This is a scarce variety in Teneriffe of the butterfly just described.
It is commonly found in America, and some few insects have been taken
in England. It is similar in colouring to the Cardui, but somewhat
brighter. The flight of the insect is steadier, and this, together
with the brightness in colour, distinguishes it from others of the
same family when seen flying in company. It is found in barrancos and
gardens, and has been netted in a locality about 600 feet above the sea
near Orotava, together with the last two butterflies described. All
three specimens were seen flitting in company, the Callirhoe and Cardui
predominating in number, with a few specimens of the Huntera dispersed
among them. The upper surface is brick-red, marked with black, the
fore-wings having a dark apical patch, with several white spots. The
hind-wings have five blue spots, encircled by black, near the lower
margin. Beneath, the fore-wings are of a most beautiful red colour,
interspersed with black, grey-brown, and white, and having two eyes on
the apex. The hind-wings are of a lovely grey-brown tinge, liberally
veined with white, having a whitish uneven band down the centre. This
band has two large eyes, with blue centres outside it. On the edge of
the wings three grey-blue lines are seen, making the tout ensemble a
most exquisite reverse, and the greatest contrast to the upper surface.
It is usually found from April to August. Though faded and small
specimens were found earlier, the beauty of the insect is not seen till
April. The caterpillar is brown, sparingly covered with hairs, and has
bright red spots down its sides. It is rather larger than the Cardui
larva.