PLATE II. Fig. 2.
_Linn., Fabr., Cramer_, Pl. 279, Figs. A, B, C, D.--_Rösel Insect._
vol. iv. Pl. 2, Fig. 2.--_Godart, Encyclop._ No. 24.--_Boisduval,
Spec. gener._ 286, No. 112.
We have figured this insect as characteristic of a pretty extensive
group of butterflies inhabiting South America, distinguished by a
peculiar outline, and a certain similarity of design in the markings.
The space between the tips of the anterior wings always exceeds by
more than one half the space between the anterior edge of these wings
and the hinder margin of the posterior pair; that is to say, the
width of the insect, with its wings expanded, is more than double
its length. The ground colour of the wings is generally deep black,
with one or two insulated patches of some light colour on the disk of
the anterior pair, and a large blood-red patch in the middle of the
hinder wings; the latter deeply dentated on the margin, but without a
tail. In _P. Æneas_ the upper wings expand about three inches and a
quarter: they are velvet-black, becoming lighter towards the apex, with
a pretty large green spot, of a somewhat quadrangular shape, towards
the interior border, surmounted by three smaller ones of an obscure
white. Inferior wings likewise velvet-black, with a large discoidal
patch, deep red anteriorly and carmine behind intersected by dark
nervures; posterior margin with obtuse unequal dentations, the notches
margined with red. Under side of the inferior wings with five oval,
rose-coloured spots, placed in an irregular transverse line. Body
black, the sides of the breast spotted with red.
The insect regarded as the female of this species differs greatly from
the above: the wings are more rounded at the apex, and there is only a
single spot, of shining green, on the upper pair: the notches of the
hinder wings bordered with white.
This butterfly is found in greatest plenty in Surinam, but it likewise
occurs in other quarters of South America.
The other species belonging to this group, easily recognised by
their peculiar _facies_, are, _P. Opleus_, _Hippason_, _Euristeus_,
_Polymetus_, _Jacinthus_, _Eurymas_, _Eurymedes_, _Echelus_,
_Ariarathes_, _Marcius_, _Numa_ (Boisd.), _Cœlus_ (Lacordair),
_Arbates_, _Anchises_, _Dimas_, _Iphidamas_, _Arcas_, and a few others.
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