The expansion of the wings is from 2 to 2¼ inches. "The fore-wings are
reddish-orange with three large black spots on the costa (the third
followed by a white spot), two smaller black spots near the centre, and
one large one on the dorsum; a dark border, containing cresentic blue
spots, runs along the termen. The hind-wings are black at the base, then
reddish-orange, with a blue-spotted dark border along the termen."[63]
Mr. Kirk states[64] 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.
{121}5. CATOPSILIA CATILLA,[65] Cramer.
The expansion of the wings is nearly 3 inches. On the upper side all the
wings of the male are pale sulphur-yellow, with a minute brown mark at
the apex. The female is paler, with a brown spot in the centre of the
fore-wings, and a chain of brown spots on the termen towards the apex.
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.
{122}V.--THE PYRALIDINA.
Not dealt with in this volume.