100 years ago in COUNTRY LIFE July 17, 1920
THE recent discovery of the remarkable life history of the large blue butterfly () is probably one of the greatest events in the annals of entomology. This beautiful butterfly has always been looked upon as a scarce insect, as long ago as 1795 it was recorded as a rarity in this country. In the eighties it was considered to be on the verge of extinction. But in 1891 it was discovered in the north-west coast of Cornwall. Until recent years nothing was known of either the caterpillar in its final stage, or the chrysalis. After diligent searching by day and night I had the gratification of discovering both in their native haunts. The finding of these natural objects which had never been seen was a pleasant reward.
