N A I S splendens. 

 Blue-shouldered C 'opper. 



Sub-fam. Theclinse. Genus Polyommatus. Sub-genus Nais. Sw, 

 Sub-generic Character. 

 Wings sub-angulated; posterior dentated, particularly at the anal 

 angle. Copper coloured above, with silvery spots beneath. 

 Antennae cylindrical, thickening from the base : the tip truncate. 



Specific Character. 

 Wings above coppery, with black dots, their basal half-shining 

 blue; beneath fulvous ; the posterior varied with ferrugi- 

 nous, and marked by silvery spots. 



Pap. Nais. Cramer, pi. 57, fig. d. e. 



In every natural group of the diurnal Lepidoptera which we 

 have analysed, (and the number is somewhat considerable,) 

 there is always one in which the posterior wings are more 

 than usually tailed ; and this seems to be such a prevalent 

 form throughout the Vertebrata and the Annulosa, that we 

 believe it is universal : in other words, that it is one of the 

 primary types of Nature, We have consequently termed 

 it the natatorial, since it represents that order of birds, as 

 the Swallow-tailed Pupiliones, typify the Swallows. That 

 we should find this form in a group where the chief charac- 

 ter is the roundness and the integrity of the wings, is cer- 

 tainly astonishing ; but it shews that the laws of Nature are 

 as simple, as they are universal. The absolute union of this 

 sub-genus with Lyca>HU, with which we commenced the cir- 

 cle, is palpable to the meanest capacity. All the species Ave 

 possess, are from Africa and India. As they represent the 

 A>'qynnince^ we accordingly find them ornamented with 

 silver spots. The species now figured, are probably male 

 and female, and were received from Africa. 



We have now given the natural types of an Entomological 

 genus ; the only one that has been attempted, since the de- 

 monstration of P hunts us and Scarabaus. These are but 

 fhree genera, out of many thousands, which at present have 

 any other foundation, strictly speaking, than mere opinion. 

 But the great principles of variation are now discovered, and 

 we must hope that those naturalists of a higher order, who 

 join acknowledged talent to matured experience, will follow 

 up the subject. 



* 13(3 



