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The Descent of Man

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Soc.' vol. xxiii. 1862, p. 495.), who thus threw a<br />

flood <strong>of</strong> light on many obscure problems. It had<br />

previously been observed that certain butterflies<br />

in S. America belonging to quite distinct<br />

families, resembled the Heliconidae so closely<br />

in every stripe and shade <strong>of</strong> colour, that they<br />

could not be distinguished save by an experienced<br />

entomologist. As the Heliconidae are<br />

coloured in their usual manner, whilst the others<br />

depart from the usual colouring <strong>of</strong> the<br />

groups to which they belong, it is clear that the<br />

latter are the imitators, and the Heliconidae the<br />

imitated. Mr. Bates further observed that the<br />

imitating species are comparatively rare, whilst<br />

the imitated abound, and that the two sets live<br />

mingled together. From the fact <strong>of</strong> the Heliconidae<br />

being conspicuous and beautiful insects,<br />

yet so numerous in individuals and species, he<br />

concluded that they must be protected from the<br />

attacks <strong>of</strong> enemies by some secretion or odour;<br />

and this conclusion has now been amply confirmed<br />

(30. 'Proc. Entomological Soc.' Dec. 3,

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