396 INSECTS AT HOME. 



TIlis insect is generally spread over England, and is plentiful 

 in many parts of Kent, especially on the downs whicli lead 

 towards the sea. Mr. Newman remarks that hilly, fern- 

 covered ground is the best locality for this Butterfly. The 

 larva, which is shown at Fig, a, feeds on the dog violet 

 ( Viola canina). Its colour is very dark shining grey, mottled 

 with black. When full-fed, which takes place about the 

 middle of July, it selects a suitable spot, and there changes 

 into a pupa, suspending itself by its tail, which is very strongly 

 curved. One of these pupse is shown at Fig. b. It remains in 

 the pupal state about eighteen days, and then emerges in its 

 perfect form. 



There are five other species of the Fritillary, all of which are 

 very similar in their colouring. As they are liable to varia- 

 tion, the beginner finds great difficulty in identifying them. 

 This, however, can generally be done by means of the silver 

 markings on the lower wings, which in some species form bold, 

 clearly defined spots, like solid silver leaf, and in others 

 take the shape of marks or streaks, just as if a brush had been 

 dipped in silver powder and drawn over the wing. The larvae 

 of all the species are spiny, and feed upon the violets and their 

 kin. 



Next we take the typical genus Vanessa, of which we must 

 examine several examples, as they are among the most con- 

 spicuous of oiu: insects. In this genus the club of the antennae 

 is short and bold, the first pair of wings are more or less 

 regulated, and the eyes are extremely hairy. If examined 

 with the microscope, it will be seen that the hairs are planted 

 at the angles of the hexagonal facets. 



The handsomest and rarest of these Butterflies is drawn on 

 Woodcut XLI. Fig. 1. Its scientific name is Vanessa An t iop a, 

 and it is popularly called the Whttk-bokdered, on accunnt of 

 the broad white edging of the wings, or the Camberwell 

 Beauty, because in 1748 three specimens were taken near 

 Camberwell. 



My brother saw one on the banks of a railway cutting in 

 Wales, as he was going to church with his wife. Eare insects 

 are always perverse. You may go to the most famous localities 

 for them, furnished with every appliance, search and watch day 



