S-1141001_COMPLETO.pdf

PLATE XXXIII.
80
ALBIN'S HAMPSTEAD EYE.
Cynthia hampstediensis, STEPHENS. WESTWOOD.
Hipparchia hampstediensis, JEEMYN.
Papilio oculatus hampstediensis ex
aureo fusctts, PETIA'EE.
THE only specimen of this insect that has ever yet been
recorded, was captured at Hampstead, near London, by Albin,
and then first described and figured by Petiver. It has since
been continuously figured and described by succeeding Entomo­
logists, who have faithfully copied the original picture. By
some it has been considered a foreign specimen, accidentally
imported; by others as the product of two different species.
The specimen is however no longer in existence, and cannot
speak for itself; no 'Ecce signum' can now testify to the truth­
fulness of the Entomologist who shall pretend more accurately
to describe it, than in the stereotyped form which has come
down to the present day.
The fore wings have been described as fulvous brown, Avith three
transverse dark brown markings; two lengthened ones near the
hinder margin, and the margin itself yellow: there is a large
eye near the tip and another near the loAver corner. The hind
wings are also brown with a yellow margin, and with two large
eyes folloAving the margin.
Underneath, the fore Avings are yelloAvish brown, with brown
cloudings, and a TOAV of brown crescents near the margin. The
hind wings are dull yellowish broAvn, with darker cloudings of
brown at the base; a small eye near the corner, and a°row
of four brown spots, betAveen which and the margin is a nearly
obsolete row of brown crescent-shaped marks.