MEADOW BROWNS 



which this hesitating flier delights to pass the sunlit 

 hours. It is widely distributed, and may be regarded 

 as one of the most familiar of all. From the time a note 

 is made of the appearance of the first one on the wing 

 in the glad days of June, until the last date is jotted down 

 in September, the Meadow Brown holds undisputed 

 sway of its favourite haunts. Fine or wet weather is 

 equally acceptable, and our country rambles would be 

 far less enjoyable without the presence of this happy-go- 

 lucky species. A grass blade is selected to receive the 

 light-coloured egg, (it should be noted that the eggs of all 

 these insects change colour soon after being deposited), 

 and the bright green larva has a light stripe on either side, 

 and a darker one along the back. The light green pupa 

 has brownish marks and blackish spots, and is secured 

 to a grass stem, part of the last larval skin adhering to the 

 point of attachment. The male is dark brownish- 

 black, with just a splash of yellow, and one spot on the 

 forewings. The female has more yellow in her dress. 

 Both sexes are much lighter below than above. 



Small Meadow Brown. — (Epinephele tithonus.) This 

 species, also known as the Gatekeeper and Large Heath, 

 is of frequent occurrence, although its season is restricted 

 to the months of July and August. It is, as the fore- 

 part of its name implies, smaller than the last species 

 considered, and if this is taken into account, together 

 with its much yellower and brighter attire, all that need be 

 said as to its general appearance is ended. It is more a 

 lover of flower-laden hedgerows than meadows, and 

 shows a partiality for visiting the satin flowers of bramble, 



and the fragrant blossoms of marjoram. The larva, 



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