The Zoologist— December, 1867. -1021 



somewhat dirty stone-coloured surface; I particularly noticed that there were no green 

 specimens to be seen on this side, although their number was very considerable, and 

 they were attached at various heights, some very near the ground, and others at the 

 house-lop under the projecting eaves. 



"Some of the darkest specimens shown on blackened surfaces were exposed to a 

 very subdued light in a dark corner, and the detached ones so strongly suffused with 

 black were taken from a tarred fence. One of the chrysalides of Pieris Brussicce on a 

 white surface, now exhibited, is almost an albino. I also exhibit green, reddish and dusky 

 chrysalides on surfaces of similar tints. Specimens kept in the dark would he interesting ; 

 I have one of P'. Brassica? which was placed on whitish wadding in a box from which 

 light was excluded, and it is of a light colour, although possessing all the specific 

 markings, hut from this solitary example no conclusion can be drawn. Mr. A. G. Butler 

 has informed me that he also has made some experiments with chrysalides of Pieris 

 Ha pa?, and has procured a reddish tinge by means of a red surface, besides other 

 colours. The gilded chrysalides deserve mention here; those of Vanessa Uitica? 

 I have hardly ever found except when concealed by nettle-leaves; those on fences, 

 walls, tree-trunks, &c, beiug of similar colours to those objects, and mottled more or 

 less. The fine chrysalis of Vanessa Polychloros, when amongst foliage, is coloured 

 like a withered elm-leaf; I have not unl'requently found it of a light reddish brown, 

 with a cluster of metallic silver (not golden) spots ou the back at the juncture of the 

 thorax with the abdomen : this colouring also gives place to mottled grayish when the 

 individual is ou a wall or other object. The metallic appearance is probably of 

 service in giving the insects an uneatable look, and is not necessarily connected with 

 the possession of Ichneumon in their interiors, as one or two of my entomological 

 friends think, for I have had very fine butterflies out of very metallic chrysalides ; 

 indeed I consider this to be the normal colouring, it being the most beautiful by far. 

 I would venture to suggest another reason why the gilding, when amongst leaves, is of 

 service in the way alluded to : it is this — that the Vanessa chrysalis is quite loosely 

 attached, hanging only by the tail, so that, even if it could assume the green colour by 

 which it is surrounded, it would be rather dangerous to it than otherwise, for it would 

 then appear to birds very much like a green caterpillar swinging in the air, but as it is 

 it looks more like a piece of gold or brass than anything else, and birds probably do not 

 think of touching it. There are doubtless many instances of the absence of variability 

 in chrysalides, but I think they would all be found to be mimics of some disliked or 

 dangerous insect. The chrysalis of Aporia Crataegi is very conspicuous and not very 

 variable, but I have been much struck by its strong resemblance to the caterpillar of 

 the currant-bush moth (Abraxas grossulariata), as both are speckled with black on a 

 whitish ground, and the moth caterpillar is extremely abundant in the same localities, 

 and is probably disliked by birds. The pupa of the moth is very remarkably coloured 

 with yellow bands on black, giving it a waspy appearance, and I recollect being afraid 

 when a child to touch it, thinking it would sting. I feel convinced that by the proper 

 use of gilded surfaces the gilded chrysalides of Vanessa, and perhaps of other genera, 

 would be obtained, and I hope to be able to try the experiment next season; also to 

 obtain colours with coloured glass, as it is probable that the strongest effects would be 

 obtained by that means. There can be no doubt that disguise will be found to be 

 carried to as great a length in chrysalides of butterflies as in any other class or 

 stage of insect life, as their evading observation, and consequent security during a 



