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Show 1887.] LEPTDOPTERA FROM SIKKIM. 445 its middle, enclosing a paler space; a discal irregular dark band, with its inner edge diffused, its outer edge sharply defined, its direction from the costa to the first median nervule straight, then directed inwardly to the submedian nervule, the ground beyond this band paler than the rest of the wing ; the submarginal subapical dots as above but violet-white; a very fine violet-white line, then a broad ochreous line, then a fine dark line on the margin. Hind wing with an oval ring-spot at the base of the costal interspace, a band in continuation across the cell, another band beyond from the costal to the median nervure towards the end of the cell, dark brown, outwardly pale ochreous, and very straight; a short irregular band from just before the base of the first median nervule towards the abdominal margin ; a highly irregular discal band, its outer edge sharply defined, its inner edge diffused ; beyond which is a series of six ocelli, composed of a black centre with a violet-white pupil, an ochreous, a dark brown, and a violet ring, the latter ring widest outwardly, the sixth ocellus at the anal angle geminated ; a fine marginal violet line, expanding into lunules at the anal angle, two fine dark lines beyond the violet line enclosing an ochreous broad line. Lethe tristigmata is nearest to L. nicetas, Hewitson; but the male is at once distinguished from that species in possessing a very conspicuous " male mark " on the upperside of the fore wing just beyond the cell, which is composed of more or less wedge-shaped clumps of large black scales, placed one below the third median nervule, one on each side of the second and first median nervules, and one above the submedian nervure, these marks sometimes coalescing and forming a continuous band divided only by the veins. Expanse 2'3 inches. ZOPHOESSA MOLLERI, n. sp. This species is very nearly allied to Z. jalaurida, de Nicev., but differs constantly in the following particulars. The tawny bands and markings of the upperside are paler and less defined. Beneath, the ocelli of the fore wing are absent, the ground-colour is paler, the silvery bands are straighter and broader, and in the outer one, which is broadest, the discocellular nervule which it encloses is distinctly marked by a brown streak in the silver band, which is free and not connected with the brown band next the silver as in Z. jalaurida. I found this species mixed with jalaurida, but not so abundant or reaching so high an elevation, on the Singalelah range, and did not at first recognize its distinctions, which Moller afterwards noticed. After comparing 12 fresh specimens with 10 perfectly fresh males and 6 females of Z. jalaurida taken with it, and one from the Jalauri Pass, I have no hesitation in saying that it is a perfectly distinct species, and have much pleasure in naming it after Mr. Moller. The two sexes are nearly alike, but the females, of which I only took two, are a trifle larger and paler than the males. PROC. ZOOL. Soc-1887, No. XXX. 30 |
