LEPIDOPTERA. 



397 



PSALIS H >ASY< HlKAl SECURIS, Hi). 

 Bombyx securis, Hubn., Zutr., II. iq. It". 291, 292. 

 Dasychira securis, Hmpsn., Faun. End. Moths. I, 453-454; Lefroy, 

 Ind. Ins. Lite. |). 460. t. 39. f. 7- 



Vic,. 265. — Psalis securis, male ami female moths. The outline figures show 

 the natural 1 inal.) 



Distribution. — Throughout the Plains of Southern India. 

 Lifehistory Kggs are laid in batches covered with hairs derived 

 from the anal tuft of tin- female moth. The full-grown caterpillar 



is 30 -40 mm. long, rather stout, in colour bright-yellow with a broad 

 red-brown stripe down the back and a narrow paler stripe along 

 the side; head dull-orange; on either Side of the head two long 

 tufts of hair project forward and a single tuft backwards from the 

 anal segment; on the first four abdominal segments are short, thick, 

 rounded brush-like tufts of pale-yellowish hair and on the sixth and 

 seventh abdominal segments two bright-red papules stand on the 

 centre of the back ; all the segments with numerous warts from 

 which arise spreading tufts of fine pale hairs. Pupation as a rule 

 on a leaf-blade in a cocoon formed of silk interwoven with larval 

 hairs ; the pupal period is about [0 days. 



Foodplants. Paddy, cholam, ragi, sugarcane, grasses. 



Status. — A minor pesl of paddy. 



Control. The caterpillar is conspicuous and feeds exposed and 

 so is easily hand-picked. 



