THE IMPERIAL TROJAN. 139 



all over of a silky appearance ; and it may be doubted 

 whether Nature has produced any object more beauti- 

 ful amongst insects." 



The Imperial Trojan is a native of the island of 

 Amboyna, and it is regarded as one of the most 

 curious and valuable of butterflies. Nothing can 

 exceed the richness of the green colour, which, in 

 particular lights, is not only of an appearance far 

 superior to the finest satin, but has also a golden 

 tinge diffused through it, which forms the most beau- 

 tiful contrast with the deep blue green on the rest 

 of the wings. 



The Papitio Priamus measures upwards of seven 

 inches and a half from the tip of one wing to that of 

 the other, and stands foremost amongst the Linnaean 

 division of the large butterflies, which are divided 

 into the two sections of Trojan and Grecian Warriors, 

 or Equites. These two sections of butterflies are 

 distinguished from all others by the remarkable shape, 

 or outline, of their upper wings, which are larger, if 

 measured from the hinder corner to their anterior 

 extremity, than from the same point to their base. 

 The Trojan Equites have generally red, or blood 

 coloured spots on each side of their breasts. The 

 prevailing colour, also, of this division is black. 



VOL. I. 



