LYC^NA ICARUS. IQI 



L. icarus, Rott, L. alexis, Hiib. (Common Blue) 

 (Figs. 214 to 218), is the brilliant little butterfly that 

 is so familiar to us throughout the summer, and joins 

 the Small Copper and Small Heath in many a sportive 

 gambol in the sunshine. It is found everywhere through- 

 out the British Isles, and nearly everywhere is very 

 common. 



215 



216 



LYC^ENA ICARUS. 



The eggs are laid on the Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus 

 corniculatus}, and on Ononis aruensis and no doubt 

 O. Spinoza^ the two Common Rest-harrows. There are 

 more broods than one during the season, and the winter 

 appears usually to be passed in the larval stage. The 

 butterflies are on the wing from May to October. 



The larva (Fig. 214), which is a little over |in. in 

 length, is covered with tiny hairs. It is dark green in 



