Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 116



The diurnal or Heliconean Hawk-mouths, form one of the most natural and remarkable groups among Lepidopterous insects. They fly during the heat of the day; and, (as representing in their own family the tribe of Phalænides) they have much of the general appearances of moths. In their slow flight, long transparent wings, and proneness to imitate death on being handled, they afford a most beautiful analogy to the Heliconian Butterflys. Both have their chief metropolis in equinoctial America, and both find their prototypes in the lovely family of Erycinidæ. It is really surprizing that searchers after the natural system, should have overlooked such a group.

Among the comparatively few genera of this division, found in India and the adjacent islands, is that now first defined: and we illustrate it by a new and very rare species, even in its own country. It was twice seen by Mr. Cunningham, on the North West Coast of Australia; once in shady woods descending to the shores of York Island, and again in nutmeg woods adjoining Brunswick Bay.

The form of the wings, which strongly resemble those of the sub-family Papilionæ will immediately distinguish this from all the American genera. The plant, Pattersonia glauca, is of a sub-genus also peculiar to New Holland.