266 PERCY SLADEN TRUST EXPEDITION 



It is noticeable that a considerable proportion of the whole fauna consists of genera 

 of typical Tineidce whose larvse are known to feed on dead wood or dead vegetable 

 materia] ; this is characteristic of insular faunas where the wind has been the principal 

 agent in distribution, since insects with these habits can find food in any region, whilst 

 those genera whose larvse feed on leaves are usually restricted in each individual case 

 to some particular plant, and fail to establish themselves in a new region where they 

 are unable to find the foodplant to which they are accustomed. Genera whose larvse 

 feed on lichens or animal refuse are equally advantageously circumstanced. The habits 

 of the Metachandidm are entirely unknown and should be ascertained ; I think it likely 

 they may be lichen-feeders. Some of the other genera doubtless also owe their 

 establishment to suitability of habit; thus the species of Bactra probably feed on 

 rushes (Juncus), and Calicotis on ferns, and these are always available. 



II. FAUNA OF ALDABRA. 



This interesting fauna is represented by 9 species, all endemic, so far as is known. 

 Unfortunately Madagascar, with which they have probably the nearest relationship, 

 is unknown at present, and the Aldabra fauna is therefore very much in the air. The 

 genera are as follows : 



Meridarchis Zell. Characteristic of India, but there is one African species and 

 one Australian. 



Eboda Walk. A small genus, but occurring throughout the tropics. 



Eucosma Hueb. Cosmopolitan ; the species is allied (not closely) to the Seychelles 

 species. 



Laspeyresia Hueb. Cosmopolitan. 



Trichotaphe Clem. American, Indian, and African. 



Cholotis Meyr. Indian, African, and Australian. 



Stathmopoda Staint. Mainly Indian, Australian, and African. 



Imma Walk. Throughout the tropics. 



Opogona Zell. Principally Indian and Australian. 



All are therefore seen to be genera of wide distribution ; they are doubtless all 

 to be regarded as casual immigrants, distributed by the winds, and in general of 

 doubtful origin. 



III. SYSTEMATIC LIST. 

 Carposinidse. 



Meridarchis Zell. 



1. Meridarchis ccementaria, n. sp. 



$. 13 mm. Head whitish-ochreous sprinkled with grey. Palpi 3, ochreous-whitish 

 irrorated with grey and blackish, base of terminal joint dark grey. Thorax ochreous- 

 whitish sprinkled with grey and blackish. Abdomen pale greyish-ochreous irrorated with 

 grey. Fore wings elongate, rather narrow, costa slightly arched, apex obtuse, termen 



