PLATE XXIX. Fig. 2.
Pap. Leilus, _Linn. Fabr. Cramer_, Pl. 85, fig. C, D; _Merian’s
Surinam. Ins._ Pl. 29.--Urania Leilus, _Fabr. Syst. Gloss._--Leilus
Surinamensis, _Swainson. Zool. Illus._ Pl. 125.--Le Page de Cayenne,
_Daubenton_, Pl. enlum. 71, fig. 1.
Larger than the preceding, frequently expanding four inches. Ground
colour deep velvet black on both sides, the pictorial design on the
upper wings nearly as in _U. Sloanus_, there being eight or nine
slender transverse lines, slightly curved, of beautiful green, with
a silky lustre, and the usual band near the middle sometimes divided
into three or four ramifications as it approaches the costa. A band of
light sericeous green likewise runs across the inferior wings, deeply
indented on both sides, and often quite interrupted by transverse
patches of the ground colour; the tail nearly white; the fringe pure
white. Body thick and robust, especially in the females; black, rayed
with emerald green.
This lovely insect appears to be pretty abundant in Surinam, as great
numbers have been transmitted to this country.
Although the butterfly seems to occur so frequently, we are not aware
that the caterpillar has been noticed by any competent observer since
the time of Madam Merian, at least no notice of it has been published
since. It was long suspected that her figure of it was unworthy of
credit, but from what has been recently observed in relation to the
larvæ of kindred species (particularly that of _T. Rhipheus_), it now
appears probable that her information was correct. Anomalies similar
to those which characterise the perfect insects, likewise attend them
in their previous state. They are covered with spines, as is the case
among many of the _Nymphalidæ_, and they are provided with a retractile
tentaculum as in _Papilio_. In the present instance the spines are
remarkable for their length and rigidity, particularly those on the
anterior and posterior segments.
[Illustration: