Mr. W. L. Distant on new Rhopalocera. 405 
Pater., I am inevitably led to the conclusion that Pothocttes 
is not the inflorescence of an Aroid, as has hitherto generally 
been supposed, but the fructification of a Calamétaceous plant. 
At an early date I hope to illustrate and describe these 
interesting fossil plants more in detail. 
P.S.—Since writing the above, my attention has been called to a 
lecture by Prof. Williamson, in which some doubts are expressed as 
to the usually accepted notions of the affinities of Pothocites. After 
alluding to the modern reference of Antholites to the group of 
gymnospermous exogens, he adds, ‘‘ I expect that further research 
will lead to some similar change in reference to Pothocites” (‘ Essays 
and Addresses by Professors and Lecturers of the Owens College, 
Manchester,’ 1874). 
XLITI.—On some apparently undescribed Rhopalocera. 
. By W. L. Distant. 
Melanitis Libya, n. sp. 
Wings above fuliginous brown ; anterior wings with a large 
and very dark fuscous subapical patch, containing two large 
white spots, the margins of which are pale bluish ; the first 
of these spots is subquadrate, placed above and resting upon 
the first median nervule; the second is rounded, placed be- 
neath the outer edge of the upper spot and between the first 
and second median nervules. Anterior wings beneath dull 
ochraceous ; basal portion beneath cell and second median 
nervule, and three transverse fasciz crossing cell (the first 
somewhat obscure and the outer one broadest), dark and dull 
violaceous ; beyond the cell the wing is crossed by two very 
obscure transverse fasciee, concolorous, but darker in hue than 
the area on which they are placed, and a small, distinct, 
rounded white spot between the first and second median ner- 
vules. Posterior wings beneath dark and dull violaceous ; 
costal area from above and including extreme base of cell 
ochraceous ; this colour is continued downwards beyond dis- 
cocellular nervules in a somewhat indistinct streak; outer 
margin brownish, and a submarginal row of very small and 
indistinct whitish spots placed between the nervules. Body 
and legs more or less concolorous with wings. 
Expanse of wings 82 millim. 
Hab: Masassi, East Africa. 
