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Compton Tortoise

Vanessa j-album

Plate XIX — Compton Tortoise is Fig. 9
Plate XIX — Compton Tortoise is Fig. 9
Compton Tortoise (detail)
Compton Tortoise (detail)

Butterfly.-No description is required, as the figure in the plate will enable it to be immediately recognized. On the under side of the wings it resembles in color the species of the genus Grapta, from which the straight edge of the inner margin of the primaries at once distinguishes it. It is a very close ally of the European V. vau-album. Expanse, 2.60-2.75 inches.

The caterpillar feeds upon various species of willow. It is a Northern form, being found in Pennsylvania upon the summits of the Alleghanies, and thence north to Labrador on the east and Alaska on the west. It is always a rather scarce insect.