( 540 ) 



On the larva of Eusciiicma jitlitakis, Linn. ; by Olivku E. 

 Janson. 



Professor J. Wood-Mason, of the Calcutta Museum, recently 

 placed in my liauds for publication, the accompanying figures of 

 the larva and pupa of Euschema militaris, drawn from nature 

 by Mr. S. E. Peal, who has succeeded in rearing this moth 

 through its earlier stages, thereby setting at rest the long dis- 

 puted question as to its location amongst the Bombycina or 

 Geometrina, to both of which groups it has been assigned. 

 The majority of authors have referred it to the former group 

 ■with which (from a study of the imago alone) it appears to offer 

 most characters in common. M. Guenee, however (Spec. Gen. 

 Lep. X, p. 188), argues in favour of its affinity with the latter 

 group (placing it between the Fidonidce and Zerenid(p), but at 

 the same time remarking that it is impossible to decide the 

 question until the larva is known. Mr. Peal's discovery of its 

 '' Looper " caterpillar at once confirms the views of M. Guenee 

 as to its pertaining to the Gevmetiina. 



The drawings are not coloured, and Mr. Peal merely describes 

 the larva as being yellow ; the pupa cases sent are pale brown 

 speckled with black, the black spots at the sides and the eye-like 

 spots on the head are encircled with pale yellow, the latter are 

 very conspicuous. 



Explanation of the figures : 

 Plate X. 

 Fig. 2 larva of Euschema militains. 

 „ ;^, 4 & 5 pupa of ditto 



