1912.| E. E. GREEN: Coccidae in the Indian Museum. 73 
few examples that I have had under observation I notice a marked 
difference in the pelage of the anterior femora. In formicarum 
(fig. 20) there are many long stout hairs on the inner area of this 
joint: in évimeni (fig. 22) there are a few short stout hairs: in 
capensis (fig. 21) these hairs are more numerous but very short 
and fine: while in indicus (fig. 19) there are five or six stout 
longish hairs. It is possible, however, that the greater develop- 
ment of the hairs, as shown in the figures of the anterior limb of 
jormicarum and indicus, may be partly due to the fact that my 
examples of these species were extracted from unopened cysts, 
while those of capensis and tviment had emerged naturally. It is 
conceivable that the hairs may be quickly worn down, in life, 
owing to the fossorial habits of the insects. 
The formation of the overlapping scales in the nymphal cysts 
is difficult to understand. Fissures, resulting from - internal 
pressure, followed by the exudation of fresh liquid secretion from 
inside {as has been suggested by some authors) could not possibly 
result in this structure Mayet explains the process as follows :— 
‘* All the time that they are growing, the larvae secrete the 
envelope of the cyst which, formed of juxtaposed lamellae, 
enables them to develop by the sliding of these lamellae one over 
the other.” But against this explanation is the fact that the 
smaller and presumably younger cysts are composed of a homo- 
geneous envelope, devoid of overlapping scales which appear only 
at a later period. Having only dead and dried cysts at my 
disposal, I am unable to suggest any alternative explanation. The 
solution of the mystery can be resolved only by a close study of 
living examples, from the earliest stage of development. 
It is greatly to be desired that Margarodes indicus should be 
traced to its actual habitat. The true origin of the examples that 
have hitherto been collected in India is obscure. One parcel was 
collected on flood-water and these examples may have been trans- 
ported for many miles before coming to rest. Another gathering 
was made in the Service Tank, Bangalore, and had probably been 
carried there by the action of water. The most definite informa- 
tion is in connection with the sample ‘‘from the Collector of 
Khandesh.’’ ‘These are said to have been ‘‘ found in the ground.’’ 
But the examples show unmistakable evidence of exposure and 
decay. Nothing is known of the plant or plants upon the roots 
of which it lives. The subterranean habit of the insect makes its 
discovery more or less of an accident. The adult winged males 
are the most likely to be observed. The other stages of the insect 
should be searched for in the locality that gave birth to the males. 
Possibly the male insects themselves (as in the instance described 
by Prof. Cockerell) may afford a clue to the exact position of the 
females. 
