9781422278215

INTRODUCTION

The patterns seen on the underwings of this Malaysian lacewing (Cethosia hypsea) are extremely striking. It is often the case that forest species have bright colors or strong markings, which presumably facilitate recognition by others of the same species.

I magine a warm summer morning in an ancient oak woodland in southern England. Shafts of sunlight begin to cut through the tree canopy and cast bright highlights on the leaves carpeting the woodland floor. Sud- denly a shadow passes over the leaves as a purple emperor (Apatura iris) takes its first flight of the day. One of the largest of European butterflies, it glides gracefully toward the ground where it visits a muddy puddle to drink. With wings closed, the beautifully marked orange-brown underwings are revealed. Occasionally, however, the purple emperor nervously flicks open its wings revealing truly splen-

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