Mimicry in Butterflies

Abstract

THE scope and general arrangement of this work are indicated in the following list of its eleven chapters: (i.) A short introduction on teleological interpretations—theological and otherwise; (ii.) A historical account of Batesian and Müllerian mimicry; (iii.) Old-world mimics, with a very poor reproduction on p. 19 of Dr. Eltringham's illustrations of the fore-feet of butterflies; (iv.) New-world mimics; (v.) Criticisms of “the five conditions which Wallace regarded as constant for all cases of mimetic resemblance “; (vi.) “Mimicry rings,” a discussion on the origin of mimetic resemblances and initial steps; (vii and viii.) On Papilio polytes—the Mendelian relationship between its female forms and their origin; (ix.) The enemies of butterflies; (x.) Mimicry and variation; (xi.) Conclusion, summed up in the last words—“The facts, so far as we at present know them, tell definitely against the views generally held as to the part played by natural selection in the process of evolution”—viz., against the theory that adaptations are built up by the gradual accumulation of small variations.

Mimicry in Butterflies.

By Prof. R. C. Punnett. Pp. vi + 188 + xvi plates. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1915.) Price 15s. net.