Exotic Lepidoptera—Lepidoptera Exotica; or, Descriptions and Illustrations of Exotic Lepidoptera

Abstract

MR. BUTLER, who is well known as an ardent and careful student of the diurnal Lepidoptera, has undertaken, in conjunction with Mr. Janson as publisher, what will no doubt prove a very valuable and beautiful work. Many new species of Lepidoptera have been described—by Mr. Butler himself amongst others—without any figure: this practice is exceedingly inconvenient to those who attempt to identify species; and though, as Mr. Butler observes, it enables those who adopt it to “call the beautiful their own” to a larger extent than if they had to wait for figures, it is nevertheless a reprehensible proceeding, and has afflicted the conscience of one at least who has been guilty of it. Mr. Butler is a very skilful artist, and evidently an intense admirer of the lovely colours and forms of the insects he deals with. Consequently it is a matter for congratulation that he has undertaken to make up for the shortcomings of past times, and intends to bring out once a quarter a part of his “ Lepidoptera Exotica,” with three coloured plates of new or unfigured species. In the two parts already issued, which are before us, the figures are admirably done, and very handsome; whilst the descriptive text is concise, and in Latin in part. Some of Mr. Wallace's Bornean butterflies are figured in the second part. Exotic Lepidoptera–Lepidoptera Exotica; or, Descriptions and Illustrations of Exotic Lepidoptera. By A. G. Butler, &c. (London: E. W. Janson.)