This species is common in most parts of the continent of 
Europe, extending as far north as Lapland, and seems to be pretty 
constant in its numbers; but the great uncertainty about its 
appeamnco in this country has been noticed for a long period. 
IVIoses Harris, writing in 1775, does not speak of it as any rarity, 
but Lerhenhout in 1789 writes, “very rare in this kingdom.” In 
1793 it received the name of “ The Grand Surprise,” from Harris 
and the Society of Aurelians, (as Entomologists were then called,) 
of which he Avas a member, on account of its sudden appearance 
in extraordinary numbers. Donovan (1794) states that there have 
been seveml instances in mild seasons of its being as common as 
the Peacock and Admiral {Vanessa lo and Atlanta), and that in 
1793 it Avas as plentiful as the common garden Arhites usually 
are. 
There, hoAvever, appears to be no record of its occurrence in 
Horfolk till 1839, Avhen AVood, in his Index Entotnolo^icus, 
records its occurrence near Norwich, in May. In 184G, Avhich 
has been called the Antiopa year, (a name Avhich it can noAv hardly 
retain,) no specimen seems to be recorded in Norfolk, but Mr. 
John Henry Gurney, jun., tells me that his father saAv one on 
]\Iarch 22nd, 1847, at Easton, near NorAvich. Its next occurrence 
seems to liaA^e been in 18G9, on September 3rd of Avhich year tAvo 
specimens Avere taken at Sparham, by Air. Frank Norgate. The 
Kev. T. H. Alai-sh informs me that tAvo more were seen that 
season, one near Horsford and one at Alarsham. This seems to 
have been a favourable year, as upAA^ards of a dozen Avere recorded 
from different parts of England. In 1871 a specimen was seen at 
Puxton, by my friend Air. F. D. AVheeler. It was sitting on a 
bleeding alder tree, but Avould not alloAv of a near approach. This 
specimen seems to have been the herald, (or perhaps a progenitor,) 
of the grand appearance this season. 
The lirst specimen of which I have any record for this year, 
Avas seen on August 20th, by the Eev. T. H. Alarsh, of CaAvston. 
The next day he saAV tAvo and took one, and on the 23rd and 24th 
captured three more in the most perfect condition, apparently fresh 
froni the pupa. These AA’ere taken about sugar placed on the trees 
to attract them. On the 24th one Avas seen by Air. J. H. Gumev, 
jun., at Northrepps, sitting on green brake. On the 2Gth another 
AA'as taken by Mr. Alarsh at sugar, and one on sap exuding from a 
