137 



HELICONIA OYNISCA. 

 PLATE XL Fig. 2. 



Godart Pap. Ricini (Fem.), Linn. — H. Erato, Fabr. — Pap. 



Vesta, Cramer, PL 119, fig. A. 



This species presents a considerable similarity to 

 the preceding, both in size and distribution of 

 colours. The surface is deep black ; a large portion 

 at the base of the anterior wings fulvous-red, tra- 

 versed by three black nervures ; near the middle a 

 large spot of sulphur-yellow, and beyond it a circular 

 series of smaller unequal spots of the same colour. 

 The under wings have from five to seven red stripes, 

 extending in a radiated form from the base towards 

 the hinder margin. Beneath the design is similar, 

 but the ground colour inclines to brown, and one of 

 the yellow spots on the superior wings is prolonged 

 nearly to the base. The body is black, the sides of 

 the thorax spotted with yellow, and the breast 

 marked with transverse lines of the same colour; 

 there is likewise a yellow line along the under side 

 of the abdomen. 



The above description applies to the most ordi- 

 nary form of this insect, but it is liable to a good 

 deal of variation. It occurs in Guiana. 



