PIERID.E. 41 



Single-brooded, emerging at the end of July or in August, 

 hybernating early, often leaving its hybernaculum in February 

 or March in warm districts, and remaining on the wing until 

 June. 



Larva very slightly pubescent, attenuated at each 

 extremity. Dull green, darker green below, spiracular line 

 conspicuously whitish or yellowish, clearly defined below, 

 but shading upwards into the ground colour. Head and body 

 profusely dusted witli black. 



Food, Rhamnus frangula, catharticus, and occasionally the 

 cultivated /i'. alatcrnus. June, July. 



Pupa irregularly fusiform, pointed at each extremity ; the 

 wing cases forming a large rounded and keeled projection ; 

 head with a sharp point. Bright light green with a jiale 

 yellow line at the sides, a dark brown spot at the base of 

 each wing-case, and the outer edge of the projection in front 

 of the same colour. (Fenn.) 



The larva loves to lie along the midrib of a leaf, and its 

 colour so closely harmonises with that of the leaf that it is 

 readily overlooked. 



The perfect insect is very lively and active, especially in 

 the spring, at which season it pairs and deposits its eggs. 

 After emergence in the autumn it flies lazily about flowery 

 places in woods, gardens, the corners of clover fields, and else- 

 where, for a few weeks ; but generally retires on the approach 

 of the earliest autumn storm to some place of safety, 

 either amongst dead leaves in woods or under hedges, where 

 with closed wings, pale- veined greenish underside (in repose), 

 and chocolate spots and dots, it has so accurately the appear- 

 ance of a fungus-spotted withering leaf as to aflbrd it the 

 most admirable means of concealment. Like other early 

 hybernating species, it reappears early, often in February or 

 March. It is certainly one of the longest-lived butterflies 

 known. On July 7th, 18G4, worn hybernated specimens were 

 still Hying about, and the newly emerged examjilcs were 



