AMEEIOAN EDITOB. 317 



caterpillars produce moths of a peculiar form, not unlike 

 birds in their shape and movement. In England, they are 

 rather rare ; but our American species are quite common 

 in some parts of the country. This hawk-moth is one of 

 those insects given to wandering; it has been frequently 

 taken several miles from land in the English Channel, and 

 is observed to take flight sea-ward of its own accord in 

 calm, pleasant days, when there is no wind to compel a 

 movement in that direction. 



The Admirable, vanessa atalanta. Here we have 

 another beautiful butterfly, found on both continents. 

 The caterpillar feeds on the stinging nettle ; from the 

 leaves of which it makes itself a little tent, or dwelling, 

 where it leads a solitary life, until at the end of a month 

 it passes into the chi-ysalis state. 



Blue Argus, p. argus, is not, wo believe, found in 

 America, nor is it very common in England. It has a 

 broad band of crimson on its lower wings, while the 

 general color is azure blue. 



Marbled Butterfly, p. galathea, is also, we understand, 

 unknown in America. The wings are black, finely marked 

 with spots of white and yellow. The caterpillar feeds ou 

 grass. 



Broivn Meadow Butterfly, p. janira. Also unknown 

 in America, it is said. 



Peacock Butterfly, vanessa lo. This is considered as 

 one of the most beautiful of European insects, in form 

 and coloring ; black, and reddish brown, marked with eye- 

 lets of yellow and blue, being its usual tints. The caterpil- 

 lars are produced from eggs laid on the leaves of nettles ; 

 they are black and spiny. They live in company, providing 

 themselves with a common tent or web, where they seek 

 shelter during the night, and from the rains, to which they 



are very sensitive. The peacock butterfly is found 

 BB2 



