NYMPHALID^E. 183 



A female specimen, taken at Knysna, in my collection, 

 differs from the above description ; having the under-side 

 dull-ochreous, strongly tinged with olive-green ; the waved 

 lines and transverse streak very distinct, and steely-bluish ; 

 the silvery gloss more brilliant ; and the ocelli in hind-wing 

 with their upper edges strongly marked with dark-brown, 

 four very indistinct ocelliform markings completing a trans- 

 verse row, parallel to hind-margin. 



Some Natal specimens of P. Varanes, in the South African 

 Museum, have the basal white in fore-wing almost as widely 

 extended as in hind-wing ; but do not differ in other respects. 



Not uncommon. Woods and copses. 



September (e) June (b). 



The habits of this singularly-hued Butterfly are almost precisely those of 

 Nymphalis Xiphares, Cram. ; but it is a " thought " less rapid in its flight, 

 and is much more frequently to be found about bushes, or young sapling 

 trees. Like other species of NYMPHALID^E, this insect much affects some 

 particular spot; and having chosen a convenient, projecting twig, will con- 

 stantly return to it, as a resting-place after the frequent short and rapid 

 excursions that Varanes delights to take. The male habitually flies at a 

 much lower elevation than N. Xiphares, except when battling with others 

 of his sex, or in pursuit of a coy female ; and, with a tolerably long-handled 

 net, an expert collector will frequently succeed in capturing him. It some- 

 times happens that the female descends to a low bush, and quietly sits 

 thereon, while the male hovers about her ; on such occasions, one or both 

 may be taken without much difficulty. P. Varanes is fond of the resinous 

 exudations on the bark of trees, but appears to be more wary while feeding 

 than at other times. I attracted a specimen at Plettenberg Bay, by smear- 

 ing some honey on the trunk of a large tree in one of the densely-wooded 

 kloo's so common in that part of the Colony. This plan of enticing the 

 NYMPHALIDJE should be persevered in by those dwelling in wooded districts, 

 as it tvould most likely procure them specimens of the various known 

 species of Nymphalis (ordinarily so difficult of capture), and very possibly 

 lead to the discovery of new species. 



Knysna. Plettenberg Bav, Coll. mini. 



Natal. Coll. S. A. Mus. * 



King William's Town. Coll. W. S. M. D'Urban. "Gra- 

 ham's Town to King William's Town ; also at De Stade's 

 Riv^r, near Port Elizabeth. Abundant : fond of flying 

 rouid Willows." D'Urban, in litt. 



South Africa (Zoolu.). Sierra Leone. Ashanti. Coll. 

 Brit. Mus. 



