LYCÆNA ASTRARCHE v. ÆSTIVA.
Plate II.—Fig. 6.
A small dark copper, the expanse of wings being about one inch, or rather more. It is not found in England. On the upperside on all the wings there is a marginal band of bright copper, the fore-wings have a black spot about the centre of each. A fringe of white edges all the four wings. The under widely differs from the upper side in colouring and markings. The ground colour is light grey, freely dotted over with black spots encircled by white. All four wings have the same bright marginal copper band as seen on the upper side. The antennæ are black or dark brown, finely dotted with white. It is somewhat rarely found in fields and barrancos on high ground, but may be met with in larger quantities in the pine forests. The time of its appearance is from April to September. When comparing the Teneriffe specimen of this butterfly with those of other countries at South Kensington, it was noticed that the marginal copper band was broader on the Teneriffe specimen, and it may be possible that it should be reckoned as a new variety.
POLYOMMATUS or CHRYSOPHANUS PHLÆAS.
A copper butterfly, and a common English specimen, measuring from one to one and a half inches across the wings. The fore-wings are of a bright copper red, with large square black spots distinctly marked, and an outer band of brown. The hind-wings are dark brown, having a marginal copper band on the outer edge, which in some specimens is surmounted by a few blue spots. The underside of the fore-wings is pale copper, the hind-wings being grey, with minute black or dark brown spots, and traces of a marginal band of copper. It is commonly found from February to September in most places in Teneriffe, up to the altitude of the pine forests. The larva feeds on a variety of Rumex (dock or sorrel). Some specimens have been found much darker in colour than those described above, the difference being so great as to suggest the possibility of a distinct variety.
THECLA RUBI.
This small butterfly is called in England the Green Hair Streak, It is said to have been netted in the Island during the summer months, and its appearance is believed to be well authenticated. The larva is green, with a yellow line on the back, bordered with darker, and followed by a line of pale triangular spots, and a yellow line on the sides: it lives on brambles, &c. The fly expands about one inch; it is of a uniform brown colour above, and a uniform green below, with a row of white dots on the underside of the hind-wings.
DANAIS PLEXIPPUS, formerly ARCHIPPUS.
Plate II.—Fig. 1.