456 



thing they come in contact with and appear to be held together. 

 Upon examining them with a lens exceedingly delicate threads 

 can be discerned dispersed throughout. 



******* 



" As to the butterfly being crepuscular in its habits, I may 

 mention that I am frequently out in the twilight, but have not 

 met with it 



" Concerning the loose scales on this unique butterfly we have 

 no evidence that the larvae are welcome inhabitants of the ants' 

 neets. However, it is highly probable that the ants have no 

 friendly feeling for the perfect insect and would most likely attack 

 and kill it during its long rest after emergence if it were not 

 especially and wonderfully protected. So it will be seen that the 

 loose scales act as a perfect protection, for directly the ants 

 encounter these they are in trouble, they fasten on to their feet 

 and impede their movements or, if their antennae or mandibles 

 come in contact with any part of the butterfly, the scales adhere 

 thereto, so that the ant is soon in a bad way and has quite enough 

 to do in attempting to free himself of his encumbrances without 

 taking any further interest in the butterfly, from which he retreats 

 as well as possible. It is exceedingly ludicrous to observe the 

 ants endeavouring to free themselves, their legs move awkardly 

 and their mandibles are opened and closed in evident annoyance 

 and perplexity, and they are also much concerned about the state 

 of their antennae for the obnoxious scales will not be shaken off, 

 and they seem to become very low-spirited." 



Eeturning to the larva in its armour of chitin Mr. Dodd adds : 



" The larvae of L. brassolis are evidently so tough -skinned that 

 the mandibles of the ants can make little or no impression on 

 them, for in placing specimens upon a nest, the inmates rush out 

 at them, catch hold of the caterpillar rim and appear to be acting 

 most viciously. They also endeavour to reach the head and legs, 

 but these are at once protected, the creature just lowers its great 

 sides and is secure. After examining caterpillars which have been 

 on the nests for several hours, and tugged at and nipped by dozens 

 of ants, not a mark or a wound was descernibie; yet if the 

 slightest cut is made in the rim with a knife, juices issue as 

 from any ordinary caterpillar with an opening in the skin." 



With regard to the larva of this butterfly feeding on the larvae 

 of GEcophylla smaragdina, Mr. R. Turner informs me on the 

 authority of Mr. Olive, a friend of his who has bred the insect, 

 that he found it on a small tree, Sarcocephalus cordatus*, Miq., 

 and that to the best of his belief the larva feeds thereon as the 

 leaves had the appearance of being eaten. It is quite possible 

 that the larva of this most remarkable form may be partially car- 

 nivorous as well as a leaf-feeder. Mr. Olive also affirms that 

 Liphyra brassolis unless accidentally put up in the day-time is 

 entirely crepuscular in its habits. 



* The tree occurs in Burma and is the " Ma-u-lettan-sh6 " of the Burmese. 



