Genus. Nymphalis, Latr. Papilio (Nymph. Gemmat.), Drury.
Nymphalis Afer. Alis supra violaceo-cœruleis margine externo nigro, anticis utrinque strigâ apicali punctorum alborum, posticis fusco nebulosis. (Expans. Alar. 2 unc. 1½ lin.)
Syn. Papilio (Nymph. Phal.) Afer, Drury, App. vol. 3. Stoll Suppl. Cramer, pl. 27. fig. 3.
Papilio (N.) Æthiopa, Fabr. Ent. Syst. III. 1. p. 136. No. 420. Enc. Méth. ix. p. 385. No. 119. (Nymph. Æth.)
Habitat: "Sierra Leone, Mr. Smeathman, 1776" (Drury's MSS.).
Upper Side. Antennæ black. Thorax and abdomen blueish black. Wings, when viewed in a particular direction, fine shining light blue; but in any other are blueish brown. The anterior ones with six small white spots placed near the tips, the four uppermost being the smallest, and placed in a zigzag direction, parallel with the external edges, and with a few faint shadows. Posterior wings having, like the superior, only some faint shadows.
Under Side. Palpi, legs, and breast clay-coloured. Abdomen brown. Wings having a variety of soft brown tints, of a light grey and dark brown colour, gradually softening into each other in a most agreeable manner. The six white spots in the superior wings are observable on this side; but there are no other marks either in the anterior or posterior wings sufficient to be regarded as characters. Margins of all the wings slightly dentated; the inferior ones being angulated.
We learn from Mr. Smeathman that this butterfly is found in the gloomy paths of the forests on the continent of Africa.
NYMPHALIS ALPHÆA.
Plate [XXXVI]. fig. 3, 4.