The caterpillar is probably very similar to that of P. Arjuna, described by Dr. Horsfield.[31]
PAP. PROTESILAUS.
PLATE IV. Fig. 1.
Linn. Fabr. Cramer, Pl. 202, fig. A, B; Merian’s Insec. Surin. Pl. 43.
The two insects delineated on the adjoining plate exemplify a form which prevails among a pretty extensive group of the genus Papilio, and which is familiar to European entomologists as represented in a very characteristic manner by the beautiful P. Podalirius. The prolongation of the hinder wings into a long narrow tail is the most striking feature, and has caused them to be termed swallow tails. The ground colour is for the most part pale,—light yellow, or green,—and the wings are marked with numerous transverse stripes of dark brown or black. They are not confined to any particular country, but are distributed over most regions of the globe, although the greatest number are found in Brazil and other parts of America. P. Protesilaus is one of the most common inhabiting the country just named. It expands nearly four inches; surface pale white, almost transparent, tinged with green at the base of the superior wings; the latter having seven narrow transverse black bands commencing at the anterior margin, the innermost five very short, the sixth descending to the internal angle, where it unites with the seventh, which runs along the margin: inferior wings black at the hinder extremity, that colour divided by two rows of large lunules of the ground colour, the anal angle with a bright transverse spot of carmine-red; tail very long and narrow, bordered with white, and having before its base two or three greyish-blue spots, composed of minute particles. On the under side the most remarkable differences are, that the two interior bands are prolonged to the anal angle, where they unite, and the outer one is bordered on one of its sides with a stripe of carmine: body whitish, with a broad black stripe along the back, another on the sides, and three along the belly.
PLATE 4.
Lizars sc.
1. Papilio Protesilaus.
Brazil. 2. Pap. Sinon.
Jamaica.
PAPILIO SINON.
PLATE IV. Fig. 2.
Fabr. Cramer, Pl. 317, fig. C, D, E, F.—Herbst. Pap. Pl. 44, fig. 5, 6.—Pap. Protesilaus, Drury, vol. i. Pl. 22, fig. 3, 4.