244 THK ENTOMOLOGIST. 



THE ATHALIA GROUP OF THE GENUS MELITMA. 

 By Geohge Wheeler, M.A., F.E.S. 



(Continued from p. 227.) 



Vabia. — The two sexes differ so completely that it will be 

 necessary to treat them separately. 



(? . Up. s. f. w. : Lunules for the most part replaced by quadrate 

 spots, the third from the bottom not usually projecting at all beyond 

 the rest towards the base. Ground colour of both wings decidedly 

 darker than the average iKirthenie. Outer subterminal line generally 

 very distinct throughout its length, but sometimes only indicated by 

 dots ; the inner rarely present. Elbowed line varying greatly in 

 distinctness, being sometimes thick throughout, sometimes only in- 

 dicated by a few spots, dark or faint, at the costa, and by the marginal 

 blotch ; it is much less bent than in any other species. Stigma large 

 for tlie size of the insect, and clear, not filled with black. Upper half 

 of basal lines fairly, sometimes very, distinct. There is a considerable 

 basal suffusion. 



Up. s. h. w. : Outer line clearly defined, inner sometimes as clear, 

 but oftener indistinct. At least the lower half of the extra line is 

 usually indicated, unless enclosed in the large basal suffusion, which 

 generally obliterates the basal spot. Discal spot rarely present unless 

 embodied in the extra line. 



Un. s. f. w. : Ground colour rather lighter than in the male of 

 other species, but only the upper lunules and two spots within the 

 outer subterminal line are lighter than the ground colour. Inner 

 subterminal line rarely distinguishable, and outer subterminal and 

 even inner edging line of border often obsolescent. Spots indicating the 

 elbowed line usually very black and distinct, as are also the marginal 

 blotch, stigma, and upper part of basal lines, which form a reniform 

 stigma. Basal dash large and black, sometimes joining the marginal 

 blotch. 



Un. s. h. w. : Edging lines of border scarcely, if at all, arched. 

 Bands very distinct. Terminal band brightish yellow, outer band almost 

 of the ground colour of f. w. The outer portion of the central band 

 is yellowish white, the inner portion of the same shade as the ter- 

 minal band. In all the other species (except deione and asteria) the 

 outer portion of this band is of the same shade as the terminal 

 lunules. The third and fourth spots of the outer poi'tion of the 

 central band barely project beyond the others. Inner band variable 

 in width, the light spot being generally very small or almost absent. 

 The second spot of the basal band generally conspicuously large, and 

 in a less degree the fourth. This band is of the colour of the outer 

 portion of the central band. 



$ . Up. s. f. w. : Ground colour of both wings somewhat lighter 

 than that of the male, where it can be seen, but it is nearly always 

 much suffused, and sometimes almost entirely covered with a blackish 

 suffusion, which in fresh specimens has a marked greenish tinge. 

 Both subterminal lines broad and distinct unless too much suffused ; 

 the inner is only slightly bowed out near the costa, and thence almost 



