ZYG.^NID/E. 129 



bluish-green ; subdorsal line represented by a row of black 

 markings of an X shape, or else divided into pairs of 

 elongated blotches ; spiracular line irregular and undulating, 

 being composed also of black streak-like spots set obliquely 

 and meeting each other ; incisions of segments broadly 

 yellowish ; the usual raised spots or tubercles abundantly set 

 with short fine hairs ; legs black ; prolegs greenish. Very 

 similarwhen young, but before hybernation the body becomes 

 paler and more transparent and the black spots browner, so 

 that it is far less conspicuous. It hybernates in little com- 

 panies on the stems of the food plant. 



On Lotus corniculatus and L. major, Trifolium pratensc, and 

 probably other soft leguminous plants ; from the end of July 

 to September, then hybernating and feeding again from 

 March to the end of May, Mr. T. H. Briggs has ascertained 

 that some individuals scarcely feed at all in the spring, but 

 settle down again and pass a second winter as small larvae. 

 This has since been confirmed by other observers. 



Pupa with the cases of the wings, antennae, and legs, and 

 also the head, black-brown ; abdominal segments dark-green 

 ringed with darker. In a yellow, or whitish, fusiform silken 

 cocoon attached to the stems of grasses or rushes, usually 

 close to the ground or in the thickest tufts, but sometimes, 

 and especially in a very wet season, may be found con- 

 spicuously on the higher portions of the plants. In pupa 

 about a fortnight. 



A lively and fairly active species in the sunshine, frequenting 

 thistle blossoms and other flowers ; but usually confining 

 itself to the limits of some favourite marshy place, or hill- 

 side where herbage is tolerably dense, and particularly 

 attached to damp meadows. Always local and gregarious, 

 even though in a drier locality. Very plentiful in suitable 

 places throughout the South of England and of Wales ; 

 apparently absent from many parts of the Midland Counties ; 

 not at all common in Norfolk and Suffolk nor in Yorkshire, 



VOL. II. I 



