Metamorphosis In Motion: A Triptych Of Butterfly Life Stages, 1890

The butterflies depicted in these plates are indeed some of the more notable British species, each with distinct characteristics that make them interesting:1. Camberwell Beauty (Nymphalis antiopa): This is a large butterfly characterized by its velvety dark brown wings with a creamy-yellow border and a series of blue spots near the edge. It's interesting because it's a rare migrant in Britain, and its appearances can cause quite a stir among butterfly enthusiasts. It's named after the London district of Camberwell where it was first spotted in Britain. Its rarity and sporadic appearances make it a much-coveted sight.2. Comma (Polygonia c-album): The Comma is easily recognizable by its ragged wing edges, designed to mimic a withered leaf, providing it with camouflage. The underside of its wings is a dark brown color, enhancing its leaf-like disguise when its wings are closed. The upper side, however, shows a rich orange and brown pattern with dark spots and markings. Another distinctive feature is the small white 'C' mark on the underside of the hindwing, which gives the butterfly its name. This butterfly has had a successful history of expanding its range, particularly over the last century.3. Albin's Hampstead Eye (Pseudophilotes vicrama): This small butterfly, also known as the Baton Blue, is notable for its bright blue and black spotted wings. The males are more vibrant than the females, which tend to be brown with orange spots. This species is interesting due to its very localized distribution; it can be found in specific habitats like chalk grassland where its larval food plant, the horseshoe vetch, grows.The charm of these butterflies is enhanced by the fact that these plates are hand-colored illustrations from an era where such detailed work was the primary method of scientifically documenting species. The craftsmanship involved in creating these plates, along with the unique characteristics of each butterfly, contributes to their historical and aesthetic value.