058 



INSECTS ABROAD. 



In the Moth which now comes before us, we have an example 

 of the kind of nomenclature to which I have just referred. The 

 creneric name Euschcma is formed from two Greek words signi- 

 fying a beautiful form or outline, and is given to the insect 

 on account of the bold and graceful outline of its wings. The 

 specific name flavata is Latin, and signifies something that is 

 coloured with yellow but is not wholly yellow. 



Pig. 392.— Euscltema flavata. 

 (Black, white, and yellow.) 



The ground colour of both pairs of wings is black, which in 

 a strong light is seen to be glossed with purple. The large 

 light patches at the base and near the tip of the upper wings, 

 and in the middle of the lower wings, are nearly white and 

 partly translucent. The remainder of the spots are yellow. 

 The body is black, banded with the same colour, and the front 

 of the thorax is also yellow, so that the name of flavata is a 

 very appropriate one. There are many species belonging to this 

 genus, and the present one is a native of Timor. 



In nearly all the members of this genus, purple, more or less 

 vivid, asserts itself as the ground colour. 



In most of these it is of so deep a hue that it appears to be 

 black, except in a favourable light ; and also, as a general rule, 

 the lighter portions of the wing are yellow. There are, however, 

 some, as in the present case, where the purple is sufficiently 



