Fig. 38.—A Moth at Rest (Gothic).
Again, the wings of butterflies are so rigid that they can never be folded; but you will observe that the under wings of moths are generally very thin, soft, and pliant, and are neatly pleated lengthwise when not in use.
Another feature deserving notice is a slight difference to be often observed in the form of the body. The butterfly, which generally has a slender body, has a distinct constriction or waist between the thorax and abdomen. This is not so apparent with moths, and especially with the thick-bodied species.
The Rhopalocera or Butterflies are divided into Families, each of which contains insects that possess certain features in common by which they may all be distinguished from the members of any other family.
The British species represent eight families. They are as follows:
1. Papilionidæ.—Containing only one British species—the beautiful Swallow-tail ([Plate I], fig. 1).
2. Pieridæ.—Containing ten species. These are often known collectively as the 'Whites,' but include four butterflies that are distinguished by beautiful shades of yellow and orange.
3. Nymphalidæ.—This family contains seventeen insects, among them being several splendid species. It includes the Fritillaries and Vanessas.