106 SPOLIA ZBYLANIOA. 



dart down on a fly a few inches away from one's face. It would 



be interesting to know the proper name for this little friend,* he 



certainly seems to keep down the eyeflies. 



R. MACLURE. 

 Maskeliya, January 13, 1908. 



10. Mosquitoes and Eyeflies. — The distribution of mosquitoes 

 depends principally upon facilities for breeding. Most of the species 

 are dependent upon stagnant or approximately still water. I have 

 found certain species abundant at all elevations in the Island, though 

 the bite of those frequenting the higher altitudes does not appear to 

 be so virulent. I remember experiencing considerable trouble from 

 mosquitoes in a bungalow in the Dikoya district at an elevation of 

 over 4,000 feet in the year 1881. The greater frequency of 

 mosquitoes on up-country estates in recent years may possibly be 

 attributed to the greater attention now paid to horticulture. Small 

 pieces of ornamental water are more common, and pits to catch 

 water for irrigation purposes. The presence of large numbers of pot 

 plants in a verandali is often a source of mosquitoes. If water is 

 allowed to accumulate in the saucers of the pots, it will soon become 

 infested with the small wriggling larvae of several species of mosqui- 

 to, particularly of the vicious little " tiger mosquito " {Stegomyia 

 scutellaris). 



The Ufe-history of the so-called " eyefly" of Ceylon is still 

 unknown, and I have so far been unable to obtain even its scientific 

 name. Its greater abundance round up-country bungalows seems to 

 be associated (whether coincidentally or otherwise) with the increase 

 of ornamental trees, and I have thought that it may possibly breed 

 amongst the accumulation of fallen and decaying leaves. But until 

 the early stages of the insect have been discovered any explanation 

 must be merely guesswork. Eyeflies can be excluded from a 

 bungalow by keeping the premises darkened. Bamboo tats lined 

 with green cloth will afford almost complete relief from this pest. 

 They should be let down a little before midday and can be rolled up 

 after 4 o'clock. 



E. E. GREEN. 



1 1 . Migration of Butterflies. — While travelling from Sirigala in 

 Uva to Liangolla in the Eastern Province for four days (October 

 18 to 21, 1907), I noticed large number of butterflies migrating 

 towards the east. 



* This will be the Gray-headed Flycatcher, Culicicapa ceylonensis. 



