oxi vai) SA aes 
African Species of the Genus Neptis. 5D9 
this followed by three lines of transverse internervular white streaks 
interrupted by the nervules and more completely broken (very 
rarely unbroken) in area 3. Fringes of both wings white between 
nervules. 
H.-w. with a white discal band of variable width, but usually 
about 5 to 6 mm. extending from middle of inner margin to area 6, 
Beyond this the ground-colour rather paler, then darker, and finally 
a submarginal border of three fine white lines, broken only by the 
nervules. 
Underside. Sepia brown. F.-w. white at base of costa, a variable 
series of spots in cell and two or three beyond it. Discal band as 
above, but rather broader. The pale line beyond it broader than 
above, but more diffuse. The white marginal lines much more 
pronounced, the first expanded into triangular spots near apex. 
Often a fourth line along hind margin. Interruption in area 3 
sometimes complete, sometimes scarcely evident. 
H.-w. with a white costal band, followed by two others, the first 
of which travels well along costa where it is broken into spots. Pale 
line beyond the discal band often with a slightly ochreous appearance. 
First (proximal) submarginal line much widened, all more distinct 
than above, and often a fourth line at margin. , 
agatha lativittata. 
The white markings of more than average extent. 
Neptis agatha is by far the commonest and most widely 
distributed species in the African region. The species with 
which it is lable to be confused are jordani, livingstoner, 
barnsi, and seeldrayersi. No absolutely constant characters 
can be given to distinguish jordani, but its characteristics 
so far as they can be described will be found under that 
species. The form livingstonei is unknown to me. The 
published figure shows the h.-w. discal band extending 
only to area 5, and this seems to be the principal distinction. 
The two species barnsi and seeldrayersi are distinguishable 
by small features thereunder described. It is unfortunate 
that the interruption of the f.-w. submarginal lines in area 
3 is not an absolutely constant character, some examples 
referable to the lativittata form having practically con- 
tinuous lines. This condition is; however, rare and the 
interrupted lines will almost always serve to distinguish 
agatha from the other species named, with the exception 
of jordani, which also has this feature. Holland (J. c.) 
points out that there is generally a difference between 
