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Show 1867.] MR. A. G. BUTLER ON NYMPHALIS CALEDONIA. 873 7. Note on the Nymphalis Caledonia of Hewitson. By A R T H U R G. BUTLER, F.Z.S. In the first part of his ' Exotic Butterflies ' (p. 86, pl. 43. f. 3, 4) Mr. Hewitson has described and figured a new Butterfly under the name oi Nymphalis Caledonia (incorrectly printed calydonia). It is one of the most beautiful of the species of Nymphalidce, and has until quite recently been unique in the collection of Mr. A. R. Wallace. Mr. Hewitson says of this insect, " This glorious butterfly is beyond description. Both of the posterior wings are so much injured that I have had to imagine part of the outer margin, but have little doubt that, if we ever have the good fortune to see a perfect example, it will prove to be of nearly the same form as N. berenice of Drury." As it has fallen to m y lot to see the second specimen of this beautiful species in the collection of Lieutenant H. Roberts, I have asked his permission to figure the hind wing; he has kindly conceded to m y wishes, and I am thus enabled to give a correct drawing of the outline*. The hind wings of Ar. Caledonia are certainly somewhat similar to those of the female of N. berenice; they, however, more nearly resemble those of Prothoe francki (Nymphalis franck of Godart) : moreover the markings and general colouring of the underside appear to be a modification of the markings and colouring of that species ; therefore, though N. berenice and N. Caledonia have hitherto been looked upon as species of Charaxes (Nymphalis of Westwood), and are as such included in m y monograph of that genusf, I should recommend that they be henceforth referred to the genus Prothoe, the great size of the thorax being the only character that I can discover to warrant their admission into the genus Charaxes. Hind wing of Nymphalis Caledonia. The synonymy of N. Caledonia must therefore stand as follows :- PROTHOE CALEDONIA. Nymphalis calydonia (misprint), Hewitson, Exot. Butterf. i. p. 86, pl. 43. f. 3,4(1855). * Since writing the above a third specimen has arrived from Labuan (Borneo). It is now in the collection of Mr. Hewitson. t P. Z. S. 1865, pp. 637, 638. P R O C ZOOL. Soc-1867, No. LVI. |
