Zoological Illustrations Series II/Plate 89



Entomologists of the last century classed all day-flying Butterflies in the Genus Papilio. But this denomination has been restricted, of late years, to such as possess six long perfect legs; very short palpi, and the anterior shanks spined near the middle. Now this group is so peculiarly distinct, and comprises within itself such numerous variations of form, that we have always viewed it as pre-eminently calculated to put to the most severe test any arrangement, the principles of which are conceived to be those of Nature. The Papilionæ have consequently, for many years, engaged much of our attention. Baffled in numerous attempts to understand their arrangement, it was only upon applying those principles of the natural system, which we have detailed in Northern Zoology, vol. 2, that their true affinities became apparent. At present we shall only apprise the Entomologist that the divisions above named are circular groups, and the result of strict analysis. The sub-genus Chlorisses, in reference to Ornithology, is a scansorial type.

The present Insect, figured from the male sex, is one of the most beautiful butterflies of India. General Hardwicke presented us with specimens from Nepaul; and we have since received others from Java. The typical species is Papilio Agamemnon, where the green colour is broken into round spots. The most extraordinary circumstance, however, which belongs to the group, is this; that although a sub-genus, it yet contains within itself subordinate types of form, representing all the higher divisions. The only ornithological group we have yet ascertained as possessing this property, is the sub-genus Parus (proper).