( HI ) 



VI. Descriptions of Twenty-Five Species of Indian Micro- 

 Lepidoptera. By H. T. Stainton, Esq., F.L.S,, &:c. 



[Read 6th Dec. 1858 ] 



It is now nearly three years ago since T read before this Society 

 "Descriptions of Three Species of Indian Micro-Lepidoptera," 

 which had been reared from the larvae at Calcutta, by Mr. Atkin- 

 son. The species of which I then communicated descriptions 

 were all belonging to the families of the smaller Tineina, one 

 being an aberrant Coriscium,* and the others referable to the genera 

 PlujUocnistis and Lithocollelis respectively. 



I have since then received two consignments of insects from 

 Mr. Atkinson, who still remains at Calcutta pursuing his Ento- 

 mological investigations there. The last box of insects I received 

 contained such a number of beautiful and interesting species, 

 that I determined to lose no time in communicating to the Society 

 descriptions of them. I have at present not had time to investi- 

 gate the whole, but having examined twenty-five of the species, I 

 now give my observations thereon, and hope at an early subse- 

 quent meeting to give descriptions of twenty-five more species. 



One great impediment to the rapid investigation of these Indian 

 Micros is their bizarre and unexpected forms ; very few of the 

 specimens are prepared to fall into any of our European genera ; 

 but in some cases there is an analogy or affinity with existing 

 genera so strong, that not wishing a wholesale creation of genera, 

 which is always apt to be perplexing to the future student, I have 

 preferred to refer them doubtfully to existing genera, pointing 

 out at the same time their discordant characters. 



In two instances only have I created new genera ; thus for the 

 beautiful scarlet Clerodendronella, with its pecuh'arly formed an- 

 terior wings, singular antennae, remarkable hind legs and extra- 

 ordinary posture in repose, I have proposed the generic name of 

 Atkinsonia ; and for two very pretty insects, somewhat allied 

 to Cosnioptert/x, but with much shorter drooping palpi, the face 

 hollow and retreating, and a fillet in front of the head between 



* For descriptions of Coriscium orientale, Phyllocnistis Citrella and Lithocollelis 

 Bauhiniic, see Trans. Ent. Soc. vol. iii. , N.S., pp. 301 — 303. 



