238 Journal New York Entomological Society. tVoi. xxviii, 



GENERAL NOTES ON THE LEPIDOPTERA OF THE 

 CANAL ZONE, ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



Thomas Hallinan, 

 Paterson, N. J. 



The Heliconidae seem to be more numerous in species and indi- 

 viduals than any other family of Rhopholocera on the Isthmus and 

 their presence in the dense jungles and forest groves adds a charm 

 of color to the prevailing green. They are seldom seen in the open 

 except on flowering shrubs along the trails. From about the summer 

 solstice to middle December in the rainy season they are very numer- 

 ous on the wing but adults are found throughout the year. 



The tailless Papilios are found in about the same dense jungle as 

 the Heliconidae, favoring more, perhaps, the water courses. Their 

 bright spots of sharp colors are very conspicuous when they fly about 

 in the drizzling rains. They are seldom seen on the wing in the dry 

 season. 



The Caligos are not commonly seen as they choose the thickets 

 of vine-tangled shrubbery for their short, lumbering flights, but they 

 are found on the wing throughout the year. 



The conspicuous Morphos are very local and are seldom seen ex- 

 cept during November and early December. In certain localities on 

 the wide trails as many as ten to twenty of the Morpho cypris can be 

 seen from dawn to about mid-forenoon, flying- high and wild. The 

 other Morphos fly lower and more steady and are easily attracted by 

 bits of sugar cane. 



The Erycinidae are seen at all times of the year and are generally 

 found along the open trails, resting on the flowers or leaves of 

 shrubs in the sunlight. They seldom fly in the thick jungle. 



In the cut-over areas and open sabannas are found many of the 

 Hesperidse and Pieridse, the latter seem to favor congregating around 

 damp patches of ground as they do in other parts of the world. The 

 more common species found in the open fields are the Anarta fatima, 

 Anarta jatrophcea and a species or two of Junonia. 



In the groves around Ancon Hill, Ageronia feronia is very notice- 

 able when flying about making a snapping noise, which can be heard 

 several yards. 



