34 



The Chrysalis is very similar to that of Edusa, green, with a yellow lateral 

 longitudinal line. 



This interesting butterfly used to be considered a great rarity in England, 

 frequenting the South Eastern corner, but has been gradually extending its 

 range, along with the increasing cultivation of lucern and various other 

 species of the clover kind, on which the caterpillar feeds, and amongst the 

 seeds of which the eggs may possibly be introduced into fresh localities. It 

 is double-brooded, but is commonest in Central Europe in the autumn, 

 though in the South it may be found throughout the year, and has been 

 noticed in Malta as early as March. 



Its range extends over the whole of Europe except the North, Western 

 and Central Asia, China, and lapan (where there is a very striking tempera- 

 ture form, measuring only one and three quarters of an inch in expanse, 

 and emerging in February) ; the Mauritius, and North Africa. It is generally 

 one of the very commonest autumn butterflies in fields and meadows on 

 the Continent of Europe ; and its flight is much less rapid than that of 

 Edusa. 



This species appears to have been first observed in England by Lewin, 

 who in his "Insects of Great Britain" published in 1795, wrote thus, 

 " This is a very rare species of butterfly. In all my researches after insects 1 

 never met with it but in the Isle of Sheppey, and on a hilly pasture field 

 near Ospringe in Kent. I found it in different years in both places, and it 

 appeared to be locally attached to the spot. It is out in the winged state 

 the middle of August, and is not difficult to take on the wing, as it does not 

 ramble far or fly swift." Of the white variety he writes, " This species is 

 likewise very rare. I met with a brood of these butterflies in a gravelly 

 pasture field in Kent, and they were all of the same pale yellow colour, but 

 in every other character they perfectly agreed with the above described ; 

 and it is a doubt with me, whether this be a distinct species, or only a variety 

 in colour. This fly is likewise on the wing the middle of August." 



In 1803, it was recorded as being very rare, by Mr. Haworth. 



In 1809, it was seen in plenty at Horning, Norfolk, by Mr. Mack. 



The next account of it we have is by Mr. J. F. Stephens in his " Illustrations 

 of British Entomology" published in 1828, as follows "I have seen very few 

 specimens, and until the last season, only three recent captures had come to 

 my knowledge. The first of these was found in August, 1811, at Wrentham 

 in Suffolk by the able artist (C. M. Curtis), to whose pencil I am indebted 

 for the figures with which this work is embellished, and is in his brother's 

 (John Curtis) collection. The second specimen was taken in Epping Forest, 

 in June, 1819, and the third subsequently at Brighton ; but last season many 



