222 Familiarities effected with Butterflies, 



Art. VIII. Familiarities effected tvith Butterflies* ¥>6mbyces, and 

 Sphinx stellatarum. By F. C. Lukis, Esq. 



Sir, 



The familiar disposition of Vanessa Atalanta induces me 

 to think that many of these insects might undergo a sort 

 of domestication, or friendly intercourse with man. This 

 would afford additional gratification, and increase the plea- 

 sures of the naturalist beyond that which he already derives 

 in observing their rich hues and singular habits, or classing 

 them in his cabinet. 



Some years ago, whilst employed in making additions to 

 the list of the island Lepidoptera, I approached a plum tree 

 (green gage), where several individuals of Vanessa Atalanta 

 were busily employed in feeding on the rich juice of the ripest 

 fruit. As an unusual tameness prevailed among these airy 

 visitants, I was for a moment arrested in my purpose; and, 

 whilst watching their motions, I perceived several wasps and 

 flies (iliusca tenax) hovering about the fruit, and attempting 

 to alight on it. This was no sooner done than they were 

 driven away by the butterfly. Any resistance manifested by 

 the wasp exasperated the butterfly ; which would boldly 

 approach the intruder, flap its wing at it, and again become 

 the sole possessor of the fruit : the action of the butterfly was 

 very similar to the flapping of the pigeon's wing when feeding 

 in company with others of its kind. The V. Atalanta, when 

 driven away, only took a short flight, and soon returned to its 

 dainty repast. 



After observing this interesting struggle for some time, I 

 approached near the tree, placed my finger gently on the 

 fruit, and immediately received several sharp flappings from 

 its wings, which were repeated, with evident excitement, in 

 quick succession. 



Slowly persisting in my purpose, I moved my finger nearer 

 to the spot from which it was extracting the juice : this was 

 again prevented by the insect turning its body round, and ex- 

 panding its wings over the fruit, to keep my finger away. I 

 then touched its back and wings, until I was enabled to 

 close them, lift it from the spot, and replace it again. I next 

 applied a feather in the same way, smoothed its soft plumes, 

 and continued this operation for some time, without alarm or 

 fear being manifested. The next day I visited the tree again, 

 and felt much pleased to find the same individuals at work. 

 A greater intimacy now ensued between us ; and I was 

 enabled to exhibit these familiar feats before several friends, 

 who smiled at hearing I had tame butterflies in my garden. 



