166 
NYMPTIALIDM. 
Pupa with angular projections ; head double pointed, usually 
decorated with metallic spots. 
Imago middle-sized or large butterflies, with the hind margins 
of the wings generally very dentate or with prominent angular 
projections ; the upper surface of the wings is generally very bril- 
liantly and variously coloured, whilst their under surface is usually 
streaked with sombre brown, though some of the species, especially 
tliose referred by authors to the genera Fijrameis and Araschnia, 
have under sides coloured more or less brilliantly. The antennae 
are long and terminated by well-formed clubs, somewhat pyriform. 
The palpi are of moderate length and moreor less hairy. Eyes 
hairy. 
Most of the species are strong flyers, and are found in gardens, 
woods, fields, &c. The majority of the European species are also 
common ; indeed the genus is represented in every part of the 
world. Out of the twelve species described as European, seven 
occur in Britain. 
I have followed Staudinger in referring all the European 
species to the old Fabrician genus Vanessa ; the divisions commonly 
received by Entomological writers seem to be founded mainly on 
the shape and markings of the wings. They are as follows : — 
Akaschnia, Htib. Verz. bek. Schmett. 37 (1816) ; l)oubl. Gfen. 
1). L. p. 187 (1848). — Expanse of wiugs averaging 1-25 in. 
Brown, spotted with black, or black with white bands. Under side 
with the nervures white ; inner margin of the fore wings sti-aight. 
Two slight projections on hind margin of fore wings and one on 
the hind wings. One European species, Lcvana, L. Two others 
closely allied from Japan and the Amur. 
Geapta, Boubl. Gen. B. L. p. 195 (1848). — Expanse of wings 
reaching 2 in. Brown, spotted with black. Under side with a 
distinct letter-like mark on hind wings. Inner margin of fore 
wiugs more or less concave ; hind margin deeply dentated ; fore 
wings with two and hind wings with one very prominent projection. 
Two European species, lAjea, V., and G. AUnim, L. 
Vanessa. — Boubl. Gen. B. L. p. 198 (1848). — Expanse of 
wings reaching 3 in. Brown, spotted with black, or variously black. 
