The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online

RECORD: Darwin, C. R. 1861.05.31. Sexual beauty of Butterflies. CUL-DAR81.5. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 2.2022. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volumes CUL-DAR80-86 contain material for Darwin's book Descent of man (1871).

[5]

May 31/61/ With respect to sexual beauty of Butterflies. Think of beauty of some Caterpillars — Not descent from common ancestor for differ so much & so old & large a group. — In some cases colouring for protection like bark & green leaves — Hairs imitating — But can the tufts on Hop-dog be of any use. Is there any relation in bright colour of caterpillars & adults — What are butterflies of admiral Peacock, Swallow-tail — Tiger moth &c &c — Think over this very curious case.

Look to book with pictures of caterpillars & adults.

[in margin:] Bates says no

Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)