NYMPHA ’DAE 
166 
hairs. The ground colour is deep velvetv-black ; the surface 
is roughly granular and sprinkled with pearl-white warts, each 
bearing a white hair, some rather long and the majority 
curved, giving the larva a soft, silky appearance, due to the 
varied play of the light falling on the hairs. Along the 
middle of the back is a series of rich, deep rust-red shield-like 
markings, which commence on the third segment and terminate 
on the eleventh segment. In the centre of the anal segment 
is a shining black dorsal disc, much resembling the head. 
The legs are black and shining, the four middle pairs of 
claspers are rust colour, and the anal pair black with 
reddish feet. 
The larvae remain gregarious until fully grown ; they then 
become restless, leave the tree and wander rapidly about in 
search of a suitable site for pupation. Specimens under 
observation crawled about rapidly for six hours and finally 
rested ; they then prepared themselves for the transformation 
by spinning a pad of silk to attach the anal claspers to, and 
became suspended the next day, and on the following day, 
June 22nd, they pupated. 
N. antiopa , like other Vanessidae larvae, are highly sensi¬ 
tive to any disturbance. A sudden noise sufficient to cause 
concussion of the air makes the entire brood give a violent 
jerk. This instantaneous movement of hundreds of larvae 
in a dense mass produces a very curious effect and would, 
I fancy, be somewhat alarming to any insectivorous bird 
that might approach them. This habit exists through all 
the larval stages ; possibly it may be a protective habit, and 
the spines in the last two stages are so shaq^ly pointed that 
they readily pierce the hand. Therefore, if occasion occurred, 
such efficient weapons would afford considerable protection 
to the larvae. 
Both Willow and Sallow are equally suitable food for the 
larvae ; Birch is also readily eaten, and Elm. Nettle does 
not appear to be suited to their taste. The larval stage lasts 
about fifty days. 
Pupa. The male pupa measures 25*4 mm. ; large females, 
31*8 mm. ; the average female, 28*6 mm. The head is beaked 
in front ; the thorax is angular, with a pointed dorsal keel ; 
the waist is sunken ; the abdomen is swollen at the third 
