SNAKE-MOTHS. 



691 



same colour. The name calopasa is formed from two Greek 

 words signifying " entirely beautiful." 



There is a small group of Noctuites called Opliiderides, or 

 Snake-backed Moths, of which we shall take two examples. 

 The first is Ophideres apta, a native of Santarem. The ground 

 colour of the upj)er wings is light brown with a pinky gloss, 

 and upon it are multitudinous markings, dispersed as seen in 



Fig. 426.— Ophideres apta. 

 (Pinky brown, orange, and black.) 



the illustration. Tliere are also some dark brown spots and 

 mottlings. One of the most conspicuous points in the upper 

 surface is the bold streak of pure white that is drawn across the 

 centre of the wings. The lower wings are more handsome than 

 the upper, their ground colour being orange, with a broad edge 

 and large spot of black washed with purple. A number of 

 white spots run round the outer edge of the wing. 



In the Museum is a cocoon of this Moth. It is so wrapped 

 in leaves that it is not easily seen, but in forcing its way out, 

 the insect has brought with it a piece of the cocoon, so that its 

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