( 76 ) 



of minute glistening globules, the Dature of which has hitherto 

 puzzled me. I could never find the caterpillars that were 

 responsible for the structures. One particular post, that was 

 constantly ornamented with the cocoons, has been watched — 

 day and night — for some time. I naturally expected to find 

 the caterpillars making the ascent. The ground at the base of 

 the post was scanned minutely, but no wandering caterpillars 

 were to be found. It really seemed that, if they did not come 

 up from below, they must come down from above. One morning, 

 after concluding my search, I instinctively glanced upwards, 

 cviii] 



and there — sure enough — were several minute larvae, hanging 

 by long silken threads from the overspreading branches of 

 an " Inga-saman " tree (Pitheeolobwm soman). They had let 

 themselves down from a height of 30 or 40 feet, and were 



Cocoon of Epietpkala chalyb 



dorsal view ; x 3. 



A single globule and rilkeD 

 oord ; 25. 



swinging in the breeze. This part of the mystery was now 



solved. They hung suspended until the wind drove them 

 against something solid, and there they immediately attached 

 themselves and constructed their coco. 



The caterpillar is small, but robust, measuring — when ex- 

 tended — about 6 mm. It is of a dull, pale, translucent 

 green colour, with an irregular crimson band completely 

 encircling each segment. 



The construction of the cocoon is commenced immediately 

 the caterpillar obtains a foothold. The position appears to be 

 a matter of no consequence. The work is completed within 

 two hours, which accounts for my failure to find uncovered 

 larvae. After weaving a thin silken covering, the creature 



