TIIK EMrEIiORS. 



613 



wings diagonally, almost exactly like that of Pajnlio Smycdon, 

 which has already been described and figured. 



The genus to which belongs the magnificent insect which is 

 here given is familiar to English entomologists on account of 

 the only British species, the well-known " Purple Emperor," 

 Apatura Iris. The whole genus is a very splendid one, and is 

 remarkable for the prevalence of rich blue in the males, the 

 females being comparatively plain, and having no hues more 

 brilliant than brown and chestnut. 



Fig 353 — Apxtui i 

 (Azure, imiple, che<!tmit, ami black 



Of all the Apaturas this is undoubtedly the most gorgeous. 

 In the male insect the upper surface of the wings is dazzling 

 azure, changing to purple in some lights, and having a decided 

 gloss of green in others. A broad band of warm chestnut runs 

 through the centre of both wings, so as to form a continuous 

 band when they are spread, and the wings are edged with a 

 double row of semilunar black marks. The upper wings are 

 edged with black, and have besides three short black bars on 

 the upper margin. 



