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V. Life-history of three speeies of Western Pacific 

 Ehopalocera. By Gervase F. Matiiew, R.N., 

 F.L.S., &c. 



[Read February 4th, 1885.] 

 Plate X. 



Papilio Sehmeltzi, Herr.-Schaff. 



This fine butterfly, wbicli I believe is tbe largest* 

 species inhabiting the Fijian Islands, was not un- 

 common at Suva and Levuka in May, June, and August, 

 1882-3-4, and I also met with it at Mango and Vanua 

 Balavu, and it probably occurs upon all the other 

 islands of the group. 



From notes I have been able to make of its habits 1 

 am inclined to believe that there is a succession of 

 broods throughout the year, although they are doubtless 

 more plentiful during certain months. They are difdcult 

 to obtain in perfect condition, for they frequent thick 

 forest undergrowth, where they soon lose their tails and 

 get their wings torn. They fly in an irregular jerky 

 manner, and, when frightened, go off at a rapid pace. 



On June 6th, 1884, while collecting in the forest near 

 Suva, I saw a female fluttering about a small shrub in 

 a shady spot beneath some thick-foliaged trees. I had 

 long hunted in vain for the larva among a variety of 

 what I had imagined were likely food-plants, and now 

 at last the secret was about to be disclosed. Keeping 

 perfectly still, I watched, as the butterfly flitted from 

 twig to twig, and presently saw her alight upon a leaf, 

 and, with vibrating wings, thrust her abdomen beneath 



''•'• I have a large female Ornitlwftcra (I believe an undescribed 

 species) which was given to roe by a friend, who assured me that 

 he had received it from Fiji ; but I have spoken to many people at 

 Suva and Levuka, and tliey are all confident that they have never 

 seen or heard of such a large butterfly, nor do the natives know of 

 it. However, it is not impossible that such a species may exist in 

 the less explored portions of the islands, particularly in Vanua 

 Le\ai, the large northern island. 



TRANS. ENT. SOC. LOND. 1885. PART III. (SEPT.) 



