ENTOMOLOGY. 



Distinctive Genus — PHAXXENA. 



D/risHW— ARCUATA VITREA; or, ATLAS 



MOTH. 



THE fanciful powers of the mind of the great Lin- 

 n.eus, have no where been more plainly exemplified than 

 in his various descriptions of the insect tribes. The name 

 of Atlas has been therefore given by him to the moth which 

 is here represented, and who was reported by the ancient 

 mythological writers, to be so strong as to be able to carry 

 the whole world upon his shoulders, in which attitude he 

 is generally represented by the ancient sculptors. Atlas is 

 said also to have been a great astronomer and to have 

 examined the courses of the planets and stars, from that 

 celebrated mountain in Africa which still bears his name. 

 The present moth being of a larger size and strength than 

 most others of his tribe, might perhaps be his reason for 

 that distinctive name. 



The Phalama of our present number, is a native of 

 South America, and like most of that tribe of insects, is of 

 a predominent brown colour, in opposition the Papilios, 

 which consist in general of wings more variegated in their 

 tints. Its form is arcuated, or shaped like a bow, and pre- 

 sents a most graceful and elegant outline on every side. 

 On the middle of each upper and lower wing, is placed a 

 very remarkable spot angular, of a whitish brown colour, 

 and of a transparent appearance similar to glass or tale. 

 We prefer therefore the name of vitrea, or glassy, for the 

 specific description, as intimating more plainly those pecvv 

 liar marks. 



