THE ARTAXERXES. 161 



THE ARTAXERXES BUTTERFLY. 

 (Polyommatus Artaxerxes.) (Plate XIV. fig. 7.) 



Colouring, same as in the last species (Agestis) \ but 

 on the upper surface, the orange border-spots are often 

 hardly perceptible on the front wing, and there is a 

 distinct white spot in the centre of the front wings. 

 The under side also is precisely like that of Agestis, with 

 the black spots removed from the centre of the white 

 rings, which are thus changed into large white spots, as 

 shown in the figure. 



There has been a great deal of discussion among 

 entomologists, as to whether this be a distinct species, 

 or only a variety of Agestis. I believe it to be the 

 latter, but do not attach much importance to the ques- 

 tion ; and as this butterfly is found under the name of 

 Artaxerxes, in almost every cabinet, and is rather a 

 famous little insect, I have thought it best to give it a 

 separate heading under its usual title, and collecting 

 readers may still label it in their cabinet either as 

 above, or as "P. Agestis, var. Artaxerxes," and probably 

 will be equally right either way. 



The popular nature and limited extent of this work 

 will not, however, admit of the subject being entered 

 into scientifically, and I can only here state that I have 

 M 



