[187] [The genus Vanessa (in the wide sense) appears to be in a remarkable condition of what may be called phyletic preservation. Thus, the group of species allied to V. C.-album passes by almost insensible steps into the group of butterflies typified by our “Tortoiseshells.” The following is a list of some of the intermediate species in their transitional order:—I.-album, V.-album, Faunus, Comma, California, Dryas, Polychloros, Xanthomelas, Cashmirensis, Urticæ, Milberti, &c. Similarly, our Atalanta and Cardui are connected by a number of intermediate forms, showing a complete transition from the one to the other. The following is the order of the species so far as I am acquainted with them:—Atalanta, Dejeanii, Callirhoë, Tammeamea, Myrinna, Huntera, Terpsichore, Carye, Kershawii, and Cardui. R.M.]
[188] “Prodromus Systematis Lepidopterorum.” Regensburg, 1864.
[189] [The larva of Acherontia Morta, figured by Butler (see note [121], p. 262), possesses the characteristically recurved horn; that of Ach. Medusa figured by the same author, does not appear to possess this character in any marked degree. R.M.]
[190] [See note [97], p. [233]. R.M.]
[191] Loc. cit. Pl. XXV. [This species is referred by Butler to the genus Paonias, Hübn. R.M.]
[192] Abbot and Smith, Pl. XXIX. [Placed by Butler in the genus Cressonia, Grote and Robinson. Abbot and Smith state that this larva is sometimes green. According to Mr. Herman Strecker (Lepidop. Rhopal. and Hetero, Reading, Pa. 1874, p. 54) it feeds upon black walnut (Juglans Nigra), hickory (Carya Alba), and ironwood (Ostrya Virginica). Of the North American species of Smerinthus, the following, in addition to Excæcatus, closely resemble our Ocellatus:—S. (Calasymbolus) Geminatus, Say; (C.) Cerisii, Kirby; and Ophthalmicus, Boisd. In addition to S. (Cressonia) Juglandis, S. (Triptogon) Modesta much resembles our Populi. The larva of Geminatus, according to Strecker, is “pale green, lightest above, with yellow lateral granulated stripes; caudal horn violet; stigmata red. It feeds on the willow.” R.M.]
[193] Cat. Brit. Mus.
[194] [This lengthening of the true legs is mimetic according to Hermann Müller, and causes the anterior portion of the caterpillar to resemble a spider. See note [129], p. [290]. R.M.]
[195] [Certain butterflies appear to be crepuscular, if not nocturnal in their habits. Thus in his “Notes on the Lepidoptera of Natal,” Mr. W. D. Gooch states that he never saw Melanitis, Leda, or Gnophodes Parmeno on the wing by day, but generally during the hour after sunset. He adds:—“My sugar always attracted them freely, even up to 10 or 11 p.m.” Many species of Hesperidæ are also stated to be of crepuscular habits by this same observer. See “Entomologist,” vol xvi. pp. 38 and 40. R.M.]
[196] I only make this assumption for the sake of simplicity, and not because I am convinced that the existing Rhopalocera are actually the oldest Lepidopterous group.