Syn. Papilio (Dan. Cand.) Helcita, Linn. Syst. Nat. 2. 763. 94.
Phalæna fascelis, Linn. Mus. Ulr. 390. No. 25.
Phalæna (Noctua) H., Drury, App. vol. 3.
Phalæna macularia, Fabr. Ent. Syst. III. 2. p. 140. No. 40.
Habitat: "Sierra Leone, Mr. Smeathman, 1775" (Drury's MSS.). "In Indiis" (Linn.). India (Fabr. incorrectly).
Upper Side. Antennæ black and setaceous. Head, thorax, and abdomen black, the two last having a row of white spots running along the middle, and another on each side down to the anus. Wings fine dark red. Almost half the anterior next the tips being black, with five oval white spots thereon; three of which being the largest are joined together, the other two, being small and behind, are at a little distance apart. Posterior wings with a broad black border running from the upper to the abdominal corners, whereon are placed eight oval white spots at equal distances, two, being the outermost, very small and close together.
Under Side. Palpi yellow. Tongue spiral. Legs, breast, and sides black, spotted and streaked with white. Abdomen yellow. Wings coloured and marked as on the upper side. Margins of the wings entire.
Mr. Smeathman states that this insect is found in the savannahs. It is a sluggish creature, and easily taken. A specimen of this very rare insect was sold in the collection of the late Mr. Stothard, on the 18th May, 1835; and was purchased by Thomas Norris, Esq. M.E.S. at the price of fourteen shillings.
PLATE XXX.
