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Show 38 MR. H. J. ELWES ON THE GENUS PARNASSIUS. [Jan. 19, In describing the Sikkim form of this species (P. Z. S. 1882, p. 399) I said that it might be distinguished by the smaller size, and by the more distinct alternation of the black and white in the fringes. I am still unable to compare these with a series from Ladak, as no specimens except the few I have mentioned exist to m y knowledge in collections; but the smaller size seems to m e now not a sufficient distinction, and the spotting of the fringes is almost, if not quite, as marked in the specimen from Shigri. The name sikkimensis had better therefore be dropped until a constant and more marked distinction than that of size is shown to exist. P. HARDWICKII. Parnassius hardwickei, Gray, Lep. Nepal, t. 4(1846); Cat. Lep. Brit. Mus. p. 76, t. 12. figs. 8-11 (1852) ; Moore, P. Z. S. 1865, p. 488. Var. charino, Gray, I. c. t. 12. fig. 12. P. jacquemonti, Koll. (nee Boisduval), Hiigel's Kashm. p. 407, t. 2. figs. 3, 4„ This distinct and pretty species occurs at very various elevations, in most parts of the North-west Himalaya from Kashmir to Sikkim, at elevations varying from 6000 to 12,000 feet and probably higher, but in the north-west it occurs at much lower elevations than in Sikkim. It seems to fly at almost all times of the year in various localities, and varies very much in coloration, and especially in the number of the red and blue ocelli, at almost all the places where it is found. The five bluish ocelli on the hind wing, generally pupilled with white, but in some cases reduced to mere specks, are, however, present in all the specimens I have seen ; and as a rule the greater the amount of black scales, which in some female specimens almost cover the wings, whilst in others of the male sex they are entirely wanting, the larger and more numerous are the red ocelli. The variety charino, Gray, is the darkest form, but does not seem to be either a local or a seasonal variety, as I have it from Simla, taken in May, from Gulmurg in Kashmir in August, and from the Chumbi valley in September. The red spot at the base of the hind wing above is more or less well marked in four out of twelve females in m y collection, and convinces m e that it cannot be looked on as a specific character in this genus. Of the life-history of this species we know something, and, strange as it may seem to European naturalists, I have little doubt that the species is double-brooded. Capt. Lang (P. Z. S. 1865, p. 488), says, " There appear to be two broods, early spring and late autumn. I have seen it in December and February on bright days, succeeding weeks of snow storms." Hocking took 16 specimens, of which one was a female, flying over snow in March, at 8000 feet elevation. Capt. Graham Young, writing from Kulu, says :-" Undoubtedly P. hardwickei is double-brooded ; the second brood appears in August and September, and a few even in October in favourable seasons; some of these hybernate, reappearing in March along with the spring |
