COMMA. 127 



The female is of a paler tint than the male, and the 

 edges of the wings are less deeply scalloped and cut. 

 The figure is that of a male. 



The caterpillar is tawny-coloured ; but the back, for 

 about the hinder half its length, is whitish ; head black. 

 The body is armed with short spines, and there are two 

 ear-like tubercles projecting from the side of the head. 

 It has been found feeding on the elm, willow, sloe, 

 currant, nettle, and hop. 



The chrysalis is of the curious shape shown at fig. 24, 

 Plate I. ; of a brownish tint, with gold spots. 



The butterfly appears in July and August, and hy- 

 bernated individuals in the spring, up till May. Its 

 range seems to be nearly confined to the Midland and 

 Western districts. It was formerly found near London, 

 and in other places, whence it has now disappeared. 



The following localities are given for it : Carlisle 

 and the Lake district, York, Green Hammerton (York- 

 shire), Doncaster, Broomsgrove (Worcestershire), War- 

 wickshire, Peterborough, Scarborough, Barnwell Wold 

 (Northamptonshire), Bristol, Gloucester, Dorchester. 

 I found it very plentiful on the banks of the Wye, in 

 1858 ; and in the following May I took one in South 

 Wales, at Pont-y-Pridd. In Scotland, Fifeshire has 

 been mentioned as a locality. 



This is a rapid flyer, and not very easily caught when 

 fresh on the wing. 



