160 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
very sight. All other markings and the ground colour are 
also extremely variable. I have only been able to examine 
a single specimen of indrani from Coorg. In it the three 
pre-apical spots are equalin size, and are far larger than in any 
specimen of tessa that I possess. They are arranged in a 
straight line. The clasp differs slightly from that of tissa, 
but this cannot be relied on with the examination of only a 
single specimen. For the prehensores of tissa, see Pl. 3, 
figs. 5 and 6. 
It is very widely distributed in Ceylon, but I have never found 
it common. I have taken it at Haldummulla, Wellawaya, 
Hambantota, Galle, Kegalla, and Vavuniya, and have speci- 
mens from Kandy. It settles with its wings spread out flat 
on the under side of a leaf, and, as a rule, does not fly far if 
disturbed ; but its flight is so rapid that it is not always easy 
to see where it settles. 
“ Captured at Jaffna in August ; found at Badulla ” (F. M. 
Mackwood). 
195. TaGIADES pDisTANS, M. & E.—Also found in India, 
but is probably a race of obscurus from Java. Moore says: 
** Obscurus differs in the absence of the discal semi-transparent 
spots on the fore wing.” Elwes and Edwards say they have 
not been able to compare Malayan with Ceylon specimens, 
but regard the distinction as of no value, as these spots are 
often missing in Ceylon specimens. Males without them are 
not at all rare, but all the females in my collection show them. 
I have received three specimens of an allied race from Mr. F. 
Hannyngton, I.C.8., Coorg. I am uncertain whether they 
are obscurus or alica. They differ in many ways from Ceylon 
specimens, but especially in the markings on the under side 
of the hind wing. The clasp is distinct, though clearly allied. 
The clasp of distans is figured on PI. 3, fig. 7. 
It is common from sea level up to 5,000 feet at least, 
wherever there is a fair rainfall. It flies all the year round, 
but is most abundant at Haldummulla, near the changes of 
the monsoons. 
On the roads at Haldummulla large skippers are often met 
“ flighting ” west. When approaching they are inconspicuous, 
but when going away they show a lot of white. These flights 
