This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
INSECTS

Vanessa io, Linn. (Peacock butterfly). Generally distributed, its larva also feeding in large colonies on nettles

——antiopa, Linn. (Camberwell Beauty). Very rare; one was taken at Newport Pagnell in 1872, another near Uxbridge in 1901 but in this county, and two more at Gerrard's Cross in the same year

—— atalanta, Linn. Generally distributed, its larva feeding solitarily upon nettle, bending a leaf so as to form a habitation

—— cardui, Linn. (Painted Lady). This beautiful insect is most irregular and uncertain, sometimes appearing suddenly in plenty, at other times scarcely seen for years. Most frequently found in the sunny corners of clover fields; but its larva feeds on thistle, and forms a curious silken tent among its prickly leaves. Recorded here from High Wycombe, Chesham, Halton and Taplow, but certainly in its favoured seasons occurring more generally

Argynnis paphia, Linn. (Silver-washed Fritillary). Found apparently in all large woods; formerly abundant at Black Park; also recorded at Buckingham, Chesham, and the Chilterns; and found abundantly on the borders of Whittlebury Forest

—— adippe, Linn. (High Brown Fritillary). Also an inhabitant of large woods, but sometimes found in open wooded districts; recorded here from Buckingham, Chesham, Claydon, Chalfont St. Peter and the woods lying among the Chiltern Hills

[—— dia, Linn. Nearly half a century ago entomologists generally were startled by the news of the capture of a specimen of this well known continental species. The Rev. Bernard Smith, then resident at Marlow, reported that a specimen had been captured by knocking down with his cap by a village lad, and brought to him for examination. This specimen was sent on to Mr. H. Doubleday at Epping, and was certainly the species stated, but some confusion arose as to the details of its capture, and a rather hot controversy arose, with the result that this species was not included in the British fauna]

—— euphrosyne, Linn. (Pearl-bordered Fritillary). Marlow, Claydon Woods, Leckhampstead, Chesham, Chalfont St. Peter and many other woods

—— selene, Schiff. (Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary). Black Park, Chalfont St. Peter, Chesham, Claydon Woods, Leckhampstead and elsewhere, in the damper portions of the woodlands and commons

Melitxa artemis, Hb., aurinia, St.C. (Greasy Fritillary). Found in some of the marshy hollows among the Chiltern Hills, and in some seasons even on the tops of the hills, where the scabious is growing; very local

—— athalia,Esp. (Heath Fritillary). This species seems to have formerly inhabited this county, but to have died out as has been the case in various other counties. The Rev. J. Greene records it as rare; but no certain locality seems to have been preserved

Melanargia galathea, Linn. (Marbled White). Wendover, High Wycombe, Halton, Black Park, Claydon. Usually a chalk-frequenting species; very local, but occurring in plenty in very restricted localities

Satyrus semele, Linn. (Grayling butterfly). High Wycombe and elsewhere; on rough chalky hillsides and open commons

Pararge aegeria, Linn. (Speckled Wood butterfly). Abundant at Black Park; also found generally in shady lanes and the edges of woods, flitting about the trees and highest bushes

—— megaera, Linn. (Wall Brown butterfly). Generally distributed in lanes and roads

Epinephile janira, Linn. (Meadow Brown). Abundant everywhere in meadows and other grass land

—— tithonus, Linn, (the Gatekeeper). Plentiful in lanes and about hedges, especially around brambles when in blossom

—— hyperanthus, Linn. (Ringlet). In the damper portions of most woods, abundant in some of these; especially so on the borders of Whittlebury Forest

Cœoenonympha pamphilus, Linn. (Small Heath butterfly). Everywhere abundant in grass fields and on hillsides

Syrichthus alveolus, Hb., malvæae, St.C. (Grizzled Skipper). Buckingham, Marlow, Halton, Chalfont St. Peter, Leckhampstead; more especially attached to railway banks

Hesperia linea, Fab., thaumas, St.C. (Small Skipper). Chesham, Halton and elsewhere, in damp places near the edges of woods

—— sylvanus, Esp. (Common Skipper). Generally common in lanes, marshy meadows and the borders of woods; most alert and swift in its motions

89