PLATE XXXI. 



Papilio Hippodamia : alls obloDgis integerrimis : anticis nigris : 



fasclis tribus hyalinis, postieis byalinis. Fabr, 

 Ent. SijsL T. S.p. 1. 165. 509. 

 Jon. pict, n 149. 



The Papiliones of the Hcliconii tribe are named by Linnaeus 

 after the nymphs of tlie fabulous and mythological history of the 

 ancient classics; an example that has been followed by Fabricius, 

 and subsequently by other writers. Thus the present interesting 

 insect is dedicated to commemorate among the votaries of science, 

 the name of Hippodamia, a nymph feigned by the poets to be 

 the daughter of Oenomaiis, and who according to the legends of 

 classic lore, besides being much celebrated for her beauty, was dis- 

 tinguished for her swiftness in the race ; and at length bestowed her 

 fair hand in marriage upon Pelops, because in speed he excelled her. 



This insect, which is of a moderate size, is of a light and elegant 

 structure. The wings are black, but the transparent spots occupy 

 so much space that the sable colouring does not appear predominant; 

 it is less prevalent in the posterior than the anterior wings, and yet 

 less upon the under surface than the upper. The form and disposi- 

 tion of these transparent spots with which the dark colour of this fly 

 is variegated, are altogether characteristic, and deserve particular 

 attention, because there are other insects of the same tribe which 

 pretty nearly resemble it. From the middle of the anterior wing 

 extends a transparent spot of a very elongated heart shaped form, 

 having the point directed to the thorax, and a bar of black crossing 

 it at the broader end; so as to give it the appearance of two distinct 



