26 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 
effect is heightened by a few light specks, especially the one on the middle of the dark part of 
the hind wing. 
The Caterpillar (No. 4) is very handsome, and with its curiously branched spines exhibits 
the characters of a true Vanessa. It feeds exclusively on Elm, and is scarcely ever found where 
those trees do not abound. In the Plate this Caterpillar has been inadvertently represented 
upon the nettle. 
The Chrysalis (No. 5) resembles those of the other Vanesse in its angularities, and the 
bright metallic spots with which it is decorated. 
Several accidental varieties of this fine insect are occasionally met with, in which two or 
more of the dark spots are blended into one. These are sought with great avidity by the 
curious, and I have seen some very singular examples in different cabinets. Any collector 
rearing a great number from the Caterpillar state, would be likely to meet with varieties of 
that kind in some of the specimens. 
Reaumur, in his interesting Mémoires, has given some very curious illustrations of the trans- 
formations of this insect, which is more common in France than with us. In England it is said 
to be found chiefly in the southern half of the island ; but Mr. Duncan—as quoted by Mr. 
Westwood—says it has been taken as far north as Dunkeld. Mr. Stainton gives Huddersfield 
and York among the more northerly districts in which it has been recently captured. 
