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.
THE
JOURNAL
OF THE
Bombay Natural History Society
EDITED BY
W. S. MILLARD, R. A. SPENCE and N. B. KINNEAR.
VOL. XVIIL
Consisting of Five Parts and containing Nineteen Coloured Plates Twenty Lithographed Plates and Seventy-six Blocks.
Part I {Pages 1 to 225) ... „ IKJPages 226 to 524) ... „ III {Pages 525 to 709) ... „ IVQPages 710 to 945) ... „ V {Index, &c.~)
Dates of Publication.
• * « • •
»•• «•
••* ••
• •• ••
... 12th Nov., 1907.
... Vdth Apl., 1908
... 15th July, 1 908.
... 15th. Nov., 1908.
... 31st Dec, 1908
11 o nt ban:
PRINTED AT THE TIMES PRESS.
6084-OS.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XV III. No. 1.
PAGE
Indian Ducks and their Allies. (Plate XXV.) The Ruddy
Sheldrake or Brahminy Duck (Casarca rati! a)... Frontispiece. A Popular Treatise on the Common Indian Snakes. Part V.
The Russell's Viper (Vipera russellii) {With Plate F.)
By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 1
The ' Shot-borers' of Bamboos and Wood-borers of Pinus
long/folia. By E. P. Stebbing, l.r.s., f.r.s., f.z.s., f.e.s. 18 The effect. of the Moons Phases on the period of felling
Bamboos. By E. P. Stebbing 21
The Moths of India. Supplementary paper to the
Volumes in " The Fauna of British India." Series III,
Part IX. (With a Plate) By Sir George Hampson, Bart.,
F.z.s., f.e.s 27
The Flora of Aden. Part II. By E. Blatter, s. j 54
Notes on a trip after the Ovis poll. ( With a Plate) By
Colonel G. D. F. Sulivan, late 4th D. G ... 69
On the Birds of the Chindwin, Upper Burma. By Major
A. Mears, Survey of India, and Eugene W. Oates, f.z.s. ... 78 The Orchids of the Bombay Presidency. Part V. (With
Plate IV) By G. A. Gammie, f.l.s 88
Some Indian Freshwater Shells. By Gordon Dalgliesh ... 92 Notes on Snakes collected in Fyzabad. (With Plates I
& II) By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 101
On a New Genus and some new Species of Aculeate Hyme-
noptera collected by lleut.-col. c. g. nurse in
Baluchistan. By P. Cameron 130
Descriptions of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera. Part V. By E.
Meyrick, b.a., f.r.s., f.z.s 137
Blood-Sucking Insects and Tropical Diseases. By E. Ray
Lankester 161
Review : — l* Indian Insect Pests " 181
The Late Mr. L. C. H. Young 184
iv CONTENTS.
Miscellaneous Notes — tage
1, — A new Tortoise from Travancore. By Harold S.
Ferguson 186
2.— The Birds of Chitral. By E. Comber, f.z.s 186
3. — Breeding Seasons of Deer. By C. Hudson, i.c.s 187
4.— Occurrence of Omithoptera minos in the Ahmednagar
district. By W. G. Betham, i.f.s 187
5. — Occurrence of the Dusky Ouzel {Mervla fuscata) at
Bannu. By Major H. A. F. Magrath 187
6. — Curious behaviour of Aquila hasiata, The Lesser Spot- ted Eagle. By S. L. Whymper 187
7. — A massive Sambar head. By T. A. Hauxwell, i.f.s.... 189 8. — Ovoviparous habit of the Painted Tree Snake (Dendro-
phis pictus). By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.M.z.S. ... .,. 189
9 —Do Bats eat Birds ? By E. H. Aitken 190
10. — Some additions to the Birds of India. By C. H. T.
Whitehead... 190
11 —Nesting Notes from the N.-W. Frontier. By C. H. T.
Whitehead 193
12.— An Indian Dormouse. By C. H. T. Whitehead 193
13. — Some Notes on Wild Dogs and Panthers. By Lt.-Col.
F. W. Caton Jones, k.a.m.c 194
14. — Climatal Changes of Melanitis leda. By E. H.
Aitken 197
15. — Occun-ence of the Siberian Blue Chat {Lavvivora eyanea) in the Hazara District. By Major H. A. F.
Magrath 197
16.— The Enemies of Snakes. By Major M. B. Roberts... 197 17. — Differentiation of species. By C. H. Donald, f.z.s. ... 201 18. — A visit to South Sentinel Island. By B. B. Osmaston,
i.f.s 201
19. — Extension of the Habitat of the Sand Snake {Psammophis
leithii). By Major F. Wall, c.m.z.s., i.m.s 203
20. — The Praying Mantis. By E. Blatter, s.j 203
21. — Viviparous habit of the false Himalayan Viper (Psam- modynastes pulverulentus). By Major F. Wall, C.M.Z.S., I.M.S 204
CONTENTS. v
PAGE
22. — Remarks on the Embryology of a Snake. By Major
F. Wall, c.m.z.s., i.m.s , 205
23. — Notes on a Social Spider (Stegodyphvs sarasinorum),
Karsch. By C. E. C. Fischer 206
24.— Natural layering of Desmodium tilioefolium, G. Don.
By C. E. C. Fischer 207
25. — Aberration in Scales of regrown tail of Agama iuber-
cvlata, Grey. By C, E. C. Fischer • ... 208
26. — Note on the Breeding of Snakes in captivity. By Lt.-
Col. W. B. Bannerman, m.d., i.m.s 208
27. — Peculiar progression of a Cobra (Naia tripvdians).
By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 209
28 — Vernacular names of some Indian Ducks. By Major F.
Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 210
29— Freshwater Shells. An Appeal. By E. Comber 210
30 — Note on effect of Strychnine Poison on Wild Dogs. By
D. 0. Witt, i.f.s 211
Proceedings of the Meeting held on the 25th July 1907 ... 214 J5 ,, ,, ,, 5th of September
1907 217
Report on the first two Meetings of the Baluchistan
Natural History Society, Quetta 220
No. 2.
Indian Ducks and their Allies. (Plate XXVI.) The Shel- drake (Tadorna cornuta) Frontispiece at 227
A Popular Treatise on the Common Indian Snakes. Part VI. The Golden Tree-Snake (Chrysopelea omata). (With Plate VI. Diagram and Map.) By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s. 227
On the Generic Position of the groups of Squirrels typified by " Sciurvs" berdmorei and pernyi, respectively,
WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW ORIENTAL SPECIES.
By Oldfield Thomas 244
The Drinking Habits of Wild Animals. By Major R. G.
Burton 250
The Moths of India. Part X. By Sir George Hampson, Bart.,
f.z.s., f.e.s 257
vi CONTENTS.
PAGE Two new Snakes from Assam. ( With a Plate). By Major F.
Wall, i.M.s., c.m.z.s 272
Additional Cuckoo Notes. By E. C.Stuart Baker, f.z.s.... 275 On some Indian forms of the Genus Micromys. By E. C.
Wrouffhton . 280
Notes on the Birds of Thandiani. By Major H. A. F.
Magrath 284
A Contribution to the Aculeate Hymenoptera of the
Bombay Presidency. By P. Cameron 300
Notes on a Collection of Snakes from the Khasi Hills,
Assam. By Major F. Wall, I.M.S., c.m.z.s 312
Notes on Indian Ferns. By Col. R. H. Beddome 338
Local Bird-Migration in India. By D. Dewar, i.c.s 343
A visit to Barren Island in the Andamans. By B. B.
Osraaston, i.f.s 357
Palinurus or " The Spiny Lobster ': of Bombay ( With
Illustrations). By Arthur Powell 360
Contributions to the Flora of North Coimbatore (from
materials supplied by C. E. C. Fischer, i.f.s.) By Rev.
E. Blatter, s.j 390
Some Notes on Pintia ferrea, Wlk., Cyclosia papilionaris,
Drury, and Heterusia magnified, Sontl. With a Plate. By Chas, B. Antram 430
A FURTHER LIST OF BlRDSFROM THE ChINDWIN, UpPFR BURMA.
By Cyril Hopwood, i.f.s .., 432
Breeding habits of some Snakes and Lizards. By Rev.
F. Dreckmann, s. j 434
Descriptions of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera. Part VI. By
E. Meyrick, b.a., f.r.s., f.z.s 437
Further notes on Birds of the Provinces of Kashmir and Jammu and adjacent districts. By Colonel A. E.
Ward 461
A sub-division of the old genus Nesokia with descrip- tions OF three new members of the group, and of a
Mus from the Andamans. By Oldfield Thomas 465
A new Long-eared Bat from Northern India. By G. E.
H. Barrett-Hamilton 468
CONTENTS. Vii
PAGE A LIST OF PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO INDIAN FAUNA. (From
the Zoological Record 1905; . 469
The Protection of Wild Birds and Game in India 482
Review. — " The Game animals of India, Burma, Malaya and Tibet." A new and revised edition of the ereat and small Game of India, Burma
and Tibet. By R. Lydekker 484
Miscellaneous Notes : —
1. — A Gaur attacking and killing a man without provo- cation. By Lt.-Col. H. V. Biggs, r.e 487
2.— The effect of Strychnine on Wild Dogs. By A. A.
Dunbar Brander, I.F.S ... 487
3.— The Bhutan Takin. By R. Lydekker ... 488
4.— The Baluchistan Gazelle. By R. G. Burton 489
5.— Major Kennion's Wild Sheep. By R. Lydekker 490
6. — Shedding of the Antlers of the Muntjac or Barking Deer
(Cervvivs muntjac). By E. Comber 490
Shedding of horns by Muntjac. By E. R. Durnford... 491
7. — The Andamaness Serow .. 491
S.- Malformed Sambar Horn. By E. W. Trotter.. 492
9. — Do wild animals ever die a natural death ? By W. G.
Betham 493
10. — Notes on Nidification of various birds in the Upper
Ghindwin and at Maymyo, Upper Burma. By J.
C. Hopwood, i.f.s 494
11. — Nesting of the Indian Great Reed Warbler (Acroce-
phalus stentorcus) in India. By S. L. Whymper ... 495 12. — Notes on the Manipur Bush-Quail {Microperdix mani-
purensis) in captivity. By Captain F. Powell
Connor, i.m.s., f.r.c.s 496
13. — A Note on the distribution of the Burmese Grey Duck
or Spot-Bill [Polionelta haringtoni), Oates. By J. C.
Hopwood .,. 498
14.— Nesting of the Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle. By T. F.
Bourdillon 499
15. — Note on the Bearded Vulture {Gypcetvs barbatus) or
" Lammergeyer." By Lieut.-General W. Osborn, i.a. 500
viii CONTENTS
PAGE
16. — Remarks on the Snake Contia angusticeps. By Major
F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 501
17. — Notes on the Incubation and Brood of the Indo-
Burmese Snake Lizard or Slow Worm (Ophisaurus
gracilis). By Major F. Wall, I. M.S., c.m.z.s 503
18. — Viviparous habit of the common Indian Skink (Lygo-
soma indica). By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s. ... 505 1.9. — Pomarks on the Agamoid Lizard (Ptyctalcemus gularis).
By Major F. Wall, i.m.s. , c.m.z.s 505
20. — Remarks on the Agamoid Lizard (Calotes jerdoni). By
Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 505
21. — On the nets used by the fishermen of North Kanara.
By E. Comber 506
22. — Keenness of sight in Birds and Animals. By C. H.
Donald, f.z.s 508
23. — Cannibalism of a Caterpillar. By Cecil E. C. Fischer. 510 24. — Note in regard to the habits of the Praying Mantis.
ByL. K. Martin , 511
25. — Sexual attraction in Lepidoptera. By W. Howard
Campbell 511
26.— Sweeping for Moths. By W. Howard Campbell ...... 512
27.— Fleas and Plague. By E. L. Sale 512
28, — A Note on Hura crepitans', Linn., found in Khandala,
Western Ghauts. By Lt.-Col. K. R. Kirtikar, f.l.s. 513 Proceedings of the Meeting held -on the 12th December 1907. 515 Report of the Baluchistan Natural History Society 520
No. 3.
Indian Ducks and their Allies. (Plate XXVII.) The
White-winged Wood Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) 525
A Popular Treatise on the Common Indian Snakes, Part VII. The Saw-scaled Viper or Echis (Echis carinata) and the Gamma or Common Brown Tree-Snake (Dipsadomorphus trigonatus). (With Plate VII., 3 Maps and 2 Diagrams). By Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 525
Bean-Geese of Asia. By S. A. Buturlin 555
The Flora of the Bombay Presidency (Statistico — Bio- logical Notes). (With a Plate). By E. Blatter, s. j 562
CONTENTS. ix
Page The Moths of India. Series III, Part XL By Sir George
Hampson, Bart., f.z.s., f.e.s 572
The Orchids of the Bombay Presidency. Part VI. [With
Plates V. & VI.) By G. A. Gammie, f.l.s 586
Caterpillars as Ants' Pets. By E. Blatter, s.,i 591
Biological Notes on Oriental Hemiptera, No. 1. (With
a Plate). By J. 0. Kershaw and G. W. Kirkaldy 596
The Ferns of the Bombay Presidency. By E. Blatter, s.j. 599 Descriptions of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera. Part VII. By
E. Meyrick, b.a., f.r.s., f.z.s 613
Ceylon Ferns in the Bombay Natural History Society's
Herbarium. By E. Blatter, s.j 639
A Contribution to the Aculeate Hymenoptera of the
Bombay Presidency. By P.Cameron 649
Review. By E. H. A. — "The Plagues and Pleasures of Life in
Bengal." By Lieut.-Colonel Cunningham, c.i.e., f.r.s. ... 660 Correspondence (Proposed alteration to the Forest
Rules in reference to the close time for Quail
and Bustard in the Bombay Presidency).,. 665
Proposed Investigation and Protection of the
Fisheries of Western India 667
Miscellaneous Notes : —
1. — A wonderful Leopard skin 670
2.— A Panther and a Buffalo. By H. Tyler, i.c.s 671
3. — The Indian Mongoose. By Fleur-de-Lys 671
4. — Indian Hares. By Fleur-de-Lys 673
5. — Abnormal antlers of Spotted Deer or Chital (Cervus
axis.) By Major S. H. Powell, r.e 675
6. — A large Sambhar Head (Malay variety). By Major
Chas. R. Pearce, i.m.s r 676
7. — A Siamese Hog-Deer. By R. Lydekker 677
8. — A new Gazelle from Persia. By R. Lydekker 677
9. — Major Kennions's Gazelle. By R. Lydekker — ^ 678
10. — Habitat of the Chinese Pangolin (Manis aurita). By
Major F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s ,, 678
11. — Note on the Malabar Spiny Mouse ( Plat acant homy s
lasiurus). By Chas. Gray 679
CONTENTS.
PAGE 12. — Note on the habits of the Bengal Red whiskered
Bulbul (Otocompsa emeria). By Major Arundel
Begbie (380
13. — Note on the House-Sparrow and Geese. By Rev. T.
Bomford 681
14, — The Oology of Indian Parasitic Cuckoos. By Ghas.
M. Inglis , ,.., 681
15. -On the nesting habits of the Small Indian Spotted
Eagle ( Aquila hastata). By J. Davidson 682
16. — The occurrence of the Avocet ( Recvrvirostra avocetta)
in Assam. By A. M. Primrose 683
17. — The Flamingo ( Phmnicopterus roseus) in the Dar-
bhanga District, Tirhoot, By Chas. M. Inglis 683
18. — Note on the White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons).
By Capt. H. Fulton 683
19. — Occurrence of the Crested Teal (Eunetta falcata) in
Jullundur District, Punjab. By L. C. Glascock ... 683 20. — Notes on birds found at Bannu. N.-W. F. P. By
Major H. A. F. Magrath 684
21. — Some notes on Birds' nesting in Burma. By Major
H. H. Harington 686
22. — " Variety or Species." By 0. H. Donald, F.z.s 687
23. — Abnormal tail in a Lizard ( Hemidactylus gleadovii).
By G. A. D. Stuart, i.c.s 688
24. — Notes on the Common Indian Crocodile (Crocodilus
palustris). By P. E. Burn «.,...« 689
25. — Extension of the habitat of the Snake Zamenis
Jiondentvs. By Major F. Wall, i. M.S., c.m.z.s 689
26.— Curious behaviour of Mahseer (Barbus tor). By W.
A. Wallinger, c.m.z.s 690
27. — Estuary Fishing in India. By Skene Dhu 691
28. — Severe effects from the sting of the Common Indian
Hornet (Vespa orientalis). By Capt. R. C. Mac- •
29. — The Classification of the Lepidoptera. By E. Comber. 695 30. — Cannibalism in Caterpillars. By H. Maxwell Lefroy. 696 31. — Alleged showers of Worms. By A. Powell 697
CONTENTS. xi
PAGE 32. — A Branching Date Palm (Phoenix sylvestris). By F.
Field - 699
33.— Dates and Date Marks. By Zobeide 700
34. — Plants used in paper-making. By Wason in " The
Field" 703
35.— Fear in animals. By C. E. C. Fischer 704
Proceedings of the Meeting held on 14th May 1908 706
Baluchistan Natural History Society. Proceedings of a Meeting of the Members held in the Quetta Museum and Library building on Thursday, the 28th November 1907 and 26th March 1908 708
No, 4.
A Popular Treatise on the Common Indian Snakes. Part VIII. The Common Krait {Bungarus cceruleus). (With Plate VIII and diagram 1). By Major F. Wall, I.M.S., c.m.z.s 711
Notes on the Classification of the Bandicoots. By R. C.
Wroughton ., 736
Important additions to the Indian Avifauna. The Chinese Crimson-horned Pheasant (Tragopan temmincki and Bewicks Swan (Cygnus bewicki). By E. C. Stuart Baker... 753
On the Flora of Cutch. Parti. By E. Blatter, s.j 756
Remarks on some recently acquired Snakes. By Major F.
Wall, I.M.S., c.m.z.s 778
The Sport of Kings. By C. H. Donald 785
A new Pit Viper of the Genus Ancistrodon. By Major F.
Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 792
Notes on a Collection of Snakes from Persia. By Major
F. Wall, i.m.s., c.m.z.s 795
Descriptions of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera. By E. Mey-
rick, b.a., f.r.s., f.z.s 806
The Orchids of the Bombay Presidency. Rhyncostylis retusa.
By G. A. Gammie, f.l.s 833
Plants of the Punjab. Part 1. By Lieut.-Col. C. J. Bamber.. 835
Insect Life in India and how to study it. By E. P.
Stebbing. (With Plates III & IV) 862
xii CONTENTS.
PAGE
The present Epidemic of Malaria in the Port of Bombay. A description of the Mosquito which is carrying the
DISEASE WITH SOME REMARKS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
( With 4 Illustrations). By Capt. W. Glen Liston, I. M.S.... 872
An Indian Stoat. By R. C. Wroughton, f.z.s 882
Further Notes on the Butterflies of the Konkan 884
Some Beautiful Tropical Trees and their uses. By H. F.
Macmillan 887
New Sub-species of Blanford's Bush- Warbler (Hoscites
pallidipes) , ,„ 892
Review — The World's Birds. By Frank Finn 893
Proposed alteration to the Forest Rules in reference to
the close time for Quail and Bustard in the Bombay
Presidency , t 894
Proposed Investigation and Protection of the Fisheries
of Western India „ 895
Miscellaneous Notes. —
1. — Strange accident to a Snow Leopard (Felis uncia) ...... 899
2. — A large Sambhar head. By Capt. C. Mac I. Ritchie,
r.h.a 899
3. — A record Markhor ( Capr a falcon eri) head. By Capt.
H. Barstow 900
4. — The period of Gestation in Mammals 901
5. — Note on the occurence of the Indian Chevrotain or
Mouse-Deer ( ' Tragulus meminna) in Burma. By
T. A. Hauxwell 902
6. — A Bear attacking a Tiger. By Lt.-Col. F. W. Caton
Jones, r.a.m.c a . 903
7. — Birth of Himalayan Cat-Bears {jffilurus fvlgens) in cap- tivity ,. 903
8. — Crows and their sleeping places. By the Rev. T.
Bomford 904
9. — A Hoopoe incident. By the Rev. T. Bomford 904
10. — Notes on the Yellow-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus xan-
tholcemus). By P. Roscoe Allen 905
CONTENTS. xiii
PAGE 11. — Nesting of the Spotted Winged Grosbeak (Mycerobas
melanoxanthus) in the Murree Hills. B}' Oapt. R.
B. Skinner 907
12. — The Qnetta Rose Finch {Erythrospiza obsoleta). By
Lieut.-Col. R. M. Betham 908
13. — Breeding of Hodgson's Martin (Chelidon nepalensis) and
the Red-billed Chough (Graculus eremito). By S.
L. Whymper 909
14. — Florican shooting in Kathiawar . 909
15. — Notes on the birds in the Amherst district, Lower
Burma. By K. C. MacDonald 912
If I. — The Cuckoo (Citculus canorus) By Lt-Col.R. M. Betham. 913 17. — The Bearded Vulture or Lammergeyer (Gypaetus bar-
batus). By C. H. Donald, f.z.s 913
18.— Maternal Solicitude. By C. H. Donald, f.z.s 914
19. — An addition to the Indian Avifauna. The Malayan
Hawk Cuckoo (Hiero coccyx fugax). By E. C. Stuart
Baker 915
20. — The Oology of Parasitic Cuckoos. By E. C. Stuart
Baker 915
21. — Indian Ducks and their Allies. By Chas. M. Inglis ... 916 22. — The Injury-feigning habit of parent birds. By D,
Dewar, i.c.S. ... 917
23. — A new colour variety of the Common Green Whip- snake (Dryophis mycterizans). By Major F. Wall,
I.M.S., c.m.z.s 919
24.— Flying Snakes. By Major Arundel Begbie 919
25. — Abnormal scales in the Snakes (Zamenis mucosus and
JDipsadomorphus trigonatus). By J. P. Mullen 919
26. — Notes on a gravid female of Siebold's Water Snake
(Hypsirhina Sieboldei.) By Major F. Wall, i.m.s.,
c.m.z.s 920
27.— Habits in Indore. By E. C. Cholmondeley 921
28. — Sexual attraction in Lepidoptera. By Chas. B. Antram 923 29.— A large Cricket Callimenellus opacvs, W'alker, from
Khandalla, Western Ghats 924
30. — Classification of Lepidoptera. By H. M. L 925
xiv .CONTENTS.
PAGE
31.— The Bombay " Spiny Lobster." By N. Annandale ... 927 32. — Some notes on the Low-Level Laterite of Portuguese
India. By H. J. Davies 928
33. — The Indian Doum {Hyphcene) Palm. By I. H.
Burkill 929
34. — Scientific Nomenclature. A plea for uniformity. By F.
E. W. Venning „ 930
35. — Shooting Notes from the Garhwal Himalayas. By R.
H. Heath, a.m.i. c.e 931
Proceedings of the meeting held on the 2nd July 1908 935
24th September 1908. 937 Baluchistan Natural History Society. Proceedings of a
meeting of the Members held on the 30th April 1908 ... 941
Proceedings of the meeting held on the 28th May 1908 942
Proceedings of the meeting held on the 27th July 1908 944
Proceedings of the meeting held on the 29th August 1908 ... 944
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
VOLXJ1VIE
PAGE
AlTEEN, B. H. ; Do Bat9 eat birds ? 190 ; The Climatal chan-
ges of Melaniti.o leda
Allen. P. Roscoe Notes on the Yellow-throated Bulbul (Pycno- notui xantholcemus')
Annandale, N. ; The Bombay "Spiny Lobster *'
Antram, Chas. B. ; Some Notes on Pinna ftrrca% Wlk., Cyclosia papilio'iaris, Doury, and Utta- rus'ta magnified, Bull.
; Sexual attrac- tion in Lepidoptera
Baker, E. C. Stuart, F.Z.S. ; Additional Cuckoo Notes...
; Impor- tant additions to the Indian Avi- fauna ... ...
> ; An ad- dition to the Indian Avifauna ; The Malayan Hawk Cuckoo (Ilierococcy x fugax)
; The
Oology of Parasitic Cuckoos ...
Bamber, Lt.-Col. C. J. ; Plants of the Punjab
BanneRman, Lt.-Col. W. B., M.D., I. M.S. ; Note on the breed- ing of snakeB in captivity
BaRktow, Capt. H.; A record Markhor (jCapra fulconeri)
Beddome, Col. K, H. ; Notes on Indian Ferns
Begbie, Major Arundel ; Notes on the habits of the Bengal Red- Whiskered Bulbul (Otecompsa emeria")
; Fly- ing Snakes
BETHAM, Lieut.-Col. R. M ; The Quetta Rose-Finch (Erythros-
piza obsoleta")
195
905
927
430
923
27 =
753
915
915
208
9C0
338
680
919
908
PAGE BETHAM, Licut.-Col. R. M. ; The Cuckoo (Cuculvs caw<rus~) ... 913
W. G..I.F.S. ; Occur- ence of OmithojAera mines in the Ahmednagar District 187
. ; Do
wild animals ever die a natural death ? 493
Biggs, H. V., Lt.-Col.; A Gaur attacking and killing a man with- out provocation .,, 487
Blatter, E., S. J. ; The Flora of Aden ... ... ... ... 54
— ; The Praying
Mantis 203
• Contributions
to the Flora of North Coimba- tore with a map. Plate A. ... 390
; The Flora of
the Bombay Presidency (Statis- tico-Biolcgical notts) ; Caterpillars
as Ants' Pels
— ; The Ferns
of the Bombay Presidency ; Ceylon Ferns
in the Bombay Natural History's
Herbarium
; On the Flora
and
of Cutch
Bomfokd, Rev. T. ; Crows their sleeping places
; A Hoopoe in
cident
562
591
599
639
756
904
904
; Note on the House
Sparrow and Geese 680
Bourdillon, T. F. ; Nesting of the Rufous-bellied Hawk-eagle ... 499
Brander, A. A. Dunbar, I.F.S. ; The tffect of Strychnine on Wild Dogs 487
Burkill, I. Henry ; The Indiao Doum {Hyphcene) Palm 929
xyi
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
Burn, P. B ; Notes on the com- mon Indian Crocodile (Croco- dihis palustris) ... 689
Burton, Major R. G. ; The Drink- ing habits of Wild Animals ... 25^
The Baluchistan
Gazelle ... • ^9
ButurliN, S. A. ; Bern Geese of Asia • 555
Cameron, P. ; On a new Genus and some new Species of Acu- leate Hymenoptura collected by- Lieut. -Col. 0. G. Nurse in Balu- chistan ... ••• "• ••• 130
; A Contribution to
the Aculeate Hyvienoptera of the
Bombay Presidency 300
; A Contribution to
the Aculeate Hymenoptera of
the Bombay Presidency 649
Campbell, W. Howard ; Sexual
attraction in Lepidoptera 511
; Sweep- ing for Moths ... MS
Cholmondeley, E. C. ; Kraits in Indore 921
Comber, E., F.Z.S. ; The Birds of Chitral 186
; Freshwater
Shells. An appeal 210
; Shedding of
the antlers of the Muntjac or Barking Deer {CervvXus munt- jac) ... 490
— ; On the nets
used by the Fishermen of North KanAra ... ... ••• ••• 506
; The Classi- fication of the Lepidoptera ... 695
Connor, F. Powell, I.M.S., F.R/.'.S. ; Notes on the Manipur Bush Quail (3Iieroperdia: mani- purensis) in captivity 496
Dalgliesh, Gordon ; Some In- dian Freshwater Shells ... ... 92
Davidson, J. ; On the nesting habits of the Small Indian Spotted Eagle QAquila hast at a). 682
Davies, H. J. ; Some notes on the Low-Level Laterite of Portuguese India 928
PAGE
De Rhe-Pbilipe, G. W. V. ; Fur- ther notes on the Butterflies of the Konkan ... ... 884
Dewar, D., I.O.S. ; The Injury- feigning habit of Parent-birds... 916
; Local Bird Mig- ration in India .. ... ... 343
Dhd, Skene ; Estuary fishing in India , 691
Donald, C. .8., F.Z.S. ; Differen- tiation of species ...
; Keenness
of sight in Birds and Animals ... ; Variety
or Species
; The Sport
of Kings
; The Be- arded Vulture or " Lanimer- geier " (Gypdetus iarhatus')
; Maternal
198 508 687 785
913
Solicitude 914
Dreckmann, Rev. F., S. J. ; Breed- ing habits of some Snakes and Lizards ... ... ••• ... 434
; A large
Cricket Callimen< llus opaeust Walker, from Khandala, Western Ghats 924
Ddrnfokd, E. R. ; Shedding of horns by Muntjac... ... ... ••• 491
E. H. A. ; Review on Lfc.-Col. Cun- ningham's. " The Plagues and Pleasures of Life in Bengal v ... 660
Ferguson, Harold S. ; A new Tor- toise from Travancore ... ... 186
Field, F. ; A branching Date Palm QPhcenix sylvestris) 699
; The Period of Gestation
in Mammals ... ... ... 901
, ; The Florican shooting
in Kathiawar 909
Finn, F. ; Review ; The World's Birds 893
FibhhER, C. E. C;Notes on a Social Spider (Steyodyplius sarasinu- r?m, Karsch) 206
; Natural layering
of Demodium tilicefolium G. Don. 207
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
xvn
PAGE
Fischer, C. B. C; Aberration in scales of regrown tail of Agama tuberevlata, Grey 208
; Cannibalism of a
caterpillar 510
: Fear in animals... 704
Fletjr de Lys ; The Indian Mon- goose , 671
j India Hares ... 073
Fulton, Capt. E.; Note on the White fronted Goose QAnser alii- frons) C83
Gammie, G. A., F.L.S.; The Or- chids of the Bombay Presidency. Part V 88
: j The Or- chids of the Bombay Presidency. 586
; The Or-
chids of the Bombay Presidency. Part VII with Plate VII ... 833
Glascock, L. C.; Occurrence of the Crested Teal QEunetta faloata~) in Jullundur district, Punjab ... 683
Gray, Chas. ; Note on the Malabar Spiny Mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus) 679
Hampson, Sir Geo., Bart., F.Z.S., F.B.S.; The Moths of India (Sup- plementary Paper to the volumes in the ''Fauna of British India" ) Series III, Part IX 27
■ Series III, Part X 257
, The Moths of India ... 572
Harington, Major H. H.; Some notes on Birds1 Nesting in Burma. 686
Hartert, Br. E.; New Subspecies of Blandford's Bush-Warbler {Horeites pallidipen~) 89?
Hauxwell, T. A., I.F.S. ; A mas- sive Sambar head 188
; Note on
the occurrence of the Indian Chevrotain or Mouse Deer(2V«- gulus meminna) in India 902
Heath, R. H.; Shooting notes from the Garhwal Himalayas ... 931
Hoi-good, Cyril., I.F.S. ; A fur- ther list of birds from the Chind- win, Upper Burma 432
3
PAP E
Hopwood, J. C, I.F.S. ; Notes on Nidification of various birds in the Upper Chindwin and at May-
myo, Upper Burma 494
; A note on the
distribution of the Burmese Grey Duck or Spot-bill QPolioneta ha-
ringtvni, Oates) ... 498
Hudson, C, I.C.S.; Breeding Sea- sons of De.er 187
Inglis, Chas. M. ; The Oology of Indian Parasitic Cuckoos ... 681
. The Flamingo
(Phcenicopterus roxeus) in the Darbhanga District, Tirhoct ... 682
■ ; Indian Ducka
and their allies 915
Jones, Lt.-Col. F. W. Caton, R. A. M.C. ; Some notes on Wild Dogs
and Panthers 194
; A Bear
attacking a Tiger 90:}
Keeshaw, J.C. & Kirkaldy,G.W.; Biological notes on Oriental
Hemiptera 59$
Kihtikar, Lt.-Col. K.R., I.M.S.; F.L.S.,A note on Huru crepitans, Linn., found in Khandala, Wes- tern Ghauts 5J3
L. H. M. ; Classification of
Lepidoptera 925
Lankester, Sir B. Ray ; Blood- sucking Insects and Tropical
diseases id
Liston, Cap.W. Glen, I. M.S.; The present epidemic of Malaria in the Port of Bombay; a description of the Mosquito which is carry- ing the disease, with some remarks on preventive measures
with 4 Illustrations 872
Lydekker, R. ; The Game Ani- mals of India, Burma, Malaya
and Tibet ,
; The Bhutan Takin.
Major Kennion's
Wild Sheep
Deer
from Persia
A Siamese Hog- A new Gazelle
484 488
490
677
677
XVlll
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
Lydekkee, R.; Major Ken n ion's Gazelle ••• 678
Macdonald, K. C. ; Notes on birds in the Amherst District, Lower Burma ^12
MacMillan, H. F. ; Some beauti- ful Tropical trees and their uses. 88 7 MACWATTEKS,K.C.,Capt., M. B., I.M.S. ; Severe effects from the sting of the common Indian Hornet QVespa orientalis) ... 694
Magkath, Major H. A F. ; occur- rence of the Dusky Ouzel [Merula uscata") at. Bannu. ... ... 187
; Occurrence of
the Siberian Blue Chat (Larvi- vara ajanea) in the Hazara District 197
■ — ; Notes on the
birds of Thandiani . ... 384
; Noteson birds
found at Bannu... ... «,«,» 684
Martin, L. K. j Note in regard to the habits of the Praying Mantes 511
Maxwell-Lefroy, H. ; Canniba- lism in caterpillars ... ... 696
Meaes, Major A. and Oates, Eugene W.; On the Birds of the Chindwin, Dpper Burma ... 78
Meyeick, E„ B.A., F.R.S., FZ.S. ; Descriptions of Indian Micro- Lepidoptera 137
Descriptions of Indian Micro- Lepidoptera ... ... •.. 437
Descriptions of Indian Micro- Lepidoptera 613
Descriptions ot Indian Micro- Lepidoptera ... 806
Moll an, J. P.; Abnormal scales in the Snakes (Zamenis mucosus and Dipsadomorphus trigonaius*). 019
Oates, Eugene W., and Meaes, Major A. ; On the Birds of the Chindwin, Upper Burma 78
Osborn, Lieut.-General W., I. A. ; Note on the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeyer (Gypcetws bar- batus") ... ... 500
Page OSMABTON, B. B., I.F.S. ; A visit to south Sentinel Island 201
; A visit
to Barren Island in the Anda- mans 357
Pearce, Major Chas. R., I.M.S. : A large Sambbar head (Malay variety) „ 676
Powell, Arthur; Palinurus or "The Spiny Lobster''1 of Bombay, with illustrations 360
; Alleged Showers
of Worms 697
Powell, Major S. H., R. G.; Ab- normal Antlers of Spotted Deer or Chital (eervus axis') 675
Primrose, A. M.; The occurrence of the Avncet [Reeurvirostra avo- cetta') in Assam ... 683
Ritchie, Capt. C. Mad, R. H. A. ; A Large Sambhar Head 899
Roberts, Major M. B. ; The Ene- mies of Snakes ... 197
Sale, E. L. ; Fleas and Plague ... 512
Skhne, Dhu ; Estuary Fishing in India 6!>1
Skinner, Capt. E.B., R.E. ; Nest- ing of the Spotted Winged Gros- beak QMycerobas melanoxanthus) in the Murree Hills 907
Stebbing, E. P., L.R.S., F.R.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S. ; The Shot-borers of Bamboos and Wood-borers of Piniis longifolia ... ••• -•• 18
Insect life in India and how to study it. With Plates III and IV. STUART, G. AD., I.C.S. ; Abnormal tail in a Lizard {^Hamidavtylus Gleadovii) ...
Sulivan, Colonel G.D.F. ; Notes on a trip after the Ovis poli
Thomas, Olpfield ; On the Generic position of the groupB of Squirrels typified by " Sciurus " berdmorie and perny respective- ly, with descriptions of some new Oriental species ...
862
688
69
244
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
xix
PAGE
Thomas, OldfieLD ; A Sub-Di- vision of the old genus Nesohia with descriptions of three new members of the group, and of a 3fus. from the Andamans ... 465
Trottee, E. W. : Malformed Sambar Horn 492
Iyleb, H., I.O.S. ; A Panther and a Buffalo 670
Tytlee, Major H.C.: Strange acci- dent to a Snow Lsopard QFelis uncia) ... ... ••• ••• 899
Vassall, Dr. J., The Anamese Serow 491
Venning, F.E.W ; Scientific No- menclature, a plea for unifor- mity... ... ••• 930
Wall, Major F., I. M.S., C.M.Z.S., A Popular Treatise on the Com- luoa Indian Snakes 227
Notes on Snakes collected in Fyzabad ... ... ••• ••• 101
Ovoviviparous habit of the Taint- ed Tree Snake {Dr.ndr^phw pietus) 189
Extension of the Habitat of the Sand-Snake (Psammophh hit hit") 203
Viviparous habit of the False Himalayan Viper QPsammody- nastex pulverulrntus) ... ... 204
Remarks on the Embryology of
a Snake .. ... 205
Peculiar progression of a Cobra (Naia tvvpudians) 2C9
Vernacular names of some Indian Ducks ... „ 210
Two new Snakes from Assam with a Plate 272
Notes on a Collection of Snakes from the Khasi Hills, Assam ... 312
Remarks upon the Snake Contia angusticeps ••• ••■ ••• 501
PAGF
Wall, Major F., I.M.S., C.M.Z.S. ; Notes on the Incubation and Brood of the Indo-Burmete Snake Lizard or Slow Worn (Ophisau- 7-us gracilis) ... 508
Viviparous babit of the Common Indian Skink (Lygosoma indica). 505
Remarks on the Agamoid Lizard QPtyctolaemus gularis) 505
Remarks on the Agamoid Lizard (Calote-* jerdoni, 505
A Popular Treatise on the Com- mon Indian Snakes 525
•— — — ■ ;
Habitat of the Chinese Paogolin QMmis aurita) ... 678
Extension of the habitat of the Snake Zamcnis florulentus . 689
A Popular Treatise on the Com- mon Indian Snakes. Part VIII, with Plate VIII and Diagram 1. 711
Remarks on some recently ac- quired Snakes 778
A new Pit Viper of the Genus Ancistrodcn 792
Wall, Major F., I. M.S., C.M.Z.S., Notes on a collection of Snakes from Persia ... 795
Birth of Himalayan Cat-Bears (JElurits fulgent) in captivity ... 90:>
A new colour variety of the Com- mon Green Whip-Snake (Dryo- phis mycterizanf) 919
Note9 on a gravid female oi Siebolds'1 Water snake {Hypsi- rhina sieboldii) ... ... ... 920
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
WalLINGEB, W. A., C.M.Z.S.; Curi- ous behaviour of Mahseer (Bar- bus tor} 690
Ward, Colonel A. E. ; Further notes on Birds of the Provinces of Kashmir and Jammu and adjacent districts 461
Wason ; Plants need in Paper- making ... -•• ••• ••• 703
Whitehead, Lt. C. H. T. ; Some additions to the Birds of India ... ll'O
Whitehead, Lt. C. H.T. ; Nest. ingnoiesfrom the N -W. Frontier 191
— ; An
Indian Dormouse ... ... ... 193
Whympee, S. L.; Curious behavi- our of Tho Lesser Spotted Eagle Aqtiilla hastaltt ... ... ... 157
PAGE
Whymper, S. L. ; Nesting of the Indian Great Reed Warbler (Acmcephalus stentorcug) in India 495
; Breedmg of
Hodgson's Martin (Chelidon nepalensis) and the Red-billed Chough (Graculus eremita') ... 909
Wilson, C. L.; Notes on the Tel low-throated Bulbul (_Pycno- notus xantholoemus') ... ... 907
Witt, D. 0. ; Note on effect of Strychnine Poison on Wild Dogs. 211
Wrodghton, R. C. ; On some In- dian forms of the Genus Micro- mys . ... ... ••- ... 280
; Notes on the
Classification of the Bandicoots.. 736
Zobeide ; Dates and Date Marks.. 700
LIST OF PLATES.
VOLUIVIB 3
To face page
No.l.
The Ruddy Sheldrake or Brahminy Duck (Casarca rutila). Plate XXV. Frontispiece. The Daboia, Chain-viper, Ticpolonga, or Russell's Viper (Vipera russellii)
(poisonous). Plate V <>
Indian Moths. Plate E 44
The Great Pamir Sheep (Ow poli) 72
Eulophia pratensis, Lind. Plate IV... ... ... ... ... 88
Variations in the markings of the hoods of Cobras. Plate 1 ...
a
:: \ w
i) j; » »
No. 2.
The Sheldrake (Tadoma c omnia) Plate XXVI 227
The Golden Tree-Snake (Chrysopelea ornata~) (harmless) ... 228
Indian Snake9 (Chrysopelea ornata, Lycodon aulicus, cobra') ... 230
The Golden Tree-Snake {Chrysopelea ornata). Map 236
Two new Snakes from Assam (.Dendrilaphw biloreatus, Dipmdomorphug quin-
ounciatus) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 272
Palinurus or " Spiny Lobster ". Plate A 360
„ „ Appendages of Male. Plate B 366
Map of Coimbatore. Plate A 394
The; Red Slug Catterpillar of Tea (Heterusia magnifica) ... 430
No. 3.
The White-winged Wood Duck (Asarcornis scutulata). Plate XXVII 525
Indian Snakes (Echis carinata^ Eryx conicus, Dtpsadomorphustrigonatug).
Diagram I 529
Map 1 — Distribution of Echis carinata ... 538
)3 *J j) j} >•• *•• ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• OlU
The Brown Tree-Snake (Dipsas trigonata), Figs. 1 — 4 ; The " Phoorsa " or
'* Kupper1' (Eohis cari 'tata). Figs. 5— 8, Plate VTI 542
Indian Snakes (Dipsadomorphus triyonatus). Diagram II 552
*«■ "^* *J 9* *■ ••• ••• ••• ••• *•• *•• OOO
Distribution of the 10 Dominant Orders of the Bombay Presidency in the
various Botanical Regions of India, Burma and Ceylon. Plate A .., ... 565
The Orchids of the Bombay Presidency (Cymbidium bicolor). Plate V ... 586
„ „ „ (Cut tow a maorostachya). Plate VI ... 590
Oriental Hemiptera {Ccenocoris marginatus), Figs. 1 — 7. (Dindymus saw, uineus).
Figs, la— 5a 598
No. 4.
The Pink-headed Duck (Bhodonessa caryophyllacea). Plate XXVIII 711
The Common Krait (Bungarus candidus) (poisonous). Plate VIII 720
Indian Snakes. Diagram I 734
The Orchids of the Bombiiy Presidency (Bhyncostylis retusa). Plaie VII ... 833
Insect Life in India. Plate III 862
» „ Plate IV 866
Life Cycle of the Malaria Parasite, Plate A 875
Anopheles xtephensi 878
» rogsi 878
Larva and egg of A. rossi and A. stephensi • 879
No. 5. •
The Lesser or Common Whistling Teal (Dendrocyena javamca). Plate XXIX... —
The Smew (Afergus albellus). Plate XXX —
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
VOL. XVIII. OF JOURNAL.
ERRATA.
Page 80, line 10, for " Agricultural/' read " Avirultural."
Page 191, lines 5 and 0, for " Linnet and Chaffinch," read " it."
Page 191, line 9, for" Sanana ", read '• Samana."
Page 279, line 7, for " Cistecola", read " Cisticola."
Page 288, line 10, for " Hysipetes" ', read " Hypsipetes"
Page 297, line 29, for " Gypcetus", read " Gypaetus."
Pao-e 297, line 31, for " Ictinoetus", read " Ietinahus."
Pao-e 344, line 7, for " Humes ", read " Hume."
Pao-e 345, line 7, last word but one in line, read " levels."
Page 349, line 7 from bottom of page, for " Thourgyeen ", read
" Thoangveen." Pao-e 349, last line, for " and is so ", read " and is not so." Page 358, line 12 from bottom of page, for "(557) Muscipada
grisola (The Spotted Flycatcher)", read "(582)
Muscitrea grisola (The Grey Flycatcher)." Pao-e 358 line 2 from bottom of page, for '" ffalaetus", read
" Hal; actus." Pao-e 494, line 20, for ' Druonostet ", read " Dryonastes." Pao-e 510, line 0 from bottom of page, for "was it ", read "it was." Page 511, lino 11 from bottom of page, for 'larval", read
larvse.
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JOURNAL
OF THE
Vol. XVIII.
BOMBAY.
BOMBAY
ftafitral Ipisiorij Sflrktg.
No. 1,
A POPULAR TREATISE ON THE COMMON INDIAN
SNAKES.
Illustrated by Coloured Plates and Diac4rams.
By Major F. Wall, I.M.S., C.M.Z.S.
Part V. with Plate V.
( Continued from page 870 of Vol. XVII.)
The Russell's Viper ( Vipera russellii).
Nomenclature. — Scientific. — The generic name is from the latin vivvs alive, and pario I bring forth. It was first used scientifically by Lanrentiinhis work published in 1768. Daboia, another generic name for along time in use, and perhaps more familiar to many of an older generation, was introduced by Count De La Cepedeinhis work published in 1789.* The name " Le Daboie " was applied by him to a West African viper of uncertain identity marked somewhat similarly to Rus- sell's viper, in that it had 3 series of large oval spots. " Daboie" was, I believe, the local vernacular name for this snake. Later, Gray in 1 842 applied the same term, only latinised, to Russell's viper, which, it may be remarked, does not occur in Africa.
Specific. — This title commemorates the name and fame of Dr. Patrick Russell, a distinguished savant, and the pioneer of all snake
* P. 255.
2 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI II.
research work in India, both in its zoological and toxicological aspects. He was born in Edinburgh in 1726, and came out to India in 1781. Four years later the Honourable the East India Company appointed him their naturalist. He is responsible for a monumental work on the Indian snakes with excellent coloured plates, in two volumes published in 1796 and 1801.
The association of his name with this common snake, renowned as much for the beauty of its colour and ornamentation as for the deadly character of its bite, is a fitting tribute to his classical work.*
English. - The usual name among the Anglo-Indians is Russell's viper, but Daboia is almost as frequently in use. It is also occasionally called the Chain viper.
Vernacular.— \i would be a matter of surprise if so well known, and justly dreaded, a creature had not been christened in almost every vernacular. That mysterious creature the "Cobra monil'' of the natives, whose indentity, if ever appreciated by them, has become obscured by the lapse of time, is probably this snake as suggested by Jerdon.f The name probably originated with the Portuguese, "monil" or "rr^iilla" in their tongue signifying a necklace, and " cobra " or " copra'' a snake.
In Ceylon it is universally known as " Tic polonga," which means, I am informed, " spotted snake." In Southern India it is known as " Mandalli " and '• Kanardi virian. " The former, Nicholson says, im- plies a ringed or decorated pattern. The latter, which 1 have heard used chiefly about Madras, is from " Kanardi," glass, and the allusion, I think, is to the spots which suggest to the fanciful native mind the appearance of the small mirrors used by them in their tawdry de- corations, and frequently seen attached to cloths used as curtains, etc.
On the Malabar Coast (Cannanore) " Mandali" and " Rutheram mandalli" are in use, the former being also applied to the sand snake (Eryx conicus), and the hitter used to discriminate between these species. " Rutheram " meaning " bloody" emphasises one of the most obvious effects of its bite, viz., bloody di charges.
* It ma. be of intf-r m* to note here that an eld r brother of his, Alexander, has also left bis name in this conntrv to be hinged down to posterity. The beautiful little garden shrnb, Rusxc'lia iuncca, with its curious foliage like cisnarina and its vermilion flowers, which scarcely any L.dian garden is without, is named in his honour.
t Journal, Asiatic -cciety, Bengal, Vol. XXII, p. 524.
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 3
In Mysore a Canarese Dictionary I referred to gives " Maudalatha havu " as the local name. "Havu" means snake. Rice in his work on Mysore * gives the Canarese name for it as " Kulaku Mandala." On the Ooromandel Coast about Vizagapatam Russell gives its local name as " Katuka rekula poda," which I am told is Telugu, an< refers to blackish spots.
Abiut Bombay and in the Konkan it is known as the " Ghanas." In Guzerat Mosse says it is called " Chitar," and Fenton in the Dantra District " Khad chitra." " Khad, " according to the latter, signifies "grass" and "Chitar" or "Chitra" recalls to mind other native names for spotted creatures.!
In Sind I am told it is called " Koraile."
In Bano-al it is known as " Bora," " Chandra bora," " Uloo bora," i: Jessur," and " Siah chandra amaiter " according to Fayrer. " Bora " probably implies spotted.^ " Chandra " = moon, and refers as usual to the spots. " Uloo " is the name for " grass." The Burmese call it " Mwe bwe," meaning ringworm snake, its marks suggesting a skin disease.
Dimensions. — The largest specimen I have measured was a stuffed one in Trichinopoly 5 feet 3 inches in length. Lieut.-Colonel Fenton recorded one in this Journal^ 5 feet 4^ inches long, and Mr. Brook Fox§ two measuring 5 feet 6 inches each. This is the largest record known to me. Specimens exceeding 5 feet are exceptional.
Bodily configuration. — The girth is remarkable. I think this viper is of stouter build than any other Indian snake, and its capability of inflating itself under excitement, premonitory to its violent hiss, accentuates this peculiarity.
The head is flat, and broadens considerably posteriorly so as to make a moderate neck appear unduly small. A pronounced ridge (cant/ms rostralis) runs from the supercilium to the top of the snout. The eye is moderate in size, the iris golden, and the pupil vertical. The nostril
* Vol. I., p. 188.
t Blanford in his Fauna of British India, Mammalia, eives "Cbita" and "Chitra" as local n itive names for the hunting Leopard {Cynoelurus jubatus). Again he mentions native synonyms as •' Chital " and '■ Chitra " for the spotted deer (Cervus axis). " Chita " is also applied to the Leopard ( >elis pardus).
t I notice the spotted deer, according to Bknford, is called in Bengal " Boro khotiya ".
Tj Vol. XVI, page 173.
§ Vol. VIII, page 565.
4 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV1I1.
is remarkably large and open, larger than in any other Indian snake. The tail is relatively short, and unusually apparent, owing to the rapid decrease in girth which occurs about the region of the vent.
The whole snake is remarkably rough, owing to the pronounced ridges (keels) on its scales.
Colour. — The ground colour is brown of varying shades, most speci- mens being a sandy, or cocoatina tint. The markings vary much in detail and intensity as well as in hue. Sometimes they are so obscure as to attract little attention, and this is especially so just before desqua- mation. The sloughing process over however, the same snake may reveal a definition of adornment, and brilliancy of colour, which may renovate it as completely as a mess uniform transforms an officer when exchanged for his khaki. The head has a more or less distinct dark patch on each side behind, a dark streak sometimes picked out with white, pink, or buff, behind the eye, and a dark stripe from the eye to the lip. A conspicuous light line, sometimes white, buff, or pink, runs from above the gape, through the temporal region to the supercilium on to the ridge just referred to on the snout. These lines converge, and sometimes meet on the snout to form a V. The lips are white, whitish, or pink variegated with spots, specks, or streaks.
The dorsal adornment consists of a triple series of large ovate spots, forming a vertebral, and two costal necklaces or chains, hence the term " Chain viper." Davy remarks* : " In some specimens the marks are oval, and in some more pointed, and rather trapezoidal ; in others surrounded by a white margin ; in a fourth lightest in the middle." It is not infrequent to see some of these spots more or less confluent, in fact, it is rarely one sees a perfect rosary. The costal spots are frequently interrupted at their lower margins, and sometimes taper, reminding one of a balloon.f
Each spot may be of uniform colour throughout, but more often exhibits a light central zone, similar to the ground colour, which merges into a deep Lincoln-green, purple, or black, around which again may be seen a narrow zone of buff or pure white, the latter
* " An Account of the Interior of Ceylon," p. tf5.
\ Since writiug this I have seen a specimen sent to this Society by Mr. Kinloch from Kota<nri 15,700 ft.) in the Nilghiris in which the three series of spots are completely confluent into bands. The sinuous outlines of these bands indicate the number of spots, which how- ever are broadly blended, in the entire length of the snake. It is the only one I have seen so marked.
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 5
especially enhancing the beauty of the specimen, as may be judged from our plate. Mr. Millard tells me that about Bombay adult specimens do not have this white definition to the spots, and he is in- clined to regard it as a distinct variety. I have satisfied myself that specimens are to be met with in most parts, including Bombay, with and without this white adornment. To begin with, I found in some hatchlings of the same brood born in this Society's Museum, and preserved in spirit, some individuals with and some without the white delineament. Davy, already quoted, remarks that white margins, to the spots may or may not be evident in Ceylon specimens. In a mother I referred to in a note in this Journal* from Saugor, the spots had no light margins, though the single embryo had spots picked out with pale buff. Again, a specimen figured by Russellf obtained from Bombay has no suspicion of a light outline to the
spots.
The belly is white, whitish, or yellowish, with darkish semilunes distributed sparsely, and disposed at the margins of the ventrals, espe- cially in the fore body.
Identification. — Consideration must be given to the following points, all of which must coexist : —
(1) Head covered above with small scales throughout, similar
to those on the back.
(2) No aperture between the eye and the nostril.
(3) Subcaudals divided.
(4) No ridges on the ventrals.
(5) 3 series of large dorsal spots.
It may seem unnecessary to many to insist on this method of identi- fication. Many I know who consider themselves knowledgeable on snake matters, would take it as a reproach to their intelligence to suppose they cannot rely on colour and marks alone ; however I have known mis- takes occur, and very positive opinions expressed erroneously with regard to this species. More than one officer in China was very positive that they had captured Russell's viper in their camp at Shanghai, pub- lishing letters with some heat in the local paper when their opinions were repudiated. The specimen which I subsequently examined proved to be the common Chinese Viper (Ancistrodon blomhoffii). I have seen a young pvthon (molnrus) identified as a daboia, and failed to convince * Vol. XVJ, p. 374. f In ~. Serp., Vol. II, p ate XXXII.
6 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NA TUBAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI 11.
another positive gentleman of his mistake. The sandsnake TLryx conicus I have several times known taken for this viper, and, incredible as it may seem, the Burmese tree snake Dipmdomorphus multi- maculatus. This latter is a very slender little snake which has two series of ocelli, or ovate spots costally, these latter misleading its captor. Many specimens of Zamenis diadema are marked somewhat like the Dabo'a.
Habits, haunts. — It may be met with almost anywhere except, I believe, in dense jungle, but it prefers open country into which the sun can penetrate and shed its agreeable warmth. Here it lies by day amongst the vegetation, in lazy apathy, apparently oblivious to its surroundings, but never, however, relaxing a vigil, which has for its reward the capture of the incautious animal that chances to stray within reach. In the evening it bestirs itself, and roams abroad whilst darkness prevails.
Its movements are slow, and consistent with its corpulent habit. When disturbed it prefers usually to maintain its ground, and frequently will contest the right of way with heaving sides, and angry hiss. When it does retire, it does so in a leisurely manner befitting its dignity and figure.
Fayrer* remarks on the authority of his snakeman that it will take to water, and Halyt mentions one swimming in the middle of a back- water. These are exceptional instances. TennentJ says that it will climb trees, and I can confirm this as a rare event, having known one in a low hedge. Its ungainly proportions, however, do not favour scansorial achievements. It is no uncommon event to find it in close proximity to and even in habitations, and its partiality to a murine diet sufficiently explains such intrusions. I remember one captured in Rangoon beneath the steps of the Cantonment Magistrate's Court during the day, with crowds of natives all about. Bassett-Smith § mentions it as frequently coming into the precincts, and into the Naval Hospital at Trincomalee, and Tennent H says the Judge's house at this same station became so infested with this species, that the family had to quit.
Disposition. — No observer can speak with greater authority than
* Loc. cit., p. 15.
t First report on the collection of snakes in the Colombo Mneeum, 1886, p, 18.
% Loc. cit., p. 305.
§ Jour., Bom. Nat. Hist. Soo., Vol. XI, p. 546. f Loc. cit., p. 296.
Jonpn.B ombay N at. His t.S o c
Plate V.
P. Girhax-db del
oJ. Green Chpomo litK.
THE DABOIA, CHA1 N-VI PER ,Tl CPOLON GA , OR RUSSELlJS VIPER.
Vipera. pussellii. (poisonous).
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 7
Fayrer, and he says of tbe Daboia : " In confinement it is sluggish, and does not readily strike unless roused, and irritated, when it bites with great force, and determination. When disturbed it hisses fiercely, and when it strikes does so with much vigour/' This is entirely my own experience. It is a creature slow to wrath, contenting itself under moderate provocation, with a loud sustained and warning hiss, reminding one of a leaking foot-ball bladder. It will not strike till considerably irritated, when it hurls itself at the offending object with determined malice. I have known one spring with such a powerful muscular effort that I believe it actually left the ground in its endea- vour to strike me.
The hiss once heard is not easily forgotten ; no other snake emits such a volume of sound, to the production of which two factors contribute. Firstly the size of the lung which is developed to a degree commensu- rate with the remarkable body girth, and secondly the large size of the nostril, for it is through this aperture that the sound is produced.
In Bangalore I experimented with a large adult belonging to a snakecatcher. Among his stock in trade he carried the familiar gourd pipe used by this fraternity. This was sealed up in places with cobbler's wax which I removed, rendered pliable by heat, and packed into the Daboia's nostrils. This done the snake was unhanded, and irritated. It was then noticed that the lung expanded with difficulty, and very imperfectly, and hissing was no long feasible.
A good example of its disinclination to bite is related by Blanford* ; a friend of his once carrying one home under the belief that it was a python until undeceived by its biting, and killing one of his dogs. It made no attempt to bite or injure him, though apparently he did not take any precautions in his manner of handling it. Again Fayrer f says he always during his experiments had the greatest difficulty to get this snake to bite voluntarily. I can fully confirm this; frequently rats put in as food into its cage remain there alive and unmolested for days. In making these remarks, however, I think one must expect many exceptions to this attitude of indifference. Young specimens especially seem more on the alert, more easily alarmed, and are correspondingly more easily provoked to bite than many adults.
The bite is sometimes inflicted by a snap, the creature relaxing its hold
* Jourl., Asiat. Soc, Bengal, Vol. XXXIX, p. 874. t Thanatoph. Ind., p. 64.
8 JO VRNAL, BOMB A Y NA TURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI II.
at once. On the other hand it is not unusual for Russell's viper to bite, and maintain a tenacious grasp for many seconds. In the case of a gunner who succumbed to the bite of this snake at Thayetmyo (Burma) in 1862, Nicholson* mentions that it was with difficulty shaken off. Elliotf mentions a dog bitten by one, dragging the snake many yards before disengaging it, and one might quote many more similar experiences.
Poison apparatus. — The fangs. — These attain their maximum deve- lopment in this the largest of the Indian vipers. There may be a single one in each maxilla, or two fixed side by side. In a depression at its I) . >, and on the outer side, as many as 5 or 6 reserve fangs may be seen lying loosely in the mucous membrane, progressively diminishing in size from within outwards. When one of the fixed fangs is shed, the reserve fang best developed, and lying nearest to it, becomes cemented in a few days into the jaw.
The fang is tubular, being formed by the folding over of two lateral expansions of the tooth, which blend on its anterior face, in the major part of its length. A groove which is feebly discernible, but always present, marks the line of junction uf these two expansions. At its base the expansions fail to meet, and the impeifect blending is marked by an aperture. The canal terminates near the point of the tooth in a min ate opening.
The fangs in vipers are very mobile or to speak more correctly, the
maxillae are, for the fangs are fixed into these bones. Russell's viper, like other vipers, when it yawns, fre- quently rocks its maxillse forwards and backwards.
Glands. — These sacs compared with the cobra's are small, and present a corrugated appearance unlike the smooth retort-shaped glands of the cobra. Elliot J obtained 11 drops from the 2 glands of an adult. Wall 11
A.
B
. A. B. C.
Inner aspect of fang (life size^ the lower oririce of the canal is inclin- ed slightly inwards. Anterior aspect (Jife size) showing seam where the two edges have been welded. C. Tip (enlarged) showing lower orifice and point, closely resembling tip of hypodermic needle.
* Ind. Snakes, p. 140.
t Trans Brit. Med. Association, S. Ind. br. 189, p. 7.
J Loc. cit..p. 33.
f Indian Snake Poisons, p. 113.
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 9
(A. J.) mentions a supplementary gland in this viper, globular in form, which completely surrounds, and empties itself into the ducts draining the major sac.
Poison.— Physical qualities.— Lamb* tells us that this venom is clear, with a small quantity of undissolved material in suspension. Its reaction is acid. The taste resembles gum acacia. In drying it cracks into longitudinal fissures yielding needle-shaped fragments. The dried product retains its toxic properties indefinitely, and is reaaily soluble in water.
Ejects internally. — When swallowed, daboia venom has no more de- leterious effect on the system than cobra poison, but of course one must postulate a healthy and unbroken surface in the mouth, and further passages. Elliotf gave 11 drops to a goat, and a larger quantity to a dog without noticing any ill effects.
Toxicity. — As every one in this country is doubtless fully aware, Russell's viper ranks among our deadliest snakes. The action of its poison is so different from that of cobra venom, that one can hardly compare their relative degrees of virulence. The poison appears to be as fatal in the doses usually injected during a bite, but death, except experimentally, is not so rapidly produced in large animals including man. Russell saw a fowl die in 36 seconds, Fayrer a fowl in 34 seconds, and Millard a rat die in 35 seconds- Lamb, however, has shown that these cases of precipitate death are attributable to relatively very large doses, and that in the case of large animals the dose necessary to pro- duce such rapid death is larger than a Russell's viper could inject at one bite. A dog mentioned by Davy died 58 minutes after a bite in the leg. The dog Elliot saw succumb to a bite, died in less than 3 hours. Another dog which Traill saw bitten in four places died in 8 hours. The gunner referred to by Nicholson succumbed in 27 hours. In a case cited by Fayrer, an adult man died in 7 hours.
As in the case of other poisonous snakes it does not, however, in the least follow, that a serious bite will cause death if left untreated. There is abundant evidence to show that a percentage of cases, hard to determine, do not die even though the local injuries are such as to warrant the gravest apprehension. No more instructive record on
* Jour., Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc, Vol. XIV., p. 222.
f Loc. cit., p. 33.
2
10 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol.XVIll.
this score is to be found in snake literature than that quoted by Elliot*. He says: " I myself saw a large powerful daboia (3 feet 8 in. long) "strike fairly at a dog, hold it, shake it, and only let go when the dog " had fled yelping several yards, dragging the snake along the ground. " The part bitten was soft, and fleshy, the "bite was apparently a fair '' one, the glands of the snake when dissected, though emptier than " usual, both proved to contain poison. From one gland alone I " obtained more poison than another daboia emitted through a " leaf in a vigorous bite. Add to all this that there was a well marked " subcutaneous extravasation round the bite, and the case seems perfect, "..... though it became rather ill, did not die." " Eight " days later the same animal was fairly struck by a vicious daboia " (3 feet 4 in. long), the bite being almost instantaneous in its sbort- " ness, and this time the victim died in less than three hours."
Halyt mentions a bite from this snake, from which the man suffered no ill effects.
In a recent number of this Journal! Colonel Bannerman expresses the belief that the young daboia is not provided with poison in its earliest days, or at any rate that the poison if secreted is too weak to kill even small creatures. This does not accord with my own observa- tions, which convince me that they enter the world with a sufficiently abundant and active poison to thoroughly equip them in their struggle for existence. In confirmation of my own opinion I find that Dr. Shortt§ had a gravid daboia in captivity. On the production of its brood, a young one, measuring only %\ inches when 6 hours old, killed a young partridge weighing 9^ tolas in 10 seconds ! The failure of Colonel Bannerman's experiments must be attributed to the uncertainty of the effects of the bite already alluded to.
FuKher comments upon the poison of this snake are beyond the scope of this paper.
Food. — All my observations go to show that small mammals, and especially rats, constitute the main diet of the dciboia. but it is not so bigoted in gastronomic matters as to be disdainful of other fare. Mr. E. E. Green found one that had eaten a green lizard (Calotee
* Loc. ctt., pp. 7 »nd 36.
t First report on the Collection of Snakes in the Colombo Museum, 1886, p. 18.
J Vol XVII., p. 811.
§ Cyclopaedia of India, Vol. V., p. 433.
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 11
ophiomachus) as well as a rat. Major Evans knew one in captivity eat two frogs, and a specimen in captivity in the Madras Museum* ate during its incarceration 5 squirrels besides 27 rats, whilst the young ate 67 mice, 5 squirrels, 4 frogs and 2 small rats.
In captivity as a rule they refuse food,t and it is surprising how they can keep health and vigour after months of deprivation from food and drink. Davy J had a specimen he kept for 146 days without food, and then allowed to bite a fowl which succumbed in a few seconds. Fayrer§ had one which lived for a whole year without food or water, and it was " vigorous and venomous to the last." I know of no snake-eating tendencies in adults, but cannibalism seems a common offence among the young. Major Dawson writes to me that on one occasion when young daboias were born in the gardens at Trevandrum, " the young commencad to devour each other," and on another occasion in the same place " one of the young swallowed one of its fellows, and in about a quarter of an hour disgorged it," and both at the time of writing were alive, and well. Father Dreckmann, too, told me of a similar experience among a brood born in captivity ; he says " when I inspect- ed the young family one morning, I found one of its members dead, and another one missing, and on examining the dead one I found the missing one inside him."
Breeding. — The literature on this snake affords more records of breeding than any other snake, I might almost say than all other Indian snakes taken together.
In spite of Colonel Bannerman's opinions expressed in a recent article in this Journal, and already referred to by me here, I think there can be no question that the daboia is viviparous in habit.
I am of opinion that the word " egg " as applied to the offspring and their envelope by this observer is misleading. The term" egg " is, it is true, a very indefinite one, which strictly speaking might be applied even to the human infant born in a caul. Its use, however, is restricted, at any rate in the popular mind, to the female cell impreg- nated or otherwise contained within a maternal envelope of chitinous,
* Administration Report of Madras Govt. Mns., 1896-7.
t Mr. Spence, however, informs me that in his 7 years' experience in the Bombay Societ s rooni8 this snake has fed better than any other species. J Loc. cit., p 86. § Loc. cit., p. 15
12 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
coriaceous, or cretaceous material. At a certain stage of embryonic development in viviparous snakes, eggs in the sense just referred to are to be found within the mother, invested with a leathery covering- similar to that which is characteristic of the eggs in oviparous snakes. In viviparous snakes, however, the egg undergoes a metamorphosis never seen in the eggs of an ovipara. At a certain stage the leathery investment disappears, and the embryo as it approaches full term is found to be suspended in a limpid oily fluid, contained within a delicate, transparent sac, which I take to be the amnion, a foetal not a maternal structure. At this stage it appears to me to be exactly comparable to the condition of a human infant born in caul.
Even supposing that a snake discharges fertile ova, it by no means follows that it is to be considered oviparous. Emotional and other causes are known to operate upon many gravid animals so as to cause in some ca^es the premature discharge of the fruits of generation, and it is no unreasonable assumption to suppose that similar causes may operate in the same direction in snakes. That they are susceptible to nervous influences is certain, or how otherwise can one explain the disagreeable habit so frequently evinced by captured snakes even when quite unscathed, of disgorging the contents of their stomachs, even when the rejectamenta are so far digested as to be unrecog- nisable.
Period of gestation. — From one of Colonel Bannerman's interesting- domestic occurrences at Parel, it appears that the period from concep- tion to discharge of the young exceeds six months.
Breeding season. — From this last statement it appears that these vipers are mating in the cold months. This receives confirmation by a note of mine dated Cannanore 28th December 1903 : a male specimen was brought me said to have been in copula; the female escaped capture. In cold climates this implies that they, mate during the season of hibernation. This, if true, appears most remarkable for at this season a snake's vitalities are at their lowest ebb and not one would think favorable to the consummation of so important a function.
Fecundity. — It is a prolific snake producing sometimes more than 60 young at a time. Some mothers, however, are more modest in their estimate of matrimonial duty, contenting themselves with a family of less than 20. One recorded by me in this Journal contained but one
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 13
solitary foetus. I am inclined to think from observations on other snakes that the oldest mothers are the most fecund.
On two occasions at Trevandrum Major Dawson tells me that the mother died on the 3rd day after parturition, but this must be con- sidered a coincidence. It is certain that the mother usually survives the advent of her brood, and one may presume lives to produce others.
Genital organs. — The ovaries are long, and the follicles loosely strung together. In one mother 4 feet 9 inches in length the ovaries were 6^ inches long.
The male genitals are peculiar. The clasper on each side is bifid, a character I believe to be lound in all vipers. I have also observed the same condition in the sea-snakes, but not in any other colubrines. In a male 3 feet 7 inches in length, the main stem of each clasper was about half an inch long.
Hatchlings. — The young at birth vary from about 8-| to 11 inches. I very much suspect that the living embryos referred to by Stoliczka as 3 or 4 inches long* were not actually measured by him but their length guessed at.
The young usually rupture the sacs in which they are developed, before birth, that is, whilst still within the maternal abdomen. They then enter the world perfectly free. It is not unusual, however, for some or all of a brood to be born in cauls which they subsequently rupture. In a case alluded to by Mr. Phipson the hatchlings did not effect their escape till the day after deposition, a circumstance extremely remarkable, and to me inexplicable. Drowning would appear the inevitable consequence of any delay in such cases. According to Colonel Bannerman under these conditions the sac is split into 2 halves like a mussel shell. The young frequently cast their skins shortly after birth, often within a few hours. After birth they congre- gate, and lie together in a confused heap in captivity, but in nature very soon disperse. Their food is probably the same as adults. A young one I caught in Cannanore on a pot plant in a verandah, 10£ inches in length, had just swallowed a mouse.
I have collected 21 breeding notes from various sources which 1 append in tabular form.
* See accompanying schedule of breeding events.
14 JOURNAL, BOMBA Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
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16 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI 11.
Distribution. — Throughout the whole Indian Empire from Ceylon in the South to the Himalayas in the North. In the West it extends into Sind, and in the East to the furthest borders of Burma. Its dis- tribution within these limits is, however, capricious. Irrespective of moderate altitudes it is extremely common in certain parts whilst it is extremely rare or absent in others.
In some parts of the Punjab it is very abundant. Fayrer tells us that at Umritsar in 1866 as many as 471 specimens were brought in for rewards in a single day.
Mr. Millard tells me it is very common about Bombay. I found it so on the same coast at Cannanore, and Ferguson still further south at Travancore. Haly and Ferguson say the same as regards Ceylon, and Tennent and Bassett-Smith especially mention Trincomalee in that Island. I found it abundant about Trichinopoly, and in the Central Provinces. Judging from the plethora of local names for it in Bengal mentioned by Fayrer, Ewart, Richards, and others it is probably common in parts of that Province. I am inclined to think, however, it is chiefly so in the Eastern parts of Bengal.
In Burma, Theobald remarks on its abundance in the Tharrawaddy district, and about Rangoon, and I can fully confirm this statement. In some parts of Upper Burma, notably Mahlaing, Magwe, and Myo-thit, it is so abundant in the crops that the natives make themselves special grass shoes as a protection.
It is by no means confined to the plains, occurring plentifully in many upland regions, and has been met with up to 7,000 feet. From Ceylon I obtained specimens from Hakgalla (5,700 feet). Ferguson says it is not uncommon in the hills of Travancore. Mr. Henderson tells me. he met with it in the Nilgiris at 6,000 feet, and that it was fairly common in the Palneys at 7,000 feet. Father Gombert writes to me that it is common at certain seasons in the Palneys up to 6,300 feet. StohVzka records it from Kashmir up to 6,000 feet.
On the other hand Nicholson says it is rare in Mysore, Richards in Bengal, referring, I think, to the Western Parts. In two years in the United Provinces (Fyzabad) out of many hundreds of specimens of snakes I never saw one daboia. Colonel Pratt and Mr. Oakes, both for many years familiar with these Provinces, had never seen or heard of it except at Sitapur. About Delhi I never saw or heard of one, though I have good authority for stating that it is very common about
A POPULAR TREATISE ON INDIAN SNAKES. 17
Karnal. Murray says it is not common in Upper Sind, and Blanford makes a similar observation of South-Eastern Berar. Mr. Miller tells me that about Darjeeling he has only known one specimen in many years' residence, viz., from Kurseong (4,600 feet).
Description. — Head covered with small keeled scales similar to those on the back. Rostral. — As high or nearly as high as broad ; in contact with 6 shields, of which the nasals make much the longest sutures. Supraoculars well developed, not divided. JSasals. — In contact with the rostral and the 1st supralabial. These are com- plicated in structure, consisting of a single shield pierced by a large unusually patent nostril. A vertical pillar-shaped portion demarcates this orifice anteriorly. This pillar bifurcates above to receive the anterior extremity of a crescentic scale. Two fissures demarcate the nostril, one above and the other below, but neither extend to the margin of the shield. Supralabials 10 to 12, the 4th largest; separated from the eye by 2 or 3 series of subocular scales. Sublinguals. — One pair only, touching 4 or 5 infralabials. Infralabials 5. The 5th largest, and in contact with 2 scales behind. Scales. — Two heads lengths behind the head usually 25 or 27 ; midbody 29 to 31 (rarely 33) ; two heads lengths before vent usually 21 to 23. Keels present on all the head-scales, and all rows of body scales even to the tip of the tail. In the last costal row they are oblique and less pronounced than in other rows. Ventrals. — 153 to 176, very broad, rounded, not ridged. Anal entire. Subcaudals 41 to 64, all divided.
Our plate is in every particular excellent, and is the work of Mr. Gerhard t.
(To be continued.)
18
THE 'SHOT-BORERS' OF BAMBOOS AND WOOD-BORERS
OF PINUS LONGIFOLIA.
By
e. p. stebbing, l.r.s., f.r.s., f.z.s., f.e.s.
In Volume XVII, p. 526 of our Journal, Mr. Norman F. T. Troup asked some questions relative to the attacks of bamboos by the ' shot- borer' beetles and the riddling of the wood of Pinus longifolia by the same or similar species of beetles.
Mr. Troup draws attention to the fact that the inhabitants of Kumaun hold that the bamboos and trees are only attacked by the borers if they have been felled during the period of the month when the nights are lit by the moon's radiance, and that, if fellings take place in that portion of the month during which the nights are dark, the bam- boos and timber will remain unaffected.
That such an opinion is held by natives in many parts of India, as far as the immunity of bamboos is concerned, I am well aware. I have collected together the information extant on the subject and published a paper in the Indian Forester (Vol. XXXII, p. 534) entitled ' The effect of the moon's phases on the period of felling bamboos,' a copy of which I attach to this note.
The two common 'shot' borers of the bamboo are species of Dino- derus, D. pilifrons and I), minutus, both members of the family of beetles known as the Bostrychidce.
Mr. Troup's remarks concerning the borers attacking the Pinus longifolia are of very considerable interest, as during a tour in Jaunsar and up the Tons Valley in the North-West Himalaya made in September- November of last year (1906), I carried out a series of preliminary in- vestigations into the life histories of some of the Pinus longifolia bark and wood-borers. These beetles, for they are all coleoptera, are in no way related to the Bamboo Dinoderus beetles ; they belong to a very different family, the Scolytidoe, a family which contains some of the most pernicious pests to trees known to science. The worst amongst them are-two bark-boring beetles, i.e., beetles which oviposit in the green bast layer or inner layer of the bark. These consist of a new species of Tomicus, which 1 have named Tomkus longifolia, and a species of Polygraphus as yet. unnamed. The life histories of these insects I have partially worked out. It will not be necessary, however,
THE 'SHOT-BORERS' OF BAMBOOS AND WOOD-BORERS. 19
to allude to them further here, since they do not come within the province of* Mr. Troup's queries.
The wood-borers belong to that curious family of beetles known as the Platypodce. These insects have been held by many scientists to be a sub-family of'the Scolytidce — more, I think I am right in saying, from a want of knowledge of the habits or of a real study of the species known than from any other reason. They differ from true Scolytidce very con-
ERRATUM.
Mr. E. P. Stebbixg has drawn our attention to the mistake in the letters — L.R.S., F.B.>S. which appeared after his name in the title of his paper on " The Shot-borers of Bamboos and Wood- borers of Plans longifolia" at page 18 of the last Journal —(No. 1, XVIII).
These letters were due to a printer's error and should have
been I.F.S., F.L.S.
EDITORS.
standing sickly trees. The object of the attack is to enable the beetle to lay its eggs down in the heart wood of the tree. To do this the insect bores straight through the bark into the sap wood, carrying its tunnel for an inch or so into this latter before going off at an anole; from this point onwards the gallery may have several sharp zigzags in it. When completed, or nearly complete, a male and female beetle will be found in the tunnel, which is kept entirely free of wood dust, this latter being pushed up and ejected on the outer surface of the wood or bark. As many as 20-30 eggs are laid by the beetle and from them hatch out minute white dots, the size of pins' heads, which ultimately grow into small elongate larvse with yellowish heads. They do not feed on the wood, but on a kind of fungus with which the tunnel bored by the beetles is lined : from this habit they have been given the name of " Ambrosia " feeders. The life cvcle of this beetle is about 6 week»
20 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
from egg to beetle, in the ease of the autumn generation. Eggs laid about the 1st to 2nd week of October hatch out within a couple of days or so, and the larvae are full grown by the end of the month or 1st week in November. The pupal stage is about two weeks and the mature beetles issue about the 3rd week of the month should the weather prove favourable. I have not been able to work out the com- plete number of life cycles passed through in the year, but I am of opinion it will be found to be four or five. The first eggs of the year are laid about the middle of April, mature beetles from these issuing at the beginning of June ; this is the first generation of the year. The beetles of the second generation appear somewhere about the middle of July, those of the third at the end of August, whilst a fourth lot appear to oviposit in the second week of October. Should the year be a favourable one — I mean by this should the autumn be a dry and warm one and the winter set in late — a fifth lot of beetles may develop towards the end of November and hibernate as such through the winter. Should the year be unfavourable, the insect probably hibernates for the winter in the larval stage at the bottom of the tunnels in the wood.
Such is the life history of this pest as far as it has at present been worked out. As I have said, it only attacks the wood when fresh. In no instance have I found the insect alive in dry timber. I gather from Mr. Troup's note that he is alluding to green as opposed to dry wood.
As to Mr. Troup's query as to why the insects only attack trees or timber which have been felled during the period of moonlight, I will reply with the question, is this true in the case of P. longifolia ? The mere fact of my not having heard of this opinion in connexion with the long-leaved pine is not. meant to throw a doubt on any statement of Mr. Troup's or any observations he mav have made. In dealing with scientific questions one may be pardoned, I trust, for asking for the proofs. Mr. Troup will see in my paper on the subject in connexion with bamboos that I have suggested a series of experiments being made with the idea of settling once and for all the truth or otherwise of the native idea about this period of felling. If Mr. Troup would — should he be in a position to do so — commence a series of experiments with bamboos, ringals and Pinus longifolia and would let me have the results of his observ.tions I should be under a deep obligation to him.
Now that the matter has been opened in the Bombay Natural History Society's Journal and in the Indian Forester, I trust it will not be
THE 'SHOT-BORERS' OF BAMBOOS AND WOOD-BORERS. 21
allowed to drop until we have arrived at a definite opinion for or against what has been often termed a mere native superstition. Should the ' superstition' turn out to be based on actual facts, we shall be on more solid ground than at present in endeavouring to explain the reasons of this peculiarity and of turning it to practical account.
THE EFFECT OF THE MOON'S PHAGES ON THE PERIOD OF FELLING BAMBOOS.
SY E. P. STEBBING.
(From " The Indian Forester" Vol. XXX 11, November, page 534.)
It has been a matter of common knowledge for some decades past amongst those who have had any connexion with the cutting and export of bamboos in India, and to a certain extent of poles as well, that the natives have long held a superstition that neither the one nor the other should be felled when the moon is full ; they argue that the sap is then very abundant, and unless the bamboos are well soaked in a tank and subsequently preserved with plenty of smoke they will be rapidly destroyed by boring insects (coo(ee'). The most serious of these pests are the bostrichid beetles, Dinoderus pilifrons and D. minutm.9 This curious theory is held so commonly throughout tho country that I have been for some years past endeavouring to ascertain the causes which have given rise to it, the reasons upon which it is based, and whether any scientific facts can be adduced in its favour.
One of the explanations put forward is to the effect that the cootee. like many other wood-boring insects, prefers to lay its eggs in wood which has commenced to wither and which consequently no longer has a healthy flow of sap to interfere with the insect in its burrow This being so, the time im- mediately after the bamboo is cut down would be the most likely one for it to be attacked.
It seems to be a generally received idea that soaking bamboos, as also other timber, in water for a considerable time immediately after it has been felled, makes it less liable than it would otherwise be to suffer from boring beetles of all kinds. It is supposed that not only does the water prevent the beetles laying their eggs during the time the wood is immersed in it, but that it also drowns insects already at work, and dissolves much of the nutritive matter on which they otherwise feed.
That bamboos, once sickly and dying or dead, suffer largely from the attacks of beetles, must be obvious to the most superficial observer who glances over a bamboo clump, or examines furniture, houses, fences, etc., built entirely or partially of bamboos. We are not here concerned, however, with this aspect of the question ; our purpose being to discuss the information at present
* Vide my Notes on the Preservation of Bamboos from 1 he attacks of the Bamboo Beetles or Shot-Borer. Indian Forester, App. Series (1903). Ibid XXXI, 249.
22 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NA TURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
available as to the effect the felling of bamboos and posts at different phases of the moon has upon their subsequent immunity or otherwise to the attacks of boring pests.
In their Forest Proceedings * the Marlras Board suggested in 1898 that in- vestigations should be carried out in this subject, and the experiments initiated as a result, although made in a few divisions in Madras only and in a manner which leaves room for improvement, are of very considerable interest as serving to show that the so-termed superstition of the natives of the country has perhaps some substiatum of solid fact to rest upon.
Before detailing the various experiments made in this country I will first refer to a paper read by Ernest R. Woakes before the American Institute of Mining Engineers f in which the author stated that in South America (Columbia) not only bamboos but all trees are felled during the waning moon only and not during its increasing phases. It would appear that in that country the effect of the moon's phases is treated as an accepted fact. Mr. Woakes states from his own experience that he has often seen the sap running out of stumps during the increasing moon which were absolutely dry during the waning moon.
In a letter J on the subject Mr. A. W. Peet, Acting Conservator of Forests, Central Circle, Madras Presidency, made the following remarks in 1899: —
' As regards bamboos I expect that the question of durability depends to a great extent on the question of sap, but the problem seems to be complicated by the doubt whether we are to reckon with the effect of the moon's phases, as well as with the period of the year at which they are felled. I doubt if even the borer can subsist without tbe elements of the sap on which to feed, and the principle of soaking bamboos is, I think, useful, chiefly because it tends to dissolve the fermenting constituents. Heating and smoking bamboos are additional precautions generally adopted.
' The point, however, which I wish to emphasise here is whether we should not primarily consider the period of the year at which bamboos are felled, and only secondarily the period of the month. There seem good grounds for paying attention to the latter, if we can only determine definitely the number of days in a month in which bamboos can be felled with confidence, and I will revert to this point. However, I think that, unless strong evidence is adduced to the contrary, we shall treat bamboos like other vegetation and assume that the period when %the sap is most vigorous, and therefore the fear of fermentation most pronounced, is in the spring, and that this season should be avoided for felling if durability is of importance ; and it may even be a question whether the root stocks will not be more injured during this period.
* Board's Resolution. Forest, No. 255, d»ted 24th June 1898. t This paper was reprinted in the T/opical Agriculturist for October 1899. X No. 454, dated Madras, 25th October 1899, to the Commissioners of Land Revenue, Madras.
THE 'SHOT-BORERS' OF BAMBOOS AND WOOD-BORERS. 23
' In order to test this presumption I lately questioned a bamboo contractor without giving him any leading question, and he told me that he believed that there was something in the waning moon theory, but that he had come to the clear conclusion that bamboos felled during March and up to the end of July had less durability than those felled during the other months of the year.
' As regards the phases of the moon, a hill man told me that he considered that bamboos might be felled safely during the seven days before new moon and the seven days after ; but on being pressed as to what he considered absolutely as the best period he said during the seven days before. His theory of the seven days after would seem to conflict with Mr. Woakes' theory.'
The experiments carried out in Madras, although they cannot be considered to have been as definite as is desirable, are still of very considerable interest. They were initiated in four separate localities, viz., the Nilgiris, North Coim- batore, South Coimbatore and South Malabar, and the following summarises the observations made.
Nilgikis,
SOth June 1899.
Bamboos were cut in all the ranges except Ootacamund a few days before and a few days after new moon and full moon and kept separate from each other. Some were smoked and others were soaked in water. It was found that bamboos cut on dark nights and immediately soaked or smoked for a period of two months were not attacked by the borers. From the experiments conducted in the various ranges it was observed that bamboos felled during moonlight nights were more severely attacked than those felled during dark ones. That soaked bamboos fared much better than unsoaked ones. As a result of the experiments the recommendation was made that as soon as felled, the bamboos should be fully immersed in water for some time or properly smok- ed in a shed, or otherwise they were liable to be attacked by the borers.
As I have shown, however, in my previous papers on the preservation of bamboos from the borers, neither immersion in water nor smoking are to be depended upon as safe preventives.
North Coimbatoee, 24th A ugustl 899.
A series of experiments were conducted in the Satyamangalam Depot at the foot of the Ootacamund Hills. During each week of the month one head load of 25 bamboos of two kinds (dry solid bamboos known as ' Karanai ' and green hollow bamboos known as ' Varar ') were set aside and marked. It was observed that dry bamboos appeared to withstand the attacks of the borers better than the green. In every case the insects attacked the bamboos in the inside of the bundle first, i.e., those not exposed to light. This is a general rule amongst these boring beetles who very generally, although by no means always, attack in the shade in preference to strong light.
As a result of the experiments conducted here it was held that the phases of the moon had no effect on the felling season. It was noted, however, that
24 JO URNAL, BOMB A Y MA TURA L HISTOR Y SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
bamboos exposed to light and air are less liable to attack than those not so exposed.
South Coimbatore, 18th February 1899 and ls« November 1899.
A series of experiments were made on two occasions at Mount Stuart, one from the 2nd August to 1st September 1898, and the 2nd from the 10th March to 12th April. On each occasion 10 large bamboos (Bambusa arundinacea') and 10 small (Dendrocalamus strictus) were cut daily. Each bundle of 10 was labelled aad the bundles were all laid out in a row. Those cut on the first occasion were examined one by one on 2nd February 1899, with the result that the influence of the different phases of the moon did not appear to have any bearing upon the presence or absence of the borers. On the 2nd occasion one- half of the length of each bundle was covered with mats, the other being left uncovered. This was done in order to observe the effect of shade as a pro- tective influence or otherwise to the bamboos. The bamboos so treated were examined at the beginning of October. It was found that the portions cf the bamboos covered over by the mats had double the number of boring insects at work in them than were to be found in the uncovered portions. Thus the insects atta <k bamboos stacked in the shade twice as heavily as those stacked under the full rays of the sun.
The following were the percentages of attack observed in the case of the two species of bamboos experimented with : —
Bamboo.
Percentage attacked
by borers ■ n the
fit si occasion.
Percentage attacked by b re s <>n the second occasicn.
Bambusa arundinacea...
Dendrocalamus strictus
34*33
41'66
It will be noted from the above that the percentage of attack in the case of Bambusa arundinacea varies considerably, being much higher in the case of the bamboos cut in August than in the case of those cut in March-April. In the case of Dendrocalamus strictus, however, the percentage of attack differs but little, the increase inclining to those cut in the spring months of the year. To be conclusive, further experiments with a larger number of bamboos should be carried out in this Division.
South Malabar,
Uh October 1899.
A series of experiments were made from 2nd August 1898 to 7th April 1899, both at the full m< on and new moon periods. On each occasion a bundle of 25 bamboos was soaked in mud and water, while a second bundle was merely stacked. The experiments seemed to show that neither the soaking nor
THE ' SHOT-BORERS' OF BAMBOOS AND WOOD-BORERS. 25
felling at any particular phase of the moon had any marked effect in pre- serving the bamboos from the attacks of the borers. It was noted, however, that the bamboos felled during the months of January February and March were not attacked by the borers, stacked bamboos felled at other periods being invariably attacked.
The above summarises the experiments as far as they appear to have been carried in Madras. They support and confirm observations of my own on two points : —
(«/) That the cold weather months are the best ones in which to fell, although felling at this season does not guarantee immunity to the bamboos from the attacks of the borers.
(6) 1 hat bamboos stacked in the shade, or covered up in such a manner as still to allow of the beetles getting at them, will be more severely attacked than those stacked in the open.
The question as to the best time in the month to fell requires a more detniled series of experiments to be carried out before we can finally say that the belief so commonly held in India is a mere superstition. It will be noted that in the Madras experiments the bamboos kept under observation were either stacked together or the bundles were placed in rows adjacent to one another. Now this procedure greatly detracted from the value of the experiments carried out, since it is possible, if not probable, that the bamboos cut at a certain period of the moon's phase first attracted the beetles which, appearing in numbers too great to find accommodation in the bamboos in the condition they preferred, overflowed on to and attacked neighbouring bundles which otherwise might have escaped. If the experiments are to be reliable, it is necessary to cut bamboos at different periods in the month from the same clump or forest and to stack the lots cut on different dates at considerable distances apart, so that the danger of the lot in the condition preferred by the beetles attracting the insects to the ">ther will cease to exist.
A study of my note on the life-history of these insects will show that the beetles do not appear on the wing in December and January, at least in the more southern portion of the Continent, and for an even longer interval in the northern portions. This therefore accounts to so.me extent for the immu- nity of bamboos from attack at this period.
In order to settle the question of the effect of the phases of the moon on the period of felling, I would ask those interested in the subject to initiate a series of experiments as follows : —
(a) Bundles of bamboos to be cut weekly, each week's felling to be numbered and stacked separately as far apart as possible (at least a mile).
(b) The phase of the moon at the period of felling to be accurately noted.
(c) Particulars as to locality, elevation, etc., to be noted for each bundle cut.
(d) The bundles to be inspected weekly and rough notes as to the percentage of each bamboo attacked to be noted down for each week.
(e) The species of bamboo experimented with to be accurately noted. 4
26 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol.XVlIl.
( / ) My own theory at present is that bamboos felled during November and the first half of December and immediately piled or stacked in the sun will not be attacked by the borers. I should like a verification of this by experiments carried out in different parts of the country.
It would lay me under a deep obligation if all who institute such experiments would forward me5 a copy of their notes and observations, together with the deductions they draw therefrom.
* To Dehra Dun, United Provinces.
27
THE MOT as OF INDIA.
SUPPLEMENTARY PAPER TO THE VOLUMES IN
" THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA."
SERIES III, PART IX.
By
Sir George Hampson, Bart., f.z.s., f.e.s.
(Continued from page 677 of Vol. XVZI.)
( With a Plate.) Uraniad^e.
3045. a. Epiplema polei, n.sp. (Plate E., f. 1).
White, f rous brownish above , thorax slightly irrorated with brown ; abdomen dorsally tinged with brown. Forewing faintly tinged with brown and sparsely striated with dark brown, some blackish points on eosta ; a strong medial blackish line very oblique from costa to lower angle of cell, then inwardly obliqne, often interrupted in places and with brown suffusion beyond the cell and on inner area between it and the postmedial line which is slightly excurved below costa and incurved at middle and below vein 3, interrupted in places ; two subterminal black points below apex and a dark brown line from vein 6 to termen at vein 3 with more or less brown suffusion on each side of it ; a more or less developed diffused brown mark at tornus. Hindwing sparsely striated with dark brown, the inner margin with more prominent striai ; some fuscous irroration between lower angle of cell and termen ; antemedial line extremely oblique from costa to lower angle of cell where it is acutely angled, then sinuous to inner margin ; a black discoidal point ; postmedial line oblique from costa to median nervules where it is excurved, then slightly sinuous to inner margin, some dark suffusion before it at costa and a diffused spot at apex ; a brown line just before termen between the tails at veins 7 and 4 to which it is bent outwards ; a brown spot on termen below the lower tail.
Habitat. — Hong Kong (J. J. Walker) ; Ceylon, N. C. Province, Puttalam (Pole). Exp. $ 20, 9 24 mill. Type in B. M. Named after Mr. J. Pole who has done so much in working up the Moths of Ceylon.
3053. a. Epiplema suBFLAViDA,Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii, p. 553 (1906) (Plate E., f . 2).
$. Head and thorax grey brown ; palpi and frons black ; abdomen greyish fuscous ; pectus, legs and ventral surface of abdomen ochreou9. Forewing grey-brown with indistinct dark striae ; an antemedial rufous spot in cell and blackish point below it ; a curved rufous postmedial line from costa to vein 4 and a conical fuscous patch on inner margin with black on its outer edge ; a fine black subterminal line slightly excurved from vein 7 to 5 then oblique to near termen at vein 3 and with some rufous on its outer edge ; some fuscous suffusion near tornus ; cilia pale at tips. Hindwing grey-brown with black stria? on costa and inner half ; a subbasal brown line from cell to inner margin ; a v-shaped rufous mark at end of cell ; postmedial line dark
28 JOUIINA L, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV1I1.
brown defined by whitish on outer side and with a red-brown band on its inner side from vnin 3 to inner margin, strongly excurved at middle and with some leaden suffusion beyond it followed by a rufous line obliquely incurved from vein '5 to inner side of the subterminal black line which is irregularly sinuous from the upper tail to termen at vein 2, intersected by an ochreous streak at vein 5 and with stieaks beyond it on veins 4*3 ; cilia rufous ; underside yellow-buff with some dark stria? towards apex.
9 Mora rufous and less suffused with leaden grey.
Habitat. — Japan ; N. Kanaka, Karwar ; Ceylon, Kandy ; Singapore ; Pdlo Laut ; Java. Exp. $ 24, 9 28 mill.
3059. a. Epiplema ENTHKARlA.Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii, p 283 (1906).
Head and thorax white ; palpi brownish at base and black at tips ; antenna? brownish, the shaft with black points above ; vertex of head with some brown ; forelegs marked with black ; abdomen white irrorated with brown. Forewing white, the costal area striated with brown and the rest of wing with a few brown stria? ; a more or less developed curved orange postmedial band from below costa to letter angle of cell towards which it expands, edged with fuscous and with a blackish spot on inner edge ; a slight orange spot below costa towards apex ; a subterminal diffused fuscous patch between vein 6 and submediau fold almost touching the lower part of postmedial band usually present. Hindwing white with large orange patch on terminal half between vein 5 and tornus, its middle clouded and striated with black, its inner edge waved, its upper edge emitting an oblique v-shaped mark towards costa and its outer angled marks to the tails at veins 6 and 4, the latter with a black point below it ; the termen with some white between the tails and towards tornus.
Habitat. — Sikuim ; Bhutan ; Assam, Khasis. Exp. 20 mill.
3064. a. Dirades nuuila, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 3.)
$ . Pale reddish brown ; head blackish wiih white band between antennae. Forewing sparsely irrorated and striated with black; some fuscous suffusion on medial area from cell to inner margin ; an indistinct postmedial line excurved from costa to vein 4, then incurved ; some minute black subterminal points from apex to vein 4 ; termen tinged with fuscous. Hindwing darker red-brown especially towards termen, irrorated with a few black scales ; an indistinct curved postmedial line.
Habitat— Ceylon, Uva 6,000' (Alston). Exp. 34 mill. Type in B. M.
3067. a. Dirades erosioides, Wlk., xxvii, 21 (1863).
Dirades kohistaria, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), vi, p. 307.
£. Head blackish ; the base of shaft of antenna? and a band between them pure white ; thorax grey and fuscous ; abdomen yellowish, the dorsal area blackish at base, then suffused with fuscous. Forewing grey, thickly irrorated and striated with fuscous, the costal area suffused with fuscous ; a more or less indistinct oblique rufous striga from middle of inner margin ; postmedial line tinged with rufous especially on inner half where it is double, oblique from costa to vein 4 where it is excurved and has a small black spot on it,
THE MOTHS OF INDIA,
29
then incurved and ending at tornus ; a series of small black points near termen ; cilia rufous. Hindwing creamy yellow ; the base blackish ; some rufous in cell ; the submedian interspace tinged with brownis-h, striated with black and crossed by traces of a postmedial line with rufous patch before it ; the inner margin striated with black ; the apex tinged with rufous ; some black points on termen and a striga in submedian interspace.
9. Hindwing grey thickly striated with black ; a curved diffused brownish antemedial band ; postmedial line double filled in with tufous aid with some black suffusion before it, oblique from costa to vein 4 where it is angled out- wards, then sinuous, the area beyond it suffused with black towards costa; a terminal series of small black and grey lunules between veins 7 and 1.
Habitat. — Ceylon, Maskeliya ; Andamans, Port Blair; Borneo, Sarawak. Exp. $ 24-26, $ 24-30 mill.
3068a. Dir^des fonebkis, n. sp.
$ . Head and thorax fuscous brown tinged with greyish ; frons whitish ; ab3omen grey tinged with brown and irrorated with black. Forewiug grayish suffused with brown and thickly irrorated with black to the post- medial line, the terminal area much paler and slightly irrorated with black ; the 1st line medial, indistinct, diffused, black, oblique from costa to lower angle of cell, then inwardly oblique, postmedial line diffused, black, oblique from costa to vein 8, excurved to vein 4, then incurved ; traces of a diffused subterminal line. Hindwing greyish suffused with brown and irrorated with f u-cous ; two indistinct diffused black antemedial lines from cell to inner margin ; diffused curved black medial and postmedial narrow bands ; the terminal area more strongly suffused with brown and with traces of a diffused subterniinal band • a terminal series of slight black lunules ; the underside brownish white slightly irrorated and striated with black.
Habitat. — Bombay. Exp. 28 mill. Type in B. M.
GEOMETRIDjE. BOARMIANVE.
3082. Urapteryx ebuleata, subsp. palniensin, nov.
£ . Bright primrose yellow ; fore and hindwings with the band fulvous ; cilia bright fulvous ; hindwing with scarlet centre to lower spot at base of tail. Habitat.— Madras, Palni Hills 7000' (Campbell). Exp. 58 mill.
Genus, Tristophis. Type.
Tristophis, Butl. Journ. Linn. Soc. Zool , xvii, p. 199 (1883) veneris.
Proboscis fully develop- ed ; palpi porrect not reach- ing beyond the frons which is smooth, rounded; antennas of male laminate ; head and thorax clothed with hair and without crests ; hind tibiae with two pairs of
Tristophis veneris $ \.
30 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NA TURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
spurs, in male dilated with fold and tuft of hair ; abdomen without crests. Pore wing triangular, the apex rounded, the termen evenly curved ; vein 3 from close to angle of cell; 5 from middle of discocellulars ; 6 from ujper angle; 7"89 stalked ; 10*11 stalked anastomosing slightly with 12. Hindwing with the termen slightly waved and produced to a short tail at vein 4 ; vein 3 from close to angle of cell ; 5 absent ; 6 "7 shortly stalked ; 8 approximated to the cell to middle.
3091. a. Tristophis veneris, Butl. A. M. N. H. \b), 1, p. 392 (1878) j id. 111. Het. B. M. iii, p. 29, pi. 48, f. 1.
White ; antennae fuscous ; fore and mid legs tinged with fuscous. Forewing with the costal edge fuscous at base ; a very oblique, slightly incurved brown band from costa before middle to middle of inner margin ; an oblique brown discoidal bar ; a brown postmedial band, somewhat incurved oblique and expanding below vein 4 ; an oblique subterminal band narrowing to inner margin ; a fine brown terminal line ; cilia orange at base, with brown medial line and whitish tips. Hindwing with brown discoidal point ; a postmedial series of small brown spots, obliquely curved from costa to vein 4, then incurved and forming a band ; a subterminal luuulate orange band, brownish at costa and towards tornus, expanding to near termen at middle, with black subterminal lunules on it above and below vein 4 and slight striga above vein 6 ; cilia orange, whitish at tips ; the underside with the discoidal and postmedial spots larger, the subterminal band brown except at middle.
Habitat. — Japan ; Assam, Jaintia Hills. Exp. 40 mill.
3154. a. Hypochrosis hypoleuca, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 4).
Forewing with vein 10 from 11 anatomising with 8#9.
ft . Head brown ; thorax bright green ; pectus and legs whitish tinged with brown ; abdomen green, the penultimate segment with white terminal line, the terminal segment with black line, anal tuft and ventral surface ochreous white. Forewing yellow-green sparsely irrorated with black points and striae, the costal edge fuscous brown ; an elliptical black postmedial spot between veins 2 and 1. Hindwing yellow-green sparsely irrorated with black points and strife, the inner margin narrowly white to beyond middle where there is a black striga from the margin. Underside of both wings greenish white with slight dark striae.
Habitat.— Madras, Palni Hills (Campbell). Exp. 36 mill. Type in B.M.
3178. b. Heterolocha lunilinea, n. sp.
$ . Head and thorax yellow ; palpi rufous ; frons tinged with rufous ; legs rufous ; abdomen yellow. Forewing greenish yellow faintly striated with brown and with minute brown streaks on costa ; a maculate antemedial red-brown band, bent outwards below costa, then oblique ; an oblique bar- shaped discoidal spot ; an oblique maculate red-brown band interrupted in places from just below apex to inner margin beyond middle ; cilia pale rufous. Hindwing pale ochreous sparsely irroratedjWith small brown spots and
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 31
strise ; a purple-brown maculate band from costa just before apex to inner margin beyond middle ; cilia pale rufous ; the underside bright yellow irro- rated with red-brown points, the postmedial band more prominent, a small discoidal spot.
Habitat— Sikhim Tibet, Yatung (Hobson). Exp. 40 mill. Type in B. M.
3183. b. L.OXASP1LATES ATRISQUAMATA, 11. Sp.
9 . Head and thorax yellow ; palpi except at tips and sides of frons black ; tegulse with dorsal black patch, outer edge of patagia black; meso and metathorax with paired black spots ; legs tinged with brown ; abdomen yellow- ish white irrorated with black. Forewing yellow thickly irrorated with small black spots ; small antemedial black spots on costa, median nervure and vein I ; a discoidal spot ; an oblique postmedial series of small dentate black spots somewhat incurved below costa and excurved at middle ; a diffused whitish subterminal band with series of dentate black spots on its outer edge, incurved between veins 6 and 4 ; a terminal series of small black spots. Hind wing yellowish white irrorated with fuscous ; a terminal series of black points ; the underside more prominently irrorated with fuscous points, a small discoidal spot and traces of an oblique postmedial line.
Habitat. — Sikhim Tibet, Yatong (Bingham Hobson). Exp. 38-44 mill. Type in B. M.
3226. c. Zamakada tenuimargo, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii, p. 379 (1906).
£. Head pale reddish brown ; thorax and abdomen brownish white. Fore- wing semihyaline green ; the costa red-brown with darker irroration ; a narrow terminal red-brown band edged by a fine dark line on innerside, ex- panding somewhat from apex to vein 4 and at tornus ; a black discoidal point. Hindwing semihyaline green ; a black discoidal point ; a narrow sinuous red- brown terminal band with fine dark line on its inner edge. Habitat. — Assam, Khasis. Exp. 30 mill.
3271. Hyposidra megaspila insert H. circumflexaria, Koll. Hugel's, Kashmir, iv, p. 485 (1842), which has precedence. 3278. a. Hytpephyra cyanosticta, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 42). $ . Head and thorax dark red-brown and black irrorated with silvery blue ; basal joint of antennae white above ; abdomen whitish tinged with brown and with slight brown and silvery blue dorsal crests. Forewing with the basal area black-brown irrorated with silvery blue, its outer edge obliquely curved ; the medial area ochreous white irrorated with silvery white and slightly striated with brown ; a reddish discoidal spot ; postmedial points on veins 4, 2 and 1 ; a blackish triangular patch on costa beyond middle irrorated with silvery blue ; terminal area red-brown and blackish leaving the apex whitish and with a waved silvery subterminal line on it. Hindwing ochreous white thickly striated with brown and suffused with red-brown towards termen ; a waved silvery subterminal line. Underside yellow striated with fuscous ; fore- wing with discoidal spot, the terminal area fuscous with yellow patch at
32 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NA TURAL H1ST0R Y SOCIETY, Vol. XV 111.
apex and spot below vein 4 ; hindwing with oblique maculate medial line and sinuous subterminal line dilated into a triangular patch on costa.
9. Abdomen and pale areas of fore and hindwing suffused with purplish fuscous ; forewing with the discoidal spot fulvous.
Habitat.— TraVancore, Pirmad (R. S. Imray). Exp. 44 mill. Type in B. M.
3316. a. Crocalus fuscilinea, n. sp.
$. Pale ochreous yellow ; tibiae and tarsi tinged. with brown. Forewing sparsely irrorated and striated with brown ; a fine fuscous antemedial line very slightly angled ou median nervure, then oblique ; a small spot at upper angie of cell ; an oblique fuscous postmedial line, diffused on inner side and slightly incurved below vein 4 ; cilia with a faint rufous tinge from apex to the angle at vein 4. Hindwing sparsely irrorated and striated with brown ; a slightly sinuous fuscous postmedial line diffused on inner side ; the underside with the line minutely waved.
Habitat.— Kashmir, Nubra (MoArthor). Exp. 38 mill.
3332. Heteromiza cruentaria, insert (syn) Mimomiza flavescens, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii, p. 284 (1906), for the yellow form.
3332. b. Heteromiza obliquaria, Leech, A. M. N.H. (6),xix, p. 182(1897).
Antennae of male ciliated ; mid tibiae not dilated ; forewing with veins 10*11 from cell, 11 anastomosing with 12.
Pale reddish brown suffused with grey and irrorated with fuscous ; palpi and frons bright rufous ; pectus, legs and ventral surface of abdomen fiery orange. Forewing striated with fuscons ; antemedial line acutely angled outwards below costa, then very oblique ; postmedial line strong, rufous, tinged with olive brown, very acutely angled outwards to below apex and met by an oblique streak from apex with some white above it, then very oblique . cilia dark rufous. Hindwing irrorated and striated with fuscous ; a strong oblique medial ol ve brown line defiDed by greyish on outer side ; an indistinct curved postmedial line ; cilia dark rufous. Underside of forewing with slightly sinuous grey line beyond the postmedial line in one specimen, conjoined to it in another ; hindwing with the postmedial line well developed.
The typical Chinese form is greyer.; forewing with the antemedial line slight ; hindwing with the postmedial line obsolete on upperside ; underside of forewing with the grey line forming part of the postmedial line ; hindwing with the postmedial line less curved.
Habitat. — W. China, Chang Yang ; Assam, Khrfsis. Exp. 46 mill.
3368. a. Gnophus senicaria, n. sp.
$. Head, thorax and abdomen grey-white slightly tinged with brown and irrorated with fuscous ; fore tibiae and tarsi fuscous ringed with white ; abdomen with double dorsal series of dark points and lateral and ventral series. Forewing grey-white tinged and irrorated with brown : an indistinct ante- medial line with blackish spot at costa, oblique to median nervure. then in- curved ; a black discoidal spot ; medial line with blackish spot at costa, angled outwards below costa, then oblique, sinuous ; postmedial line blackish, angled
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 33
inwards below costa and outwards at vein 6, then oblique, dentate, incurved in submadian interspace, some brownish suffusion beyond it between veins 5 and 3 ; an indistinct dentate subterminal line with blackish marks on and below costa. the area beyond it whiter from above vein 4 to below 3 ; a terminal series of small black spots ; cilia white at base, brownish at tips. Hindwing grey white tinged and irrorated with brown ; a rather diffused sinuous ante- medial line ; postmedial line blackish, dentate, incurved below vein 3, and with brownish suffusion beyond it ; an indistinct sui 'terminal line with somewhat dentate dark murks on it ; a terminal series of small black spots and fine waved black terminal .ine ; cilia white at base, brownish at tips. Underside white ; both wings with strong blackish medial line with small black discoidal spots on it, on hindwing oblique below vein 5 ; forewing with the terminal area blackish ; the apex paler and a white terminal patch from vein 4 to below 3 ; hindwing with waved postmedial iiue with blackish band beyond it, broad to vein 4, narrowing toward tornus
Habitat. — Sikhim ( >udgeon). Exp. 42 mill. Type in B. M.
3:4(19. C. < NOPHUS LEUC^STHARIA, n. sp.
ft. Head, thorax and abdomen fuscous mixed with grey and brown. Forewing grey thickly irroraied and striated with fuscous ; an indistinct diffused double blackish curved and waved antemedial line ; a round black discoidal spot with white centre ; an indistinct diffused double blackish den- tate postmedial line, excurved to vein 4, then incurved ; subterminal line indistinct diffused double waved, incurved below vein 3; a terminal series of black points. Hindwing grey thickly irrorated with fuscous ; a small black discoidal spot with white centre ; an indistinct diffused double dentate postmedial line, e.\ curved to vein 4, then incurved ; an indistinct ditused double waved subterminal line ; a terminal series of black points. Under- side grey tinged with fuscous ; both wings with slight discoidal spot and indis- tinct diffused curved postmedial line.
Habitat.— Bhutan (')udgeon). hxp. 42 mill. Type in B. M.
3372. b. Gnophus CONKCSa, Warr. Nov Zool., ix, p. 367 (1902).
Antennae of female bipectinate with short branches.
$. Head, thorax and abdomen grey brown irrorated with fuscous. Fore- wing brownish ^rey thickly striated with brown and irrorated with black ; an indistinct brown discoidal bar ; postmedial line represented by traces of dark striae from costa and inner margin ; faint traces of a subterminal series of slight black points. Hindwing brownish grey thickly striated with brown and irrorated with fuscous ; traces of a diffused dark antemedial line and discoidal bar ; also of postmedial and subterminal band- ; a terminal series of slight black points. Underside greyer ; both wings with fuscous discoidal lunule ; forewing with fuscous postmedial spot on costa.
Habitat. — Ceiitsal. Exp. 56 mill.
p. 256. Under Boarmia insert Carecomotis, Warr. Nov. Zool., iii., p. 492 (1896), type perfunwsa. 5
34 JOURNAL, BOMBA Y NA TURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV1I1.
3388. a. Boarmia xanthozonea, n. sp.
Head, thorax and abdomen violaceous grey irrorated with brown, the last with blackish segmental bands. Forewing violaceous grey irrorated with black-brown, some orange yellow before the antemedial line, just beyond the medial line from costa to median nervure and before it on inner area, and beyond postmedial line ; antemedial line double, incurved below cell ; an indistinct oblique sinuous medial line ; postmedial liae double, excurved from below costa to above vein 4, then oblique, waved ; a waved whitish sub- terminal line defined by dark brown on inner side and with some red brown suffusion beyond it ; a terminal series of small black spots. Hindwing grey- white irrorated with black brown, the costal area paler, a slight yellowish tinye at medial line on inner margin and beyond the postmedial line on inner area ; a blackish subbasal bar on inner area ; an oblique incurved medial line from discal fold to inner margin ; a discoidal striga ; postmedial line slight and oblique from costa to discal fcld, then double and slightly sinuous ; subtermi- nal line waved, from discal fold to inner margin, defined by grey on outer side ; a terminal series of small black spots and fine terminal line. Under- side of fore wing with oblique discoidal striga, rather diffused postmedial line excurved to vein 4 and diffused waved subterminal line ; hindwing with small discoidal spot, postmedial line angled at discal fold, then slightly waved, a waved subterminal line.
Habitat.— Sikhim Tibet, Yatong (Bingham, Hobson) ; Sikhim (Moller) Exp. 30-40 mill. Type in B. M.
3397. b. BoAKMrA semiparata, Wlk., xxiii., 764 (1861). Achlalia illepklaria, Wlk., xxiii., 765. Dlphurodes vestita, Warr. Nov Zool., iii, p. 132 (1896). Dlphurodes inchntata, Warr. Nov. Zool., iv., p. 193 (1897). Myrioblephara pustulata, Warr. Nov. Zool., VII., 114 (1900). Antennae of male ciliated ; hind tibia? dilated ; abdomen with lateral tufts of long hair from medial segments.
Pale reddish brown tinged with grey and irrorated with black ; abdomen with the medial segments dorsally tinged with fuscous. Forewing with the medial area paler ; an indistinct subbasal line from costa to submedian fold ; antemedial line indistinct with more prominent black striga from costa and point on median nervure below which it is incurved ; a black discoidal bar ; medial line angled outwards beyond the cell, then oblique and with a black band between it and postmedial line from vein 4 to inner margin ; postmedial line minutely waved, obtusely angled at discal fold, then incurved, angled outwards at vein 2, then again incurved, a diffused black fascia from it to termen in discal fold ; subterminal line grejish, dentate, defined by Uackish patches ou its inner side ; a terminal series of black points • cilia chequered grey and blackish. Hindwing with diffused antemedial blackish band with the black discoidal bar on its outer edges ; a medial line angled outwards in discal fold, then incurved ; subterminal line grey defined by brown on inner s-ide
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 35
dentate and angled inwards in discal fold ; a terminal series of black points. Underside fuscous with the pale areas whitish.
Habitat. — Sikhim ; Khasis ; Ceylon ; Penang ; Borneo. Exp. 28-32 mill.
B. coremiaria, Hmpsn., is a distinct species.
3404. Boarmia acaciaria del. Boarmia cornaria, invectaria, properata, eoncursaria and contectaria.
Sect. (Carecomotis). Antennae of male bipectinate with long branches to two-thirds, the apex ciliated, of female with short branches ; hind tibiaa dilated ; forewing with fovea.
3404. a. Boarmia cornaria, Guen. Phal., 1, p. 254 (1857). Boarmia invectaria, W Ik., xxi, 375 (i860). Boarmia proper ata, W1k., xxi, 376 (J 860).
ft. Head, thorax and abdomen brown mixed with grey and irrorated with fuscous ; abdomen with subdorsal series of black segmental bars. Forewing grey suffused with brown and striated with fuscous ; a blackish antemedial line slightly excurve i from below costa to submedian fold, then oblique ; an elliptical discoidal spot defined by fuscous, placed on a minutely waved medial line which is obliquo below the cell ; postmedial line minutely waved, very oblique below discal fold ; an indistinct waved whitish subterminal line with slight fuscous streaks before it in the interspaces ; the terminal area with slight pale patch at middle ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Hind- wing grey suffused with brown and irrorated with black, the basal half rather paler: subbasal and medial slightly waved lines; an elliptical discoidal spot defined by fuscous ; postmedial line minutely dentate, exourved ; subtermiual line indistinct, waved, whitish, defined on inner side by slight fuscous marks ; a terminal series of small tdack lunules. Underside white, the lines fine, the black discoidal spots prominent ; forewing with large fuscous apical patch with whitish apical blotch and small fuscous patch on termen below middie ; hindwing with fuscous subterminal patch between veins 7 and 4.
9. More suffused with fuscous; abdomen wiih the first two segments dorsally blackish ; wings with the lines stronger ; forewing with the discoidal spot larger and connected with costa.
Habitat. — Punjab, Manpuri ; Bombay, Poona ; Ceylon, Trincomali ; Burma, Thayetrayo. Exp. $ 34, 9 38 mill.
3404. b. Boakmia decisakia, Wlk., xxxv, 1589 (1866).
Head, thorax and abdomen wbitish mixed with fuscous; antennae fuscous; abdomen with paired dorsal series of blackish points. Forewing wbitish irrorated and minutely striaed with fuscous, the medial area paler; an indistinct antemedial line arising from a blackish mark on costa, angled at submedian fold, then oblique ; two blackish marks on medial part of costa ; an elliptical black discoidal spot ; postmedial line minutely dentate, oblique below vein 4 and with an indistinct diffused brownish line beyond it ; an indistinct somewhat dentate brownish subterminal line with fuscous patches on it ao costa and discal fold ; a terminal series of black points. Hindwing
?>'.} JOURNA L, BOMB A Y NA TURAL H1ST0R Y SOCIETY, Vol. XV11I.
whitish, irrorated and minutely striated wi:h fuscous ; an indistinct oblique antemedial line ; an elliptical black discoidal spot ; a minutely dentale post- medial line, somewhat excurved at middle and with diffused brownish line beiondit ; a diffused brownish snbterminal line; a terminal series of small black spots. Underside of forewing with prominent blackish patch on costal area towards apex.
Habitat - Ceylon, K andy ; Java. Exp. 42 mill.
3404. c. Boarmia concursaria, Wlk., xxi, 377 (I860).
Baarmla conUctarla, Wlk., xxvi, 1537 (1862). Head and thorax whitish mixed with red-brown ; palpi fuscous at tips ; frons whitish bpiow, blackish above ; antennes blackish ; abdomen whitii-h tinged with red-brown and irrorated with fuscous. Forewing whitish suffused with red-brown and irrorated and striated wiih fuseors, the medial area whiter; antemedial line excurved below co>ta, Very oblique and sinuous from cell to inner margin ; an ill-defined elliptical greyish discoidal patch ; a very oblique slightly sinuous line from lower »ngle of cell to inner maigin ; r ostn edial line with blackish point at costa, indistinct and angled inwards below c< sta, bent outward -it veins 6-5, then black, very oblique aid very slightly sinuous, an oblique brown shade beyond it arising from termen be ow apex ; two faint diffused, slightly waved subterminal brown Hies from the oblique shade to inner margin ; a terminal series of fuscous points Hindwing whitish tinged with red-brow > especially on terminal half and irrorated and striated with fuscous ; an oblique brown antemedial line ; an elliptical greyish dis- coidal spot defin d by black ; a blackish postmedial line, slightlv angled at vein 6, then oblique and with a diffused brown line beyoi d it ; two rather diffused minutely waved subterminal brown lines ; a fine waved blockish term- inal line. Underside white ; forewing with round black discoidal spot, post- medial line angled at vein 5, then very oblique, a curved diffused band across apical a-ea ; hindwing with elliptical black discoidjj spot, slight curved postmedial line and diffused subterminal line.
Habitat — ' N. India "; Bombay Kanara ; Ceylon, Trincomali. Exp. 38 mill. 3416. b. Boarmia holoph^aria, n. sp.
£. Head, thornx and abdomen fuscous brown with a greyish tinge; legs irrorated with fuscous, the tarsi with slight pale rings. Forewing fuscous brown with a greyish tinge and slight fuscous st nation ; a blackish anten edial line, rather •liffused at costa, excurved below costa. then oblique and with slight black marks at the veins ; a black discoidal bar ; medial line diffused and oblique from co-ta to vein 5, then indistinct, inwardly oblique, sinuous, with minute black streaks on the veins ; postmedial line somewhat diffused at costa, then indistinct with black points on the veins, slightly bent outwards at veins 6*5, then oblique, waved ; a slight waved dark terminal line. Hindwing fuscous brown with a greyish tinge slightly irrorated and striated with fuscous ; an indistinct oblique amemedial line, obsolete towards costa at d with black points on median uervure and vein 1 ; a black discoidal point ; an indistinct
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 37
minutely waved medial line with black points on the veins, slightly excurved from beluw c>>sta to vein 6, then oblique and bent outwards at vein 1 ; a slight waved dark terminal line. Underside greyer ; forewing with dark discoidal bar, the terminal area suffused with fuscous from just beyond postmelial line with indistinct greyish patch just before termen from vein 4 to below 3 ; hindwing with olick disco.dal point, postmedial line oblique below vein 6 and the teimen slightly suffused with fuscous.
Habitat. — Kashmir, Dana (MeArthur} ; Pdnjab. Exp. 46 mill. Tyre in B.M.
3416. C. HOAKMlA SI1CT1NEDKA, n. Sp.
Head, thorax and abdomen greyish mixed with fuscous ; fore tibise black with pale rings at middle and extremity ; mid and hind lees and ventral surface of abdomen paler Forewing grey-brown with a slight olive tinge and irroiated and striated with fuscous ; antemedial line indistinct with I h.ck i-pot on costa and points on median nervure and vein 1, oblique from middle of cell to inner margin ; a black discoidal line ; medial line diffused and oblique from costa to vein 5, then very indistinct and inwardly oblique ; postmedial line with black spot at costa and points on the veins connected by a faint waved line, very obbqne beluw vein 5 ; a pale dentate sublermin.il line defined on inner side by diffused dentate d.u-k marks, bent inwards at vein 4 to the angle of nostmedial line, then erect to inner margin near tornus ; a fine waved dark terminal line with black points in the interspaces. Hmdwing grey-brown thickly striated with fuscous ; a minutely waved dark medial line with black points on the veins, slightly d< fined by greyish on outer side ; a diffused pale dentate subter- mhi'il line defined on inner side by fuscous suffusion and somewhat bent inwards at vein 4 ; a fine waved dark terminal line Underside greyer ; lore- wing with the cell tinged with fuscous, a dark discoidal line, the terminal area suffused with fuscous to near postmedial line with grey terminal patch below Vein 4 ; hindwing with discoidal point and indistinct curved postmedial line.
Habitat -Iv.^HMiR, Kokser, Rala (MeArthur). Exp. 46 mill. Type in B.M.
3416. </. Bovrmia subolivacea, n. sp.
$. Head and thorax grey brown slightly tinged with olive and fuscous; tarsi with slight pale rings ; abdomen greyish irrorated with fuscous. Fore- wing grey-brown slightly tinged with olive and irrorated and stria+ed with fuscous; antemedml line blackish wbh black points on the veins s ighi ly excurv- ed below costa, then oblique ; an oblique, medial blackish line obsolescent at middle and with minute black streaks on median nervure and vein "1 near base ; postmedial line blackish, interrupted, with black points on the veins, slightly incurved below costa, excurved to vein 5, then oblique, sinuous ; subter- minal line pale defined by fuscous on inner side, waved, incurved from below vein 5 to below 3 ; a fine waved dark terminal line with bla< kish points in the interspaces. Hindwing grey-brown irrorated and striated with fuscous ; traces of a subbasal line ; a more dis'inct antemedial line with black point at median nervure and small spot at inner margin ; a slight discoidal point ; a dark medial line with black points at the veins, slightly incurved below vein 4 ; a
38 JOURNAL, DO MBA Y NA TURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
pale waved postmedial line defined by fuscous on innerside, slightly angled outwards at discal fold ; a fine waved terminal line with blackish points in the interspaces. Underside greyish ; forewing suffused with fuscous ; hind- wing striated with fuscous ; both wings with discoidal points and faint post- medial line incurved below discal fold.
Habitat.— Kashmir, Kokser, Rain (McArthur). Exp. 38 mill. Type in B.M.
3416. e. Boarmia polystrota, n. sp.
Head, thorax and abdomen grey-brown irrorated with fuscous ; tarsi fuscous with pale rings. Forewing grey-brown thickly irrorated and striated with fuscous ; an indistinct double antemedial line, slightly excurved below costa, then oblique and minutely waved ; an indistinct medial line wiih small blackish spots at costa and inner margin, discoidal bar and points on median nervure and vein 2, oblique below vein 5 ; a double postmedial line with black points on the veins, slightly excurved below costa, then oblique and minutely waved ; a pale waved subterminal line slightly defined by fuscous on inner side, bent inwards at vein 5, then erect to inner margin near tornus, with slight dark mark beyond it below vein 7 ; a terminal series of black points. Hindwmg grey-brown thickly irrorated and striated with fuscous ; an indistinct rather diffused antemedial line ; a slight discoidal striga ; a puncti- form medial line and slightly defined by greyish on outer side ; a pale waved subterminal line slightly defined by fuscous on inner side ; a terminal series of black points. Underside of forewing fuscous, 1 1< e postmedial part of costa tinged with ochreous with dark mark at the faint postmedial line ; a slight discoidal point ; hindwing grey-white irrorated with pale fuscous, a small black discoidal spot and somewhat diffused curved postmedial line.
Habitat.— Kashmir, Rala, Kokser (McArthur). Exp. 36 mill. Type in B. M.
3416. /. Boarmia leucocyma, n. sp.
$. Head, thorax and abdomen pale brownish grey irrorated with brown ; palpi dark brown ; antennae with the basal joint whitish in front ; tarsi fuscous with slight whitish rings. Forewing brownish white irrorated and striated with brown especially on basal, postmedial and terminal areas ; antemedial line double with black points on the veins, excurved below costa, then oblique and slightly waved ; a faint oblique medial line with Hack points on the veins and dis- cocellulars ; postmedial line indistinct, rather diffused, waved, with series of black points before it on the veins, oblique below vein 5 and excurved at vein 1 ; a waved white subterminal line defined by brown on inner side, bent inwards at vein 5, then erect to inner margin near tornus ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Hindwing brownish white irroratsd and striated with brown especially on basal and terminal areas ; an indistinct diffused antemedial line with black points on median nervure and vein 1 ; a double medial line with blackish points on the veins, slightly incurved lelow lower angle of cell ; a waved white subterminal line defined by brown on inner side and angled outwards at vein 5 ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Underside of forewing suffused with fuscous especially on terminal area, a
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 39
slight discoidal line and traces of postmedial line ; hindwing whitish striated with pale fuscous, a small discoidal spot and indistinct minutely waved postmedial and subterminal lines.
9. Forewing with the basal and terminal areas paler, the antemedial line single, the medial line more distinct, the postmedial line with the black points on it ; hindwing with the basal and terminal areas paler.
Habitat.— Kashmir, Kokser, Barra Larcha (Mc Arthur). Exp. 36-40 mill. Type in B.M.
3423. a. Boarmia miocrota, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 5).
Olive yellow thickly irrorated with fuscous. Forewing with the antemedial line represented by obscure black spots on costa and vein 1 ; a black dis- coidal spot with obscure grey centre ; postmedial line indistinct, dentate, interrupted, erect from costa to vein 5, then oblique to middle of inner margin ; an interrupted highly waved grey subterminal line with fuscous patch on its inner side and fuscous streaks in the interspaces from it to the terminal series of black points. Hindwing with the basal area very thickly irrorated ; an obscure grey centred black discoidal spot; a curved dentate medial line ; a waved greyish subterminal line defined by fuscous on inner side ; some black points on termen. Underside brownish grey ; forewing with black striae on costa ; both wings with prominent black discoidal spot, post- medial series of short streaks on the veins and fuscous subterminal band expanding towards costa of forewing.
Habitat.— Ceylon, Yatiyantota, Kandy (Green). Exp. $ 46, $ 50 mill.
3434. a. Boakmia armaria insert Boarmia nobilUaris, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii. p. 380 (nee. Staud).
3434. b. Boarmia glaucocincta, n. sp.
ft. Head, thorax and abdomen grey-white mixed with fuscous brown, forewing grey white thickly irrorated wiih fuscous brown, a broad ill-defined paler band before the postmedial line ; traces of a waved antemedial line with dark points on the veins, oblique from submedian fold to inner margin ; a faint dark discoidal line ; traces of a waved medial line, slightly excurved be- low costa and ending on inner margin at the postmedial line which is defined by white on outer side, indistinct, waved, with dark points on the veins and the veins before it with slight dark streaks, slightly t ent outwards at vein 6, then oblique ; traces of a pale waved subterminal line excurved c elow costa incurved at middle and ending on inner margin near tornus ; a terminal series of slight dark points. Hindwing grey-white thickly irrorated with fuscous brown, an ill-defined pale band before the medial line ; slight dark subbasal and ante- medial marks on inner margin ; a minutely waved medial line with darker points on the veins and defined by white on outer side ; a waved whitish sub- terminal line slightly defined by fuscous on inner side ; a terminal series of slight dark points. Underside grey-white irrorated and striated with pale fuscous ; both wings with slight discoidal point ; forewing with traces of waved postmedial line ; hindwing with slight waved medial and subterminal lines.
40 JOURNAL, BOMBA Y NATURAL HISTOR Y SOCIETY, Vol. XVIIJ,
ah. 1, ft . Both wings, with broad whitish band before postmedial line.
ab. 2. ft. 9. Both wings with the medial area whitish with a yellowish tinge on outer edge of postmedial line ; fore wing with the medial part of innsr margin tinged with yellowish, a waved whitish subterminal lire bent inwards at vein 5, then erect to inner margin near tornus ; underside of fore- wing with pale patch on terminal ar>a below vein 5, the hindwing whiter.
ab 3. 9- Both wings with the medial area whiter.
Habitat. — Kashmir, Kokser (McArthur). Exp. 38-44 mill. Type in B. M.
34r>8. b. BOAKMIA MELANODONTA, 11. 8p.
Head and thorax golden -yellow mixed with black, palpi and sides of frons black ; vertex of head whitish ; abdomen whit sh tinged with yellow and irrorated with blackish. Fo -ewing golden yellow wi h a cupreous tinge promi- nently irrorated and striated with black, a ! lackish spot at base and subbasal spots on costa and below cell ; a small antemedial spot on costa and a curved series of smaller spots on the veins and in submedian interspace ; a discoidal spot; a double postmadial series of smiil spots on the veins, oblique below vein 4, a diffused white subterminal land with dentate black marks on its outer side from costa to vein 4, and above inner margin, with short whitish streaks on the veins before it, incurved between veins 6 and 4 ; a terminal series of black spots. Hindwing yellowish white irrorated with small brown spo's ; a small discoidal spot and terminal series of small I lack lunules ; cilia yellow ; the underside more prominently irrorated with brown spots, a blackish discoidal spot and curved postmeiial suries of small spots.
Habitat.— SlKUlil Tibet, Yatong (Bingh tin). Exp. ft 38, 9 42 mill. Type in B M.
3460. a. Boarmia melagrapbaria, n. sp.
9. Head and thorax pale rufous irrorated with a few bkek scales ; palpj blackish at tips ; frons with blackish bars at middle and above ; antennae ringed with black ; tibiae and tarsi banded with black ; abdomen pale rufous irrorated with black. Fore wing ochreous suffused with rufous and sparsely irrorated with black, the inner medial area and the outer medial area from costa to veinfi pale ; a black antemedial line excurved below costa and sinuous below the cell ; a black medial line oblique and stronger frcm cell to inner margin ; a discoidal point ; postmedial line black and with small black spots on it below costa and on inner area, incurved below costa, angled outw; rds at vein 5, then very oblique, sinuous, incurved in submedian interspace ; and angled inwards above inner margin ; an indistinct pale waved subterminal line slightly defined by red-brown on inner side ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Hind- wing ochreous suffused with rufous especially on teiminal half and irrorated and striated with black ; a black antemedial line df fined by rtd-brown on outer side ; a black medial line with series of black points beyond it on the veins, excurved to vein 4, then incurved ; an indistinci pale waved subterminal line slightly defined by red-brown on inner side ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Underside pale ; both wings with black discoidal spot, the lines of
THE MOTHH OF INDIA. 41
upperside indistinct and with a strong black line beyond the postmedial line on forewing, inc-rved frrm costa to vein 5, then oblique, on hindwing waved, oblique from cos' a to vein 5.
ffabita'.— Burma, N. Chin-Hills, Lotha Range 8.C00' (Watson). Exp. 56 mill Type in B. M.
3464. a. Medasina junctilinea, n. sp.
$. Head and thorax violaceous grey irrorated with brown; palpi and sides of frons blackish ; t< guise edged with black ; patagia with some black on outer edge ; abdomen grey irrorated with brown and with dorsal Hack bands on basal half. Forewing violaceous grey tinged with rufous and irrorated with black ; antemedial line blackish with biac spot on costa and points on median nervure and vein 1 , excurved in cell ; medial line with black striae from costa an Ion disoocellularsand points on the veins, incurved from costa to lower angle of cell, then oblique below submedian fold anastomosing with po?tme dial line to form a black patch ; postmedial line produced to short black streaks on the veins, angled inwards below costa and obliquely incurved telow vein 4 ; subterminal line greyish defined by black on inner side and slightly by fuscous on outer, dentate ; a terminal series of small black lunules. Hindwing brown- ish grey irrorated with black ; an indistinct diffused medial line obsolete on costal area ; a waved postmedial line from vein 4 to inner margin with black points on the veins ; an indistinct pale waved subterminal line defined 1 y brown on inner side ; a terminal series of small black lunules ; underside greyer ; fore" wing with distinct blackish discoidal spot ; hindwing with slight spot.
Habitat. — SlKHlM Tibet, Yatung (Hobson . Exp. 48 mill. Type in B. M.
3482. a. Medasina leledaria, Wwinh., k. M. N. H. (7),xv, p. 503 (l9i:5).
£ . Head, thorax and abdomen ochreous brown irrorated with fuscous ; branches of antennae and tips of tegulae fuscous ; abdomen with slight sub- dorsal fuscous marks on basal segments. Forewing ochreous brown striated with fuscous ; antemedial line double, oblique, waved, rather ill-defined, strong- er towards costa ; a small elliptical discoidal spot ; an indistinct double me- dial line forming a patch at costa, somewhat angled outwards beyond upper angle of cell, then incurved ; postmedial line double and somewhat dentate towards costa aud inner margin, e?cuivtd and reduced to points on the veins between veins 6 and 2, the outer line forming a blotch above inne*' margin ; an indistinct pale waved subterminal line with two ill defined bh.ck marks before it at costa and slight spots above and beiow veins 5 and 2 ; a termina series of small black lunules ; cilia chequered ochreous and fuscous. Hind- wing ochreous brown striated with fuscous ; a slight oblique antemedial line ; a black discoidal lunule ; a somewhat dentate postmedial line produced to slight streaks on the veins; subterminal line represented by a series of whitish lunules with blackish marks before them ; a terminal series of small Hack lunules. Underside of both wings paler, a ciscoidal black spot, a subterminal band, on forewing covering nearly the whole apical ar.-^a down to vein 4 and expanding to near termen between vein 3 and submadi&n fold where it termi- 6
42 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV III.
nates, on hindwing extending from costa to vein 4 and expanding to near termen at vein 6.
Habitat.— Bhutan ; Assam, Khasis, Exp. 54 mill.
3484a. Medasina pallidimargo, ywinh., A. M N. H. (7), xvi, p. 627 (1905).
Head, thorax and abdomen grey-white thickly irrorated with fuscous, the vertex of head yellowish ; metathorax and base of abdomen with pairs of small black spots. Forewing grey-white tinged with brown especially towards the subterminal line and very thickly irrorated with fuscous ; slight blackish spots at base and subbasal spots below costa and cell ; a black ante- medial line angled outwards in and below cell, then incurved ; a black dis- coidal spot with patch on costa above it ; a postmedial bar from costa and an oblique series of points on the veins from vein 4 to inner margin ; an ill- defined maculate subterminal line bent inwards at vein 4 and with white patch beyond it ; the apex whitish, a fine black terminal line somewhat lunuiate towards apex. Hindwing whitish thickly irrorated with fuscous ; a small fuscous discoidal spot, crenulate postmedial line, and slight diffused pubter- minal band with some whitish beyond it at apex and middle ; a fine black terminal line.
ab. 1. Forewing with the postmedial line entire, angled outwards at vein 6, then dentate and bent outwards to inner margin.
Habitat. — Kashmir ; Sikhim Tibet, Yatung. Exp. 60 mill.
3490a. Arichanna rdbrifusa, n. sp.
ft. Head and thorax red brown ; abdomen violaceous grey. Forewing violaceous grey striated with red brown, the area from medial line to near subterminal line suffused Avith red-brown ; a strong double slightly waved and somewhat oblique antemedial line ; an oblique sinuous medial line ; an oblique black discoidal bar ; postmedial line obscured by the brown suffusion, double filled in with greyish, incurved below vein 5 ; a brown subterminal line, obsolescent at middle, oblique to vein 5, then slightly incurved, some brownish suffusion beyond it at apex and above vein 4 ; a terminal series of black points. Hind-wing pale violaceous grey slightly irrorated with brown ; a dark discoidal striga and traces of postmedial line incurved below vein 4 ; the underside thickly irrorated with brown, a small black discoidal spot ; postmedial line oblique from costa to discal fold, then incurved, a subterminal series of slight dark striae.
9 . Head and thorax greyer ; forewing greyer, the lines and dark suffusion more prominent leaving a grey patch be} ond the cell from costa to vein 5.
ab. 1. Forewing suffused with red-brown to near subterminal line leaving some grey on basal half of inner margin and on costa before middle.
Habitat. — Sikhim Tibet, Yatong U3obson, Bingham). Exp. 38-46 mill. Type in B. M.
3503. Arichanna flavinigra, n. n.
Arichanna iransectata, Hmpsn., Moths Ind., iii, p. 294 (nec.Wlk.).
THE MOTHS OF INDIA . 43
Habitat. — Kashmir, Chamba, Duggre (Harford), Jumnotri (Duthie); Punjab, Dalhousie (Harford), Dharmsala (Hocking), Kumaon, Ralam "Valley (Duthie); Sikhim Tibet, Yatong (Hobson, Bingham); Sikhim (Lidderdale>. Exp. 60-66 mill.
3)03. a, Arichanna transectata, Wlk., xxiv, 1112 (1862).
Head and thorax fuscous brown ; abdomen greyish fuscous. Forewii;g olive yellow ; the basal area suffused with black ; a rather irregular antemedial black line slightly incurved below the cell, followed by a maculate black baud from cell to inner margin ; an elliptical black orbicular patch and large rounded discoidal patch with blackish above it on costa ; a broad medial black band from base of vein 2 to inner margin and two small spots above vein 2 ; a post- medial series of black spots, incurved below vein 4 and with maculate band before it from costa to vein 4 ; subterminal and terminal series of large black spots, the former series with the spots from costa to vein 4 almost confluent with the latter. Hiudwing orange yellow ; the basal area except at costa and inner area to beyond middle suffused with fuscous ; a large black discoidal spot with striga above it ; a postmedial spot below costa, one beyond the cell with small spot above it and two on inner area ; a similar subterminal series with small spots above and below the spot in discal fold and a series just before termen, the spot below apex small and the spot in discal fold bar-shaped , the underside paler with the basal area striated with fuscous.
Habitat.— Sikhim. Exp. $ 52, $ 58 mill.
3511. a. Abraxas rdfonotaria, Leech , A. M. N. H. (6), xix, p. 451 (1897).
Head and thorax ferruginous brown mixed with some white ; antennae fuscous ; tegulse tipped with orange ; pectus and legs orange, the forelegs mostly black, the tarsi black ringed with orange ; abdomen orange with paired subdorsal series of black patches. Forewing white, the basal area grey suffused with ferruginous brown and with ill-defined white subbasal line from subcostal nervure to vein 1 ; the costal area grey expanding into patches with rufous bars on them at and beyond middle ; a grey spot at origin of vein 2 and another on vein 1 sometimes connected with the medial maculate band from vein 3 to inner margin with slight waved white line on it with some rufous before it above inner margin ; a subterminal maculate band interrupted at middle and connected with the grey terminal area which is also more or less inter- rupted at middle, leaving a subterminal series of small white spots ; a terminal series of brownish spots. Hindwing white with small grey spots at origin of vein 2 and discoidal spot ; a maculate medial band interrupted at middle ; subterminal and terminal maculate bands more or less interrupted at middle ; a terminal series of brown stria?.
Habitat— W. China ; Assam, Khasis. Exp. $ 54, $> 58 mill.
3517. a. Abkaxas argyrosticta, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 23).
Head and thorax dark brown mixed with fusous yellow and some grey ; pectus mostly orange, legs fuscous with some orange at base ; abdomen orange with dorsal, subdorsal, lateral and sublateral series of black-brown spots
44 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVII J.
and paired ventral series of patches. Forewing -white, the basal area dark olive brown in-orated with silvery blue and with curved outer edge; seme medial blue grey striae on costa and in cell ; a large blue-grey patch from costa to median neivure in and beyond end of cell with two medial spots between it and inner margin and an oblique postmedial series ; a round dark olive brown discoidal spot with silvery blue, b nuleon it ; a subtnminal maculate blue-grey band, angled outwards at vein 5, then oblique with series of short black streaks on the veins on its inner side and large olive-br< wn patch on it from above vein 2 to inner margin traversed by a dentate silvery blue lute, the area beyond it with blue-grey strise and ii.edial patch ; a terminal series of blackish lunules ; cilia fuscous. Hmdwing white ; the base olive-brown with waved ouer edge; a maculate blue-gey medial band expanding into a large patch at middle ; a double subterminal band of mure or les confluent spots with short black streaks on the veins of inner series and olive bicwn patch on inner area traversed by a dentate silvery blue line, the area beyond it with blue-grey stria? ; a terminal series of blackish lunules; cilia fuscous; the underside with the markings gre} ish fuscous.
Habitat.— Madras, 8hevaroy Hills (Campbell). Exp. $ 46, 9 56 mill. Type in B. M.
8521. a. Abraxas poliostrota, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 18).
$ . Head fuscous with the vertex yellow ; thorax white with some yellow- ish on shoulders and upper edge of patagia, the tegulae and dorsum of thorax with fuscous patches, the patagia with fuscous spots ; pectus and legs mostly fuscous ; abdomen yell w, whitish at base, with dorsal, subdorsal, lateral and sublatiral series of black spots. Forewing white with numerous small grey spots and striae ; an oblique grey band from middle of subcostal nervure to inner margin ; an ill-defined discoidal spot ; a curved postmedial series of small spots from costa to lower angle of cell where it joins an oblique band fr mi costa towards apex, slightly incurved below vein 4; a series of some- what lunulate spots on the termen and cilia. Hindwing white with numerous small grey spots except befoiv costal half of postme nil band ; an ill-defined antemedial band ; a discoidal spot , a postmedial maculate band, excuned to vein 4, then incurved ; a terminal series of spots. Underside with the mark- ings dark< r.
9 Paler.
Habitat— Madras, Palni Hills (Campbell). Exp. 4-%54 mill. Type in B. M.
3524. a. Abkaxas latizonata, n. sp (Plate E , f. 29).
9 . Head and thorax orange ; f rons, antennae and streaks behind their bases fuscous black ; tegulae and patagia with black spots ; dorsum of thorax fuscous ; legs fuscous ; abdomen orange with dorsal, subdorsal and subventral series of large black spots and lateral and sublateral series of small spots. Forewing white with small fuscous spots ; subbasal and antemedial patches on costa and a medial rather triangular patch ; antemedial and medial series of small spots on the veins with points and irregular markings before and between them ;
Sip.G.F. HAMPSON. Journ.Boinb. Nab. Hist. Soc.
Plate E
Horace KmgKt ad nat.lith. .
West, Newman chromo.
INDIAN MOTHS.
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 45
so-ne irregular spots at end of cell ; a pr.stmedial patch on costa with curved series of spots fr«ra it confluent with a broad land formed of confluent irre- gular patches o' lique from costa to vein '1, then bent outwards ; the terminal area with numerous spots ; a terminal serie- of spots and irregular patch at middle. Hindwing white with some small fuscous spots ; an antemedial maculate band, irregular discoidal spot, postmeaial curved band formed of irregular spots confluent towards costa and inner margin where it is somewhat bent our wards, subterminal series of small spots interrupted at middle and terminal series of lunules.
Habitat. — TkAVANGORE, Pirmad (Mrs, Imray). Exp. SO mill. Type in B.M. 3538. a. Abraxas langcidata, Wlk„ xxiv. 1122 (1862). Antennae of male laminate, almost simple ; forewing with veins 7, P, 9, 10 stalked, 11 not anastomosing with 12.
Heid and thorax white ,- frons blackish ; antennae yellowish ; shoulders and patagia with fuscous spots ; legs yellow wii h s'ight fuscous spots ; al d> n en white tinged with fuscous, the extremity and ventral surface yellow. Port wing white ; subbasal and antemedial grey maculate bnnds ; a medial band forking below the cell ; an elliptical patch from coBta to lower angle of cell ; a po^tmedial bar from costa and spot on inner margin ; a large apical patch and subteiminal serie? of spots, the spot below vein 3 displaced inwards ; the terminal area striated with grey below the apical patch ; cilia fuscous grey. Hindwing white, some grey sulfmion on basal area ;a discoidal spot ; a postmedial s ot below costa and two towards inner margin ; a subterminal series of spots ; a terminal yellow band with fuscous striae on it ; a series of small black spots on termen and cilia.
Habitat.— Japan, W. China ; Nepal ; Assam, Khasis. Exp. 50 mill. 3550. a. Pkkcnia nigralbata, Warr. Nov. Zool., 1, p. 61 (1 894). 9. Vertex of head and front of thorax orange : frons and u etathorax white ; palpi orange, the 3rd joint black with white tip ; frons with black bar ; antennae black; tegulae, patagia at middle and tips and metaihorax with black patches ; pectus pale orange ; legs f uscotts streaked v ith whitish ; abdomen white with subdorsal series of black patches and lateral and sub- lateral series of spots. Forewing white, the base slightly tinged with yelli w ; subbasal blick spots on costa, below cell and on n.ner margin ; antemedial spots on costa, in an below cell and an oblique bar on inner area ; medial spots below costa and in cell, a v-shaped spot on median nervure and base of vein 2, an elongate spot below cell and patch on inner area ; an elliptical discoidal spot, a spot above it on costa and irregular spot beyond lower Jingle of cell; post- medial and subterminal series of large panially f or fluent s-r ots, ihe \ ostn cdial spot atiove vein 3 wanting; a terminal series of partially ecu fluent sidk what quadrate patches. Hindwing white ; a small (-j <t in cr Jl «i d duciidal sj ot ; a medial lunulate spot on inner area ; a subterminal series of large elongate spots, the spot above vein 3 smaller ; a terminal series of rather quadrate e-pote. Habitat. —Assam, Khasis. Exp. 68 mill.
46 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVI J I.
LARENTIANiE.
3597. a. Dysethia glaucofusa, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 40).
Froas with rounded prominence ; hindwing with veins 6'7 stalked.
9 . White ; palpi and frons slightly tinged with brown. Forewing with the cell and area beyond it to postmedial line, the inner area to cell and vein 2 suffused with grey-green interrupted by traces of a diffused whitish antemedial band ; a slight dark discoidal striga ; an oblique dark grey-green postmedial band diffused on inner side and not quite reaching costa ; a diffused grey-green terminal band leaving a little white on termen. Hindwing white slightly tinged with brown, a discoidal point ; a curved postmedial line with some diffused brown on its inner edge ; the terminal area suffused with brown.
Habitat. — Beloochistan, Quetta (Nurse). 9 type. Exp. 40 mill, Type in B. M.
3601. Cryptoloma indicaria insert (syn.) Cryptoloma dentifascia, Warr. Nov. ZooL, xi, p. 489(1904).
3616.&. EUBOLIA POLYGRAMMA, n. sp.
Head and thorax dark brown mixed with ochreous ; abdomen ochreous strongly irrorated with fuscous, the basal segment paler. Fcrtwing ochreous thickly irrorated with dark brown ; two slight very oblique subbasal dark lines ; a stronger antemedial line slightly angled outwards below costa. then oblique and with a fine line beyond it ; a small black discoidal spot ; a fine brown medial line defined by ochreous on outer Bide, slightly excurved from costa to vein 5, then obliquely incurved ; a strong oblique dark postmedial line defined by ochteous on outer side and with two fine lines beyond it, the outer minutely waved, all three lines slightly incurved below vein 5 ; a rather diffused minutely waved dark subteiminal line defined by ochrccus on (uter side, the ochreous expanding obliquely to apex ; a slight dark terminal line; cilia with a slight brown line through them. Hindwing ochreous white tinged with brown ; a slight dark discoidal point with faint brown line from it to inner margin ; two medial lines slightly incurved lelow vein 5; two diffused subterminal lines filled in with brown, the outer slightly waved and defined \y ochreous on out-r side ; terminal area dark brown ; cilia with slight brown line through them and series of brown spots ; the underside more strongly tinged with ochreous and irrorated with dark brown, the lines daiker and more waved.
Habitat. — Kashmir, Gourrais and Scinde Valleys (Leech) ; Barra Larcha (Mc Arthur). Exp. $ 38, 9 32 mill. Type in B. M.
3627.a. Phihalapteryx rdfipalpis, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 6).
9. Fuscous brown; palpi pale rufous, the base of 2nd and 3rd joints tinged with black ; abdomen with slight blackish subdorsal stieakson 1st two segments, the base of legs and ventral surface of abdemen grey. Forewing minutely irrorated with raised grey scales ; oblique waved black si bbasal and medial lines interrupted in places, the former angled outwards below costa, the latter below costa and on median nervure ; an inverted comma-shaped discoidal
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 47
tuft of black scales ; postmedial line represented by a series of small dentate grey and black marks with tracts of another line before it, oblique from costa to veiu 5, then inwardly oblique ; a subterminal series of small pure white spots on slight blackish streaks extending to termen ; a series of white points at base of cilia. Hindwing with im istinct waved subbasal, medial and postmedial lines, the last curved and with a series of minute white and black marks on its inner side ; a subterminal series of small white spots on slight blackish streaks extending to terme-n. Underside grey, both wings with black discoidal spots, postnedial line excurved at middle with slight dark streaks at the veins and subterminal series of diffused rather wedge-shaped marks.
Habitat. — Madras, Palni Hills (Campbell) ; Ceylon, Maskeliya (Pole). Exp. 46 mill. Type in B. M.
3653. CiDaria mediovittaria insert (syn.) Somatina azonaria, Oberth. E. Ent., xviii, p. 32, pi. iv, f. 50 (1893).
3670a. Cidaria scotaria, ii. sp. (Plate E., f. 43).
Antenna? of male minutely serrate and fasciculate.
Head, thorax and abdomen black brown with a reddish tinge and aome leaden grey suffusion. Forewing dark reddish brown irrorated wth glistening scales, and with numerous indistinct waved lines, cf which the most distinct are a subbasal line, two antemedial lit e, a medial line angled outwards beyond lower angle of cell and two postmedial lines slightly excurved below costa and at middle ; a subterminal series of slight whitish marks with blackish marks on their inner side and more distinct spots above veins 6 and 5. Hindwing greybrown irrorated with glistening scales ; a whitish mark on termen towards tornus ; the underside paler with dark point at upper angle of cell, sinuous medial line and two indistinct minutely waved subterminal lines.
Habitat.— Ceylon, Pattipola (Green). Exp. 42 mill. Type in B. M.
3748.C. Neoscelis meiachlora, n sp. (Plate E., f. 9).
$. Head and thorax fuscous mixed with rufous and grey ; patagia with small white spot on upper edge ; abdomen green with black irroration at sides ; pectus and abdomen below whitish ; legs streaked with fuscous, the tarsi with white rings. Forewing green irrorated with black to the waved black medial line ; a black discoidal lunule ; the terminal half purplish red-brown- an indistinct curved postmedial line defined by grej bh on inner side- subter- minal line dentate, only defined by the area before it being suftu&ed with fuscous and the terminal area greyish ; a black terminal line ; cilia fuscous with fine ochreous line at base and intersected with ochreous. Hindwing grass green irrorated with black ; a black discoidal bar ; ill-defined black antemedial, medial and postmedial lines and a dentate subterminal line ; a terminal line ; cilia pale fuscous with fine ochreous line at base.
Habitat— Ceylon, Uva (G. C. Alston). Evp. 24 mill. Type in B. M.
3750. Gymnoscelis dele/a insert Eupilhecia semialbida, Wlk., xxxv., 1678 (1866), Swinh., Cat. Het. Mus., Oxon., II., pi. 5, f. 16, which has precedence Borneo.
48 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. X I III.
37'>4.a. G-ymnoscelis perangosta, Wai-r. Nov. Zool. iv„ p. 229 (1897).
Head, thorax and abdomen pale rufous irrorated with black ; antenna? ringed whitish and fuscous. Forewing pale rufous suffused in parts -with deeper rufous and fuscous and slightly irrorated with Hack ; diffused sub- basal and antemedial lines of black and grey scales, angled outwards below costa, then oblique and waved ; a medial line with dark suffusion before it, oblique towards costa, excurved in cell, then incurved and with a fine white line beyond it, excurved from costa to lower angle of cell, then oblique, minutely waved ; postmedial line double filkd in with whitish with some darker rufius suffusion before it, oblique from costa to vein 6 and incurved below vein 4, the area beyond it dark except towards costa and between veins 4*3 ; a fi ie waved, curved white subterminal line ; a fine dark terminal line ; cilia fuscous with a series of ochreous points. Hindwing ochreous mostly suffused with rufous and slightly irrorated with I lack ; traces of a rufous ante'i edial line with some black scales at median nervure and vein 1 ; a double postmedial line fill d in with whitish and with seme black scales beyond it on tl.e veins5 minuti ly waved, the area beyond it n ore cchrecuts ; an indistinct double minutely wavfd subterminal line; a slight dark tern. inal line ; cilia ochreous mixed with fuscous.
Habitat — Ceylon, Colombo (Mackwood), C. Province (de Mowbray); Singapore ; Borneo. Sarawak ; Makql^sas, Nuka Hiva I. 1 xp. 20 mill.
p. 590. Under CiilokoCLYSTIS insert Aiarialc, Wlk., xxxv., 1696 (1866), type convoluta.
3768. CHLOROCiysTrs emarginaria insert Acidaliu rffusaria, Wlk., xxiii, 767 (1861), and Eupitliecia subtrita, Wlk., xxxv., 1675 (1866) wliich have precedence ... .., ... Borneo.
Sect. (Mariab't). Hind tibiae with the inner medial and outer pair of spurs immensely long and dilated at extremity ; forewing very broad, the inner margin strongly lobed except at base and fringed with long hair ; hindwing with the termen except at apex and inner area owards tomus i oiled over on underside so that the termen is angled below apex and the turnus produced to a point, the scaling thick and the neuration distorted.
3772. a. Chloroclystis meuioplaga, Swinh., Trans. Ent. Soc., 1202, p. 651.
£. Head, thorax and abdomen yellow, the thorax and basal part of abdomen irrorated with black. Forewing jellow mostly sufimed with greenish fuscous ; an indistinct double curved antemedial line ; a Hack dhcoidal *\ ot ; traces of two double, curved, minutely waved postm< dial lines ; a n ore distinct yellow, minutely waved subterminal'line, with a yellowish patch beyond it at middle ; a fine dark terminal line ; cilia fuscous with a fine yellow line at b; se. Hindwing yellow with bhek striga on inner margin above tornus. Undrrnde of forewing with dark band from costa to upper angle of cell, postmedial and subterminal bands from costa to vein 2 and a terminal band ; hindwing with slight antemedial line and indistinct medial band.
Habitat. — Ceylon (de Mowbray) ; Borneo. Exp. 22 mill.
THE MOTHS OF INDIA 49
3787. a. Eupithecia leucospila, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvii, p. 380 (1906).
<J. Head, thorax and abdomen red-brown ; vertex of head white, pectus whitish ; Jegs whitish banded with brown ; abdomeD with dorsal series of small white spots, the anal tuft and ventral surface whitish. Forewing red- brown ; a waved subbasal white line from costa to submedian fold ; antemedial white spots on costa, median nervure and vein 1, with blackish marks before and beyond them ; a black discoidal spot ; an excurved white medial band from costa to lower angle of cell, a spot at base of vein 2 and slight streak in submedian fold ; a double postmedial maculate white band with blackish marks on the veins between the spots, excurved from costa to vein 5, then oblique and ending in a single spot on vein 1 ; a subterminal series of small black and white spots, obsolescent towards apex, larger towards tornus ; a terminal series of dark striae ; cilia with a series of white spots. Hindwing pale, the inner half suffused with red brown and with antemedial, medial, postmedial and subterminal small white spots on the veins with dark streaks between them ; a terminal series of dark strise ; cilia with series of white spots.
Habitat. — Assam, Khasis. Exp. 22 mill.
3787. b. Eupithecia albifurva, n. sp. (Plate E#> f. 8).
$. Head, thorax and abdomen white; palpi fuscous; abdomen dorsally tinged with fuseous except at base and with rufous segmental lines towards extremity. Forewing wtnte, the terminal half suffused with brick-red ; the costa with patches of fuscous ; traces of minutely waved lines on basal half ; ,a black discoidal point ; an ill-defined double minutely waved postmedial white line ; a waved white subterminal line ; a terminal series of black strias. Hind- wing white with six indistinct waved lines, almost obsolete on basal area ; a discoidal point ; a terminal series of black strife.
Habitat. —Ceylon (de Mowbray). Exp. 24 mill. Type in B. M.
3810. a Sauris lobata, Warr. Nov. Zool , ii, p. 107 (1895).
Differs from hirudinata in the termen of forewing having a deep incision above vein 2, hindwint; with the lobe larger.
Head and thorax olive green ; antenme black ; pectus, legs and abdomen brownish ochreous. Forewing olive green with pale raised shining scales ; eleven irregular waved deeper green lines with some fuscous on medial part of 1st antemedial line, on costal area of the two medial and three postmedial lines, on the medial part of the three postmedial lines ; a green discoidal bar ; the subterminal line fuscous and formed of rather dentate marks ; a terminal series of black points. Hindwing fuscous, the basal vesicle and area near the black medial lobe pale.
Habitat.— Ceylon, Kandy (Mackwood) ; Malacca, Padang ; Borneo, Pulo Lant. Exp. 34 mill.
3811. a. Sauris metapilea, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 7.)
Differs from hirudinata in the hind tibiae of male having no tuft of hair at extremity ; hindwing with the vesicle at base rather more elongate and 7
50 JO URN A L, BO MB A Y NA TURA L HIS TOR Y SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
with a pencil of long black hair from it on underside, the termen with the lower lobe produced and as long as the middle lobe.
Head and thorax olive green ; antennae black ; pectus, legs and abdomen grey tinged with fuscous, the last with the basal segment ochreous on dorsum with a black segmental line. Fore wing olive green with eleven ii regularly waved narrow fuscous bands, the olive area with raised shining scales ; an oblique black discoidal bar ; the postmedial line angled outwards below veins 6 and 4 and above 2, the subterminal line forming somewhat dentate marks. Hindwing uniform pale fuscous, the terminal lobe in male black.
Habitat. — Ceylon, Maskeliya (J. Pole). Exp. 32 mill. Type in B.M.
Acidalian/e.
3864. a. Craspedia polystigmaria insert (syn.) Craspedia elyra, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvi, p. 62* (1905).
3*96. b Ai idalia carpheraria insert (syn.) Anthometra unipvncla, Swinh., A.M.N H. (7) xvi, p., (1905).
3896. d. Acidalia ph^nicearia, n sp. (Plato E., f. 39).
$. Head ochreous; palpi and sides of frons tinged with purple; thorax purplish red ; abdomen ochreous with dorsal purplish I ands on basal seg- ments ; legs yellowish tinged with purple ; pectus and ventral surface of abdomen white. Forewing purplish red overlying ochreous ; traces of an antemedial liae. cblique from costa to submedian fold, then waved ; a dark discoidal spot, postmedial line de6ned by ochreous on outer side, oblique from costa to vein 6, incurved at discal fold, then excurved to vein 2 and incurved to inner margin ; a fine red terminal line ; cilia pale at tips. Hindwing purplish red overlying ochreous ; a: slight? discoidal point ; postmedial line slight ly defined by ochreous on outer side, incurved from costa to vein 5, then excurved ; a fine red terminal line ; cilia pale at tips. Underside of both wings ochreous, the terminal area suffused with purplish red.
Habitat.— Afghanistan, Peshin Valley (Nurstt). Exp. 26-30 mill. Type in B.M.
3909. b. Acidalia phcenicogladca n. sp.
9. Head, thorax and abdomen pale olive suffused with dull purplish red, forewing pale olive suffused and irrorated with dull purplish red ; a slight dark subbasal mark on median nervure ; &•> indistinct rather oblique pale olive ante- medial line not quite reaching costa ; a black discoida! point ; an indistinct curved olive subterminal line ; the terminal half of inner area and the terminal area except at apex pale olive with hardly any purple suffusion. Hind- wing pale olive suffused and irrorated with dull purplish red except the termen ; indistinct minutely waved olive postmedial and subterminal lines ; a series of slight daik points at base of cilia ; the underside olive whitish, slight sinuous reddish medial and postmedial lines and a pale minutely waved subterminal line defined on each side by purplbh red, a black discoidal point.
Habitat Ceylon, Maskeliya (Pole). Exp. 22 mill. Type in B. M.
3919. b. Chrysocraspeda conspicuaria, Swinh., A. M.N. H. (7), xv., p. 166, (1905).
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 51
$. Head, thorax and abdomen pale pink slightly irrorated with brown ; abdomen with paired dorsal black points on basal segments ; pectus, legs and ventral surface of abdomen yellowish ; wings pale pink irrorated and striated with brown especially on medial area ; the termen brown, the cilia golden yellow. Forewiag with the costal area tinged with brown ; a black discoidal spot ; traces of a curved postmedial series of dark points on the veins. Hindwing with silvery white discoidal spot edged by red or brown ; traces of a postmedial series of points on the veins.
£. More thickly striated and suffused with brown ; the terminal brown band broader especially on hindwing.
Habitat. — Assam, Khasis. Exp. $ 22, 9 26 mill.
3921. a. Chrysocraspeda fulviplaga, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xv., p. 165 (19^5).
Head and thorax purplish pink ; frons whitish in male ; legs partly yellow ; abdomen yellow, d orsally purplish pink to near extremity. Forewing golden yellow almost entirely suffused with purplish pink, leaving striations of the ground colour, the costa towards apex and the termen ytllow; an oblique antemedial yellow line slightly angled outwards in cell ; a fuscous discoidal spot ; postmedial line yellow, slightly sinuous, oblique from costa to vein 3. then subterminal and incurved ; the pink suffusion extending to termen at the angle at vein 3. Hindwing purplish pink ; an antemedial yellow line angled outwards at median nervure ; a large postmedial diamond shaped yellow patch from vein 7 to inner margin connected with costa by a short line its outer edges angled outwards at vein 4 and with traces of small dark spots on the veins ; termen mostly yellow ; cilia yellow with some purplish pink at the angles at veins 4*3.
Habitat.— Assam, EMsis. Exp. $ 26, $ 32 mill.
3927. Anisodes absconditaria del. Anisodes patruelis.
3927. a. Anisodes patrdelis, Moore, Lep. Ceyl., iii, p. 444, pi. 199. f. 10 (1887).
Hind tibias of male rather short with three long curved spurs from extre- mity and a slight tuft of crimson hair.
£. tied-brown; palpi pale belo^v. Forewmg with the antemedial line represented by a series of dark points angled in cell, then oblique ; a black edged white discoidal point ; postmedial line indistinct, dentate, fuscous, excurved from costa to vt in 4. then incurved ; a subterminal series of black- points slightly incurved at discal fold ; a terminal series of points and some points at base of cilia. Hindwing with large round white discoidal spot with fuscous centre and edges ; a postn edi;d series of black points incurved at discal fold ;a terminal series of points and some points on the cilia.
$. Hindwing with the discoidal spot pure white edged with black, either large or minute.
Habitat.— (Jeylon, Newera Eliya, W. Haputale, Maskeliya, Pundaloya. Exp. 36 mill.
52 JOURNAL, BOMB A Y NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XV III.
3957. b Leptosidia ^eariaar insert Rhodostrophia anomala, Warr. Nov. Zool. ii, p. 98 (,1805), which has priority.
GEOMETRINjE.
4008. a. Pseudoterpna NEONOMA, q. sp. (Plate E„ f . 24).
Head and thorax pale red-brown ; patagia and prothorax with slight fuscous marks, metathorax with slight fuscous streaks ; pectus and base of legs whitish, the tarsi banded with fuscous ; abdomen red-brown with fuscous streaks on 1st segment, oblique black streaks on 2nd segment, the crests with black and silvery scales, lateral black fascia? on 2nd and 3rd segments, the ventral surface white. Forewing pale red-brown striated with black-brown except towards base and slightly tinged with olive-green ; a dark subbasal line from costa to vein 1 ; an oblique slightly sinuous black antemedial line ; an elliptical brown spot at upper angle of cell ; postmedial line black, minutely dentate, slightly incurred and with a faint line before it from costa to vein 4, then oblique ; a diffused brown curved brand from costa before apex to vein 5, with slight white marks on its outer edge, the area beyond it greyish ; a fine waved black terminal line. Hindwing pale red-brown irrorated and striated with dark brown ; postmedial line fine black excurved below costa, then very oblique to vein 4, then dentate to inner margin just beyond middle, a faint red -brown shade beyond it between veins 6 and 4 ; a fine slightly waved black terminal line. Underside white ; forewing with fuscous striae on costa, a faint ante- medial line, blackish discoidal spot, postmedial line oblique below vein 4, the area beyond it suffused with fuscous except towards tornus ; hindwing with slight discoidal striga and postmedial line from costa near apex to tornus diffused between veins 7 and 4 and below vein 3.
Habitat. — Ceylon, Puttalam (Pole). Exp. 42 mill. Type in B. M.
4025. b. Pseudoterpna ochreipicta, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xv, p. 160 (1905).
$ . Head and thorax sap-green ; abdomen green irrorated with fuscous ; pectus, legs and ventral surface of abdomen ochreous ; tarsi fuscous ; wings pale green thickly striated and mottled with dark sap-green. Forewing with traces of a waved antemedial line defined on inner side by a few leaden scales and with a flesh-coloured spot before it on inner margin ; postmedial line minutely dentate, defined by leaden scales on outer &ide and with small flesh-coloured spots beyond it above vein 5 and at inner margin, oblique from costa to submedian fold, then bent outwards ; a terminal series of black points. Hindwing with small discoidal spot ; minutely dentate postmedial line defined by leaden scales on outer side and with a flesh- coloured spot beyond it at inner margin ; a terminal series of black points. Underside pale yellow, both wings with round black discoidal spots and broad fuscous postmedial band with fuscous striation beyond it, on forewing oxtending to termen, on hindwing the band attenuating and not quite reaching inner margin.
Habitat. — Assam, Khasis. Exp. 48 mill.
THE MOTHS OF INDIA. 53
4077. Euchloris detracta insert (syn.) Microloxia vestigiata, Swinh., A. M. N. H. (7), xvi, p. 629 (1905).
4084. a. Euchloris albidentula, n. sp. (Plate E., f. 41).
Rather pale sap-green ; palpi and frons brownish ; base of shaft of antennae, and a band between their bases pure white ; legs brownish. Forewing with slight silvery irroration especially on costal area ; the costal edge brownish ; antemedial line arising from subcostal nervure, slightly angled in submedian fold and defined by whitish on inner side ; a dark green discoidal point ; postmedial line arising from below costa, oblique, dentate, incurved in submedian fold, defined by silvery white on outer side. Hindwing with green discoidal bar ; postmedial line dentate, incurved to inner margin, slightly defined by white on outer side ; the underside greenish grey with a slight purple pink tinge.
Habitat.— Ceylon, Maskeliya (Green). Exp. 26 mill. Type in B. M.
(To be continued.)
54
THE FLORA OF ADEN. By E. Blatter, s.j.
(Continued from page 920 of Vol. X VTI of this Journal.)
Having enumerated the plants of Aden, we now proceed to give the physical aspects of the peninsula.1 Aden, which is almost the most southerly point on the south coast of the Province of Yemen in Arabia Felix, is situat-d in latitude 12° 47' N., and longitude 45° 10 E. It is about fifteen miles in circumference, of an irregular oval form, five miles in its greater, and three in its lesser diameter, connect- ed with the continent by a low narrow neck of land 1,350 yams in breadth, but which is in one place nearly covered by the sea at high spring tides. The peninsula consists of a large crater, formed by lofty and precipitous hills, the highest peak of which rises as high as 1,775 feet. On the exterior side the hills slope towards the sea, throwing out numerous spurs, which form a series of valleys, radiating from a common centre. Some of the spurs, falling almost abruptly into the sea, are nearly inaccessible. On the eastern face, opposite the fortified island of Seerah, there exists a gap. The appearance of the island would induce the belief, that it had at one time completed the circle, but that, having been separated by some convulsion of nature, it had been carried out and deposited in the sea, a few hundred yards in advance of the gap caused by its removal. The inlet thus formed is known by the name of Front or East Bay.
There is also a cleft from north to south, and the rents thus produced are called the Northern and Southern Pusses ; the former, better known as the Main Pass, is the only entrance from the harbour into the town, which is situated within the crater.
Between the northern shore of the peninsula and the south coast of the continent stretches the principal harbour or Back Bay with a width of about three miles at the entrance. As to its geological aspect, Aden is entirely of volcanic rock. The crater, as it now stands, has a diameter of 1^ to nearly 2 miles, the height of the walls, except where broken through at Front Bay, varying from a few hundred to nearly 1,800 feet. The crater, however, as well as the whota volcanic mass
x Cf. R. L. Playfair, A History of Arabia Felix or Yemen (Select, from the Rec. of the Bombay Government, 1859) and P. M. Hunter, An Account of the British Settlement of Aden in Arabia, 1877.
THE FLORA OF ADEN. 56
has been greatly altered by the action of the sea and rain since the time when the volcano was active. " To passing travellers," says Mallet, " it may appear strange to speak of pluvial denudation at Aden, but residents of the place are well acquainted with its force and extent. Rain seldom falls, it is true, but when it does it generally comes down in torrents. Of Aden it may be said with some degree of truth that there ' it never rains but it pours'. During the last fall which has occurred there (1870) seven inches fell in a couple of hours. The water swept along the torrents, filling all the drains with stones, many of them bigger than a man's head, and doing considerable damage to the station. Such very heavy falls only occur once in ten years or so, but other smaller but still heavy ones occur at shorter intervals."1 The varieties of rock met with are very numerous. There are perfectly compact lavas of brown, grey, and dark green tints ; besides, rocks exhibiting every degree of vesicularity until we arrive at lavas resembling a coarse sponge and passing into scoriae. In some places the lava is quite schis- tose, and might if seen per se be easily mistaken for a metamorphic rock. Also volcanic breccias are met with, as near the Main Pass where fragments of dark green lava are imbedded in a reddish matrix.2
The climate of Aden during the north-east monsoon (October to April) is cool, and in the months of November, December, and Januarv pleasant and agreeable. During the rest of the year hot sandy winds known as u Shamal," or north, prevail within the crater. On the western side, however, or Steamer Point, the breezes coming directly off the sea, are cool and refreshing. Vanden Broeck, who visited Aden in 1614, was witness of the " Shamal " and described it thus: "About noonday there came upon the earth a surprising darkness, followed by very heavy rain, and in the further extremity of that terrible cloud a very bright red, that might almost be mistaken for a fiery oven. The cloud continued to roll away towards Ethiopia, the rain ceased, and we were surprised to find our vessel covered with red sand, to the thickness of a finger's breadth. Some intelligent inhabitants informed us that these winds were formed of the sea-sand, and often buried whole caravans."3 Playfair calls this a tolerably accurate description of the 'Shamal", but he adds that usually it is not accompanied by
1 F. H. Mallet, Memoirs of the Geol. Mirv. of India, Vol. VII, Part 3; p. 4.
3 Cf. F. K. Mallet, I.e.
3 Hiat. Gen. dea Voyages, XXXI, 426.
56
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY, Vol. XVIII.
rain, nqr ever so serious in its results. Anderson gives us a vivid description of the climate of Aden in his Florida Adenensis. " In so low a latitude," he says, " the sun shines with intense force nearly throughout the year, and at Aden the solar power is increased by every peculiarity of physical conformation and climate. The undisturbed atmosphere stagnates in the walled in valleys, where a death-like stillness always reigns. The black and naked rocks absorb by day the scorching rays transmitted through an ever cloudless sky, only to radiate the pent-up heat by night, thus confining to the shore the cool but feeble breezes that occasionally spring up from the Indian Ocean. Accordingly, even in December, when the sun's power is at its lowest, Dr. Hooker found the temperature of the soil at 107° Fahr. a few feet below the surface. In the hotter seasons of the year, the sun, even in the early morning, is overpowering, and above the rocks the air flickers from the intense heat, while all distant objects are disturbed by an imperfect mirage." The following thermometrical readings confirm Anderson's sketch. They give the average temperature during the year at the three military positions : Camp, Isthmus, and Steamer Point :—
Camp.
|
1873-74. |
1874-75. |
| |
1875-76 |
||||||
|
Month6. |
Maximum, |
Minimum. |
m |
a* 3 a 5 |
3 a '3 |
R eg |
s 3 ea 3 |
Minimum. |
B 09 o |
|
88 |
82 |
85 |
82 |
81 |
86'5 |
86 |
77 |
81-5 |
|
|
•1 |
86 |
88-5 |
97 |
86 |
91-5 |
90 |
80 |
8r> |
|
|
95 |
90 |
92-5 |
1C2 |
89 |
95-5 |
04 |
84 |
89 |
|
|
97 |
90 |
93-5 |
100 |
80 |
90 |
96 |
86 |
fil |
|
|
August |
96 |
90 |
93 |
95 |
75 |
85 |
94 |
84 |
89 |
|
September |
93 |
88 |
90*5 |
95 |
84 |
89-5 |
91 |
81 |
86 |
|
October |
89 |
84 |
86-5 |
92 |
73 |
82-5 |
87 |
78 |
82'5 |
|
November |
85 |
8* |
84-5 |
86 |
70 |
77-5 |
85 |
76 |
80-5 |
|
December |
81 |
79 |
80 |
84 |
67 |
76-5 |
82 |
52 |
77 |
|
January |
80 |
77 |
78-5 |
84 |
66 |
75 |
78 |
71 |
74-5 |
|
February |
83 |
79 |
81 |
82 |
71 |
76-5 |
78 |
72 |
75 |
|
March |
84 88-5 |
81 84-1 |
82-5 |
86 |
75 76-5 |
80-5 83-8 |
82 |
79 |
80-5 |
|
Average |
86-3 |
91-1 |
86-9 |
78-3 |
82-6 |
THE FLORA @F ADEN.
57
Months.
Isthmus.
1873-74.
1674-75.
1876-76.
3
a ■i-t
3
a
3
a
e
fi
a
3
5 '8
a
a
3
a
a
a
a
s
a
3 B
B
B
a
c
|
97 |
82 |
89-5 |
89 |
79 |
84 |
86 |
83 |
84-5 |
|
|
88 |
84 |
86 |
96 |
83 |
89-5 |
90 |
a |
88-5 |
|
|
93 |
87 |
90 |
101 |
86 |
93-5 |
93 |
89 |
91 |
|
|
93 |
88 |
90-5 |
99 |
83 |
91 |
93 |
88 |
90-5 |
|
|
93 |
87 |
90 |
97 |
82 |
89-5 |
92 |
£6 |
89 |
|
|
September |
90 |
85 |
87-5 |
98 |
84 |
91 |
HO |
87 |
88-5 |
|
85 |
80 |
82-5 |
92 |
77 |
84-5 |
86 |
77 |
81-6 |
|
|
November |
81 |
78 |
79-5 |
85 |
73 |
79 |
81 |
88 |
79-5 |
|
December |
79 |
76 |
77-5 |
81 |
72 |
765 |
78 |
76 |
77 |
|
January |
78 |
75 |
76'5 |
80 |
71 |
75-5 |
78 |
76 |
77 |
|
February |
80 |
77 |
78-5 |
80 |
74 |
77 |
77 |
74 |
76-5 |
|
62 |
79 |
80-5 |
87 |
79 |
83 84-5 |
81 85-4 |
80 |
80-5 |
|
|
Average |
86-5 |
81-5 |
84 |
90-4 |
78-5 |
82-5 |
83'4 |
Steamer Point.
1873-74.
1874-75.
1875-76.
Months.
April . . May June July
August .. September October .. November December January. . February March . . Average
8
.2
99 91 93 92 92 91 88 84 81 80 82 86 87-5
|
a |
a |
a |
a |
|
|
B |
B |
B |
||
|
id |
a |
a. |
a |
a |
|
B |
rt |
n |
||
|
cS |
||||
|
a |
a |
a |
a |
§ |
79 83 84 84 85 84 77 76 74 74 75 77 79-3
84-5
87
88-5
88
88-5
87-5
82*5
80
77-5
77
78-5
81-5
83-4
93 95 92 88 93 89 84 82 80 81 86
78
85 84 82 80 84 78 74 72 70 70 76
a
C3
83
89
89-5
87
84
88-5
83-5
79
77
75
77"5
81
B
3
3
90 92 93 90 9u 93 89 86 82 81 81 84
87-6
77-7
82'6
87-8
a
3
a
a
S
80 83 86 84 82 85 79 74 73 75 75 77
79-4
B «
s