RHOPALOCEKA MA LA VAX A. 377 



Genus ZEA. 



Zea, Distant, antca, p. 3G9. 



This genus is allied to the preceding in general characteristics and in having the upper disco-cellular 

 nervule of the anterior wings a little longer than the lower; but it strongly differs from firihiiKi by tlio 

 position of the median nervules of the anterior wings, the second of which has its base only about "twice 

 as far apart from that of the lower as from that of the upper median nervule. 



It is probable, looking at the many superficially allied but structurally or f,n!nerically 

 distinct species of Hesperiida', that in this family much generic separation must be made before 

 these butterflies can be rightly understood, or tlieir distribution in any way studied ; and whilst 

 this generic separation can be effected by the recognition of sucli structural characters, as 

 may be clearly expressed in words, and capable of synoptical illustration witli reference to other 

 genera, the work i^ necessary and to be commended. But when a supposed genus is better 

 known by its name than separable by its characters, it becomes but a term of a catalogue and 

 an encumbrance to Science.* 



1. Yea mytheca. (Tab. XXXV., fig. 7.) 



Hi'spiria iiii/tlifca, Hewitson, Auu. & Mag. Nat. Hist. ser. iv. vol. 19, p. 81 (1877). 



Female. Wings above dark fuliginous-brown ; anterior wings with three pale yellow discal spots, 

 one in cell and two beneath, divided by the second median nervule, a fourth very small greyish spot 

 above upper end of cell. Anterior wings beneath as above ; posterior wings beneath with a very broad 

 silvery-white discal fascia commencing on costa and terminating near the submediau nervure. Body and 

 legs more or less coucolorous with wings. 



Exp. wings, 50 millim. 



Hab. — Malay Peninsula; Malacca (coll. Staudiuger). 



The type, in the collection of Dr. Staudinger, is here figured and described, and I am 

 much indebted to that esteemed lepidopterist for the loan of wliat I believe is at present 

 an unique specimen. 



Genus MATAPA. 



Matapa, Moore, Lap. Ceyl. vol. i. p. 163 (1881). 



This genus is most readily recognised by the position of the cell to the anterior wings, 

 which is attenuated anteriorly. 



The male is described by Mr. Moore as having "an oblicpie discal slender linear glandular 

 streak of raised scales" to the anterior wings. 



■^tD'- 



■■■■ "SVliat woulrl old Isaac Walton have thouglit now, if possessed of the same spirit of admn-ntion ns wlun lie wrote, 

 more than two hundred years ago, " Nay, the Royal Society have found and published lately that there be thirty and tliree 

 kinds of spiders; and yet all. for aujjht I know, go under that one general name of spider." 



April 30, 1886. ^ " 



