Untimely Insect Development

Abstract

SOME of your readers may be interested in a case of untimely insect development, caused no doubt by the phenomenal mildness of the weather in this part of the country during the last few days. Last evening a perfect imago of the common tortoise-shell butterfly (Vanessa urtica) was found inside my house on the wall of my nursery. It is fully developed in every way, and the only thing in its appearance at all abnormal is that the antennæ are bent back and lie between the wings, which are in the erect position usual in repose. The insect has evidently only just emerged from the pupa, and is in a torpid condition, only just flapping its wings when touched. The nursery is a warm room looking to the south, and has a fire in it all day.