PAPILIONIDAE (The Swallowtails) Represented in Hong Kong by 16 species, three or four of which accurately mimic other species that are distasteful to predatory birds. Most of the swallowtails are strong fliers and delight in the sunshine and the nectar from Lantana blossom. Illustrated are: (1) Papilio memnon agenor form alcanor. (2) Papilio xuthus. (3) Lamproptera curius walkeri, in flight, and sometimes at rest, this butterfly's wings vibrate so rapidly as to resemble a dragonfly.
PIERIDAE (The Whites and Yellows) Represented in Hong Kong by 17 species whose basic colours are generally white or yellow. This family are rather difficult to observe or capture due to their high and fast flight characteristics. Several of the species, however, do fly rather more slowly and closer to the ground. Illustrated are: (9) Hebomoia glaucippe glaucippe (Common, high and fast flight). (10) Ixias pyrene pyrene (Fairly common in certain areas). (11) Dercas verhuelli verhuelli form verhuelli (Common in certain areas, several forms
exist which apparently inter- breed indiscriminately). The larvae of this species are long and smooth or slightly hairy and green in colour.
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LYCAENIDAE (The blues and hair- streaks) Represented in Hong Kong by approximately 40 different species. Illus- trated are: (4) Narathura centaurus centaurus (extremely rare). (5) Nara- thura birmana birmana (rare). (6) Jamides celeno agnata (extremely rare). (7) Iraota timoleon timoleon (fairly common). (8) Duoderix epijarbas mene- sicles (fairly common in certain areas).
HESPERIIDAE (The Skip-
pers) Represented in Hong Kong by upward of 45 species, this family differs from the 'normal' butterflies
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and is thought to be a sub- order (Grypocera) equal to the butterflies and moths. Differences are seen in the antennae, and in some the extremely fast and erratic flight; others fly only at dawn and dusk. Illustrated are: (12) Udaspes folus (Fairly common, throughout the Colony). (13) Bibasis gomata gomata (Common to certain areas but normally found flying only at dusk).
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