This caterpillar constructs for itself a small tent by fastening together several of the leaves of its food-plant. In this dwelling it can feed, safely concealed from all enemies. There are two kinds of nettles constituting the food of this insect--one a small plant, which generally grows in little patches amongst ferns in the forest (_Urtica incisa_), the other a large shrub or tree often found in rather open situations near rivers (_Urtica ferox_). The shrub is easily recognised by the formidable array of long, white spines which project from the midrib of each leaf. The larvæ of _V. gonerilla_ are much more easily collected on the tree nettle than on the dwarf species; their leafy tents being easily detected by an examination of the foliage. When once discovered the larvæ are best obtained by cutting off, with a pair of strong scissors, the leaves which form their habitations. Like most larvæ of the genus _Vanessa_, these caterpillars are extremely voracious and soon eat themselves out of house and home. Those feeding on the tree nettle have an unlimited supply of leaves available both for food and shelter, but in the case of larvæ, which are dependent on the dwarf nettle for their supplies, no doubt individuals must occasionally die of starvation, as we sometimes observe large patches of the _Urtica incisa_ completely destroyed by the larvæ of this butterfly. In some seasons these larvæ may be found as early as the middle of September, and continue abundant until the middle or end of January. When full grown, this caterpillar suspends itself by the tail to a little patch of silk, which it has spun on the under side of a leaf, having also drawn two or three other leaves around it in the same way as the feeding larva. In this situation it hangs, with the head and three anterior segments slightly curved upwards, for nearly twenty-four hours before the transformation to the pupa state occurs. I have often watched these larvæ changing, and as their manoeuvres during the process exactly resemble those of _Anosia erippus_ a special description is unnecessary. The actual transformation may be easily observed in this species, as the larvæ are common and {107}can be obtained in large numbers. It is well worth watching, and if a good many specimens are kept at once, some of them are sure to change at a convenient time for observation. The pupa varies from pale yellowish-brown to dark purplish-brown, darker on the wing-cases and ventral surface. The spines on the back are golden. The whole insect is also speckled with brown or black dots. The pupa varies considerably in size as well as in colour. In this insect the pupa state is of very short duration, usually only lasting about a fortnight. I am informed by Mr. Helms that the pupa of _Vanessa gonerilla_ is often destroyed by the common hemipteron, _Cermatulus nasalis_, which penetrates its shell by means of its long rostrum, and speedily consumes the liquid internal portions.