PAP1LI0 III. 
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called “seasonal” dimorphism by Mr. Wallace, where great differences exist be- 
tween the autumnal and vernal broods of the same insect, occasionally known to 
occur. 
These phenomena meet in the species Ajax, there being a complicated 
seasonal polymorphism and also true polymorphism in both sexes. Moreover there 
is a considerable degree of variation in each of the three principal forms (though 
not to an extent to constitute intergrades) not merely in the imago but strikingly 
in the larva and somewhat in the chrysalis. There is also a tendency to still further 
departure from the average specific type, as seen in the sub- varieties of Walshii. 
It is not certain which of these forms was first described as Ajax and should 
be entitled to give name to the species. The indefinite language of Linnaeus and 
Fabricius may apply to either. The figure of Esper, under the name of Ajax, repre- 
sents Marcellus; Cramer’s Marcellas is the one which I designate as Walshii. 
Abbot’s figures represent a variety of this last, the difference consisting in the pres- 
ence of a carmine stripe on the upper surface of secondaries. This form is not un- 
common, though I believe the stripe is always imperfect and in no case so promi- 
nent as appears on Abbot’s plate. About one individual in ten of either sex of 
Walshii exhibits traces of the stripe to a greater or less degree. 
Boisduval and Leconte regarded this Abbotii as entitled to be considered the 
true Ajax, because besides giving a figure of the imago, Abbot also gives the 
larva and chrysalis, and they proposed to follow him. In the text they do so very 
nearly, but their plate represents Telamonides. Felder also accepts Abbot’s figure 
as that of the typical Ajax. 
As regards the claims of the three principal varieties they are equal ; neither 
can be called a variety of the other, but they are varieties of one species. To avoid 
confusion it seemed to me well to apply the name Ajax to them collectively and to 
designate two of them by the names which have become familiar. The other I 
name in recollection of the late Benjamin D. Walsh, whose untimely loss proves 
well nigh irreparable to American Entomology. A second sub-variety of Walshii, 
characterized by very narrow tails and usually by diminutive size was pronounced 
by Mr. Felder, to whom it had been submitted, as distinct and constituting a fourth 
species, (see plate herewith). 
I am not certain whether Walshii is as wide spread as Telamonides or not. 
Mr. Walsh informed me that he had never met with it in Illinois, where the 
other was common. But I have received it from Eastern Virginia and Dr. A. W. 
Chapman has sent it to me from Florida. Dr. G. M. Levette y has taken it 
abundantly in the month of April, near Indianapolis. Abbot’s figures purport also 
to have been taken from a Georgian insect. It seems probable therefore that it 
is wide spread but has been over-looked or confounded with Telamonides. 
