Bristle distribution along the wing margin of the small white cabbage butterfly (Lepidoptera : Pieridae)

Bristle distribution along the wing margin of the small white cabbage butte rfly, Pieris rapae (L.), was studied by examining the whole mount of the wi ng with a light microscope, after removing the scales around the bristles. The examination illustrated that the bristles in the forewing are distribut ed along its anterior and lateral margins, and those in the hindwing along its anterior, lateral, and posterior margins. All bristles are located in t he ventral surfaces of the wings. The bristle distribution in tile Pieris w ing is compared with that of tire microlepidopteran wings, and discussed in terms of wing movement.