HELICONIA FLORA.
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.
HELICONIA DIAPHANA.
PLATE XII. Fig. 3.
Godart.—Pap. Diaphana, Fabr., Cramer, Pl. 231, fig. C, and Pl. 315, fig. D, E—Drury’s Exot. Insects, ii. Pl. 7, fig. 3.
About the size of the preceding, but the wings narrower and wholly transparent, with the outer margin and nervures brownish-black. On the upper wings, rather beyond the middle, there is a black abbreviated transverse band, placed somewhat obliquely, and preceded by a small white spot on the costa. On the under side the marginal band is not so dark as above, and there is frequently a series of small white spots on the hinder edge of the posterior wings; in the latter also, the anterior edge is tinged with sulphur yellow. Body black above and grey beneath, with white points on the head; antennæ black.
The marginal band varies in breadth, and in the secondary wings it is sometimes longitudinally divided by a narrow line of rust-red.
Occurs in Jamaica, Brazil, Virginia, &c.