L. III. ch. I.
Cl. 3. S. a. 11.
(High Resolution Image)
The Variegated Ketmia.
Ketmia Syrorum Flore variegato. J. R. H.
L. 3. Ch. 1.
XII.
Cl. 2. S. a. 12.
The GREAT FRITILLARY-BUTTERFLY, with Silver Spots. I take this Fly to be of the Class under Consideration. On the 15th of July, 1748, I had three Eggs laid by such a Fly as is represented in the Plate at Fig. 1, and on the 5th of August the young Caterpillars came forth; which, being examined with a Microscope, appeared to be of the Size represented. They were of a Flesh Colour, with Rows of Black Spots on each Joint like the Caterpillars of the Emperor Moth, and out of each Spot grew Hairs of a sandy Colour. The Eggs were beautifully fluted down the Sides, were flat at the Bottom, and had a glutenous Moisture upon them, which occasioned their sticking fast wherever the Fly chose to leave them. The Caterpillars on this present 10th of February, 1748-9, seem to be alive, but are very small, and, I believe, have eat nothing all the Winter, though they have had Grass given them, which I take to be their proper Food. The Fly frequents Woods and Meads, and loves to settle on Blackberry Blossoms, Thistles, &c. At the Beginning of July they may be taken with your Net; but as no Butterfly is more swift in Flight, you must attend till they settle, then be nimble and you may catch them.