50 



INSECTS OF SAMOA. 



to interspace 1 in D. epijarbas diorella) extending into interspace 2, the basal 

 two-thirds of which it fills. Underside like that of D. epijarbas diorella, except 

 that the orange lunule defining outwardly the subterminal black spot in inter- 

 space 2 of the hindwing is absent. Maximum, mean, and minimum expanse 

 43, 39, and 35 mm. (PI. I, fig. 7.) 



Female. — Differs on the upperside from that of D. epijarbas diorella in the 

 absence of the orange lunule on the inner side of the anal lobe, and on 

 the underside in the absence of that in interspace 2 of the hindwing. Other- 

 wise the two races are indistinguishable in the female. Maximum, mean, and 

 minimum expanse 44, 41, and 38 mm. (PI. I, fig. 9.) 



Male type and eight paratypes from Malololelei, and one paratype from 

 Apia ; female allotype and five paratypes from Malololelei. All are from 

 Upolu Island, Samoa. 



The male may immediately be separated from that of D. epijarbas diorella 

 by the much greater extent of the red on the forewing ; from that of D. diovis 

 Hew., of Queensland, which it greatly resembles, it may readily be distinguished 

 by the much more fiery tinge of the red, the greater extent of this colour on the 

 hindwing, and the absence on the latter of the narrow black subterminal 

 border found in D. diovis. 



Variation is slight ; in two males (the type and another) the red colour 

 extends a short distance into interspace 3 on the forewing, and it may also 

 spread slightly into interspace la. On the underside the fasciae vary a little in 

 width, and in some males the orange lunule in interspace 2 of the hindwing is 

 present but very indistinct. 



This species was common at Malololelei (2,000 feet) at Lantana blossom, 

 in February 1924, males being much commoner than females. Half a dozen 

 were seen at the same locality in March, and odd specimens in April and May, 

 while a single male was captured on the outskirts of Apia (almost at sea-level) 

 in the latter month. In spite of numerous further visits to the original locality 

 (not, however, in February or March) no more specimens were seen, and I have 

 no records from any localities outside Upolu. Both sexes settle on leaves and 

 twigs as well as on flowers, darting off now and then to chase a companion in 

 typical " Hairstreak " fashion ; they also occasionally alight on the ground. 

 The flight is very rapid and powerful. 



