New Zealand Moths and Butterflies/Papilionina
III.—THE LASIOCAMPINA.
Not represented in New Zealand.
IV.—THE PAPILIONINA.
The Papilionina are distinguished by the following characters:—
This is one of the most interesting groups of the Lepidoptera. The insects comprised in it are popularly known as butterflies, and from their bright colouring and conspicuous appearance are always favourites with beginners. The Papilionina attain great development in the tropics, especially in South America, where, it is said, a single valley sometimes contains as many species as the whole of Europe. In New Zealand there are only fifteen species of butterflies, the group being extremely poorly represented both here and in the South Pacific Islands.
Formerly the Papilionina was known as the Rhopalocera, and was regarded as constituting a division of equivalent value to the remainder of the Lepidoptera, which was termed the Heterocera. For some time past entomologists have, however, practically abandoned this classification of the order, the Heterocera, or moths, being clearly composed of several groups each of equivalent value to the Rhopalocera, or butterflies. Mr. Meyrick states in his 'Handbook of British Lepidoptera' that the Papilionina "stands rather conspicuously isolated at the present day, but there is little doubt that its origin must be traced to the Thyrididæ, a family of the Pyralidina."
In this group the wings are generally held erect in repose, the under surface of the hind-wings and the apical portion of the under surface of the fore-wings being nearly always protectively coloured, these being portions of the wings exposed to view when the insect is at rest. There is an unusual amount of ornamental colouring on the upper surface. The flight is invariably diurnal. The larva has ten prolegs.
The three following families of Papilionina are represented in New Zealand:—
1. Nymphalidæ.2. Satyridæ.3. Lycænidæ.
Family 1.—NYMPHALIDÆ.
"An extremely large family, mainly tropical. The species are of large or moderate size, usually dark-coloured, with light or bright bands or rows of spots.
"Ovum cylindrical or sub-conical, ribbed and often reticulated. Larva with pairs of tentacles or more usually series of bristly spines. Pupa exposed, suspended by the tail, often angular or with metallic spots."—(Meyrick.) (See Plate III., figs. 1, 2, and 3 larvæ, 27, 31 and 32 pupæ.)
We have three genera represented in New Zealand:—
1. Anosia.2. Vanessa.3. Junonia.
Genus 1.—ANOSIA.
"A genus of moderate extent, generally distributed within the tropics, with two or three species ranging beyond them. Imago with termen of fore-wings sub-concave. Larva with pairs of long tentacles. Both larva and imago are protected by a strong nauseous scent, or taste, and are uneatable to birds."—(Meyrick.)
We have two species in New Zealand.
ANOSIA ERIPPUS, Cr.
This handsome insect has occurred from time to time at various localities in both the North and the South Islands, but does not appear to be generally common. Particulars of the early captures of this butterfly are thus given by Mr. Enys[1]: "First recorded as a New Zealand insect by Mr. Fereday, in a paper read before the Canterbury Institute, January 2, 1874, and printed in vol. vi. of 'Transactions.' Mr. Fereday received the butterfly from F. H. Meinertzhagen, of Hawkes Bay. Dr. Hector also obtained it in Westland. It has also been caught near Auckland. In vol. xi. of 'Transactions' Mr. F. W. Sturm records that he first saw this insect, or a closely allied one, at the Reinga, up the Wairoa River, Hawkes Bay, December, 1840, or January, 1841. In 1848 he captured a number at the Waiau, a tributary to that river. Again in 1861 he captured three on the Rangitikei River near Mr. Birch's run. He also records other captures." From these records it will be seen that the insect was observed as early as 1840, and it thus seems scarcely probable that it was accidentally introduced by man, as Mr. Butler appears to suppose.[2] Recently A. erippus has occurred many times in the neighbourhood of Cook's Straits. In 1879 several specimens were bred from larvæ found by Mr. C. W. Lee near Wangaehu. In 1881 I captured two specimens near Nelson and saw three others. In 1890 two specimens were taken by Mr. R. I. Kingsley, and in January of the following year I captured two more, all near Nelson. During the autumn of 1892 one specimen was taken near Otaki by Mr. Rutherfurd, and several others were seen. The same year a specimen was also taken by Sir James Hector at Petone. In 1896, I understand from Mr. Kingsley, several specimens were again seen in the Nelson district.
The larva of this insect feeds on most of the different kinds of milkweed (Asclepias), and also upon dogbane (Apocynum). A single caterpillar, fully grown, which was found in a building in the centre of the town of Wellington, formed the subject from which the figures of the metamorphosis of this insect were taken, but this specimen did not afford sufficient material for an exhaustive investigation of the life-history. The following account, taken from Professor Riley's 'Third Annual Report of the Noxious, Beneficial, and other Insects of the State of Missouri,' is therefore inserted:—
"In about five days after laying the egg hatches, and the young larva as soon as hatched usually turns round and devours its egg-shell—a custom very prevalent with young caterpillars. At this stage it differs considerably from the mature larva; it is perfectly cylindrical, about 0·12 inch long, and of much the same thickness throughout. The head is jet black and polished; the colour of the body is pale greenish-white, with the anterior and posterior horns showing as mere black conical joints, and with two transverse-oval black warts, nearer together, on the first joint. It is covered with minute black bristles, arising from still more minute warts.
"When the young larva is three or four days old a dusky band appears across the middle of each joint, and by the fifth or sixth day it spins a carpet of silk upon the leaf, and prepares for its first moult. After the first moult the anterior horns are as long as the thoracic legs, the posterior ones being somewhat shorter; the characteristic black stripes show quite distinctly, but the white and yellow stripes more faintly. After this it undergoes but slight change in appearance, except that the colours become brighter, and that at each successive moult the horns become relatively longer. There are but three moults, and the intervals between them are short, as the larvæ frequently acquire their full growth within three weeks from hatching."As soon as the larva is full grown it spins a little tuft of silk to the under side of whatever object it may be resting upon, and after entangling the hooks of its hind legs in the silk it lets go the hold of its other legs and hangs down, with the head and anterior joints of the body curved. In this position it hangs for about twenty-four hours, during which the fluids of the body naturally gravitate towards the upturned joints, until the latter become so swollen that at last, by a little effort on the part of the larva, the skin bursts along the back behind the head. Through the rent thus made the anterior portion of the pupa is protruded, and by constant stretching and contracting the larval skin is slipped and crowded backwards until there is but a small shrivelled mass gathered around the tail. Now comes the critical period—the culminating point.
"The soft and supple chrysalis, yet showing the elongate larval form with distinct traces of its prolegs, hangs heavily from the shrunken skin. From this skin it is to be extricated and firmly attached to the silk outside. It has neither legs nor arms, and we should suppose that it would inevitably fall while endeavouring to accomplish this object. But the task is performed with the utmost surety, though appearing so perilous to us. The supple and contractile joints of the abdomen are made to subserve the purpose of legs, and by suddenly grasping the shrunken larval skin between the folds of two of these joints as with a pair of pincers, the chrysalis disengages the tip of its body and hangs for a moment suspended. Then with a few earnest, vigorous, jerking movements it succeeds in sticking the horny point of its tail into the silk, and firmly fastening it by means of a rasp of minute claws with which that point is furnished. Sometimes severe effort is needed before the point is properly fastened, and the chrysalis frequently has to climb by stretching the two joints above those by which it is suspended, and clinging hold of the shrivelled skin further up. The moment the point is fastened the chrysalis commences, by a series of violent jerkings and whirlings, to dislodge the larval skin, after which it rests from its efforts and gradually contracts and hardens. The really active work lasts but a few minutes, and the insect rarely fails to go through with it successfully. The chrysalis is a beautiful object, and as it hangs pendant from some old fence-board or from the under side of an Asclepias leaf, it reminds one of some large eardrop; but, though the jeweller could successfully imitate the form, he might well despair of ever producing the clear pale-green and the ivory-black and golden marks which so characterize it.
"The chrysalis state lasts but a short time, as is the case with all those which are known to suspend themselves nakedly by the tail. At the end of about the tenth day the dark colours of the future butterflies begin to show through the delicate and transparent skin, and suddenly this skin bursts open near the head, and the newborn butterfly gradually extricates itself, and stretching forth its legs and clambering on to some surrounding object, allows its moist, thickened, and contracted wings to hang listlessly from the body."
The perfect insect appears in March and April, hibernated specimens being met with in the spring. It is a most striking species on the wing, and one which, when once seen, is not likely to be forgotten.
ANOSIA BOLINA, L.
(Plate XII., fig. 7 ♂, 8 ♀, 9 under side.)
This fine species appears to be rare in New Zealand, but I think it has now occurred often enough to entitle it to a place amongst our native butterflies. The following is a list of the captures so far as I am able to ascertain them:—
From Mr. Eny's 'Catalogue of New Zealand Butterflies'[3] the first specimen taken appears to have been a male, which was captured by Dr. Sinclair, of Auckland, and sent to the British Museum before the year 1855. The Rev. Richard Taylor also caught one male specimen in his garden at Wanganui, and saw another, the only two he observed in thirty-four years. Dr. Baker saw one in his garden at Christchurch on lilac flowers, also a male. Mr. R. W. Fereday[4] records the capture of the first female specimen by a son of Mr. Thomas Tanner, near Napier, in January, 1876. On the 18th of March, 1885, Mr. R. I. Kingsley[5] took a fine female specimen in Nelson, and on the 25th of March, 1886, I saw another female specimen in the same locality; I also understand that quite a number of specimens of both sexes have been recently captured in the neighbourhood of Auckland.[6]
From the foregoing records, I think that there are very good reasons for regarding this as an indigenous species, as it is very improbable that such a large number of specimens would have been accidentally introduced to the various localities at so many different times.
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.
Genus 2.—VANESSA.
"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.
This handsome insect is the most familiar of New Zealand butterflies. It is very common and generally distributed throughout the country.
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 of V. gonerilla are 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 genus Vanessa, 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 the Urtica incisa completely 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 of Anosia erippus a special description is unnecessary. The actual transformation may be easily observed in this species, as the larvæ are common and can 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 of Vanessa gonerilla is 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.[7] 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.
(Plate XII., 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 the South Island I believe I once saw a specimen at Nelson, but beyond that I can find no record of its occurrence there.
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 with Vanessa 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 genus Vanessa, 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.
(Plate XII., 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 than Vanessa gonerilla, but its appearance in such large numbers as this was, I think, very exceptional.
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:[8] "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 either Vanessa gonerilla or V. itea, and can seldom be captured after it has once been disturbed, 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 called V. kershawii by 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.
Genus 3.—JUNONIA.
We have one species in New Zealand.
JUNONIA VELLEDA.
(Plate XI., 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 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 to Vanessa cardui may 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, being found 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 of Cynthia 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.
Family 2.—SATYRIDÆ.
"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 Plate III., 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.
Genus 1.—ARGYROPHENGA.
Of this genus there is one species in New Zealand.
ARGYROPHENGA ANTIPODUM, Doubleday.
(Plate XI., fig. 4 ♂, 5 ♀, 3 variety, 6 under side of ♂, 7 under side of variety; Plate III., 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.
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 is rudimentary, 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 Plate XI., 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 Plate XI., 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,[9] 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 of Anosia 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.
Genus 2.—DODONIDIA, Butl.
We have one species in New Zealand.
DODONIDIA HELMSI, Fereday.
(Dodonidia helmsi, Fereday, Trans. N. Z. Inst. xv. 193.)
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,[10] 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.
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.
Genus 3.—EREBIA, Dalm.
"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.
(Plate XI., 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 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,[11] vein 11 of the fore-wings sometimes running into 12 (see Plate I., 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 other insects, 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.)
(Plate XI., 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.
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 than E. pluto, and flies much more feebly. These characteristics will at once enable the collector to distinguish it from E. pluto when 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.
Family 3.—LYCÆNIDÆ.
"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.
Genus 1.—CHRYSOPHANUS, Hb.
"An extensive and nearly cosmopolitan genus. Larva short, stout, attenuated at extremities, with short hairs. Pupa attached by the tail and central belt of silk, or sometimes unattached on the ground."—(Meyrick.)
There are three New Zealand species.
CHRYSOPHANUS SALUSTIUS, Fabr.
This pretty little butterfly appears to be very common in most parts of New Zealand. I have records of its occurrence in abundance at various localities, from Napier southwards to Invercargill.
From the foregoing it may be seen that the variation in this insect is considerable. After a careful examination of a large number of specimens taken at various localities in both North and South Islands, I am, however, unable to find characters of sufficient constancy to entitle any of the forms to specific rank. The most striking of these varieties appears to be that described by Mr. Bates as Chrysophanus feredayi.[12] (See Plate XIII., fig. 2, upper side; Plate XII., fig. 21, under side.) On the upper surface it has the central series of spots almost forming a band in the male, and the coppery ground colour is paler than in the typical form. On the under side the borders of the fore-wings, and the whole of the hind-wings are dull brown. This form closely resembles C. rauparaha, Fereday.[13] C. maui, Fereday, is evidently that variety of the male having the veins bordered with two fine black lines. Mr. Fereday states that he has never been able to find the female of his C. maui. This is readily accounted for by the fact, that the female of C. maui is nothing more than the female of C. salustius.
Recently two very remarkable aberrations of C. salustius have come under my notice; one captured by Mr. Hawthorne at Karori, in which the hind-wings are almost entirely suffused with blackish-brown, excepting a small patch of copper colour near the centre, and two patches on the termen. Another specimen, taken by Mr. Grapes near Paraparaumu, has the fore-wings also suffused with blackish-brown, except near the middle, where there are five coppery patches between the veins. On the under side there are six large oblong spots near the termen of the fore-wings, and a series of dusky oblong spots on the hind-wings. (See Plate XIII., fig. 3, fig. 4 under side.) Plate XIII., fig. 5, represents another variety discovered by Mr. Grapes on the coast near Paikakariki, in the Wellington district. It is remarkable for the bright blue terminal spots which are present in both sexes.
The eggs of C. salustius, when first deposited, are pale green with yellow reticulations, the whole egg having a honeycombed appearance when magnified. They become uniform pale yellow before hatching. The young larva is shaped somewhat like a wood-louse. The head is quite hidden by the three anterior segments, which are much larger than the rest. After the first moult the larva becomes bright green, with a crimson line down the back; the head is then larger, and the three anterior segments considerably reduced. Unfortunately the life-history could not be investigated beyond this point, as the larvæ all died. The time of year when this occurred was late autumn, and it therefore seems probable that the larvæ hibernate and undergo their transformation early the following spring.
The perfect insect first appears in November and continues abundant until the middle or end of February. Specimens of what I believe to be a second brood may be taken in March and April if the weather be fine, but in stormy seasons these are frequently not observed. I have also noticed that the autumnal specimens are usually smaller and paler in colour than those captured in the spring.
This butterfly frequents open situations, and in fine, sunny weather it is often very common.
CHRYSOPHANUS ENYSII, Butl.
(Chrysophanus enysii, Butler, Ent. Mo. Mag. xiii. 153 (1876).)
(Plate XII., fig. 22 ♂, 23 ♀, 24 under side.)
This species is tolerably common in the Wellington district, and I expect it will be found to occur in most localities in the North Island. I have also taken the insect at Nelson, but have not heard of its capture elsewhere in the South Island.
This insect varies chiefly in the extent of the dark markings on the upper side, which sometimes very much encroach on the golden ground colour. The spaces between veins 2, 3, and 4, near their origin are sometimes yellow and sometimes black, but, as every intermediate form exists, cannot be distinguished as species. Mr. Fereday regards the form with the black spaces as C. feredayi, Bates. As previously stated, however, I am inclined to think that C. feredayi, Bates, is the same form as C. rauparaha, Fereday.
This butterfly is essentially a forest-loving species, and may sometimes be taken quite plentifully in sunny openings on fine days, during December and January. It is not nearly so common as C. salustius, and I do not think that there is more than a single brood in a season.
CHRYSOPHANUS BOLDENARUM, White.
(Plate XII., figs. 13, 14, ♂ varieties, 15 under side of ♂, 16 ♀, 17 under side of ♀.)
This brilliant little butterfly is very common in most localities in the South Island. In the North Island it has occurred at Lakes Wairarapa and Taupo.
This insect is extremely variable, but I do not think it likely that any of the numerous forms will prove sufficiently constant to be regarded as distinct species. The male varies in the size and number of the black spots, many of which are often absent; in the extent of the purple sheen which is sometimes absent from the hind-wings, sometimes partially absent from the fore-wings, and sometimes extends over the whole of both pairs of wings; also in the colour of such sheen, which often inclines towards blue. Some specimens are much paler than others, and so far as my experience goes, these are chiefly found at considerable elevations; in such specimens, the ground colouring inclines towards yellow or orange, and the purple sheen is very brilliant, and extends over the whole of the wings. The female of this form is proportionately paler. Other specimens have the hind-wings almost black with no purple sheen, whilst in others the purple sheen remains. Another form has the usual markings, but the hind-wings are deep orange-brown, without purple sheen, which is also absent from the outer portions of the fore-wings. One female in my collection is dull brown, with yellow markings between the two rows of black spots. The under side is still more variable. One very striking form has only the basal portions of the fore-wings yellow, the rest of the ground colour is pale bluish-grey, and the spots black. On the hind-wings there are a number of black spots near the base; then an irregular band of black, and then a double row of marginal spots. An almost unlimited number of varieties appears to connect this form with one, in which all the markings on the hind-wings are nearly obsolete. The specimens of this insect taken in each district appear to exhibit differences from those taken elsewhere, but specimens also differ from the same district, so that at present we are unable to detect any well-marked local variation, or topomorphism, as it has been termed. It is consequently highly desirable that collectors should endeavour to obtain specimens from as many localities as possible, so that the nature of the variation of this butterfly may be better understood.
Mr. Fereday states[14] that after carefully examining a patch of Donatia novæzealandiæ, a plant he had noticed much frequented by this butterfly, he succeeded in finding a larva which there could be little doubt would have given rise to this insect, had it lived. The following is taken from his description: The caterpillar is shaped like a wood-louse, hairy, and pale green. There is a series of conical purplish spots down the back, edged first with white, and then with dull red. On the sides there is a series of pale pinkish oblique stripes, blended with dull red towards the spiracles.
The perfect insect is very common in dry, stony places, generally near river-beds, during January, February and March. It flies only a short distance when disturbed, but is very quick on the wing, and hence difficult to catch until one becomes accustomed to it. In some places these little butterflies are so abundant that they take wing like a swarm of blow-flies. They seldom open their wings whilst at rest, so that when perched on the ground they are very inconspicuous.
Genus 2.—LYCÆNA, F.
"A large genus of nearly universal distribution. Imago usually with a horny apical hook on anterior tibiæ. Larva short, stout, attenuated at extremities, with short hairs. Pupa attached by tail and often a central belt of silk, or unattached or subterranean."—(Meyrick.)
Represented in New Zealand by two species.
LYCÆNA PHŒBE, Murray.
(Lycæna phœbe, Murray, Ent. Mo. Mag., 1873, 107.)
(Plate XII., fig. 10, 11 under side.)
This little butterfly is extremely abundant in the neighbourhood of Nelson. I have also taken it in plenty in several localities in the Wellington district, and suspect it is common throughout the North Island. In other parts of the South Island its place appears to be taken by L. oxleyi.
The perfect insect frequents waste grounds and sandhills, generally beside roads and river-beds, and when found is usually very common. It is on the wing from the beginning of October until the end of March.
LYCÆNA OXLEYI, Feld.
(Lycæna oxleyi, Felder, Reise de Novara Lep. ii., 280, pl. 35, fig. 6, 1865.)
(Plate XII., fig. 12 under side.)
According to Mr. Enys[15] this butterfly is common in both islands. I have taken specimens in the Canterbury and Nelson districts.
The perfect insect may be taken in similar situations to Lycæna phœbe.
REPUTED NEW ZEALAND BUTTERFLIES.
The following species are recorded by various observers as having occurred in New Zealand. In nearly every case they are only represented by single specimens. They cannot, in my opinion, be regarded as properly belonging to the fauna:—
1. HAMADRYAS ZOILUS,[16] Fabr.
Stated by Dieffenbach to occur in New Zealand, probably in error, as it has not since been observed. An Australian species. Mr. W. W. Smith, however, informs me, that his eldest son recently saw near Ashburton a specimen of what he believed to be this butterfly; but as he was unable to capture it he cannot speak with any degree of certainty.
2. EUPLOÆ —— sp?
Two or three specimens of this insect are stated by Mr. T. W. Kirk to have been taken near Flat Point on the east coast of the North Island, but no further details are forthcoming. The late Mr. Olliff, to whom I forwarded a sketch of the insect, informed me that it was not represented in the Sydney collections of Australian and South Sea Island butterflies, but he thought it might be a Malayan species of Euploæ.
3. VANESSA ATALANTA,[17] L.
Mr. T. W. Kirk states[19] that he captured a specimen of this familiar English butterfly in the Wellington Botanical Gardens, in the summer of 1881. On a subsequent occasion he saw several others. No specimens have since been detected.
4. VANESSA URTICÆ, L.
Mr. Kirk states[21] that he also obtained specimens of this very common English butterfly during the same season and in the same locality as Vanessa atalanta. None have been seen by other observers.
5. CATOPSILIA CATILLA,[22] Cramer.
A single male specimen of this butterfly was captured in the grounds of St. John's College, Auckland, and is now in the Auckland Museum. The species is very common in Australia, and as this is the only specimen observed it was no doubt accidentally introduced from that country on board a steamer.
- ↑ 'Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies,' p. 21.
- ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' x. 265.
- ↑ 'Cat. N. Z. Butterflies,' p. 22.
- ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Institute,' x. 463.
- ↑ Ibid. xviii. 205.
- ↑ Since writing the above, I have been informed by Mr. Kingsley that one male specimen of A. bolina was taken at Wakapuaka, in 1896, and two others reported as seen at Collingwood and Nelson in March, 1897. Mr. A. P. Buller has also kindly informed me of the capture of a male specimen in perfect condition, at Ohau, Manawatu district, in March, 1898.
- ↑ See notes by Mr. Stainton in the Ent. Mo. Mag., xxv. pp. 225, 268.
- ↑ 'British Butterflies and Moths,' p. 103.
- ↑ 'Entomologist,' xxii. 37.
- ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xxviii. 312.
- ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' xv. 197.
- ↑ Ent. Mon. Mag. iv. p. 53.
- ↑ 'Trans. N. Z. Inst.' ix. 460; x. 252.
- ↑ 'Trans. N.Z. Inst.,' vol. x. 259.
- ↑ 'Catalogue of N. Z. Butterflies,' 22.
- ↑ 'Catalogue of New Zealand Butterflies,' 18, 23, Pl. II., fig. 1.
- ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.
- ↑ Stainton's 'British Butterflies and Moths,' 103, Pl. II., fig. 1.
- ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.
- ↑ Stainton's 'British Butterflies and Moths,' 106.
- ↑ Trans. N. Z. Inst. xvi. 550.
- ↑ 'Catalogue of N.Z. Butterflies,' 17, 23. Pl. IV., figs. 3, 4.