THE HEDGE BROWN 69 
in the neighbourhood of towns. But it is still a locally- 
abundant species. 
Haunts. This butterfly is seldom found far from hedgerows 
and woodland paths, especially those abounding with brambles, 
the blossoms of which are its great attraction. In certain 
localities where it abounds, it may be found in swarms 
fluttering over and feasting on the bramble bloom, often 
congregating in certain parts of the hedgerow, where it may 
be met with year after year. It also frequents the borders 
of woods, rough grass fields overgrown with bramble bushes, 
some sea cliffs abounding in rough growth, and rough unculti¬ 
vated land. 
Distribution. M. tithonus is locally abundant throughout 
the greater part of the southern 
and western counties of Eng¬ 
land and Wales, also in some 
parts of the eastern counties ; 
less common in the Midlands ; 
in certain counties it is very 
scarce or absent. In Scotland 
it is common in Kirkcudbright- The He dge Brown 
shire and has been recorded ( ab . captured at Tavistock, 1915). 
from Perth and Ross. In Ire¬ 
land it is confined to the southern districts. Abroad it occurs 
over the greater part of Europe and the northern regions of 
Asia Minor. 
Time of Appearance. This is essentially a single-brooded 
species, occurring on the wing in July, August and September. 
Hibernation. The larva enters into hibernation in October 
and remains motionless throughout the whole winter when 
cold weather is continuous, and does not feed until the arrival 
of mild spring weather. 
Egg and Egg Laying. The eggs are laid singly on different 
kinds of grasses, chiefly on Poa annua , Dactylis glomerata and 
Triticum repens. The egg is very small, being only 0^65 mm. 
in diameter, and is equal in height. In shape it is a truncated 
cone, and is flattened at both ends. It has either sixteen or 
seventeen keels running from the crown to the base ; between 
the keels it is concave, finely granulated and ribbed trans¬ 
versely by about fourteen in each space. On the flattened 
