APATURA. l6l 



curved and bristly. Fore-wings somewhat triangular, the 

 costal nervure very strong, the hind-margin sl ; ghtly scalloped ; 

 hind-wings with the hind-margin regularly curved and slightly 

 scalloped ; front legs small and imperfect in both sexes, the 

 tarsi often indistinctly jointed in the male. 



Larva smooth, with two horns on the head. Pupa likewise 

 with a bifid head. 



The genus Apatura is the only British representative of an 

 extensive group of Nyniphalidce with naked larva, which authors 

 have usually included in the sub-family Nyniphalince. It is widely 

 distributed throughout the world, except in Africa; but the 

 tropical species are generally much inferior to our own both in 

 size and beauty, though one or two Indian and South American 

 species are remarkable for the brilliant white or silvery colouring 

 of the under surface. There are only two European species, 

 A. iris (Linn.) and A. ilia (Denis), the latter of which differs 

 from ours in having a distinct eye-spot towards the hinder 

 angle of the fore-wings above, and in the more regular mark- 

 ings of the hind-wings beneath ; and it has a tawny variety 

 known as A. dylie (Denis). The European species are insects 

 of very lofty flight, but occasionally descend to drink at muddy 

 places in pathways, or they may be attracted by dung or 

 carrion. They are by no means uncommon in various parts 

 of the Continent, and may often be seen flying together. The 

 male of A. iris especially likes to sport about the tops of trees, 

 and generally seeks the highest elevation. I once took a 

 specimen at rest at the top of a high hill which happened to 

 be covered, not with trees, but with bushes. 



Haworth's account of its habits has often been quoted, but 

 it is so good, that we may be allowed to copy it once more 

 from his " Lepidoptera Britannica" (pp. 19, 20). 



"The Purple Emperor of the British Oaks is not undeservedly 

 the greatest favourite of our English Aurelians. In his manners 



