155 



palpi; and from Ocybadistes, Heron, by the stouter ter- 

 minal joint of palpi, different form of stigma, and relatively 

 large size. In a group so difficult as this it is necessary to 

 utilize any character of value which will facilitate accuracy 

 in determining the various species, and I trust that the 

 characters as herein delineated may prove as useful as I 

 intend them to be, as the varieties mentioned are easily 

 recognizable. 



77. T. augius, Linn. 



Papilio augias, Linn., Syst., Nat., p. 794, 1767. Pamphila: 

 Krefftii, Macl., Proc. Ent. Soc, N.S.W., p. 54, n. 20, 1866. 

 Pamphila ancilla, Herr.-Sch., S.E.Z., p. 79, n. 59, 1869. P. 

 olivescens, ib., I.e., n. 60, fig. 14, t. 3, 1869; ib., ex Schmett,, 

 ii., p. 116. Hesperia argeus, Plotz, S.E.Z., xliv., p. 229, n. 704,. 

 1883. H. augustula, Plotz (nee Herr.-Sch.), I.e., n. 705. Telicota 

 augias, Dist. Rhop., Malay, p. 382, pi. xxxiv., fig. 23, 1886; M. 

 and L., T.R.S., p. 105. 



As neither Elwes nor Swinhoe gives sagara, Mre., as 

 a synonym I will refrain from doing so. 



This species is subject to considerable local variation ; 

 that is, if all the species ranged as above are one and the 

 same variable species. I cannot bring myself to consider it 

 of such a variable nature as to embody insects ranging in 

 size from 25 to 44 mm. and in markings varying in 

 size, intensity, and position. In the past it seems to have 

 been considered satisfactory enough to consider any deviation 

 of the type pattern in this group (Telicota) to be a variety 

 of augias without considering the matter thoroughly ; it cer- 

 tainly is a very simple manner of disposing of any difficult 

 deliberations, but is not satisfactory. It seems singular that 

 this one unfortunate species should be singled out for such 

 notoriety. I admit that it does vary ; but not to the extent 

 attributed, and until a thorough and exhaustive study of the 

 various species of this (Telicota) group is made from con- 

 siderable material from Australia and the adjoining islands 

 confusion must reign. To give an instance, I had typical 

 S specimens of bambusce, Mre., identified by a leading 

 authority as li augias, without doubt," and the 9 was identi- 

 fied as a variety of augias. I sent the identical insects to 

 another eminent writer, and the rf was given as probably 

 bambusce, and the 9 as olivescens, Herr.-Sch. Leaving out 

 the Indo-Malayan species, I find that the Australian speci- 

 mens, which range from Sydney to Port Darwin, resolve 

 themselves into the following well-marked forms. I cannot 

 consider them local races, because in some districts one or 

 more varieties occur in the same locality. Perhaps some of 

 them will ultimately be raised to the rank of species. 



