Illustrations of Exotic Entomology, Volume 2Drury, Dru
Science
Illustrations of Exotic Entomology, Volume 2
Drury, Dru
Insects -- Pictorial works
It is questionable whether this figure represents the Phalæna senatoria or
pellucida of Abbot and Smith, by whom the transformations of both species
have been illustrated; Smith citing Drury's figure with doubt, as belonging
to pellucida. I have much pleasure in adopting the present well-marked
genus proposed by Dr. Thaddeus W. Harris, one of the most distinguished
American entomologists, in the appendix to the work above referred to; and
respecting which I am indebted to that gentleman for the following
communications:--"The male of Dryocampa senatoria, of Abbot and Smith, has
the basal half of the antennæ pectinated on both sides, and the apex
simple, as in Bombyx (Cerocampa, Kirby; Ceratocampa, Harris's Cat.) regalis
and imperialis; and as they are described to be in the genus Zeuzera. The
larvæ are naked, striped, rigid, with acute tubercles, and two thread-like
horns on the second segment. They devour the leaves of forest trees,
particularly oaks, and enter the earth to become pupæ. The edges of the
segments of the pupæ are denticulated. On account of these peculiar
characters, I have ventured to assign to this a new generical name; under
which will be included also Bombyces pellucida, and Stigma, Fabr., figured
in Abbot and Smith's Lepidopterous insects of Georgia; together with B.
rubicunda, F. all of which are now found to inhabit Massachusets."
In addition to the characters mentioned by Dr. Harris, the peculiar form of
the posterior wings of the males of these moths may also be noticed, and
which are of a triangular form, somewhat like those of Erycina menetas (see
vol. 3. pl. 8. fig. 3.), but extending to the extremity of the abdomen.
This genus is not far removed, in its natural affinities, from that of
Ceratocampa, (see vol. 1. pl. 9.)
ÆGOCERA AMABILIS.
Plate XIII. fig. 3.
ORDER: Lepidoptera. SECTION: Crepuscularia? FAMILY: Sesiidæ, _Steph._
GENUS. ÆGOCERA, _Latr. Boisduval._
ÆGOCERA AMABILIS. Alis anticis rufis, maculis (nigro marginatis)
margineque interno, albidis; posticis fulvis maculâ discoidali margineque
postico nigris. (Expans. Alar. 1 unc. 6 lin.)
SYN. Phalæna (Noctua) Amabilis, _Drury_, _App. vol._ 2.
Ægocera Amabilis, _Boisduval Hist. Nat. Lepid. pl._ 10. B. _f._ 6.
HABITAT: Coast of Guinea.
_Upper Side._ Head brown. Antennæ filiform. Thorax and abdomen yellow
brown. Superior wings fine darkish red, with several yellow spots thereon
of different shapes, each encircled with black; the posterior and
external edges having yellow margins. Posterior wings deep yellow,
inclining to {26}orange, with a black oval spot near the middle of each.
Along the external edges is a black margin, reaching from the upper to
the abdominal corners; the upper edge being scolloped.
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