Dactylopiincs. 401 



Other stages not observed ; but well-developed embryos were found in the 

 bodies of the females. 



Habitat : In the hollow joints of young branches of Humboldtia laurifolia. 

 Yatiyantota, November. 



At the distal extremity of each joint, between the bases of the bracts and 

 opposite the insertion of the leaf petiole, there is a minute passage communi- 

 cating with the cavity of the internode below it. This passage is enlarged by 

 ants of several species which form their nests in the cavities, but is not of 

 sufficient size to permit of the entry or exit of the full-grown Lachnodius. It is 

 probable that the ants introduce the young larvae and plant them on the inner 

 walls of the cavity, where they feed and attain their full size. From one to 

 three full-grown Coccids may be found in a single cavity, though not in every 

 joint. 



The species has been found in one locality (Yatiyantota) only. Humboldtia 

 trees growing in the Peradeniya Gardens and other districts, although colonised 

 by ants, do not appear to harbour these insects. 



The ants associated with Lachnodius at Yatiyantota have been determined 

 as Cremastogasier subnuda, Mayr., subsp. rabtila, For., var. nicevillei, For., and 

 Mo)iomorium floricola, Jerd. 



3G 



