192 : SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
free margin with several little organs, probably of a sensory nature 
and consisting of a minute chitinous structure shaped like a bird’s 
mandible, from the base of which a slender cheta projects. <A 
bunch of long simple bristles arises from the ventral surface of the 
tip of the abdomen below the base of the siphons. There are no 
‘* floats ”’ or “‘ fins.” 
In general structure the larva is not unlike that of Corethra 
(Mochlonyx) velutina, but the position of the antenne is different, 
the head is much broader, the thoracic segments are not welded 
together, the abdomen is shorter and broader, the siphons are much 
stouter, and there are other differences. 
The pupa of Ramcia is not so peculiar as the larva. The general 
shape is an elongate ovoid, and there is no very clear distinction in 
the outline between the thorax and the abdomen. The length is 
about 2 mm. and the greatest breadth about 0°7 mm. The 
breathing trumpets are long and slender. Their distal margin is 
distinctly emarginate dorsally, and there is a minute projection in 
the centre of the emargination. The antenne curve round entirely 
outside the eyes. The wings extend to the ventral surface of the 
abdomen and nearly meet in the mid-ventral line. The abdominal 
segments decrease gradually in width from before backwards. The 
tergites are produced laterally in a triangular form, and their free 
margins are minutely denticulated. The anal lamelle are slender 
and pointed ; they also are minutely denticulated round the edge. 
This pupa differs from that of most Culicide in not having the 
cephalo-thoracic mass distinctly separated from the abdomen. The 
respiratory trumpets differ from those both of Culex and of Corethra, 
but resemble the latter more nearly. 
Unfortunately direct information as to the habits of the larva is 
not forthcoming, but light on this subject may be obtained by a | 
study of the structure. The structure of the thorax indicates great 
freedom of movement, while that of the antennz suggests that these 
organs are employed in seizing prey. There can, I think, be little 
doubt, therefore, that the larva is actively predacious. The points in 
which it differs anatomically from the larva of Corethra (Mochlonyz) 
velutina are not so great as those which distinguish the latter from 
the larve of Chaoborus plumicornis and Ch. pallida, and it is not 
too much to assume that in each genus the larval peculiarities are 
adaptive and due to differences in habits and environment rather 
than genetic divergence. 
The swamp in which the original larve were taken has been 
drained, and neither Mr. Green nor Major MacDougall, both of 
whom have been kind enough to search for further specimens, 
have been able to obtain more. It is, however, desirable that dry 
specimens of the imago should be examined, if only to satisfy those 
entomologists who regard the superficial character of colour as the 
most important. 
