THE GATEKEEPER. 127 



The chrysalis is pale green, marked with brownish on the 

 wing-covers, the thorax is spotted with blackish, and the points 

 on the body are brownish. Suspended, and with the old skin 

 attached, as shown in the figure. 



From its wide distribution and general abundance, this may 

 be said to be our commonest butterfly. It appears to be always 

 on the wing, in dull weather as well as in sunshine, and, except 

 for a short interval in early August, it is to be seen in hayfields, 

 open places in woods, on grassy slopes, or borders of highways 

 and byways from June to September. 



Although quite fresh specimens are fuscous-brown, the 

 butterfly, after a short time on the wing, loses the dusky tinge 

 and becomes brown. It is, therefore, always desirable to rear 

 specimens for the cabinet from caterpillars. These feed on 

 grasses of various kinds in May, are easily managed, and may 

 be found in most hay meadows at night, when, of course, a 

 lantern will be needed to throw a light on the business of 

 collecting them. 



The not infrequent occurrence of fresh specimens in the 

 autumn is strong presumptive evidence of at least an occasional 

 second brood. Perhaps, as has been suggested by Mr. R. 

 Adkin, "a late emergence of Epinephele ianira is the rule 

 rather than the exception," especially in the warmer parts of 

 the country. 



The butterfly is found throughout England and Wales, Ireland, 

 and Scotland, including Isles of Lewis and Orkney. Abroad it 

 occurs in all parts of Europe except the most northern, Asia 

 Minor, Armenia, North Africa, and the Canary Isles. 



The Gatekeeper {Epinephele Hthonus). 



Other English names in use at the present time for this 

 butterfly (Plate 87) are " Small Meadow Brown," " Hedge 



