AMI'HHIBIUS. Ornithoptera Amphrisiv*. 



THE splendid insect which is shown in the illustration is one of a genus which, by 

 common consent, takes the first rank among the Lepidoptera, in consequence of their great 

 size, the elegant boldness of their shapes, and the richness of their colouring. In them, 

 the two fore-legs are not stunted, as is the case with so many butterflies, but are large, 

 strong, and can be used in walking ; and the tips of the antennae have a very slight bend 

 upwards. The caterpillar of this insect is furnished with two retractile tentacles, placed 

 on the neck in a fork-like shape, and is able to protrude these organs at will, at the same 

 time emitting a very unpleasant odour. The chrysalis is hung up by means of silken 

 threads from the tail, and the body is prevented from swinging about too rudely by a pair 

 of very stout silken cords, one of which is affixed to each side, and moors the pupa firmly 

 to the substance against which rt hangs. The shape of the pupa is rather peculiar, being 

 angular in its outline, and having also an irregular curve. 



The perfect AMPHKISIUS is a boldly marked insect, though without much variety of 

 colouring. The upper wings are rich blackish brown, and the lower are fine king's 

 yellow, edged with jetty black, and having a fringe of long hair-like scales upon their 

 inner edges. The under side is nearly of the same colours, except that a few dashes of 



