97 



ANTHOMYZA TIRESIA. 

 PLATE IV. Fig. 2. 



Pap. Tiresia, Cramer, Pap. ExoL, pi. 85, f. B. — Anthomyza 

 Tiresia, Swainson''s Zool. Illus., pi . 1 24. 



This subgeneric group may be distinguished from 

 the other Anthroceridae, or moth-like day-flying 

 Sphingidse, by having the antenna? slightly pecti- 

 nated in one sex only; palpi pointing vertically; 

 anterior wings with the outer or exterior margin 

 much shorter than the posterior ; hind wings length- 

 ened horizontally, but short and rounded. This 

 definition, according to Mr. Swainson, includes all 

 the large and imposing species of this tribe found in 

 Tropical America ; and by comparing their charac- 

 ters with those of the oriental group last described, 

 it will be seen how strikingly they differ. The 

 author just named states that he paid great atten- 

 tion to these insects, during his researches in Brazil, 

 which is the chief metropolis of the group. They 

 fly slowly and heavily during the middle of the day, 

 and on the least touch counterfeit death. Most of 

 the species, when handled, discharge from their 

 body a brow^n liquor, like their prototypes the Heli- 



G 



