince, the Parnassians and Swallowtails 304 Family V. Hesperndce, the Skippers . 318 Subfamily Pyrrbopygince 319 Subfamily Hesperiince, the Hesperids 320 Subfamily Pampbilince 339 Subfamily Megatbymince, genus Megatbymus .... 367 DIGRESSIONS AND QUOTATIONS PAGE Immortality (Sigourney) 57 Hugo's "Flower to Butterfly" (Translated by Eugene Field) 74 Superstitions (Frank Cowan) 90 Luther's Saddest Experience (Yale Literary Magazine, 1852) 100 A Race after a Butterfly 127 x Table of Contents PAGE Suspicious Conduct .... 136 Collecting in Japan ...... 149 Faunal Regions 161 Widely Distributed Butterflies 171 The Butterflies' Fad (Ella Wheeler Wilcox) 186 Fossil Insects 195 In the Face of the Cold 224 Uncle Jotham's Boarder (Annie Trumbull Slosson) . . . 233 Mimicry 235 The Utility of Entomology 256 Size 271 Instinct 280 Red Rain (Frank Cowan) 299 For a Design of a Butterfly Resting on a Skuli (Mrs. Hemans) 303 The Caterpillar and the Ant (Allan Ramsay) 316 Collections and Collectors 337 Exchanges 344 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS IN TEXT FIG. PAGE 1. Egg of Basilarchia disippus, magnified 3 2. Egg of Basilarchia disippus, natural size ... .3 3. Egg of Papilio turnus, enlarged 4 4. Egg of Anosia plexippus, magnified 4 5. Egg of Anosia plexippus, natural size 4 6. Egg of Anthocharis genutia, magnified 4 7. Egg of Lycsena pseudargiolus, magnified 4 8. Egg of Melitsea phaeton, magnified 4 9. Micropyle of egg of Pieris oleracea, magnified ... 5 10. Eggs of Grapta comma, magnified 5 n. Eggs of Vanessa antiopa, magnified 5 12. Caterpillar of Papilio philenor 6 13. Head of caterpillar of Papilio asterias, magnified ... 6 14. Head of caterpillar of Anosia plexippus, magnified . . 6 15. Head of caterpillar of Anosia plexippus, side view, enlarged 7 16. Caterpillar of Anosia plexippus, natural size .... 7 17. Fore leg of caterpillar of Vanessa antiopa, enlarged . . 7 1 8. Anterior segments of caterpillar of A. plexippus . . 7 19. Proleg of caterpillar of Vanessa antiopa, enlarged . . 7 20. Caterpillar of Basilarchia disippus 8 21. Early stages of goatweed butterfly 9 22. Head of caterpillar of Papilio troilus 9 23. Caterpillar of milkweed butterfly changing into chrysalis 1 1 24. Chrysalis of milkweed butterfly 12 25. Chrysalis of Papilio philenor 12 26. Caterpillar and chrysalis of Pieris protodice .... 12 27. Chrysalis of Pieris oleracea 13 xiii List of Illustrations in Text FIGC PAGE 28. Butterfly emerging from chrysalis 13 29. Head of milkweed butterfly, showing parts .... 14 30. Cross-section of sucking-tube of butterfly .... 15 31. Longitudinal section of the head of the milkweed butterfly 15 32. Interior structure of head of milkweed butterfly ... 16 33. Labial palpus of butterfly 16 34. Legs of butterfly 17 35. Parts of leg of butterfly 17 36. Scales on wing of butterfly 18 37. Androconia from wing of butterfly 18 38. Outline of wing of butterfly 20 39. Arrangement of scales on the wing of a butterfly . . 20 40. Figure of wing, showing names of veins .... 21 41. Internal anatomy of caterpillar of milkweed butterfly . 22 42. Internal anatomy of milkweed butterfly 23 43. Plan for folding net-ring 27 44. Insect-net 27 45. Plan for making a cheap net 27 46. Cyanide-jar 29 47. Paper cover for cyanide .29 48. Method of pinching a butterfly 30 49. Cheap form of breeding-cage 35 50. Breeding-cage 36 51. Butterfly in envelope , 38 52. Method of making envelopes 38 53. Setting-board ... 39 54. Setting-block 39 55. Butterfly on setting-block 39 56. Setting-needle 40 57. Setting-board with moth upon it 40 58. Butterfly pinned on setting-board 41 59. Drying-box 41 60. Drying-box 42 61. Apparatus for inflating larvae 45 62. Tip of inflating-tube 46 63. Drying-oven 46 64. Drying-oven 47 65. Detail drawing of book-box 48 66. Detail drawing of box 48 xiv List of Illustrations in Text FIG. ' PAGE 67. Detail drawing of box 49 68. Insect-box 49 69. Detail drawing of drawer for cabinet 51 70. Detail drawing for paper bottom of box to take place of cork 52 71. Manner of arranging specimens in cabinet or box . 52 72. Naphthaline cone 53 75. Butterflies packed for shipment 55 74. Forceps 56 75. Forceps 57 76. Antennae of butterfly 61 77. Antennas of moths 62 78. Neuration of genus Anosia Si 79. Swarm of milkweed butterflies, photographed at night 83 80. Neuration of genus Mechanitis 86 81. Neuration of genus Ceratinia 88 82. Neuration of genus Dircenna 89 83. Fore leg of female Dircenna klugi 89 84. Neuration of genus Heliconius 91 85. Young caterpillar of Vanessa antiopa 94 86. Neuration of genus Colsenis 95 87. Neuration of genus Dione 96 88. Neuration of genus Euptoieta 98 89. Neuration of genus Argynnis 101 90. Neuration of genus Brenthis 129 91. Neuration of genus Melitaea 138 92. Neuration of genus Phyciodes 151 93. Neuration of genus Eresia 157 94. Neuration of genus Synchloe 159 95. Neuration of genus Grapta 163 96. Neuration of genus Vanessa 167 97. Neuration of genus Pyrameis 170 98. Neuration of genus Junonia 172 99. Neuration of genus Anartia 174 100. Neuration of genus Hypanartia 175 101. Neuration of genus Eunica 176 102. Neuration of genus Cystineura 177 103. Neuration of genus Callicore 178 104. Neuration of genus Timetes 179 105. Neuration of genus Hypolimnas 181 xv List of Illustrations in Text FIG. PAGE 1 06. Neuration of genus Basilarchia 182 107. Leaf cut away at end by the caterpillar of Basilarchia . 183 108. Hibernaculum of caterpillar of Basilarchia 183 109. Neuration of genus Adelpha 187 no. Neuration of genus Chlorippe 188 in. Neuration of genus Pyrrhansea 192 112. Neuration of genus Ageronia 193 113. Neuration of genus Victorina 195 114. Neuration of genus Debis .......... 199 n> Neuration of genus Satyrodes 200 116. Neuration of genus Neonympha 201 117. Neuration of genus Coenonympha 205 1 1 8. Neuration of genus Erebia 208 519. Neuration of genus Geirocheilus . 2.11 1 20. Neuration of genus Neominois 212 121. Neuration of genus Satyrus . 214 122. Neuration of genus CEneis . 219 123. Caterpillars of CEneis macouni 221 124. Neuration of genus Libythea 226 125. Neuration of base of hind wing of genus Lemonias . . 228 126. Neuration of genus Lemonias 229 127. Neuration of genus Calephelis 232 128. Neuration of genus Eumaeus 237 129. Neuration of Thecla edwardsi . 238 130. Neuration of Thecla melinus . . 242 131. Neuration of Thecla darnon 246 152. Neuration of Thecla niphon ...'....„. 249 133. Neuration of Thecla titus . 250 134. Neuration of genus Feniseca 251 135. Neuration of genus Chrysophanus 252 136. Neuration of Lycsena pseudargiolus . 267 137. Neuration of Lycsena comyntas 268 138. Neuration of genus Dismorphia . 273 139. Neuration of genus Neophasia 274 140. Neuration of genus Tachyris 276 141. Neuration of genus Pieris 277 142. Neuration of genus Nathalis 281 143. Neuration of genus Euchloe 282 144. Neuration of genus Catopsilia . ........ 286 145. Neuration of genus Kricogonia 287 xvi List of Illustrations in Text FIG. PAGE 146. Neuration of genus Meganostoma 288 147. Neuration of genus Colias 289 148. Neuration of genus Terias 295 149. Neuration of genus Parnassius 305 An Astronomer's Conception of an Entomologist . .317 150. Head and antenna of genus Pyrrhopyge 319 151. Neuration of genus Pyrrhopyge 319 152. Neuration of genus Eudamus 321 153. Antenna and neuration of genus Plestia 322 154. Neuration of genus Epargyreus 323 155. Neuration of genus Thorybes 324 1 56. Neuration of genus Achalarus 326 157. Antenna and neuration of genus Hesperia 327 158. Neuration of genus Systasea 329 159. Neuration of genus Pholisora 330 160. Neuration of genus Thanaos 332 161. Neuration of genus Amblyscirtes 340 162. Neuration of genus Pamphila 342 163. Neuration of genus Oarisma 343 164. Neuration of genus Ancyloxypha . 345 165. Neuration of genus Copaeodes ........ 346 166. Neuration of genus Erynnis ......... 347 167. Neuration of genus Thymelicus ........ 351 168. Neuration of genus Atalopedes 352 169. Neuration of genus Polites ..... .... 353 170. Neuration of genus Hylephila ....,„... 354 171. Neuration of genus Prenes . . . . . .... 355 172. Neuration of genus Calpodes , 355 173. Neuration of genus Lerodea 356 174. Neuration of genus Limochores ........ 357 175. Neuration of genus Euphyes ......... 360 176. Neuration of genus Oligoria , ... 361 177. Neuration of genus Poanes 362 178. Neuration of genus Phycanassa 362 179. Neuration of genus Atrytone 364 180. Neuration of genus Lerema ......... 366 181. Megathymus yuccae, ? 367 182. Larva of Megathymus yuccas ......... 368 183. Chrysalis of Megathymus yuccae 368 The Popular Conception of an Entomologist .... 369 xvii LIST OF COLORED PLATES Produced by the color-photographic process of the Chicago Colortype Company, 1205 Roscoe Street, Chicago, 111. FACING PAGE I. Spring Butterflies Frontispiece II. Caterpillars of Papilionidae and Hesperiidae . . . 6 III. Caterpillars of Nymphalidae 18 IV. Chrysalids in Color and in Outline — Nymphalidae 50 V. Chrysalids in Color and in Outline — Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Pierinae 44 VI. Chrysalids in Color and in Outline — Papiloninae and Hesperiidae , 58 VII. Anosia and Basilarchia 80 VIII. Ithomiinae, Heliconius, Dione, Colaenis, and Eup- toieta 88 IX. Argynnis 100 X. Argynnis 104 XI. Argynnis 108 XII. Argynnis 112 XIII. Argynnis 116 XIV. Argynnis 122 XV. Brenthis 130 XVI. Melitea 138 XVII. Melitaea, Phyciodes, Eresia 152 XVIII. Argynnis, Brenthis, Melitaea, Phyciodes, Eresia, Synchloe, Debis, Geirocheilus 156 XIX. Grapta, Vanessa 164 XX. Grapta, Vanessa, Junonia, Anartia, Pyrameis . .168 XXI. Timetes, Hypolimnas, Eunica, Callicore . . . .178 XXII. Basilarchia, Adelpha 184 XXIII. Chlorippe 190 XXIV. Pyrrhanaea, Ageronia, Synchloe, Cystineura, Hy- panartia, Victorina 196 xix List of Colored Plates FACING PAGE XXV. Satyrodes, Ccenonympha, Neonympha, Neomi- nois, Erebia 204 XXVI. Satyrus 214 XXVII. CEneis 220 XXVIII. Libythea, Lemonias, Calephelis, Eumaeus, Chrys- ophanus, Feniseca 228 XXIX. Chrysophanus, Thecla 236 XXX. Thecla, Lycaena .746 XXXI. Lyoena . . . . . 256 XXXII. Lycsena, Thecla, Nathalis, Euchloe 266 XXXIII. Catopsilia, Pyrameis 272 XXXIV. Euchloe, Neophasia, Pieris, Kricogonia .... 280 XXXV. Tachyris, Pieris, Colias 288 XXXVI. Meganostoma, Colias 294 XXXVII. Terias, Dismorphia 298 XXXVIII. Papilio 302 XXXIX. Parnassius 306 XL. Papilio 310 XLI. Papilio 314 XLII. Papilio 316 XLIII. Papilio, Colias, Pyrameis, Epargyreus . . . .318 XLIV. Papilio 322 XLV. Papilio, Pholisora, Eudamus Achalarus, Pyrrho- pyge, Plestia, Calpodes, Thanaos 330 XLVI. Hesperiidas 338 XLVII. Hesperiidse 350 XLVIII. Hesperiidae and Colias eurytheme 360 xx INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I THE LIFE-HISTORY AND ANATOMY OF BUTTERFLIES " The study of butterflies,— creatures selected as the types of airiness and frivolity, —instead of being despised, will some day be valued as one of the most important branches of biological science."— BATES, Naturalist on the Amazons. IN studying any subject, it is always well, if possible, to com- mence at the beginning; and in studying the life of animals, or of a group of animals, we should endeavor to obtain a clear idea at the outset of the manner in which they are developed. It is a familiar saying that "all life is from an egg." This statement is scientifically true in wide fields which come under the eye of the naturalist, and butterflies are no exception to the rule. THE EGGS OF BUTTERFLIES The eggs of butterflies consist of a membranous shell con- taining a fluid mass composed of the germ of the future cat- erpillar and the liquid food which is necessary for its maintenance and de- velopment until it escapes from the shell. The forms of these eggs are various. Some are spherical, others hemispherical, con- ical, and cylindri- cal. Some are bar- rel-shaped ; others FiG.i. — EggoiBasilarchia disippus. magnified 30 diame- ters(Riley). FlG. 2._Egg of Basil ar- have the shape of chiadisippus,na.twalsize, ct^Il at the end of under surface stl11 of leaf (Riley). the a others have form of a turban. Many of them are angled, some depressed at the ends. Their surface is variously ornamented. Some- 3 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies times they are ribbed, the ribs running from the center out- wardly and downwardly along the sides like the meridian lines upon a globe. Between these ribs there is fre- quently found a fine network of raised lines variously arranged. Sometimes the sur- face is covered with minute depressions, FiG.3.-EggofPKo sometimes with a turnus, greatly magnified. series of minute ele- FIG. 4.— vations variously disposed. As there is P!exiPPus, magnified 30 diameters (Riley). great variety in the form of the eggs, so also there is great variety in their color. Brown, blue, green, red, and yellow eggs occur. Greenish or greenish-white are common tints. The eggs are often ornamented with FIG. 5.— Egg of Anosia dots and lines of darker color. Species which are related to one another show their affinity even in the form of their eggs. At the upper end of the eggs of insects there are one or more curious structures, known as micropyles (little doors), plexippus, natural size, on under side of leaf (Riley). FIG. 6. — Egg of Anthocharis genutia, magni- fied 20 diameters. FIG. "]. — Turban-shaped egg of Lyccena pseudar- giolus, greatly magnified. FIG. 8. — Egg of Melitcca phaeton, greatly magnified. through which the spermatozoa of the male find ingress and they are fertilized. These can only be seen under a good micro- scope. The eggs are laid upon the food-plant upon which the cater- 4 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies FIG. 9. — Upper end of egg of Pieris oleracca, greatly magnified, show- ing the micropyle. FIG. i o.— Eggs oiGrapta com- ma, laid in string-like clus- ters on the under side of leaf. (Magni- fied.) pillar, after it is hatched, is destined to live, and the female re- veals wonderful instinct in selecting plants which are appropriate to the develop- ment of the larva. As a rule, the larvae are restricted in the range of their food-plants to certain genera, or families of plants. The eggs are deposited sometimes singly, sometimes in small clusters, sometimes in a mass. Fertile eggs, a few days after they have been deposited, frequently undergo a change of color, and it is often possible with a magnifying-glass to see through the thin shell the form of the minute caterpillar which is being developed within the egg. Unfruitful eggs gen- erally shrivel and dry up after the lapse of ashorttime. The period of time requisite for the development of the embryo in the egg varies. Many butterflies are single-brooded ; others produce two orthree gen- erations during the summer in temperate climates, and even more generations in subtropical or tropical climates. In such cases an interval of only a few days, or weeks at the most, separates the time when the egg was deposited and the time when the larva is hatched. When the period of hatching, or emer- gence, has arrived, the little, caterpillar cuts its way forth from the egg through an opening made either at the side or on the top. Many species have eggs which appear to be provided with a lid, a portion of the shell being separated from the re- mainder by a thin section, which, when the caterpillar has reached the full limit allowed by the egg, breaks under the pressure of the enlar- ging embryo within, one portion of the egg flying off, the remainder adhering to the leaf or twig upon which it has been deposited. FIG. 1 1. — Eggs of Vanessa an- tiopa, laid in a mass on a twig. CATERPILLARS Structure, Form, Color, etc.— The second stage in which the insects we are studying exist is known as the larval stage. The insect is known as a larva, or a caterpillar. In general cater- The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies pillars have long, worm-like bodies. Frequently they ate thickest about the middle, tapering before and behind, flat- tened on the under side. While the cylindrical shape is most common, there are some families in which the larvae are short, oval, or slug-shaped, sometimes curiously modified by ridges and promi- nences. The body of the larvae of lepi- doptera consists normally of thirteen rings, or segments, the first constituting the head. The head is always conspicuous, com- posed of horny or chitinous material, but varying exceedingly in form and size. It is very rarely small and retracted. It is generally large, hemispherical, conical, or bilobed. In some families it is ornamented by horn-like projections. On the lower side are the mouth-parts, consisting of the upper lip, the mandibles, the antennae, or feelers, the under lip, the nF'G- I3\TICaterPi|!a1r °f maxillae, and two sets of palpi, known as Papilio philenor (Riley). ... , \_. \ . . the maxillary and the labial palpi. In many genera the labium, or under lip, is provided with a short, horny projection known as the spinneret, through which the silk secreted by the cater- pillar is passed. On either side, just above the man- dibles, are located the eyes, or ocelli, which in the caterpillar are * . . rio. 14. — Head ot caterpillar Simple, round, Shining Of4nosiaplexippus,lowerside, prominences, generally magnified 10 diameters: Ib, la- HG. 13. — Head -> brum, or upper lip; md, mandi- of caterpillar of only to be Clearly dlS- bles; nix, maxilla, with two Papilio aste- tinguished by the aid PalP'5 lm> labium, or lower lip, nas, front view, J. with one pair of palpi; s, spin- enlarged. Of a magmfymg-glaSS. neret; a, antenna; o, ocelli. These ocelli are fre- (After Burgess.) quently arranged in series on each side. The palpi are organs of touch connected with the maxillae and the labium, or under lip, and are used in the process of feeding, and also when the 6 EXPLANATION or- PLATE II Reproduced, with the kind permission of Dr. S. H. Scudder, from "The Butterflies of New England," vol. iii, Plate 76. CATERPILLARS or PAPILIOXID.I- AND HESPERIID.* 1. Colias eurylbcme. 2. Callidryjs eubttle. I'erias lisa. 4. Callidryas fitbule. s. Eucbloe genutia. Tcrias iiiiippe. 7. Pieris prvtodicf. H. Pieris napi, var. oleracea. a. fifris napi, var. oleracea. : < >. (Colias pbilodice, i i. Pieris i\rp(.r. 12. Pieris. rapa\ i T. Papilio pbilcnor. 14. Papilio ajax. i s. Papilio tur-nits. Just before pupation. 16. Papilio crcspbontes. 17. Papilio asterias. In second stage. Papilio troilus. iq. Papilio troilus. In third stage; plain. 20. 21. 24 27. 28. 20. 50. Papilio pbileuor. Piipilio pbilfiior. In third stage; dorsal view. Papilio troilus. In third stage: dor- sal view. dcbiihinis Ij'cidjs. r>orsal view. Pjpilio asteritis. In fourth stage; dorsal view. Tborrbcs pyl^nl- Papilio tiinuts. Dorsal view. Papilio tn runs. Tboiybes pvhides. Epargvrcus tilvnis. Epargyreus tilynis. Tbo rvbes balbyllns. Epargyreus tityrus. Eudamus protons. Epargyreus tilynis. In third stage. THE BUTTERFLY BOOK' PLATE II. The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies caterpillar is crawling about from place to place. The larva appears to guide itself in great part by means of the palpi. The body of the caterpillar is covered by a thin skin, which often lies in wrinkled folds, admitting of great freedom of motion. The body is composed, as we have seen, of rings, or segments, the first three of which, back of the head, correspond FIG. 15.— Head of caterpillar of Anosia plexip- pus, side vieWj showing ocelli! FIG, 1 6. — Caterpillar of Anosia plexippus, milkweed butterfly (Riley). to the thorax of the perfect insect, and the last nine to the abdomen of the butterfly. On each ring, with the exception of the second, the third, and the last, there is found on either side a small oval opening known as a spiracle, through which the creature breathes. As a rule, the spiracles of the first and eleventh rings are larger in size than the others. Every caterpillar has on each of the first three segments a pair of legs, which are organs composed of three somewhat horny parts covered and bound together with skin, and armed at their extremities by a sharp claw (Fig. 17). These three pairs of feet in the caterpillar are always known as the fore legs, and corre- FIG. 17. — Fore leg of caterpil- lar of Vanes~ sa antiopa,en~ larged. FIG. 1 8. — Ante- rior segments of cat- erpillar of milkweed butterfly, showing thoracic or true legs (Riley). FIG. 19. — Proleg of caterpillar of Vanessa antiopa, enlarged. spond to the six which are found in the butterfly or the moth. In addition, in most cases, we find four pairs of prolegs on the under side of the segments from the sixth to the ninth, and another pair on the last segment, which latter pair are The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies called the anal prolegs. These organs, which are necessary to the life of the caterpillar, do not reappear in the perfect insect, but are lost when the transformation from the caterpillar to the chrysalis takes place. There are various modifications of this scheme of foot-like appendages, only the larger and more highly developed forms of lepidoptera having as many pairs of prolegs as have been enumerated. The bodies of caterpillars are variously ornamented: many of them are quite smooth; many are provided with horny projections, spines, and eminences. The coloration of cater- pillars is as remarkable in the variety which it displays as is the ornamentation by means of the prominences of which we have just spoken. As caterpillars, forthe most part, feed upon growing vegeta- tion, multitudes of them are FIG. 20. — Caterpillar of Basihirchia disippus, the viceroy, natural size (Riley). green in color, being thus adapted to their surroundings and securing a measure of protection. Many are brown, and exactly mimic the color of the twigs and branches upon which they rest when not engaged in feeding. Not a few are very gaily colored, but in almost every case this gay coloring is found to bear some relation to the color of the objects upon which they rest. Caterpillars vary in their social habits. Some species are gregarious, and are found in colonies. These frequently build for themselves defenses, weaving webs of silk among the branches, in which they are in part protected from their enemies and also from the inclemencies of the weather. Most caterpillars are, however, solitary, and no community life is maintained by the vast majority of species. Many species have the habit of drawing together the edges of a leaf, in which way they form a covering for themselves. The caterpillars of some butter- flies are wood-boring, and construct tunnels in the pith, or in the soft layers of growing plants. In these cases, being protected and concealed from view, the caterpillars are gener- ally white in their coloration, resembling in this respect the larvae of wood-boring beetles. A most curious phenomenon has 8 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies within comparatively recent years been discovered in connection with the larval stage of certain small butterflies belonging to the family Lye ami dee. The caterpillars are carnivorous, or rather aphidivorous; they live upon aphids, or plant-lice, and scale- insects, and cover themselves with the white exudations or mealy secretions of the latter. This trait is characteristic of only one of our North American species, the Harvester (Feniseca tar qn milts). In addition to being protected from enemies by having colors which enable them to elude obser- vation, as has been already stated, some caterpillars are pro- vided with other means of defense. FIG. 21.— Early stages of the goatweed butterfly: «, T, -,, f ,, caterpillar; b, chrysalis; c. leaf drawn together at edges The caterpillars of the to form a nek (Natural size.) (Riley.) swallowtail butter- flies are provided with a bifurcate or forked organ, generally yellow in color, which is protruded from an opening in the skin back of the head, and which emits a powerful odor (Fig. 22) , This protrusive organ evidently exists only for purposes of defense, and the secre- tion of the odor is analogous to the secretion of evil odors by some of the vertebrate ani- mals, as the skunk. The majority of caterpil- lars, when attacked by insect or other enemies, defend themselves by quickly hurling the an- terior part of the body from side to side. Moults.— Caterpillars in the process of growth and develop- ment from time to time shed their skins. This process is called moulting. Moulting takes place, as a rule, at regular intervals, Q FIG. 22. — Head of caterpillar of Pa- pilio troilus, with scent-organs, or os- materia, protruded. The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies though there are exceptions to this rule. The young larva, having emerged from the egg, grows for a number of days, until the epidermis, or true skin, has become too small. It then ceases feeding, attaches itself firmly to some point, and remains quiet for a time. During this period certain changes are taking place, and then the skin splits along the middle line from the head to the extremity of the last segment, and the caterpillar crawls forth from the skin, which is left behind it, attached to the leaf or branch to which it was fastened. The skin of the head sometimes remains attached to the head of the caterpillar for a time after it has moulted, and then falls off to the ground. Ordinarily not more than five, and frequently only four, moults take place between hatching from the egg and the change into the chrysalis. In cases where caterpillars hibernate, or pass the winter in inaction, a long interval necessarily elapses between moults. Some arctic species are known in which the development from the egg to the perfect insect covers a period of two or three years, long periods of hibernation under the arctic snows taking place. The manner in which the caterpillar withdraws itself from its exuviae, or old skin, is highly interesting. Every little spine or rough prominence is withdrawn from its covering, and the skin is left as a perfect cast of the creature which has emerged from it, even the hairs and spines attached to the skin being left behind and replaced by others. The Food of the Caterpillar. — The vast majority of the cater- pillars of butterflies subsist upon vegetable food, the only excep- tions being the singular one already noted in which the larvae feed upon scale-insects. Some of the Hesperiida*, a group in which the relationship between butterflies and moths is shown, have larvae which burrow in the roots and stems of vegetation. Duration of the Larval State. — The duration of the larval state varies greatly. In temperate climates the majority of species exist in the caterpillar state for from two to three months, and where .hibernation takes place, for ten months. Many caterpillars which hibernate do so immediately after emerging from the egg and be- fore having made the first moult. The great majority, however, hibernate after having passed one or more moults. With the approach of spring they renew their feeding upon the first reap- pearance of the foliage of their proper food-plant, or are trans- formed into chrysalids and presently emerge as perfect insects. 10 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies A few species live gregariously during the period of hibernation, constructing for themselves a shelter of leaves woven together with strands of silk. Transformation.— -The larval or caterpillar stage having been completed, and full development having been attained, the cater- pillar is transformed into a pupa, or chrysalis. Of this, the third stage in the life of the insect, we now shall speak at length. THE PUPA, OR CHRYSALIS The caterpillars of many butterflies attach themselves by a button of silk to the under surface of a branch or stone, or other projecting surface, and are transformed into chrysalids, FIG. 23. — Caterpillar of Anosia plexippus, undergoing change into chrysalis: a, caterpillar just before rending of the skin; b, chrysalis just before the cremaster, or hook, at its end is withdrawn ; c, chrysalis holding itself in place by the folds of the shed skin caught between the edges of the abdominal segments, while with the cremaster, armed with microscopic hooks, it searches for the button of silk from which it is to hang (Riley). (Compare Fig. 24, showing final form of the chrysalis.) which are naked, and which hang perpendicularly from the sur- face to which they are attached. Other caterpillars attach them- selves to surfaces by means of a button of silk which holds the anal extremity of the chrysalis, and have, in addition, a girdle of silk which passes around the middle of the chrysalis, holding it in place very much as a papoose is held on the back of an Indian squaw by a strap passed over her shoulders. The Form of Cbrysa/ids.—1'he forms assumed by the insect in this stage of its being vary very greatly, though there is a general resemblance among the different families and subfamilies, so that ! I The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies it is easy for one who has studied the matter to tell approximately to what family the form belongs, even when it is not specifically known. Chrysalids are in most cases obscure in coloring, though a few are quite brilliant, and, as in the case of the common milk- weed butterfly (Anosiaplexippus), ornamented with golden-hued spots. The chrysalids of the Nympbalidce, one of the largest FIG. 24.— Chrysalis of Anosia plexippus, final form (Riley). FIG. 25.— Chrysalis of Papilio philenor: a, front view; b, side view, showing manner in which it is held in place by the girdle of silk (Riley). groups of butterflies, are all suspended. The chrysalids of the Papilionidce, or swallowtail butterflies, are held in place by girdles, and generally are bifurcate or cleft at the upper end (Fig. 25), and are greenish or wood-brown in color. A study of the structure of all chrysalids shows that within them there is contained the immature butterfly. The segments of the body are ensheathed in the corresponding segments of the chrysalis, and soldered over these segments are ensheathing plates of chitinous matter under which are the wings of the butterfly, as well as all the other organs neces- sary to its existence in the airy realm upon which it enters after emergence from the chrysalis. The practised eye of the ob- FIG. 26.—Pieris protodice: a, caterpillar; b, chrysalis (Riley). server is soon able to distinguish the location of the various parts of the butterfly in the chrysalis, and when the time for escape 12 FIG. 27. — Chrysalis of Pieris olera- cea (Riley). The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies draws near, it is in many cases possible to discern through the thin, yet tough and hard, outer walls of the chrysalis the spots and colors on the wings of the insect. Duration of Pupal Life. — Many butterflies remain in the chrys- alis stage only for a few weeks; others hibernate in this state, and in temperate climates a great many butterflies pass the winter as chrysalids. Where, as is sometimes the case, there are two or three generations or broods of a species during the year, the life of one brood is generally longer than that of the others, because this brood is compelled to over- winter, or hibernate. There are a number of but- terflies known in temperate North America which have three broods : a spring brood, emerging from chrysalids which have overwintered; an early sum- mer brood; and a fall brood. The chrysalids in the latter two cases generally represent only a couple of weeks at most in the life of the insect. In tropical and semi-tropical countries many species re- main in the chrysalis form during the dry season, and emerge at the beginning of the rains, when vegetation is refreshed and new and tender growths occur in the forests. The Transformation from the Chrysalis to the Imago.— The perfectly developed insect is known technically as the imago. When the time of maturity in the chrysalis state has been reached, the coverings part in such a way as to allow of the escape of the perfect insect, which, as it comes forth, generally carries with it some suggestion of its caterpillar state in the lengthened abdomen, which it with apparent difficulty trails after it until it secures a hold upon some object from which it may depend while a process of development (which lasts generally a few hours) takes place pre- paratory to flight. The imago, as it first emerges, is provided with small, flaccid wings, which, to- gether with all the organs of sense, such as the antennae, require for their complete development the injection into them of the vital fluids which, upon first emergence, are largely contained in the cavities of the thorax and abdomen. Hanging pendant on a pro- jecting twig, or clinging to the side of a rock, the insect remains '3 FIG. 28. -But- terfly (Papilio asterias) just emerging from chrysalis. The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies fanning its wings, while by the strong process of circulation a rapid injection of the blood into the wings and other organs takes place, accompanied by their expansion to normal proportions, in which they gradually attain to more or less rigidity. Hardly any- thing in the range of insect life is more interesting than this rapid development of the butterfly after its first emergence from the chrysalis. The body is robbed of its liquid contents in a large degree; the abdomen is shortened up; the chitinous rings which compose its external skeleton become set and hardened; the wings are expanded, and then the moment arrives when, on airy pinions, the creature that has lived a worm-like life for weeks and months, or which has been apparently sleeping the sleep of death in its cerements, soars aloft in the air, the companion of the sunlight and the breezes. ANATOMY OF BUTTERFLIES The body of the butterfly consists of three parts— the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. The Head. —The head is globular, its breadth generally exceed- ing its length. The top is called the vertex; the anterior portion, corresponding in location to the human face, is called the front. Upon the sides of the head are situated the large compound eyes, between which are the antennce, or "feelers," as they are some- times called. Above the mouth is a smooth horny plate, the clypeus. The la- brum, or upper lip, is quite FIG 29 -Head of milkweed butterfly gmall> On both sides Of the stripped of scales and greatly magnified (after Burgess): v, vertex;/, front; d, cly- mouth are rudimentary man- peus; lb, labrum, or upper lip; md mandi- jfi/es which are microscopic bles; a, antennae; oc. eyes; tk, spiral tongue. . , or proboscis. objects. The true suctorial apparatus is formed by the maxilla, which are produced in the form of semi-cylindrical tubes, which, being brought together and interlocking, form a com- 14 nut The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies plete tube, which is known as the proboscis, and which, when not in use, is curled up spirally, looking like a watch-spring. At FIG. 30. — Cross-section of the sucking-tube of the milkweed butterfly, to show the way in which the halves unite to form a central canal (c): tr, tracheae, or air- tubes; ;/, nerves; in, 111^, muscles of one side. (Magnified 125 diameters.) (Burgess.) the upper end of the proboscis, in the head, is a bulb-like en- largement, in the walls of which are inserted muscles which have FIG. 31.— Longitudinal section of the head of the milkweed butterfly: cl, clypeus; mx, left maxilla, the right being removed; mfl, floor of mouth; ce, oesophagus, or gullet; ov, mouth-valve; sd, salivary duct; dm and/;;/, dorsal and frontal muscles, which open the sac. (Magnified 20 diameters). (Burgess.) their origin on the inner wall of the head. When these muscles contract, the bulb-like cavity is enlarged, a vacuum is produced, 15 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies and the fluids in the cup of the flower flow up the proboscis and into the bulb. The bulb is also surrounded by muscles, which, when contracting, compress it. The external opening of the tube has a flap, or valve, which, when the bulb is compressed, COIf FIG. 32. — Interior view of head of milkweed butter- fly : d, clypeus; cor, cornea of the eye; a, oesophagus, or gullet; fin, frontal muscle; dm, dorsal muscles; Im, lat- eral muscles; pm, muscles moving the palpus (Burgess). closes and causes the fluid in it to flow backward into the gullet and the stomach. The arrangement is mechanically not unlike that in a bulb-syringe used by physicians. The process of feeding in the case of the butterfly is a process of pump- ing honeyed water out of the flowers into the stomach. The length of the proboscis varies; at its base and on either side are placed what are known as the maxillary palpi, which are very small. The lower lip, or la- bium, which is also almost obsolete in the butterflies, has on either side two organs known as the labial palpi, which consist of three joints. In the butter- flies the labial palpi are generally well developed, though in some genera they are quite small. The antennae of butterflies are always provided at the ex- tremity with a club-shaped enlargement, and because of this clubbed form of the antennas the entire group are known as the Rhopalocera, the word being compounded from the Greek 16 FIG. 33.— Labial palpus of Col i as, magnified 10 diameters. The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies word pwtfaXov (rhopalon), which means a club, and the word (her as) which means a horn. It will be observed from what has been said that the head in these creatures is to a large extent the seat of the organs of sense and alimentation. What the function of the antennae may be is somewhat doubtful, the opinion of scientific men being divided. The latest researches would indicate that these organs, which have been regarded as the organs of smell and sometimes as the organs of hearing, have probably a compound function, possibly enabling the creature to hear, certainly to smell, but also, perhaps, being the seat of impressions which are not strictly like any which we receive through our senses. Thorax.— The thorax is more or less oval in form, being somewhat flattened upon its upper surface. It is composed of three parts, or segments, closely united, which can only be dis- tinguished from one another by a careful dissection. The anterior segment is known as the prothorax, the middle segment as the mesothorax, and the after segment as the metathorax. The legs are attached in pairs to these three subdivi- sions of the thorax, the anterior pair being therefore sometimes spoken of as the pro- thoracic legs, the second pair as the meso- FIG. 34.— Coiias philo- thorack legs, and the latter pair as the dice: a, antenna ; p, extrem- r . ,„. , ~ . , ity of palpus; pi, prothoracic metathoracic legs (Fig. 34). On either leg; ,„/, mesothoradc leg; side of the mesothorax 'are attached the hl, metathoracic or hind , , . , • , leg; /, proboscis. anterior pair of wings, over which, at their insertion into the body, are the tegula, or lappets ; on either side of the metathorax are the posterior pair of wings. It will be seen from what has been said that the thorax TR c bears the organs of locomotion. The under side of the thorax is frequently spoken of by writers, in describing butterflies, as the pectus, or breast. TAK The Abdomen. —The abdomen is formed nor- FIG. 35.— Leg ot mally of nine segments, and in most butterflies butterfly: c. coxa; . , . . . , _ tr, trochanter; /, is shorter than the hind wings. On the last seg- femur; /, tibia; ment there are various appendages, which are i/jy t'jrSl mainly sexual in their nature. The Legs. — Butterflies have six legs, arranged in three pairs, as we have already seen. Each leg consists of five parts, the The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies first of which, nearest the body, is called the coxa, with which articulates a ring-like piece known as the trocbanter. To this is attached the femur, and united with the femur, forming an angle with it, is the tibia. To the tibia is attached the tarsus, or foot, the last segment of which bears the claws, which are often very minute and blunt in the butterflies, though in moths they are sometimes strongly hooked. The tibise are often armed with spines. In some groups of butterflies the anterior pair of legs is aborted, or dwarfed, either in one or both sexes, a fact which is useful in determining the location of species in their systematic order. The Wings.— The wings of butterflies consist of a framework of horny tubes which are in reality double, the inner tube being FIG. ;6. — Magnified representation of arrangement of the scales on the wing of a butterfly. FIG. 37. — Androconia from wings of male butterflies: a, Neouympha enrytus', b, AY- gynnis aphrodite; c, Pirn's oleracea. filled with air, the outer tube with blood, which circulates most freely during the time that the insect is undergoing the process of development after emergence from the chrysalis, as has been al- ready described. After emergence the circulation of the blood in the outer portion of the tubes is largely, if not altogether, suspended. These horny tubes support a broad membrane, which is clothed in most species upon both sides with flattened scales which are attached to the membrane in such a way that they overlap one another like the shingles on a roof. These scales are very beau- tiful objects when examined under a microscope, and there is considerable diversity in their form as well as in their colors. The 18 EXPLANATION OF Pi. ATI. Ill Reproduced, with the kind permission of Dr. S. H. Scudder, from of New England," vol. iii, Plate 74. CATERPILLARS OF NYMPH/ 1. CE-neis semidca. Penultimate stage. . 20 2. CEneis sfHiidca. 21 ^. Neonyinpba eurytits. 22 4. CEiieis semi'dea. 1. ,4 H os Li plt'xippiis. Vfonympba enrytns. 21 7. (Ends semidca. Just hatched. 24 8. Neoiirnipba pbocion. 2S Q. Satyrodes cantbus. 26 Veonvtripta ciirvtus. 27 11. (Ends jutta. Just hatched. 28 12. Neoitytnpba pbocion. 20 n. Necmympba ettrytus. Penultimate stage. -, i 14. Ni-oiiynipba curytits. Plain and en- 32 larged. "" is. CEneis semidea. "4 10. Dfbis portlandia. is 17. Basilarcbia jsh'iumx. 36 15. Satyr us nlopf. 37 19. Basilarcbia disippus. ;S The Butterflies ppc clrlon. Basilarcbia Basilarcbia disippits. Plain out- line to show the attitude some- times assumed. Grupta intcrrogalionis. Basilarcbij disippns. Basil j rcbi'j astyaiux. Plain. Basilarcbij artbcinis. Crapta iiitcrrogjlioiiis. Vatit'ssj antiopj. . JunoHia ca-nia. . Juiionia cirnia. . Grapta progne. . Grjplrf faunas. . Grapta satynis. . Pyramcis bunt era. . Pyramcis alalanta. . yancssa inilbt-rti. . Pyrameis cardui. . Grapta comma. THE BUTTERFLY EOOK. PLATE III. The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies males of many species have peculiarly shaped scales arranged in tufts and folds, which are called androconia, and are useful in microscopically determining species (Fig. 37). The portion of the wings which is nearest to the thorax at the point where they are attached to the body is called the base; the middle third of the wing is known as the median or discal area, the outer third as the limbal area. The anterior margin of the wings is called the costal margin; the outer edge is known as the external margin, the inner edge as the inner margin. The shape of the wings varies very much. The tip of the front wing is called the apex, and this may be rounded, acute, falcate (somewhat sickle-shaped), or square. The angle formed by the outer margin of the front wing with the inner margin is commonly known as the outer angle. The correspond- ing angle on the hind wing is known as the anal angle, and the point which corresponds to the tip or apex of the front wing is known as the external angle (Fig. 38). A knowledge of these terms is necessary in order to understand the technical descrip- tions which are given by authors. If a wing is examined with the naked eye, or even with a lens, a clear conception of the structure of the veins can rarely be formed. Therefore it is generally necessary to remove from the wings the scales which cover them, or else bleach them. The scales may be removed mechanically by rubbing them off. They may be made transparent by the use of chemical agents. In the case of specimens which are so valuable as to forbid a resort to these methods, a clear knowledge of the structure of the veins may be formed by simply moistening them with pure benzine or chloroform, which enables the structure of the veins to be seen for a few moments. The evaporation of these fluids is rapid, and they produce no ill effect upon the color and texture of the wings. In the case of common species, or in the case of such as are abun- dantly represented in the possession of the collector, and the practical destruction of one or two of which is a matter of no moment, it is easy to use the first method. The wing should be placed between two sheets of fine writing-paper which have been moistened by the breath at the points where the wing is laid, and then by lightly rubbing the finger-nail or a piece of ivory, bone, or other hard substance over the upper piece of paper, a good many of the scales may be removed. This process may be repeated until almost all of them have been taken off. This method is 19 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies efficient in the case of many of the small species when they ars still fresh ; in the case of the larger species the scales may be re^ moved by means of a camel's-hair pencil such as is used by paint- ers. The chemical method of bleaching wings is simple and inex- pensive. For this purpose the wing should be dipped in alcohol and then placed in a vessel containing a bleaching solution of some sort. The best agent is a solution of chloride of lime. After the color has been removed from the wing by the action of the chloride it should be washed in a weak 'solution of hydrochloric acid. It may then be cleansed in pure water and mounted upon a piece of glass, as microscopic slides are mounted, and thus pre- served. When thus bleached the wing is capable of being mi- nutely studied, and all points of its anatomy are brought clearly into view. The veins in both the fore and hind wings of butterflies may be divided into simple and compound veins. In the fore wing the simple veins are the costal, the radial, and the subme- dian; in the hind wing, the cos- tal, the subcostal, the upper and lower radial, the submedian, and the internal are simple. The FIG. 38. — Outline of wing, giv- ing names of parts. FlG. 39.— Arrangement of scales on wing of butterfly. costal vein in the hind wing is, however, generally provided near the base with a short ascending branch which is known as the precostal vein. In addition to these simple veins there are in the fore wing two branching veins, one immediately following the 20 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies costal, known as the subcostal, and the other preceding the sub- median, known as the median vein. The branches of these com- pound veins are known as nervules. The median vein always has three nervules. The nervules of the subcostal veins branch upwardly and outwardly toward the costal margin and the apex of the fore wing. There are always from four to five subcostal nervules. In the hind wing the subcostal is simple. The median vein in the hind wing has three nervules as in the fore wing. Be- tween the subcostal and the median veins, toward the base in both wings, is inclosed the cell, which may be wholly or partially open at its outer extremity, or closed. The veinlets which close the cell at its outward extremity are known as the discocellular veins, of which there are normally three. From the point of union of these discocellular veins go forth the radial veins known respectively as the upper and lower radials, though the upper radial in many genera is emitted from the lower margin of the subcostal. An understanding of these terms is, however, more readily derived from a study of the figure in which the names of these parts are indi- cated (Fig. 40). Butterflies generally hold their wings erect when they are at rest, F>G. 4°-— Wing of with their two upper surfaces in $S*5"M c™C, "co'.d proximity, the under surfaces alone veins ;SC, subcostal vein ;SCi, etc., displaying their colors to the eye. ffi?3£S£^fiJJK£ Only in a few genera of the larger veins; MI, M2, M3, median ner- butterflies, and these tropical species, ^ ^"^Sd '£ with which this book does not deal, vule; UDC, MDC, LDC, upper, is there an exception to this rule, lle' and save in the case of the Hesperiidcv, or "skippers," in which very frequently, while the anterior wings are folded together, the posterior wings lie in a horizontal position. Internal Organs.— Thus far we have considered only the ex- ternal organs of the butterfly. The internal organs have been made the subject of close study and research by many writers, 21 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies c S ° <=o~ • ^ ^•~I <-" 03 33 0-5 ^ ** a ,Sr e r= m -/ scribed, the gullet, or oesoph- agus, and the stomach, over which is a large, bladder-like vessel called the food-reser- voir, a sort of crop preceding the true stomach, which is a cylindrical tube; the intestine is a slender tube, varying in shape in different genera, di- vided into the small intestine, the colon, and the rectum. Butterflies breathe through spiracles, little oval openings on the sides of the segments of the body, branching from which inwardly are the tra- cheae, or bronchial tubes. The heart, which is located in the same relative position as the spine in vertebrate ani- mals, is a tubular structure. The nervous system lies on the lower or ventral side of the body, its position being exactly the reverse of that which is found in the higher animals. It consists of nerv- ous cords and ganglia, or nerve-knots, in the different segments. Those in the head are more largely developed than elsewhere, forming a rudimen- tary brain, the larger portion of which consists of two enor- mous optic nerves. The student who is desirous of informing 22 \r* N 'z-Zz •= 3 u *" .2 o c C n > 'Q. „, .2 £ 5 « J= 55 "^ T3 P J-~ U ?3 .235- - •£„ C — ° E o s w« ; o.'s rT >> O C ^ C c/i •— *-* **rt ~^*» ""'*" "D n a.™ o) 3^" rr < " vi CD £> o o .p j* n> o 2 " o 55. jf0'-. 3 O t !=frl '-OP s o 2- * ~ B- ~- fj'1?' 52 - 3 sa -> a 3 < r* Cu n> . I - 4T 5^ f' cr c o The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies himself more thoroughly and accurately as to the internal anat- omy of these insects may consult with profit some of the treatises which are mentioned in the list of works dealing with the sub- ject which is given elsewhere in this book. Polymorphism and Dimorphism.— Species of butterflies often show great differences in the different broods which appear. The brood which emerges in the springtime from the chrysalis, which has passed the winter under the snows, may differ very strikingly from the insect which appears in the second or summer brood; and the insects of the third or fall brood may differ again from either the spring or the summer brood. The careful stu- dent notes these differ- ences. Such species are called polymorphic, that is, appearing under dif- ferent forms. Some spe- cies reveal a singular difference between the sexes, and there may be two forms of the same sex in the same species. This is most common in the case of the female butterfly, and where there are two forms of the female or the male such a species is said to have dimorphic females or males. This phenomenon is revealed in the case of the well-known Turnus Butterfly; in the colder regions of the continent the females are yellow banded with black, like the males, but in more southern portions of the continent black females are quite common, and these dark females were once (u i— i- fo *-' ts. *-* • "> 5T o 3 - • J5 _^ J*-- t/i 9- ^ .. =r . CD ^ — : -- u £ 2. a. crj-i "£ '%% R =? ^^-2, r-jr.cfQjrc/- ETo's; p-~i * ft — T — * — - S^- (D CB _.. rt T3 O" o" E. "• •§ y^M- ro •"•" S' Q-2 ~1" D. >< 5" - • The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies thought, before the truth was known, to constitute a separate species. Albinism and Melanism.— Albinos, white or light-colored forms, are quite common among butterflies, principally among the females. On the other hand, melanism, or a tendency to the production of dark or even black forms, reveals itself. Melanism is rather more common in the case of the male sex than in the female sex. The collector and student will always endeavor, if possible, to preserve these curious aberrations, as they are called. We do not yet entirely understand what are the causes which are at work to produce these changes in the color, and all such aberrant specimens have interest for the scientific man. Monstrosities.— Curious malformations, producing monstrosi- ties, sometimes occur among insects, as in other animals, and such malformed specimens should likewise be preserved when found. One form of malformation which is not altogether un- common consists in an apparent confusion of sexes in specimens, the wings of a male insect being attached to the body of a female, or half of an insect being male and half female. Mimicry.— One, of the most singular and interesting facts in the animal kingdom is what has been styled mimicry. Certain colors and forms are possessed by animals which adapt them to their surroundings in such wise that they are in a greater or less degree secured from observation and attack. Or they possess forms and colors which cause them to approximate in appear- ance other creatures, which for some reason are feared or disliked by animals which might prey upon them, and in consequence of this resemblance enjoy partial or entire immunity. Some butter- flies, for instance, resemble dried leaves, and as they are seated upon the twigs of trees they wholly elude the eye. This illustrates the first form of mimicry. Other butterflies so closely approxi- mate in form and color species which birds and other insects will not attack, because of the disagreeable juices which their bodies contain, that they are shunned by their natural enemies, in spite of the fact that they belong to groups of insects which are ordinarily greedily devoured by birds and other animals. A good illustration of this fact is found in the case of the Disippus Butterfly, which belongs to a group which is not specially pro- tected, but is often the prey of insect-eating creatures. This butterfly has assumed almost the exact color and markings of the 24 The Life-History and Anatomy of Butterflies milkweed butterfly, Anosia plexippus, which is distasteful to birds, and hence enjoys peculiar freedom from the attacks of enemies. Because this adaptation of one form to another evi- dently serves the purpose of defense this phenomenon has been called " protective mimicry." The reader who is curious to know more about the subject will do well to consult the writings of Mr. Alfred Russel Wallace and Mr. Darwin, who have written at length upon mimicry among butterflies. There is here a field of most interesting inquiry for the student. The Distribution of Butterflies.— Butterflies are found every- where that plant life suited to the nourishment of the caterpillars is found. There are some species which are arctic and are found in the brief summer of the cold North and upon the lofty summits of high mountains which have an arctic climate. Most of them are, however, children of the sun, and chiefly abound in the tem- perate and tropical regions of the earth. While the number of species which are found in the tropics vastly exceeds the number of species found in the temperate zone, it is apparently true that the number of specimens of certain species is far more numerous in temperate regions than in the tropics. Very rarely in tropical countries are great assemblages of butterflies to be seen, such as may be found in the summer months in the United States, swarm- ing around damp places, or hovering over the fields of blooming clover or weeds. In the whole vast region extending from the Rio Grande of Texas to the arctic circle it is doubtful whether more than seven hundred species of butterflies are found. On the continent of Europe there are only about four hundred and fifty species. The number of species of butterflies and the num- ber of species of birds in the United States are very nearly the same. CHAPTER II THE CAPTURE, PREPARATION, AND PRESERVATION OF SPECIMENS " What hand would crush the silken-winged fly, The youngest of inconstant April's minions, Because it cannot climb the purest sky, Where the swan sings, amid the sun's dominions? Not thine." SHELLEY. " Do not mash your specimens! "—THE PROFESSOR. COLLECTING APPARATUS Nets. — In the capture of insects of all orders, and especially of butterflies and moths, one of the most important instruments is the net. German naturalists make use of what are known as shears (Scheren], which are made like gigantic scissors, having at the end two large oval rings upon which wire gauze or fine netting is stretched. With this implement, which looks like an old- fashioned candle-snuffer of colossal size, they succeed in collect- ing specimens without doing much injury. Shears are, however, not much in vogue among the naturalists of other countries. The favorite instrument for the ordinary collector is the net. Nets may be made in various ways and of various materials. There are a multitude of devices which have been invented for enabling the net to be folded up so as to occupy but little space when not in use. The simplest form of the net, which can be made almost anywhere, is constructed as follows: A rod— preferably of bamboo, or some other light, stiff material— is used as the handle, not more than five feet in length. Attached to this at its upper end, a loop or ring made of metal, or some moderately stiff 26 The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens yet flexible material, should be tied securely. Upon this there should be sewed a bag of fine netting, preferably tarletan. The f FIG. 43. — Plan for folding net-ring: c, halves of ring detached; b, upper joint of the halves; a, ring set; d, cap of ferrule;/, cap of ferrule, showing screw in place; e, screw (Riley). bag should be quite long, not less than eighteen inches deep; the ring should be not less than a foot in diameter. Such a net can be made at a cost of but a few cents, and will be, in most cases, as efficient as any of the more expensive which are carefully nets more con- structed. A good, cheap ring for a net may be made FIG. 44. — a, net; b, ferrule to receive han- dle ; c, wire hoop to be fastened in the upper end of the ferrule (Riley). 6 FIG. 45. -a, ring of metal by using thebrass tied with wire ,. , ,. ,- , at a ' b. ferrule; ferrule of a fish- Cj p'klg' put ;,; ing-rod. The before P°l!ring ferrule should be insolder(Riley). at least three quarters of an inch in diameter. Into this insert the ends of a metal ring made by bending brass, aluminium, or iron 27 The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens wire into the proper form. When the ends have been inserted into the ferrule, melted solder or lead may be poured into it, and the ends of the wire forming the ring will be thus firmly secured in the ferrule. The ferrule can then be inserted into its mate placed at the end of a bamboo rod. I have commonly ob- tained for this purpose the last joint or butt of a fishing-rod as the handle of a net. Such a handle can often be purchased for a small sum from a dealer in fishing-rods. It can be made very cheaply. Any kind of a stick, if not too heavy, will do. It is sometimes convenient to have it in your power to lengthen the handle of your net so as to reach objects that are at some elevation above the head, and for this purpose I have had nets made with handles capable of being lengthened by jointed extensions. In collecting in tropical countries, among tall shrubbery and under- growth, nets thus made, capable of having their handles greatly lengthened, have often proved serviceable. One of the most successful collectors I have ever had in my employment made his net by simply bending a piece of bamboo into the form of the frame of an Indian snow-shoe, to which he attached a handle about a foot and a half in length, and to this he affixed a bag of netting. He was, however, a Japanese, and possessed a singular dexterity in the capture of specimens with this simple apparatus to which I myself never attained. When tarletan can- not be had, ordinary mosquito-netting will do as the material for the bag. It is, however, too coarse in the mesh for many delicate and minute species. Very fine netting for the manufacture of the bags is made in Switzerland, and can be obtained from reputable dealers. In order to protect and preserve the net, it is well to bind it with some thin muslin at the point where it is joined to the ring. Nets are sometimes made with a strip of muslin, about two inches wide, attached to the entire circumference of the ring, and to this strip of muslin the bag is sewed. For my part, I prefer gray or green as the color for a net. White should be avoided, as ex- perience shows that a white net will often alarm an insect when a net of darker material will not cause it to fly before the collector is ready to bring the net down over the spot where it is settled. Collecting-Jars.— \n killing insects various methods have been used. In practice the most approved method is to employ a jar charged with cyanide of potash or with carbonate of ammonia. 28 The Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens For large moths and butterflies cyanide of potash and carbonate of ammonia serve very well, but it must be remembered that carbonate of ammonia bleaches insects which are green in color. It is well, in my judgment, to use a drop or two of chloroform in the jar charged with carbonate of ammonia, for the collection of diurnal lepidoptera. By putting a few drops of chloroform into the jar, the insect is anesthetized, and its struggles are made quickly to cease. The principal objection to chloroform is the fact that it induces rigidity of the thoracic muscles, which subsequently sometimes interferes with handsome setting. In the preparation of the poisoning-jar it is well to use a jar which has a ground-glass stop- per, and the mouth of which is about three inches in diameter. This will be large enough for most specimens. The one-pound hydrate of chloral jars, provided with glass stoppers and sold by Schering, make the neatest collecting-jars that are known to the writer. I have found it well to have such jars partly covered with leather after the fashion of a FIG. 46.-Cya- drinking-flask. An opening in the leather is left rated cardboard; on either side, permitting an inspection of the contents of the jar. The leather protects from breakage. At the bottom of such a jar a few lumps of cyanide of potash, about the size of a filbert, should be placed. Over this may be laid a little cotton, to prevent the lumps from rat- tling about loosely at the bottom of the jar. Over the cotton there is pasted a sheet of strong white paper, perforated with a multitude of holes. In securing the white paper over the cyanide, the writer has resorted to a simple method which is explained in the annexed diagram. A piece of paper is placed under the jar, and a circle the size of the FIG. 47.— Piece of inside of the jar is traced upon it. Then a disk paper punctured and . , ,, r . , slit for pasting over !s cut out about three quarters of an inch greater the cyanide in the in diameter than the original circle (Fig. 47). The collecting-jar. . r • , j paper is punctured over the entire surface included within the inner line, and then, with a scissors, little gashes are made from the outer circumference inward, so as to permit of the fold''ng up of the edge of the disk. A little gum tragacanth is 29 The. Capture, Preparation, and Preservation of Specimens then applied to these upturned edges; and it is inserted into the jar and pasted securely over the cyanide by the upturned flaps. A jar thus charged will last for a long time, if kept properly closed when not in use. Cyanide of potash has a tendency to deliquesce, or melt down in the presence of moisture, and in very humid cli- mates or damp places, if the jar is not kept well stoppered, the cyanide will quickly become semi-fluid, the paper will become moist, and specimens placed in the jar will be injured or com- pletely ruined. It is well, however, to bear in mind the fact that the fumes of hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid), which are active in producing the death of the insect, will not be given off in suffi- cient volume unless there is some small amount of moisture pres- FIG. 48. — Method of disabling a butterfly by pinch- ing it when in the net. ent in the jar; and in a very dry climate the writer has found it sometimes necessary to add a drop or two of water from time to time to the cyanide. The same method which has been described for charging a jar with cyanide of potash can be employed in charging it with carbonate of ammonia. Field-Boxes. — In collecting butterflies it is often possible to kill, or half kill, the specimens contained in the net by a smart pinch administered to the insect by the thumb and the first finger, the pressure being applied from without the net (Fig. 48). This mode of procedure, however, unless the operator is careful, is apt to somewhat damage the specimens. The writer prefers to hold the insect firmly between the thumb and the first finger, and apply a drop or two of chloroform from a vial which should be carried in 30 EXPLANATION OF PLATE IV Reproduced, with the kind permission of Dr. S. H. Si udder, from " The Butterflies of New England," vol. iii, Plate 81. CHRYSAI.IDS IN COLOR AND IN OUTLINE — NYMPHALID,* J. 4- 5. 6. 7- 8. 10. 1 1. 12. 13. "4- 1=5. 16. 'T- IS. |Q. 20. 2 I . 22. 23- 24. 25- 20. 27- 28. JO, 32 Anosia pltxippus. Side view. Anosia plexippns. In outline. Anosia plexippns. Dorsal view. CEneis semidea, CEneis sf widen. Dorsal view. Debis portlandia. Salyrits Hfpbtle. Satyrus nepbele. Dorsal view. Satyrodes cantbus. Side view. Neonymp'ba pbocioti. Side view. Neonympba pbocion. Side view. Basilarcbia astyanax. Side view. Basilarcbia astyanax. Side view. Basilarcbia art be mis. Side view. Cblorippe clyton. Side view. Cblorippe clyton. Side view. Cblorippe clyton. Dorsal view. Basilarcbia disippus. Ventral view. Basilarchia disippus. Side view. Bjsilarcbia disippus. Side view. Grapta interrogalionis. Dorsal view. Grapta interrogationis. Side view. Basilarcbia arlhemis. Dorsal view. Grapta interrogationis. Outline of mesothoracic tubercle from the ^K!C. Grapta interrogationis. Grapta, interrogationis. Outline of head from in front. Grapta comma. Outline of head from in front ; enlarged. Neonympba en n't us. Side view. Grapta comma. Outline of meso- thoracic tubercle from the side. Grapta- comma. The same Iiuin another specimen. Grapta faiitins. Outline of head from in front. Grapta progne. Outline of head from in front. Side \ Side view in out- Ventra! view in Outline of :neso- Grapta faunus. 34. Grapta fa nuns. line. 35. Grapla faunus. outline. 36. I'ancssa /-album. thoracic tubercle from the side. 37. Grapta progne. Side view. 38. Grapta progne. Side view. 30. Grapta comma. Side vit 40. (j/'apta interrogationis. Side view. 4)1. Grapta satyr us. Side \ r 42. Grapla satyrus. Ventral view. 4',. i'anessa nnlberti. Side view. 44. I/anessa j-album. Side view. 45. l/aiu'ssa j-album. Ventral view. 40. Grapta comma. Side view. 47. Grapla comma. Side view. 48. Grapta comma. Dorsal view. 40. l/anessa milberti. Side view. =,0. yanessa milberti. Dorsal view, si. Vanessa antiopa. Side view. S3. Pyrameis alalauta. Side view. 53. Pyrameis alalauta. Dorsal view. 54. Pyrameis buntera. Side view. ss. Pyrameis atalanta. Side viesv. futionia arnia. Side view. =;7. Junonia ccenia. Dorsal view. s8. Vanessa antiopa. Side \ ;Q. Vanessa antiopa. bo. Pyrameis cardui. 61. Pyrameis cardui. 62. Pyrameis cardui. 03- Pyrameis biinlera. 64. Pyrameis butilera. nest woven before pupation. 6=;. Junonia ccenia. Side view. 'nnonia ami a. Side view. 07. Junonia c