OCR Text |
Show 1888.] FROM EQUATORIAL AFRICA. 79 two, or no subapical spots of the ground-colour, when three are present they form an oblique series ; secondaries sulphur- or chrome-yellow, the external black border broad, sometimes like that of B. severina, excepting that it is connected with a discocellular triangular spot by black veins (median and radial), but more frequently occupying half the wing, so as entirely to obliterate the subapical costal spots ; fringe spotted with white. Below always yellower than in B. severina, the primaries with broad black oblique bar at the end of the cell, either connected by black veins or confluent with a more or less broad external border as above, this border, however, never stops short at first median branch as in B. severina, but is continued to the inner margin; the secondaries below always have a wider external border than in B. severina, frequently almost extending to the cell, and the veins are all widely bordered with brown. Expanse of wings 50-51 millim. 3 . Wadelai, 16th January ; § . 28th, 29th and 31st March ; 8th and 9th April, 1887- Of this well-marked species thirteen examples were collected ; unfortunately, twelve of these are females, and therefore it is impossible to say whether the extraordinary variability in the width of the black border extends to the male sex ; of the females no two specimens are quite alike. This is what I understand by a variable species ; many Lepi-dopterists confound the idea of a variety or sport with that of a fixed local form (which I regard as the only species in Lepidoptera), and this leads them into such a perplexed condition of mind that they have some difficulty in deciding as to whether a new form shall be called a new species or a variety. In Mr. Semper's recently published ' Reisen im Archipel der Philippinen,' 2nd part, p. 84, the difficulty is thus m e t - " 105 «. var. Euripus lucasioides, n. sp." 112. BELENOIS AGRIPPINA. Pieris agrippina, Felder, Reise der Nov., Lep. ii. p. 173. n. 159 (1865). 3 2- Wadelai, 13th and 16th January; 19th and 29th March; 8th April. I doubt very much whether the distinction between this species and B. lordaca can be maintained, the difference (chiefly in size) appears to be more and more unsatisfactory as additional specimens are received. PAPILIONIN.E. 113. PAPILIO POLICENES. Papiliopolicenes, Cramer, Pap. Exot. i. pi. 37. A, B (1776). Kangasi, 20th August, 1883; Monbuttu in July or August. Only three imperfect specimens were obtained. 114. PAPILIO ANTHEUS. Papilio antheus, Cramer, Pap. Exot. iii. pi. 234. B, C (1782). Stazione Gadda, 19th January, 1884. |