Noni'ATEs ZooLooicAE XXVI. 1919. 31 



We observe, however, in the excellent figures of icaroides and jordani that these 

 agree in the continuity of the distal edge of the red ground which in all typical 

 icariis is broken up into spots. This character is not specially mentioned by 

 Houlbert. We are inclined to regard these forms as well-marked aberrations 

 in which there is an increase of red coloration combined with white, forming a 

 transition to endelcchia Druce. 



The forms in question are very rare ; of icaroides only a pair seem to be 

 known and of jordani probably only the one specimen figured in Novitates 

 ZoOLOGiCAK. With such scanty material it is unsafe to draw conclusions as 

 to specific distinctions in relation to a variable species, and under these circum- 

 stances we must accept the more obvious view that we have to do with one 

 variable species. 



Monsieur Houlbert refers to ''''jordani var. endelechia Druce" when of 

 course it should be endelechia var. jordani Houlb. 



Until much more material is available for study, we must regard endelechia 

 as a form (possibly a race) of icarus, whilst icaroides and jordani may be treated 

 as aberrations more clearly defined than the other and smaller variations of a 

 variable species. 



2. Ceretes thais var. gracillima subsp. nov. (p. 366). 



This appears to us to represent an aberration only, a similar form wdth 

 sUghtly increased black markings on the hindwing being represented in the 

 Joicey collection. As gracillima comes from Rio de Janeiro, and most of the 

 known thais are from Brazil without precise localitj', we cannot regard gracillima 

 as being a local race in the absence of more strictly localized material. 



3. Sympalamides phalaris Fabr. (p. 373). 



We have gone carefuUy into the question raised as to the identity of this 

 form, and discussed by both Messieurs Houlbert and Oberthiir on pages 373- 

 379! 



It is true perhaps, that at first sight one would not suppose that Donovan's 

 figure of phalaris represented a Castnia. We have searched for something 

 resembling it among other groups of Lepidoptera v^ith negative results, and, 

 as Monsieur Houlbert points out, literature does not contain any other similar 

 figure. The only insect which we find to possess a forewmg underside like the 

 figured pJialaris is the Castnia mimon Hiibn. We find, too, that the markings 

 of the hindwing below are also very similar to the scheme of Castnia. The fore- 

 wing above is said by Fabricius to be immaculate, and we suspect that certain 

 obscure spots were exaggerated by Jones, whose drawing Donovan reproduces. 

 These spots occupy the same position as the dark areas in mimon, and as these 

 areas sometimes include some pale scaling, it is conceivable that such pale 

 scaling could be enlarged. It is equally conceivable that these two spots may 

 represent anterior parts of the pale bands as seen in mimon. On the hindwing 

 one can trace a considerable likeness of the white markings to those of mimon 

 and subvaria, the latter appearing to exhibit a transition between it and phalaris. 



Regarded in this Light Donovan's figure becomes perfectly intelligible, and 

 iintil much stronger proof can be adduced to the contrary we see no reason for 

 sinking Fabricius' name phalaris. We feel therefore justified in assuming that 



