90 [April, 



Acherontia Lnchenis, Fabr. ; Chaerocampa Ce/erio, Linn, (this insect was found to 

 make a squeaking noise, much like the well known note of Acherontia) ; Daphtiis 

 Hijpothous, Cram. ; Theretra Nessus, Drury ; Protoparce convoivuli, Linn., and 

 Pseiidosphiiix disdstriga, Wlk. NOTODONTID^ : Stauropiis aUeriiii.i, Wlk., and 

 Centra lilurafa, Wlk. CossiD^ : Duomitus leuconoius, Wlk., and Zeuzera post- 

 excisa, [Impsn. Lasiocampid^: Trabala Vishnu, Lef. liYMAyiHiTyM: L. gr'ntdis, 

 Wlk. Arctiid^ : Chioncema subornata, Wlk., and Pelochyla astrea, Drury. 

 N0CTUID.E : Arsilasisa plagiata^^lk.; Leociima sericea, Hinpsn. ; L. biplai/a, 

 Wlk. ; Callijna siderea, Guen. ; Ramadasa Pavo, Wlk. ; Hyhlcea coiistellata, 

 Gnen. ; Bleniixi. donans and B. arcipiens,WW. ; Argi/rothripa i/risea, Umpsn. ; 

 HypocaJa Moorei, Bull.; H. lativitta, Moore ; Patula macrops, Linn. ; I'olydesma 

 leprom, Hmpsn. ; Ophiusa cuprea, Hmpsii.; Hypaetra «/;«>«/*.«, Moore ; Ischyia 

 Manila, Cram.; Hamodes aurantiara, Gucn. (not previously recorded from Ceylon) ; 

 Spirama retorta. Cram. ; Ophideres salaniniia, Fabr. ; O. ancilla. Cram., and O. 

 fiiUonica, Linn. Amongst GEOMETRiDiE, the gem of the evening was Uliocnemis 

 partita, VfW. (also new to Ceylon ). The PYiiAi.iDJi: were notably represented by 

 Pygospila Tyres, Cram. ; Neurina Procopia, Cram. ; Glj/phodes gIauct(laIis,Gium. ; 

 O. stolalis, Guen., and Bofiodes a.'dali.s-, Guen., with many less conspicuous species. 

 There were besides several novelties tliat I have not yet been able to determine. 



Other Orders of insects, chiefly Hemiptera, were represented. The giant 

 water-bug, Beloitoma indicum, was dashing about in every direction, while the 

 brightly coloured Catacanthus incarnatus. anfl the stink-bug par excellence, Nezara 

 niriduJa, were to be seen on every post. Scarabreids and water-beetles were 

 attracted in considerable numbers, and a few specimens of the .inopheles mosquito 

 were noticed. 



With such results from only two nights' work, wliat could not a systematic 

 collector, stationed on the spot, effect in the course of the year ? Each month would 

 bring a partial change of species. 



Some of the Boer prisoners have occupied their leisure in catching the moths 

 that settle within their bounds, and have in this way amassed quite considerable 

 collections. I noticed several rarities in their boxes, notably the large Eupterotid, 

 Apona sheiiarogensis, Moore. I also remarked a magnificent Noctuid, as large as, 

 or even larger than, Patula macrops, which was quite unknown to me, and which I 

 have been unable to recognise in "The Moths of British India." I tried to induce 

 the wily Boer to sell, but money was no object to him, and he refused to part with 

 his treasure for any consideration. He expressed his intention of sending his 

 collection to his wife in London. Perhaps this apparently unique specimen may 

 yet find its way to the British Museum. These men were working under great 

 disadvantages. The lamps are outside the barrier, and only a small pereentage of 

 the moths settle within their lines. Then they have to be within doors soon after 

 sundown. They have no proper apparatus for collecting and preserving their 

 specimens, but have manufactured for tlicmselvos rough setting-boards and store- 

 boxes. In the face of all these difiieulties several collections of real merit have 

 been formed. 



Peradeniya, Ceylon : 



Februari/, 1901. 



