PLATE XII. Figs. 1 and 2.
_Godart._--Pap. Flora, _Cramer_, Pl. 257, fig. B, C
The above plate affords examples of that division of the Heliconian
butterflies, in which the greater proportion of the wings is denuded
of scales and transparent. _H. Flora_ of Cramer very closely resembles
_H. Ægle_ (Fabr.), and may possibly prove a mere variety of that
species. It expands nearly two inches. The upper wings are black with
two transparent bands, that next the base very large, lying parallel
with the costa as far as the middle, and then descending obliquely
towards the posterior angle, divided by a transverse black stripe, and
a longitudinal nervure of the same colour; the second band macular, and
placed near the apex. The under wings are transparent, the whole of the
outer border surrounded by a black stripe, which is divided towards
the angle by a fulvous line; the nervures black. Under side similar in
design to the upper, but the whole of the outer border of the wings
surrounded by a rust-coloured line, and the extreme edge marked with a
few very small white points. Body cinereous above and greyish beneath;
antennæ black.
The caterpillar probably resembles that of _H. Ægle_, represented by
Madam Merian, which is brown, clothed with hairs, and feeds on the
_Sophora_. Both species are found in Surinam.