THE PEACOCK BUTTERFLY. (Vanessa Io.)
([Plate VIII]. fig. 2.)
The form and markings of this species, so distinct from every other of our butterflies, will be seen by reference to the plate; and as to its colouring, I will not do it the injustice to attempt a description of its rich perfection, more especially as almost every reader may hope to add the insect to his collection during his first year's hunting, and then he can study its beauties for himself.
The under side, however, presents a remarkable contrast to the splendour of the reverse, being covered with shades and streaks of funereal blacks and browns. This affords a strange effect when the insect, sitting on a flower head, alternately opens and shuts the wings with a fanning motion, according to its custom.
The caterpillar ([Plate I]. fig. 6), which feeds gregariously upon the nettle, is black, dotted with white, and thorny.
The chrysalis is greenish, with gold spots.
The butterfly, which is common in nearly every part of England, comes out in August and September, the individuals met with not unfrequently in the spring having hybernated.
Mr. Doubleday writes thus to the Zoologist regarding the winter retreats of butterflies of this genus:—"Last
winter some large stacks of beech faggots, which had been loosely stacked up in our forest (Epping) the preceding spring, with the dead leaves adhering to them, were taken down and carted away, and among these were many scores of Io, Urticæ, and Polychloros."
In Scotland this is generally a very rare butterfly, but has latterly been abundant in Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire.