120 BRITISH BUTTERFLIES 



THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY. 



(Vanessa Io.) (Plate VIII. fig. 2.) 



The form and markings of this species, so distinct from 

 every other of our butterflies, will be seen by reference 

 to the plate ; and as to its colouring, I will not do it 

 the injustice to attempt a description of its rich perfec- 

 tion, more especially as almost every reader may hope 

 to add the insect to his collection during his first year's 

 hunting, and then he can study its beauties for himself 



The under side, however, presents a remarkable con- 

 trast to the splendour of the reverse, being covered with 

 shades and streaks of funereal blacks and browns. This 

 affords a strange effect when the insect, sitting on a 

 flower head, alternately opens and shuts the wings with 

 a fanning motion, according to its custom. 



The caterpillar (Plate I. fig. 6), which feeds grega- 

 riously upon the nettle, is black, dotted with white, and 

 thorny. 



The chrysalis is greenish, with gold spots. 



The butterfly, which is common in nearly every part 

 of England, comes out in August and September, the 

 individuals met with not unfrequently in the spring 

 having hybe mated. 



Mr. Doubleday writes thus to the Zoologist regarding 

 the winter retrea is of butterflies of this genus : — " Last 



