The Insect World / Being a Popular Account of the Orders of Insects; Together with a Description of the Habits and Economy of Some of the Most Interesting Species

by Louis Figuier

Fig. 155.—Lycæna (Polyommatus) Corydon.

In the numerous family of the Vanessidæ are placed the beautiful species known as the large and small Tortoise-shell, the Peacock, &c.

Fig. 156.—Lycæna (Polyommatus) battus.		Fig. 157.—Lycæna (Polyommatus) ægon.

The large Tortoise-shell Butterfly (Vanessa polychloros, [Fig. 158]) has the wings of a tawny colour above, and of a blackish brown below, with darker spots, bordered by a black band, with a stripe of yellowish colour running down the middle. It is found in July and September on the oak, the elm, the willow, and many fruit trees.

Fig. 158.—Large Tortoise-shell Butterfly (Vanessa polychloros).		Fig. 159.—Larva and chrysalis of the large Tortoise-shell (Vanessa polychloros).

The larva ([Fig. 159]) is bluish or brownish, with an orange-coloured lateral line, bristling with yellowish hairs. The chrysalis, which is angular, and of a red tint, is ornamented with golden metallic spots.

Fig. 160.—Small Tortoise-shell Butterfly (Vanessa urticæ).