S-1141001_COMPLETO.pdf

PLATE XXXVII.
88
PURPLE HAIRSTREAK.
Thecla quercus, LEACH. STEPHENS. CUETIS.
" " BOISDUVAL. DUNCAN. WESTWOOD.
Papilio quercus, LiNNiEUS. LEWIN.
" " DONOVAN. WILKES. HAEEIS.
Pithys quercus, HUBNEE.
Lycana quercus, OCHSENHEIMEB.
THIS is a sort of miniature of the Purple Emperor, though
not a "flattering likeness," the wings reflecting something of
the same iridescent purple colour, but inferior both in extent
and intensity; it is, however, a very pretty insect.
It is common throughout England in most parts of the
country. I have met with it at Sandal Beat, near Doncaster,
Yorkshire, and in the vicinity of Charmouth, Dorsetshire,
also at Barnwell and Ashton Wold, and the neighbourhood
of Polebrook, Northamptonshire. Near Great Bedwyn and
Sarum, Wiltshire, it likewise occurs, but not commonly there.
In Scotland it is rare. In Ireland, A. G. More, Esq., of
Trinity College, Cambridge, has met with it in plenty at
Ardrahan, in the county of Galway.
The middle of July is the time for the appearance of the
Purple Hairstreak, but it is sometimes still out until the latter
end of September.
It is to be seen flying over the tops of oak trees in and
near woods.
The caterpillar is found in the beginning of June.
It feeds on the oak.
This fly varies in the expanse of its wings from about an
inch and a quarter to an inch and a half. The fore wino-s
are blackish brown all round and over the whole of the upper