414 Tachardiinc^. 



nioides ; but both yellow and red forms were freely intermingled upon a plant 

 of Nephelium litchi. The red form is by far the more common, and this form 

 only has been observed upon Albiszia. 



Nearly allied to T. lacca, from which it may be distinguished by its smaller 

 size and by the completely sessile stigmatic processes. It must be admitted, 

 however, that there are degrees in the prominence of these processes in T. lacca 

 that, with a more extended knowledge of the various forms occurring in India, 

 may eventually provide a complete gradation between the sessile and stalked 

 races of the insect. 



The resin of this species is the principal material employed in the local lac 

 industry. It is known to the Matale lac-workers as * Keppitiya laccada,' and 

 to those of Tangalla as ' Kon laccada.' 



TAG HARD I A MINUTA, Morrison. 

 (Plate CLXXIII.) 



Tachardia mimita, Moxrison, Philippine Journ. Sci,, Vol. XVII, No. 2, 

 Aug. 1920, p. 179. 



The resinous case of the adult female varies— in colour — from bright 

 castaneous to dark reddish-brown. In old examples the colour is often 

 obscured by a coating of blackish fungus. The surface is minutely and irre- 

 gularly rugulose. The form is very characteristic, especially in isolated 

 examples, the free development of which has not been affected by crowding. 

 In such examples (see pig: 2) the case assumes a regular lobate outline. Three 

 main divisions are noticeable — a bilobate anterior portion, and two postero- 

 lateral portions, each of the latter being angularly trilobate. In the older 

 examples the general form is maintained, but the subdivision into smaller lobes 

 is more or less obscured. The usual medio-longitudinal carina is distinct, and 

 extends to the rounded posterior orifice which is, however, usually closed by a 

 thin operculum. The usual stigmatic orifices are apparently represented only 

 by a pair of semi-lunar cicatrices— situated close to the anterior extremity of 

 the median carina. All three orifices appear to be sealed up and do not emit 

 the curling white filaments that are so conspicuous in T. albiszicE and several 

 other species. In very fresh examples, a small nipple-shaped prominence is 

 observable on each side of, and slightly anterior to, the posterior orifice. Length 

 of test 175 to 2 mm. Breadth (across posterior lobes) V2^ to 175 mm. 



Male puparium usually of a rather paler colour than that of the female ; of 

 a narrow oval form, slightly tapering behind. The posterior extremity is 

 turned sharply upwards and somewhat recurved. Median carina distinct. A 

 lateral view of the puparium is strongly suggestive of the conventional repre- 

 sentation of a dolphin (seeyff. 3). Length i to r5 mm. 



The adult female insect (removed from its covering) is of a rich crimson 

 colour {fig. 4). It retains roughly the form of the case, except that the lobes 

 are more evenly rounded. A deep lateral cleft, on each side, marks the position 

 of the dorsal spiracles. The stigmatic processes are small but prominent, 



