Chapter II: Part 2

When I first engaged in the business of describing the different insects that compose the following work, I found myself surrounded with difficulties of so unexpected a nature, that I had more than once entertained thoughts of postponing, if not totally relinquishing so arduous a task. Nothing but the strong desire I had of promoting the study of natural history, could have led me to overcome a sense of my own incapacity of writing with that precision, which the public eye demands; and, therefore, I have reason to hope for the candid allowance of the ingenious, to faults, which might, perhaps, escape from the pen of a _master_, on a subject so new as the present. Among the rest, I laboured under no little trouble from a want of knowing what names to give to many colours found on the wings of some of the farinaceous tribe. The want of a _series_, or standard for names to colours, is a matter much to be lamented in this kingdom. I know no English author that has attempted it; perhaps the arduousness of the task may be the reason it has not been done; for if we form to ourselves an idea of the difficulty of bringing forth that innumerable train of colours that is to be done from only a yellow, a red and a blue, we may partly judge of the labour that man has to undergo who shall attempt it. In my case, the great variety of tints to be found on the insects, the harshness of some, the softness of others, together with the manner of their running into one another, increases the difficulty, and renders descriptions a matter of such labour, that nothing but the strongest resolution and perseverance could overcome. From hence, I hope, if the reader should chance to meet with any part among them, that does not entirely correspond with the colour given to the print, he will impute it to its proper cause, the painter. I know of no defects of this kind; but it is not impossible some may have escaped my observation, among such a multitude of figures which I had to correct. It is necessary I should inform the reader, that all my descriptions have been taken from the _natural subjects_ themselves, and not from the _coloured prints_ of them; and that my intention therein, is not to give a perfect idea of the insects, without the help of the figures, but only to assist the imagination in knowing what is described. And when we consider the advantages that good engravings have over verbal descriptions, the former representing to the mind, at first view, the object designed to be understood, without putting us to the trouble of calling all our ideas, all our powers of conception to our assistance, in order to discover what is intended to be described; {xx}while the latter, though given by the best writers, often puzzles and confounds the mind, if our ideas do not keep pace with the author's meaning, the present work, by having every coloured figure explained, must render it superior to any hitherto published in this kingdom. The last author that published any figures of exotic subjects in natural history, was Mr. Petiver, who, in his Gazophylacium, delineated a great variety of all the different _orders_; many of them exceeding curious and uncommon, being collected from various parts of the world. But they were sent forth uncoloured, and almost undescribed; circumstances that render them less estimable by the difficulty there is, in many instances, of knowing what the author meant; the shape of the animal, plant, &c. being the principal, and, sometimes, the only thing, we can understand. But although many of the figures consist of mere outlines, not exquisitely well engraved, it is not without merit. There are a great many very uncommon subjects exhibited, that were not known to exist in nature, till he held them forth to public view. It is, in short, a work, that, at the same time it manifested his desire for promoting his favourite study, was a proof of his assiduity, affording great room for speculation; and as the present is an improvement on his plan, I flatter myself it will not be unacceptable to the lovers of natural history. There is yet another advantage arising from the descriptions, that is not less than what I have already mentioned. If this work should fall into the hands of a bookseller, after my decease, the public would not probably be pestered with copies so execrably coloured, as is generally the case with books of this sort, after the author's death; the descriptions will be such a guide for colouring the prints, that capital errors will not be able to find admittance: the grossness of colouring a part yellow that should be red, or green, that ought to be blue, would immediately be detected; and the publisher, for his own sake, would undoubtedly be careful to have the prints justly and accurately done.

The experienced naturalist will perceive, that, throughout the quotations, I have not availed myself of any of the ancient authors. I have scarcely mentioned Mouffet, Aldrovandus, and others. It is certain, the figures to be seen in the works of most of the ancients are so bad, I dared not give any quotation from them. The incorrectness of the outlines, the irregularity and impropriety of the spots and marks, together with the looseness of the engravings, renders them too imperfect for any one to venture mentioning them. Indeed they are, in general, so little expressive of the insect intended to be represented, that no dependance can be had on their figures, especially the farinaceous winged tribe. Clerck, Merian, Roesel, Petiver, &c. are the authors I have principally mentioned, among the iconographers; and if the insect has been figured by a great many authors, as particularly Plate 34. Fig. 7, 8. I have only mentioned a few: the rest may be known by looking into the Systema of Linnæus[12], under the title mentioned in the quotation. This author is the principal one I have quoted among the descriptive writers: his great judgment in this study, the plain method he has laid down for the classing of insects, together with the {xxi}excellency of his generical characters, are what must endear him to every professor of this study. I speak only of that part relating to the insect kingdom; the merits of the other parts are best known to those conversant in the respective branches. I must not here pass over a circumstance, which it is proper to apprize my readers of, by way of apology for giving a few figures (but a few) that have been published already in this kingdom. When I first laid down the plan of this work, I had no intention of confining myself to those subjects that were non-descripts; but proposed to give figures of any exotic insects that might fall into my possession, or what I could procure drawings of, by the assistance of those gentlemen who were friends to an attempt of this sort. I was willing to promote this branch of natural history, by any method that lay within the compass of my little sphere. This I was the rather prompted to, by the consideration of its being an attempt entirely novel in this nation, and conducted in a way different from any yet pursued. But a little recollection convinced me I was wrong. I was soon sensible, that the giving figures, already known and published here, could do no service to the study, or benefit the reader; it is possible I might give a better figure than that before published; the engraving might be softer, more delicate, and better becoming the subject; or the colouring more exact and just: but this would not be improving the reader's judgment, or increasing his knowledge. In short, from that moment I altered my plan; and it is to this mistake a few figures are inserted in different places, which have before made their appearance in England, either separately, or mixed with other subjects of natural history. From that time I took care to delineate none that I was conscious had engaged the pencil of any preceding author; but confined myself to such, whose novelty and striking appearances could not fail to recommend them. To such non-descripts I have paid the greatest deference; for in some of the plates, among the butterflies and moths, I have given complete figures of both the upper and under sides; a practice that, as deviating from my general rule, I should not have done, if the richness and softness of the colouring had not been so extremely pleasing, as to render it scarcely possible to dispense with it. It is only to a few I have paid this particular respect. In general, I have given to the butterflies, only figures of one half their under sides, but whole upper ones; and of those moths that have no representations of their under sides, the reader may conclude there is no material difference between their upper and under ones, or else the latter is too poor and mean to justify the giving a figure of it. I must just mention, that although I used this forbearance to those figures that had been heretofore published, I by no means meant to debar myself from representing such as had been only _verbally_ described; as is the case with a great many to be met with in the Systema of Linnæus, and in other authors. The refraining, therefore, from such subjects, would have been rather condemnable than fit to be approved, for the reasons I mentioned before, of the great difficulty there is in understanding, sometimes, the best verbal descriptions that ever were given; therefore figures of this kind may not improperly be considered as explanatory, or as illustrations to {xxii}such verbal descriptions, affording the student a two-fold pleasure, by comparing them together.

If the reader has made no progress in the study of natural history, he will probably find it difficult to understand the several _names_, or _terms_, the different parts of insects are called by; and which occur in every description. For this reason I think it incumbent on me to give the most plain and familiar explanation of them I possibly can. This I have done two ways; by methodical definitions, and figures; and in both of them shall make no scruple to follow the method laid down by that great master of natural history, the judicious Linnæus, whose excellent plan, for the knowledge and classing of insects, demands the utmost thanks and regard from every lover of this branch of science. From his plan I have taken the hint of giving some figures of different genera, with the proper names of the respective parts in a plate by themselves. By these the reader will not only be greatly assisted in understanding the descriptions; but it will enable him to class them with more facility, if he is inclined to do so. I therefore go on to explain, first the _terms_ used throughout the whole; and afterwards the distinct and different _parts_ of insects. In doing this, I divide them into

ORDER, CLASS, GENUS, and SPECIES.

_Order_, is a general term, applicable to a whole race of animals,
whereby they are distinguished from each other, as beasts, birds, fishes,
&c.[13]

_Class_, a term by which insects, as well as other animals, are divided
into their respective genera or tribes, as the farinaceous, crustaceous,
transparent, &c.[14]

_Genus_, a term dividing each class, as butterfly, moth, hawk-moth,
constitute the farinaceous (Lepidoptera); dung-beetle, lady-bird,
goat-chaffer, and many others, make up the crustaceous (Coleoptera);
cockroach, locust, bug, and some others, form the semi-crustaceous
(Hemiptera, Linn.), &c.[15]

_Species_, a term comprehending a distinct or individual sort in each
genus, as the pearl-bordered, admirable, skipper, &c. among the
butterflies; egger, drinker, peppered, &c. among moths, &c.

To these I must add the word

_Variety_, a term by which two insects of the same species are known,
though differing a little (not characteristically) in colour, size,
&c.[16]

{xxiii}I shall next proceed to explain and describe the different parts composing insects, by dividing them into the Head, Thorax, Abdomen, and Limbs.[17]

The HEAD (Fig. 1, 2, 3, _a_.) includes the ANTENNÆ, MOUTH, PALPI, EYES, TONGUE, JAWS, and HORNS.

The _Antennæ_ are formed of various shapes, according to the different
genera, as may be observed in the figures, and seem instituted by nature
not only for guiding the animal in its passage, but likewise for other
purposes; being endued with an exquisite sense of feeling and perception.
Fig. 1. _d d_. Fig. 2. _c_. Fig. 3. _c c_.

The _Mouth_ is placed in the head, but sometimes close to the breast, as
in the spider tribe; sometimes terminating in a horny beak, as in Plate
32. Fig. 1. also in Plate 42. Fig. 3 and 7. In some it is furnished with
strong mandibles like pincers, as in Plate 32. Fig. 6. and Plate 37. Fig.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. In others it is so covered and guarded by the palpi,
particularly among the moths, that it is not to be seen.

The _Palpi_ are parts placed close to the mouth, and variously shaped; as
may be seen by comparing those of the Lepidopterous with those of the
Coleopterous, and other tribes; consisting of a greater or less number
according to the species or genus; in some being only two, in most of
them four, and in some six, (Cicindela, Carabus, Linn.) The use and
purpose of these parts we are ignorant of. Fig. 1. _c c_. Fig. 2. _b_.
Fig. 3. _b b_.

The _Eyes_ are generally immoveable, and suited differently; in some to
see only in the night, in others in the day; and differ in number
according to the genera and species, having in general two only, but in
some five,[18] in others eight, as the spiders. Fig. 1. _b b_. Fig. 3. _d
d_.

The _Tongue_ (elongated maxillæ) is sometimes curled up spirally like the
spring of a watch, as in butterflies and some moths, &c. in others it
(including the labium) is doubled under the head, as in bees and wasps;
but a great many species are destitute of this elongated part.

The THORAX is principally composed of the BACK, BREAST, and in some the SCUTELLUM, in others the MESOSTERNUM and DILATED POSTERIOR COXÆ.

The _Back_, dorsum or upper part, answering to the back in some animals,
terminates in some species in a triangular manner, so as to represent the
scutellum, as in Plate 33. Fig. 5, 6, and 8. Tab. Ann. Fig. 1. _f_. Fig.
2. _e_.

The _Breast_, or sternum, is the under part of the thorax, and always
furnished with legs.

The _Scutellum_ is a small but hard part like a scale, frequently of a
triangular shape, placed behind the dorsum of the prothorax, and joining
to it. It is not developed in every genus, being chiefly perceived in the
Coleopterous, Hemipterous, and transparent-winged orders.

The _Mesosternum_ is united to the fore part of the breast, extending
beyond the middle legs towards the fore ones; and observable only in some
species of the Coleopterous order. By Linnæus and several other authors
it is called sternum.

{xxiv}The _Posterior Coxæ_ are only conspicuously enlarged in some
particular species (dung beetles). There are two of them placed on the
sides of the breast next to the abdomen, under the hinder thighs. In some
they are placed remote and distinct from it, in others they lie close;
being moveable in some, in others they are fixed. The use of these parts
we are ignorant of.[19]

The _Abdomen_ consists of a number of annuli or rings, and contains the
greatest part of the intestines and other viscera; being united to the
trunk, and formed with holes on the sides, through which the insect
breathes.

The LIMBS comprehend the TAIL, LEGS, and WINGS, with their cases.

The _Tail_ is placed at the extremity of the abdomen; and in some is
furnished with a sting, in others it is armed with a pair of forceps;
sometimes with a single bristle, sometimes with a double one; in some
with a pair of claws like a crab, in others like a fork.

The _Legs_ include the coxæ, trochanters, femora, tibiæ, and tarsi; the
latter consisting of two, sometimes of three, four, or five
articulations. In some the fore ones resemble a crab's claws. Some are
furnished with spines, others are smooth and plain. The hinder ones are
formed for running, leaping, or swimming.

The _Wings_, being always two or four, are either plain or folded, erect
or open, lying flat or inclining downwards, &c. In some they are dentated
or scolloped; and some are furnished with two projections like tails.
They are also membranaceous, reticulated, or transparent, and frequently
adorned with beautiful colours. In some they are curiously folded within
two crustaceous cases, that are either smooth or rough, striated,
furrowed, punctated, &c. in some these cases are soft and flexile, in
others hard like horn; the Hemipterous are partly soft and transparent,
as in Plate 49. Fig. 2. and partly opake and hard, as in Plate 42. Fig.
1. Plate 43. Fig. 2. and Plate 45. Fig. 5.

It is necessary to observe, that I have not been so prolix and explanatory in the foregoing definitions as I should be, if I intended to arrange the figures under their respective classes, or establish any system for doing so; I have explained no more _terms_ or _parts_ than what are sufficient to enable the reader (if he is not an adept) easily and clearly to understand the descriptions. It is likewise necessary to mention, that I have given English names to most of the parts, where I could do it with the necessary propriety for serving this particular purpose; and where I could not substitute an English word, that was apposite and significant, I have preserved the Latin one, as used by Linnæus and others. Thus, for instance, the term palpi I would have altered, if I could have found an English word that conveyed the same idea; but not easily finding one, I have kept to the original. I have not forgot the terms mustachios, whiskers, &c. which I might have used in its stead; but as these parts in many insects bore no analogy or resemblance thereto, it being in a great many of them like a short jointed filament or thread, I rather chose to preserve the Latin one. The same practice I have observed with the term antennæ. For though feelers is the general explanation given to this word, I could not prevail with myself to use it. The reason is, because these animals seem to have a power {xxv}of applying these parts to purposes different from that of feeling. By the antennæ they are capable of distinguishing and perceiving, as well as feeling; and I am strongly inclined to believe, it is by them the males are capable of discovering the females at a great distance. It is certain their powers of perception are very obvious and remarkable, which, by close observations, we may soon discover; and unless we allow them capable of smelling without nostrils, I do not know what parts they exercise, or by what means they so readily discover, not only their females but their respective kinds of food, the places proper for depositing their eggs, &c. The male moths appear to have this faculty of discovering their females in a greater degree than most other insects; for there are but a very few, if any, belonging to this genus, whose females pass the first night after they quit the chrysalis without coupling with the males; owing to unconquerable _desire_ in the latter, and the strong effluvia or scent emitted by the former for attracting their mates. Every adept is fully acquainted that a female moth, known by the name of the Egger (Phalæna Quercus of Linnæus), taken into the fields the first day it is hatched, will most certainly (though shut up in a box) allure all the males round the country that are within the sphere of its attraction, and even from a great distance; who will at first fly round the box with wonderful swiftness and eagerness, and afterwards settling thereon will hunt and run about it with the greatest impatience, endeavouring to get at the inclosed female; and all this from the strongest desire of copulation; for the minute that action is performed by a male, the attractive property of the other ceases. The powers of perception and distinction, therefore, are very great; and what parts of the insects, unless it be the antennæ, are employed in this search I am at a loss to discover. However, at present, I presume it will not be necessary to offer any further reasons for using this term, as the name substituted is sufficient for it to be known by, it will fully answer the intended purpose.

The names of the other parts are too intelligible to require any explanation.

The plate annexed (being the last thing I shall speak of) requires but little to be said in its favour. The use and advantage of it is too obvious to dwell on. I have already mentioned, that engravings and delineations claim the preference in the highest degree of verbal descriptions; and as such, I presume, the reader will find this plate of the greatest service in assisting him to understand the descriptive parts with clearness and ease. I must only recommend it to him, if he is desirous of avoiding difficulty and trouble, to make himself fully acquainted with the terms and names of all the parts of insects, before he begins to read the descriptions.

Explanation of Fig. I.

_a_ The head.

_b b_ The eyes.

_c c_ The palpi.

_d d_ The antennæ.

_e e_ The shoulders. The patagia, or tippets, are placed here.

_f_ The thorax. The part underneath and opposite to this is termed the
breast.

{xxvi}_g_ The abdomen, with the annuli or rings of which this part is
composed; very conspicuous in such of the Lepidoptera as are figured in
Plate 27, 28, and 29.

_A A_ The anterior wings.

_B B_ The posterior wings.

_h h_ The bases of the wings.

_i i_ The tips.

_k k k k_ The anterior margin.

_l l_ The posterior or internal margin.

_m m m m_ The external edges.

_n n_ The lower corners of the anterior wings.

_o o_ The upper corners of the posterior wings.

_p p_ The abdominal edges. In the butterfly tribe this part forms the
abdominal groove.

_q q_ The anal angle.

_r r_ The tails; whereof some species have four, as in Plate 1, 2, and
7.

_s s_ The eyes on the wings. From round spots resembling an eye.

_t_ A waved bar.

_u u_ An irregular indented bar.

The terms upper side and under side, mentioned in all the descriptions of the farinaceous tribe, require no explanation.

Explanation of Fig. II.

_a_ The head.

_b_ The palpi.

_c_ The antennæ.

_d_ The eyes.

_e_ The dorsum of the prothorax, commonly called the thorax in beetles;
whereof the under part is the prosternum.

_f_ The lateral margin of the thorax.

_g_ The posterior margin of the thorax.

_h h_ The upper horn.

_i i_ The lower horn.

_k_ The scutellum.

_l l_ The wing cases, or elytra.

_m m_ The suture.

_n n_ The lateral margin of the wing cases.

_o_ The anus.

_p_ The fore thigh.

_q_ The middle thigh.

_r_ The hinder thigh.

_s s_ The fore tibiæ.

_t t_ The middle tibiæ.

_u u_ The hinder tibiæ.

_w w w w w w_ The tarsi.

_x x x x x x_ The articulation of the tarsi with the tibiæ.

_y y y_ The articulation of the tibiæ with the femora.

_z z z_ The hooks or claws, (ungues.)

Explanation of Fig. III.

_a_ The head.

_b b_ The palpi.

_c c_ The antennæ.

_d d_ The eyes.

_e_ The prosternum; whereof the upper part is the prothorax.

_f_ The mesosternum.

_g g_ The dilated posterior coxæ.

_h h h h_ The abdomen, with its annuli or rings.

_o_ The anus.

_p_ The fore thighs.

_q q_ The middle thighs.

_r r_ The hinder thighs.

_s s_ The fore tibiæ.

_t t_ The middle tibiæ.

_u u_ The hinder tibiæ.

_w w w w w w_ The tarsi.

_x x x x x x_ The articulation of the tarsi with the tibiæ.

_y y y y y y_ The articulation of the tibiæ with the femora, or thighs.

_z z_ The hooks or claws, (ungues.)

Fig. IV. is inserted only to shew the three little eyes, which are placed in a triangular manner, and mentioned in some of the descriptions, viz. Plate 43. Fig. 4, 5, 6, &c.

{1}ILLUSTRATIONS

OF

EXOTIC ENTOMOLOGY.

----

PLATE I.

NYMPHALIS (CHARAXES) JASON.

Plate I. fig. 1.

ORDER: Lepidoptera, _Linn._ SECTION: Diurna, _Latr._ FAMILY: Nymphalidæ,
_Swainson_.

GENUS. NYMPHALIS, _Latr._ Papilio Eq. Achiv. _Linn. Drury_. Papilio
Nymphalis, _Fabr._

SUBGENUS. Jasia, _Swainson_. Charaxes, _Boisduval_.

NYMPHALIS (CHARAXES) JASON. Alis fuscis, anticis utrinque strigâ maculari
limboque apicali fulvis, posticis bicaudatis, ordine postico macularum
sublunarium fulvescentium, omnibus subtus ad basin ferrugineis
caracteribus fasciâque albis. (Expans. Alar. 3-4. unc.)

SYN. Papilio Jason, _Linn. Syst. Nat._ 2. 749. _No._ 26. _Herbst. tab._
64. _f._ 3. 4. 5. _Cram. pl._ 339. _f._ A. B. _Drury, vol._ 1. _p._ 2.

Pap. (Nymphalis) Jasius, _Fab. Ent. Syst. t._ III. _part_ 1. _p._ 61.
191. _Drury, vol._ 2. _App._

Nymphalis Jasius, _Latr. et Godart. Enc. Meth. v._ 9. _p._ 350. 1.

Charaxes Jasius, _Boisduval Hist. Nat. Lepidopt. pl._ 7. _f._ 12.
(_imago_) _pl._ 3. _A. f._ 9. (_larva and pupa._)

HABITAT: Barbary, Asia Minor, and the Northern Coast of the Mediterranean
Sea.

_Upper Side._ The anterior wings are of a fine chocolate, with an
orange-coloured margin running along the exterior edge, within which are
some faint round orange spots; those next the anterior edge, where they
begin, being strongest. The posterior wings are furnished with four tails
(the outer ones being the shortest) and are of a blue black. A yellow
scolloped margin runs round their external edges, verged with black;
above which are some lunate spots of a sky blue.

_Under Side._ The anterior wings, next the body, are of a faint dark red,
with many spots and marks of a dirty olive, differently shaped, margined
with white. An orange margin runs along the exterior edge, intersected by
the blue tendons; and above it are several triangular marks of a faint
orange, on a blueish hazel ground, which deadens as it approaches the
margin. The posterior wings have on each a white band, running
transversely, and meeting just below the extremity of the body; within
which, and including the anal groove, are many round, oval, and other
shaped marks of chocolate and dark olive; verged with white. A scolloped
margin, of a deep lemon colour, runs along the posterior edges, verged
with dirty green, and separated from the white band by a bar of hazel
colour, and some large brown reddish spots and marks. Two blue spots are
placed just above the two longest tails, with several lesser ones, just
above the lemon-coloured margin.

I have thought it more in accordance with the principles which are now almost universally adopted, in regulating specific nomenclature, to revert to the original Linnæan {2}name of Jason in preference to that of Fabricius. This butterfly may be regarded as one of the most splendid of the Lepidoptera of Europe, to the southern portion of which and to the northern shores of Africa it appears to be confined. The strength of its general structure indicates great powers of flight, and we accordingly find that it is able to sustain itself in the air with very little motion of the wings. The female differs from the male only by having the centre of the posterior wings adorned with small blue spots on the upper side. There are two broods in the year, namely in June and September, and, according to M. De Villiers, the insect emits a strong scent of musk. The caterpillar is naked and thickened in the middle of the body; the tail tapering into two short points, the head is also armed with two conical erect horns. In this respect, therefore, this insect very nearly approaches the genus Apatura, of which the purple Emperor, Ap. Iris is the type, thus proving the advantages to be obtained, in studying the natural relations of this difficult order of Annulosa, from an accurate acquaintance with the structure and habits of the early stages of the insect.

There are several species, having the same general form as the Jason, including Athamas, pl. 2. fig. 3. 4; Eudoxus, vol. iii. pl. 33. f. 1. 4; Camulus, vol. iii. pl. 30. f. 1. 2. Mr. Swainson has, accordingly, formed them into a distinct group, to which he has given the name of Jasia, in pursuance with his customary, but scarcely correct plan, of raising the specific name of the typical species into a generic name, and then giving a new specific name to such type. M. Boisduval, rejecting this system of nomenclature, has more recently proposed for the same group the name of Charaxes, which I have adopted.

Amongst the species very nearly resembling Jason, is one sent from Africa[20] to Mr. Drury by Mr. Smeathman, which, according to the observations of that traveller, published by Drury, in the introduction to his third volume, flies in the heat of the day with amazing rapidity, and seldom descends within eight feet of the ground. It glances from the prominent branches of one tree to those of another, as swift as a swallow, and turns its head about instantly to the glade, or path, and will not suffer any person to approach within a striking distance of it, but darts away on the least motion of the body. If the collector exert his patience it will at last become more familiar and careless, and is then to be caught upon some particular branch, to which it will appear more attached than to another.

{3}THECLA ACIS.

Plate I. fig. 2.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Lycænidæ, _Leach_.

GENUS. THECLA, _Fabr._ (Syst. Gloss. Synops. in Illig. Mag.) Polyommatus,
_Latr. et Godart_. Cupido p. Schrank Papilio (Pleb. rural.), _Drury_.

THECLA ACIS. Alis suprà fuscis subtùs pallidioribus, posticis bicaudatis
maculâ rufâ ad angulum ani, subtùs punctis duobus fasciâque obliquâ
albis. (Expans. Alar. 1 unc. 3 lin.)

SYN. Papilio Acis, _Drury, App. v._ 2. (1773). _Cram. pl._ 175. _fig._ C.
D.

Papilio Mars, _Fabr. Mant. Ins._ 2. 66. _No._ 624. (1787). _Herbst. Pap.
tab._ 288. _f._ 1. 2. _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. 265. 24. (Hesperia M.)
_Encycl. Meth._ 9. 635. (Polyommatus M.)

Papilo Ixion, _Fab. Mant. Ins._ 2. 71. _No._ 671?

HABITAT: New York (_Drury,_) taken on 31st August. South America
(_Fabr._): Antilles (_Godart_). Cape of Good Hope (_?? Cramer_).

_Upper Side._ The anterior wings are entirely dark brown, without any
spots or marks.--The posterior wings the same, with four tails, the inner
ones much longer than the others; close above which latter are two red
spots, edged at the bottom with black, and two more, placed at the anal
angle. The cilia is white.

_Under Side._ All the wings are of a dark lead colour. A very narrow
black and white line crosses the anterior wings, parallel to the external
edges; another indented irregular line crosses the posterior wings,
beginning near the middle of the anterior edge, and meeting just below
the extremity of the body. Four long reddish spots are very visible on
this side, below which are four black ones.

This species is nearly allied to Papilio Echion, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 788. figured by Roesel, tom. i. tab. 7. f. 3. 4. which is also an American species, but differs, as Drury observes, in wanting the red spots on the upper surface of the lower wings, in having a red line crossing the wings on the under side, &c.

THECLA SIMAETHIS.

Plate I. fig. 3.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Lycænidæ, _Leach_.

GENUS. THECLA, _Fabr., Horsfield_. Polyommatus, _Latr. et Godart_.
Hesperia, _Fabr. olim._ Papilio (Pleb. rur.) _Drury_.

THECLA SIMAETHIS. Alis supra fuscis, nitidis, subtus flavo-viridibus,
vittâ transversâ argenteâ, posticis apice ferrugineis strigâ è punctis
margaritaceis. (Expans. Alar. 1 unc. 3 lin.)

SYN. Papilio (Pleb. rural.) Simaethis, _Drury, App. v._ 2. _Herbst. Pap.
tab._ 280. _f._ 3. 4. _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 286. _No._ 97.
(Hesperia S.) _Latr. et God. Enc. Meth._ 9. 643. 97. (Polyommatus S.)

HABITAT: Saint Christopher's (_Drury_). Surinam (_Fabr._)

_Upper Side._ The wings are brown, tinged with blue. The cilia white,
posterior wings with two tails like hairs, of a chocolate colour; the
tips being white.

_Under Side._ The anterior wings are green next the anterior edge, but
along the interior one are of a greyish flesh colour. A narrow silver
line begins at the anterior edge, about a third from the tips, and
crossing both superior and inferior wings, meets near the extremity of
the abdomen, running across the inferior wings in a very irregular,
indented manner, and having its upper side verged with chocolate. The
{4}posterior wings, above this line, are of a deep pea-green; but below
it soften into a flesh colour, which continues along the external edge,
from the upper to the anal corner; whence rises a jagged, indented,
chocolate line, that runs across the wing, parallel with the silver line,
whereon are several dark blue spots, shining like polished steel.

Nearly allied to the common British species, Thecla Rubi.

PLATE II.

POLYOMMATUS THERO.

Plate II. fig. 1.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Lycænidæ, _Leach_.

GENUS. POLYOMMATUS, _Latreille et Godart_. Lycæna, _Fabr._ (Syst. Gloss.
Synops. in Illig. Mag.) Papilio (Nymph. Phalerat.) _Drury_. (Pleb.
rural.) _Linn._

POLYOMMATUS THERO. Alis dentatîs, suprà nigricanti-fuscis, fúlvo
maculatis, posticis subtùs nebuloso-cinereis maculis linearibus
nitenti-albis, maculà disci majori, apicibus uncinatâ. (Expans. Alar.
lin. 1 unc. 9 lin.)

SYN. Papilio (Pleb. rur.) Thero, _Linn. Syst. Nat._ 2. _p._ 787. _No._
219. _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 274. _No._ 57. (Hesperia rural).
_God. et Latr. Enc. Meth._ 9. 602. _No._ 154.

Hesperia Erosine, _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 266. _No._ 28.

Papilio Salmoneus, _Cramer, Ins. t._ 1. _pl._ 2. _f._ 1.

Papilio Rumina, _Drury_, (exclus. syn. Linn.)

HABITAT: Cape of Good Hope.

_Upper Side._ The wings are dentated, and of a fine dark brown colour.
The anterior having seven square discoidal red spots, of different sizes.
The posterior ones are furnished with four short tails, two on each;
above which are three small red spots.

_Under Side._ The anterior wings are red at the base; but along the
external and interior edges are of a rusty grey brown, with several dark
marks or clouds thereon. Near the anterior edge, towards the base, are
three black spots, with three small white ones in their centres. The
posterior wings are of a rusty grey brown, darkest in the middle, with a
margin of a paler colour, running along the external and part of the
upper edges. Several spots, of a silver white, are dispersed on different
parts of the wings; some being round, long, triangular, &c. About the
middle of each wing is a long silvery mark, running in a direction from
the base to the external edge; being about half the length of the wing.

Drury confounded this species with the European Papilio Rumina, Linn. belonging to a distant genus (Thais), whilst Fabricius described it twice under the specific names cited above.

ERYCINA LYSIPPUS.

Plate II. fig. 2.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Lycænidæ?

GENUS. ERYCINA, _Latr._ Hesperia (rurales), _Fab._ Papilio (Pleb. rur.)
_Linn. Drury_.

ERYCINA LYSIPPUS. Alis fusco-nigris, singularum utrinque fasciâ tenui
aurantiacâ; posticis angulatis, subtùs ad basin griseo maculatis.
(Expans. Alar. 1 unc. 6 lin.)

SYN. Papilio (Pleb. rur.) Lysippus, _Linn. Syst. Nat._ 2. _p._ 793. _No._
250. _Cramer, pl._ 380. _f._ A. _Fabricius Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 321.
_No._ 218. (Hesperia rur. L.). _Latr. et Godart, Encycl. Méthod._ ix.
_p._ 566. _No._ 11. (Erycina L.)

HABITAT: Jamaica (_Drury_). Guiana and Brazil (_Latr. et God._).

{5}_Upper Side._ The wings are of a chocolate-black. On the anterior is
an orange-coloured line, which, rising about the middle of the anterior
edge, crosses the wing towards the anal angle, where it suddenly bends,
and terminates at the posterior edge. The posterior wings, which are
angulated, have a circular orange line, rising at the anterior edge, near
the corner, crossing the wings, and meeting near the anal angle.

_Under Side._ The wings are of the same colour as on the upper side, with
the same orange line, whereon, in the anterior pair, are some white
spots. Between this and the base are several faint, dirty grey, oblong
spots, namely, four on the anterior, and about twenty on the posterior
wing. The base of the anterior margin of the fore wings, and the anal
margin of the posterior wings, are of a red colour.

HIPPARCHIA EUMEA.

Plate II. fig. 3.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Nymphalidæ, _Swainson_.

GENUS. HIPPARCHIA, _Fabr._ Satyrus, _Latr. et God._ Papilio (Danai
Festivi), _Drury_.

HIPPARCHIA EUMEA. Alis integris subfuscis, anticis utrinque strigâ latâ
fulvâ, subtus serie communi punctorum alborum. (Expans. Alar. 3 unc.)

SYN. Papilio (Dan. Festiv.) Eumeus, _Drury, App. to v._ 2. (1773).
_Cramer, pl._ 183. _fig._ C. D.

Pap. (Nymphal.) Gripus, _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. 149. _No._ 457.
_Herbst. Pap. tab._ 135. _No._ 3. 4.

Satyrus Gripus, _Latr. et God. Enc. Méth. v._ ix. _p._ 497. _No._ 70.

HABITAT: China (_Drury_). India (_Fabricius_).

_Upper Side._ The wings are entire, and of a deep brown, with a broad
luteous fascia, rising near the anterior edges of the fore wings, running
along near the tips, and ending at the external margin.

_Under Side._ The wings are the same colours as on the upper side. The
anterior, with five whitish spots on each, placed in a row, near the
external margin. The posterior have on each sometimes five, and sometimes
seven spots, of the same colour, placed in a circular row, meeting near
the extremity of the body.

I have reverted to the name given by Drury, in preference to following Fabricius, and the authors of the Encyclopédie Méthodique.

NYMPHALIS (CHARAXES) ATHAMAS.

Plate II. fig. 4.

ORDER Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Nymphalidæ, _Sw_.

GENUS. NYMPHALIS, _Latr._ SUBGENUS. Charaxes, _Boisduval_. (See page 1.)

NYMPH (CH.) ATHAMAS. Alis supra nigris, utrinque fasciâ mediâ latâ glaucâ
subhyalinâ, subtus lunulis ferrugineis marginatâ. (Expans. Alar. 3. unc.)

SYN. Papilio (Equit.. Achiv.) Athamas, _Drury, App. v._ 2. _Cramer, Pap.
pl._ 89. _f._ C. D. _Encycl. Méthod._ 9. 353. (Nymphalis A.)

Papilio Pyrrhus, _Donovan_. _Insects of India_, _pl._ 4. _f._ 2. (exel.
syn. Linn.)

HABITAT: China (_Drury_). India (_Donovan_). Java (_Latr. et God._).

_Upper Side._ The head is brown, with four minute yellow frontal spots.
The wings are dentated, and of a fine red brown, each with a broad
brimstone coloured bar, rising near the middle of the anterior wings;
and, crossing them and the posterior ones transversely, meeting near the
extremity of the body. {6}Above these, near the tips, are two small oval
spots of the same colour. The posterior wings have four tails, of nearly
equal length, above which are seven small brimstone spots, placed on
each, along the external edge.

_Under Side._ The broad transverse bar is of a pearl colour, being
surrounded next the body by a narrow red brown border, edged with black,
between which and the base, are two small black spots. The two spots,
near the tips, are also seen on this side, being of a pearl colour. The
external edges of the anterior wings are of an olive colour; the
remaining parts being of a very resplendent greyish purple. Several small
kidney-shaped marks are placed along the outer side of the pearl bar. The
posterior wings have a narrow orange-coloured border running along their
external edges; and above it, are seven small black spots, edged at the
top with white. Above these is a shade of brown olive, over which are
some black angular marks, with red crescents above them.

Donovan has confounded this species with the Linnæan Pap. Pyrrhus, although Drury had previously pointed out the diversity of the two species.

PLATE III.

EREBUS ODORA.

Plate III. fig. 1.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Nocturna. FAMILY: Noctuidæ.

GENUS. EREBUS, _Latr._ Thysania, _Dalm._ Noctua, _Fabr._ Phalæna
(Attacus), _Linn. Drury._

EREBUS ODORA. Alis dentatis fuscis, nigro undatis, anticis ocello atro
auriformi fulvo marginato; posticis sesquialtero. (Expans. Alar. 7½ unc.)

SYN. Phalæna (Attacus) Odora, _Linn. Syst. Nat._ 2. _p._ 811. _No._ 11.
_Sloan. Jam._ 2. _t._ 236. _f._ 13. 14. Noctua Odora, Fabr. Ent. Syst.
III. 2. p. 10. No. 8. Gmelin, Linn., S. N. 2529. 11. Cramer, Ins. tab.
169. _fig._ A. B. _Oliv. Enc. Méth._ 8. 252. 7.

HABITAT: Jamaica, Antigua, and other West Indian Islands (_Drury_).
Surinam (_Fabricius_).

_Upper Side._ The body and wings are of a dark brown. The latter are
scolloped, the anterior having, near their anterior margin, towards the
middle, a black eye on each, shaped like a human ear, whose iris is of a
dark orange colour; and, near the anal angle, towards the external edge,
is a black scolloped line, running half way up the wing, joining to which
(under it) is a bar of a very soft and delicate brown colour, differing
from the general tint of the wings. The posterior wings have, on each,
near the external edge, a mark somewhat like a large eye; upon whose
under edge are two semi-eyes, one black, the other the same colour as the
wings. Many agreeable shades, of a lighter colour, and ingrailed lines,
run across all the wings.

_Under Side._ The head, breast, and legs, are the same colour as the
upper side; except the thighs of the fore legs, which are red. There is
very little variety of colours on this side, except a purplish hue,
visible when held in a declining direction.

Drury notices another insect, also received by him from Saint Christopher's, of smaller size, and differing only in having a narrow indented bar, of a flesh colour, crossing the upper and lower wings, and which, he thinks, may possibly be the other sex of the insect here figured; considering also, that the references to Linnæus and Sloane, apply rather to the smaller insect. Fabricius states, that the female of Odora is distinguished by having a fascia, composed of three waved white lines, in the middle of the wings.

{7}SPILOSOMA ACREA.

Plate III. fig. 2. [female]. 3. [male].

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Nocturna. FAMILY: Arctiidæ, _Steph._

GENUS. SPILOSOMA, _Stephens_. Arctia p. _Schrank_. Eyprepia p.
_Ochsenheim_. Bombyx p. _Fabr._

SPILOSOMA ACREA. Alis niveis (postieis [male] fulvis), punctis nigris,
costalibus majoribus; abdominis dorso fulvo nigro maculato. (Expans.
Alar. [male] 2 unc.--[female] 2¾ unc.)

SYN. [female] Phalæna (Bombyx) Acrea, _Drury, App. v._ 2.

[male]. Phal. (Bomb.) Caprotina, _Drury, App. v._ 2.

Bombyx Acria, _Fab. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 451. _No._ 137. _Abbot and
Smith, Ins. Georg. tab._ 67. (exclus. _Syn. Fabr._ B. lubricepidæ).

Arctia Pseuderminea (_Peck_), _Harris in Massachus. Agricult. Repos.
vol._ 7. _p._ 328. _and tab. annex_.

HABITAT: New York, Maryland, Virginia (_Drury_).

MALE..--_Upper Side._ The antennæ and eyes are black; the thorax and
extremity of the body cream colour; he abdomen yellow, spotted on the top
and sides with black. The anterior wings are cream coloured, spotted with
black. The number of spots very uncertain, except five which are placed
on the anterior edge, and six on the external one. The cilia yellow, as
are the posterior wings, on each of which are three black spots, two near
the external edge, and one near the middle.

_Under Side._ The breast and thighs are yellow; the abdomen and legs the
same, chequered and spotted with black. All the wings are yellow, spotted
in the same manner with black, as on the upper side.

FEMALE.--_Upper Side._ The head and thorax white. The abdomen yellow,
with black spots on the sides and top, the extremity being white. All the
wings are white, with black spots, whose number is very variable; but, on
the anterior edges of each anterior wing, are placed five, and on the
external edges, six.

_Under Side_. The legs are black and white, the thighs yellow; the
abdomen white, spotted with black. All the wings are white, with black
spots, most of which, observed on the upper side, being seen on this.

This species is closely allied to the common British species, Spilosoma lubricepida, and Menthrastri; but is of larger size, the spots being also larger. The two figures given by Drury, are now ascertained to be the sexes of the same species, as, indeed, our author had surmised might be the case. It appears to be a very common species, and is stated by Drury to breed twice a year, namely, in June and September. The caterpillar is very hairy, and when young is white; as it advances in age, it acquires a fox colour, and, in its last skin, becomes almost black. Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, a distinguished American entomologist, to whom I am indebted for many valuable insects of that country, has published a very interesting notice, in the work above cited, upon this insect, under the title of "The Natural History of the Salt-marsh Caterpillar," under which name the larva of this insect is commonly known, and which is exceedingly destructive to grasses of various kinds. He states, that when nearly full-fed, "they become very voracious, and continue eating all the day and night without intermission. Soon they leave the meadows, aggregated in great numbers, and commence the wandering state, or begin to run, as is the phrase, devouring everything in their progress; corn-fields, gardens, and even the coarse and rank {8}produce of road sides, afford them temporary nourishment, until they have found a place of security from the wind and weather." Dr. Harris, in a communication to me, has stated, that he had ascertained that this insect was the Acria of Fabricius, and that Professor Peck's name must, therefore, be rejected. Abbot observes, respecting this caterpillar, that it is "a general devourer of all field and garden-plants, and weeds. It spun up in a thin web, intermixed with its own hairs, on the 16th of May, and the moth came out on the 2d of June. Others of the autumnal brood, taken in September, spun up on the 18th of that month, and remained in the chrysalis until the 21st of April."

PLATE IV.

CETHOSIA CYANE.

Plate IV. fig. 1.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Nymphalidæ, _Swains_.

GENUS. CETHOSIA, _Fabr. Latr. et God._ Papilio (Nymphal. Phalerat.),
_Drury_.

CETHOSIA CYANE. Alis dentatis nigris, lineâ communi tenuissimâ angulatâ
marginali, anticis fasciâ posticis disco (nigro punctato) albis. (Expans.
Alar. unc. 3½.)

SYN. Papilio (Nymph. Phal.) Cyane, _Drury, App. v._ 2. _Herbst. Pap.
tab._ 248. _fig._ 3. 4. _Cramer, Pap._ 25. _pl._ 295. _fig._ C. D. _Fabr.
Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 115. _No._ 352. _Latr. et God. Encycl. Méthod._
ix. _p._ 247. (Cethosia Cy.)

HABITAT: Bengal (_Drury_). India (_Fabr._).

_Upper Side._ The anterior wings are dentated and black: the anterior
edge of a dirty olive brown; in the middle whereof a broad white bar
arises, and runs transversely towards the middle of the external edge,
where, stopping at the distance of a quarter of an inch, it forms, with
some faint white spots, a black border along the external edge, whereon
is a row of narrow white angulated marks. The posterior wings, which are
deeply dentated, are white; with a deep black border running along the
external edge, whereon is a row of white angulated marks, as on the
superior wings, and above each of them is a series of short white
streaks, running parallel with the edge of the wing. Above these are six
round black spots, one situated between each nerve, and over them six
more smaller, and fainter; several more spots being dispersed on the
white parts of the wings, some very distinct, and others very faint.

_Under Side._ The anterior wings are red, which colour extends from the
base nearly half along the wing, and which, towards the posterior edge,
softens to a cream-colour. On this red ground are some short black lines,
with blue ones between them, extending between the two principal nerves.
The external edge has a black margin; whereon the white angular marks are
seen more distinctly, being here shaped like beards of arrows. Above this
border, near the external angle, are two oval black spots, or eyes, whose
irides are white, having between them and the black border a row of
small, round, black spots, placed close together. The white bar described
on the upper side is also seen here. Several more black spots, of various
forms, are dispersed on different parts, particularly a group in the
centre of the wing. The inferior wings are white, with pale
cream-coloured clouds; but next the base are white, blue, and red, with
black streaks, from whence a shade of blue and brown runs along the
anterior edge to the external angle, where a black border commences,
whereon are angular white marks, like arrow beards or points. This border
continues to the abdominal corners, where two small, curved, black lines
meet together, and form an arch. Above the black border is a row of small
black spots, and above them are six larger, with several others, of
different shapes and sizes, dispersed on various parts of the wings.

{9}The insect described in the Encyclopédie Méthodique, from Malabar, differs from that figured by Drury, in having the disc of the posterior wings of a fulvous buff colour, and the spots larger, with the markings at the base of this pair of wings, on the under side fulvous instead of blue. Is this to be regarded as a variety, the opposite sex, or a distinct species?

CETHOSIA BIBLIS.

Plate IV. fig. 2.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Nymphalidæ, _Sw._

GENUS. CETHOSIA, _Fab. Latr. God._ Papilio (Nymphal. Phal.), _Drury_.

CETHOSIA BIBLIS. Alis subrotundatis dentatis fulvis, extimo fusco,
lunulis albis anticarum serie triplici digestis (intermediâ minori),
posticis ante marginem maculis nigris, singulis subtùs ad basin lineis
maculisque flavis variis. (Expans. Alar. 3 unc. 9 lin.)

SYN. Papilio (Nymph. Phal.) Biblis, _Drury, App. v._ 2. (1773). _Cramer,
Pap._ 15. _pl._ 175. _fig._ A. B. _Herbst. Pap. tab._ 248. _fig._ 1. 2.

Papilio (Nymph.) Penthesilea, _Fabr. Ent. Syst._ III. 1. _p._ 114. _No._
349. (exclus. Syn. Crameri.)

Cethosia Biblina, _Latr. et God. Enc. Méth._ ix. _p._ 248.

HABITAT: China (_Drury_). From the collection of the late Mr. Lee of
Deptford.

_Upper Side._ The anterior wings, next the shoulders, are a brown orange,
occupying half the wings; the other half, next the tips, are of a rusty
red brown, whereon is a row of white crescents running along the external
edge. Above this are five white squarish spots, and over them a row of
angulated marks, like points of arrows, with white spots in their
centres, above which is a single white spot, between which and the
shoulders are some short black waved lines, extending between the two
principal nerves. The posterior wings are entirely of a brown orange,
except a rusty red-brown border that runs along the external edge,
whereon is a row of white crescents, and above it are six black spots
running parallel with the border, beneath which is a denticulated line of
dark brown.

_Under Side._ The anterior wings, next the shoulders, are of a brown
orange, reaching half way along the wings, the remainder being rusty
yellow. On the orange ground, next the shoulders, are several black,
irregular, short lines, placed two and two, the middle, or spaces between
them, being clay-coloured. Two small black spots are placed on the
anterior edge, on each side near the base. Along the external edge is a
row of white angulated lines, above which is a row of ash-coloured marks,
with some dark spots thereon; and over this, is another row of
ash-coloured marks, shaped like acute angles, with an oblong streak in
the centre of each. The posterior wings at the base are dark orange, but
toward the external edges are rusty yellow, on which is a row of
crescents on a dark border. Above this is a circular bar or band of a
flesh colour, having a row of dark spots on the lower edge, and the upper
edge shaped like acute angles, with a black triangular mark in each, and
a white spot in its centre. About a quarter of an inch above this bar is
another of a clay colour, about one-eighth of an inch broad, with dark
spots and marks on it, some of which resemble Greek characters. Over this
bar is another near the base, of a clay colour, with a double row of
black marks or streaks on it.

Fabricius has confounded this species and another, under the name of Penthesilea. Latreille and Godart have altered the specific name proposed by Drury to that of Biblina, "parce qu'il a été imposé ultérieurement à un genre de Lépidoptères diurnes." I have, however, restored the specific name of Biblis, because the same name, was not {10}proposed for a genus by Fabricius, until many years after the publication of Drury's work, in the Synopsis of the Systema Glossatorum, published in Illiger's Magazine; and because the employment of a proper name, like Biblis, for a species, even when previously used for a genus belonging to a perfectly distinct group, is not incorrect.

PLATE V.

CYNTHIA HUNTERA.

Plate V. fig. 1.

ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Diurna. FAMILY: Nymphalidæ, _Swains_.

GENUS. CYNTHIA, _Fabr. Stephens_. Vanessa p. _Latr. et God._ Papilio
(Nymph. Gemmat.), _Drury, Fabricius_.