28 THE GENERA AND SPECIES OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 
our living collectors, as Mr. Stainton informs us, recollect taking it frequently, though it is now 
very rarely seen. The form of the wings, which is remarkable in this species, varies much in 
different specimens. In some the large concavity near the front of the fringed margin of the 
fore wings is so deep as to form more than half a circle, while in others it is much less con- 
spicuous. The specimen represented in the annexed Plate is a medium one. The under side 
(No. 6) presents (as in the closely allied genus Vwnessw) an extraordinary contrast to the upper. 
It is beautifully marked and variegated with different shades of gray, olive, and black ; ex- 
hibiting near the centre a peculiar white mark, as of a capital C traced with a delicate pencil in 
white paint, from which this pretty species takes its name. On the opposite wing this mark is 
necessarily curved in the opposite direction, which causes it to resemble the figure of a coma, 
from which the popular name the Comma Butterfly, or the White Comma, has arisen. 
The Caterpillar (No. 7) presents one rather remarkable peculiarity, which distinguishes it 
from the Caterpillars of all the British species of Vunessa. This peculiarity consists in the colour- 
ing of the back, which is of a bright orange colour on the five segments next the head, and 
white on all the rest. The spines which issue from every segment except the one next the head, 
are of the same character as those of the larvee of 7”. Jo, V. urtice. The head, which is raised 
at the sides into two remarkable tubercles, is bristly, as are the spines. This pretty Caterpillar, 
which is not gregarious, feeds on various trees and herbaceous plants, among which the Currant 
appears to be preferred: but it is found on Elm, Honeysuckle, and Willow, and also on the 
Hop, the Nettle, &e. 
The Chrysalis (No. 8) varies in colour from flesh-colour to brown, and it is ornamented 
when first formed by gold spots, like those of the Vanesse, which disappear as the skin becomes 
dry. This insect, according to Harris, remains in the Chrysalis state about fourteen days, and 
he states also that there are two broods each season, the latter brood being of a paler colour 
than the earlier one, a peculiarity which accords with my own observations on the late broods 
of V. polychloros. This insect hybernates like /. wrticw, specimens being seen occasionally on 
the very first fine days of early spring. Formerly it was said to be taken in all parts of Eng- 
land, and north of the Tweed, as far as Fifeshire ; but according to the latest entomological 
records, it is no longer found either near London, or in Scotland. 
