The expansion of the wings of the male is 3½ inches, of the female 4 inches. On the upper side all the wings of the male are rich brownish-black, with a large white blotch in the middle of each, surrounded by a patch of brilliant flashing blue; there is also a small white spot near the apex of the fore-wings and a series of white crescent-shaped markings on the termen of all the wings. The fore-wings of the female are brownish-black, with a patch of deep orange-brown near the tornus; there is a series of four very large oval white spots on the costa, beyond the middle, a smaller white spot near the apex, and three rows of small white marks parallel to the termen; the hind-wings are brownish-black, with a broad white band across the middle, several small white spots, and a double series of white markings parallel to the termen; all the wings of the female have brilliant bluish reflections near the white spots. On the under side the wings of both sexes are rich brown with white markings, and a double series of white crescents on the termen.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 3½ inches, of the female 4 inches. On the upper side all the wings of the male are rich brownish-black, with a large white blotch in the middle of each, surrounded by a patch of brilliant flashing blue; there is also a small white spot near the apex of the fore-wings and a series of white crescent-shaped markings on the termen of all the wings. The fore-wings of the female are brownish-black, with a patch of deep orange-brown near the tornus; there is a series of four very large oval white spots on the costa, beyond the middle, a smaller white spot near the apex, and three rows of small white marks parallel to the termen; the hind-wings are brownish-black, with a broad white band across the middle, several small white spots, and a double series of white markings parallel to the termen; all the wings of the female have brilliant bluish reflections near the white spots. On the under side the wings of both sexes are rich brown with white markings, and a double series of white crescents on the termen.
The female appears to be very variable in almost every respect.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. From its large size and brilliant colouring it is easily recognised. Although rare in New Zealand, it is very common in Australia. It also occurs in Java, New Guinea and the Loyalty Islands. A smaller representative is found in Samoa (Anosia otaheitæ, Feld.), which is probably only a variety of this species.
The figures and descriptions of this insect are taken from Australian specimens, which were kindly forwarded to me by the late Mr. Olliff.
Eyes hairy. Club of antennæ abrupt. Fore-wings with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings with transverse vein present.
Eyes hairy. Club of antennæ abrupt. Fore-wings with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings with transverse vein present.
"A moderate genus, principally characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere. Larva with six or seven rows of bristly spines. Pupa with angular prominences, often with golden metallic spots."—Meyrick.
Of this very beautiful and interesting genus we have three species in New Zealand.
VANESSA GONERILLA, Fabr.
(Papilio gonerilla, Fabricius, Syst. Ent. p. 498, n. 237 (1775); Donovan, Ins. New Holland, pl. 25, fig. 2 (1805).Vanessa gonerilla, White in Taylor's New Zealand, pl. 2, fig. 1 (1855).)
(Papilio gonerilla, Fabricius, Syst. Ent. p. 498, n. 237 (1775); Donovan, Ins. New Holland, pl. 25, fig. 2 (1805).Vanessa gonerilla, White in Taylor's New Zealand, pl. 2, fig. 1 (1855).)
(PlateXII., fig. 5, 6 under side; PlateIII., figs. 1 and 2 larvæ, 31 and 32 pupæ.)
This handsome insect is the most familiar of New Zealand butterflies. It is very common and generally distributed throughout the country.
The expansion of the wings varies from 2⅜ to 2¾ inches. Above, all the wings are black, becoming bronzy towards the body.The fore-wings have a band of dark red nearly across the middle, and a series of three small blue spots, and three larger white spots near the apex. The hind-wings have a broad dark red band near the termen, containing two pairs of black spots with blue centres.On the under side the fore-wings are dark brown, with a broad patch of red in the middle, and a very conspicuous eye-like mark on the costa, consisting of a black central spot surrounded by a blue ring, and encircled by a yellow crescent towards the termen. The hind-wings are brownish-grey, with many darker and paler markings; the four spots on the upper surface are faintly indicated on the under side by blackish rings and central dots; the colouring of the under side varies a good deal. It is considerably darker and duller in some specimens than in others.The egg, which is deposited on a nettle-leaf, is barrel-shaped, ornamented with a series of longitudinal ribs meeting in a central spot on the top. It is pale green, with the ribs white. The young larva, when first hatched, is dusky-yellow, with the spines black. In about a week it moults for the first time, and is then of an almost uniform brown, with the lateral lines faintly indicated. Ten days later it again sheds its skin, after which time the white lateral markings are considerably stronger. The full-grown larva varies from black to reddish-brown, with interrupted pale lateral and dorsal lines. On the third and fourth segments there are four spines, on the fifth to eleventh seven spines; the twelfth segment has six spines, and the thirteenth two spines. There are numerous white dots all over the larva. The spines vary from pale green to black. The caterpillar is considerably attenuated at each end, the central portions being somewhat swollen. Length about 1½ inches.
The expansion of the wings varies from 2⅜ to 2¾ inches. Above, all the wings are black, becoming bronzy towards the body.The fore-wings have a band of dark red nearly across the middle, and a series of three small blue spots, and three larger white spots near the apex. The hind-wings have a broad dark red band near the termen, containing two pairs of black spots with blue centres.On the under side the fore-wings are dark brown, with a broad patch of red in the middle, and a very conspicuous eye-like mark on the costa, consisting of a black central spot surrounded by a blue ring, and encircled by a yellow crescent towards the termen. The hind-wings are brownish-grey, with many darker and paler markings; the four spots on the upper surface are faintly indicated on the under side by blackish rings and central dots; the colouring of the under side varies a good deal. It is considerably darker and duller in some specimens than in others.
The egg, which is deposited on a nettle-leaf, is barrel-shaped, ornamented with a series of longitudinal ribs meeting in a central spot on the top. It is pale green, with the ribs white. The young larva, when first hatched, is dusky-yellow, with the spines black. In about a week it moults for the first time, and is then of an almost uniform brown, with the lateral lines faintly indicated. Ten days later it again sheds its skin, after which time the white lateral markings are considerably stronger. The full-grown larva varies from black to reddish-brown, with interrupted pale lateral and dorsal lines. On the third and fourth segments there are four spines, on the fifth to eleventh seven spines; the twelfth segment has six spines, and the thirteenth two spines. There are numerous white dots all over the larva. The spines vary from pale green to black. The caterpillar is considerably attenuated at each end, the central portions being somewhat swollen. Length about 1½ inches.
This caterpillar constructs for itself a small tent by fastening together several of the leaves of its food-plant. In this dwelling it can feed, safely concealed from all enemies. There are two kinds of nettles constituting the food of this insect—one a small plant, which generally grows in little patches amongst ferns in the forest (Urtica incisa), the other a large shrub or tree often found in rather open situations near rivers (Urtica ferox). The shrub is easily recognised by the formidable array of long, white spines which project from the midrib of each leaf. The larvæ ofV. gonerillaare much more easily collected on the tree nettle than on the dwarf species; their leafy tents being easily detected by an examination of the foliage. When once discovered the larvæ are best obtained by cutting off, with a pair of strong scissors, the leaves which form their habitations. Like most larvæ of the genusVanessa, these caterpillars are extremely voracious and soon eat themselves out of house and home. Those feeding on the tree nettle have an unlimited supply of leaves available both for food and shelter, but in the case of larvæ, which are dependent on the dwarf nettle for their supplies, no doubt individuals must occasionally die of starvation, as we sometimes observe large patches of theUrtica incisacompletely destroyed by the larvæ of this butterfly. In some seasons these larvæ may be found as early as the middle of September, and continue abundant until the middle or end of January.
When full grown, this caterpillar suspends itself by the tail to a little patch of silk, which it has spun on the under side of a leaf, having also drawn two or three other leaves around it in the same way as the feeding larva. In this situation it hangs, with the head and three anterior segments slightly curved upwards, for nearly twenty-four hours before the transformation to the pupa state occurs. I have often watched these larvæ changing, and as their manœuvres during the process exactly resemble those ofAnosia erippusa special description is unnecessary. The actual transformation may be easily observed in this species, as the larvæ are common andcan be obtained in large numbers. It is well worth watching, and if a good many specimens are kept at once, some of them are sure to change at a convenient time for observation. The pupa varies from pale yellowish-brown to dark purplish-brown, darker on the wing-cases and ventral surface. The spines on the back are golden. The whole insect is also speckled with brown or black dots. The pupa varies considerably in size as well as in colour. In this insect the pupa state is of very short duration, usually only lasting about a fortnight. I am informed by Mr. Helms that the pupa ofVanessa gonerillais often destroyed by the common hemipteron,Cermatulus nasalis, which penetrates its shell by means of its long rostrum, and speedily consumes the liquid internal portions.
The perfect insect usually emerges early in the morning. It dries its wings for a few hours whilst resting on the old nettle-leaves which formed its home when a larva. The increasing warmth of the sunshine soon hardens the wings sufficiently to allow the new-born butterfly to fly away.
This insect is very common in most situations from January till April. It lives through the winter, appearing again on fine days towards the end of August. During the spring and early summer these hibernated individuals occur in great profusion, a few specimens always remaining until the earliest of the new ones have emerged; so that about December we may occasionally observe both hibernated and recent specimens together.
In the autumn these butterflies may be seen feeding on the flowers of the scabious and the white rata, thus preparing for their long winter sleep. In the spring, however, the insect is most abundant in the vicinity of the nettle-plants, where the females are busily engaged depositing their eggs.
I have noticed that this insect possesses the power of emitting a distinct grating or hissing noise, evidently closely resembling the sound, which has been observed to be emitted by several European species of the genus.[50]This sound is only made when a specimen is roused from a semi-torpid condition; and it is thought that it may be useful to the insect for the purpose of intimidating intruders during its period of hibernation.
This butterfly is a rapid flier and may often be seen pursuing a straight course high above the tree-tops, apparently migrating in search of fresh breeding-grounds. It appears to have a singular liking for hill-tops, and a specimen which has selected one of these places will keep on returning to the same spot, after being repeatedly frightened away. In such situations, if the weather be calm and sunny, we may frequently see two specimens engaged in aerial battle. They fly upwards, and coursing round each other with great velocity, almost disappear in the clear blue sky. A few seconds later the two insects, gently fanning their wings in the warm sunshine, are again seen in their respective places.
VANESSA ITEA, Fabr.
(Papilio itea, Fabr., Syst. Ent., p. 498, n. 238 (1775); Donovan Ins. New Holland, pl. 26, fig. 1 (1805).Vanessa itea, Godart, Enc. Meth. ix. p. 321, n. 57 (1819); White in Taylor's New Zealand, pl. 2, figs. 2, 2 (1855).Bassaris itea, Hubner, Samml. Esot. Schmett. (1816-24).Pyrameis itea, Doubleday, Gen. Diurn. Lepid., p. 202 (1849).)
(Papilio itea, Fabr., Syst. Ent., p. 498, n. 238 (1775); Donovan Ins. New Holland, pl. 26, fig. 1 (1805).Vanessa itea, Godart, Enc. Meth. ix. p. 321, n. 57 (1819); White in Taylor's New Zealand, pl. 2, figs. 2, 2 (1855).Bassaris itea, Hubner, Samml. Esot. Schmett. (1816-24).Pyrameis itea, Doubleday, Gen. Diurn. Lepid., p. 202 (1849).)
(PlateXII., fig. 3, fig. 4 under side.)
This beautiful butterfly is, I believe, fairly abundant in the northern portions of the North Island, but becomes scarcer southwards of Napier and New Plymouth. In theSouth Island I believe I once saw a specimen at Nelson, but beyond that I can find no record of its occurrence there.
The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches. The fore-wings are black, becoming reddish-brown speckled with gold towards the base;there is a very broad yellow band nearly across the middle, and one yellow and two white spots near the apex. The hind-wings are rich reddish-brown, broadly bordered with black, especially towards the costa; there are four small black spots with blue centres near the termen, and a blue stripe bordered with black at the tornus. The under surface closely resembles that ofVanessa gonerilla, except that the red patch on the fore-wings is replaced by pale yellow, and the markings on the hind-wings are more sharply defined.
The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches. The fore-wings are black, becoming reddish-brown speckled with gold towards the base;there is a very broad yellow band nearly across the middle, and one yellow and two white spots near the apex. The hind-wings are rich reddish-brown, broadly bordered with black, especially towards the costa; there are four small black spots with blue centres near the termen, and a blue stripe bordered with black at the tornus. The under surface closely resembles that ofVanessa gonerilla, except that the red patch on the fore-wings is replaced by pale yellow, and the markings on the hind-wings are more sharply defined.
The perfect insect appears from January till April, hibernated specimens occurring in the spring. It is very fond of selecting a perch on the top of a hill, and often engages in violent encounters withVanessa gonerilla. During the contest both insects course round each other with great rapidity, and generally ascend to a considerable elevation. They almost invariably return to their former resting-places. This is a fortunate habit for the collector, as it frequently enables him to ultimately capture a specimen, which he has almost touched with the net on several previous occasions. I have noticed this propensity to return to a favourite perch in the European species of the genusVanessa, so that it is most likely a congenital habit, probably of great antiquity.
This insect has a fine appearance when flying; the large yellow spots on the forewings are then very conspicuous, and ensure its immediate and certain recognition.
VANESSA CARDUI, L.
(Vanessa cardui, L.Cynthia kershawii, McCoy, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. iv., vol. i. p. 76 (1868).Pyrameis cardui, var.P. kershawii, Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., p. 29 (1874).)
(Vanessa cardui, L.Cynthia kershawii, McCoy, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. iv., vol. i. p. 76 (1868).Pyrameis cardui, var.P. kershawii, Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., p. 29 (1874).)
(PlateXII., fig. 1, 2 under side.)
This elegant butterfly occurs throughout both islands, but is very irregular in its appearance. In some years it is quite abundant, whilst in others scarcely a specimen will be seen. During the summer of 1889-1890 it was extremely plentiful in the Wellington district, being at that time much commoner thanVanessa gonerilla, but its appearance in such large numbers as this was, I think, very exceptional.
The expansion of the wings varies from 2 to 2¼ inches.Above, all the wings are orange-red, spotted and mottled with black.The fore-wings are bronzy towards the base;in the black apex there are five white spots. Near the termen of the hind-wings three of the black spots have blue centres. On the under side of the fore-wings the markings are very similar to those on the upper side, except that there are several additional white blotches, and the orange-red ground colour has a rosy blush towards the base. The hind-wings are very beautifully mottled with an elaborate series of pale brown, purplish-grey, yellowish-brown, and white markings; three of the large spots near the termen have pale blue centres.
The expansion of the wings varies from 2 to 2¼ inches.Above, all the wings are orange-red, spotted and mottled with black.The fore-wings are bronzy towards the base;in the black apex there are five white spots. Near the termen of the hind-wings three of the black spots have blue centres. On the under side of the fore-wings the markings are very similar to those on the upper side, except that there are several additional white blotches, and the orange-red ground colour has a rosy blush towards the base. The hind-wings are very beautifully mottled with an elaborate series of pale brown, purplish-grey, yellowish-brown, and white markings; three of the large spots near the termen have pale blue centres.
I have not yet met with the larva of this insect, neither can I find any record of its having been observed in New Zealand. The following description by Mr. Stainton is taken from a European specimen:[51]"The spiny larva is brown with two dorsal and two lateral yellow lines; on the third, fourth, and twelfth segments there are four spines; on the fifth to eleventh segments seven spines, and on the thirteenth two spines; it feeds solitarily in rolled thistle-leaves."
The perfect insect appears in January, February, March and April, hibernated specimens occurring from August until December. It is a much more wary butterfly than eitherVanessa gonerillaorV. itea, and can seldom be captured after it has once beendisturbed, although it will often return to the same spot several times in succession. In fact, owing to its extreme timidity, its capture is generally attended with some difficulty.
This insect is found almost throughout the entire world. In specimens from the Northern Hemisphere the black spots on the hind-wings have no blue centres, and the butterflies are a little larger than those found in the Southern Hemisphere, otherwise the two insects are exactly alike. The southern form has been calledV. kershawiiby several writers, but the differences do not appear to me to be sufficiently important to merit a distinct specific name, especially as both forms occur together in South Africa.
This insect has frequently been observed at various places on the European Continent migrating in vast swarms; and it seems probable that its strong migratory instinct may have led to its enormously wide range at the present time.
"Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ abrupt. Fore-wings, with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings with transverse vein, absent between veins 4 and 5." (Meyrick.)
"Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ abrupt. Fore-wings, with vein 10 separate. Hind-wings with transverse vein, absent between veins 4 and 5." (Meyrick.)
We have one species in New Zealand.
JUNONIA VELLEDA.
(PlateXI., fig. 16, fig. 17 under side.)
This butterfly was very common in the neighbourhood of Wellington during the summer of 1886-87. To the best of my knowledge the insect had not previously been observed in New Zealand, but I understand from Mr. R. Holloway that he has since met with it on the sea-coast near New Plymouth, in 1893, and at Motueka in 1898.
The expansion of the wings is nearly 2 inches. On the upper side all the wings are dull blackish-brown, with greenish or bronzy reflections. The fore-wings have two broad orange-brown stripes on the costa, anda very large patch of the same colour along the termen, containing a large black spot with a bluish-white centre; there are three irregular whitish marks near the apex of the wing, and a minute blue-centred ocellus. The hind-wings havetwo very large orange-brown spots almost touching each other near the termen; each of these contains a large blue-centred ocellus in the middle; there are also two terminal rows of brown crescent-shaped markings. Underneath, the markings of the fore-wings resemble those of the upper side, but they are very much paler, and the ground colour is light brown. The hind-wings are pale brown, with a wavy black line across the middle, followed by a brown shading towards the termen; there are also four small round black spots and a series of irregular black dots near the termen.
The expansion of the wings is nearly 2 inches. On the upper side all the wings are dull blackish-brown, with greenish or bronzy reflections. The fore-wings have two broad orange-brown stripes on the costa, anda very large patch of the same colour along the termen, containing a large black spot with a bluish-white centre; there are three irregular whitish marks near the apex of the wing, and a minute blue-centred ocellus. The hind-wings havetwo very large orange-brown spots almost touching each other near the termen; each of these contains a large blue-centred ocellus in the middle; there are also two terminal rows of brown crescent-shaped markings. Underneath, the markings of the fore-wings resemble those of the upper side, but they are very much paler, and the ground colour is light brown. The hind-wings are pale brown, with a wavy black line across the middle, followed by a brown shading towards the termen; there are also four small round black spots and a series of irregular black dots near the termen.
The perfect insect occurred very plentifully in December, January and February, and was fond of settling on barren, stony places in the hot sunshine. It was very timid and difficult to catch, darting off with great rapidity when approached. During the season I managed to secure about nine specimens, some of them in very good condition. I am unable to explain the sudden appearance of this butterfly in New Zealand during the above-mentioned year. The large numbers, which were observed over extended areas, almost seem to forbid its accidental importation from Australia, whilst the distance of New Zealand from that continent would render immigration a most unlikely circumstance. On the other hand, if the insect is a regular inhabitant of this country, it is strange that it had never before been observed. When on the wing, its superficial resemblance toVanessa carduimay have led to its having been overlooked, and hence it is very desirable that entomologists should use every effort to detect it in the future.
According to Mr. Olliff, this butterfly has a very wide geographical range, beingfound in Java, Sumatra, Tasmania and all parts of the Australian Continent. About the year 1830 it was described by Stephens, in his 'British Entomology,' under the name ofCynthia hampstediensis, on account of its having been taken at Hampstead, the well-known suburb of London. Subsequently it transpired that the specimen in question was no doubt of foreign origin, its "appearance" having been due to a practical joke perpetrated on the British Lepidopterists of the day.
"Characters ofNymphalidæ, but fore-wings with vein 12 greatly dilated towards base." (PlateI., figs. 25, 26, and 27, neuration ofErebia pluto.)
"Characters ofNymphalidæ, but fore-wings with vein 12 greatly dilated towards base." (PlateI., figs. 25, 26, and 27, neuration ofErebia pluto.)
"A large group of very general distribution. The species are usually of moderate size, generally dark coloured with light bands or spots, and with several round, black, white-centred spots on lower surface. Some of them are more fond of shady places than is customary in this group.
"Ovum spherical-ovate, surface reticulated and often ribbed. Larva more or less tapering towards extremities, with short hairs; segment 13 ending in two points; feeding on grass. Pupa suspended by the tail or unattached, sometimes subterranean."—(Meyrick.) (See PlateIII., figs. 4 and 5 larvæ, 28 and 29 pupæ.)
Of this family we have three genera represented in New Zealand:—
1.Argyrophenga.2.Dodonidia.3.Erebia.
Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ somewhat abrupt. Fore-wings with lower margin of cell greatly dilated towards base; veins 8, 9, 10, and 11 out of 7; vein 12 greatly dilated towards base.
Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ somewhat abrupt. Fore-wings with lower margin of cell greatly dilated towards base; veins 8, 9, 10, and 11 out of 7; vein 12 greatly dilated towards base.
Of this genus there is one species in New Zealand.
ARGYROPHENGA ANTIPODUM, Doubleday.
(Argyrophenga antipodum, Doubleday, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xvi. p. 307 (1845); Gen. Diurn. Lepid. pl. 63, fig. 6 (1851); Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., pl. 8, figs. 4, 7 (1874).)
(Argyrophenga antipodum, Doubleday, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. xvi. p. 307 (1845); Gen. Diurn. Lepid. pl. 63, fig. 6 (1851); Butler, Erebus and Terror Lep., pl. 8, figs. 4, 7 (1874).)
(PlateXI., fig. 4 ♂, 5 ♀, 3 variety, 6 under side of ♂, 7 under side of variety; PlateIII., fig. 4 larva, fig. 29 pupa.)
This species occurs commonly on the tussock lands from Christchurch to Invercargill. In the provinces of Nelson and Marlborough it is, I believe, confined to situations having elevations of from 2,000 to 4,000 feet above the sea-level. It has never been captured in the North Island.
The expansion of the wings varies from 1⅜ to 1¾ inches.Above, all the wings are dull brownish-black, paler near the body; the outer portion of each is covered with a large patch of bright orange-brown (northern form), or fawn colour (southern form); on the fore-wings this patch contains a large oval black spot, with two white dots in the middle; on the hind-wings there are two, three, or four black spots, with one white dot in the centre of each; beneath, the markings on the fore-wings resemble those of the upper surface, except that there are often several short silvery stripes near the apex; the hind-wings are dull yellow, with silver streaks between the veins, and one broader streak in the centre of the wing. The female is much paler than the male, with the borders of the wings whitish.
The expansion of the wings varies from 1⅜ to 1¾ inches.Above, all the wings are dull brownish-black, paler near the body; the outer portion of each is covered with a large patch of bright orange-brown (northern form), or fawn colour (southern form); on the fore-wings this patch contains a large oval black spot, with two white dots in the middle; on the hind-wings there are two, three, or four black spots, with one white dot in the centre of each; beneath, the markings on the fore-wings resemble those of the upper surface, except that there are often several short silvery stripes near the apex; the hind-wings are dull yellow, with silver streaks between the veins, and one broader streak in the centre of the wing. The female is much paler than the male, with the borders of the wings whitish.
This insect is extremely variable. The colouring appears to be much influenced by local conditions. On the Dun Mountain, Nelson district, at an elevation of about 2,700 feet, a very small light form occurs in which the sexes are almost exactly alike. There are only two perfect spots on the upper surface of the hind-wings; the other spot isrudimentary, and has no white central dot. On the under side there are no silver stripes near the apex of the fore-wings, and only five or six silver stripes on the marginal portions of the hind-wings (see PlateXI., figs. 3 and 7). At Kekerangu, on the "Chalk Range," at an elevation of from 3,000 to 4,000 feet, a similar but slightly larger form occurs. On the Tableland of Mount Arthur, Nelson district, 3,600 to 4,600 feet above the sea-level, the females are paler than in either of the preceding forms, and the males darker, so that the sexes are well marked; but there are no silvery stripes on the under side of the apex of the fore-wings, and usually only five stripes on the marginal portions of the hind-wings. Finally, in the Canterbury, Otago and Southland butterflies (southern form), we have the large, very dark reddish-brown coloured male insect with large ocelli, and the extremely pale yellow female with small ocelli, the two sexes here exhibiting the greatest differentiation. On the under side, the male has several small silver stripes near the apex of the fore-wings, and seven stripes on the marginal portions of the hind-wings. (See PlateXI., figs. 4, 5, and 6.) In elevated situations in Canterbury, however, I have taken a somewhat similar variety to that found on the Mount Arthur Tableland. I have also taken similar forms on Mount Robert near Lake Rotoiti, Nelson district, these having, in addition, numerous white hairs on the wings near the body.
Besides these extreme variations, which appear to be largely dependent on local conditions, great variability exists with respect to the number and size of the ocelli or white-centred spots. In some specimens there are no ocelli on the hind-wings; in others, two, three, or four very minute ones, whilst others have all four very large. Occasionally specimens have a minute ocellus below the large one on the fore-wings. Were it not for the intermediate varieties, there would probably be little hesitation in separating the extreme forms of this insect into several distinct species; but as they are connected by a host of intermediate forms, it is quite impossible even to divide them into varieties.
In a paper communicated to the 'Entomologist' in February, 1889,[52]by Mr. W. W. Smith, the author makes some interesting remarks on the variation of this butterfly, as observed by him in Canterbury and Otago. After pointing out the great diversity exhibited by different specimens in the depth of colouring, and in the number and size of the ocelli, he states that in his opinion the greatest variation occurs during the summers that succeed wet winters. In the year 1888 I had the opportunity of inspecting a most interesting series of this insect, presented by Mr. Smith to the Wellington Museum. They embraced specimens of very varied colouring, and included, amongst other remarkable forms, a male, which was entirely destitute of all ocelli, both on the fore- and on the hind-wings. Amongst these specimens, however, I did not see any resembling those I have described from Nelson and Marlborough. This collection has, I regret to say, since been disposed of by the Museum authorities, and cannot therefore be utilised by New Zealand students.
The larva of this insect feeds on the tussock grass (Poa australis). Its length, when full grown, is about 1 inch. The top of the head is furnished with a very large process, which projects forwards. The body is much attenuated towards the tail, which is bifid. The general colour is dull green, with a crimson line on each side and numerous alternate lines of yellow and white. The legs and prolegs are very small. There are four wrinkles on the posterior edges of each segment.
When feeding, this caterpillar rests on a blade of the tussock, where it is very inconspicuous. It appears to prefer the dead or drier portions of the grass, and feeds and grows very slowly. It is strictly diurnal in its habits, relapsing into a death-like repose at night.
The pupa is suspended by the tail to an upright blade of the tussock. In the specimen I reared, I was fortunate enough to witness the actual transformation, and during the process, observed it seizing hold of the larval skin with its posterior segments, its manœuvres whilst thus engaged exactly resembling those of the pupa ofAnosia erippus, described above by Professor Riley.
The length of the pupa is about ½ inch. Its colour is bright green, with a reddish line along the edge of each wing-case, and several white lines on the sides and back.
The perfect insect appears from December till the end of March. It is usually very abundant where found, the males being more numerous than the females in the proportion of about five to one. It flies amongst the tussock grass in a weak and aimless manner. When rapidly pursued it has a habit of plunging into a tussock and closing its wings, where it remains quite invisible until the danger is past.
The silver stripes on the under side of the hind-wings are very protective to the insect when at rest on its food-plant, the striped coloration of the larva and pupa no doubt serving similar protective purposes.
Characters as inArgyrophenga, except that vein 11 of the fore-wings rises from upper margin of cell, shortly before transverse vein.
Characters as inArgyrophenga, except that vein 11 of the fore-wings rises from upper margin of cell, shortly before transverse vein.
We have one species in New Zealand.
DODONIDIA HELMSI, Fereday.
(Dodonidia helmsi, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 193.)
(PlateXI., fig. 14, fig. 15 under side; PlateIII., fig. 5 larva, fig. 28 pupa.)
A single specimen of this interesting butterfly was discovered by Mr. R. Helms, in 1881, on the Paparoa Range, near Greymouth, at an elevation of about 1,500 feet above the sea-level. Until within the last three years only three other specimens had been captured, viz., one near Wainui-o-mata, in Mr. A. P. Buller's collection; one on the Dun Mountain, Nelson, at an elevation of about 2,500 feet, which is in my collection; and one on the Tableland of Mount Arthur, at about 3,300 feet, which was kindly given to me by Mr. C. W. Palmer. In the summer of 1894-95 several specimens were captured by Mr. P. Marshall near Wanganui,[53]and during the same season Messrs. Smithers and Hawthorne discovered the insect in considerable abundance at a locality near Silverstream, in the Wellington district. During the two following summers additional specimens were obtained near Silverstream, and I was fortunate enough to discover there a number of specimens of the larva, which furnished the material for the illustration and description of the preparatory stages of the insect given in this work.
The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches.On the upper side all the wings are dark brown. The fore-wings have two broad bands of yellowish-orange, the outer one containing asmall patch of dark brown near the costa, which touches a white-centred black ocellus. The hind-wings have one large patch of yellowish-orange containing two ocelli; a large ocellus, surrounded by a broad ring of reddish-orange, is situated on the tornus; the tornus is produced into two very broad but short tails, which are bordered with white cilia. On the under side the fore-wings are light ochreous-yellow; there is a shaded brown patch at the base; the termen is broadly bordered with brown, the border containing a silver streak; two broad brown patches are situated on the costa, the outer one terminated by a small ocellus, and enclosing a silvery patch near the apex of the wing.The hind-wings are silvery, narrowly bordered with deep reddish-brown, with five deep reddish-brown stripes running from the costa towards the tornus; the fourth stripe from the base of the wing contains three ocelli surrounded by yellow rings; a conspicuous ocellus is situated at the tornus, surrounded by a broad orange-red ring.
The expansion of the wings is about 2 inches.On the upper side all the wings are dark brown. The fore-wings have two broad bands of yellowish-orange, the outer one containing asmall patch of dark brown near the costa, which touches a white-centred black ocellus. The hind-wings have one large patch of yellowish-orange containing two ocelli; a large ocellus, surrounded by a broad ring of reddish-orange, is situated on the tornus; the tornus is produced into two very broad but short tails, which are bordered with white cilia. On the under side the fore-wings are light ochreous-yellow; there is a shaded brown patch at the base; the termen is broadly bordered with brown, the border containing a silver streak; two broad brown patches are situated on the costa, the outer one terminated by a small ocellus, and enclosing a silvery patch near the apex of the wing.The hind-wings are silvery, narrowly bordered with deep reddish-brown, with five deep reddish-brown stripes running from the costa towards the tornus; the fourth stripe from the base of the wing contains three ocelli surrounded by yellow rings; a conspicuous ocellus is situated at the tornus, surrounded by a broad orange-red ring.
This insect appears to vary a little in the extent of the yellowish-orange colouring of the upper side. It also varies in size, specimens from the North Island being slightly larger than those from the South Island.
The larva feeds on a species of sedge (Galinia setifolia), which always grows abundantly in the birch forests, where the butterflies are found. When full grown the length of this caterpillar is about 1¼ inches. Its body is much attenuated at each end and rather stout in the middle; the head and tail are bifid; there are numerous straight, shallow, transverse wrinkles on each segment, especially towards the head. The colour is green, with a number of fine, paler and darker green, dorsal and lateral lines; the head and thirteenth segment are yellowish. The legs are very minute, and the prolegs of moderate size. It is extremely susceptible to the attacks of a Dipterous parasite. In fact, out of thirty larvæ kept by Mr. Hawthorne and myself, no less than 75 per cent. were thus destroyed. This larva feeds on the leaves of the sedge, eating out long notches parallel to the veins of the leaf. These notches are the best guides to follow in searching for the larva, as the colouring of the caterpillar renders its discovery amongst the food-plant extremely difficult. The larvæ should be looked for during the end of December or the beginning of January.
The pupa is rather stout, light green, with the edge of the wing-case and the prominences formed by the back and palpi, edged with crimson and white. It is suspended by the tail to any firm object in the neighbourhood of the sedge.
The perfect insect appears in February. It frequents sunny glades in the birch forest, usually at considerable elevations above the sea-level. Mr. Helms informs me that he has seen specimens near Greymouth in October, and hence concludes that there are two broods in the year. The butterfly is very difficult to capture, as it has a most provoking habit of resting on the foliage of the birch-trees, just out of the collector's reach. I am unable to explain the object of the remarkable colouring of the under side of this insect, but it is probably protective, although in what way has yet to be discovered.
"Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ abrupt." (PlateI., figs. 25, 26, and 27 neuration ofErebia pluto.)
"Eyes glabrous. Club of antennæ abrupt." (PlateI., figs. 25, 26, and 27 neuration ofErebia pluto.)
"An extensive and essentially Alpine genus inhabiting the mountains of Europe, Asia, North America, and South Africa. Pupa unattached amongst stem bases of grass."—(Meyrick.)
We have two species in New Zealand.
EREBIA PLUTO, Fereday.
(Erebia pluto, Fereday.Erebia merula, Hewitson, Ent. Mo. Mag. xii. 10 (1874).Oreina othello, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. viii. 302, 304, pl. ix. (1876).Percnodaimon pluto, Butl., Ent. Mo. Mag. xii. 153 (1876); Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies, 10.)
(Erebia pluto, Fereday.Erebia merula, Hewitson, Ent. Mo. Mag. xii. 10 (1874).Oreina othello, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. viii. 302, 304, pl. ix. (1876).Percnodaimon pluto, Butl., Ent. Mo. Mag. xii. 153 (1876); Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies, 10.)
(PlateXI., fig. 8 ♂, 9 ♀, 10 under side.)
This fine butterfly has occurred plentifully on many mountain-tops in the South Island, from Nelson to Lake Wakatipu. It has never been observed in the North Island.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¾ inches, of the female 2 inches.On the upper side all the wings are a very rich bronzy-black. The fore-wings have a paler patch near the apex, containing two small, and three large black ocelli with white centres; these ocelli are usually joined together. On the under side all the wings are considerably paler and greyer. The hind-wings have a series of pale spots near the termen, and a paler shade across the middle.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1¾ inches, of the female 2 inches.On the upper side all the wings are a very rich bronzy-black. The fore-wings have a paler patch near the apex, containing two small, and three large black ocelli with white centres; these ocelli are usually joined together. On the under side all the wings are considerably paler and greyer. The hind-wings have a series of pale spots near the termen, and a paler shade across the middle.
The insect varies chiefly in the number of ocelli. On the upper side of the fore-wings there are sometimes only four, the minute ocellus on the costa being absent, whilst occasionally a small extra ocellus appears below the normal series. On the under side this last-mentioned ocellus is very frequently, but not invariably, present. In some female specimens an extremely minute ocellus may be detected on the upper surface of the hind-wings near the termen. On the under side of the hind-wings in both sexes the series of pale terminal spots are often absent, and the general depth of the colouring varies considerably.
Mr. Fereday has described and figured a very interesting variation occurring in the structure of the costal veins of this species,[54]vein 11 of the fore-wings sometimes running into 12 (see PlateI., fig. 26), and sometimes being entirely absent (fig. 25). After reading Mr. Fereday's article I examined the specimens in my own collection, and found that all those taken on Mount Arthur and on Mount Peel, in the Nelson district, had veins 11 and 12 joined, whilst the two specimens I took on Mount Enys, Castle Hill, West Coast Road, had vein 11 absent. As, however, Mr. Fereday has specimens exhibiting both forms of neuration, from Castle Hill and from Mount Hutt, I do not think it likely that the peculiarity is confined to butterflies from any particular locality. Like Mr. Fereday, I have observed that the specimens having veins 11 and 12 joined, are smaller than those having vein 11 absent.
The perfect insect appears in January, February and March. It frequents shingle slopes on mountains, at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above the sea-level. Sometimes the butterflies occur in considerable numbers, flying in a lazy, aimless manner in the scorching sunshine, but instantly retreating into crevices between the stones when the sun is obscured. I have observed that this species is most abundant in the neighbourhood of the carpet grass, on which I fully anticipate its larva feeds. It seldom, however, settles on this grass, preferring to alight on the shingle, which, owing to the rarefied air existing at such high elevations, soon becomes intensely heated by the sun's rays.
When disturbed this insect flies with considerable rapidity and thus often eludes the net, so that the capture of a good series of specimens on a rugged mountain-top is usually very exciting, if not actually dangerous work. As with many otherinsects, mountain ranges are more prolific in this butterfly than isolated peaks. Mount Peel, situated to the west of Mount Arthur, is the best locality I know of for this and many other Alpine species. Its gentle slopes enable the collector to work with perfect ease and safety, whilst the patches of rich soil occurring nearly to the top of the mountain support an unusually varied Alpine flora of great interest.
EREBIA BUTLERI, Fereday.
(Erebiola butleri, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xii. 264; Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies, 19.)
(PlateXI., fig. 11 ♂, 12 ♀, 13 under side.)
This interesting butterfly was described from three dilapidated specimens captured by Mr. J. D. Enys at Whitcombe's Pass, Canterbury, on March 8, 1879, at about 4,000 feet above the sea-level. From that time I believe no other specimens had been found until January, 1894, when I took quite a large number on the Humboldt Range, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet above the sea-level.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1⅝ inches, of the female 1½ inches.On the upper side all the wings of the male are smoky-brown; the fore-wings have a large black ocellus near the apex, enclosing two white dots, followed by a smaller ocellus towards the dorsum; the hind-wings have three black spots near the termen, sometimes enclosing white dots.Occasionally these ocelli are surrounded by a patch of deep reddish-brown. The female is much paler, with large patches of yellowish-brown surrounding the ocelli. On the under side the fore-wings of the male are smoky-brown, with an irregular blotch of reddish-brown near the apex, surrounding a small white-centred black ocellus.The hind-wings are dark reddish-brown, with several conspicuous black-edged silvery markings, and four yellowish-red spots near the termen.The under side of the female is very much paler.
The expansion of the wings of the male is 1⅝ inches, of the female 1½ inches.On the upper side all the wings of the male are smoky-brown; the fore-wings have a large black ocellus near the apex, enclosing two white dots, followed by a smaller ocellus towards the dorsum; the hind-wings have three black spots near the termen, sometimes enclosing white dots.Occasionally these ocelli are surrounded by a patch of deep reddish-brown. The female is much paler, with large patches of yellowish-brown surrounding the ocelli. On the under side the fore-wings of the male are smoky-brown, with an irregular blotch of reddish-brown near the apex, surrounding a small white-centred black ocellus.The hind-wings are dark reddish-brown, with several conspicuous black-edged silvery markings, and four yellowish-red spots near the termen.The under side of the female is very much paler.
This butterfly varies considerably on the upper side in the number and size of the ocelli, and in the extent of the reddish-brown markings which surround them; on the under side the silvery spots on the hind-wings are also variable.
The perfect insect has been taken in January and March. It evidently frequents mountains in the South Island, at elevations of about 4,000 feet, but does not appear to be generally distributed in such localities. It seldom settles on the shingle, mostly resting on the snow grass, on which its larva probably feeds. It is a smaller insect thanE. pluto, and flies much more feebly. These characteristics will at once enable the collector to distinguish it fromE. plutowhen on the wing.
Immediately a cloud obscures the sun these butterflies retreat into the tufts of the snow grass, remaining closely hidden there until the sun shines out again. This circumstance makes the capture of the insect, even in a favourable locality, a matter of considerable uncertainty, as bright sunshine is more often the exception than the rule on the summits of high mountains.
"Anterior legs developed, but tarsi of ♂ more or less abbreviated, or with one or both claws absent; posterior tibiæ without middle spurs. Fore-wings with vein 7 absent, 8 and 9 stalked or coincident. Hind-wings without præcostal spur." (PlateI., figs. 15, 16, neuration ofChrysophanus salustius.)
"Anterior legs developed, but tarsi of ♂ more or less abbreviated, or with one or both claws absent; posterior tibiæ without middle spurs. Fore-wings with vein 7 absent, 8 and 9 stalked or coincident. Hind-wings without præcostal spur." (PlateI., figs. 15, 16, neuration ofChrysophanus salustius.)
"The family is large and very generally distributed. The species are of moderate size or more often rather small, usually blue, dark brown, or coppery-orange in colouring, often with series of small black pale-ringed spots on lower surface.
"Ovum flattened—spherical or subcylindrical, reticulated and sometimes ribbed, seldom smooth. Larva stout, with few hairs. Pupa attached by tail and a central belt of silk, or sometimes unattached or subterranean."—(Meyrick.)
We have two genera represented in New Zealand, viz.:—
1.Chrysophanus.2.Lycæna.