158 THE BOOK OF BRITISH BUTTERFLIES. 



on the under-surface of the wings. This species is, 

 indeed, subject to great variation, while the other, 

 pamphilus, is particularly constant. 



C. typhon, Rott. / C. davus, Fabr. (Figs. 172 to 175), 

 in common parlance usually goes by the name of the 

 Marsh Ringlet ; it is, however, sometimes called the Small 

 Ringlet, but as this name has also been by some 

 bestowed on E. epiphron, it would probably be well if it 

 were dropped for both, especially as C. pamphilus 

 deserves the name better than either. 



C. typhon is a northern butterfly, frequenting "mosses" 

 or swampy spots on moors and heaths. In Scotland it 

 is often found at considerable elevations, one authority 

 mentioning its occurrence at a height of more than 

 2oooft. above the sea. It is well-known in Ireland, but 

 seems to be absent from the Isle of Man. It is found 

 in North Wales and in suitable spots in the northern 

 half of England (its southern limit being Burton-on- 

 Trent), while it appears to be rather common in 

 Scotland. 



The eggs are laid singly about the end of June, on 

 the White Beak-rush (Rhynchospora alba), and maybe on 

 one of the Cotton-grasses (Eriophorum\ which has 

 also been mentioned as a food-plant of the larva. The 

 caterpillars come out in about a fortnight and, after 

 feeding for a month or so, hibernate till the next spring. 

 They are full-fed at the end of May, and in the next 

 month the chrysalis may be found. The imago is on 

 the wing from early in June till .the end of July, and 

 sometimes in August and September. 



The larva (Fig. 173) has been described as having a 

 wide head covered with tiny warts, and the body tapering 

 somewhat to the bifid tail. The surface is nearly smooth, 

 and the colour brightish green, the body being striped 



