173 



CHAPTER XIV 



THE BROWNS A^'D HEATHS 

 Fauiilj' — Satyrid.^ 



This family contains eleven British species, often spoken of 

 collectively as the ' Browns,' since in most of them the prevailing 

 tmts are various shades of brown. They are decidedly dingy in 

 comparison with the beantifnl butterflies we have been previously' 

 observing ; but to this statement we must allow one marked 

 exception, for the family includes the beautiful Marbled White, 

 which stands out prominently among its fellows for brilliancy and 

 boldness of colour. 



The caterpillars of the ' Satyrs ' have no spines, but their bodies 

 are covei*ed with very minute hair-bearing warts that give them a 

 soft velvety appearance. The hinder extremity tapers off con- 

 siderably, and terminates in two points. 



The chrysalides are not angular like those of the preceding 

 species, and though generally suspended by the tail, are sometimes 

 found quite free among leaves and grasses on the ground. 



The perfect insects are rather feeble fliers, and generally take so 

 little notice of intruders that they are easily caught in the hand. 

 Their wings are devoid of angles, and they have only four perfectly 

 developed legs. 



The Marbled White {Melanargia Galatea) 



Oiu- first member of this family is the exception to which we 

 have already alluded as a relief to the general dinginess of the 

 'Browns.' Its colours above are cream and black, arranged 

 as shown in Plate V, fig. 2. The imder side (fig. 77) is marked 

 with white, black, and greenish grey, with a row of eye-like 

 spots parallel with the hind margin of the hind wings. 



