THECLA BETUL^:. 165 



except in the case of rubi which passes the winter at 

 the pupal stage. 



T. betulae, Linn. (Brown Hairstreak, or Thecla of the 

 Birch) (Figs. -i 80 to 184), is the largest of the genus, 

 sometimes expanding more than ijin. from tip to tip of 

 the fore-wings. Although the specific name is derived 



THECLA 



from the Birch (Betula alba), the Sloe (Prunus spinosa) 

 is as often as not selected as the food-plant, and on 

 that the caterpillar may be fed in captivity. While 

 the Brown Hairstreak has a liking for oak-woods, it also 

 frequently leaves them, giving the collector a sight of its 

 charms as it flits along some country hedgerow, enticing 

 him forward in pursuit. Though there are many localities 



