L80 SPOLIA ZBYLANICA, 
intensified by the accompanying slight opening of the wings, throw- 
ing back of the antenne, and arching of the abdomen so as to 
exhibit the false-warning pattern of yellow and black on its dorsal 
aspect. I might observe that the sizes of M. styx and the Leaf- 
nosed bat, when hanging on a twig with wings closed, are approxi- 
mately equal. 
During the last two years I have met with all three Manduce (M. 
lachesis, F., in the Chagos Islands ; M. atropos, L., in the Seychelles ; 
and M. styx, Westw., in Ceylon), and have found the cry of the 
imago similar in all the species. 
It is, of course, possible that the stridulation has also a sexual 
significance. 
T. BAINBRIGGE FLETCHER. 
H. M.S. Sealark, 
February 15, 1907. 

8. Erythrina indica and the Crow.—This tree (Sin. Erabodu) just 
now in blossom, has, in the flowering stage, a strange attraction for 
crows, which may be seen cawing and hopping about its branches, 
generally in the early morning. The cause for this, as any one who 
is curious will discover, is that the flower contains a copious supply 
of honey-dew in the depression at the junction of the stamen bundle 
and the carina, and it is this nectar that the birds are after and can 
be observed quafting with avidity. One would hardly give the 
carrion crow credit for such refined taste. 
March 8, 1907. C. DRIEBERG. 

9. Notes by the Way:* Observations during a tour to Trin- 
comalee vid Matale, Nalanda, Dambulla, &¢.—Matale, October 
30, 1906: My companion drew my attention to a moth (Synto- 
mis georgina)-sitting on the resthouse wall. A mosquito (Culex 
vishnui) was perched upon its back, with its proboscis inserted in 
the thorax of the moth, and its abdomen distended with pale 
greenish blood—evidently the blood of its victim. They were 
imprisoned in a small glass-topped box for further observation. 
On the next day the moth was found to be dead, but the Culex 
was still lively and was provided with a fresh Syntomis. Two 
days later the mosquito died, without having injured the second 
moth. I regret now that I did not give the Culex any opportunity 
of laying its eggs. It is still an open question whether the 

* [The first series will be found in Spolia Zeylanica, vol. II., Py 194; the 
second series in vol. III., p. 219.—Ep. | 
