648 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



We now come to the typical genus of the large group called 

 Castniidse. I may here remark that the best systematic ento- 

 mologists have long entertained doubts as to the right arrange- 

 ment, not only of the Moths, but of Butterflies, and that, as I have 

 already mentioned withregard to the Hymenoptera, an entirely 

 new arrangement seems to be imminent. Even as it is, a 

 month scarcely passes over without some alteration in the 

 relative positions of insects. I have not therefore in this work 

 insisted strongly on any one system, because in a few years it 

 may be superseded by another. 



The specimen of Castnia diva which is here given is a 

 portrait of the male insect, and is given of its natural size. 



Kio. 381. — Castnia iliva. 

 (Brown, black, and red.) 



The female is twice as large as her mate, and not quite so deeply 

 coloured. The upper wings are of the peculiar brown of a 

 withered leaf, and have a few greyish white spots scattered over 

 them, as shown in the illustration. The lower wings are black, 

 with the exception of a rust-red edging. Behind, the colour is 

 ruddy chestnut. 



The specimen which is here figured was taken at Chortales, 

 in Nicaragua. 



The figure of the second species is necessarily reduced to half 

 its size, the insect being among the largest of the Castnias, 



