THE EARLIER STAGES OF LYC^NA ARION. 



105 



A remarkable similarity exists between the buds of thyme 

 blossom and the larvae, both in the colouring and the pubescence 

 of each, so much so that it requires very close examination to 

 discern the little larvae ; and they generally conceal themselves 

 inside the bloom, making detection all the more difficult ; but 

 generally a small hole is eaten through the calyx, when the larva 

 may sometimes be seen with only the anal segments protruding. 



The second larva, measuring one-eighth inch, being in the 

 third stage, is similar in colouring, pattern, and structure, ex- 

 cepting that it is brighter, and the hairs a good deal longer, and 

 the head is shining black. 



Upon supplying them with fresh sprays of thyme, the larger 

 of the two soon commenced feeding on the downy portion as well 

 as the calyx of the bloom, which seems to be generally the first 

 part to be eaten through, apparently to enable the larva to feed 

 at once upon the base of the petals. 



The largest larva moulted for the third time on July 26th. 

 Twenty hours after moulting it still measures only one-eighth 

 inch when fully extended. The general colouring is now more 

 uniformly ochreous pink and duller ; the second and third seg- 

 ments are humped; the first segment is sloping to the front, 

 sunken in the middle, and rounded, overlapping the head, and it 

 has a large black oval patch in the centre ; the three posterior 

 segments are also compressed and sunken ; each segment is 

 humped sub-dorsally, forming a deep longitudinal medio-dorsal 

 furrow ; the sides are concave, and the lateral ridge projecting 

 and overlapping the entire length, hiding from view the legs and 

 claspers ; there are four longitudinal rows of long curved hairs, 

 one row being sub-dorsal, and one lateral ; each row is composed 

 of a single hair on each segment from the fourth to the ninth 

 inclusive, on which segment the sub-dorsal series terminates ; 

 the first three segments have each a set of three sub-dorsal hairs, 

 those on the first segment curving forwards ; the lateral series 

 are likewise formed of one on each segment, and all directed 

 laterally and surrounding the extremities of the larva ; the hairs 

 have the bases of remarkable formation, resembling glass-like 

 pedestals with fluted sides. The entire upper surface of the 

 body is densely studded with extremely minute pyriform glassy 

 processes ; the under surface is equally as densely clothed with 

 very short stoutish hairs. The head is ochreous with dark brown 

 markings in front; the prolegs dusky, and the claspers are 

 unicolorous with the under surface. 



In this stage (after the third moult) the larvse persistently 

 refuse to remain on the blossoms or any other part of the plant, 

 and appear to have a tendency to hide in the ground. Although 

 thyme and various other plants were supplied to them, they 

 refused to feed, so, leaving them with a growing plant of thyme, 

 and keeping them under conditions as natural as possible, trust- 



