72 LEPIDOPTERA. 



the incisions of the segments ; spiracular lines broadly yellow, 

 enclosing the spiracles, which are rust-red and have a white 

 spot above and below them ; horn lilac at the base, shading 

 through reddish to brown at the tip. Before changing to 

 pupa the larva often becomes of a reddish-brown dusted with 

 whitish, and the broad spiracular line light brown. When 

 young it is not so smooth, but shagreened with minute rough 

 points. Occasionally the larva, although green, has the legs 

 and under-surface dull red. (Adapted from Buckler.) 



July and August, on Honeysuckle, and in confinement will 

 eat Snowljerry {Sym'plioricctr'pus racemosus). 



Pupa rather slender, rounded, tapering towards the head, and 

 sharply so at the tail. Rich brown, shaded with purplish or 

 blackish on each segment and on the wing and antenna cases. 

 In a loose open network cocoon, among moss or grass roots at 

 the surface of the ground. In pupa through the winter. 



A swift and lively species, flying in the sunshine, and, so 

 far as is known, never at night. It is usually found in open 

 places in and near woods, hovering at the blossoms of Lychnis 

 fios-cuculi (Ragged robin), EhinantJms crista-galli (Yellow 

 rattle), Bhododcndron^ Bdonica officinalis, and especially 

 Ajuga rcptans (Common bugle), sucking nectar as it hovers, 

 and never alighting upon the flowers ; in this respect differing 

 from the large humble bees which it so closely resembles in 

 appearance. Its eggs are deposited while hovering over 

 honeysuckle sprays, upon the leaves, and are easily found. 



Generally distributed in woods in the south of England, 

 and common in Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and Hants. Rather 

 common also in Devon, but apparently less so in Somerset, 

 Dorset, and Gloucestershire. Not scarce in Berks, rare in 

 Suffolk and Norfolk, though widely distributed in the latter 

 county. In Northamptonshire locally common, once recorded 

 in Cambridgeshire, and found in some parts of Lincolu shire 

 and Yorkshire. In Scotland it is said to have been taken in 

 the Solway and Clyde districts, but there may be confusion 



