PYRAMEIS v. HUNTERA.
Plate II.—Fig. 4.
This is a scarce variety in Teneriffe of the butterfly just described. It is commonly found in America, and some few insects have been taken in England. It is similar in colouring to the Cardui, but somewhat brighter. The flight of the insect is steadier, and this, together with the brightness in colour, distinguishes it from others of the same family when seen flying in company. It is found in barrancos and gardens, and has been netted in a locality about 600 feet above the sea near Orotava, together with the last two butterflies described. All three specimens were seen flitting in company, the Callirhoe and Cardui predominating in number, with a few specimens of the Huntera dispersed among them. The upper surface is brick-red, marked with black, the fore-wings having a dark apical patch, with several white spots. The hind-wings have five blue spots, encircled by black, near the lower margin. Beneath, the fore-wings are of a most beautiful red colour, interspersed with black, grey-brown, and white, and having two eyes on the apex. The hind-wings are of a lovely grey-brown tinge, liberally veined with white, having a whitish uneven band down the centre. This band has two large eyes, with blue centres outside it. On the edge of the wings three grey-blue lines are seen, making the tout ensemble a most exquisite reverse, and the greatest contrast to the upper surface. It is usually found from April to August. Though faded and small specimens were found earlier, the beauty of the insect is not seen till April. The caterpillar is brown, sparingly covered with hairs, and has bright red spots down its sides. It is rather larger than the Cardui larva.