11 PREFACE. 



The classification followed is that given in the " Genera of 

 Diurnal Lepidoptera " by Doubleday and Westwood, the 

 most complete and reliable of modern works on the subject, 

 and one whose careful investigation of the characters of 

 genera is well known and appreciated. I have not thought it 

 essential constantly to refer to this magnificent work in the 

 list of synonymes of each species, but have only done so in 

 the case of those Butterflies that are figured on its plates, or 

 that I have placed under different genera. 



Under the head of "Rhopalocera," some aid in the 

 determination of the Family to which a particular Butterfly 

 belongs may be obtained from the Table of Families there 

 given. 



Immediately succeeding the structural characters presented 

 by each Family and Genus, a few general remarks are added, 

 relative to the predominant colouring, habits, &c., of the 

 insects comprised in that group, in order to aid the student 

 in the determination of the position of any species he may 

 capture. 



Under the name of each species will be found, as far as I 

 have been able to ascertain, the following information : first, 

 its synonymy, with references to the various works in which 

 it is figured or described, arranged chronologically as far as 

 could be determined ; second, its breadth (inches and lines) 

 across the expanded wings, showing the greatest and least 

 expanse known of each species ; third, its description, compri- 

 sing a few words in italics, briefly descriptive of its general 

 colouring, followed by a detailed description of the upper and 

 under surface of both fore and hind-wings, — as well as notices 

 of the differences presented by the ? or any known varieties of 

 the species ; fourth, descriptions of the caterpillar and 

 chrysalis; fifth, the favourite /iowTz^s of the insect, such as 

 mountains, woods, or marshes; sixth, the usual months of its 

 appearance in the perfect state ; seventh, observations on its 

 habits, flight, distribution, &c. ; and eighth, a list of its known 

 localities, South African and throughout the world, with 

 mention of the collections in which specimens from such 

 localities are knovvn to me to exist.* 



The absence of figures of the principal genera and new 

 species is much to be regretted ; but the difficulties and cost 

 of their preparation have induced me to defer any attempt at 

 illustrations for the present. I propose, however, to issue a 



* These constant references to collections are abbreviated. Thus, " Coll. 

 mihi," means my own collection ; •' Coll. S. A. Mus.," the collection of the 

 South African Museum ; "Coll. Brit. Mus.," that of the BritishMuseum ; &c. 



