AND THEIR TRANSFORMATIONS. jjg 



means of curled-up leaves. " The Hesperiida; arc, in fact, the soft-skinned luUerflks, just as the ^Fahacodcmics 

 among the Coleoptera " * ! ! 



England is comparatively poor in the species of this family ; tropical America being the metropolis of the 

 group ; at least 300 species having been collected in that part of tlie world. Other parts of the world, as India, 

 New Holland, South Africa, and Europe, possess various species, but fewer in number. Boisduval thinks that 

 there arc more than 400 species in collections. 



The species are very closely allied together, and difficult to be determined, except by very precise examination. 

 M. Rambur has, however, proved in the last number of his Faune Eutomologique do I'Andalousie, just published, 

 that good specific distinctions exist between nearly-allied species in the structure of the male organs of generation. 



The study of the whole of this extensive family can alone determine the propriety of the distribution of the 

 species into genera or still minor groups. It is impossible to examine the very few indigenous species we possess 

 without being convinced of the difficulty of attempting this from so small a portion of tiie group. For instance, 

 the antennjB in Malvte or Alveolus, and Tages, have the club differently formed, and the position of their wings in 

 repose is different, although they agree in the folded costa of the fore wings of the males, and in the curved clava 

 of the antenna;. Again, the chib of the antennce diiFers in its form in every one of the siiecies composing the 

 genus Pamphila of Stephens ; and yet this is the character which the last-named author uses to characterise 

 the two genera into which he has divided the British species. Hiibner, Boisduval, and still more recently ZlUer, 

 have attempted the distribution of the species into subordinate groups, and it is mucli to be regretted that 

 Mr. Swainson's researches in this difficult family have not yet been published. 



DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXVIII. 



Insects.— Fig. 1. Pyrgus Malvae (the GiizzleJ Skipper). 2. The female. 3. Showing the under side. 4. Tlic CaterjiLlhr. o. Tlie 

 Caterpillar prepared for its ciiange to the chrysalis state. 0. The clirysalis. 

 , Fig. 7. The white banded variety of Pyrgus Malvx, by some considered a distinct species. 8. Showing the under side. 

 ,, Fig. 9. Nisoniades Tages (the Dingy Skipper). 10. The female. 11. Showing the underside. 12. The Caterpillar. 13. The 



Chrysalis. 

 ,, Fic^. 14. Pyrgus Oileus. 15. Siiowing the under side. 

 Plants. — Fig. 16. Dipsacus fullonum (Fullers' Teazle). 

 ,, Fig. 17. Eryngium campestre (Field Eryngo) 



P. Malva- and the variety are from specimens in the British Museum : N. Tages from specimens in the cabinet of E. Doubleday, Esq., of 

 Epping, and P. Oileus from specimens taken by Mr. Doubleday in N,.rth An.eriea: ho has no doubt that it is the insect which has been 

 considered a British species, and found its ^vay into some British cabinets under the nan.e of P. Oileus. The caterpillar and chrysalis of 

 P. Malva- are from Hubuer, and those of N. Tages from Godart.— H. N. H. 



PYRGUS, HunNER (THYMELE i-. Stephens). 



The species of this genus, or lather sub-genus, are distinguished by the greater length of the palpi, which arc 

 very hairy, and extend in front of the head, being at least as long as the head, the terminal joint being slender, 



. m like manner the Ervcinid. .ep^I^^^^^^^^^^^^i^^^^^^^ 

 beetle, and the Satyrid. [Hipparehiides] represent the Capncorn beetles, because the antem.. ^^^^^^^ ^^ J i^-^" <- '"''• 

 long, and because the head of the larva, of these butternies is often armed wuh long horns ! ! Sc.enofic trdlmg 



