The Descent of Man

ner the females of some butterflies and moths
have, it is probable, been rendered inconspicuous
for the sake of protection, and widely
different from their males.
I am, however, unwilling without distinct evidence
to admit that two complex processes of
selection, each requiring the transference of
new characters to one sex alone, have been carried
on with a multitude of species,—that the
males have been rendered more brilliant by
beating their rivals, and the females more dullcoloured
by having escaped from their enemies.
The male, for instance, of the common
brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx), is of a far
more intense yellow than the female, though
she is equally conspicuous; and it does not
seem probable that she specially acquired her
pale tints as a protection, though it is probable
that the male acquired his bright colours as a
sexual attraction. The female of Anthocharis
cardamines does not possess the beautiful