ANCYLURIS. J 1 



We have figured the typical species 



ANCYLURIS MELIB^EUS. 

 (Plate XL. Figs, i, 2.) 



Papilio melibtzus, Fabricius, Genera Ins. p. 277 (1877). 

 Erycina melib<zus> Godart, Enc. Method, ix. p. 565, no. 9 



(1823). 

 Papilio pyretus, Cramer, Pap. Exot. ii. pi. 144, figs. A, B (1777). 



This species measures about two inches across the wings, 

 which are blackish, crossed by an oblique red band, curving 

 inwards to the inner margin of the hind-wings. On the latter 

 is a large curved red stripe near the base of the short obtuse 

 tail, forming the commencement of a second outer band. The 

 under side is dark brown, with brilliant broad metallic-blue 

 bands, varied with greenish-coppery, especially where the mark- 

 ings radiate towards the upper part of the hind-wings. There 

 is a red spot about the middle of the inner-margin of the hind- 

 wings, and a yellowish-white one lower down towards the anal 

 angle. The incisions, at least on the hind-wings, are spotted 

 with yellowish-white, both above and below. 



There are several closely-allied species in various parts of 

 South America. The females of this group have longer tails, 

 more strongly curved inwards than in the males. In some of 

 the allied species the bands are broader than in A. welibceus, 

 and are replaced with orange. A. melibceus inhabits Surinan 

 and the Amazon district. 



There are several other beautiful and interesting genera of 

 this sub-section, to some of which we must give a passing 

 notice. Necyria^ Westwood, includes species greatly resemb- 

 ling Ancyluris in colour and markings, but with broad wings, 

 the hind-wings being rounded and denticulated. The species 



