Genus Colaenis 



Fig. 86. — Neura- 

 tion of the genus Co- 

 Icenis, slightly less 

 than natural size. 



protected species, which abound in the regions in which the genus 

 attains its greatest development. The median vein in the upper 

 wing is characterized by the presence at the base of a minute, 

 thorn-like, external projection ; the second subcostal nervule is 

 emitted beyond the cell; the cell of the hind 

 wing is open. 



The life-history of the two species found 

 within our fauna has not as yet been carefully 

 worked out, and aside from a knowledge of 

 the fact that the caterpillars closely resemble 

 in many respects the caterpillars of the two 

 succeeding genera, being provided with branch- 

 ing spines on their bodies, we do not know as 

 yet enough to give any complete account of 

 the early stages of these insects. 



(i) Colaenis julia, Fabricius, Plate VIII, 

 Fig. 6, $ (Julia). 



The upper side is dark reddish-orange, the 

 borders are black, a black band extends from 

 the costa at the end of the cell to the outer margin on the line of 

 the third median nervule; the costal area on the hind wings is 

 silver-gray; the wings on the under side are pale rusty-red, mot- 

 tled with a few darker spots, principally on the costa, at the 

 end of the cell, and at the apex of the primaries. There are a few 

 crimson marks at the base of the hind wings, and two light-colored 

 Iunules near the inner angle of the hind wings. Expanse of wing, 

 3.50 inches. 



This butterfly, which mimics the genus Heliconhis in the out- 

 line of the wings, is very common in the tropics of America, and 

 only appears as an occasional visitant in southern Texas. 



(2) Colaenis delila, Fabricius, Plate VIII, Fig. 4, $ (Delila). 



The Delila Butterfly very closely resembles Julia, and princi- 

 pally differs in being paler in color and without the black band 

 extending from the costa to the outer margin of the primaries. 

 This species has nearly the same form and the same size as the 

 preceding, and, like it, is occasionally found in southern Texas. 

 It is very common in Central America and the West Indies. One 

 of the earliest memories of my childhood relates to a collection of 

 Jamaican butterflies in which were a number of specimens of this 

 butterfly, which I have always much admired. 



95 



