INTRODUCTION. 45 



to the diagram ; he will observe that the larva of Acrcea natui-ally finds a place 

 between that of Heliconia and that of the typical Chilopodomorphous larva ; Plate iii 

 diagram, fig. 21. The appendages arising from the body of the larva, which, in 

 Euploea and Heliconia, were only simple and fleshy, are in the typical groups of this 

 stirps rigid and armed with transverse spines ; and the threatening or terrific appear- 

 ance, which is the distinguishing feature of this stii-ps, is now completely established. 

 It is this peculiarity which naturally and strongly reminds us of the Chilopoda or 

 Scolopendrce ; to which, among the Ametabola, they are related in analogy. It may 

 likewise be observed in this place, that these larva resemble the Scolopendrae in the 

 effects they produce, when their spines are accidentally touched : as in many 

 instances they cause an irritation or swelling, analogous to that which follows the 

 bite of a Centipede. The genera, in which this character exists, have already 

 been enumerated, as defined by the families of the Wiener Verzeichnis, the names 

 here applied are highly appropriate, and correspond with the gradual increase of the 

 peculiar character of this stirps. Thus the family L, Larva Pseudospinosa, consisting 

 of the genus Melitasa, has the spinose character in a comparatively small degree ; 

 in family K, Collospinosa, it is already more strongly marked, and from this we gra- 

 dually pass to the family I, in which the development of the spines is at its maximum, 

 and which has been denominated Acutospinosa ; it comprises the genus Vanessa, 

 which must be considered as the most perfect of the Chilopodiform stirps. This 

 genus contains some of the most beautiful Papiliones which are found in Europe, viz. 

 Vanessa? lo, • Antiopa, Urticce, Atalanta ; and many of the foreign species are of 

 exquisite form and beauty. The importance of this natural group was clearly 

 observed by Schrank, who from the character of the larva, constituted it a distinct 

 genus, with the name of Dornfalter (or thorn-butterfly) ; long before the promulga- 

 tion of the Systema Glossatarum of Fabricius, and the genera of Latreille. He has 

 applied to it by pre-eminence, the name of Papilio, thereby corroborating the position 

 to be stated in the sequel, and which is also confirmed by the analogy of the Ameta- 

 bola, that the Chilopodomorphous is one of the typical stirpes of this tribe. It 

 likewise confirms the true character of the Chilopodomorphous stirps, which, in its 

 larva state is most clearly distinguished from the next or Thysanuriform stirps ; 

 and attention to this statement is necessary, because, from considerations of the 

 perfect insect alone, these two stirpes have been united in one genus or family, by 

 most entomologists : whereas the character of the larva, as exhibited in the typical 

 subdivisions, points out an essential difference. 



The union of the two stirpes is effected by several genera which have an interme- 

 diate character, One of these is Limenitis : it constitutes the family H of the 

 Vienna Catalogue. The typical character here gradually decreases in the larva 



■ state, 



