ELYMNIADAE. 



Genus ELYMNIAS Hb. Heir. Sch. 



The genus Elymnias, which is regarded as pertaining to the Satyridae by 

 most entomologists, exhibits in its larvae a great resemblance to those of Cyllo 

 not only as regards the slender build but particularly in respect of the peculiar 

 horns on the head and the spiny processes at the hinder end of the body. 



Of E. Undulakis Drury and E. Lais F., with which I am best acquainted, 

 the former loves sunshine and is, therefore, principally met with in gardens 

 and other spots not densely covered with vegetation while the latter is to be 

 found by preference in plantations of Cocos nucifera L. which does not 

 generally occur in forests. It is, therefore, incorrect to call the members of 

 this genus in general forest butterflies, as is done by Wallace for instance. 

 All the larvae known in the genus likewise live on palm trees. 



Whereas E. Undularis Drury, as has already been stated, seeks the 

 sunshine I have only once observed E. Lals F. flying about in the evening 

 twilight but otherwise, when disturbed, as frequently happens in the plantations 

 referred to, I have always seen it settle immediately on a tree trunk, in exactly 

 the same manner as Cyllo Leda L. It appears to me, therefore, that 

 E. Lais F. is likewise one whose members only fl}' in the twilight; this 

 may also be the case with other species of the genus. In the island of Saleyer 

 I noticed the same habit in the species which there replaces E. Lais F. 

 Dr. Martin, it is true, appears to have observed an individual of this species 

 flying in broad daylight, being engaged in the act of ovipositing, but under 

 stress of similar instinctive functions an insect may well deviate from its normal 

 habits, just as when disturbed it seeks safety in flight. I am, therefore, unable 

 to agree with Martin's assertion that Elymniads only fly in the full glare of 

 the sun. On the other hand 1 consider his suggestion, that Elymnias is an 



