CEYLON BUTTERFLIES. 61 
the ics group, to form small local races, so it is most 
important that all specimens be carefully labelled. 
Something might be done by breeding, but the larve 
unfortunately require the attention of certain species of ants, 
so it is by no means a simple matter to breed them. 
There are a very fine series in the Colombo Museum, but 
they require a lot of sorting. 
123. ApHnaus LoniTa, De N. & E.; Aphnezus lazularia, 
M.—Also found in India, Malaya, China, &c. 
’ The largest Ceylon Aphnzeus and the easiest to distinguish. 
It varies comparatively little on the upper side, but the colour 
of the under side varies greatly. 
It is usualiy gregarious, and if one is found, a search near 
will probably put up others. It is very fond of the blossom 
of Microglossa zeylanica, in common with most other species 
of Aphnezeus. 
It used to be common at Haldummulla, but I have seen only 
one specimen there for many years. In February, 1916, it was 
very plentiful at Watering Point, Galle, and I have taken it at 
Hambantota, and have specimens from Ratnapura. 
Its flight is very rapid, but it usually only goes a short 
distance and is easy to catch. 
** Has been captured at Diyatalawa. Plentiful in southern 
parts of the Central Province up to 3,000 feet” (F. M. 
Mackwood). 
124. Apunaus Fusca, M. & De N.; Aphnexus vulcanus 
fusca, E.—Peculiar to Ceylon. 
De Niceville eae vulcanus as well, but Evans writes of 
Ceylon specimens: “‘ The orange anal patch on hind wing 
below is not extended upwards along dorsal margin as in 
continental specimens,” 7.¢., vulcanus. 
The commonest Aphneus in Ceylon. It varies greatly in 
the amount of orange on the fore wing, and in size. On the 
upper side of the hind wing the orange anal patch is sometimes 
continued nearly the entire length of the termen. 
Thave found it in the greatest abundance at Kankesanturai, 
on the north coast, in December and January. Very common 
at Elephant Pass and Giant’s tank in the Northern Province, 
on the hill behind Haldummulla post office, at Hambantota, 
