BLUE BUTTERFLIES. 201 



in country lanes, and are often taken in the net when 

 the stroke is made at other insects, their vague and 

 almost jerking flight carrying them into it. 



The pupae of these insects resemble those of 

 several moths in the manner in which they are pro- 

 tected during their helpless state of existence. When 

 the larva is full-fed, it spins a cocoon among the 

 leaves of its food-plant, and in that silken cell awaits 

 its change into the perfect condition. 



The species which is herewith represented is the 

 Chequered Skipper (Hesperia paniscus). The colour 

 of its wings is dark brown, upon 

 which are a number of yellow 

 spots, arranged as shown in the 

 illustration. The antennae are 

 bright yellow beneath, and banded Hesperia 

 with black and yellow above. It is rather a local 

 species, and is found chiefly in the Midland counties. 

 It appears in the beginning of summer. 



