THE PURPLE HAIRSTREAK 
2 77 
of the eggs coincides with the expansion of the Oak buds. 
The larva becomes fully grown about eight days after its 
third moult. It then measures 15*90 mm. long ; is very broad 
and flattened. The ground colour is ochreous-brown ; there 
is a medio-dorsal dull black stripe, bordered on either side 
by a creamy-white line ; also a series of sub-dorsal oblique 
whitish stripes bordered below by deep brown oblique 
markings. In addition, there is a lateral whitish stripe 
blending into yellowish posteriorly. On the first segment is a 
pearl-coloured disc and a darker one on the anal segment. The 
whole surface is densely clothed with short, serrated ochreous 
spines. The head is shining 
sienna-brown. It is remarkable 
how the larva conceals itself 
amongst the bracts of young 
shoots. It spins silk over the 
stems, bracts and bases of the 
leaves, and eats its way into the 
centre of the expanded buds and 
young shoots so as to remain 
more or less hidden, the silken 
cords retain all the parts that 
would otherwise fall; these 
form a covering for the larva. 
Even those parts of the larva 
which remain exposed are so 
similar in general appearance 
to the ochreous and brown 
bracts that the disguise is perfect and an admirable protection 
against the attacks of its enemies. Just before pupation, 
after the larva has stopped feeding, it changes to a lilac hue 
over the dorsal surface and dull ochreous-olive. I am not 
certain what site the larva usually selects for pupation in a 
wild state. Those in captivity pupated on the surface of 
the ground under a little moss and spun a very slight network 
cocoon at the base of the moss, and therein pupated. The 
pupa simply lies on its ventral surface with the few silk 
cords covering it. It is probable that the larvae spin up under 
lichens and moss on the branches and trunks of the trees 
upon which they feed, or under any substance, such as loose 
The Purple Hairstreak just after 
emergence, drying its wings. 
Sketched from life. 
