78
THE LEPIDOPTERA OF ESSEX.
chrysalis state" (B.B. 152). In the abridged "Catalogue of the
Saffron Walden Museum" (1845), we read, "This species has occa-
sionally been seen near Walden, having probably been brought on
sedges in the chrysalis state" (l.c. 49).
[Parnassius apollo, L.—a reputed British butterfly—is said to have been taken
at Epping, about 1847 or 1848, by a son of Geo. Bax Holmes, a schoolfellow of
H. and E. Doubleday (Ent. vi. 39). This must be an error.]
[Aporia crataegi, L. Black-veined White. This species, now verging on
extinction in Britain, used to be common near London ; Samouelle says "Woods
near London" (Useful Compendium, 336). Stephens took it at Coombe Wood,
and Haworth at Little Chelsea (Z. v. 1616). The only Essex record I find is one
at Wanstead (Ent. xii. 163). This is very doubtful.]
Pieris rapae, L. Small White.
Geographical Distribution—Europe, Asia, Africa north. Introduced into
Canada and rapidly spreading in North America. Throughout Britain—our
commonest butterfly.
Larva—Dull green, thin dorsal and lateral yellow lines, yellow dots on sides.
Food—Cabbages, horse-radish, mignonette, &c. ; often destructive in gardens.
Imago—April to October, especially abundant in May and August ; hibernates as
pupa.
Common in every garden throughout the county.
Pieris brassicae, L. Large White.
Geographical Distribution—Europe (except polar regions), Asia to Himalaya,
North Africa. Throughout Britain.
Larva—Bluish-green with yellow stripes. Food—Various cruciferae, especially
cabbages, turnips and other garden produce ; often very destructive. Imago—
April to September ; hibernates as pupa.
Too common everywhere.
Pieris napi, L. Green-veined White.
Geographical Distribution—Europe, Asia, North America. Throughout Britain.
Larva—Dull green, paler on sides, spiracles black in yellow ring. Food—Various
crucifera, as horse-radish, watercress, wintercress, hesperis, &c. Mr. Harwood
has found it on sea-rocket. Imago—April to August; hibernates as pupa.
Very common, but not so exclusively a garden or town insect as
the two preceding species.
Pieris daplidice, L. Bath White or Green Chequered White.
Geographical Distribution—Europe (except polar regions), Asia to Himalaya
and China, North Africa. In Britain confined to South and East England, where
it is very rare and uncertain.