Page:Jardine Naturalist's Library Exotic Moths.djvu/109

97 ANTHOMYZA TIRESIA.

PLATE IV. Fig. 2.

subgeneric group may be distinguished from the other Anthroceridæ, or moth-like day-flying Sphingidæ, by having the antennæ slightly pectinated in one sex only; palpi pointing vertically; anterior wings with the outer or exterior margin much shorter than the posterior; hind wings lengthened horizontally, but short and rounded. This definition, according to Mr. Swainson, includes all the large and imposing species of this tribe found in Tropical America; and by comparing their characters with those of the oriental group last described, it will be seen how strikingly they differ. The author just named states that he paid great attention to these insects, during his researches in Brazil, which is the chief metropolis of the group. They fly slowly and heavily during the middle of the day, and on the least touch counterfeit death. Most of the species, when handled, discharge from their body a brown liquor, like their prototypes the