THE AMPHRISIUS. 



507 



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 coloring. 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 odor. The chrysalis is hung up by means of silken 



AMPHRISIUS. Ornlthoptera Amphrlsius. 



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

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

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

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



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

 coloring. 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 colors, except that a few dashes of 



