L. 3. Ch. 1.
I.
Cl. 3. S. a. 1.
The ADMIRABLE BUTTERFLY. The great Stinging Nettle is the Food of this Caterpillar, which is to be found by observing where the Nettle-Leaves appear to be folded or spun together, for within such Leaves the Caterpillar feeds. It turns in August to a Chrysalis, hanging perpendicularly downwards by the Tail, fourteen Days after the Chrysalis is formed the Fly appears. The Caterpillars shelter themselves after this Manner, that they may be the better secured from the too great Heat of the Sun, from Rain, Birds, and a small Ichneumon Fly, which often hinders their coming to Perfection, by laying its Eggs therein, which Eggs are of such a glutenous Nature, that they stick fast as soon as laid. Some of the Chrysalides appear as if gilded with burnished Gold, but such usually produce not a Butterfly, but a Brood of small, though very beautiful Ichneumons. The Fly may be taken in Gardens and other Places, it feeds on Fruit that lies under Trees, &c. and is no uncommon Fly. It lives quite through the Winter.
See Goedart, Vol. 1. Tab. 26. Pag. 96. Fig. Opt. List. Fig. 4. Gr. V. 2. Pag. 81. Tab. 81. Fig. Opt. Moff. 100. Num. 6. An. Hoef. Tab. 12. Fig. 15. Raii, Hist. Insect. P. 126. Albin, Pl. 3. Reaumur, Pl. 10. Pag. 284, Vol. 1.
L. III. ch. I.
Cl. 3. S. a. 1.
(High Resolution Image)
The Great Stinging-Nettle.