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THE

GENERA AND SPECIES

BRITISH BUTTERY LISS.

DESCRIBED AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE SYSTEM NOW ADOPTED IN THE

BRITISH MUSEUM.

IBY:

H NOEL HUMPHREYS,
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AUTHOR OF “‘ THE GENERA OF BRITISH MOTHS,” “INSECT CHANGES,” ‘THE BUTTERFLY VIVARIUM,” ETC.

ILLUSTRATED BY PLATES, IN WHICH ALL THE SPECIES AND VARIETIES ARE REPRESENTED,
ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE CATERPILLARS, AND
THE PLANTS ON WHICH THEY FEED.

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PREFACE,

Wuen I first became a collector of Butterflies, the pursuit was much less common than now ;
and few works upon the subject, in a popular form, existed ; so that as my cabinet increased I
began to find the want of some instructive manual, in which the distinctive characters of the
different kinds of British Butterflies were not only described but also exhibited, by means of
coloured representations of all the species, each of its natural size, and accompanied by their
respective larve. Finding that no such work then existed, I determined to produce one myself ;
and, obtaining the aid of one of our most eminent entomologists, J. O. Westwood, Esq., I pub-
lished, with his valuable assistance, a volume which I entitled “ British Butterflies and their
Transformations.”

The work was well received, and its sale has exhausted several editions. It undoubtedly
did its part, however small, in extending the general taste for entomological studies ; but as the
circle of students became wider, it appeared to me that a work of less bulk, and of more popular
character, might be serviceable. I therefore deemed this a fitting time for remodelling my
subject, more especially as many changes have taken place in the mode of classifying our native
Lepidoptera. With this view I have undertaken the present work, which, while it will be far
less voluminous than the former one, in as far as the text is concerned, will yet contain a greater
number of coloured representations of our British Butterflies, of which no single species, or even
striking variety, will be omitted, and all the new species and varieties of recent discovery will
be introduced.

Without sacrificing anything, as I hope, of scientific accuracy, I have sought to render the
present work, and its subject, more attractive by exhibiting the insects in picturesque groups,
flitting among the foliage and flowers of their native haunts, or hovering over plants upon which
the larvee may be seen feeding. I imagined that by thus presenting our indigenous Buttertlies
to the notice of the student under a natural aspect, instead of displaying them in the form of
dried specimens, as stiffly pinned out in a cabinet, my volume might possess the advantage (as an
introductory work) of attracting many towards the study of this branch of Natural History who
might be repelled by a more dry and technical arrangement. I mean such as generally charac-
terises entomological works which have any pretension to a regular and comprehensive character ;
or such as embraces (as in the present instance) the complete treatment of any special section of
the science.

*

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THE INSECTS ON THE TITLE PAGE.

Not having found space to give many representations of mere “ varieties” in the preceding
Plates of British Butterflies, I have introduced in the Additional Title Page three of the most
remarkable that occur among our native species. The large insect in the lower part of the
page is a rich and very beautiful variety of the common V. Urticw, which differs in several
particulars from any variety I have previously met with (see page 27). It is in the possession
of W. P. Russell, Esq., of Monks Eleigh, Suffolk, and was obtained during the season of
1859. From the deep cream-coloured bordering of the anterior wings, and the disposition of
the dark brown-black to fill up nearly all the remainder of the fore-wings, it appears probable

that it may be a hybrid between /. Urticw and V. Antiopa.

Above the variety of V. Urticw are two of the remarkable varieties of C. Phileas (the Small
Meadow Copper), which occur in certain localities not unfrequently. In the lower of the two
specimens, all the usually rich copper-colour is replaced by a milky white ; while in the upper

one it is the black that has disappeared, leaving white in its place. (See page 46).

IN CRODUCTION:

—_—~——-

ALL the tribes of insects necessarily excite our wonder and admiration, either from the
striking metamorphoses which they undergo, or by their curious structure, or the intricacy of
their form, or splendour of colour ; but none arrest the attention of the tyro so soon as the
beautiful and distinct class, known as Butterflies or Moths. The large size of the exquisitely
constructed wings of this tribe of insects—so great in proportion to their generally slender
bodies—and the exquisite traceries, often in the richest hues, with which those wings are deco-
rated, render these insects at once conspicuous to the most inattentive observer.

This may be said more truly of the Butterfly than the Moth family, inasmuch as the wings
of Butterflies are generally much larger and more splendidly coloured than those of Moths ;
and also because Butterflies fly by day, disporting in the bright sunshine where they cannot fail
to attract observation, while the flight of Moths is generally nocturnal, and consequently remains
unobserved except by the experienced student.

To pursue the detail of characteristics which distinguish Butterflies from Moths, I may
call attention to the exquisite variety of colouring with which the under surfaces of their wings
are decorated, often of totally different character to the markings of the upper side. In the
class known as the Coppers, for instance, the upper surface of the wings is of a bright metallic
scarlet, sometimes without spot or mark, while the under side is of a soft pearly gray; pro-
fusely dotted over with eyelike circlets of white surrounding a black spot or pupil. In Moths,
on the other hand, the under-side of the wings generally presents but a pale reflex of the
markings of the upper surface, and in no case are they of remarkable beauty as with many
kinds of Butterflies.

Another distinction between these two closely related families of insects is the different
markings of the wings, which occur in the two sexes; these are so distinct, and sometimes in
both cases so beautiful, as to have led even the great Linnzus himself, in the comparative
infancy of the science of Entomology, to mistake the male and female of the same kind for
distinct species. As examples of this disparity I may cite the little blue Butterfly, known as
the “Clifden Blue,” in which the wings of the male are of a lovely azure, while those of the
female are of deep brown. Then there is the common white Butterfly of our gardens, known
as the “ Garden White,” which in the male sex has the beautiful creamy white of the wings
perfectly immaculate, except at the dark tips, while in the wings of the female there are two
large and very conspicuous black spots near the centre. In Moths, on the contrary, scarcely any
distinction exists, in the markings of the wings of the respective sexes, though other distinctions
still more singular distinguish them in that section of the family, but which do not call for
detail in this place.

vl INTRODUCTION,

A somewhat remarkable distinction between Butterflies and Moths is that exhibited
respectively by these groups of insects when in repose ; the Butterfly sitting with its wings
raised face to face over its back, while the Moth allows its wings to fall on each side towards
the substance on which it is resting, and in this position they remain with the upper sides in
full view, which, from the internal edges, slope outwards with about the inclination of an ordinary
roof.

Still another distinction, and one which has served as the basis of the scientific line of
separation, is the form of the horns, or antenns, which in the Butterflies are invariably furnished
with a small club-like appendage at the extremity, while in Moths the antennz are always more
or less pointed at the end.

In the preparatory and successive states of egg, caterpillar, and chrysalis, common to both
Moths and Butterflies, the distinction is only strikingly remarkable in one stage, that of the
chrysalis. The general aspect of the egg and caterpillar being in many cases so similar, that
unless from positive knowledge of the species, it would be difficult to decide at a glance,
whether they were the eggs and caterpillars of Moths or Butterflies ; but in the chrysalis stage
the angular forms and light colouring of the Chrysalides of Butterflies at once distinguish them
from those of the Moths, the conical forms of which are generally smooth, and almost invariably
dark-coloured.

A characteristic to be especially noted in these interesting insects, and perhaps the one
most intimately connected with their peculiar beauty, is common to both Moths and Buttertlies,
and distinguishes them from nearly all other insects. I allude to the beautiful feather-like
scales with which their wings are invariably clothed on the upper surface, and most frequently
on the under surface also. This character, which the two families possess in common, has
furnished the scientific title (to be described hereafter) of the ‘order’ to which they are made to
belong. It is indeed an amply sufficient distinction, being a leading and prevailing characteristic,
scarcely ever found in any other class of insects. There are, however, some remarkable excep-
tions ; as for instance, the perfect insect of the Caddis-worm, a creature very closely resembling
a moth, which has the wings closely clothed with a precisely similar kind of scales ; and some
other examples might be cited, though not in sufficient number to invalidate these characteristic
scales as an all-sufficient means of distinguishing the insect ‘ order’ now under description.

The wings of Butterflies and Moths may then, for all the purposes of scientific classification,
be said to be, exclusively, furnished with a clothing of feather-like scales, to which they are in-
debted for all their beautiful markings ; for if these coloured scales be carefully brushed away, the
naked wings will present, only upon a much larger scale, the general appearance of those of a
common housefly, consisting, as they do, of an excessively thin and nearly perfectly transparent
tissue, strengthened by a branching framework of nervures, or veins, as they are more
commonly called, which maintains the almost film-like substance distended in an even plane,
thus ensuring the form and also the strength necessary to the wings during their exertion in the
action of flight.

In order to understand the nature of the entire existence of a Butterfly, it will be necessary
to consider its aspect under the successive forms or metamorphoses by means of which its
progress to completeness is effected.

The egg, which is laid by the female Butterfly in some secure situation, in which the infant
insect when hatched is sure to find abundance of food, is ordinarily of about the dimension—
to use a trite comparison—of a pin’s head, of average size ; and to the naked eye it presents a
somewhat similar appearance,—but placed under a microscope, beneath the power of which so
many of the mysteries of nature have heen unfolded, it assumes a peculiar and distinctive form
not found in any other class of eggs. The eggs of Butterflies and Moths are seldom or never
of the usual oval or egg-form ; and instead of being smooth, like the eggs of birds, they are

INTRODUCTION. vil

intricately decorated with delicate raised patterns and devices, sometimes extending over the
entire surface. These patterns are of almost endless variety in different species. Those of the
delicate little moth Geometra Crategata are covered with regular geometric network, resembling a
shallow honeycomb. The eggs of one of the brown Meadow Butterflies are nearly spherical, but
flattened at the base, and ornamented with rows of minute raised knobs disposed like the seg-
mental marks in a peeled orange, only closer together. Those of another, of the ‘ Meadow
are enriched with longitudinal ribs, connected in the lower portion by delicate hori-
zontal marks, which at the top have the appearance of a small cap of scales. Those of the com-
mon Garden White Butterfly have fifteen small longitudinal ridges, converging to the centre of
the smaller extremity, the spaces between being ornamentally subdivided crosswise by a series
of regular grooves or channels. It may be noticed that there is no caleareous substance contained
in the shells of the eggs of insects analogous to that which forms the basis of the egg-shells of birds,

The eggs of Butterflies and Moths vary considerably in number, but are always abundant—
the Moth of the Silkworm laying about 500, and the Goat-Moth above 1000. Those of Butter-
flies vary in similar proportions. As an instance of the beautiful symmetry with which the eggs

H]

Brown’s,’

of insects of this class are placed by the parent, in rows, close together, those of the common
White Butterfly may be cited. Patches of them may often be observed upon cabbage leaves,
when they look like small pieces of evenly woven lace, each opening being filled by a semi-
transparent globule, resembling a little pearl. The eggs of other kinds are disposed in many
different ways, some assuming the appearance of minute bracelets of beads, round the branches
to which they are attached.

The mode of exit of the young larva, or Caterpillar of the Moth or Butterfly, from the
shell is very various in different kinds. In general the little creature gnaws its way out at the
part nearest the head, much as a chicken at the proper time pecks at the shell till it forces its
way out. The gnawing process often costs the embryo Caterpillar many hours of labour,
especially when the shell is thick, as in the eggs of some species, which being laid in the autumn,
are destined to resist the trials of a winter, and not be hatched till the following spring, In
some cases the shell is furnished with a kind of lid, which is lifted by a very complicated pulley
apparatus difficult to describe, but which the insect thoroughly understands—never making a
mistake and pulling the wrong string. Many very singular peculiarities might be enumerated
concerning the mode of exit of the young Caterpillar, but I must proceed at once to describe
the next stage of his career, after his escape from his little quaintly sculptured prison.

The Caterpillar or larva of a Butterfly or Moth differs from the larva of most other kinds
of insects, Inasmuch as it almost always feeds on the leaves of plants,* and is frequently gaily
clothed in a skin of velvety texture of the richest colours, or with a mantle of silken fur of many
hues, which makes it in its larva state nearly as attractive in general appearance (to those who
have no prejudice against the wormlike form) as the perfect Butterfly itself. The larvae of most
other insects, on the contrary, are either naked and repulsive-looking grubs, feeding under-
ground, or of still more unprepossessing forms, such as those, for instance, that pass their larva
state in water.

The caterpillars or larve of Butterflies, to the description of which I must confine myself,
should be described here in some detail. They are most commonly furnished with six positive
legs, which represent those of the future Butterfly, and eight pro-legs, as they have been termed,
appendages which merely serve to balance and secure the central and posterior portion of the
body of the Caterpillar while feeding, and in holding on to the under side of leaves while the
true legs are otherwise employed, perhaps in drawing the edge or some other portion of the leaf
towards the mouth. These pro-legs entirely disappear after the Caterpillar stage, no trace of
them remaining in the perfect insect. They are generally disposed as follows :—after the three

* With the exception of a few root-feeders.

vill INTRODUCTION.

segments next the head, which are each furnished with a pair of true legs, there are two seg-
ments without legs, the next four being each furnished with a pair of the above-named pro-legs ;
then follow two segments without legs, succeeded by the last segment, to which is attached a
final pair of pro-legs, frequently somewhat different in character to the other four pairs.

This distribution is, however, not universal among the Caterpillars of Moths and Butterflies,
though nearly so among the latter. The larve of some Moths, those called the Loopers, for
instance, have the pro-legs differently disposed, and, among Butterflies, the onisciform Cater-
pillars of some kinds must be mentioned, which, while they have the gaily coloured skin and
markings of Caterpillars, have nearly the form of the Woodlouse, to which the term enisciform
refers.

The general appearance of Caterpillars is greatly varied by the nature of the skin, and the
clothing or other appendages with which it is furnished. Some are nearly smooth and glossy,
others have the skin of velvety texture, others are covered with small tubercles, surmounted by
a black or coloured point, sometimes naked, but from which emerges frequently a slender fila-
ment, or a tuft, more or less spread, of shining hairs ; others are entirely covered with a thick
growth of richly coloured silky fur, or exhibit it arranged in a row of dense tufts, which appears
as though cut off square at the top. But nearly all Caterpillars that are more or less clothed
with hair are those of Moths, the Caterpillars of Butterflies (I am only speaking of British
species) being more generally smooth, except when furnished with curious spines, such as those
which distinguish the larva of the Peacock Butterfly and some others, to be spoken of in their
proper places.

The head of the Caterpillar is the only firm or horny part, being necessarily so on account
of furnishing the leverage for the powerful jaws or mandibles, by means of which the toughest
foliage is cut through and masticated. The mouth, in the larva, or caterpillar state of insects,
is very similar to that of the perfect insect, with the remarkable exception of the larvee of Butter-
flies and Moths. In the larvee of these the mouth is furnished, as before mentioned, with strong
mandibles or jaws for the mastication of solid food, but in the perfect Butterfly nothing of the
kind appears, the mandibles being replaced by the singular proboscis or trunk, the slender tube
of which forms the only means by which the perfect Butterfly takes the little food he requires,
which consists only of the delicate juices lying deep in the nectaries of flowers. Such is the
contrast between the voracity of the Caterpillar, and the delicate appetite it exhibits in its
perfected form.

The eyes of Caterpillars are generally very minute, often only perceptible by the use of a
microscope, and they are not always situate in or near the head. In the Caterpillars of Butter-
flies they are generally six in number. Their distribution is various, but they are most frequently
arranged in a circle. They are nothing like the exquisite facetted eyes of the perfect insect, but
are merely simple globules, and disappear with the skin of the Caterpillar, like the pro-legs,
leaving no trace in the perfect insect.

Antenne or horns are slightly indicated in nearly all Caterpillars, in a minute rudimental
state, but are often only visible by the aid of a powerful microscope.

The breathing apparatus of Caterpillars consists in a series of small apertures, termed spi-
racles, which are generally situated on each side of the body in a line just above the legs and
pro-legs, and never occur in the head. These breathing apertures are generally surrounded by
a distinctly marked iris of some bright colour, and are thus rendered tolerably conspicuous,
though often very small.

The means of defence of Caterpillars against their several enemies is exceedingly various, but
want of space prevents me from enumerating them here. I may, however, state that some have
the power of spinning a web, by means of which they allow themselves to drop from a branch,
and remain suspended in some less exposed place, till the danger is past. Some drop to the

INTRODUCTION. 1x

ground, while others—the Caterpillar of the Great Swallow-tail Butterfly for instance—is fur-
nished with a fork-like appendage near the head, from which it can emit at pleasure a foetid
odour, which has doubtless the virtue of proving very disagreeable to a certain class of enemies.

The enemies of Caterpillars are not only many tribes of birds, of which they form the chief
summer food, but also a class of insects, the Ichneumon tribe, who deposit their eggs beneath the
skin of the Caterpillar, by means of a sharp instrument or ovipositor with which they are
furnished for that purpose. The eggs of the Ichneumon are hatched by the heat of the Cater-
pillar’s body, and the young larvee of the Ichneumon feed upon the fatty substances within the
devoted Caterpillar’s body, taking care to avoid a vital part. When these parasitic larvee arrive at
their full growth, they form their cocoons, and undergo their change to little Chrysalides within
the body of their victim, which, under these circumstances, generally perishes about that period.

The growth of the Caterpillars of Butterflies is very rapid, and they cast their skin several
times before arriving at their full growth, which in some instances, as in that of the common
Butterfly known as the Silver-washed Fritillary, is in fourteen days.

Caterpillars are of no sex, though, as in the case of the eggs of birds, a certain portion, no
doubt, are so pre-organised as to become males in the perfect state, and others females.

Tt was not till so recently as the end of the seventeenth century that the true nature of the
progress from the larva to the perfect insect was known. At that period the invention of the
microscope, combined with other causes, led to those scientific investigations which have been
the means of unravelling the mystery of what seemed positive metamorphoses, but which now
only appear successive steps of regular development. Swammerdam, among the foremost of a
phalanx of indefatigable investigators, discovered, beneath the skin of the Caterpillar, all the
embryo forms of the perfect insect, which become more and more palpable as the Caterpillar ap-
proaches its full growth. In the course of these minute dissections he discovered even the future
wings, spirally folded in a singular and beautiful manner, and also the long antenne and pro-
boscis of the Butterfly, which were closely packed against the inner front of the head. The
eventual legs, though so different in form, were also found, encased within the six pectoral legs
of the Caterpillar. The skin of the Caterpillar is therefore little more than a second egg shell,
and the Caterpillar, a creature become a walking egg, as it were, after having been within one
that was motionless.

The strictly external members of the Caterpillar may therefore be considered in the light
of a kind of disguise, and Linnzus, taking this view of the subject, gave the name of larva, a
Latin word meaning a imask, to this stage of the development of insect life. It is indeed a very
happily selected and characteristic term, by means of which the stage of insect development,
which follows that of the egg, is now universally expressed.

The English term “ Caterpillar” is not perhaps so ingenious and characteristic as the one
invented as a scientific definition by Linneus, but its origin is yet worth describing. In the
earlier stages of the English language, cafes, or cafe, was a common term for provisions or deli-
cacies of any kind, and was applied in that sense to garden herbs, or culinary vegetables : if to
this we add the old Anglo-Norman verb piller, Anglicised to pill,* we obtain for the larva of the
Butterfly the highly descriptive title of cate-piller, euphonised Caterpillar, that is, plant pillager,
or destroyer. J

The chrysalis is not formed till the larva has attained its full growth. At this period the
Caterpillar, instinctively aware of the coming change, ceases to feed, quits the scene of its devas-
tations, and seeks some spot of safety in which it may undergo its transformation, and remain
securely in its semi-dormant state till the proper time for the final change, when the perfected
insect is to issue from the shell of the chrysalis in all the completeness of its winged and final

* From which we have still—pillage, pilfer, &c.

P- INTRODUCTION.

state. Some Caterpillars secure themselves to a branch or wall by means of a slender web
which they loop across their bodies to prevent them from falling, as they sink into the dormant
state which immediately precedes their change to the chrysalis. Others suspend themselves by
the tail to some convenient object by means of a knot of a similar kind of web. These are the
most usual methods adopted by the Caterpillars of Butterflies, but those of Moths often weave
for themselves a perfect enclosure by means of their silken web, which is called a cocoon, while
others burrow in the ground, and construct a protective cocoon of earth, often so slight, however,
that when the chrysalis is accidentally dug up by the gardener, the fragile cocoon falls to pieces,
leaving the naked chrysalis exposed.

After the larva of a Butterfly has suspended itself for change, the body gradually shortens
and thickens, and in the course of a certain number of hours or days the soft skin of the Cater-
pillar shrivels, bursts, falls off, and discloses the horny case of the chrysalis, which has been so
rapidly formed within.

The chrysalides of Butterflies are, as before stated, of much more angular form than those
of Moths, having, nearly all of them, curious little spine-like points along their various ridges ;
these, however, do not entirely conceal the form of the insect within the shell ; for in almost all
cases the forms of the still small wings may be observed in the space traced out by linear mark-
ings on each side. Underneath, starting from the head, the form of the antennie or horns may
be traced ; as may also the situation of the eyes. The articulations, or joints of the abdomen,
are plainly shown, as they agree with the corresponding joints of the shell in which they are en-
closed, and it is this portion of the chrysalis alone that is endowed with any power of motion.

The colour of the chrysalides of Butterflies varies from dull brown or green, to gray, and
occasionally to more decided and brighter colours, often sprinkled more or less with black specks.
Their most singular peculiarity, however, consists in metallic patches, resembling gold, which
some of them exhibit. This effect, which led to some curious aberrations among the elder alchy-
mists concerning the transmutations of metals, is now well known to be produced in the following
manner. Reaumur satisfactorily explained that this golden appearance is caused by the exist-
ence of a layer of fluid between the transparent outer skin and the more solid part of the shell
of the chrysalis, which is bright yellow, and which in certain lights produces the metallic effect.
This may be easily proved, by moving about a fresh chrysalis of the Tortoiseshell Nettle
Butterfly, when it will be found that the seeming specks of gold change their places with the
fluid when the chrysalis is moved about in various directions. After a certain time this fluid
dries, and the “ gold” disappears.

The term, Chrysalis, is derived from this metallic appearance, which some of them exhibit ;
being formed of the Greek word Arysallis (zgbouAAuc), golden, or krysos (gold). The term Aurelia,
likewise, by which this stage of insect development is also known, bears a similar import, from
the Latin words awrwn (gold), or aurea (golden). This last was a term in more common use
than chrysalis among our early English collectors, who were thence termed Aurelians.

The time that the Butterfly remains in the chrysalis state varies in different species. But
it may be stated that the chrysalides of the early broods of Caterpillars generally remain in the
chrysalis state from fourteen to twenty days, while the late broods, even of the same kinds,
generally continue in the chrysalis throughout the winter, and the perfected insect does not
emerge till the following spring or summer.

When the time is arrived for the insect to escape from the horny husk or shell, the time of
the coming change may be recognised in the chrysalides of Butterflies by the gradual darkening
of the shell and its increasing transparency, by means of which the rich colouring of the wings
within may often be perceived, and the species of Butterfly about to emerge easily distinguished.
The first symptom of the positive breaking out of prison is shown by the splitting up the back
of the shell of the chrysalis, caused by the muscular efforts of the insect within. The escape is

INTRODUCTION. xi

then rapidly effected, but the wings are as soft as wet paper, and not larger than the indications
of their outline upon the shell. They attain their full size, however, very rapidly, often within
an hour, and sometimes in half that time, while in other cases a whole day is required. As the
wings thus rapidly grow, or dilate, they harden at the same time, and, under the influence of a
fine sunny day, the insect has only to raise and drop these splendid new additions to his organi-
sation a few times, before he feels their strength sufficient for their destined purpose, and boldly
takes to the new exercise of flight, in which he proves himself at once an adept without any
previous practice.

Having now traced the Butterfly from the egg to the perfect or imago state, it remains to
state, in as few words as possible, the nature of the scientific terms by which his stages of
development have been distinguished, and by which the order to which he belongs is defined.

The egg state, as we have seen, was succeeded by the Caterpillar stage,—that for which
Linneus invented the generic term larva, or masked state. This was again succeeded by the
chrysalis, for which the same celebrated naturalist invented the almost equally felicitous term pupa,
being the Latin term for an infant, which, bound in its swaddling clothes, after the ancient fashion
still prevalent on the Continent, suggested to Linnzeus the idea of the larva bound in the chry-
saline shell during the period which immediately preceded its change to the perfect state. This
last he termed the imago state, or that of the true image, which had only been as it were, fore-
shadowed in the previous stages of its existence. The aptness of these definitions is proved by
their general adoption—no other terms than larva, pupa, and imago, being now employed in
scientific works to designate the three principal stages of insect life.

In dividing the vast numbers of the insect tribes into separate and homogeneous ‘orders,’
each distinguished by a title of appropriate character, the great family of Moths and Butterflies
were formed by Linneus into an ‘order’ bearing the title of Lepidoptera, a term formed of the
Greek words Jepis, a scale, making lepidos in the plural, and pferon, a wing, in allusion to the
seales, with which the wings of this class of insects are invariably clothed. Aldrovandus, one of
the old Italian naturalists, a contemporary of Shakespeare, adopted a similar mode of classification
in reference to this order of insects, calling them Ale furinos, that is, the farinaceous, or floury-
winged order. This is, however, less strictly descriptive than that of Linneus. But then
Aldrovandus wrote before the invention of the microscope, which enabled later naturalists to
define more exactly the nature of the seeming powder which covers the wings of Butterflies.
A more recent naturalist, differing from Linnzeus, regarded the proboscis, or trunk, as strictly
peculiar to this order of insects, and thence called them the Glossuta, or tongued tribe, a term
founded on the Greek name of that organ. The Linnean term has, however, prevailed ; and
Butterflies and Moths are now finally only known in scientific classification by the term
Lepidoptera.

Having settled the principle upon which the order was to be established, and the name by
which it was to be distinguished, Linneus next attempted a series of subdivisions. Of these he
made three principal ones. The first he termed Papilio, from the ancient Latin name by which
the Butterfly was popularly known. This division included all the Butterflies, or day-flyers.
The second he fancifully termed Sphing—a name which he adopted, because the Caterpillars,
when in repose, assumed an attitude not unlike that in which the fabled Sphinx is generally
represented. This division included the first section of the great Moth family—being those
which generally fly by twilight. To the third class, consisting of all the rest of the Moth tribe
which generally fly by night, he gave the term Phalene, a term which he may have adopted
from the Greek word @éAawa, which means either a glow-worm, or any insect giving out light,
and thus rendered conspicuous by night—the moth being only noticed in flight at that time: or
he may have adopted another meaning of the word, which refers to such insects as fly towards
alighted candle. Latreille found the general division thus effected open to little objection ; but

xi INTRODUCTION.

he discarded the fanciful terms by which they were distinguished, and adopted the more
descriptive term Diuwrna, or day-flyers, for the first section ; Crepuscularia, or twilight-flyers, for
the second division ; and Nocturna, comprising the night-flyers, for the last. The more recent
method, however, adopted by Dr. Boisduval, in which only two great subdivisions are recognised
instead of three, has been generally adopted in the scientific world. The great order Lepidoptera
is, therefore, now divided, first into Lhopalocera, or those having clubbed horns, or antenne,
from the Greek ropulon (gérurov), a club, or knob ; and ceras (agus), a horn; and secondly, into
Heterocera, consisting of such as have various kinds of antenne, but never clubbed—the last term
being composed of the Greek words cteros (2r<go¢), dissimilar, with the addition of ceras, a horn, as
before.

These scientific terms, Lhopaloceruw and Heterocera, correspond very naturally and con-
veniently with our popular terms, Butterflies and Moths, and serve to separate the great scale-
winged family in a precisely similar manner.

It is only with the first division, Rhopalocera, or Butterflies, that we have to do in this
volume: and of these, only with that small section which are natives of the British Isles, among
which, however, will be found some remarkably beautiful species, and much to interest the
student in tracing their metamorphoses, their habits, their distribution, and their classification.

With “Part Ten” of this work some account will be given of the best mode of capturing
Butterflies ; also of rearing them from the egg or Caterpillar stages. It will also be shown in a
detailed account of some portions of the physiology of insects, that the power of appreciating
pain is almost entirely absent in their organisation ; and that, therefore, Entomological pursuits
are entirely free from the charge of cruelty which has been so often and so ignorantly urged

against them.

THE GENERA AND SPECIES

OF

BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

PLATE I.

No. 1.—The Great Swallow-tailed Butterfly (Papilio No.5.—The Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx
Machaon). Rhamni).
No. 2.—The Under side of the Great Swallow-tailed No. 6.—The Female of the Brimstone Butterfly.
Butterfly, No. 7.—The Under side of the Male Brimstone
No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Great Swallow-tailed Butterfly.
Butterfly. No. 8.—The Caterpillar of the Brimstone Butterfly.
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Great Swallow-tailed No. 9.—The Chrysalis of the Brimstone Butterfly.
Butterfly.

THE division Rhopalocera, as shown in the Introduction, is that section of the order Lepidop-
tera containing all the groups distinguished by clubbed antennze, that is, all kinds of ‘ Butter-
flies ; which are thus distinguished from Moths.

The first Family of this division are termed the Pupilionide.

The first Sub-Family, according to the system I am following, is defined as Papilionidi, con-
taining only one British genus, Papilio, a genus which includes but a single native species,
though the exotic kinds are so numerous, and so various, both in form and colour.

The insects comprised in the genus Pupilio are distinguished by antennz somewhat elongate,
and terminated by a knob or club of moderate size. The palpi are very short, and have the
third joint almost obsolete ; the eyes are large, and not clothed with hairs, as in some other
genera. The abdomen is short, and the hind wings are long and narrow, and generally termi-
nate at the angle next the body ina more or less elongated portion,-having a tail-like appearance.
The anterior pair of legs are alike in both sexes, and are fitted for walking, as well as the two
hinder pair, which is not the case in genera which I shall shortly have to describe. The Cater-
pillars are smooth, and the Chrysalides are looped to the substance on which they have under-
gone their transformation with a thread of web: they are also attached by the tail, the head
pointing upwards.

Papilio Machaon (the Great Swallow-tail, No. 1), is the largest, and perhaps on the whole
the most strikingly handsome of all our native Butterflies, and is abundant in many localities.
It is, however, rare in the metropolitan counties, though there are records of its occasional
capture in Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, and even Middlesex. It emerges from the chrysalis in
May, and is seen till the end of August, but must be sought in its own favourite localities, the
Fens of Huntingdon and Cambridgeshire, or at Whittlesea Mere, which is another of its haunts.
Norwich, Yaxley, and Pulborough in Sussex, are also named as places where it has been recently
captured in some plenty. The Caterpillar (No. 3) is found in June and September, there being
two broods according to Continental entomologists. It feeds upon many plants common to

B

bo

THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

marshy districts, preferring the Umbellifere, especially the Marsh-milk Parsley and Wild Carrot.
It is furnished with a fork-like appendage near the head, by means of which it is said
that it is able to emit a foetid odour which keeps off Ichneumons. The under side of the
wings of this fine insect is much paler than the upper, and somewhat differently marked, as
represented at No. 2. The chrysalis of the Great Swallow-tail (No. 3) is shown suspended to a
branch of the Wild Carrot. P. Muchaon is much more abundant on the Continent than in
England.

Papilio Podalirius was formerly claimed as a British species, and it is to be regretted that
the proofs have turned out insufficient, and that it cannot even be artificially naturalised after
several attempts, though very common on the neighbouring shores of the Continent, for it is as
fine an insect as P. Muchuon, with the markings of which its broad zebra-like stripes form a fine
contrast. This handsome species is exceedingly common in the Campagna, in the immediate
neighbourhood of Rome, where I captured many fine specimens, and from whence I brought
chrysalides which I reared in England, turning many of the perfected insects loose in suitable
localities, in the hopes that the species might establish itself; but they all disappeared without
any results. Both P. Muchaon and P. Podalirius are, as I have said, common on the Continent,
and they are among the species named by Linneus, who in conferring specific and sometimes
even generic denominations, seldom adopted descriptive or characteristic names in the way now
generally adopted, but gave arbitrary appellations, after historical or mythological persons of the
early ages of Greece or Rome. These two fine species received their names in this manner after
the two sons of Esculapius—Podalirius and Machaon, and will continue to bear them, in honour
of their great name-father, so long as the present systems of science shall continue, though so
completely at variance with the present system of nomenclature.

The second Sub-Family of the Papilionide is that of the Rhodoceridi, a name derived from
Greek words meaning red-horned, in allusion to the pinkish or brownish pink antenne by which
the genera it contains are distinguished : these are the following, Gonepteryx and Colias.

The genus Gonepteryx is so named from the angular form of the anterior wings, from the
Greek word gonia (ywvia), an angle, and pteron (aregiv) a wing. The antenne are short and
rather robust, terminating in a club, towards which they gradually thicken. The front pair of
legs are alike in both sexes, and are, as well as the posterior pairs, fitted for walking. The
Caterpillars are attenuated at each end, and the Chrysalis always attached by the tail, as well as
suspended by a loop round the middle.

Gonepteryx Rhamni (the Brimstone, No. 5), is generally the first of the Butterfly tribe to
announce the coming summer, making his appearance, on fine days, as early as March or even
February ; becoming, however, much more abundant in the more genial days of April. The
female (No. 6) is nearly white, and by the inexperienced is often taken for one of the common
Garden Whites. The under side of this insect scarcely varies from the upper, but in the male
it is somewhat paler, as shown at No. 7. A second brood appears in August.

The Caterpillar (No. 8) feeds upon the leaves of the common Buckthorn, Lhamnus Cathar-
ticus, from which its specific name is derived, and also upon the Berry-bearing Alder, 2. ran-
gulus, and some other allied trees. The Chrysalis (No. 9) is green, with some small red dots,
and suspended with a loop like others of the family.’

This pretty insect is common in all parts of England, as far north as Newcastle, but is
rarely found in Scotland. A. beautiful variety occurs commonly on the Continent, once made
a separate species as Gonepteryx Cleopatra, in which the anterior wings of the male are beauti-
fully suffused in the centre with a large patch of the richest orange colour, becoming fainter
towards the edges. Some specimens occasionally captured in England are mentioned as having
slight indications of this peculiarity. In the neighbourhood of Rome, however, I captured
numbers of the orange variety, which appeared to be quite as common there as those of the

sulphur colour. D er

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PLATE IL.

No. 1.—The Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colias Edusa). No. 6.—The Chrysalis of the Clouded Yellow Butter-
No. 2.—The Female of the Clouded Yellow Butter- fly.
fly. No. 7.—The Pale Clouded Yellow Butterfly (Colias
No. 3.—The Under side of the Clouded Yellow Hyale).
Butterfly. No. 8.—The Female of the Pale Clouded Yellow
No. 4.—A variety of the Clouded Yellow Butterfly. Butterfly.
No. 5.—The Caterpillar of the Clouded Yellow Butter- No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Pale Clouded Yellow
fly. Butterfly.

THE Genus Colias. The insects contained in this genus are more robust, both in the texture
of the wings and the dimensions of the body, than the preceding, from which they are also
distinguished by the rounded apex of the anterior wings, the deep black bordering of which
forms another distinctive feature. The antenne are short, rather thick, and swelling gradually
into the final club or knob. The Caterpillar is naked, somewhat elongate, and tubercled. The
Chrysalis is rather short, and at the head somewhat hooked in a beak-like form; it is sus-
pended by a girth of web, and attached at the tail by a knob of the same substance. The name
was conferred by Fabricius, who, in this instance, following the system of Linnzeus, gave an
arbitrary one, a surname of Aphrodite, the Greek Venus, who had a statue on the Attic promon-
tory of Colias. ;

-Colias Edusa (the Clouded Yellow, No. 1), is one of our handsomest Butterflies, the fine
contrast of its black and orange markings having probably suggested to Fabricius the idea of
selecting one of the titles of the goddess of beauty as the name of the genus. It is very
common in some seasons in this country, but in others comparatively rare. Its abundance once
in three or four years has not been satisfactorily explained. The Caterpillar (No. 5), is found
in the spring feeding on different plants of the trefoil family, and the perfect insect appears
later in August, frequenting lucern and clover fields, and is sometimes seen as late as October,
at which time the sunny side of railway banks is said to be one of its favourite resorts. Bem-
bridge, Isle of Wight, Blandford, Brighton, Plymouth, Teignmouth, Winchester, &c., are
named as good localities for the capture of this handsome insect.

The female (No. 2) is generally rather larger than the male; is of a somewhat clearer
orange, and is also distinguished by bright yellow dashes in the black border. The under side
of the male (No. 3) is almost exactly similar to that of the female, though so different on the
upper side, both being remarkable for the spot of silver in the centre of the circlet in the hind
wings.

No. 4 is a striking variety of the female, of not uncommon occurrence, in which the whole
of the orange and yellow tones are suffused with a pervading tone of bluish gray, which gives
rather a green tone to the hind wings. The chrysalis is represented in No. 6.

Colias Hyale (the Pale Clouded Yellow, No. 7), is a very distinct species, and much more
rare than C, Edusa. Its wings are of very chaste and delicate colouring, which may have
suggested to Linneus its specific designation of Hyale, one of the nymphs of Diana, for it
figures under that name in his great division Papilio. The pervading colour of the male is a

4 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

delicate lemon yellow. It does not differ in its markings from the female (No. 8), but the
ground colour of the latter is creamy white. On the under side, however, they are both alike,
and though so much more delicately coloured than C. Hdusa on the upper surface, they are on
the under side much more strongly tinted than that insect, though the tones are similar.

The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on Medicago and other leguminous plants in the spring, and
the perfect insect appears in the autumn. Though a very common insect in the neighbouring
countries of the Continent, it is comparatively rare in England, except in certain seasons ; in
1842, for instance, it was abundant, and it has been taken in some numbers during the present
season. The following are the places in which it has been captured most frequently : Brighton,
Ramsgate, Bristol, Dorchester, Epping, Lewes, Leicester, Manchester, Peterborough, York, and
some places in Ireland.

Tam indebted to my friend, Mr. ADAM Waite, of the British Museum, for the following
note:

“The two British species of Colias are very widely distributed. The C. Hyale has been
taken in the Punjaub, and also on the slopes of the Himalaya, while both the species are found
at Dhargeeling in N. India, and at Shanghai, in Northern China. Indeed there seems to he
every reason to believe that both the species, like the ‘Painted Lady Butterfly,’ are all but
cosmopolitan. The question, how some species are so generally distributed, and others so
limited in their geographical range, is one of great interest. We may yet also be able to
ascertain why some species are abundant every five or six years, like the species of Colias,
and again become scarce. The moisture or dryness of the atmosphere, and the consequence of
such meteorological changes, must affect all insects more or less, but some more particularly
than others. A long period of frost kills many, and might lall a//, of the specimens of certain
shell-fish in our seas, as has been well observed by the late HucH MILieEr, while others, closely
allied, are quite unaffected. These others are found to extend far north, into regions subject to
long periods of frost; while the delicate species belong specifically to temperate, or more
southernly regions. From somewhat similar reasons, Colias Hdusa, and Hyale, and the ‘ Camber-
well Beauty’ Butterfly (Vanessa Antiopa), may vary in their abundance. Other species of Colias
are found very far north. The sobered gaiety of the Colias Boothii, of Curtis, cheered Sir
James Clarke Ross and his comrades on the shores of Prince Regent’s Inlet ; while Sir John
Richardson, Captain Collinson, and other Arctic voyagers, sent to the British Museum species
of Colias, and other Butterflies, from localities where an Arctic winter rules for nearly three-
quarters of the year. Where flowers bloom on the disappearance of the snow, there Bees and
Butterflies are found, and none are more cheerful or gay than the species of Colias.~ At St.
Martin’s Falls, Albany River, near Hudson’s Bay, Mr. GEORGE BARNSTON found one species to
be very common.”

PLATE IT.

No. 1.—The Black-veined White Butterfly (dporia | No.5.—The Great Cabbage-White Butterfly—the
Crategi). Female, (Pieris Brassica).

No. 2.—The Female of the Black-veined White No. 6.—The Male of the Great Cabbage-White
Butterfly, showing the Under side. Butterfly, showing the Under side,

No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Black-yeined White No. 7.—Tie Caterpillar of the Great Cabbage- White
Butterfly. Butterfly.

No, 4.—The Chrysalis of the Black-veined White No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Great Cabbage-White
Butterfly. Butterfly.

THE third Sub-Family of the Papilionide is that of the Pieridi, containing the genera Aporia,
Pieris, Euchloe, and Leucophasia.

The genus Aporia contains but one British species, resembling, in general aspect, the Garden
Whites of the genus Pieris, but distinguished from them in a very marked degree, both by its
habits and structure. In this genus the first distinguishing character appears to be the exces-
sively thin layer of scales by which the wings are covered, which are nearly transparent. It is,
doubtless, from this circumstance that Hiibner adopted for it the generic name Aporia—a Greek
word, méaning destitute, in allusion to the nakedness of the wings. The second, is the robust
structure of the veins or neurations, which are very conspicuous by their black or brown colour ;
and in some species, especially the British one, 4. Cratwgi, a similar nervure to those which
branch over and support the broad surface of the wing, also extends round the extreme edge,
which is without the usual cilie or fringing. The legs are similar to those of the preceding sub-
family, but the antenne are longer, and the club, though graduated in a similar manner, is not
so large. The larva is of long proportion, and partially clothed with short hairs. The chrysalis
is rounded instead of angulated at the part enclosing the thorax, and is generally of a light yellow
or green colour, marbled with black, and is suspended by a girth of web, and attached at the tail.

Aporia Crategi (the Black-veined White, No. 1). This conspicuous insect is one of those
which may be called periodical, as it is extremely rare except at intervals of three or four years,
or more, when it appears in great abundance. On the Continent it is generally plentiful, and its
larvee are very destructive. Linnzus called this species the pest of gardens, and Kollar and De
Geer have given a detailed account of it as one of the insects most injurious to the prospects of
more than one class of cultivators. It has been occasionally seen on the wing in such vast abund-
ance in the north of Europe as to produce the appearance of a widely prevailing snow-storm.

The female (No. 2) is represented so as to show that the under side of the wings is the same
as the upper, and, at the same time, to exhibit the distinctive colour of the veins or neurations,
which, in the female, are generally of a rich brown colour, while in the male they are of a bright
shining black.

The Caterpillar (No. 3) feeds on the Whitethorn, Crategus Ozyacantha, and other kinds of
Crategus, from which it receives its specific name ; it appears early in the spring, and the perfect
insect in June.

The Chrysalis is represented under figure 4.

The most recent places noted for the capture of this Butterfly are Corsham in Wiltshire,

6 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Lyndhurst, where it was abundant, Peterborough, Herne Bay, some places in the Isle of Thanet,
Moreton in Devonshire. The New Forest is also mentioned as one of the places where it was
formerly taken in abundance, as well as Chelsea, Muswell Hill, and other localities near London.

The genus Pieris embraces all those white Butterflies of our gardens, popularly known as
the “Garden Whites.” The name Pieris was conferred by Schrank, in substitution for that of
Pontia, which it was desirable on several accounts to change. In selecting the new term, now
generally accepted, the German naturalist may have been influenced by the consideration it was
probably the observation of the metamorphoses of some of these abundant species (the types of
the genus) that suggested to the poets of Greece the beautiful fable of Psyche, that is, the Soul,
founded on the apparent death of the creeping Caterpillar in its chrysaline condition, and its
seeming resurrection ina more perfect state. If so, the term Pieris, from the Greek Pierides
(wizeides), the Muses, seems a very appropriate one, of that fanciful kind adopted by Linneus ;
but now very rarely, if ever, adopted in the formation of either generic or specific nomenclature.
; the

The genus Pieris is distinguished by larger and more slender antennze than the preceding ;
wings are rather pointed, and tipped with black ; and the females are distinguished by one or
more black spots near the centre of the anterior wings, which are always absent in the males ;
and all the wings are edged with a deeper and more regular fringe than any of the preceding
genera. The palpi have the terminal joint as long or longer than the second, and the legs are
long and slender, and alike in both sexes ; the anterior pair being perfect. The Caterpillars are
tuberculated, with short hairs springing from the tubercles. The chrysalis is remarkably angu-
lated, especially above the thorax, where it is rounded in the preceding genus. It undergoes
the change in various positions, but always looped, and attached by the tail.

Pieris Brassice (the Great Cabbage White, No. 5), is by far the largest of the genus, and is
a very handsome insect, well worthy of more careful examination than it generally meets with ;
for it is not merely black and white, as appears at a first glance, but chastely decorated with
many beautiful gradations of colour. The ground tone of creamy white, for instance, deepens
towards the front of the anterior wings, and the hind ones are entirely of a warmer hue, both
being enriched by a soft dusky shade at the base, formed of innumerable gray specks, while the
black tip is softened off into the delicate ground colour in a similar manner. On the underside,
as shown in the representation (No. 6), the tips are buff where they are black above, and the
hind wings are entirely buff, microscopically powdered with minute black specks, and ornamented
with a slender line of orange down the anterior margin ; both wings having the under side of
the fringe of a warmer buff than that of any other part. The antennz, also, are ornamented
with a beautiful series of dots beneath, which are not visible on the upper side. The female
(No. 5) exhibits conspicuously the black dots by which the anterior wings of that sex are dis-
tinguished, and is generally, as in many species of Butterflies, rather larger than the male. The
male, though without the black spots on the upper surface, exhibits them conspicuously on the
underside of the anterior wings.

The well-known Caterpillar (No. 7), of which two broods appear every season, appears to
prefer the common garden Cabbage to all other food, though it is often found devouring many
kinds of Cruciferous plants. The Chrysalis (No. 8) is represented attached, in the way which
characterises this and other allied genera, to a stem of Cabbage, in flower, though it generally
prefers the trunk of a tree, a wall, or old paling.

This well-known species is common everywhere, not only in England, but in the whole of
Europe, the north of Africa, Asiatic Siberia, and even in Nepaul and Japan, though the species
found in the two last-named places are thought by some to present sufficient distinction in some
features to cause them to be eventually classed as distinct species.

PL. 4

PLATE IV.

No.1.—The Small Cabbage-White Butterfly (Pieris No. 6.—The Green-veined White Butterfly (Pieris
Rape). Napi).

No. 2.—The Female of the Small Cabbage-White No. 7.—The Female of the Green-veined White
Butterfly. Butterfly.

No. 3.—The Under side of the Small Cabbage-White No. 8.—Under side of the Green-veined White
Butterfly. Butterfly.

No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Small Cabbage-White No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Green-veined White
Butterfly, Butterfly.

No 5.—The Chrysalis of the Small Cabbage-White No. 10.—The Chrysalis of the Green-veined Whito
Butterfly. Butterfly).

Pieris RAp# (the small Cabbage-White, Nos. 1 to 5) is frequently mistaken by those
unlearned in the natural history of Butterflies for the young of the larger species, P. Brassice ;
and at the first glance there appears a great similarity between them. On a closer examination,
however, it will be observed that there are several distinguishing characteristics, altogether inde-
pendent of size. In the first place, the males have generally a more or less distinct black spot
in the centre of the fore wings, which is never found in the larger kind, while the two black
spots of the female, (No. 2), are more conspicuous, and in that sex the wings, on the upper
surface, are often thickly powdered with gray, so as to give them a much more dusky appear-
ance. The underside (shown at No. 3) exhibits the hind wings of a darker buff, and much
more thickly powdered with brown than in the large kind. I have seen specimens with
the buff of the underside of the hind wings very much darker than in the specimen represented
at No. 3, and others with-a strong shade of dusky green running up the veins or nervures ;
the specimens of the last-named kind being, I believe, hybrids between P. Rape and P. Napi.
The Caterpillar, (No. 4) appears both in the spring and autumn, there being two broods
annually. The chrysalis, (No. 5) is found attached to branches or some other support, in a
similar manner to that of the larger species, and if produced in the autumn it remains in the
pupa state throughout the winter, the perfect insect appearing early in the spring. The chrysa-
lides resulting from the spring brood of Caterpillars only remain in that state from eight to
sixteen days before the perfect insect is produced.

The most marked distinction to be found between this and the larger species is, however, to
be sought in the preparatory or Caterpillar stage, in which it is perfectly distinct, as will be
seen on reference to the representation No. 4, Plate IV., as compared with No. 3, Plate III.
The Caterpillar of P. Rape feeds on several kinds of cruciferous plants, especially the common
Rape, from which its specific name is derived ; and also the wild Mignonette, and many exotic
plants now naturalised in our gardens, especially the Zropawolum majus, commonly known as the
Nasturtium.

This species varies very remarkably in its markings, some of the males being entirely with-
out the white spot in the centre of the fore wings, while others are found in which the whole of
the upper surface of the wings are of a dusky gray; and there are many intermediate varieties.

8 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The chief of these have been formerly described as distinct species by the names of Pontia Metra
(distinguished by its smaller size), Papilio alba media immaculata (the male of P. Rape), Papilio
alba media trimaculata (the female of P. Rape), and several others.

Pievis Napi (the Green-veined Cabbage-White, Nos. 6 to 10) has also been confused both
with P. Brassice and the species last described, by those unacquainted with entomology ; it is
however very distinct from both. From P. Lape by the almost constant absence of the black
spot in the centre of the fore wings of the male, and from both by the peculiar green markings
of the under side of the hind wings, from which it takes its popular name, the Green-veined
White. The male (No. 6) is not only without the black spot above alluded to, but also nearly
without the dark marks at the tips of the fore wings, though they are sometimes much more
conspicuous than in the specimen represented. The female (No. 7) has the spots, and the marks
at the tips of the fore wings similar to those of the female of P. Rape, but generally much
paler. The Caterpillar is distinguished from that of the preceding species by the absence of
the yellow line down the back. It feeds upon Brassica napus, from which it takes its name,
and also upon several other cruciferous plants, especially the common cabbage ; in feeding
upon which, both this and the preceding species do not confine themselves to the external
leaves of the plant, like the larvee of P. Brassicw, but eat into the heart; they are conse-
quently much more destructive, and are known in France as the ver du ceur. The Cater-
pillars appear in spring and autumn, like those of P. Rape. Both the small species of Pieris
are further distinguished from the large one by the disposition of the eggs, which are laid
singly, instead of in agglutinated patches.

The varieties of P. Napi are numerous, among the most remarkable of which are those
specimens which have the veins of the upper side of the wings rather strongly marked with
dusky black, which were made a species by H. Srepiens, under the name of P. Sabellice ; and
the P. Napew, made a separate species by Esper, which is of a larger size than the ordinary

(pi.

specimens of P. Ni

PLATE V.

No. 1.—The Green-chequered White Butterfly (Pieris No. 8,—The Under side of the Orange-tip Butterfly.
Daplidice). No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Orange-tip Butterfly.

No. 2.—The Female of the Green-chequered White No. 10.—The Chrysalis of the Orange-tip Butterfly.
Butterfly. No. 11.—The Wood White Butterfly (Leucophasia

No. 3.—The Under side of the Green-chequered Sinapis).
White Butterfly. No, 12.—The Female of the Wood White Butterfly.

No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Gyreen-chequered No. 13.—The Under side of the Wood White But-
White Butterfly. terfly.

No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Green-chequered No. 14.—The Caterpillar of the Wood White But-
White Butterfly. terfly.

No. 6.—The Orange-tip Butterfly (Euchloe Carda- No, 15.—The Chrysalis of the Wood White But-
mines). terfly.

No. 7.—The Female of the Orange-tip Butterfly.

Prerts DAPLIDICE (the Green Chequered White) was, till recently, made a separate genus
(Mancipium), though some British Entomologists have proposed making it form, with 2. Carda-
mines, a section of the genus Pieris. The alliance with £. Cardamines was opposed ; the green
mottling of the underside of the hind wings common to both these insects being deemed too
trivial an affinity to form the basis of a generic relationship, especially when the peculiar form
and general character of the chrysalis of £. Cardamines was taken into consideration ; but Dapli-
dice has since been united to the Pierides, leaving LZ. Cardamines to form a separate genus. Upon
examination, this arrangement will be found tolerably satisfactory, as P. Duplidice exhibits
many of the typical characters of the Pierides, with which it is more strongly linked by the in-
termediate species P. Rape, and more especially P. Napi, described in the last Plate. Mr. West-
wood notices the angularity and slightly indented margin of the anterior wings of the males of
P. Daplidice, while those of the females are more blunt at the angle, and rounded in the external
outline, a peculiarity observable also in the male and female of P. Napi. The antenns also of
that species, in the sudden flattening of the club, strongly resemble those of P. Duplidice. The
male of P. Duplidice (No. 1) is distinguished from the female (No. 2), by the absence of the
second black spot on the fore wings. The fine green chequering with which the underside of
the hind wings is pencilled, and from which the popular designation of this beautiful insect is
derived, is shown at No. 3. I have taken the Caterpillar (No. 4) described by Boisduval rather
than that described by Hiihner, as it agrees better with the accounts given of its appearance by
continental collectors, which we must be content to rely upon till this insect has been discovered
in the larva state in England, of which at present there is no record. The Chrysalis (No. 5)
accords pretty closely with those of the other species in the genus Pieris, though it is of some-
what shorter, thicker, and rounder proportions. The Caterpillar is found on the Continent at
two seasons, Spring and Autumn, at nearly the same periods as those of the Common ‘ Whites,’
and the insect is very common in the south of Europe, though so rare with us. It is said to
feed on the Wild Mignonette, and also on several cruciferous plants of the Cabbage tribe ; and
is generally found in dry and sandy situations. With us it is one of the greatest of our Ento-
mological rarities, for though its capture has occurred in several localities, only single specimens
have been taken, I have more than once listened to the late Mr. F. Stephens’ interesting ac-
count of his capture of the famous specimen in his fine Collection, which took place in the
month of August in the year 1818, in a meadow behind Dover Castle, where another specimen
has since been taken. White Wood, near Cambridge, is celebrated as one of the localities for
its capture, and Whittlesea Mere and Worcester have been since added, where single specimens

10 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

have also been obtained. Some have imagined that one of the old names of this insect ‘the
Bath White,’ was given on account of the first British specimen having been taken near that
city, but Lewin clearly states that it was from a piece of needlework executed at Bath, copied
from an insect, which was only said to have been taken in that neighbourhood ; it was most
probably a continental specimen.

The genus Luchloe is distinguished from Pieris by the more rounded form of the wings, and
their less robust character ; also by the distribution of the nervures, and some minute distine-
tions in the palpi. It differs more strikingly in the preparatory stages, the Caterpillars being
much more slender, and the Chrysalis of the distinct form termed boat-shaped ; being equally
pointed at both ends, very hard and stiff, and entirely without the usual segmental joints. It
is slung with the head downwards. The name is derived from the Greek words ew (ev) very,
and chloe (Aon) green, in allusion to the remarkable green mottling of the underside of the
hind wings. There is only one British species.

Euchloe Cardamines is one of our prettiest species ; the fore wings of the male (No. 6) are
beautifully marked with a broad patch of orange, extending from the tip to near the centre.
The female (No. 7) is without these conspicuous marks of orange, but has the black spot in the
centre of the anterior wings rather larger ; in other respects the markings are the same as those
of the male ; the remarkable green mottlings of the underside of the hind wings (as shown at
No. 8) being equally strong in both sexes. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds in preference upon
the Curdamine impatiens, or Turritis glabra, to which its singular Chrysalis is generally attached,
as shown at No. 10. The perfect insect appears in May, but specimens are frequently seen as
late as the end of July.

This pretty insect is very apt to vary in its markings, female specimens having been taken
with an orange mark on the under side of the fore wings ; others with the black spot nearly, if
not entirely absent ; while in others an additional black spot appears in the hind wings.

The genus Leucophasia. The insects assigned to this genus bear such remarkable affinity to
those included in Luchloc, that for the sake of not multiplying generic names they might have
been conveniently classed with that genus. The rounded form of the anterior wings, and the
form and colouring of the Caterpillars, as well as the boat-shaped Chrysalis, marks at once their
close relationship. Distinctions of a very well defined character nevertheless exist, such as the
remarkably short discoidal cell in the nervures of the wings in Leucophasia, from which the
branching nervures are consequently of unusual length, and rather peculiar in their distribution ;
while the Chrysalis, though of similar form to that of Z. Curdamines, is not so much bent in the
middle, and has the segments enclosing the abdomen moveable. The proportions of the Cater-
pillar are rather shorter and thicker than those of H. Cardumines, but the body of the perfect
insect is more slender and long.

Leucophasia Sinapis (the Wood White, No. 11) is a very local though not a rare insect. The
female, (No. 12) is generally, though not always, without the broad blackish mark at the ex-
tremity of the fore wings. The colouring of the under side, which differs slightly from the
upper, is shown at No. 13. The Caterpillar (No. 14) feeds upon Vicia cracca, and also upon
several of the common species of Lotus found in woods. The Chrysalis (No. 15) is suspended
in a similar manner to that of EL. Cardamines, and the perfect insect appears in May. There is
also a second brood which appears in August. This pretty insect may be at once recognised by
its slow and undulating flight, and from its preference of the shaded glades of woods rather than
the open sunshine. It has been taken in plenty in the Kentish woods near Pembury, and in
similar situations in the neighbourhood of Teignmouth, Stowmarket, and Worcester. It is pro-
bable, therefore, that it will be found in many other sheltered woody localities. It seems, how-
ever, only to make its appearance in certain situations periodically, as its capture is once recorded
by Mr. Stainton in great abundance at Lyndhurst, though not usually occurring there.

PLATE VI.

No. 1.—The Marbled White Butterfly (rye Gala- No. 7.—The Under side of the Speckled Wood But-
_ thea). terfly.
No, 2.—The Underside of the Marbled White But- No. 8.—The Caterpillar of the Speckled Wood But-
terfly. terfly.
No. 3.—A Variety of the Marbled White Butterfly. No. 9.—The Chrysalis of the Speckled Wood But-
No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Marbled White But- terfly.
terfly. No. 10.—The Wall Butterfly (Lasiommata Megera).
No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Marbled White But- No. 11.—The Female of the Wall Butterfly.
terfly. No, 12.—The Under side of the Wall Butterfly.
No. 6.—The Speckled Wood Butterfly (Lasiommata No, 13.—The Caterpillar of the Wall Butterfly.
yeria). No. 14.—The Chrysalis of the Wall Butterfly.

THE second Family of Butterflies is that of the Nymphualide, which is distinguished by
having only four legs fitted for walking, the front pair being always, more or less, of merely ru-
dimental character. The Caterpillars are considerably attenuated towards each extremity, and
have either a fork at the tail or two horn-like appendages at the head. The Chrysalis is sus-
pended by the tail only, having no belt of silk round the body.

The first Sub-Family of the Nymphalide, as that of the Satyridi, contains the six genera,
Arge, Lasionmata, Hipparchia, Enodia, Erebia, and Cenonympha.

The genus Arye is distinguished, like all those of this sub-family, by the rudimental charac-
ter of the front pair of legs, and also by the dentation, or rather scallop-like undulation of the
hind wings. The larve have the body slightly thickened in the middle, and attenuated at each
extremity, the tail being forked. The Chrysalis is without spines or tubercles, and is suspended
by the tail.

Arge Gulathea (the Marbled White, No. 1) is very local, but abundant enough in many
favourable situations. The under side (No. 2) is paler than the upper, and rather differently
marked. The female is generally somewhat larger than the male, and the ground colour of the
wings is yellower. The variety (No. 3) is one of the most unusual ; there are other varieties of
more common occurrence, among them, one in which the dark marks, instead of being black,
are of a fine light brown. There is a fine specimen of this variety in the British Museum. In
some varieties the marks of the underside are nearly absent. The Caterpillar feeds in prefer-
ence on Timothy-grass, but is also found in other grasses growing in woody situations. It ap-
pears in June and July, flying in damp open places in woods, in a wavering and lazy manner,
upon which habit it is possible that Esper founded his generic name, drge, from Argos (Agyos),
indolent. It is taken plentifully near Blandford, Brighton, Kingsbury, &c., &c., and less abun-
dantly in many other places, but has not yet occurred in any part of Scotland.

The genus Lasiommate is distinguished from the preceding and other nearly related genera
by the peculiar character of the eyes, which are covered with short hairs, a character upon which
Mr. Westwood founded the present generic name from Jasios (A«o10s), hairy, and oma (omc),
aneye. The front pair of legs are much more conspicuous than in Arye, and are of equal

12 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

length in both sexes, though not fitted for walking. The Caterpillar is attenuated at each ex-
tremity, with two short points at the tail. The pupa is short and thick, and furnished with
several angular projections, especially two, much more conspicuous than the others, near the
head. It is suspended only by the tail.

Lasionmata Ageria (the Speckled Wood, No. 6) is one of the commonest of our brown
Butterflies. It is subject to considerable variations in the intensity of its marks, but no very
striking varieties oceur. The under side (No. 7) is very pleasingly varied in the tones of colour.
The females are generally more brightly marked, and have the patches of light colour in the
upper surface of the wings more extended than the male, and they are generally somewhat
larger than the other sex. The Caterpillar (No. 8) feeds on Triticum repens, and other common
grasses, from the blades of which the Chrysalis (No. 9) may often be found suspended. The
perfect insect appears in April, June, and August, there being three or more broods in the year.
It is common everywhere, generally frequenting shady lanes and hedgerows in preference to
open meadows.

Lasiemmata Megera (the Wall, No. 10) is the only other species of this genus. It is as
common as the preceding. The male (No. 10) is always much smaller and more strongly marked
than the female (No. 11). The under side of this species is very beautifully decorated with
delicate rings, each of which enclose a series of smaller circlets, most perfectly and delicately
pencilled, as shown at No. 12. The Caterpillar (No. 13) feeds upon various grasses, and is found
in May and at the beginning of August, but must be sought at nights with a light, like most of
those belonging to this group. The perfect insect appears in April and again in the Autumn.
It frequents shady lanes and hedgerows, like L. <Ayeria.

se

PLATE VII.

No. 1.—The Grayling Butterfly (Hipparchia Semele). No, 10.—The Chrysalis of the Meadow Brown
No. 2.—The Female of the Grayling Butterfly. Butterfly.
No. 3.—The Under side of the Grayling Butterfly. No. 11.—The Gate Keeper Butterfly (Hipparchia
No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Grayling Butterfly. Tithonus).
No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Grayling Butterfly. No. 12.—The Female of the Gate Keeper Butterfly.
No. 6.—The Meadow Brown Butterfly (Hipparchia No. 13.—The Under side of the Gate Keeper Butter-
Janira). fly.
No. 7.—The Female of the Meadow Brown Butterfly. No. 14.—The Caterpillar of the Gate Keeper Butter-
No. 8.—The Under side of the Meadow Brown fly.
Butterfly. No. 15.—The Chrysalis of the Gate Keeper Butter.
No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Meadow Brown fly.
Butterfly.

THE genus Hipparchia is distinguished from the preceding one by the smoothness of the
eyes, which are entirely free from the clothing of hair which distinguishes the Lasiommate. It
is also distinguished by the thickening of the nervures at the base of the fore wings. The
hinder pair of wings are denticulated at the fringed edge. The antenne are slender in all the
species, but varying considerably in the size and obtuseness of the club. The front pair of legs
are smaller than the others, and unfitted for walking, but distinctly visible in both sexes ; those
of the males being more clothed with hair than those of the females; the tarsal portion being
simple in the males, but articulate in the females. The larve are attenuated at each extremity,
the tail being slightly forked. One species undergoes the change to the chrysalis stage in the
ground, forming a cocoon of particles of earth and silken web, In the other kinds the Chrysa-
lids are suspended by the tail to blades of grass, &e. There are three British species, Semele,
Janira, and Tithonus.

Hipparchia Semele (the Grayling, No. 1) is by far the largest of the genus, frequently
measuring two inches and a-half across the expanded wings. The markings of this handsome
insect vary very considerably, both in size and intensity ; the light markings in the male (No. 1)
being sometimes so much darker than in ordinary specimens as to be scarcely distinguishable
from the ground colour. In the female (No. 2) these marks, as well as the black circlets or
ocelli, are always much larger and more conspicuous than in the males. The under side of the
Grayling (No. 3) is very elegantly varied, both in the tone and in the character of the markings,
the hind wings being of a soft gray tone, beautifully marbled with delicate streaky pencillings of
a deeper colour. The Caterpillar (No. 4) appears early in the Spring, and feeds on several
kinds of our common grasses, and according to M. Marloy’s account, in the Annals of the Entomo-
logical Society of France, retires into the earth to undergo its change, where it forms an earthen
cocoon. In my Plate I have represented the Chrysalis (No. 5) suspended to a blade of grass,
according to the habits of others of the species, as I have never seen a chrysalis of the species
while still clothed with its cocoon. I have no doubt, however, that M. Marloy is correct in his
statement. Those who wish to rear this species from the larva stage should (in localities where
the insect abounds) seek the Caterpillars at night, with a lamp, as they are night feeders, con-
cealing themselves in the daytime, either in the ground or about the roots of the grasses on

14 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

which they feed. The perfect insect appears in July, and though rather local, is by no means
rare. The neighbourhoods of Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, and Teignmouth, are cited
as localities where it may be taken abundantly ; and in many others it is very far from uncom-
mon, even as far north as Edinburgh.

Hipparchia Janira (the Meadow Brown, No. 6) is perhaps the commonest of all our native
Butterflies, not even excepting the ‘Garden Whites.” The meadows, in May and June, are
quite alive with this abundant insect, and no variety of season appears to influence its time of
appearance or its numbers. The male (No. 6) is entirely of one unbroken tone of rich dark
brown on the upper surface, with the exception of a small and somewhat obscure circlet of black
and orange, having a white speck in the centre, which speck is sometimes double. Singular
varieties occur, however, in which the central portions of the wings are nearly denuded of the
feather-like scales, and are thereby rendered partially transparent. I have also seen a variety in
which the whole upper surface of the wings was but very slightly clothed, and of a pale drab
colour, instead of the usual rich brown. The female (No. 7) has the black circlet of the anterior
wings surrounded with a fine orange patch, more or less mottled, and a distinct and broad
border of a deeper colour round the hind wings. Deceived by this difference of markings,
Linneus mistook the sexes for distinct species (as in many other similar instances), calling the
male Papilio Janira, and the female Papilio Jurtina. In such cases, when the error is discovered,
it is the specific name of the male that is preserved, so that, although Linneus’s great genus or
class Papilio has been subdivided into numerous families, sub-families, and genera, we have still
his original name Janira, preserved in the denomination of this species, as Hipparchia Janira.
The under side (No. 8) is nearly alike in both sexes. The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on grasses,
and suspends itself by the tail to undergo the change to the chrysalis stage. The Chrysalis
(No. 10) is double-pointed at the head. The perfect insect appears throughout the Summer,
and is common everywhere.

Hipparchia Tithonus (the Gate Keeper, No. 11) is nearly as common as the preceding. The
male (No. 11) is much smaller than the female, but more richly coloured, some being much
darker, and generally of a richer tone than the one represented, which is a medium specimen,
The female (No. 12) scarcely varies at all in its colour or markings, but the dark border of the
wings is sometimes rather paler and narrower than in the specimen represented. On the under
side (No. 13) the sexes closely resemble each other, the males being sometimes rather darker.
The Caterpillar (No. 14) is found feeding on grasses early in June, and when full fed it suspends
itself by the tail to undergo its change. The Chrysalis (No. 15) is of short, thick form, the
back being of a dark olive, but beneath, to the extent of the wing-cases, of a much paler colour,
The perfect insect appears in July. It is very common, though becoming somewhat more rare
in the northern counties, and not being found at all in Scotland.

BEAT Vite

No. 1.—The Ringlet Butterfly (Enodia Hyperanthus), No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Scarce Scotch Argus
No, 2.—The Ringlet Butterfly, showing the Under Butterfly.

side. No. 8.—The Scotch Argus Butterfly, the Female
No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Ringlet Butterfly. (Erebia Blandina).
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Ringlet Butterfly. No. 9.—The Male of the Scotch Argus Butterfly,
No. 5.—The Scarce Scotch Argus Butterfly, the showing the Under side.

Female (Erebia Ligea). No. 10.—The Small Ringlet Butterfly (Eredia Cassiope).
No. 6,—The Male of the Scarce Scotch Argus Butter- No, 11,—-The Small Ringlet Butterfly, showing the

fly, showing the Under side. Under side.

THE genus ELnodia of Hiibner contains a group of insects closely allied to those of the genus
Hipparchia of Fabricius, from which the common Ringlet Butterfly has been recently removed to
Enodia, on account of structural distinctions, which, though slight, appear to justify the new lo-
cation of this insect. It is, however, by some English entomologists still retained in its old position,

Enodia Hyperanthus (the Ringlet, No. 1). This common Butterfly, though not quite so
abundant as one or two other species of Nymphalide, is yet found very plentifully in damp grassy
places, and in shady lanes and the borders of woods, in all parts of the country. The under
side, as represented at No, 2, is very beautifully marked with a series of ocelli, or small rings,
from which it takes its popular name, the ‘ Ringlet.’ There is but little difference, either in
size, or in the markings, between the male and female of this species ; the latter seems, however,
to have, very frequently, three distinct ocelli on the upper side of the front wings, while in the
males, only one, or sometimes two, are distinctly visible, and they are sometimes entirely absent.
This insect is, indeed, subject to considerable variation in its markings, in both sexes. On the
under side, for instance, the rings or circlets are so large in some specimens as to be joined
together, occasionally having smaller additional ocelli attached to them, while in other instances
the ocelli are so nearly obliterated as to be only represented by small white specks. The Cater-
pillar (No. 3) feeds upon Millet Grass, or upon Poa Annua, the common annual Meadow Grass.
It takes its food at night, concealing itself about the roots during the day. The Chrysalis (No.
4), which is shorter, thicker, and smoother, than those belonging to the genus Hipparchia, is
suspended by the tail.

The genus Lrebia is distinguished from Hipparchia by having only one of the nervures of
the anterior wings thickened at the base. The fore feet, in the male, are so small, as to be
scarcely visible, while in the female they are comparatively long, and have the tarsal portion
articulated. The hind wings are slightly denticulated. Dolman’s generic term Eyrebia has been
preferred to Mr. Westwood’s Oreina, on the ground of its priority, and as being in accordance
with the most accredited continental systems of classification.

Evrebia Ligea (the Scarce Scotch Argus, No. 5). This fine insect can scarcely be considered
a native of Britain, though specimens were undoubtedly taken some years ago in the Isle of Arran
by Sir Patrick Walker and Alexander Macleay, Esq. Accidental captures of that kind are not
sufficient, however, to prove any insect to be a native. It may either be a wanderer, brought
over from the Continent on the wing during a westerly gale, or may have been imported in the

egg, or pupa, state in foreign vessels, as is certainly the case with the two fine Sphinges, Deile-

16 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

phila Livornica and Cherocampa Celerio, as well as many other lepidopterous insects, occasionally
taken in the British Islands, and placed in our entomological cabinets as British. This species
of Erebiau may he at once recognised by the collector lucky enough to meet with it, by the deep
white fringe, interrupted by brown, at the juncture of the nervures ; the frge in all the other
reputed British species being brown. The male (No. 6) is smaller than the female, and has the
circlets on the upper side of the anterior wings less distinct, and without the central specks cf
white. <A single pair of Erebia Ligea are the only specimens in the collection in the British
Museum. It is said to be a Swedish insect, and if so, the specimens taken in Arran may pos-
sibly have been wanderers from that country. The Caterpillar is figured at No. 7.

Ercbia Blandina (the Scotch Argus). The specimen figured at No. 8 is a female, having the
orange marks, and the circlets with white centres more distinct than in the males, as shown in
the representation of the male specimen at No. 9. The fringe is brown, like the general upper
surface of the wings, but rather paler in the female. In the figure No. 9 the colouring of the
under side is shown, which varies in the sexes, and also to some extent in different specimens ;
but it is always without the distinct white mark which distinguishes the last-described species.
The Caterpillar is described as light green, with brown and white longitudinal stripes, but no
trustworthy representation has yet been published. In Mr. R. F. Logan’s forthcoming “ Illus-
trations of Scottish Lepidoptera,” however, we shall probably be made acquainted with the
details of the transformation of this and many other of the rarer species of British Lepidoptera
occurring only in the North. In England it has been taken in some profusion in the magnesian
limestone districts near Newcastle, in the neighbourhood of Kendal, and at Colne, and also at
Wharfdale in Yorkshire, and a few other places. In Scotland it is found in the Isle of Arran
and several other localities ; and occurs more especially, in some abundance, over a district of
considerable extent in Dumfries-shire. Varieties occur in this species, both as to the distinctness
and number of the ocelli.

Erebia Cassiope (the Small Ringlet, Nos. 10 and 11). This pretty species differs consider-
ably from the two preceding, not only in size, but in the elongated proportion of the wings, and
in the absence of denticulation in the fringed edge of the hinder pair. It also differs in the
markings of the under side, which are of a similar colour to those of the upper surface, and with-
out any of the gray tones which distinguish the two larger species. It has been taken at various
places in the mountainous parts of Westmoreland and Cumberland ; the males appearing about
the middle of June, the females not till somewhat later. It must always be sought at a con-
siderable elevation on the mountain sides, and generally in damp and grassy recesses. In Scot-
land it is found in many parts of the Southern counties, and as far North as Rannock in Perth-
shire ; and probably, if well sought for, even to the most Northern extremities of the Highlands,
in favourable situations.

Only three species of this interesting genus are at present admitted into the English lists,
but others doubtless exist, and will be discovered by enterprising explorers among the mountains
of Wales or Wicklow, or many of the Scottish ranges, as yet not half explored. On the Conti-
nent, in precisely similar situations, eighteen or twenty species are found, and few of them are
especially rare. I think I counted full that number in the collection of the late lamented M.
Pierret. In the various mountain districts between Grenoble and Mont Cenis, which I made
the scene of a summer ramble a few summers ago, the dark rich brown of many species of this
pretty family of Butterflies quite tinted the green slopes of that Alpine region with various
tones of brown ; which, however, disappeared almost instantly whenever a passing cloud obscured
the sun, every insect settling among the grass, and becoming invisible till another gleam of sun-
light brought them out again. I collected many species and varieties, but having no entomolo-
logical apparatus with me, my specimens became so much injured in travelling as not to be
worth preserving.

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PLATE IX.

No. 1—The Marsh Ringlet Butterfly (Cenonympha No. 5.—The Caterpillar of the Small Heath Butterfly.

Davus). No. 6.—The White Admiral Butterfly (Limenitis
No. 2.—The Marsh Ringlet Butterfly, showing the Sibilla).

Under side. No. 7.—The White Admiral Butterfly, showing the
No. 3.—The Small Heath Butterfly (Cenonympha Under side.

Pamphilus). No. 8.—The Caterpillar of the White Admiral But-
No. 4.—The Small Heath Butterfly, showing the terfly.

Under side. No. 9.—The Chrysalis of the White Admiral Butterfly.

THE genus Cenonympha contains two of the smaller kinds of the well-defined sub-family
grouped under the title of Satyridi. The hind wings are not denticulated at the fringed edge.
The anterior wings have three of the nervures much enlarged or swollen near the base. The
antenne are annulated with grey and brown. The larve are quite smooth, and shining.

Cenonympha Davus (the Marsh Ringlet, Nos. 1 and 2). This pretty Heath Butterfly, only
found in the North, is very variable in its markings, especially in different localities. This cir-
cumstance led our earlier collectors (at a time when few specimens were found in collections for
comparison) to imagine that several distinct British species closely allied to Davus existed ; and
some of the varieties received the specific names, Typhon, Polydama, Iphis, &c., two dark varieties
being named respectively Hero and Ascanius ; all of which are, I think, satisfactorily proved to
have been merely varieties of C. Davus. The details of the transformations of this pretty species
are at present but imperfectly known. It has been taken plentifully in the marshes between
Stockport and Ashton, and at Trafford, Whitemoss, in the neighbourhood of Manchester, and
also on some of the marshy moors of Yorkshire ; Thorn Moor and Hatfield Chase, for instance.
The Pentland Hills and other places in Scotland, are recorded as localities where it has been
captured more recently.

Cenonympha Pamphilus (the Small Heath, Nos. 3 and 4). This is one of the commonest of
our native Butterflies, while its near relative, C. Davus, as we have just seen, must be ranked
among the rarest. The Caterpillar (No. 5) feeds on several common meadow grasses, but in
preference upon the Poa annua or the crested Dog’s-tail grass, Cynosurus Cristatus. It is common
everywhere, in favourable situations.

The second sub-family of the Nymphalidae, distinguished as the Nymphalidi, contains two
British genera, Limenitis and Apatura, each represented by a single species, ranking in both
cases among the most remarkable of our native Lepidoptera, especially Apatura Iris, which may
perhaps be considered the crowning jewel of a British collection.

The genus Limenitis, in the perfect state, appears very closely related to Apatura, but is
distinguished from it by the following characteristics. It is generally of less robust formation,
and the fore wings are rounded at the external edge instead of being partially concave as in
Apatura: the hind wings also are more rounded : the more gradual formation of the club of the
antenne is another good generic distinction. In the larva state the distinction is much more
marked ; the Caterpillar having several pairs of fleshy spines on the back, each clothed with fine

18 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES,

bristles, a feature which is entirely absent in the larva state of Apatura Ivis, The pupa is
beaked, and suspended by the tail.

Limenitis Sibilla (the White Admiral, No. 6). This is one of our handsomest native Butter-
flies. When on the wing, its fine sailing motion displays the striking contrast of its black and
white markings to great advantage, forming a tempting prize to the eager Lepidopterist. Ha-
worth relates that an old London collector, long after he was able to pursue an active Butterfly,
would go to the woods where this species then abounded, for the sole purpose of ‘ feasting his
eyes with its fascinating evolutions.” I first saw this beautiful insect in Italy, in a vineyard near
Rome, and was almost as much delighted as Haworth’s enthusiast ; but the capture of several
specimens in a few hours, for it was very plentiful, soon decreased the intensity of the attraction.
The under side (No. 7) resembles, in its delicate gray, white, brown, and orange markings, the
under side of Apatura Iris, which it almost rivals in beauty. The Caterpillar (No. 8) feeds on
honeysuckle. The Chrysalis (No. 9) is curiously formed, and has the metallic markings which
distinguish the pupe of the next sub-family, that of the Vanessidi. The perfect insect appears
in July, and is now a rare species, though once tolerably abundant in many of the Southern
Counties. The woods near Winchester were formerly a celebrated locality for this fine Butterfly.
The places cited for its most recent capture are Epping, Bere Regis, Colchester, and Black Park.
At Lyndhurst it occurred in abundance a few seasons ago, but it is not usually taken there. It
has also appeared at intervals near Worcester, Tenterden, and in other districts.

PLATE X.

No. 1.—The Purple Emperor Butterfly (Apatura Nos. 4 & 5.—Caterpillars of the Purple Emperor
Tris), the Male, Butterfly.
No. 2.—The Female of the Purple Emperor Butterfly. No. 6.—The Chrysalis of the Purple Emperor
No. 3.—The Under side of the Purple Emperor Butterfly.
Butterfly.

THE genus Apatura is distinguished by the thickness of the antenne, or by their gradual
thickening towards the club or knob at the tip, and by their being nearly straight, instead of
slightly curved as in all the allied genera. The wings and body are robust. The hind-wings
being slightly scalloped, elongated rather than rounded at the angle next the body, and having
at the posterior angle an ocellated spot. It is, however, more distinct from neighbouring genera
in the preparatory stages than in the perfect state. The Caterpillar is very peculiar, having
somewhat the form of a slug, the likeness to which is much heightened by the two erect spines
at the head, which resemble the retractile ‘horns’ of the snail family. The Chrysalis is sus-
pended by the tail, and is much like the Caterpillar in general form, but is, of course, much
shorter and thicker ; and it is forked at the head like some of the pup in the genus Hipparchia.
There is but one British species, the beautiful Purple Emperor.

Apatura Iris (the Purple Emperor, No. 1) is perhaps, on the whole, the most splendid of
our native Butterflies. The beautiful purple gloss exhibited by the male insect, in certain lights,
especially when flying downwards, being almost equal in brilliancy to that of some of the
magnificent Butterflies of South America. When not seen in the proper light, this fine purple
flush disappears, and the dark portion of the wings assumes a rich brown, like that of the
female (No. 2), which is entirely devoid of the iridescent lustre which distinguishes the male.
On the under side of the wings both sexes are nearly alike, and fully as attractive, though after
a very distinct fashion, as on the upper surface. In the beautiful shades of white, gray, brown
and orange, the under-side of Apatura Iris resembles that of Limenitis Sibilla, from which it is,
however, distinguished by the purple-centered circlet at the posterior angle of the hind-wings,
and more especially by the large purple and orange ocellus in the fore-wings, the outline of
which is distinguishable on the upper side.

The Caterpillar (Nos. 4 and 5) is of a soft apple-green, delicately varied with diagonal
streaks of yellow, the head being tinted with pale lilac. It is to be sought in the month of
May, when, in favourable situations, the fortunate Collector may find it feeding on the broad-
leaved sallow. This Caterpillar was first discovered by Mr. Drury, the well known English
Naturalist, in the following manner, as described by his brother naturalist, Moses Harris.
“That ingenious Aurelian,” as Mr. Drury is termed by his friend, while searching for Cater-
pillars, near Brentwood, in Essex, on the 26th of May, 1758, beat from off the Sallow some
larvee, which were entirely new to him, and which he presented to Mr. Moses Harris, as the
person most likely to rear them successfully. In his curious book, Harris describes very minutely
all their stages of development under his care, concluding by informing us, that on the 22nd
of June, 1758, to his unspeakable pleasure, one of his Chrysalides produced the Purple Emperor ;

20 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

and he proceeds to express his unbounded gratitude to that “ingenious gentleman,” Mr. Drury,
who had thus enabled him to discover “the Caterpillar of one of the finest flies in the universe,
which had hitherto escaped the search of the most skilful and industrious Aurelians.”

The Chrysalis (No. 6) is suspended by the tail, and in colour differs but little from that of
the Caterpillar.

The capture of the perfect insect, which appears towards the end of June, or in July, is
difficult, on account of its elevated flight, which it delights to take in the neighbourhood of lofty
oaks, over the tops of which it skims with a power and rapidity, that seem at first to place it
quite out of the reach of the Lepidopterist, even when armed with his very best appliances,
such as a small light net at the extremity of a long, pliable rod, &c. Nevertheless, the male, a
much bolder flier than the female, has been taken on the wing, in this manner. A more
successful method, however, is to seek this entomological prize while at rest ; when he is often
to be found on the lower part of the trunks of large trees. A successful Collector informed me
some years ago, that during an entomological ramble in the New Forest, he once sought shelter
from an approaching storm under the branches of a spreading oak, and while there, two mag-
nificent specimens of the Purple Emperor boldly came to share his shelter, and alighted on the
trunk close to him. It is needless to add, that they both found their way into his collecting
box. Gloomy weather, with occasional showers, should therefore be selected for the pursuit of
the Purple Emperor, watching carefully the trunks of the trees, in favourable situations, when-
ever the sun becomes suddenly overcast.

The name of the genus, Apatura, which was given to it by Fabricius in 1807,* and which
should more properly have been Apaturia, is generally said to have been taken from one of the
names of Aphrodite or Venus, in reference to the beauty of the insect. But I have a fancy
that Fabricius had in view rather one of the names of Athena, indicating deceitfulness, in refer-
ence to the deceptive effect of the purple gloss, which entirely disappears in certain lights.

* Previous to which date our species still remained the Papilio Iris, of Linneeus,

thy

PLATE XI.

No. 1.—The Painted Lady Butterfly (Cynthia Cardui). No. 5.—The Red Admiral Butterfly (Vanessa Ata-
No. 2.—The Painted Lady Butterfly, showing the lanta).

under surface. No.6.—The Under surface of the Red Admiral
No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Painted Lady Butter- Butterfly.

fly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Red Admiral Butterfly.
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Painted Lady Butterfly. No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Red Admiral Buttertly.

THE third Sub-Family of the Nymphalide is that of the Vunessidi, containing three
tolerably distinct genera, all of which are included by some authors in the genus Vanessa. The
present sub-divisions, into Cynthia, Vanessa, and Grapta, are founded upon pretty distinct char-
acters. Cynthia has the club of the antenne shorter and the thickening more abrupt than in
any other of the group ; and has, in the fringed margin of the anterior wings only a slight and
graduated projection near the front angle. In the genus Vanessw this projection becomes more
marked, and decidedly abrupt. In the genus Grapta the fore-wings have two such projections,
both much more marked than in Vanessa.

The genus Cynthia is distinguished, as above stated, by the abruptness of the clubs of the
antenne, and by the comparative evenness of the outline of the fringed margin of the anterior
wings. It is farther distinguished by the character of the palpi, which are somewhat deflexed
and beak-like. In the Caterpillar and Chrysalis it closely resembles the true Vwnesse ; or, were
it desirable to keep it separate from the Vanessw, on account of its affinities with its exotic
congeners in the genus Cynthia, then, one would almost feel disposed to place V. Atulantu also
in the genus Cynthia, as it only differs from it anatomically in the slightly greater angulation of
the projection of the fore-wings, and in the somewhat more gradual formation of the clubs of
the antenne, which appear rather specific than generic differences. J. Atuluntw is, moreover,
as clearly separated from the Vunessw as C. Cardui is, by the entire absence of the tail-like pro-
jection of the hind-wings, which distinguishes all the typical Vunessw. In order to exhibit the
affinity of this species with Carduz, I have placed the representation of each on the same Plate,
instead of grouping /’. Atalanta with others of the genus Vanessa, to which it is made to belong.

Cynthia Cardui (the Painted Lady, No. 1). This species is remarkable for the irregularity
of its appearance ; being seen in some seasons in tolerable abundance, especially in the metropo-
litan counties, while at other times, for many consecutive years, scarcely a single specimen is to
be found by the most persevering collectors. On the Continent its appearance seems to be
equally capricious. In the Annales des Sciences Naturelles for 1828, as quoted by Mr. Westwood,
an account is given of an extraordinary swarm which was noticed in the preceding Muay (the
usual time of the appearance of this insect being August), the extent of which was so prodigious
that it occupied several hours in passing over the place where it was observed. Similar swarms
of the Common White Butterfly (Pieris Brassicw), and also of some other species, have been
observed at different periods. I recollect the cliffs between Margate and Broadstairs being
completely covered with a swarm of the last-named species, some few years ago. I observed
them first in the morning, no trace of them haying existed the night before, and the following

22 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

day they were again dispersed. The markings of Cynthia Cardui are so like those of V. Atalanta,
that an inexperienced collector might mistake it for a faded specimen of that species ; they are,
however, very distinct when closely examined, the reddish-orange marks on the right fore-wing
having been compared to a map of England and Ireland, which, in some strongly marked speci-
mens, they slightly resemble. The Caterpillar (No. 3) feeds on various plants of the Thistle
tribe, and is represented upon a plant of Cricus lunceolatus (the Spear Plum Thistle). Like the
Caterpillar of 7. Atalanta, it is solitary in its habits, and also draws up the leaves upon which
it is feeding in a similar manner, with web-like threads. It is also found at the same seasom
July. The Chrysalis (No. 4) is suspended by the tail, and has the gold-like spots which distin-
guish all the Sub-Family Vunessidi. The generic name, Cynthia, appears to have been taken,
after the arbitrary fashion adopted by Linneus, from that of a pagan divinity, being one of those
of the goddess Artemis, derived from the name of Mount Cynthus, in the Island of Delos,
where she is said to have been born ; the name Cynthius being sometimes given to her brother
Apollo, for the same cause. The specific name, Curdui, refers to a species of Carduus, or
Thistle, upon which the Caterpillar frequently feeds.

The genus Vunessa. The insects in this genus are rather remarkably distinguished by the
hairy clothing of their eyes. They have the outline of the fringed border of the anterior wings
rendered more or less irregular in form by one or more angular projections, and the hind-wings,
except in the case of 7. Atalanta, have a short tail-like projection, somewhat analogous to that
we have seen distinguishing the Papilionide, though much less conspicuous, and which we shall
find again in a more slender form in the genus Thecla. The anterior pair of legs are rudimental
and unfitted for walking, as in the genus Cynthia. The Caterpillar is furnished with spines.
The Chrysalides, which are very angular, exhibit the appearance of gold and silver spots,
caused by a fluid which is seen through the transparent external membrane, imparting a metallic
gloss to the yellow shell or skin over which it circulates. The name of this genus appears to
have been adopted by Fabricius from Phanes, one of the appellations of Eros or Cupid, and
would, therefore, be more correctly written Phanessa instead of Vanessa. It was possibly given
in allusion to the beauty of most of the species ; those which are found in the British Islands
not ceding the palm to any of their exotic congeners.

Vanessa Atalanta (the Red Admiral, No. 5). This insect, which might be more conveniently
classed as Cynthia Atalanta till the two groups have been thoroughly revised, is one of the
handsomest, and at the same time, one of the commonest of our native Butterflies. The under
side of the hind wings (No. 6) is very richly marbled with deep brown, and exhibits some slight
traces of the rudimental ocelli which distinguish the scarlet border on the upper surface. In
Cynthia Cardui, however, these marks become mere distinct on the under side than the upper,
as may be observed on reference to the representation of that insect, showing the under side, at
No. 2. This may be made the ground of separating Atalanta and Cardui, otherwise appearing
in all respects so closely allied. It is said that the females of /. Atalanta have a small white
speck on the red bar near the back of the anterior wings. The Caterpillar of the Red Admiral
(No. 7) feeds on the common Stinging Nettle ; and the perfect Butterfly appears in August.
This fine species occurs throughout Europe, in the North of Africa, and in other distant
localities, being a very widely dispersed species.

PLATE XII.

No, 1.—The Peacock Butterfly (Vanessa Io). No. 5.—The Camberwell Beauty Butterfly (Vanessa
No. 2.—The Peacock Butterfly, showing the under Antiopa).
surface: No. cae Hee oan aaa showing
; 1e under surface of the wings.
pig? The Caterpillarof the Peacock Butterdly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Camberwell Beauty
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Peacock Butterfly. Butterfly.

VANESSA Io (the Peacock Butterfly, No. 1) is the most beautiful of the species grouped
together in the genus Vanessa, of which some authors consider it the type ; but from most of
which, as it appears to me, it will very probably be separated at no very distant period, when
this and the allied genera shall be revised, with reference to all the exotic species. This beau-
tiful Butterfly is extremely common, but its appearance does not extend farther North than
the Frith of Forth, being but very sparingly seen even in the South of Scotland. On the under
side, the wings (No. 2) exhibit in their dark and sober hues a singular contrast to the glowing
colours of the upper surface, the magnificent ocelli of which, with their softly shaded irides, are
so remarkable. The Caterpillar (No. 3) is gregarious, and groups of them may often be seen
in July, forming a large black mass on a bed of nettles, visible at a considerable distance. It
has been observed, that in all those species the eggs of which are laid in patches, gummed
together, the Caterpillars, when hatched, are gregarious and continue together even when full
grown. The transformations of this species formed the subject of one of those courses of minute
and persevering observation which have made the name of Réaumur so celebrated among
naturalists ; the singular manner in which the Chrysalis attaches itself to the knot of web
established by the Caterpillar before the skin of the Caterpillar is cast off, as described by that
author, being one of the most curious exhibitions of instinct in the whole range of natural
history. The perfect insect appears towards the middle or end of July, and as it settles upon a
flower or on the gravel of a garden path, forms a most beautiful object. It frequently survives
the winter, hybernating in some well-secluded shelter, where it remains in a dormant state till
the following April, in the first sunny days of which it reappears, making our gardens gay before
the season of flowers has scarcely commenced : the specimens which thus survive the winter are
said to be almost invariably females.

Vanessa Antiopa (the Camberwell Beauty, No. 5). This is the largest of the British species
of Vanessa, and the rarest ; many seasons passing without the capture of a single specimen,
though most Lepidopterists (now a pretty numerous class) are always on the look out for the
capture of the coveted prize. I never saw it on the wing but once, on the 12th of September,
in the year 1855, when, walking from Watford to St. Alban’s, I was attracted by the flight of
a large Butterfly which, the first time it passed me, I could not make out ; but remaining quietly
in the same place, it passed me again in a few minutes, having evidently a regular circuit of
flight which occupied about that time, if not delayed by some unusual attraction. This time it
settled in the middle of the road, at some distance from me, but I succeeded in approaching it
closely enough to distinguish perfectly a remarkably fine and very large specimen of 1”. Antiopa.

24 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

It rose as I approached, and having no net with me, I made a sweep at it with my hat, but
unsuccessfully. I waited for its return, which occurred again in about the same time, notwith-
standing the alarm it must have received, but I was again unsuccessful, and, my companion
becoming impatient, we pursued our journey, without renewing the attempt, which I have often
regretted.

The Caterpillar, which is considerably larger than that of /”. Jo, is beautifully marked with
red, at the base of the spines, as shown at No. 7. It feeds on the Willow, and is to be looked
for in July. The perfect insect appears in August, the females often surviving the winter, and
depositing their eggs in the following spring ; in which case they reappear as early as April.

This fine insect has been found as far North as Ayrshire, but is a rarity im any locality
except at intervals of eight or ten years, when it appears in some abundance. About eighty
years ago it was so plentiful, after a long absence, that it received the name, among collectors,
of the “Grand Surprise ;” and its appearance at Camberwell, one season many years ago, caused
it to be known as the “ Camberwell Beauty,’—a name it still retains. The English specimens
are said to differ from those of the Continent, in having the borders of the wings nearly white,
instead of cream colour. But this observation may have been made on specimens long preserved
in Collections, and probably faded to some extent, as the specimen which 1 saw alive, as
described above, had the borders in question of a remarkably rich and deep cream colour.

This fine insect 1s the Papilio Antiopa of Linneeus, who appears to have adopted the specific
name from that of a mythical personage, as in many other instances. The descriptive or other-
wise characteristic denominations of more modern systems of classification appear to great
advantage when compared with the arbitrary nomenclature of the infancy of the science, as
exhibited in this and other instances.

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PLATE XIII.

No. 1.—The Great Tortoise-shell Butterfly (Vanessa No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Great Tortoise-shell
Polychloros). Butterfly.

No. 2.—The Great Tortoise-shell Butterfly, showing No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Great Tortoise-shell
the under side. Butterfly.

No. 3.—An unusually small specimen of the Great
Tortoise-shell Butterfly.

VANESSA POLYCHLOROS (the Great Tortoise-shell Butterfly, No. 1). This fine insect has
all the characters well defined that distinguish the genus Vanessa ; such as the sharp and con-
spicuous palpi, and the projecting angles of the wings. The Great Tortoise-shell is sometimes
very abundant, more particularly round London ; but in other seasons scarcely a specimen is to
be found, especially towards the North. This fine insect is described as appearing in July, and
those specimens which are occasionally seen in the early spring are generally considered to con-
sist of such only as have survived the winter in a semidormant state, like those of the allied
species, V. urtice and V’. Jo. This has been considered the more probable, as the spring speci-
mens often present a worn and faded appearance. That some do survive the winter in the way
supposed is certain, as that degree of longevity is a characteristic of the entire genus, and has
not been observed as a conspicuous peculiarity in any other genus of British Butterflies. Last
spring, however, I had an opportunity of observing the appearance of a number of beautifully
perfect specimens of V. polychloros, evidently just issued from the Chrysalis, proving that a late
brood occurs in favourable seasons, which remain in the Chrysalis till the following spring,
emerging from the pupa case on the first sunny days in March or April. On the 29th of March,
1858, I noticed a remarkably fine specimen of V. polychlovos expanding its wings in the morning
sun on the gravel path in front of my study window. It was evidently quite fresh from the
Chrysalis, its wings not having acquired that firmness of texture which a little more exposure to
the sun soon imparted to them. I observed, too, that the colour was paler and more beautiful
than in autumnal specimens ; in fact of a slightly different tone, being decidedly more approach-
ing to a pure orange ; which is in fact rather a rich orange buff than the usual tawny brown ;
and the difference appears to be permanent, for many specimens appeared, and I afterwards re-
marked that those which had been some days on the wing still preserved that lighter and more
delicate tone of colour. The dark spots, too, are of a deep ruddy brown, rather than dusky
black like those that have eclosed in the autumn. Indeed, at a hasty glance these spring
specimens might be taken for a new species, or at all events, a very distinct variety. Some
Chrysalides which I collected in the previous autumn, when they were very abundant, eclosed
in my butterfly vivarium about the same time that I observed the specimens in the garden ; and
among those which came out in confinement many were remarkably small as well as pale. One
of these is represented at Figure 3.

The underside of V. polychloros (No. 2) forms a fine contrast in tone of colour and in its
very different kind of markings to those of the upper surface. The fine waved streaking of
dark brown and black, on the gray, ochreous, or darker brown ground is very striking ; and the

26 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

effect is heightened by a few light specks, especially the one on the middle of the dark part of
the hind wing.

The Caterpillar (No. 4) is very handsome, and with its curiously branched spines exhibits
the characters of a true Vanessa. It feeds exclusively on Elm, and is scarcely ever found where
those trees do not abound. In the Plate this Caterpillar has been inadvertently represented
upon the nettle.

The Chrysalis (No. 5) resembles those of the other Vanesse in its angularities, and the
bright metallic spots with which it is decorated.

Several accidental varieties of this fine insect are occasionally met with, in which two or
more of the dark spots are blended into one. These are sought with great avidity by the
curious, and I have seen some very singular examples in different cabinets. Any collector
rearing a great number from the Caterpillar state, would be likely to meet with varieties of
that kind in some of the specimens.

Reaumur, in his interesting Mémoires, has given some very curious illustrations of the trans-
formations of this insect, which is more common in France than with us. In England it is said
to be found chiefly in the southern half of the island ; but Mr. Duncan—as quoted by Mr.
Westwood—says it has been taken as far north as Dunkeld. Mr. Stainton gives Huddersfield
and York among the more northerly districts in which it has been recently captured.

a

PLATE XV.

No. 1.—The Silver- washed Fritillary (drgynnis No. 4,.—The Caterpillar of the Silver-washed Fritil-
paphia), lary.
No. 2.—The Female of the Silver-washed Fritillary. No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Silver-washed Fritil-
No. 3.—The Under side of the Silver-washed Fritil- lary.
lary.

THE fourth sub-family of the Papilionide is that of the Argynnidi, containing two genera,
Argynnis and Militea.

The genus Argynnis. The insects assigned to this genus are distinguished by the short,
compact, and rather spoon-like form of the club of the antenns. The wings are ample, of arich
tawny colour, and marked with dark lines and spots, the lines upon the veins or nervures being
often considerably thickened in the males. The fore wings have the margin either rounded or
slightly concave ; and the hind wings on the under side are marked with metallic patches or
streaks, having the appearance of silver. The front pair of legs are rudimental, and are very
hairy, and without joint, in the males ; while they are jointed, but nearly free from hairs, in the
females. The eyes are large and naked, instead of being clothed with hairs, as in some of the
Vanessidi. The Caterpillars are spiny ; and nearly all the species feed on different kinds of the
Violet, in woods. The Chrysalis is suspended by the tail, like those of the Vunessidi.

Argynnis paphia (the Silver-washed Fritillary, No. 1). This fine and very remarkable in-
sect, which is the largest of British Fritillaries, is by no means generally common; but in
favourable localities, it often appears in some abundance. During a walking tour in Cornwall
in the year 1857, I was delighted with a sight of it in some plenty in several localities,

The male insect (No. 1) is of a much brighter colour than the female ; and the four principal
nervures nearest to the posterior edge of the fore wings are raised and thickened in a singular
manner, as expressed in the representation.

The female (No. 2) is, as above stated, of a much less brilliant colour; and there is no
thickening of the nervures of the anterior wings: the dark spots are, however, larger and
more regularly formed, and the clubs at the extremities of the antenn are often larger than in
the male.

The under side (No. 3) exhibits the beautiful streakings of silvery lines across the hind
wings, by which this species is distinguished.

The Caterpillar (No. 4) is very richly marked with yellow and brown stripes; and the
spines nearest the head often project forward like horns, as shown in the representation. It
feeds in preference on the common scentless Violet, Viola cunina ; and the perfect insect appears
in July.

The Chrysalis (No. 5) is of a light grayish brown, sometimes with indistinct yellow spots
along the back ; and the tubercles exhibit the metallic effect of gold described in the Vanessidi.

Hermaphrodite specimens of this insect occur, in which the individuals have the wings of
the male on one side and those of the female on the other. There are also some curious

30 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES,

varieties, especially of the female, in which the ground colour of the wings is nearly gray, or
rather a brownish kind of slate colour, varied by a few marks nearly white. These specimens
were thought to be the females of a distinct species, till a specimen was captured, in which the
wings on one side were of the usual colour, while those on the other side were of the brownish
slate colour above described.

The insect has become more rare than formerly. It is, however, still pretty generally dis-
tributed in the woods in the South. It has also been recently captured at Huddersfield, and in
some plenty in the neighbourhoods of Scarborough and York. I saw this beautiful species for
the first time on the Continent in the Forest of Fontainebleau, where, happening to be just in
the season, I found it very abundant. The specimens then captured were precisely identical with
specimens afterwards taken in England.

PI

PLATE XIV.

No. 1.—The Small Tortoise-shell Butterfly (Vanessa No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Small Tortoise-shell
Urtice). Butterfly.

No. 2.—The Underside of the Small Tortoise-shell No. 5.—The Comma Butterfly (Grapta C-album).
Butterfly. No. 6.—The Under side of the Comma Butterfly.

No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Small Tortoise-shell No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Comma Butterfly.
Butterfly. | No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Comma Butterfly.

VANESSA URTIC.H (the Small Tortoise-shell, No. 1). This brightly-marked species is some-
times distinguished as the Nettle Tortoise-shell, in allusion to the plant which furnishes the food
of the Caterpillar, and in contradistinction to /. polychloros, which in a similar manner is often
termed the Elm Tortoise-shell. It is much more common than J’, polychloros ; indeed it may be
said to be common everywhere. Its sparkling colours, red, white, and yellow, with tesselations
of blue, make a charming appearance in our gardens as early as the first sunny days of
February, and sometimes even earlier. Linnzus has called these beautiful insects on their first
appearance at this early season, “deceptive heralds of the spring ;’ for on the recurrence of
cold weather they again take to their retreats where they have passed the winter in a semidor-
mant state ; and are seen no more till the next burst of fine weather. In the south of Europe,
however, they remain on the wing throughout the mild winter of that more genial climate.
This insect is distributed in every part of the British Isles, even to the extreme north of Scot-
land, where it is popularly known as the Devil’s, or Witches’ Butterfly. The underside, shown
at No. 2, slightly resembles the underside of V. polychloros ; but the fore wings have a large
space of a pale ochreous tone, by which they may be easily distinguished. This pretty insect
varies considerably in its markings ; specimens occurring sometimes in which the two upper
patches of black at the front edge of the fore wings are joined while the two small round spots
behind them are entirely absent. In this curious variety the dark portion of the hind wings
extend nearly to the edge, the light red band and the dark border with the blue scallops being
absorbed in it. There are also extremely small varieties, which are often more brightly coloured
than the larger specimens. The Caterpillar, No. 3, feeds on the common nettle, and appears in
the beginning of June, and again in August ; the perfect insect appears in July and September ;
some of the last brood survive the winter, as stated above. The Chrysalis is represented at
No. 4.

The genus Grapts. This genus contains only a single British species, separated from Vu-
nessa principally on account of the deep indentation of the margins of the wings, and some
slight anatomical distinctions in the Caterpillar. The Chrysalis exhibits deep indentations in
its form, which accord in character with those of the perfect insect, and serve to distinguish it
from those of the Vanessw, which in other respects it resembles, and is suspended by the tail in
a similar manner.

Grapta C-album (the Comma, No. 5). This pretty species is becoming much more scarce
than formerly. Our elder Entomologists describe it as abundant near London, and many of

28 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

our living collectors, as Mr. Stainton informs us, recollect taking it frequently, though it is now
very rarely seen. The form of the wings, which is remarkable in this species, varies much in
different specimens. In some the large concavity near the front of the fringed margin of the
fore wings is so deep as to form more than half a circle, while in others it is much less con-
spicuous. The specimen represented in the annexed Plate is a medium one. The under side
(No. 6) presents (as in the closely allied genus Vwnessw) an extraordinary contrast to the upper.
It is beautifully marked and variegated with different shades of gray, olive, and black ; ex-
hibiting near the centre a peculiar white mark, as of a capital C traced with a delicate pencil in
white paint, from which this pretty species takes its name. On the opposite wing this mark is
necessarily curved in the opposite direction, which causes it to resemble the figure of a coma,
from which the popular name the Comma Butterfly, or the White Comma, has arisen.

The Caterpillar (No. 7) presents one rather remarkable peculiarity, which distinguishes it
from the Caterpillars of all the British species of Vunessa. This peculiarity consists in the colour-
ing of the back, which is of a bright orange colour on the five segments next the head, and
white on all the rest. The spines which issue from every segment except the one next the head,
are of the same character as those of the larvee of 7”. Jo, V. urtice. The head, which is raised
at the sides into two remarkable tubercles, is bristly, as are the spines. This pretty Caterpillar,
which is not gregarious, feeds on various trees and herbaceous plants, among which the Currant
appears to be preferred: but it is found on Elm, Honeysuckle, and Willow, and also on the
Hop, the Nettle, &e.

The Chrysalis (No. 8) varies in colour from flesh-colour to brown, and it is ornamented
when first formed by gold spots, like those of the Vanesse, which disappear as the skin becomes
dry. This insect, according to Harris, remains in the Chrysalis state about fourteen days, and
he states also that there are two broods each season, the latter brood being of a paler colour
than the earlier one, a peculiarity which accords with my own observations on the late broods
of V. polychloros. This insect hybernates like /. wrticw, specimens being seen occasionally on
the very first fine days of early spring. Formerly it was said to be taken in all parts of Eng-
land, and north of the Tweed, as far as Fifeshire ; but according to the latest entomological
records, it is no longer found either near London, or in Scotland.

PLATE XVI.

No. 1.—The Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly (Argyn- No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Dark Green Fritillary
nis Aglaia). Butterfly.
No. 2.—The Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly (the
Female). No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Dark Green Fritillary
No. 3.—The Dark Green Fritillary Butterfly (show- Butterfly.

ing the under side).

ARGYNNIS AGLAIA (the Dark Green Fritillary) receives its popular name from the rich
green tones which vary the colouring of the hind wings on the under side. In this green tinting
of the under surface of the hind wings it resembles Argynnis Paphia (the Silver-washed Fritil-
lary), but the silvery markings are of a very different character. Instead of being washy streaks
they form distinct and sharply defined patches, symmetrically disposed between the veins or
nervures. These silvery markings, as they are generally described, have, in fact, more of the
pearl-like than a metallic gloss, and might be very closely imitated in a drawing by the substance
prepared from the scales of a peculiar fish, which is used in the manufacture of imitative pearl
beads. The red-brown of the upper surface of the wings is much brighter in the males than the
females, as in the last described genus. The males have also the veins at the back of the fore
wings thickened as in 4. Paphia, but much more slightly ; and the under surface of the hind
wings also exhibits a feature not found in the female insect ; this consists of a row of eye-like
spots between the two outer rows of pearly patches. The representation, No. 3, showing the
under side, was drawn from a male specimen, as will be observed by the presence of the series
of spots alluded to.

The female, showing the upper surface of the wings, is represented at No. 2, in which the
cooler tone of the colouring is very conspicuous.

The Caterpillar (No. 4) appears at the end of May and June, and is generally found feeding
on the Dog Violet (Viola canina).

The perfect insect quits the Chrysalis in July and August. It is common everywhere,
especially on heaths and in woods. Among places cited for its recent capture in great abund-
ance, Leicester and Brighton are especially recorded.

There are several very distinct varieties of this handsome insect ; in the one formerly
known as Argynnis Carlotta, some of the black markings on the upper surface of the wings are
joined so as to produce a much more strongly marked appearance, and several of the pearly spots
beneath are connected in a similar manner. Varieties of this description have occurred, in which
the joining of the dark markings of the upper surface is so general that the wings present the
appearance of being almost entirely of a deep brown colour, though in the hinder pair the marks
are generally much more separate and distinct. This variety has occurred near Ipswich and
Birmingham. <A very pale buff variety is also occasionally found, which generally has the spots

32 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

and other markings of a somewhat darker tone of the same colour. This is a very elegant
variety, and much sought by collectors. It is extremely rare.

In the pearl-smarked species of the Fritillary Butterflies, the collector should always display
some of his specimens with the under side uppermost, as being, in fact, more beautiful than the
upper surface. If space, and the kind of cabinet permitted, it would be as well also to place at
least one specimen sitting at rest, with the wings raised, in order to show one of the most usual
natural positions of the insect. A careful drawing of the Caterpillar and Chrysalis might also
accompany the specimens of the perfect insect, which would lend additional interest and com-
pleteness to the collection.

PLATE XVII.

No. 1.—The High-brown Fritillary Butterfly (Argyn- No. 5.—The Queen of Spain Fritillary Butterfly

nis Adippe). (showing the under side).
yeaa a ETS near 3

No. 2. The High brown Fritillary Butterfly (show- No. 6.—The Caterpillar of the Queen of Spain
ing the under side). ea

No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the High-brown Fritillary ictal EN 3 |
Butterfly. No. 7.—The Chrysalis of the Queen of Spain Fritil-

ly P

No.4.—The Queen of Spain Fritillary Butterfly lary Butterfly.
(Argynnis Lathonia),

ARGYNNIS ADIPPE (the High-brown Fritillary) strongly resembles, at the first glance, the
last described species, A. Aglaia, but a closer examination enables the observer to detect the
more angular character of the black markings. The colour also is different, being of a more
orange tawny tone, which is the same in both sexes; the female being, however, rather paler,
and larger in size, while the male is distinguished by thickening of the three posterior veins of
the front wings. On the under side (No. 2), it may be distinguished at once from Aglaia by
the absence of the rich green from the hind wings, which are only varied with tones of buff
and brown, and nearly alike in both sexes.

The Caterpillar (No. 3) is, when young, red underneath, but in its later stages assumes an
olive green colour. It feeds on the Heartsease and Violet, on the foliage of which it should be
sought in May and early in June.

The Chrysalis is reddish brown with silver specks, and the perfect insect appears in June
- and July, in woods, and also on heaths. It is much less common than 4. Aglaia, but has been
taken recently in some abundance at Lyndhurst, at York, and in other northern districts,
though it was formerly considered to be almost exclusively confined to the southern counties,
where, in fact, it is still found more generally distributed than in the north. There are varieties,
as in the preceding species, in which the black markings run into each other, giving the wings
a darker appearance.

Argynnis Lathonia (the Queen of Spain Fritillary, No. 4) is by far the rarest of our large
British Fritillaries, and is in some respects the handsomest, though far inferior in size to the
three species previously described.

The males may be distinguished by the dilation of the posterior nervures of the front wings ;
in other respects the colouring and markings are alike, or very nearly so, in both sexes,

The under side (shown at No. 5) has the pearly patches more symmetrically distributed
than in any of the other species, and of a more brilliant character, both as to their gloss and
their more metallic appearance. In some Continental specimens which I have seen, these mark-
ings are enlarged so as to cover the whole of the surface of the hind wings, which thus assume
the aspect of a burnished plate of silver, marked at intervals with dark streaks formed by the
nervures.

The Caterpillar feeds on the Borage, and also on Heartsease and Violet. There are said to
be two broods, one most probably appearing in April or early in May, the other in July.

34 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The Chrysalis is dark brown, with one large metallic mark of a silvery colour, and several
smaller specks of the same tone. The perfect insect appears early in June and again in August,
but is very rare in England, though so common on the Continent as to possess no value in the
eyes of ordinary collectors. I recollect taking several specimens in a few minutes while walking
up one of the steep portions of the road over the Mount Cenis by the side of the Diligence,
According to Mr. Stainton, the places in England most recently cited as localities in which it
has been captured, are Exeter, Colchester, Shoreham, Harlston, Lavenham, Eastbourne, Dover,
Bristol, and Peterborough.

This beautiful insect should be sought in May or the beginning of June, and again in
August. Its favourite haunts are at the borders of woods, on sunny banks, where if seen it may
be easily captured, as it is so fond of basking in the sun when settled, that the collector may
approach within a secure distance for the use of the net, without alarming it. Very few speci-
mens of the Caterpillar have been taken in England, but perhaps they may be sought for with
success if the proper season and proper situations be selected.

PLATE XVIIL

No. 1.—The Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly No. 5.—The Pearl-bordered Fritillary Butterfly
(Argynnis Selene). (Argynnis Euphrosyne).

No. 2.—The Under side of the Small Pearl-bordered
Fritillary Butterfly.

No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Small Pearl-bordered

No. 6.—The Under side of the Pearl-bordered
Fritillary Butterfly.

Fritillary Butterfly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Pearl-bordered Fritil-
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Small Pearl-bordered lary Butterfly.
Fritillary Butterfly.

THE two species of Argynnis represented in this Plate form a very distinct section in the
genus, being both considerably smaller than any of the other species. They were formerly
placed in the genus Melita, as according in size and general appearance with the species still
retained in that genus ; but their metallic markings (entirely absent in the species still regarded
as belonging to Melitwa) and other characteristic distinctions, have caused their being located in
their present position.

Argynnis Selene (the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, No. 1). This species is common,
though rather local. It is said by some entomologists to be double-brooded, being occasionally
captured both in May and July, while Mr. Newman states that it appears fifteen days later than
A. Euphrosyne, and continues till the end of July, after which it never re-appears. Mr. Dale,
however, describes it as double-brooded, and states that the two broods differ, the second being
always slightly different in colour to the first.

The hind wings are generally marked as shown at No. 2, but varieties occur in which the
under side of the front wings is entirely pale buff, with the black marks very slight and delicate,
and the hind wings of a greenish tone, with slender rays of the metallic character running
down between the veins, beyond which are a few metallic spots.

The Caterpillar (No. 3) should be sought at the end of April or in May, when, in favourable
situations, it will be found feeding upon the Viola canina, the common Dog Violet.

The perfect insect quits the Chrysalis (No. 4) at the end of May or early in June, but
there may be, as stated, another and a later brood. It is most common in woods and thickets;
especially in the South of England. It has been taken near Teignmouth in great numbers. It
is also found in some of the more northern counties, and has been captured lately at Lyndhurst
in some abundance,

Several varieties are occasionally found, and the species described in English cabinets as
Melitea Dia, is probably one of the varieties of this pretty insect. Mr. Stephens has described
a singular variety in which the ground colour of the upper surface of the wings is nearly white.

Argynnis Euphrosyne (the Pearl-bordered Fritillary, No. 5) is generally larger than the
last described species, and of lighter colour. The distribution of the metallic markings on the
under side of the hind wings (No. 6) is also different, though of similar character, being
generally less distinct. These markings of the under side vary, however, very considerably.

The Caterpillar (No. 7) feeds on various kinds of Violet and Heartsease, and there are two
broods in the season, the first being found in April and the second in July.

36 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The perfect insect of the first brood generally leaves the Chrysalis in May, and the second
in August. It isa very common species, being found in all parts of the country, even far
towards the North of Scotland. Epping, Plymouth, Tenterden, and other places are mentioned
as localities in which it has been recently taken in abundance.

There are varieties in which the dark marks on the upper side of the wings are nearly
united, giving the whole surface a rich deep mottled brown appearance.

Considerable additional interest might be gained in forming a collection of the British
Fritillaries, by the study, at the same time, of some of their foreign relatives, many of the
exotic species being extremely beautiful. The study of foreign genera, at the same time with
the British, also gives the student a better general idea of classification and clearer notions upon
the scientific location of our native species; the foreign kinds frequently forming links which
exhibit, in an instructive manner, the methods upon which the classification of Lepidopterous
insects has been pursued.

ss
att

PLATE XIX.

No. 1.—The Glanville Fritillary Butterfly (Melitea

No. 5.—The Heath Fritillary Butterfly (Melitea

Cinwia). Athalia).

No. 2.—The Under side of the Glanville Fritillary No. 6.—The Under side of the Heath Fritillary But-
Butterfly. terfly.

No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Glanville Fritillary No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Heath Fritillary But-
Butterfly. terfly.

No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Glanville Fritillary No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Heath Fritillary But-
Butterfly. terfly.

Tue genus Melitwa. The insects contained in this genus, according to the system I am
following, were long since separated from the genus Argynnis by Continental entomologists, on
account of the absence of the pearly or silvery patches from the under surface of the wings.
It is but recently, however, that this arrangement has been followed in English collections,
though such an arrangement, with other modifications in the classification of the Fritillaries,
was suggested by Mr. Westwood in my former work, published in 1841. Of the three species
now assigned to the genus, the following are the chief characteristics. The antennz are of mo-
derate length, and have the club of a rather elongated form. The palpi are rather long, point-
ing upwards, and diverging at the points. The wings are tawny, with transverse black bands,
and black streaks down the nervures. The continuous black bands may be cited as a cha-
racter which distinguishes the species of small fritillaries still retained in the genus JZelitea
from those transferred to Argynnis: the last having the bands broken up into detached marks
or rounded spots. The insects now assigned to the genus A/elitwa are distinguished moreover
by the absence of the silvery marks as before stated, and by a greater degree of correspondence
between the markings of the upper and nether surfaces. The front pair of legs are spurious,
or unsuited to walking, in both sexes ; those of the female having, however, jointed tarsi, while
those of the male are without joint in this portion, and much more covered with hair. The
larvee have fleshy tubercles, furnished with spines. They feed on herbaceous plants, especially
the common Plantain, or the Devil’s-hit Scabious ; and are, it is said, always hatched in the
autumn, living through the winter in clusters, protected by a web, and attaining their full
growth in early spring. The Chrysalis is suspended by the tail.

Melitea Cinwia (the Glanville Fritillary, No. 1) is the rarest of the three British species,
and is extremely local. Where it does occur, however, it is generally found rather abundantly,
especially in some localities in the Isle of Wight. The Rev. J. F. Dawson, in a communication
to the “ Zoologist,” has given a very interesting account of the habits of this pretty insect as
he has observed them at Sandown, where, as it would appear from his account, they only fre-
quent wild portions of the cliffs, in which cultivation does not threaten their haunts with un-
suitable innovations. The eggs are generally deposited on the leaves of the narrow-leaved
Plantain in low and protected situations, where the young brood when hatched pass the winter
beneath the protection of a family awning of silky webbing. In the spring, when the growing
caterpillars disperse, they invariably seek the higher ground, as more sunny and better suited
to the development of the Chrysalis ; which is generally found suspended to the lower portions

38 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

of stunted Plantains, or to the under side of an angular stone, where they are generally found
in pairs. Last season it is stated that but few appeared in that locality, the writer informing us
that they have insect foes which destroy many of the larvee ; and that even in the perfect state
one of the hunting spiders, a large round-bodied species, preys upon this butterfly, lying in wait
till the victim alights upon some low plant, and then darting upon it with unerring aim. I be-
lieve that human enemies, in the shape of indefatigable collectors, have also had a share in de-
creasing the supply ; for since the study of Entomology has become a fashionable pursuit, pro-
fessional collectors have sprung up, who drive a pleasant and profitable trade—hurrying off to
any newly discovered locality favourable to some rare species, and not leaving the spot while a
single specimen is to be secured. The perfect butterfly appears in May, in favourable seasons ;
but in cold springs the Caterpillars are still feeding at that time, and it is not seen till the
middle of June. It is found also at Sandrock, and near Ryde in the Isle of Wight, and at
several places in Hampshire and Devonshire ; also at Dover and Birch-Wood in Kent, and at
Leamington in Warwickshire ; and even as far north as Yorkshire, where it has been taken in
more than one locality.

Melitea Athalia (the Heath Fritillary, No. 5). This insect is rare near London, but in
other districts it is sometimes abundant ; and always much more so than the preceding species.
It may be distinguished from IZ, Cinzia by the rather deeper ground colour of the upper surface
of the wings, and by the broader but rather more irregular character of the transverse bands.
On the under side (No. 6) it differs also by the much stronger colouring of the markings, by
the narrower proportion of the exterior brown band of the hind wings, and by the absence of
black and brown spots. The Caterpillar, (No. 7) feeds upon the Plantains, and also upon the
common Heath, as represented in the plate. There are many interesting varieties of this insect,
especially the very pretty one supposed to be the 7. Pyronia of Hiibner. This variety has the
upper surface of the front wings almost without markings, except a dark border, while the hind
wings are entirely black, with a few tawny dots. On the under side, the light parts are nearly
white, with brown markings ; the lower half of both pairs of wings being also nearly black,
with veins and afew marks of obscure tawny. The Papilio tesselatu of Petiver, is also con-
sidered to be a variety of this species. In this variety the upper surface of the wings is pale,
and marked with extreme regularity ; the marks having a much more even and tesselated ap-
pearance than in the typical species. The fore wings are more fulvous underneath, and the hind
wings entirely straw colour, with black veins, having at the base three large yellow spots bor-
dered with black ; also a broad band of deeper straw colour, bordered with black, running
across the centre of both wings, &e. This elegant variety appears to have been pretty constant
in Petiver’s time, and was found each season in some plenty, in Caen Wood, at Hampstead,
whence it was formerly called the Hampstead Beauty.

Several places in the metropolitan counties, and also in Devonshire and Bedfordshire, are
mentioned as localities in which Melitwa Athalia has been recently taken, especially on heaths,
and in open places in woods. It has also been taken at Tenterden in considerable numbers.

al “oe
> ay ee eee
De all

PLATE XX.

No. 1.—The Greasy Fritillary Butterfly, (Melitea No. 5.—The Duke of Burgundy Fritillary Butterfly.

Artemis). No. 6.—The Under side of the Duke of Burgundy
No. 2.—The Under side of the Greasy Fritillary Fritillary Butterfly.

Butterfly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Duke of Burgundy
No, 3.—The Caterpillar of the Greasy Fritillary Fritillary Butterfly.

Butterfly. No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Duke of Burgundy
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Greasy Fritillary But- Fritillary Butterfly.

terfly.

Meuir£a ARTEMIS (the Greasy Fritillary, No. 1) is perhaps the commonest of the genus,
but is nevertheless very local. It is a very distinct species, two irregular bands of palish buff
between the bands of black rendering it distinguishable at a glance from either Cinzia or Athalia.
The under side (No. 2) is very similar to that of Athalia, but may be at once recognised by the
paler character of all the markings, and the presence of a regular series of black spots circled
with buff (in the broad band near the edge of the hind wings), which are absent in A¢thalia.

The Caterpillar (No. 3) feeds on the Devil’s-bit Scabious, and on both the Plantains. Ac-
cording to the graphic account of our good old English Aurelian, Moses Harris, the Caterpillar
when full grown, draws together two or more blades of grass, fastening them at the top with a
web, and suspending itself in the centre beneath ; but as I have never seen the Caterpillar or
Chrysalis when suspended in this manner, I have merely represented it as attached by the tail
in the usual way.

The Chrysalis (No. 4) is of a pale flesh-colour, prettily ornamented with dark and regularly
disposed spots. The Caterpillars, like those of IZ. Cinzia, are hatched in the autumn, and pass
the winter in a similar manner. They become full grown in April, and the perfect butterfly
appears in the following May or June. It is generally found in marshy places and has hence
been termed by some entomologists the Marsh Fritillary. Specimens of Jf Artemis vary con-
siderably in the intensity of their markings, some of the varieties having been mistaken for
M. Cinwia. Near Brighton, and also near Bristol, this species has been recently taken in great
abundance ; and Carlisle, Charnwood Forest, and Weston-super-Mare are also cited by Mr.
Stainton as localities in which it is often captured, as well as York, Winchester, and Worcester.
Melitea Dia, a closely allied species, was formerly found in our English catalogues as a native
species, on the strength of specimens taken at Sutton Park, near Birmingham, and at Alderly in
Cheshire, but it is now omitted. It is the Argynnis Dia of Hiibner and Ochsenheimer.

The third family of Butterflies is that termed the Erycinidw, represented in British Collec-
tions by a solitary European species, Nemeobius Lucina. In this family the males have only four
perfect feet, like those of the Argynnidi, but the females have all six feet perfect. The Cater-
pillars are onisciform, like those of the Lyccenide, to which family, therefore, this genus, in its
present position, forms an appropriate link.

The genus Nemeobivs has the antenne slender and the club short ; the wings are tawny ;
the fore wings with the costa and hind margins straight, and the apex hardly rounded. The

40 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

male, as above stated, having only four legs fitted for walking, and the female six. The Cater-
pillar is onisciform, or woodlouse-shaped. The Chrysalis is attached by the tail, and also se-
cured by a loop round the middle.

Nemeobius Lucina (the Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, No. 5) is the Hamearis Lucina of
Hitbner, but Mr. Stephens’s name Nemeobins will be preferred, in consequence of the new and
more appropriate location of the insect in its present position by that accomplished entomolo-
gist. Mr. Curtis has quoted the following interesting description of the transformation of this
pretty little Butterfly from the elaborate and accurate work of Hiibner :—“ The eges are found
solitary, or in pairs, on the under surface of the leaves of Primula veris, and clatior at the he-
ginning of summer ; they are almost globular, smooth, shining, and pale yellowish green. The
Caterpillar feeds on these plants ; its head is roundish, heart-shaped, smooth, shining, and bright
ferruginous, black only on the mouth and about the eyes: its body is almost oval, but long, de-
pressed, and set with rows of bristly warts ; the other parts are set with feathery hairs ; on the
back, at least from the fourth joint to the tail, there is a black dot on each joint, and on the
sides similar but less distinct spots, the colour is pale olive orange ; its feet are rusty brown ;
the spiracul black ; the claws and belly whitish. It moves very slowly, rolls itself up when
disturbed, and remains in that state a long time. Soon after the middle of summer it becomes
a pupa, not only fastening its body by the apex, but also by spinning a cord across its middle ;

”

in this state it remains until the end of the following spring.” Hiibner, who reared it from the

egg, says also that the Caterpillar throws off five skins before it becomes a pupa, and its ap-
pearance, at different ages, varies considerably. The larva from which he made his drawing,
and from which my representation (No. 5) is taken, he found on a Primula in his own garden.
This pretty insect is not uncommon in the south of England, but more rare in the north. At
Halton in Buckinghamshire it has recently appeared in great numbers ; and Brighton, Oxford,
Plymouth, Winchester, and Dursley in Gloucestershire are cited as localities in which it is not
unfrequent ; while even at York and Lyndhurst, in the north, persevering collectors have suc-
ceeded in taking it in some plenty.

PLATE XXI.

No. 1.—The Brown Hair-streak Butterfly (Thecla No, 9.—The Caterpillar of the Dark Hair-streak

Betule). Butterfly.
No. 2.—The Female of the Brown Hair-streak But- No. 10.—The Chrysalis of the Dark Hair-streak
of ee ee ‘ ; ; Butterfly.

2 ety ee ore irate No. 11.—The Black Hair-streak Butterfly (Thecla 1.

No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Brown Hair-streak s avn .

Butterfly. No, 12.—The Female of the Black Hair-streak But-
No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Brown Hair-streak terfly.

Butterfly. No. 13.—The Under side of the Black Hair-streak
No. 6.—The Dark Hair-streak Butterfly (Thecla Butterfly,

Pruni). No. 14.—The Caterpillar of the Black Hair-streak
No. 7.—The Female of the Dark Hair-streak But- Butterfly.

terily. . ; No, 15.—The Chrysalis of the Black Hair-streak
No. 8.—The Wpder side of the Dark Hair-streak Butterfly.

Butterfly.

Tue fourth family of the Rhopalocera, or Diurnal Lepidoptera, is that of the Lycenide,
containing three genera and twenty-one species, being above a fourth of the total number of
British Butterflies. In this family the perfect insects of both sexes have six perfect legs fitted
for walking. The larvie are short and onisciform. The Chrysalis is fastened by the tail, and
also secured by a thread round the middle. The insects are generally much smaller than in the
preceding families.

The genus Thecla. The insects comprised in this genus present very marked characteristics,
and group very homogeneously together. The hind wings have nearly always a narrow tail,
The upper surface of the wings is generally of deep brown, with or without a patch or patches
of orange ; the under side is often opaque gray, varied with delicate light streaks, from which
they are called the hair-streaks, or with orange borders dotted with black. The Caterpillars
and. Chrysalides of all the species accord with the characters assigned to the family.

Thecla Betule (the Brown Hair-Streak, Nos. 1 to 5) is the largest of the genus. The male
(No. 1) is smaller than the female, and the uniform deep brown of the upper surface of the
Wings is only varied by a somewhat paler mark adjoining the short transverse black line in the
centre of the anterior wings ; while the female (No. 2), which is much larger, is distinguished
by a broad orange patch in the same position as the small pale mark in the male. The under-
side (No. 3) is the same in both sexes. The Caterpillar (No. 4) feeds upon the foliage of the
Birch and Blackthorn, &c., towards the end of June and beginning of July ; the perfect insect
appearing in August. It frequents hedgerows, particularly in the southern counties. It is
however a local, though far from a rare species. It has been recently taken at Blandford,
Epping, Brighton, Lyndhurst, Peterborough, Teignmouth, Worcester, and other places.

Thecla Pruni (the Dark Hair-Streak, Nos. 6 to 10) is smaller than the preceding, and the
male is distinguished by an orange border on the hind wings. The female (No. 1) has an
additional orange band near the edge of the front wings. The under side (No. 7) has the
orange border with dots, above alluded to, and a narrow band or rather STREAK of white. The

42 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on the foliage of the Plum in May, and the perfect insect appears in
J uly. The Chrysalis (No. 10) is marked with two patches of white, as shown in the illustration.
This is, comparatively speaking, a new British species, not having been noticed, and Thecla
IV. album, having been described as 7. Pruni, before Mr. F. Stephens detected the error in 1827 ;
previous to that time it had evidently been confused with the other species, from which however
it is very distinct. At Monk’s Wood, and at Overton Wood, Herts, it is sometimes taken in
abundance, but in other localities it is extremely rare.

Theela W. album (the Black Hair-Streak, sometimes called the W. Hair-Streak, Nos. 11 to
14). This pretty species has the upper surface of the wings entirely of a deep full brown, with
the exception of a small pale speck in the front wings of the male. On the underside (No. 13)
the white streak forms a strong zigzag towards the posterior angle of the hind wings, from
which the specific name is derived. The Caterpillar (No. 14) feeds on the Elm and Blackthorn
towards the end of May or beginning of June, and the perfect insect appears in July. This
insect, as above remarked, was confused with 7. Pruni previous to the remarks of Mr. Stephens
on this genus ; Villars and other entomologists having described the two species as identical.
Previous to its discovery by Mr. Stephens in great abundance, at Ripley, in 1826, where he
captured two hundred specimens without moving from the spot where he first noticed them,
the insect was considered rare. Its appearance there in such vast numbers in that season is one
of the curious entomological facts not easily accounted for, and like the swarm of Vanessa Antiopa
at Camberwell, and the occasional swarms of Pieris Brassice, it still puzzles our entomologists.
It has been recently taken at Brighton, Epping, Peterborough, York, and other places, but
sparingly.

PLATE XXII.

No. 1.—The Purple Hair-streak Butterfly (Thecla No. 6.—The Green Hair-streak Butterfly (Thecla
Quercis). Rubi).

No. 2.—The Female of the Purple Hair-streak But- No. 7.—The Female of the Green Hair-streak But-
_terfly. terfly.

No. 3.—The Under side of the Purple Hair-streak No. 8.—The Under side of the Green Hair-streak
Butterfly. Butterfly.

No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Purple Hair-streak No. 9.—The Caterpillar of the Green Hair-streak
Butterfly. Butterfly.

No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Purple Hair-streak But- No. 10.—The Chrysalis of the Green Hair-streak
terfly. Butterfly.

THECLA QueERcUS (the Purple Hair-streak). This species is by far the handsomest of the
British Theclas. It is also a very interesting species, as exhibiting most strikingly a peculiarity
that distinguishes this genus. This peculiarity consists in the characteristic markings of the
females, which, contrary to those of most other genera, are more conspicuous and brighter than
those of the male. In Thecla Betule (Plate xxi.), we have seen that the female is distinguished
by a fine patch of orange on the anterior wings, which is not found on those of the male. In
Thecla Pruni the female has a border of orange on the fore wings, while those of the male are
entirely brown. In the species now under description, the markings of the female are still more
conspicuously different from those of the male—and of much greater comparative brightness, as
they consist of large patches of the brightest metallic azure, while the wings of the males are
of unvarying dusky purple, verging towards brown. The bright metallic blue resembles that
which forms the ground colour of the wings of the male “ Purple Emperor ;” the female of which
species has the ground colour of the wings of dusky brown—heing, in fact, much less brillant
in its colouring than the male; and this and other similar instances led our English entomolo-
gists to conclude that the most dusky toned of the sexes in Thecla Querciis was necessarily the
female. This supposition has been now satisfactorily disproved, as the individuals with the
wings brightly blotched with azure have been observed in the act of depositing their eggs. There
are also distinctions in the form of the anterior feet of the two sexes, analogous to those of some
preceding families, which also serve to prove that the largest and most brightly coloured indi-
viduals in this genus are invariably the females. The character of the feet in the genus Theclu
was first noticed by Dr. Horsfield, in his description of some of the magnificent Theclas of the
island of Java. The male is represented at No. 1, the female at No. 2, and the under side at
No. 3. The Caterpillar (No. 4) feeds upon the foliage of the Oak in May and June, and some-
times burrows in the ground at the time of its change to the Chrysalis state, though it is most
frequently found attached to a branch or the under side of a leaf, by a silken web. Réaumur
gives a most interesting and a detailed account of the manner in which the Caterpillars of this
genus attach the web round the body, which secures them during the Chrysalis state. The per-
fect insect appears in July.

It is pretty generally dispersed, and plentiful in the Southern counties, and is also found in

44 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

several localities in the North ; but is very rare in Scotland. It has been recently taken in
great abundance at Brighton, Epping, Exeter, Tenterden, and other places.

Thecla Rubi (the Green Hair-streak), This is the least Thecla-like of any of the British
species, being nearly without the elongation of a portion of the hind wings, which is one of the
chief characteristics of the genus. In other respects, however, especially in the Caterpillar and
Chrysalis stages, it closely resembles its congeners. It is one of the earliest species, being often
found in May. The male, the female, and a specimen showing the under side of the wings, are
figured at Nos. 6, 7, and 8.

The Caterpillar (No. 9) feeds on the common Bramble, and also on Papilionaceous, or Pea-
flowered, plants. It may be found in May and June, and again in August. The autumnal
brood remains in the Chrysalis state during the winter, Butterflies appearing in the following
May. The perfect insects resulting from the spring brood of Caterpillars, appear about the
beginning of August.

It is very generally distributed, and rather common—being found in some abundance in
most of the English counties, and in the south of Scotland, but rarely further North.

Mr. Stephens describes a variety in which the white dots on the under side are much more
conspicuous ; and also one in which the anterior wings of the female have a pale whitish spot
near the centre of the anterior wings. It has been recently taken at Teignmouth in great
numbers.

The other species—Theela Spini and Thecla Llicis—were formerly considered British by some
collectors, but they are both omitted in recent catalogues.

PLATE XXITII.

No. 1.—The Copper Butterfly (Chrysophanus Phileas). No. 8.—The Purple-edged Copper Butterfly (Chry-
No. 2,—The Copper Butterfly, showing the Under sophanus Chryseis).

side. No. 9.—The Female of the Purple-edged Copper
No. 3.—The Caterpillar of the Copper Butterfly. Butterfly.
No. 4.—The Chrysalis of the Copper Butterfly. No. 10.—The Purple-edged Copper Butterfly, show-
No. 5.—The Dark Under-winged Copper Butterfly ing the Under side.

(Chrysophanus Hippothoé). No. 11.—The Caterpillar of the Scarce Copper But-
No. 6.—The Female of the Dark Under-winged Copper terfly. (The Butterfly in Plate xxiv.)

Butterfly. No, 12.—The Chrysalis of the Scarce Copper Butter-
No. 7.—The Dark Under-winged Copper Butterfly, fly. (The Butterfly in Plate xxiv.)

showing the Under side.

THE genus Chrysophanus, which follows Thecla in the beautiful family of Lycenide, is so
distinct from its predecessor in many respects, that it would seem almost to mark the commence-
ment of a new family. The Theclas, so peculiar in regard to the superior brightness of the
colouring of the females, and also in the taillike appendage to the hind wings which is always
present in good typical species, which seem to distinguish them as a separate family, might be
denominated the Theclide ; while the genus Chrysophanus, along with Polyommatus, might be
formed into a separate family by Swainson’s title of the Polyommatide, as both genera exhibit
the numerous eye-like ringed spots on the under surface of the wings, to which the descriptive
generic name Polyommatus is applied. It is true that Swainson’s Polyommatide included the
Theclas, which might however be separated, reserving the family title only for the two genera to
which its meaning applies. This, however, is a mere suggestion to the collector to incite him to
consider any system of classification with regard to its merits, and not receive it without exami-
nation ; for I am bound in this volume to the system now adopted in the British Museum, as
announced in my introduction. The chief character of the genus Chrysophanus may be described as
follows : First, the rich gold-like colouring of the wings of the males, which has given rise to the
name Chrysophanus, compounded of two Greek words, xeusts (gold), and guiw (to appear). The
metallic golden hue is, however, of a deep red tone, which has suggested to our native collectors
the popular name of “Coppers.” Secondly, the slight pointing of the hind wings, which in the
first species, Phlwas, extends into a short tail, which makes that species form a convenient grad-
ation from the genus 7hecla to the present genus. Thirdly, the wings of the males are the most
brilliantly coloured, those of the females being of more dusky tone, and always varied by black
spots which (with the exception of the very distinct species C. Phi@as) never occur in those of
the males, Fourthly, the Caterpillars, though more or less onisciform, are longer and not so
much flattened as in the genera Thecla and Polyommatus. There are several other minor ana-
tomical characters connected with the knobs of the antenne, the form of the palpi, and the veining
of the wings, the detailed description of which would be out of place in a strictly popular work.

Chrysophanus Phileas (the Copper, No. 1). This pretty species is common in all parts of
the country. There is no difference in the markings of the two sexes in this species, though
they are so distinct in the others of the genus ; the hind wings have also short tails resembling
those of the Zheclas, as stated above.

46 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The Caterpillar (No. 3) is green, with a red stripe on each side. It feeds upon the common
Sorrel, Rumex acetosa ; and there are most probably several broods, as the perfect insect appears
in April, June, and August.

The Chrysalis (No. 4) is found attached to the stem of the Sorrel, This pretty Butterfly
is common everywhere, especially on heaths and commons ; where, being a pugnacious inseet, it
is observed giving battle to intruders upon its domain, often engaging in combat with some of
the largest of the Butterfly tribe. There are several striking varieties of this pretty species.
The one in which the copper border of the hind wings is wanting, is perhaps the commonest.
In another variety, the copper colour on both the surfaces of the wings is replaced by milky
white, leaving the dark spots. Another has the deep copper colour reduced toa pale orange,
and the black spots and black portions of the hind wings are white. These varieties are more
or less rare, and, as [am informed by Mr. Bond (whose well known collection of British Lepidop-
tera is one of the finest in the country), such varieties are in most instances confined to par-
ticular districts, in each of which not more than one of the varieties is found.

Chrysophanus Hippothoé (the Dark Under-winged Copper, Nos. 5 to 7). This species is
omitted in many Catalogues of native Lepidoptera, the ground for supposing it a British insect
being considered doubtful. “The best-known ‘British’ specimen,” writes Mr. Westwood,
“was obtained from an old collection made in Kent, which was known among collectors as

F]

the ‘ Kentish Cabinet.’” Some have supposed the species identical with C. dispar ; but a com-
parison with the figures will sufficiently prove their distinctness. The true Hippothoé of the
Continent is invariably much smaller than our C. dispar, and is of lighter colour in the centre of
the wings, shading to deep purplish on the edges ; while in C. dispar (in the males) the intensity
of colour is the same all over the upper surface of both pair of wings.

Chrysophanus Chryseis (the Purple-edged Copper, Nos. 8 to 10). This species has also be-
come of extreme rarity, though formerly taken near Epping, from whence Dr. Leach is said by
Mr. Stephens to have received fresh specimens during several successive seasons. It was also
taken at Ashdown Forest, Sussex. On the Continent both this and the last species are plentiful,
in marshy places in some districts, where they appear towards the close of summer.

Bias rere

PLATE XXIV.

No. 1.—The Scarce Copper Butterfly (Chrysophanus
Virgauree).

No. 2.—The Female of the Scarce Copper Butterfly.

No. 3.—The Scarce Copper Butterfly, showing the
Under side.

No. 4.—The Large Copper Butterfly (Chrysophanus

No. 5.—The Female of the Large Copper Butterfly.

No. 6.—The Large Copper Butterfly, showing the
Under side.

No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Large Copper Butter-
fly.

No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Large Copper Butterfly.

dispar).
(The Caterpillar and Chrysalis of the Scarce Copper Butterfly are represented in Plate xxiii. at Nos. 11 and 12.)

CHRYSOPHANUS VIRGAURE# (the Scarce Copper, Nos. 1 to 3).
of the true Chrysophani.
black spots, except close to the border of the hind wings ; those of the female (No. 2), having
numerous large black spots. The Caterpillar (No. 11, Plate xxiii.) is onisciform, but not
flattened ; and the Chrysalis (No. 12, Plate xxiii.) is secured to a leaf or stem by a knob of web
at the tail, and a girth at the middle. The under side (No. 3), is less distinctly ted than
any of the old species by the ocellated spots which distinguish the genus.

The Caterpillar feeds on the Golden-rod (Solidago Virgauree). This species has not been
recently taken, and is considered by some to be doubtful as British, notwithstanding the
existence of several specimens in old cabinets. It is possible that it may have become extinct,
as we have seen C. dispar entirely disappear within the last few years.

Chrysophanus dispar (the Large Copper, Nos. 4 to 8). This beautiful and conspicuous
insect is, as far as we know at present, peculiar to England, no specimen having ever been as
yet taken on the continent of Europe, or in any other quarter of the world. M. Boisduval,
however, thinks it a large local variety of the Continental C. Hippotho’. However this.may be,
there has been so great a demand for this beautiful insect since the appearance of the figure of it
in Donovan's work, that the species is supposed to be extirpated—recently captured specimens
haying been sold as high as £4 the pair. The male (No. 4) is rather smaller than the female,
but of much more brilliant colour. The female (No. 5) is marked with large black spots, and
the hind wings are nearly black, with a copper-coloured border.

This species is the first
The rich copper-coloured wings of the male (No. 1), are free from

There is a female variety in
which the border of black on the front wings is much narrower than in the specimen figured,
and in which the copper-coloured border of the hind wings is much more dusky. The under
side (No. 6) has the ocellated spots much more strongly and clearly marked than any other
species of the genus, and is the same in both sexes.

The Caterpillar (No. 7), which feeds on the Great Water Dock (Rumen aquaticus), is pale
green, thickly powdered with white specks, and appears in June.

The Chrysalis (No. 8) is at first green, then pale ash coloured, and eventually (in some
specimens) deep brown.

The perfect insect appears in July and August, and was formerly abundant in the Fenny
districts of Huntingdon and Cambridge shires ; and it has been taken at Benacre in Suffolk, and

48 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Bardolph Fen in Norfolk. So active has been the pursuit of this beautiful insect during the
last twenty years, that, as above stated, it is now sought for in vain in the haunts but recently
so brilliant with its metallic hues towards the close of each summer. It is thought, however,
by some entomologists that it may reappear in some favourable season, as insects occasionally
do, in a mamner which has not been satisfactorily accounted for. It is possible, by a provision
of nature, that a certain reserve of eggs remains unhatched for long epochs, to guard against the
extinction of species by unfavourable seasons; but whether from this or other causes, it is
certain that species do occasionally disappear for a time, to be found again at some subsequent
period. It has been noticed by Lacordaire that in common species of Lepidoptera, a certain
portion of the eggs frequently remains unhatched the first season, which, so far from being
barren, as generally supposed, produced Caterpillars in the following year—and therefore it is
possible that in some cases the vital principle may remain dormant for longer periods.

Mr, Bond, who has frequently chased the C. dispar on the wing in the Fens of Cambridge
and Huntingdon, says, “It is difficult to capture, seldom affording an opportunity for a second
stroke of the net if the first have been unsuccessful.” This, however, is of little consequence to
young collectors, as matters stand ; for it seems they are not likely again to have an opportunity
of exerting their skill in the capture of this coveted prize of the British Lepidopterist.

PLATE XXYV.

No.1.—The Azure Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus No. 6.—The Small Blue Butterfly, showing the
Argiolus), Under side.
No, 2.—The Female of the Azure Blue Butterfly. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Small Blue Butterfly.

No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Small Blue Butterfly.

No. 3.—The Azure Blue Butterfly, showing the
No. 9.—The Mazarine Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus

Under side.

Acis).
iter oo Ue Buttery: (Polyommatis No. 10.—The Female of the Mazarine Blue Butterfly.
= ued No. 11.—The Mazarine Blue Butterfly, showing the
No. 5.—The Female of the Small Blue Butterfly. Tndeniaide:

THE genus Polyommatus. This genus is principally distinguished from Chrysophanus by the
bright blue colour of the upper surface of the wings of the males. The females are generally
brown, or at all events of a duller colour than the males, and in a few species both sexes have
the upper surface of the wings brown. The under sides of the wings closely resemble those of
the insects assigned to the genus Chrysophanus, presenting, however, certain differences to be
described in speaking of the respective species.

The Caterpillars are onisciform, the head and feet very small, and scarcely observable with-
out minute examination ; they are generally yellowish-green, variegated by markings of red,
brown, or yellow. They feed generally on the foliage of Papilionaceous, and other low growing
plants; that of P. Argiolus, however, feeds wpon the Holly, preferring the flowers. The
Chrysalis is generally naked and attached to a branch of the plant on which the Caterpillar has
fed ; but in some cases the Caterpillars burrow in the earth to undergo their transformation.
This genus has representatives not only in all parts of Europe, but in North and South Africa,
the East Indies, and North America, while but very few of the species are known in South
America.

Polyommatus Argiolus (the Azure Blue, No. 1). This is a very delicate and beautiful little
Butterfly. The azure of the upper surface is of a soft and pleasing tone of light blue, and the
under side a most delicate pale pearly gray, with the usual ocelli more slightly, but yet distinctly
marked. The female differs in size, not as in the genus Chrysophanus from being larger than
the male, but on the contrary smaller. In addition to the smaller size, the female may be at
once distinguished by the more dusky colour, and by the deep black border of the anterior
wings, and the dotted border of the hinder pair.

The Caterpillar is described by Ochsenheimer as being of yellowish-green, with a double
line along the back. It feeds on the flowers of Holly, and also it is said on those of the Ivy.
The later brood probably do, as the Holly is out of bloom when they appear; some entomolo-
gists, however, assert that there is only one brood of this pretty species, though specimens of
the perfect insect are taken as early as April, and as late as August.

The Chrysalis is brown, with a deep dorsal line.

The Butterfly is very distinct in its habits, most of its congeners being generally found in
gardens and plantations where Holly abounds. It is rather local ; but very widely dispersed, and
in some places plentiful, being found quite in the North of England, but not in Scotland.

50 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Polyommatus Alsus (the Small Blue, No. 4). This is the smallest of our native Butterflies,
Though termed by collectors one of the “Blues,” the upper surfaces of the wings of both
sexes are brown ; those of the male, however, having a flush of blue near the base. The under
side resembles that of the other Polyommati. The Caterpillar of this species (No. 7) feeds upon
the Alpine Milk Vetch (Astragalus Cicer), the Chrysalis being attached to a stem of the same
plant. The Butterfly appears in May, and again in July and August. It is most plentiful in
chalk and limestone districts, but is often found in some abundance in other localities.

Polyommatus Acis (the Mazarine-Blue, No. 9). This handsome insect is conspicuously dif-
ferent from the other species in its deep full blue, which has a satin-like gloss that gives it great
brilliancy. The upper surface of the wings of the female are dark brown, with only a light
purple flush towards the base.

The Caterpillar is unknown.

This is a rare species ; but it is in some seasons taken in some plenty in chalky districts.
Tt appears in May and June, and again in August, being double brooded. Mr. Newman states
that it was formerly plentiful in Herefordshire, and supposes it to be still plentiful there ; but
Mr. Allis writes to Mr. Stainton that he knows of no capture within the last seven years.

PLATE XXVI.

No.1—The Large Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus No. 6.—The Chalk-hill Blue Butterfly, showing the
Arion). Under side.

Bieae, We Femolecf the Large eae No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Chalk-hill Blue Butter-
No. 3.—The Large Blue Butterfly, showing the Under

fly.
side. - y ;
No. 4.—The Chalk-hill Blue Butterfly. No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Chalk-hill Blue Butter-
No. 5.—The Female of the Chalk-hill Blue Butterfly. fly.

PoLYOMMATUS ARION (the Large Blue, No.1). This is by far the largest and most splendid
of the “ Blues,” as the blue section of the Lycenide are popularly termed by our collectors. It
was at one time considered extremely rare, and by some scarcely believed to be a true British
species. But several localities were subsequently discovered, in which it was found each season
in some plenty, and the further discoveries of more recent lepidopterists have removed all
doubts as to its being a native species. The spots on the wings of the male differ very consider-
ably both in size and intensity of colour; the figure (No. 1) being taken from a specimen of
medium strength in the marking. The Female (No. 2) is generally rather larger than the male,
and has the spots and dark borders broader, but less strong in colour ; and the blue ground is
of a duller tone. The under side (No. 3) has the ocellated spots larger, more regularly disposed,
and more sharply defined than any other of the genus.

The Caterpillar is unknown.

The perfect insect appears in July, and the localities in which this entomological prize is
said to have been taken are the following: the Mouse’s Pasture, near Bedford ; Dover Cliffs ;
Marlborough Downs ; the hills near Bath ; Broomham Common, Bedfordshire ; near Winchester ;
and in one or two localities in North Wales. But the most celebrated locality, and one in which
it has been recently taken in some plenty, is Barnewell Wold, near Oundle, Northamptonshire,
in which place the Rev. W. Bree states in a communication to the “ Zoologist” for 1852, that
for several seasons previous to that year entomologists had visited the place, and captured many
specimens, without seeming to diminish the annual supply. Since 1852, however, the continued
pursuit appears to have grievously diminished the numbers of this beautiful imsect in this
locality ; and we may therefore look forward to its becoming extinct in Barnewell Wold, as C.
dispar has done in its once favourite fens of Cambridge and Huntingdon. In the year above
named, however, the Rey. F. O. Morris informs us that on the 19th and 20th of July he took
no less than eleven specimens.

Polyommatus Corydon (the Chalk-hill Blue, No. 4). This species is the next in size to P.
Arion, and if it were not so much more common, would be considered nearly as beautiful. The
silvery-blue of the male (No. 4), just flushed with a tint of straw-colour, produces a peculiarly
delicate effect, which is heightened by the dark border, becoming nearly black at the base of
the fringe. The wings of the female (No. 5) are of rich brown, with a sharp touch of white
near the centre of each ; and an ochreous border with black dots, both border and dots being
much more conspicuous in the anterior wings than in the hinder pair.

Or
Lo

THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The under side (No. 6) is not so symmetrically decorated with the usual ocelli as P. Avion,
but it is, nevertheless, very distinctly and beautifully marked.

The Caterpillar (No. 7) is said to feed on several species of Vetch, and also on the wild
Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum).

The perfect Butterfly appears in July, and is tolerably plentiful in the localities which it
favours, principally in chalky districts. ‘Some of the localities in which it has been found most
regularly and abundantly are the following :—Dover, and many other places along the southern
coast ; Newport in the Isle of Wight ; Darenth Wood, Kent; several places in Suffolk, and
Oxfordshire ; and abundantly near Newmarket, Cambridgeshire. It is also found in the Prest-
bury Hills, near Cheltenham, and in some localities in the neighbourhood of Winchester and
near Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire. It must formerly have been much more abundant than now,
as it often outnumbers many species in the Butterfly pictures, or rather stars, and other similar
devices formed by the Spitalfields weavers in years gone by, with the specimens which they
then captured for no other purpose. I purchased a small collection of Butterflies in a rough
home-made cabinet a few years ago, in which one entire tray was filled with specimens of P.
Corydon, among which were many rather striking varieties, but all in a bad condition. The
male is sometimes so strongly suffused with brown, that it closely resembles the female, for
which it might easily be mistaken by an inexperienced collector.

PLATE XXVILI.

No. 1.—The Clifden Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus No. 6.—The Common Blue Butterfly, showing the
Adonis). Under side.
No. 2.—The Female of the Clifden Blue Butterfly. No. 7.—An Hermaphrodite variety of the Common
No. 3.—The Clifden Blue Butterfly, showing the Blue Butterfly.
Under side. No. 8.—The Caterpillar of the Common Blue Butter-
No. 4.—The Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus fly.
Alexis). No. 9.—The Chrysalis of the Common Blue Butter-
No. 5.—The Female of the Common Blue Butterfly. | fly.

PoOLYOMMATUS ADONIS (the Clifden Blue Butterfly, No. 1). This insect, in so far as the
colour is concerned, is the most beautiful of the “Blues.” The azure of the upper surface of
both pair of wings is of the most delicate silvery blue, the effect of which is at the same time
heightened and refined by the snowy whiteness of the fringe.

The female (No. 2) has the upper surface of the wings of rich deep brown, but having to-
wards the base a flush of rich violet blue, which is much brighter and more distinct in some
specimens than in others. The upper surface of the wings of the female is also distinguished by
borders of a lighter colour, containing a row of black spots; the borders of the hind wings
being of a dusky orange colour, while those of the anterior wings are merely of a pale brown.
It is rather difficult to distinguish the female of this species from that of P. Corydon, but P.
Corydon has a black spot on the upper surface of the hind wings which is absent in Adonis.
The female has also, occasionally, white specks in the centre of the fore wings.

The under side (No. 3) is very delicately enriched with the usual ocelli, and is distinguished
from that of P. Corydon by the small and more delicate character of both ground colour and
markings.

The Caterpillar, according to Freyer, is of the usual onisciform character; of dark green
colour, with two rows of short yellow streaks on the back, and a yellow longitudinal stripe at
each end. Ochsenheimer describes it as feeding on several species of pea-flowered plants,

The perfect insect appears in May and June, and is chiefly found in chalky districts.
Dartford, in Kent, was formerly a favourite locality with London collectors for this beautiful
insect. It has been recently taken at Brighton in great abundance.

Polyommatus Alexis (the Common Blue Butterfly, No. 4). This, though one of the most
abundant of our native Butterflies, common in almost every district of the country, is a remark-
ably pretty insect ; and though inferior to P. Adonis or P. Arion, has yet beauties of its own
which seldom fail to attract even the uninitiated observer. The blue of the upper surface of the
wings has a soft and rich lilac tinge, which is very pleasing ; and the texture is of a silky cha-
racter, which shows off the colour to the greatest advantage. The one represented at No. 4 is
rather a dark specimen, the colour varying considerably in different individuals. The female
(No. 5) has the upper surface of the wings brown, with ochreous borders spotted with black, and
with a slight flush of blue towards the base. The under side represented at No, 6 is of the
usual character, and like that of all the other species nearly alike in both sexes.

54 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

The Caterpillar (No. 8) feeds most commonly on Lucerne, in April, and again in September,
there being two broods in the year. It also feeds on Clover and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.

The Chrysalis (No. 9) is attached by a girth round the middle to a stem of the plant on
which the Caterpillar has fed. There are many varieties of this pretty species, principally
among the females. Some of these have the brown scales of the upper surface of the wings so
thickly intermingled with blue ones that the blue colour almost preponderates, and the females
have almost the appearance of very dark coloured males. But the most singular variety is that
known as the Hermaphrodite (No. 8), which has the brown wings of the female on one side, and
the azure wings of the male on the other. Other varieties were thought distinct species both by
Lewin and Haworth, and Jermyn, and distinguished as P. Hyacinthus, P. Thestylis, and P. Lacon.
Some of these varieties are so constant in some localities that one of our most accomplished ento-
mologists (the late Mr. Stephens), even within the last few years was inclined to consider them
distinct species. But recent observations of exotic Butterflies have shown such extraordinary
aberrations in the usual specific characters, that such distinctions as those alluded to must cease
to be regarded as anything more than variations produced by some local influence, such as soil,
climate, food, or some such other disturbing cause. Among the most remarkable aberrations in
size and colouring of exotic Butterflies, evidently of the same species, those of the magnifi-
cent Papilio Priamus may be cited. This gorgeous insect in its ordinary character, has the
ground colour of the upper surface of the wings, of a full deep metallic green, while in a speci-
men just received at the British Museum the green is replaced by a perfectly distinct tone of
rich orange yellow.

No. 7 is one of the more usual varieties of the female of P. Alexis, in which the wings are
nearly as blue as those of the males, but have the distinctive border which is found in brown
specimens.

PLATE XXVIII.

No. 1.—The Silver-studded Blue Butterfly (Polyom- No. 5.—The Chrysalis of the Silver-studded Blue
matus Egon). Butterfly.

No. 2.—The Female of the Silver-studded Blue No. 6.—The Brown Argus Butterfly (Polyommatus
Butterfly. Agestis).

No. 3.—The Silver-studded Blue Butterfly, showing No. 7.—The Female of the Brown Argus Butterfly.
the Under side. No. 8.—The Brown Argus Butterfly, showing the

No. 4,—The Caterpillar of the Silver-studded Blue Under side.
Butterfly.

THE insects represented in this Plate will complete the illustration of the genus Polyommatus,
which has occupied the three preceding ones.

Polyommatus Afgon (the Silver-studded Blue Butterfly, Nos. 1 to 5). This pretty species is
at once distinguished by the metallic spots which form part of the markings of the under side
of the hind wings, and also by the dark blackish border to the blue on the upper surface of the
wings of the male. The female (No. 2) is rather larger than the male, and of a warm coppery
brown, all four wings having a bordering of small orange marks of a somewhat triangular form.
The under side of the wings, which is very nearly alike in both sexes, is shown at No. 3. The
Caterpillar (No. 4) feeds upon Broom, Saintfoin, and several species of Trifolium. The Chrysalis
(No. 5) is at first of a bright green colour, but as the shell hardens it becomes brown. The
perfect insect is found on marshy commons or damp fields in July. It is very rarely found in
the North of England, but in the Southern counties it is not uncommon, especially in certain
localities which appear suitable to its habits, particularly in the vicinity of Sarum in Wiltshire,
in some places in Nottinghamshire, and Coleshill Heath, Worcestershire. It is found, though
rather sparingly, in the metropolitan counties.

There are several rather remarkable varieties of this pretty species. One is a brown variety
of the male—the upper surface of both pairs of wings being of a pale tawny colour. Another
variety, formerly considered a separate species under the name of P. Alcippe, has the wings very
narrow, and the pale blue is bordered by a much darker and more distinct band at the edges.
A third variety has the two rows of dots on the under surface running into each other, and
forming a series of dark stripes which give it a very distinct appearance. This species was
named P. maritima, as having been found in the salt marshes near Holt, in Norfolk. There
are several other varieties of this pretty species, but of a less remarkable kind.

Polyommatus Agestis (the Brown Argus Butterfly, Nos. 6 to 8). This very distinct species
has all the characteristics of the “Blues” except the blue colour of the upper surface of the
wings in the males, both sexes of P. Agestis being of the same dark brown hue as the females of
most of the other species. The male (No. 6) is of a darker and brighter brown than the female.
The female (No. 7) is sometimes rather larger than the male, and has the borders of orange

oH
ao

THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

marks more conspicuous, the black spots within them being very strong in the hind wings.
The under side of the wings, which is similar in both sexes, is shown at No. 8.

The Caterpillar is described as being green, with a row of angular dorsal markings of a
paler tone, and a central line of brown. It is found both in April and June, the perfect insect
appearing in June and August, this species being double-brooded.

Some authors consider P. Salmacis and P. Artaxerxes as mere local varieties of the species
under description. But in the collection of the British Museum they are still kept separate and
distinct, and will therefore be described as distinct species in this volume.

PLATE XXIX.

No. 1.—The Dark Argus Butterfly (Polyommatus Sal- No. 4.—The Scotch Argus Butterfly (Polyommatus
macis) . Artaxerxes).

No. 2.—The Female of the Dark Argus. No. 5.—The Female of the Scotch Argus.

No. 3.—The Dark Argus, showing the Under side. No. 6.—The Scotch Argus, showing the Under side.

By many British Entomologists the two species figured in this Plate are considered mere
varieties of Polyommatus Agestis. It is, however, very difficult to draw a line which shall cor-
rectly and satisfactorily separate certain slight deviations from a generic type, into distinct
“species” on the one hand, and mere “ varieties” on the other. In some cases the distinctions
produced merely by climate and other local causes are allowed to constitute perfect and specific
characteristics, while in others, equally striking differences are treated as mere variations. It
would seem that where particular characteristics are constantly and regularly transmitted from
the parent to the offspring, the peculiarities, not being variable, must be considered as marks of
distinct species. On the other hand, when any such peculiarities of colour or structure are evi-
dently accidental, and occurring in broods where the majority are of the usual kind, then, how-
ever striking the differences may appear, they can only constitute “ varieties.” To meet the
first of these cases, the term “ permanent variety” has been invented, while the insects clearly
belonging to the second category are termed simply “varieties.” But it may be fairly assumed
that a “ permanent variety” is precisely equivalent to a species. Such “ permanent varieties”
might be tested as to their claim to be considered species by removing broods of them to the
localities where the typical species abound, and if their distinctive characteristics remain unim-
paired, which they are very likely to do, although originally produced by local causes—then
there could be no longer any doubt as to their claim to be considered distinct species, for it is
no doubt to local influences, acting through a long series of ages, that many of the most striking
“specific” characteristics have been produced.

If such a line of argument be admissible, then, till further investigation throws more light
on the subject, Polyommatus Salmacis, which is only found in our northern counties, must be
considered as a distinct species, inasmuch as its chief characteristics are permanent, and would
probably remain so, at all events for a long series of generations, if a colony of it could be es-
tablished in a more southern situation. The same may be said of P. Artaverxes. It is, how-
ever, but fair to add, that gradations of these disputed species occur in intermediate localities,
seeming to afford links between these two kinds, which would prove a very close relationship.
Mr. Newman in the “ Entomological Magazine,” states, for instance, that, as the Brown Argus
of the metropolitan districts advances to the midland counties, an evident change takes place,
and the band of rust-coloured spots becomes less bright. At Manchester these spots have nearly
left the upper wing; at Castle Eden Dene they are scarcely to be traced, and a black spot in the
centre of the upper wing becomes fringed with white, being in some specimens quite white ;
the Butterfly then changes its name to Salmacis. As we proceed further northward, the black
pupil leaves the “eyes” on the under side, until, at Edinburgh, it is quite gone, and then the
insect is called Artaxerzes.*

#* My. Gardner informs us that all three species have been taken at Castle Eden Dene.

58 F THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

It is probable that almost all other specific variations from a generic type might be traced
in a similar manner through successive gradations, and the only question would then be, as to
whether the term “ species,” or “ permanent variety,” should be the one adopted. Being myself
rather inclined to class all permanent and transmissible forms as those of distinct species, [shall
describe P. Salmacis and P. Artaxerxes as distinct species, according to the arrangement adopted
in the British Museum.

Polyommatus Salinacis (the Dark Argus, No. 1). This species is generally conspicuously
darker than the Brown Argus (P. Ayestis), and is further distinguished by an obscure black spot
near the centre of the fore wings. The border of dull orange markings of the fore wings are
without the black spot in each which distinguishes a similar border in the fore wings of Agestis ;
but in the hind wings the orange border has also the black spots. The female (No. 2) is only
distinguishable by a white spot in the centre of the fore wings, and this mark is not a perma-
nent distinction, as it sometimes occurs in the males, while the black spot appears equally trans-
ferred to the wings of the females. The under side (No. 3), though shghtly differmg from P.
Agestis, as will be seen, presents no very striking distinction.

The Caterpillar stage of P. Sulmacis is unknown, or it might tend greatly either to es-
tablish or destroy its claim to be considered a distinct species. The perfect insect appears in
July, and has only been found in the neighbourhood of Durham and Neweastle, seldom above
half a mile from the sea. A single specimen has recently been taken near Brighton, which,
though described as P. Agestis with an unusual white spot on its fore wings, is most probably a
specimen of P. Sulmacis, which may yet be found at other points of the coast, if diligently
sought for, as a marine species.

Polyommatus Artazxerves (the Scotch Argus, No. 4). It was formerly thought that this
pretty insect was only to be taken at Edinburgh, and in the sole locality of Arthur’s Seat. It
has, however, been recently captured in many other places in the north of England, as well as
Scotland. The white markings on the under side of the wing (No. 6), which are entirely
without the usual black pupil, render it at a glance very distinct from all the other Polyommati,
and the discovery of the larva by Mr. Logan, which is of a blueish green, with a dark dorsal
line and a pale lateral one, and in other respects differing from the larvae of all other species of
the genus, appears to establish its claim to be considered a distinct species. The female (No. 5)
may generally be distinguished from the male by the greater breadth of the border of orange
patches on the hind wings. This pretty little Butterfly is double brooded, appearing in June,
and again in August. There is some reason to fear that dealers, in their anxiety to procure as
many specimens as possible, for which they get a good price, will ultimately extinguish this
species as they have done the beautiful C. Dispar, in the Fens of Huntingdon,* for they have
to furnish foreign as well as British cabinets with the Scotch Argus, which (though P. Agestis
is plentiful,) is certainly unknown on the Continent.

Mr. Logan, the enthusiastic Scottish entomologist, expresses himself very energetically on
the probable extinction of the race of this elegant little insect, and in defence of his cause has
even found out an objection to roadmaking, certainly never dreamed of by speculative proprie-
tors, namely, that the one in question is likely to destroy the best known locality for Polyomma-
tus Artaxerves. He thus writes to Mr. Stainton,— Government has agreed to construct a
carriage-road between Edinburgh and Duddington, much to my disgust, as it is to come along
the line of the present footpath, and will destroy all the best localities for ‘Artaverzes’” If
the Government could be made aware of the serious injury it is about to inflict, in causing the
destruction of the best known locality for the capture of Mr. Logan’s favourite Butterfly, it
might yet desist from its purpose.

* Mr. W. P. Russel has this season taken a fine female specimen of C. Dispar, in St. Osyth Woods, Essex.

PLATE XXX.

No. 1.—The Grizzle Butterfly (Pyrgus Alveolus). No. 9.—The Dingy Skipper, showing the Under

No, 2.—The Female of the Grizzle. side.

No. 3.—The Grizzle, showing the Under side. No. 10.—The Caterpillar of the Dingy Skipper.

No. 4.—The Caterpillar of the Grizzle. No. 11.—The Chrysalis of the Dingy Skipper.

No, 5.—The Caterpillar of the Grizzle preparing to No. 12.—The Chequered Skipper Butterfly (Cyeclo-
undergo the change to the Chrysalis. pedes Paniscus).

No. 6.—The Chrysalis of the Grizzle. No. 13.—The Female of the Chequered Skipper.

No. 7.—The Dingy Skipper Butterfly (Nisoniades No, 14.—The Chequered Skipper, showing the Under
Tages). side.

No. 8.—The Female of the Dingy Skipper. No. 15.—The Caterpillar of the Chequered Skipper.

Tue Fifth Family of Rhopalocera, or Butterflies, is that of the Hesperidw, contaiming a
small group of insects, which by the structure of the antenne, and other characteristics, form a
natural link between the last group of Butterflies and the first group of Moths. The Iesperida
have the head remarkably broad, and the antennz inserted on each side, instead of being very
near together as in other Butterflies. Some of the species also carry their wings horizontally
when in repose, after the manner of Moths. The Caterpillars have the head large, as in the
perfect insect, and they live in rolled leaves, in the manner of certain Moths ; and they also re-
semble them in forming a slight cocoon, which is rarely the habit of the larvee of true Butter-
flies. There are four British genera, containing seven species. All these are of comparatively
small size, and have generally a jerking motion in their flight ; having thence received the name
of “skippers,” by which they are popularly known to collectors.

The genus Pyrgus. The antenne of this genus have the club gradually formed, but not
hooked at the tip like some others. The wings are rounded, have deep chequered fringes, and
are deflexed in repose. The Caterpillars are leaf rollers, and the Chrysalides are formed in a
slightly webbed cocoon within the curled leaf that has served as the abode of the Caterpillar.
There is but one British species.

Pyrgus Alveolus (the Grizzle, Nos. 1 to 6). This is a common insect, especially in and near
woods. The Caterpillar feeds most commonly on the wild Raspberry (Bubus Idwus) in April,
and again late in the summer, and is to be found within rolled leaves held together by a web.
It also feeds on the Teazle (Dipsacus fullonum). The perfect insect appears in woods and shady
lanes in May and August. It has recently occurred in great abundance at Brighton, Bristol,
Epping, and other places.

There are several rather curious varieties of this species, the most permanent of which is
one in which the white marks towards the tips of the fore wings run into one great irregular
patch leaving only the veins dark, while in the hind wings the white marks are smaller and
more obscure. This variety is said to be pretty constant in the forest near Bewdley, Worcester-
shire, and occurs occasionally in many other localities more irregularly and more sparingly.

The genus Wisoniades. In this genus the antenne are rather longer and more slender than

60 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

in the preceding , and have the club attenuating to a point at the tip. The wings are horizon-
tal or deflexed in repose, never being held erect, as is common with true Butterflies. We have
but one British species.

Nisoniades Tages (the Dingy Skipper, Nos. 7 to 11). This insect is not near so common as
the preceding, but is yet found in some plenty in various localities. It is double brooded. The
Caterpillar, which feeds in preference upon the Birds-foot-Trefoil, and Field Eryngo, appears in
June and September ; the perfect insect in May and August. It is found most frequently on
the slopes of hills, and in dry exposed places near woods. Bromsgrove, in Worcestershire, and
Dovedale, in Derbyshire, are mentioned as places where it has been recently captured in suffi-
cient plenty. The Rev. F. O. Morris informs us, that it is found in great abundance in Ireland,
at Ardrahan, near Galway.

The genus Cyclopedes. The antenne of this genus are short and stout, and the club thick
but not hooked at the tip. The front wings are long in proportion to the hinder pair. The
sexes do not differ in colour.

Cyclopedes Paniseus (the Chequered Skipper, Nos. 12 to 15). This pretty species is very
local, but occasionally abundant in its favourite localities. The Caterpillar (No. 15) feeds upon
the Plantain (Plantago major), and appears in September. The Chrysalis remains dormant
during the winter, the perfect insect appearing in the following June. It is said to be still
found in profusion in its old locality, Monk’s Wood, Hants, and in a wood near Oundle,
Northamptonshire ; and many other localities are recorded in which it may be taken in most
seasons.

; PLATE XXXI.

No, 1.—The Lulworth Skipper Butterfly (Pamphila No. 5.—The Female of the Small Skipper.
Acteon). No. 6.—The Small Skipper, showing the Under
No. 2.—The Female of the Lulworth Skipper. side.
No. 3.—A dark variety of the Lulworth Skipper. No, 7.—The Caterpillar of the Small Skipper.
No. 4.—The a Skipper Butterfly (Pamphila No. 8.—The Chrysalis of the Small Skipper.
Linea).

THE genus Pamphila. The insects assigned to this genus are distinguishable at once from
the other Skippers by the conspicuous diagonal line of velvety black which marks the wings of
the males ; also by the generally paler colours of the females, and the absence in that sex of the
black mark above alluded to. The female of P. Linca has both pairs of wings paler than those
of the male. The female of P. Sylvmus has the wings more chequered, as well as paler than
those of the male, and the same may be said of the female of P. Acton. There is much less
distinction in the colours of the males and females of the other Skippers. In repose the front
wings are often held erect, while the hinder pair remains in a horizontal position.

Pamphila Acteon (the Lulworth Skipper, Nos. 1 to 3). This rare British insect cannot for
a moment be mistaken for the common P. Lincw by an experienced collector, though when I
first took specimens of it at Shenstone, near Lichfield, many years ago, being a very young
entomologist, I inadvertently placed the specimens in my collection as varieties of P. Linea,
not being at that time acquainted with the other species. The Caterpillar is unknown, but, as
Mr. Stainton states, the female has been seen to deposit its eggs on the Wocd-reed (Caulamagrostis
epigejos). The perfect insect appears in July and August, and with the exception of the speci-
mens taken by myself at Shenstone in 1835, (where I have not heard of any subsequent speci-
mens being captured,) none have been taken in England except at one particular spot on the
coast of Dorsetshire, Lulworth Cove, where it was first discovered by Mr. Dale, in August,
1832. As an entomological prize, it was no doubt pursued there pretty actively by the
professional collectors, as I find Mr. Morris stating (in 1853) that it is no longer to be found at
the precise part of the coast where it was first discovered, but that it was still plentiful at the
Burning Cliff. In 1849, Mr. Douglas found it in great plenty in the last-named locality, where
he captured above a hundred specimens in a very short time, often sweeping five or six into his
net at once. He states at the same time that he was unable to trace the cause of the appearance
of this insect in such numbers at that particular spot, to the abundant growth of any particular
plant suitable for the food of the larve.

The ground colour of the wings of P. Actcon is much darker than in P. Linea, the bright
orange brown of the last-named only appearing in lighter patches in the centre of the fore
wings. The female is much lighter than the male, and the wings of a nearly equal tone of
orange brown all over, very closely resembling the colour of the female of P. Linea. No. 3 is
a curious dark variety of the male, which, except in the general dark colour, approaches very
nearly to dark varieties of P. Linca.

62 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Pamphila Linea (the Small Skipper, Nos. 4 to 8). This common and pretty species is
abundant everywhere at the season of its annual appearance. It often finds its way even into
our large populous towns from the neighbouring woods and fields, enlivening the streets with
its skipping flight, yet seldom attracting the attention of the boy Butterfly-hunter in the way
that a stray specimen of one of the Garden Whites never fails to do,

The Caterpillar (No. 7) is said to feed on Grasses ; and possibly also on the foliage of
Thistles, as the perfect insects are generally found fluttering in great numbers over places where
those plants are abundant. It is found in July.

The perfect insect appears in August, being rather later than the rare P. Acteon. Plymouth,
Brighton, and Worcester, are places where it has been recently observed in the greatest abun-
dance,

PLATE XXXII.

No. 1.—The Large Skipper Butterfly (Pamphila No. 4.—The Pearl Skipper Butterfly (Pamphila
Sylvanus). Comma).

No. 2.—The Female of the Large Skipper. No. 5.—The Female of the Pearl Skipper.

No. 3.—The Large Skipper, showing the Under No. 6.—The Pearl Skipper, showing the Under side.
side. No. 7.—The Caterpillar of the Pearl Skipper.

PAMPHILA SYLVANUS (the Large Skipper, Nos. 1 to 3). This species, which is the largest
of the British Skippers, frequently exceeds in dimension the specimen for which my figure was
drawn. Ihave seen specimens measuring fully an inch and a-half from tip to tip across the
front pair of wings.

The Caterpillar is described by Zeller as being of a dull green, speckled with black, with a
dorsal line of darker colour, and having underneath, on the tenth or eleventh segments, white
transverse spots. It feeds on the Meadow Soft-grass (Holcws lanatus), and also on other Grasses,
in May ; and probably appears again in the autumn, as the species is undoubtedly double
brooded.

The perfect insect appears in May and again in August, the early brood resulting from the
autumnal hatch of Caterpillars, and the August brood from the Caterpillars, which become full
fed towards the end of May.

It is very widely distributed, and always more or less abundant, frequenting in preference
the borders of woods and shady lanes ; but being also found in open parts of the country. It
is perhaps more abundant in the southern than in the northern counties ; Brighton, Plymouth,
Teignmouth, and other places being cited as localities in which it has appeared very abundantly.

Pamphila Comma (the Pearl Skipper, or Silver-spotted Skipper, Nos. 4 to 7). This is a
very local species, but plentiful in places where it occurs. It is distinguished from all the other
species of this pretty genus by the pearly or silvery spots by which the under side of the wings
(No. 6) are conspicuously marked. It however accords perfectly in general character with its
congeners, the male being distinguished by the short black diagonal streak, and the female
(No. 5) by the lighter tone of the ground colour of the wings, their more speckled appearance,
and the total absence of the black diagonal streak, which distinguishes the anterior wings of the
other sex.

The Caterpillar (No. 7) feeds on papilionaceous plants, such as Birds-foot-Trefoil, and others
of that family. On the Continent it is known to feed on the Coronilla varia. It first appears
early in June, and is full fed about the middle of July.

The perfect insect is found in August ; frequenting in greatest abundance chalky districts
in open or elevated situations. The chalk downs in the neighbourhood of Lewes, Sussex, are
recorded as a locality in which it has been recently very abundant. Towards the north it is
less plentiful, yet far from scarce in many places, especially at Scarborough, where it is some-
times tolerably plentiful.

Having now completed the description and illustration of the whole of our Native Butter-
flies, it remains only to address a few words to enthusiastic collectors, urging them by diligent

64. THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

observation and research, to endeavour to fill up the lacunze which still exist in the history of
the preparatory stages of some of the most conspicuous species.

Considering that we can scarcely reckon more than sixty species, and that we have perhaps
double that number of good field Entomologists at work every season, (that is about two or
perhaps more to each butterfly,) it appears strange that any stage of development of any single
species should still remain unknown to us. Yet such is the fact, for we are as yet totally
unacquainted with the Caterpillar stage of the beautiful and conspicuous insect, known as the
“Small Copper,” and several other species which are equally common and well known in their
perfect state. It has been recently stated by one of our most distinguished Entomological writers,
that we positively know more of the tranformations of the obscure and minute British Moths,
than of those of our conspicuous and beautiful Butterflies. But this remark, though intended as
an honest incentive to research, is rather a bold exaggeration ; for while we are ignorant of the
larvee and pupa stages of our Butterflies only in a small number of instances, in the case of the
small Moths, we know nothing of the preparatory stages of much more than half their number.

Mr. Logan, in Scotland, has recently done much to investigate the transformations of some
of the species which are in Scotland, and has published figures of the Caterpillars of several,
which were not before known. I hope that his successful example may stimulate the exertions
of some of our English Entomologists, and that before many more seasons have passed, we shall
be able to produce a really “complete” history of our British Buttertlies in all their stages,

Hs NE

INDEX OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

INDEX OF THE GENERIC AND SPECIFIC NAMES OF BRITISH

BUTTERFLIES.

A.

APATURA Iris, 19, 20
Aporia Crategi, 5
Arge Galathea, 11
Argynnis Adippe, 33
», Aglaia, 21
3, Euphrosyne, 35, 36
1» Lathonia, 33, 34
», Paphia, 29
99 elene, 35

(Gy,
CHRYSOPHANUS Chryseis, 46
re Dispar, 48
a Hippothoé, 46
3 Phleeas, 45, 46

Virgaureze, 47
Colias Edusa, 3
» Hyale, 3, 4
Ccenonympha Davus, 17
ap Pamphilus, 17
Cyclopides Paniscus, 60
Cynthia Cardui, 21

E.

Enopia Hyperanthus, 15
Erebia Blandina, 16

3, Cassiope, 16

pe igedy 15: 10
Euchloe Cardamines, 10

G.

GONEPTERYX Rhamni, 2
Grapta C-album, 27, 28

lel
HIPPARCHIA Janira, 14
i Semele, 13
3 Tithonus, 14
L.

LASIOMMATA /igeria, II, 12
» | Megzra, 12

Leucophasia Sinapis, 10

Limenitis Sibilla, 18

M.
MELITAA Artemis, 39
33 Athalia, 38
Cinxia, 37, 38
N.

NeMEoBIUS Lucina, 40
Nisoniades Tages, 60

RP:
PAMPHILA Acton, 61
rr Comma, 63
oF, Linea, 62
Sylvanus, 63

Papilio Machaon, I, 2
Pieris Brassicee, 6

3, Daplidice, 9

» Napi, 8

ao wkapees 7)
Polyommatus Acis, 50
Adonis, 53
A Egon, 55

” Agestis, 555 56
” Alexis, 53, 54
3 Alsus, 50

. Argiolus, 49

53 Arion, 51

. Artaxerxes, 58
3 Corydon, 51, 52

a Salmacis, 57, 58
Pyrgus Alveolus, 59

Te

THECLA Betula, 41
H Pruni, 41
x» Quercus, 43
>» Rubi, 43
>, W-album, 42

Ne
VANESSA, Antiopa, 23, 24
5 Atalanta, 22
” To, 23
rH Polychloros, 25

3 Urtice, 27

INDEX OF POPULAR NAMES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

A.

ArRGuS’s, §55—58
Azure Blue, 49

B.

BLACK Hair-streak, 42
Black-veined White, 5
Blues, 49—55
Brimstone, 2

Brown Argus, 55, 56
Brown Hair-streak, 41

Cc.

CAMBERWELL Beauty, 23, 24
Chequered Skipper, 60
Clifden Blue, 53

Clouded Yellow, 3

Comma Butterfly, 27, 28
Common Blue, 53, 54

Chalk Hill Blue, 51, 52
Copper Butterfly, 45
Coppers, 45—458

D.

Dark Argus, 57, 58
Dark Green Fritillary, 31

Dark Hair-streak, 41

Dark Under-winged Copper, 46
Dingy Skipper, 60

Duke of Burgundy Fritillary, 40

Ins
FRITILLARYS, 29—40

G,
GATE Keeper, 14
Glanville Fritillary, 37

Grayling Butterfly, 13
Greasy Fritillary, 39

66 INDEX OF THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES.

Great Cabbage-White, 6
Great Swallow-tailed, 1

Great Tortoise-shell, 25

Green Chequered White, 9, 10
Green Hair-streak, 44
Green-veined White, 7, 8
Grizzle Butterfly, 59

lis

HIAIR-STREAKS, 41—44.
Heath Fritillary, 38
High Brown Fritillary, 33

L.

LARGE Blue, 51
Large Copper, 47—48
Large Skipper, 63
Lulworth Skipper, 61

M.

MARBLED White, I1
Marsh Ringlet, 17
Mazarine Blue, 50
Meadow Brown, 14

oO,

ORANGE-TIP, 10

P,

PAINTED Lady, 21

Pale Clouded Yellow, 3
Peacock, 23

Pearl-Bordered Fritillary, 35, 36
Pearl Skipper, 63

Purple-edged Copper, 46
Purple Emperor, 19, 20

Purple Hair-streak, 43

©;

4

QUEEN of Spain Fritillary, 33, 34

Rep Admiral, 22
Ringlet Butterfly, 15
Ringlets, 15—17

SCARCE Copper, 47

Scotch Argus, 15, 16
Silver-studded Blue, 55
Silver-washed Fritillary, 29, 30
Skippers, 60—63

Small Blue, 50

Small Cabbage-White, 7
Small Heath, 17

Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, 35
Small Ringlet, 16

Small Scotch Argus, 58

Small Skipper, 62

Small Tortoise-shell, 2
Speckled Wood, 12

Ab

TORTOISE-SHELLS, 25—27

Ws

WALL Butterfly, 12
White Admiral, 18
Whites, 5—11
Wood White, 10

INDEX OF FAMILIES AND SUB-FAMILIES OF BRITISH

Argyrnnidi (Sub-Family), 29
Erycinide (Family), 39
Hesperidze (Family), 59

Lyczenidee (Family), 41

BUTTERFLIES.

Nymphalide (Family), 11
Nymphalidi (Sub-Family), 17
Papilionidze (Family), 1

Papilionidi (Sub-Family), 1

BILLING, PRINTER, GUILDFORD.

Pieridi (Sub-Family), 5
Rhodoceridi (Sub-Family), 2
Satyridi (Sub-Family), 11

Vanessidi (Sub-Family), 21

THE BEST METHODS OF PRESERVING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS ;
AND OF

REARING THEM FROM THE CATERPILLAR OR THE EGG.

To capture Butterflies and Moths in their perfect or winged state, it is necessary that the
collector be provided with a small gauze net, attached to a hoop of strong iron wire at the end
of a light cane handle about three feet long. Nets of this kind are sold at Messrs. Gardner’s.
in Holborn, and Messrs. Shepherd’s, in the Strand; who manufacture articles of this kind of
better quality than can possibly be the result of home fabrication. Boxes lined with cork for
securing the insects when taken, as well as many other entomological conveniences, are to be
purchased at those establishments, and also at many others of the same kind.

The collector will soon find out the hour of the day at which the insects he is seeking
generally appear on the wing ; and it is almost useless to seek them at any other. It is also in
vain to attempt collecting insects on the wing in a cold easterly wind, especially such as fly
early in the morning, or towards the hours of evening. Butterflies, with very few exceptions,
will be found more plentiful in the sunny hours preceding, and those immediately following the
heat of the day; while for a short period, during the sun’s greatest heat, they disappear for a
short time. Some fly principally in half shade of woods and deep lanes, wile others seek in
preference the bright open sunlight. Others take their flight high above the tops of the lofti-
est Oaks, as the Purple Emperor, and these must either be secured by means of a small light
net at the end of a very long rod, or some little stratagem must be had recourse to in order to
effect a capture. I recollect an experienced Lepidopterist telling me that he took his two finest
specimens of the Purple Emperor in an Oak wood, rather late in the day, after a morning of
fruitless attempts, by watching the trunks of the trees as a storm was coming on. He had
heard that these insects, on the approach of a storm, descended from the region of their lofty
flight to seek shelter on the trunks and beneath the lower branches of large trees ; and as the
sky darkened, and the thunder began to rumble in the distance, he found that his information
had been correct, for he perceived two magnificent specimens descend with a swoop, and settle
upon an old gray trunk close to him, where he was so fortunate as to capture both.

As an example of what an earnest collector may expect in an excursion of a few days,
even without much experience, I append a letter received this season from a young collector, in
which it will be seen that, as far as Purple Emperors are concerned (from knowing a good
locality to go to), he was by far more successful than my friend of the thunder-storm ; and his
other captures form a very tempting list.

“T captured on Friday last, in St. Osyth Woods, Essex, a very fine specimen of Vanessa
Antiopa ; the borders of the wings are a rich cream-colour, the points of the upper wings are
slightly marked with blue. I took it off a bramble. I also took at the same place a female
specimen of the Large Copper (Chrysophanus Dispar). In the neighbourhood of this place
(Monk’s Eleigh) and Savenham, I have found this summer a greater number of varieties
than usual ; amongst others, Chrysophanus Phlwas (female); C. Virgauree ; Thecla W-album ;
Meliteea Cinaia ; Argynnys Adippe; A. Lathonia ; A. Paphia ; Grapta C-album ; Vanessa Urtice ;
Cynthia Cardui ; Apatura Iris (of which I also took thirty at St. Osyth) ; Limenitis Sibilla ;
Arge Galathea ; Leucophasia Sinapis ; Papilio Machaon ; Colias Hyale (two taken this morning) ;
and Aporia Crategi. The Vanessa Io is extraordinarily numerous this year, as much so as
Pieris Brassice.”

To take Moths on the wing, other devices must be had recourse to ; a few, it is true, fly by
day in the bright sunshine like Butterflies, but by far the greater number take their flight at
early dawn, in the dusk of the evening, or during the successive hours of the night, each
species having a special-period of activity, from which it does not depart.

The following are a few of the species which may be attracted, in succession, by a lighted
candle. Pheosia Dictwa, popularly called the Swallow Prominent, may be easily distinguished ;
in its fitful flight when agitated by the candle, this insect continually darts towards the ground,

2 METHODS OF PRESERVING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS.

and is lost in the darkness, soon again to appear glancing swiftly past the light, and then down-
ward into the shade, as before. Agrotis corticea, the Heart and Club Moth, is less fleet on the
wing than the preceding, and instead of flying downwards towards the floor, invariably rises
towards the ceiling, attracted apparently by the mild white light by which itis pervaded. — Cos-
mia Pyralina (the Lunar-spotted Pinion Moth), if it enter a room attracted by the light, is very
wild and irregular in its flight, dashing from the candle to the ceiling, and from the ceiling to
the flocr. Though this insect is by no means common, I have taken it more than once in a
lighted room, always, I believe, on a rainy evening, and towards the end of July. Clisiocampa
Neustria, the Lackey Moth, is as abundant as the last described species is rare, and yet it is
seldom seen in the perfect form, as it is a swift night-flyer. This moth, on entering a room,
attracted by a light, has the same wild flight as the species last described, and is rather difficult
to capture, even with the aid of a proper net. Later in the season may be taken Petasia Cassi-
nea, popularly known as the Sprawler, which, like the last, is much more rare in the winged
state than in the Caterpillar stage of its existence. It is, however, often attracted by a light,
when its flight becomes random, dashing heedlessly on all sides through the flame of the candle
up to the ceiling, or down to the floor. This species seldom appears before November, and is
often found as late as December. It is late in the hour of its flight, as well as in the season of
its appearance, often retarding its visit to the expectant candle till one or two in the morning.
Still later in the year appears the remarkably elegant December Moth, Pwecilocampa Populi,
which is easily attracted by light, and, if any be in the neighbourhood, they will make their
appearance between the hours of seven and ten on favourable evenings.

Sitting in a well-lighted room, with the window open to the dark garden, a watcher, active
with the net, may capture in succession many species in a single night. But before the shades
of evening have sunk into darkness, the collector should have perambulated, net in hand, the
most shady walks of his garden, beating the shrubs with a stick held in his left hand ; when he
is sure, at the right season, to meet with the male Ghost Moth, flitting white and bright before
him, and then vanishing as suddenly, as the dark under-side of the wings meet the eye instead
of the snow-white upper surface. Then there will be the Phantom Moth, like the miniature
skeleton of some delicate insect, haunting the spot where it had once flitted in more substantial
shape. This is the “ White Plume,” sometimes called the Skeleton Moth. These and many
more rare and handsomer species will reward persevering pursuit on a favourable evening.

A very successful method of capturing night-flying Moths, is that of tempting them to
settle in a certain spot by a bait of sugar. The sugar is reduced to a thick solution by the
addition of water, and then brushed upon the trunks of trees, old palings, &e., in favourable
situations. The baited spot must be visited once an hour or so, or the insect may have paid
the visit, and again taken to flight. Some collectors place a light near the sugared trees as an
additional attraction, and some add a large white sheet behind the sugared trees, upon which
the light should be made to fall as brightly as possible.

At dawn of day, on a fine mild summer morning, some of the rarer Sphingide may be
taken fluttering over their favourite flowers. I took a magnificent specimen of Sphina Convol-
vuli hovering over a bed of Petunias, this season.

The preservation of insects thus taken is very simple, and the best methods are perfectly
known to all experienced entomologists. But Iam writing for those who are at present with-
out such experience. The Butterfly or Moth, while still in the net (which should be allowed
to lie close together, so as to prevent as much as possible the movement of the insect), should
be taken hold of by the thumb and finger underneath the chest, and suddenly pinched with
some little force, which immediately destroys all sensation. It may then be dropped lightly
from the net, so as not to injure the delicate scales of the wings. An entymological pin*
must then be passed through the thorax from the upper side, between the wings, in a perfectly
upright position, passing through to a sufficient extent to allow of the insect being firmly pinned
to the bottom of the cork-lined box. The same process will be followed in all subsequent cap-
tures, taking care not to place the specimens too close together in the box.

Some collectors put each insect, if a particularly fine specimen, or very rare species, into a

* Pins that do not corrode, and which are sold by all vendors of collecting apparatus.

METHODS OF PRESERVING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS, 3

separate box, touching the bottom of it with a single drop of chloroform, which has been found
to prevent any return of sensation, or any fluttering of the wings by which their beauty might
be seriously injured.

On arriving at home, the insects should be carefully set out in the.form they are intended
to retain permanently, and this should necessarily be done before the insects finally stiffen, or it
becomes difficult to manage them so well, though an exposure to the steam arising from a cup of
hot water will generally restore a temporary limpness. The process of “setting out” must, of
course, be done with neatness and care, so as not to injure the wings, or break the antenne. A
board covered with a coating of cork must be provided, in which there are grooves running
across of greater or lesser depth. The insect may then he fixed by the pin into the groove ac-
cording to the thickness of the body. The body of a Butterfly being generally small, the groove
need not be deep. The wings are then to be spread out on the hoard on either side, level with
the body and fully expanded. They are to be fixed in that position by means of strips of thin
and very smooth cardboard, pinned down over them sufficiently close to hold them in the posi-
tion required, but not so close as to injure the delicate scales of the wings. In a few days the
insect will have stiffened in the position in which it has been fixed as described, and which it
will permanently retain. It should then be removed to the cabinet in which it is to be pre-
served. In order to preserve the specimens in a cabinet from the attacks of minute parasitic
insects, a small piece of camphor is generally fixed in the corner of each drawer. If what is
called the grease should attack the insects in a cabinet, the best mode of restoring the insects
attacked to their original condition is the following. The grease generally appears in large-
bodied Moths or Butterflies, giving the bodies the appearance of having been soaked in oil ; and
this appearance soon spreads to the wings, utterly destroying the beauty of the specimens. To
restore an insect thus attacked, fix it on a piece of cork weighted with lead, or something heavy,
and place it at the bottom of a saucer or any similar vessel. Then fill the saucer with benzone,*
entirely covering the insect, which will not be injured by the wetting. After five minutes it
may be taken out, and the benzone, being an absorber of grease, will carry off the oily matter
in the course of its own evaporation, which is very rapid. The insect will then become as
beautiful as when first “set out,” and may be replaced in the cabinet.

The collection of Caterpillars may be commenced as soon as the leaves begin to appear, and
may be continued till the end of September or October, as there are many double-brooded
species, the second hatch of Caterpillars of which appears about the time last named, Chrysalides
of which remain dormant through the winter. Detached trees may be well shaken after a white
table-cloth has been spread beneath, and a number of Caterpillars, difficult to discover in any
other way,may thus be secured. Hedgerows may be beaten over an inverted umbrella for the same
purpose. A careful search among low-growing plants will, however, be necessary to secure
other species, and a plant that exhibits symptoms of having been eaten by Caterpillars, should
sometimes be pulled up by the roots, and the root well examined, as the night-feeding Cater-
pillars often take shelter beneath the surface of the soil during the day, and conceal themselves
among the loose roots ; or they may sometimes be found hidden among the decayed leaves about
the base of the main stalk of the plant. The Caterpillars of most of the Meadow brown Butter-
flies and many Moths, are grass-feeders, and yet meadow after meadow might be looked over in
vain for a single larva, as in almost all cases they belong to the night-feeding class just alluded
to. The truly magnificent Caterpillar of the Sword-grass Moth is, doubtless, a night-feeder,
which accounts for its seeming rarity, few specimens having been seen by Entomologists. The
Caterpillars that feed within the stems of plants, all belonging to the Moth family, are still more
difficult to find, but their internal ravages may generally be traced by the paler or yellower
green of the branch or stem, the sap of which is being consumed by an intruder ; and on opening
the branch he will be discovered at work ; but it is better to leave him till his full growth is
attained, marking the stem in some way so as to recognise it easily. The Leaf-rollers, Leaf-
miners, and Bark and Lichen-feeders, and those that feed in cases—concealed like those of the
Caddis-worm in particles of decayed wood or dead leaves, will have to be looked for very care-

* This remedy was first mentioned in a very charming little periodical, entitled “ Recreative Science,” which
is always full of useful information.

4 METHODS OF PRESERVING BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS,

fully. When a Caterpillar or a brood of a gregarious kind has been discovered, it is better to
leave them on the branch or plant of their own selection—covering it securely with a piece of
gauze—than to attempt their removal. But if at adistance from home this would be impractic-
able, and in that case a “rearing cage” or box must be prepared. This is easily managed. A
strong box, about two feet long by one broad, should be sunk to about half its depth in the
ground in some sheltered part of a garden ; the lid is to be of wire-tissue such as meat-safes are
made of, and above it is to be a sloping board or roof to shoot off the rain. The box is to be
about half-filled with broken bits of tile and garden mould, partially covered over with moss.
The food for each kind of Caterpillar placed in the box should, in order to keep it fresh, be
placed in a glass phial of water in the box ; and in addition to this precaution the food should
be changed every day. If, however, the food be changed every day, the bottles of water may
be dispensed with in most cases, though they are always of advantage. In a box of this kind,
so placed, the Caterpillars have the advantage both of open air and shelter; and they either
burrow in the ground at the bottom to undergo their change, or suspend themselves to some
branch which should be fixed for that purpose ; or they attach themselves to the sides of the
box. Care must be taken to watch the box carefully at the time when Moths or Butterflies are
expected to emerge from their chrysalides, as they would otherwise, when prepared to take
flight, beat themselves against the wire lid and injure their wings. I have described boxes of
this kind at much greater length in the “ Butterfly Vivarium.”*

The eggs of Butterflies and Moths may also be placed in this rearmg cage, where they will
hatch themselves at the proper season, and if the proper food be provided for the young brood
of minute Caterpillars, they will thrive well. The eggs of Moths and Butterflies may be found
by watching the under side of leaves, &c. ; when a mass of small and nearly spherical objects,
somewhat less than a pin’s head, are observed attached together on a leaf, placed in straight or
diagonal rows with geometrical regularity, it may in most cases be taken for granted that they
are the eggs in question. They are sometimes found in rings, encircling branches of shrubs,
like double or treble rows of beads. But the collector will soon have an eye to perceive and
recognise his game under very varied aspects and circumstances. Besides this mode of collecting
the eggs, there is another. Almost every female Moth or Butterfly that is captured, will deposit
its eggs before dying ; indeed, it appears almost impossible to extinguish life in the female in-
sect till this main object of its existence—the deposition of its eggs—has heen effected. Rare
and beautiful Caterpillars may often be raised in numbers from the eggs of a captured Moth,
which it is difficult to procure in any other way, their natural haunts and habits being unknown.

The great advantage of rearing Moths and hatching Caterpillars in this way is—first, that
the specimens of the winged insect are necessarily much more perfect than those captured during
their flight ; secondly, that the Caterpillars of some kinds of Moths are very common, while the
Moth itself is rarely seen, and can only be procured by rearing it from the larva ; thirdly, that
some larvee may be obtained in this way from the egg which are, as stated above, seldom other-
wise seen.

I succeeded in procuring some magnificent specimens of the Death’s-head Moth from the
Caterpillar in a rearing cage of this kind. But an amateur Entomologist writes me that for this
species his own method, as follows, is better :—‘ Last year I took three Caterpillars of the
Death’s-head Hawk Moth ; one I kept in dry earth, one in a box buried in the garden, and one
in a box in my study, which I regularly watered twice a week: the last succeeded admirably,
it emerged in March ; the two others appeared in the beginning of May, and were almost worth-
less.” The eggs and chrysalides of many fine Continental species not found in England, may be
procured at Mr. Gardner’s, No. 52, High Holborn—such as the Great Emperor Moth, the hand-
some Butterfly Papilio Podalirius, and others. I have found great amusement and interest in
rearing some of the finer Continental Lepidoptera in this manner, and then letting them fly in
my garden, where they have sported for several days, and then disappeared ; for it does not
seem possible to naturalise any new species in this way. Confined to a greenhouse they might,
however, exist through several generations, forming a great additional ornament, and giving
quite a new source of interest to an ordinary Conservatory. HN. H.

* Now published by Mr. Bohn, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.

See

=

acre

See