African Species of the Genus Neptis. 581 
Butt., 1, p. 273, ple5, f. 6 (1887); Butl., Proc. Zool. Soc., 
p. 65 (1888); Auriv., Rhop. Aeth., p. 169 (1898); Neave, 
Proc. Zool. Soc., p. 34 (1910); Auriy., in Seitz, Macrolep., 
p. 202, pl. 48f (not typical) (1913). 
HK. Arrica to NATAL. 
melicerta melicerta. 
Expanse 30-55 mm. Sepia black with white markings. F.-w. 
with a large white mark in cell, wedge shaped, sometimes suffused 
on subcostal side, cut off rather sharply at distal end, and followed 
closely by a white triangular mark; this sometimes faint, and rarely 
joined to cell mark at posterior corner. On inner margin a white 
streak-like mark in la with a second smaller one in 1b, these 
generally confluent. In 2 and 3 two elongated white marks, usually 
separated by broadly blackened nervule. In 4 a small spot distally 
placed, and in 5, 6, and 9 three elongated spots, the first two generally 
well separated. Following these discal marks a pale line of variable 
distinctness beyond which are three delicate marginal lines, they 
and the white marks on fringes being more or less interrupted in 
area 3 and often in 6. 
H.-w. with a white discal band, proximal edge of which is very 
straight, and continuous with that of the f.-w. inner-marginal 
spots. Distal edge moderately straight, but often indented at the 
nervules. A pale discal line followed by internervular marks rather 
darker than ground-colour, then another pale line (the first of the 
marginal series), and finally two delicate but usually well-defined 
marginal lines. 
Underside. F.-w. just perceptibly white at base of costa, other 
markings as above on a rather paler ground, but pale lines much 
accentuated. An additional marginal line which with the others 
is notably interrupted in 3. 
H.-w. with a short white curved band at base, followed by two 
straighter lines on the dark ground. Other markings as above but 
pale lines more distinct, and an additional one on margin. 
melicerta goochi. 
This form differs from the type in having the f.-w. discal spots 
more confluent, and in particular in the obsolescent character of the 
cell mark. The typical goochi is really an intermediate between 
two more definite forms, the one having all white marks fully 
developed (= Auriv. fig. /.c. supra) and the discal spots confluent, 
the other having the f.-w. cell mark reduced to a spot at the distal 
end, and the discal spots only rather more confluent than in the 
typical form. All kinds of intermediates occur, though the preva- 
lence of the diminished cell-spot form in 8. and E. perhaps entitles 
it to subspecific rank, 
