Gen. SPHINX. 



Sphinx Oldenlandice . PI. 3. 



SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION. 



Sphinx with grayish wings, having an oblique dusky band, and a silver line dividing it from a 

 similar one of pale rose colour on the anterior wings ; on the posterior a wave of dusky rose 

 colour: abdomen long, with two silver lines close to each other down the back. Sphinx 

 Oldenlandi;e, Fabricii System. Entom. Tom. iii, p. 370, n. 44. 



The larva of this insect feeds on the plant here figured, beginning first on the 

 upper shoots, which it consumes, as well as the leaves. But it does not expose 

 itself always in such dangerous situations, retiring when bulky to the lower 

 and stouter stems of the plant; where it is more concealed, and therefore less 

 likely to become a prey to it's natural enemies. The larva changed to a pupa, 

 spinning a close web on the earth under dead leaves in March; and the moth 

 came forth in November following. 



It inhabits the low and swampy grounds near Sidney. The male is shown 

 at 4; the under side at 3; die pupa, with half it's covering web removed, at 

 2; the larva at 1. The plant is the Epilobium. 



Obs. We have admitted this insect, as we do not know that a figure of it has ever before 

 been published, as well as an account of the natural history, which we receive as new, though 

 we think we have seen the insect from the Cape of Good Hope. We are of opinion also, that it 

 is described by Fabricius as above; though we perceive some difference, namely, a dash of black 

 on the shoulder, and a wave in the posterior wing. He mentions it as a native of the East Indies; 

 wc therefore adopt his name of Oldcnlandia?, and remark, that it is one of the few insects of 

 New South Wales which are also found in other parts of the world, of which description is the Pa- 

 pilio Cardui of Linnaeus, a native of the continent, of Europe, and of America, as well as of Ens- 

 land, where it is known as the Thistle Butterfly, or Painted Lady. 



