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PLATE LXXIII.

We have several species of the Papilio tribe, which are highlyvalued in England either for their beauty or scarcity; the P. La-th onia is little, if by any means, inferior to the most beautiful; and asa rare Insect is esteemed an invaluable acquisition.

The upper side is only a plain orange or brown colour, with spotsof strong black, and does not in general appearance differ materiallyfrom the greasy Fritillary Butterfly, which is very common in mostsituations; but the underside is entirely unlike every other English Insect : the bright silver splashes on the under wings are singular intheir form, and so beautifully relieved by the orange ground colour,and variegation of black between, as to form a delightful contrast ofthe most pleasing colours.

Whether this species was originally a native of this country, maybe doubtful; we certainly have the most respectable testimonies of itsbeing taken alive in different parts of the kingdom, but it might havebeen introduced by accident in the larva, or more probably in thepupa state: it has been seen at Bath ; and either Moses Harris , orsome of his friends, bred it from the caterpillar. " Queen of SpainFritillaria changed into chrysalis April , appeared in the winged stateMay loth.— Gambling Gay woof near Cambridge .”

It has also been taken near London ; Mr. Honey , of Union-Jlreet,in the Borough , took one a few' years since in his garden. I requestedthe favour of whatever information he could communicate respectingthis circumstance, and received a note with these words:—

“ September 9th, 1785.—I took the Queen of Spain Butterfly inmy garden. (Signed) Wm. Honey .”

P L A T JC