18G5.] 220 



must numerous in species, though the typical genus Arrfki^ is wanting. 

 Spi/osomn has a representative species in /S*. ./«s.s/««, the specific cha- 

 racters of which are, however, extremely slight when compared with our 

 Northern /S'. virc/inica, and comparisons between a greater number of 



Cdlosnmia. The neuration of the secondaries affords distinctional differences 

 compared with Samia, particuhxrly in the course of the median nervules whicli 

 are more bent. 

 The Fjieeies are : 



Platysamia cecropia. 



Phali£na {Attacus) cccvopin, Linn., Syst. Xat. (1706) etc. 

 Toll. Ent. Soc. Philad. 



Platysamia Columbia, Smith. 



Smnia rohimhiti. Smith, Proc. Bost. Soc. N. H. Vol. IX, p. M?>. (March, ISO.';.) 

 Coll. Mrs. S. W. Bridgham, Xevv York. 



Platysamia californica. n. s. 



% and 9- Smaller tlian -P. ccrropia. Primaries reddish-brown, shaded sub- 

 terminally with a brighler, plum-colored tinge, with no grey shades whatever. 

 A broad, bnsal, white, arcuated band, running from internal margin, at extreme 

 base, to just below the costa at basal fourth, narrowly lined outwardly with dark 

 scales. Beyond the disc a moderate, whitish, sub-luniform spot, shaded with 

 buff. A nearly straight, subterminal, whitish band, narrower than the basal 

 band, lined outwardly with dark scales. Subterminal space with a brighter, 

 somewhat peach-colored shade, which becomes less distinct outwardly. As in 

 J', rcrropi" the apical inters])ace has a W-shaped pale mark preceded by lilac 

 scales. Below, in the postapical interspace, is a black ocellus, margined with 

 a blue annulus, obsolete outwardly. Terminal space dull pale wood-color, much 

 the siune shade as in P. cecropia, but nai rower. The terminal line is narrow 

 and hut slitjhtly waved. 



Secmdaries resembling primaries in coloration. A few whitish scales at ex- 

 trem > bnse. A larger, similarly colored sub-lunif<irm spot to that on the pri- 

 maries, which is priiduced so as nearly to attain to the outer transverse white 

 band, which latter matches that on the anterior wings. Under surface darker, 

 but resembling ujjper surface in ornamentation; secondaries with a white patch 

 at base on costa. 



Head, ca2)utal appendages, thorax and abdomen reddish-brown, very nearly 

 concolorous with wings. "Collar" entirely white. Abdomen with long white 

 hair, fringing the segments posteriorly, very distinct in the female; in the 

 male the bands are more confused. The sexes resemble each other. 

 , Kxp. "J, , .3. So inch. 5* > "^-^o inches. Length of body, % I.IO, 9 ^-^^ inches. 



J/a6/i'(^<.— California (San Francisco). Mr. J. Akhurst, Mrs. S. W. Bridgham. 



The California species shares the structural features of P. cecropia. The neu- 

 ration, shape of the wings, and the pattern of the ornamentation will readily 

 distinguish this species from 9 Cal/osamia promefhea, which, in size and colora- 

 tion. P. californica somewhat resembles. 



It is not impossible that this species may be " Saturnia Euri/nle'' Boisd; if so, 

 this latter name cannot obtain, since it has not, as far as I am aware, been sauc- 

 tionecl liy any description. 



