35 
IIEPIALUS VELLEDA. 
BEAUTIFUL SWIFT. 
Plate VIII. Figure 2. 
This insect measures from a little under an inch and 
a quarter to an inch and three quarters, or even two 
and upwards according to Mr. Westwood, in width. Male: 
front wings pale reddish or greyish brown, with a rather 
large greyish white patch near the base, and a semi¬ 
circular line of the same outside and between it, and 
another light streak which runs from near the middle 
of the lower edge to the upper edge, in a line with 
the outer margin. In some specimens the pale marks 
are obliterated. Hind wings dusky, with a narrow dull 
orange border along the lower and outer edge. Female : 
front wings less distinctly marked. Hind wings dusky. 
Localities for this species are Edinburgh, Inverary, 
Kilmun, Arygleshire, Perth, Arran, Torwood, Stirling, 
Killarney, Scarborough, Manchester, Burton-on-Trent, 
Darlington, Sevenoaks, Worcester, Beverley, Darenth 
Wood Kent, &c., &c. 
The dates of the appearance of the perfect insect are 
June and July. 
The caterpillar feeds on the roots of the common fern 
(Pteris aquilina). 
This is a local species, but abundant where it occurs. 
