Building Oracle XML Applications

Colophon

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The animal on the cover of Building Oracle XML Applications is a peacock butterfly (Inachis io), whose name derives from the prominent blue and black eyespots found on each upper wing. Like the similar markings on peacock feathers, these eyespots contain iridescent areas, which enhance the peacock butterfly’s already brilliant coloration. When startled, the peacock butterfly rubs its wings together and spreads them wide, threatening intruders with their vivid patterns, which strongly resemble an owl’s visage when seen upside-down.

The peacock butterfly is widespread throughout England, Ireland, and Eurasia, but only vagrant specimens appear in North America. After mating in early spring, female butterflies lay batches of eggs on the underside of leaves of the stinging nettle plant, which provides food for the developing larvae. The new generation of adults takes flight in July, then hibernates over the winter to emerge again in spring, surviving a total of up to eleven months.

Adult butterflies have distinctive red-brown upper wings with bright yellow, blue, black, and white patterning, which span a width of about two inches. When a peacock butterfly folds its wings, the underside is revealed to be dark charcoal in color, allowing ...