Chapter 2

Plate 80.

Testa univalvis, depressissima, lata, auriformis. Discus admodum perforatus. Spira minuta, depressa. Apertura testam magnitudine penè æquans, intus margaritifera.

Shell univalve, greatly depressed, broad, ear-shaped, the disk with many perforations. Spire minute, depressed. Aperture nearly as large as the shell; inside pearly.

H. Testâ ovali, lævi, obscurè thalassinâ; labio exteriore supra immarginato, interiore lato, complanato, foraminibus numerosis, minutis, orbicularibus, lævibus.Shell ovate, smooth, obscure sea green; outer lip above immarginate; inner lip broad, flat; perforations numerous, very small, orbicular and smooth.

H. Testâ ovali, lævi, obscurè thalassinâ; labio exteriore supra immarginato, interiore lato, complanato, foraminibus numerosis, minutis, orbicularibus, lævibus.

Shell ovate, smooth, obscure sea green; outer lip above immarginate; inner lip broad, flat; perforations numerous, very small, orbicular and smooth.

The Ear-shells are strangely characterized by their peculiarity of form, perforated holes, and rich pearly interior. They are found in both temperate and tropical seas; but the definitions hitherto given by conchologists are so imperfect, that they have left our knowledge of these shells nearly the same now, as in the time of Linnæus. Seventeen species only are enumerated in Mr. Dillwyn's work; although thirty-four have fallen within my own observation the last few months.

The difference between this and the common black Californian Ear, consists in its being a much deeper and smoother shell, always narrowest at the base, the outer lip not having (as in that) a prominent curve or gibbosity where it joins the spire; but principally in the perforations, which in this are always half as large, and doubly numerous; it is also generally a much smaller, and less common species: the spire is always deeply tinged with pink. The genusPadollus, of Montford, resting entirely in the unevenness of the outer lip, without any knowledge of the animal, appears to me an unnecessary distinction, for such is the character of all young shells, and also of mature ones, whose outer surface is rugged or uneven.

Pl.81

Plate 81.

Antennæ prismaticæ, in utroque sexu ad medium leviter crassescentes, externè breviter piloso baciliatæ, mucrone arcuato, producto, sensim terminantes. Palpi breves, obtusi. Lingua elongata, convoluta, distincta, et in pupâ aliquando porrecta. Alæ sub-integræ. Abdomen elongatum, conicum, ano acuto, imberbi.

Antennæ three sided, in both sexes slightly thickened in the middle, externally ciliated with double tufts of short hairs, and ending in a gradually lengthened arcuated hook. Palpi short, obtuse. Tongue long, convolute, distinct, sometimes porrected in the pupa state. Wings nearly entire. Abdomen lengthened, conic; the tip pointed, and not bearded.

S. alis subdentatis, cinereis (in maribus lineis fuscis variatis); posticis rufis, margine nigro; abdomine pallido, cingulis atris circumdato.Wings slightly dentated, cinereous (in the male variegated with brown lines); posterior rufous, with a black margin; abdomen pale, with black belts.Gmelin5. 2375. 13.Fab. Ent. Sys.3. 362.no.21. S. Ello.Drury, vol. i. p. 59.pl.27.fig.3. (male.)Cramer,pl.301. D.

S. alis subdentatis, cinereis (in maribus lineis fuscis variatis); posticis rufis, margine nigro; abdomine pallido, cingulis atris circumdato.

Wings slightly dentated, cinereous (in the male variegated with brown lines); posterior rufous, with a black margin; abdomen pale, with black belts.

Gmelin5. 2375. 13.Fab. Ent. Sys.3. 362.no.21. S. Ello.Drury, vol. i. p. 59.pl.27.fig.3. (male.)Cramer,pl.301. D.

It is in all things better to understand few subjects well than many imperfectly; knowledge may be extensive, but it cannot be sound, if it is at the same time imperfect; and, applying this observation to the present article, it becomes as desirable, where necessary, to illustrate an insect known to Linnæus, as to regard only the accession of new species.

The two insects figured were received from Jamaica by my friend Dr. Leach, and there can be no doubt they are the sexes of one species. The upper is a male, and agrees with Drury's figure and description; the lower insect is a female, of which no representation has been published: as for Cramer's figure, if intended for the former, it is really so bad that it can hardly be quoted as an authority, and it appears to have misled Fabricius, in thinking that the female insect had a brown stripe on the anterior wings, whereas that character is more applicable to the male.

The insects I propose retaining under this genus are such as have the body lengthened, pointed, and not bearded at the tip; the antennæ but slightly thickened in the middle, and the terminating hook gradual, arched, and not very acute: these comprehend the first section of Latreille's genus,Sphinx, and are by him again divided into two groups, the one having the wings entire, the other angulated.

Pl.82

Plate 82.

Rostrum elongatum, rectum vel arcuatum, flexile, gracillimum, ad basin depressum, mandibulâ superiore inferiorem amplectente et tantùm non obtegente. Lingua jaculatoria, bifida, tubulata. Nares basales, membranâ tectæ, aperturâ in longum fissâ. Pedes sedentes, minimi. Alæ longissimæ, subarcuatæ, remigibus prioribus longissimis, cæteris gradatim brevioribus.

Bill long, straight or curved, flexible, very slender, the base depressed, the upper mandible folding over, and almost covering the lower. Tongue long, extensible, bifid, and tubular. Nostrils basal, covered by a membrane, and opening by a long slit. Feet sitting, very small. Wings very long, curved, the outer quill longest, the rest gradually becoming shorter.

T. niger; auribus aliquando rufis; tectricibus, caudâ uropygioque colore subviridi nitidis; rectricium lateralium nivearum apicibus colore chalybeio tinctis.Black; the ears sometimes rufous; wing covers tail and rump glossed with green; lateral tail feathers snowy, tipt with steel blue.

T. niger; auribus aliquando rufis; tectricibus, caudâ uropygioque colore subviridi nitidis; rectricium lateralium nivearum apicibus colore chalybeio tinctis.

Black; the ears sometimes rufous; wing covers tail and rump glossed with green; lateral tail feathers snowy, tipt with steel blue.

Like the resplendent jewels of the earth, the Humming Birds are the living gems of the air. United to the most delicate form, these fairies of creation have the dazzling effulgence of every tint that sparkles from the ruby, the topaz, the sapphire, and the emerald, lavished on their plumage; they seem created but for our admiration, to sport in the ardent beams of a tropical sun, and to feast on the nectar of the sweetest blossoms; and, like sparks of many coloured fire, they shoot from flower to flower, exulting in their little life of brightness and pleasure.

To return, however, to that now before us, it should be observed, that it is the only species whose plumage does not in any way accord with that of the rest of its brethren. No author appears to have described it, although I met with it very frequently in Brazil: a specimen in the British Museum has the ears reddish brown, but this seldom occurs. The figure is of the size of life. All the species are natives of tropical America.

Pl.83

Plate 83.

T. viridis, gulâ pectoreque nitidè cæruleis; corpore anoque cæruleo-viridibus; rectricibus paribus, rufo-cinnamominis; remigibus exterioribus falcatis, scapis dilatato compressis.Green; throat and breast shining blue; body and vent blue green; tail even, rufous cinnamon; exterior quills falcated, the shafts dilated and compressed.

T. viridis, gulâ pectoreque nitidè cæruleis; corpore anoque cæruleo-viridibus; rectricibus paribus, rufo-cinnamominis; remigibus exterioribus falcatis, scapis dilatato compressis.

Green; throat and breast shining blue; body and vent blue green; tail even, rufous cinnamon; exterior quills falcated, the shafts dilated and compressed.

Nothing can exceed the dazzling brilliancy of colours united in this little creature. It is, however, more remarkable from the extraordinary construction of its wings, the outer quills of which are greatly curved, and the shafts dilated to a most disproportionate size; a similar structure occurs also in the Broad-shafted H. B. of Dr. Shaw, (T. latipennis.) That it is intended to fulfil some important office in their economy, will admit of no doubt, for in wisdom are all things made; conjecture must, however, in numberless instances, supply our want of real knowledge; and it may not be improbable that such additional strength in the wings has been given them as a defence against the small birds of prey, (Lanii.Lin.) which abound in tropical countries.

The figure is the size of life; bill curved from the base, with a black stripe between that and the eye; plumage above deep shining green, most brilliant on the sides of the neck; ear feathers blue green; chin and throat of a most brilliant deep violet blue, changing in some lights to purple, becoming greenish on the breast, and blended with the green of the neck; all these feathers are disposed like scales; vent golden green, with two tufts of downy white feathers round the thighs. Tail even, the feathers broad and truncately rounded, of a rufous cinnamon colour, tipt with a purple black bar; the middle feathers darkest, and glossed with green.

Of this rare and unrecorded species, a fine example existed in Mr. Bullock's Museum, which was purchased to enrich that of Paris: another, more imperfect, was sent Mr. Falkner from the Spanish Main. The male ofT. latipennisis undescribed, Dr. Shaw having only seen the female; both sexes, however, are in my possession. The plant introduced in the plate (Clitoria Plumieri) is a native of Brazil.

Pl.84

Plate 84.

A. (div. 2.) testâ productâ, sub-flavâ, fasciis viridibus flavisque ornatâ; aperturâ ovato-rotundatâ, albâ; labio exteriore medio inciso; basi emarginatâ.Ach. (div. 2.) Shell elongated, cream colour, with green and yellow bands; aperture ovately rounded, white; outer lip notched in the middle; base emarginate.

A. (div. 2.) testâ productâ, sub-flavâ, fasciis viridibus flavisque ornatâ; aperturâ ovato-rotundatâ, albâ; labio exteriore medio inciso; basi emarginatâ.

Ach. (div. 2.) Shell elongated, cream colour, with green and yellow bands; aperture ovately rounded, white; outer lip notched in the middle; base emarginate.

A new and very delicate species, which may have been overlooked as a variety ofA. virginea, from which it differs in the comparative length of the basal whorl, which in that is remarkably short, in being a much more elongated shell, in the mouth being oval, but above all, in having a conspicuous notch in the middle of the outer lip, where the green band commences; the aperture (excepting the inner lip) is pure white. It is in Mr. Dubois' possession, and its country unknown.

A. (div. 2.) testâ ovato-oblongâ, crassâ, albente, vittis nigris fuscisque angustis ornatâ; apertura ovatâ, sub-contractâ; columellâ tantùm non rectâ; basi subtruncatâ.A. (div. 2.) Shell ovate-elongated, thickened, fulvous white, with narrow black and brown bands; aperture oval, slightly contracted; pillar nearly straight; base sub-truncated.Gualtieri,tab.6.fig.A.

A. (div. 2.) testâ ovato-oblongâ, crassâ, albente, vittis nigris fuscisque angustis ornatâ; apertura ovatâ, sub-contractâ; columellâ tantùm non rectâ; basi subtruncatâ.

A. (div. 2.) Shell ovate-elongated, thickened, fulvous white, with narrow black and brown bands; aperture oval, slightly contracted; pillar nearly straight; base sub-truncated.

Gualtieri,tab.6.fig.A.

Although unnamed, this shell is obviously the same as that figured by Gualtieri, who also describes it very tolerably. This figure, however, is quoted by Gmelin and others forA. virginea; from which shell it is quite distinct: it is a thickly formed shell, the base slightly truncated, and the aperture very narrow, and reddish brown; the outer lip within is thickened. From the same collection as the last.

Pl.85

Plate 85.

Testa subglobosa, tenuis, fragilis. Spira depressa. Labium exterius medio emarginatum. Columella ultra aperturæ basin producta. Animal marinum, vesiculâ solidâ pede suppositâ instructum.—Cuvier.Shell subglobose, thin, brittle. Spire depressed. Outer lip notched in the middle. Base of the pillar projecting beyond the aperture. Animal marine, with a solid vesicle, placed under the foot.—Cuvier.

Shell subglobose, thin, brittle. Spire depressed. Outer lip notched in the middle. Base of the pillar projecting beyond the aperture. Animal marine, with a solid vesicle, placed under the foot.—Cuvier.

I. testâ pallidâ, anfractu basali angulato; basi complanatâ, striatâ, violaceâ; aperturâ latiore quam longiore; labio exteriore profundè emarginato.Shell pale; body whirl angulated; the base flattened, striated and deep violet; aperture broader than long; outer lip deeply emarginate.Helix Ianthina.Gm.3645.Lister.572.fig.23. 24.Turton.C. D.p.58.Gualt.tab.64. 0.Mart.v.t.166.fig.1577.-8?Ianthina fragilis.Bruguiere. Ency. Meth.pl.456.fig.1.a. b.

I. testâ pallidâ, anfractu basali angulato; basi complanatâ, striatâ, violaceâ; aperturâ latiore quam longiore; labio exteriore profundè emarginato.

Shell pale; body whirl angulated; the base flattened, striated and deep violet; aperture broader than long; outer lip deeply emarginate.

Helix Ianthina.Gm.3645.Lister.572.fig.23. 24.Turton.C. D.p.58.Gualt.tab.64. 0.Mart.v.t.166.fig.1577.-8?

Ianthina fragilis.Bruguiere. Ency. Meth.pl.456.fig.1.a. b.

The singular shells of this genus float on the surface of the ocean, where they principally live. Gmelin remarks that the animal emits a phosphoric light; and Captain Cook observed that it is oviparous, and discharged, on being touched, a liquor of the most beautiful purple. Dr. Turton and Mr. Dillwyn have recorded several British localities for this shell; and the former notes having seen it alive, but without giving any original account of the animal. The extreme brittleness of the shell is such, that, although common, it is very rarely seen so perfect as here represented, from shells in my own cabinet. All the figures I have seen are very defective.

I. testâ ventricosâ, basi productâ; aperturâ longiore quam latiore; labio exteriore leviter emarginato.Shell ventricose, the base lengthened; aperture longer than broad; outer lip slightly emarginate.

I. testâ ventricosâ, basi productâ; aperturâ longiore quam latiore; labio exteriore leviter emarginato.

Shell ventricose, the base lengthened; aperture longer than broad; outer lip slightly emarginate.

The notch, which inI. fragilisextends the whole length of the lip, in this, is very slight, and nearly central. Mr. Dubois has enabled me to figure it from specimens in the greatest perfection; it is much less common than the last.

Pl.86

Plate 86.

C. conicus, coronatus, roseus; lineis fusco-purpureis longitudinalibus subramosis; spirâ convexâ.—Lamarck.Coronated Cone, rosy, with brownish purple longitudinal lines, which are sometimes branched; spire convex.—Lamarck.Conus Princeps.Gmelin.3378. (omitting var.βandγ.)Turton.4. 313. (omitting var. 2. and 3.)Conus regius.Martini, vol. x.pl.138.fig.1276.Brug.no.12.Ency. Meth.pl.318.fig.3.Lamarck, Ann. du Mus.p. 31.no.10.

C. conicus, coronatus, roseus; lineis fusco-purpureis longitudinalibus subramosis; spirâ convexâ.—Lamarck.

Coronated Cone, rosy, with brownish purple longitudinal lines, which are sometimes branched; spire convex.—Lamarck.

Conus Princeps.Gmelin.3378. (omitting var.βandγ.)Turton.4. 313. (omitting var. 2. and 3.)

Conus regius.Martini, vol. x.pl.138.fig.1276.Brug.no.12.Ency. Meth.pl.318.fig.3.Lamarck, Ann. du Mus.p. 31.no.10.

The Cones are remarkable both for their beauty and the very high value attached to many of the varieties. They are likewise a very numerous family, and, with three or four exceptions, are all inhabitants of tropical latitudes, particularly the Indian Ocean. Bruguière and Lamarck have each written very able descriptions of the species, of which the latter enumerates 179 recent, and 9 found only in a fossil state.

This is a shell of great rarity and beauty. Dead and injured specimens are often seen, in which the deep reddish brown colour is bleached to a pale rose, and the base worn round. Of the live shell I have never seen more than two or three; and the finest of these is here figured from Mr. Dubois' cabinet: it is a native of the Asiatic Ocean.

I see no reason why the original name of Linnæus for this shell should have been changed, although, under it, he has evidently included other species quite distinct; (his var.βbeingC. ebræus): indeed, it too often happens, that in making those alterations absolutely necessary in the present state of the science, the spirit of innovation oversteps the justice due to those, whose labours first laid the foundation of our own knowledge.

Pl.87

Plate 87.

S. alis integris; anticis virescentibus, fasciâ triangulari centrali maculoque fusco ornatis; posticis medio cæruleo-nigris, margine fulvo; abdominis lateribus punctis quinque niveis.S. Wings entire; anterior greenish, with a central triangular band and black spot; posterior bluish black in the middle, the margin fulvous; sides of the body with five snowy spots.S. Labruscæ.Gmelin, p. 2380. 14.Fab. Ent. Sys.3. p. 377.Cramer,pl.184.a.

S. alis integris; anticis virescentibus, fasciâ triangulari centrali maculoque fusco ornatis; posticis medio cæruleo-nigris, margine fulvo; abdominis lateribus punctis quinque niveis.

S. Wings entire; anterior greenish, with a central triangular band and black spot; posterior bluish black in the middle, the margin fulvous; sides of the body with five snowy spots.

S. Labruscæ.Gmelin, p. 2380. 14.Fab. Ent. Sys.3. p. 377.Cramer,pl.184.a.

Linnæus has well observed, that the great distinctions of his three genera of Lepidoptera, were, that Butterflies are seen on the wing only during the day; Hawk-moths, or Sphinxes, at the rising and setting of the sun; and Moths during the night. The insects of Europe, indeed, offer but few exceptions to these characters; but the habits of certain exotic tribes, in each of these families, partake both of one and the other in a remarkable manner. Thus, among the butterflies, there is a genus in South America (hitherto unnoticed), which fly only during the dusk of evening: a number of the Linnæan Hawk-moths prefer the meridian heat of the sun; and there are not wanting several moths which are only seen during the same period of the day.

The insect, however, before us, is of that tribe to which the remark of Linnæus is strictly applicable; and, although included in theSystema Naturæ, has remained without any correct representation, for it would be difficult to delineate a worse figure of it than that given by Cramer. Besides the row of five snowy white spots on each side of the body, there are four pair of others, more dusky, down the middle, and five small black dots near the outer margin of the fore wings; the colour of all beneath is a buff yellow, with two faint dusky oblique bars, and the middle of the fore wings sea green.

I have received this species from Jamaica; in its larva state it appears to feed on the wild vine.

Pl.88

Plate 88.

M. (div. 1.) fusiformis, rufo-fuscata, albo fasciata, lævis, spirâ plicato-striatâ, basi rugosâ, columellâ quadriplicatâ.—Lamarck.Shell fusiform, reddish brown, with whitish bands; smooth; spire plaited and striated; base rugose; pillar 4 plaited.Voluta caffra.Gmelin.3451.Martini4.tab.148.f.1370.?Dill.p.545.Mitra caffra.Lamarck. Ann. du Mus.vol. vii. p. 208.no.30.

M. (div. 1.) fusiformis, rufo-fuscata, albo fasciata, lævis, spirâ plicato-striatâ, basi rugosâ, columellâ quadriplicatâ.—Lamarck.

Shell fusiform, reddish brown, with whitish bands; smooth; spire plaited and striated; base rugose; pillar 4 plaited.

Voluta caffra.Gmelin.3451.Martini4.tab.148.f.1370.?Dill.p.545.

Mitra caffra.Lamarck. Ann. du Mus.vol. vii. p. 208.no.30.

It is not improbable thatMitra bifasciata, (Zool. Ill.pl.35.) may eventually be considered only a variety of the shell here figured, which accords much closer with the characters given of the LinnæanM. caffra, than any other; the two shells, however, at the first glance, have a widely different appearance; yet not more so, than the smooth and plaited varieties ofStrombus vittatus Lin.I have therefore retained the character given by Lamarck, as the best method to be followed in doubtful cases. In this shell, the plaits commence halfway round the body whirl; they are obtuse, crowded, and not angulated near the suture; the striæ between are fine and decidedly marked; the base half of the shell strongly grooved; the suture rather compressed; the channel short and not recurved, and the aperture striated.

M. (div. 3.) testâ lævi, mediâ crassâ, fuscâ, fasciâ angustâ sub-albâ ornatâ; spirâ striatâ, striis intus punctatis; labio exteriore dentato; columellâ 5 plicatâ.Shell smooth, thick in the middle, brown, with a narrow whitish band; spire striated, the striæ with internal punctures: outer lip crenated; pillar 5 plaited.

M. (div. 3.) testâ lævi, mediâ crassâ, fuscâ, fasciâ angustâ sub-albâ ornatâ; spirâ striatâ, striis intus punctatis; labio exteriore dentato; columellâ 5 plicatâ.

Shell smooth, thick in the middle, brown, with a narrow whitish band; spire striated, the striæ with internal punctures: outer lip crenated; pillar 5 plaited.

A species evidently unknown to Lamarck; the upper margin of each whorl is thick and projecting; the striæ on the body whorl are nearly obsolete, but on the spire become deep, remote, and having internally minute hollow dots; the inner margin of the exterior lip is strongly crenated, the aperture smooth, and the pillar with five strong teeth. I believe it was brought from the South Seas.

Pl.89

Plate 89.

P. viridis, genis, auribus, gulâque cinereis; vertice, remigibus rectriciumque marginibus sub-cæruleis.Green; sides of the head, ears, and throat, grey; crown, quills, and end of the tail, bluish.P. murinus.Gmelin.1. 327.no.80.Lath. Ind. Orn.1. p. 101.Grey-breasted Parrakeet.Lath. Syn.vol. 1. 247.Gen. Zool.vol. viii. p. 456.

P. viridis, genis, auribus, gulâque cinereis; vertice, remigibus rectriciumque marginibus sub-cæruleis.

Green; sides of the head, ears, and throat, grey; crown, quills, and end of the tail, bluish.

P. murinus.Gmelin.1. 327.no.80.Lath. Ind. Orn.1. p. 101.

Grey-breasted Parrakeet.Lath. Syn.vol. 1. 247.Gen. Zool.vol. viii. p. 456.

Those of our readers who visited Leamington during the last season, may have observed this noisy little creature uttering its discordant cries at the door of a small house near the pump-room. I borrowed it for a day from the good woman to whom it belonged, and thus made the drawing and description with the bird before me.

Dr. Latham observes on this species, that excepting where the grey colour pervades, "the rest of the body is olive green, excepting the quills, which are deep green;"—this may be the female. He adds a quotation from Pernetty, who describes a bird from Monte Video, something near this; but which, from having a very long tail, a flesh-coloured bill, &c. may probably be distinct.

The live bird could not be conveniently measured, but it is rather larger than the red-shouldered Parrakeet, (figured at pl. 62.) The skin round the eye white, and the irides hazel; the whole upper part of the plumage is a beautiful grass green, changing according to the light into different shades; the top of the head, the quill feathers, and end of the tail, greenish blue, in some lights appearing quite blue; the sides of the head, ears, and throat, as far as the breast, bluish grey; all the remaining under plumage yellowish green, with a shade of orange in the middle of the body and vent; bill and legs dark grey; this latter colour is so unusual in this tribe, that I at first thought it indicated an imperfect plumage, but I have now seen it at two different seasons of the year without any variation whatever. It is probably a South American species.

Pl.90

Plate 90.

P. fusco-viridis, capite gulâque nigris (feminæ castaneis;) uropygio rubro; abdomine flavo; rostri fulvi culmine, basi et apice nigris; marginibus dentatis, lineis nigris inscriptis.Obscure green; head and throat black, (in the female chesnut;) rump crimson; body yellow; bill fulvous, the top, base, and tip, black; the margins dentated, and marked with black lines resembling characters.

P. fusco-viridis, capite gulâque nigris (feminæ castaneis;) uropygio rubro; abdomine flavo; rostri fulvi culmine, basi et apice nigris; marginibus dentatis, lineis nigris inscriptis.

Obscure green; head and throat black, (in the female chesnut;) rump crimson; body yellow; bill fulvous, the top, base, and tip, black; the margins dentated, and marked with black lines resembling characters.

I was put in possession of this rare and unknown bird, by the dispersion of the most magnificent assemblage of natural productions that ever marked the zeal of an individual, or ornamented the capital of this kingdom. Mr. Bullock's Museum is now scattered; yet the objects it comprised were deemed worthy of enriching the public repositories of every nation in Europe; who sent their learned men to purchase with avidity, and share in the spoils of a Museum, the dispersion of which will be long regretted by the learned, the inquiring, and "the many."

Total length, twelve inches and a half; bill, from the angle of the mouth to the tip, two inches three tenths long, and eight tenths across the base; the colour (which appears little changed from that in the live state) is deep straw, or buff yellow; the top of the upper mandible and tips of both are black; parallel with the marginal base of the upper, is a black line, which is very broad on that of the lower; the edges of both are serrated, and marked by short black lines, somewhat resembling oriental characters; at the base of the bill there is an elevated rim of deeper yellow; the ears, chin, and throat are deep chesnut, margined in front with a narrow line of black, (which parts in the male are entirely black;) the crown of the head and neck above also black, changing to a dark bluish green on the wings, back, and tail; the rump crimson, and the greater quills blackish; from the breast to the vent straw-coloured yellow, with a greenish cast; the thighs and flanks olive; tail wedged, near five inches long; the orbits appear to have been black, and the feet green.

Mr. Bullock informed me he had the two sexes of this bird sent him from the interior of Guyana.

Pl.91

Plate 91.

L. alis integris, suprà nigris; anticarum basi maculo aurantiaco, triradiato, medio fasciâ flavâ, apice maculo flavo ornatis; posticis strigâ aurantiacâ, margine ferrugineo; antennarum clavis albis.Wings entire, above black; anterior with a three rayed orange spot at the base, and a central bend and terminal spot of yellow; posterior with an orange stripe and brownish margin; club of the antennæ white.Papilio Amphione.Cramer,pl.232.f.EF.Pieris Amphione.Godart in Ency. Meth.vol. 9. p. 165. (Female.)

Wings entire, above black; anterior with a three rayed orange spot at the base, and a central bend and terminal spot of yellow; posterior with an orange stripe and brownish margin; club of the antennæ white.

Papilio Amphione.Cramer,pl.232.f.EF.

Pieris Amphione.Godart in Ency. Meth.vol. 9. p. 165. (Female.)

This is the only species among those I have united under the genusLicinia, which has any shade of red mixed in the colouring, all the others being variegated only with white, yellow, and black. It is a native of Brazil,and according to Godartof Guyana and the Antilles: though not common, it is sometimes frequent in local situations, preferring the borders of deep forests, and flying very slowly. I had the means of fully ascertaining the two sexes, of which the two upper figures are of the male, and the lower one the female. There can be no doubt the latter is thePieris Amphione, so admirably described by M. Godart, who, however, makes no mention of the black marginal spots on the under side of the posterior wings, represented in Cramer's figure, which may therefore be a variety. More difficulty, however, exists in ascertaining if the male is distinct fromP. Laia, of Godart: the figures of Cramer, in general, are so inaccurate, as always to excite a doubt in cases of nice discrimination; Godart's description, nevertheless, perfectly agrees with Cramer's figure: if it was, therefore, drawn up from the insect itself, there can be little doubt thatLaiais distinct fromAmphione; if, on the other hand, M. Godart made his description only from Cramer's figure, the question remains in its original uncertainty.

The club of the antennæ is white, tipt with pale brown. The under side of the female very closely resembles the upper, excepting that the black stripe on the lower wings is broken; and there are irregular blotches of white at the tips of both wings, but no marginal spots, as represented by Cramer.

It will be found thatLiciniais the connecting genus between those ofDanaisandPieris, of Latreille, and that the transition between the last of these andColiasis strongly marked by that of Terias, (Zool. Ill. pl.22).

What with the inaccuracy of figures, and the almost universal neglect with which the most eminent entomologists have passed over this beautiful order, the natural arrangement and affinities of theLepidopterastill remain in the greatest obscurity; and it is recommended to those who may object to the additional generic distinctions I have made, to examine, in the first instance, the relative validity they bear in essential character to the innumerable genera that are continually created in theColeoptera,Hymenoptera, andDiptera.

Pl.92

Plate 92.

Antennæ graciles, clavis elongatis, obtusis, sub-arcuatis, rarò compressis. Palpi brevissimi, reflexi, remoti, linguæ basin vix obtegentes, articulo ultimo obtuso, minimo. Pedes antici longi, articulo secundo infrà gibbo.

Pectore maculis sanguineis carente.

a.Ecaudati,alis inferioribus elongatis, basi angustâ.b.Percaudati,alis fasciis fulvis vel viridibus ornatis, inferioribuscaudis, elongatis, angustis, instructis.c.Caudati,alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis, instructis.

a.Ecaudati,alis inferioribus elongatis, basi angustâ.

b.Percaudati,alis fasciis fulvis vel viridibus ornatis, inferioribuscaudis, elongatis, angustis, instructis.

c.Caudati,alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis, instructis.

*Alis fulvo fasciatis.**Alis nigricantibus.

*Alis fulvo fasciatis.

**Alis nigricantibus.

d.Dentati,alis inferioribus dentatis.e.Orbiculares,alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus.

d.Dentati,alis inferioribus dentatis.

e.Orbiculares,alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus.

Pectore maculis sanguineis insigni.

a.Ecaudati,alis inferioribus elongatis, basi latâ.b.Caudati,alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis, instructis.c.Dentati,alis inferioribus dentatis.d.Orbiculares,alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus.

a.Ecaudati,alis inferioribus elongatis, basi latâ.

b.Caudati,alis inferioribus caudis obtusis, patulis, instructis.

c.Dentati,alis inferioribus dentatis.

d.Orbiculares,alis inferioribus brevibus, orbicularibus.

Antennæ slender, the club elongated, obtuse, slightly arched, and rarely compressed. Feelers very short, reflected, remote, hardly covering the base of the tongue, the last joint obtuse and minute; anterior feet long, with a gibbous appendage on the under part of the second joint.

Breast without sanguineous spots.

a.Tailless; lower wings elongated, and narrow at the base.

P. Sarpedon. NereusC.MacleayanusG.

b.Long tailed; wings generally banded with yellow or green.

P. Codrus. Sinon. Antheus. Podalirius. Machaon, &c.

c.Tailed; lower wings with obtuse patulous tails.

* Wings varied with yellow bands.P. Torquatus. Thoas.C.Ilioneus(Donovan)&c.** Wings generally dark, without bands.P. Troilus. Paris. Severus. Pammon, &c.

* Wings varied with yellow bands.

P. Torquatus. Thoas.C.Ilioneus(Donovan)&c.

** Wings generally dark, without bands.

P. Troilus. Paris. Severus. Pammon, &c.

d.Dentated; lower wings dentated, without tails.

P. Ægeus et Erechtheus.Don.Amphitryon. Drusius. DemoliusC.

e.Orbicular; lower wings short, orbicular.

P. dissimilis. SimilisC.Assimilis(Drury).Polydamas?Lin.

Breast with sanguineous spots.

a.Tailless; lower wings elongated and broad at the base.

P. Memnon. Polymnestor. Agenor. Hector.C.

b.Tailed; lower wings with obtuse patulous tails.

P. Polydorus. Romulus. Coon, &c.

c.Dentated; lower wings dentated.

P. Evander.(Godart.)Amosus?C.

d.Orbicular; lower wings short, orbicular.

P. Priamus. Panthous. Amphrisius, Harmonia et Cressida(Donovan.)

From the earliest ages, the Butterfly appears to have attracted the admiration of mankind; and we find it celebrated by their poets as figurative of gaiety and pleasure, and by their sages as an emblem of the human soul. It has been interwoven in one of their most beautiful allegories, and has been consecrated in our own days by several poets, though by none with such exquisite taste and moral feeling, as by the venerable Historian of theMedici.

So few of those insects, generally called Butterflies, were known to Linnæus, that he included them all in one genus, dividing them, for the most part, into natural groups. Fabricius continued this arrangement, with little variation, and has left us the description of near 1,150 species! Yet before his death, this laborious naturalist saw the absolute necessity of dividing this immense genus into many others, and left among his MSS. a sketch of his proposed arrangement, published afterwards by Illiger, and partially adopted (we venture to think also very imperfectly) by M. Latreille.

The insects which are therefore now left under the old genusPapilio, are principally found out of Europe, and are remarkable for their richness of colouring and immense size. M. M. Latreille and Godart have described, with great precision, 146 species: it is, however, to be regretted, that they have adopted no sections or divisions to assist the student in his search after any particular species, among this extensive number. The great disadvantage of this is very obvious, and it has induced me to attempt something like a natural distribution of those insects, which, with every care to avoid an unnatural separation of kindred groups, I am fully aware, in some cases, is very artificial, and it is only offered until a greater knowledge of the larvæ, &c. will enable us to fix on more substantial characters than those I have adopted. This, however, will be a work of time; and until then, I think some guide to the ready knowledge of the species, however objectionable, is better than none.

Much might be said on the affinities which connect this with several other genera. Among the most striking is that existing between them and theNoctuæ(N. PatroclusFab.) by means ofPap. LeilusLin. which thus stands between the night and the day-flyingLepidoptera. Many of the insects placed in our division ofGræci caudati, are allied toDanausLat. by the larva of both having retractile hornshaped processes, and the two genera seem still further connected byPapilio similisanddissimilisin one group, and byP. Priamusin the other; while the clear winged species from New Holland seem to indicate an affinity with theHeliconiæ.

The laborious and important investigations of M. Savigny into the structure of the mouth of these insects are too well known, to require a more particular notice in this slight sketch of the subject.

P. (Trojani orbiculares) alis atris; superis fasciâ breviori (fœminæ albâ) anticè albâ, posticè cyaneâ, inferis dentatis, maculâ coccineâ quadripartitâ.Papilio (T. orb.) wings black, superior, with a short white band, which is blue at the base (in the female entirely white); inferior dentated, with a four cleft crimson spot.Papilio Polymetus.Godart in Ency. Meth.vol. ix. p. 35.no.28.

P. (Trojani orbiculares) alis atris; superis fasciâ breviori (fœminæ albâ) anticè albâ, posticè cyaneâ, inferis dentatis, maculâ coccineâ quadripartitâ.

Papilio (T. orb.) wings black, superior, with a short white band, which is blue at the base (in the female entirely white); inferior dentated, with a four cleft crimson spot.

Papilio Polymetus.Godart in Ency. Meth.vol. ix. p. 35.no.28.

First described by M. Godart; unless, indeed, itmayhereafter prove a variety ofP. Lycander(Cramer, Pl. 29.C. D.) which approaches as near to the male, asP. Hippasondoes to the female. The first sex is here represented at the upper and under figures; the middle is of the female, which M. Godart has not described. It is a native of Brazil; I found it at Bahia only in certain woods, and subsequently met with a variety in the province of Rio Janeiro, differing only in being much larger.

Pl.93

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