THE LARGE HEATH 
85 
hind wing is rather less ochreous and broadly margined with 
greyish ; and there is a pale central V-shaped mark. This 
form (ab. laidion) so closely resembles the Small Heath 
that, were it not for the larger size of the former, the 
two species might readily be mistaken for the same butterfly. 
Life of Imago. C. tullia is comparatively short lived ; 
about fifteen to twenty days is its normal existence. 
Its flight is rather slow and fluttering, but when disturbed 
it is somewhat rapid. It is restless on the wing, continually 
making short flights and settling on the grass, heather, rushes 
and other herbage, 
but apparently sel¬ 
dom upon flowers. 
During dull weather 
it may be found 
resting very low 
down on the stems 
of the herbage, 
quite close to the 
ground. 
Aberration. 
Apart from the 
normal aberration 
of the different 
races, extreme var¬ 
ieties are rare. Par¬ 
tial albinism occa¬ 
sionally occurs. 
Sometimes ab. 
philoxenus has the 
ocellated spots 
greatly enlarged. 
Gynandrous specimens are of great rarity. 
Although the Beaked Rush is the natural food of the 
C. tullia larva, it will readily feed on the Sheep’s Fescue Grass 
(Festuca ovina) and its varieties. When feeding on these 
grasses, the larva always starts at the tips of the blades, 
eating them downwards. 
The Large Heath at rest close to the ground in 
dull weather. (Strong westerly wind.) Sketched 
from life. 
