BUTTERFLIES. 131 



103. Thaumantis diorks, Doubleday. 



A species of the heavy forests, occurring at low elevations only. 

 Nearly always seen in couples or more in dense jungle flying short 

 distances when disturbed and sitting with wings closed. It is pro- 

 bably seasonally dimorphic; the lighter, larger form, T, ranidco, Moore, 

 occurring in the dry-season, April to June ; the smaller, darker form, 

 true T. diorcs, in the rains, from August to October. 



10 J:. Stichopjithalma camadeva, AVestwood. 



This is one of the most lovely butterflies in the world. For- 

 tunately, it is not rare, and occurs in forests at low elevations from May 

 to September. It is probably single-brooded, the specimens taken late 

 in the year being much worn and broken. Mr. Dudgeon has never 

 seen it east of the Tista river, nor has he ever received specimens of 

 it from Bhutan. 



105. Stichophthalma nourmahal, Westwood. 



A very rare species. Mr. A. V. Knyvett has obtained through 

 native collectors three males and a female in native Sikhim ill two 

 successive years in August. 



106. Stichophthalma nueinissa, de Nic^ville. 



Obtained annually in fair numbers by native collectors near Buxa 

 in Bhutan. 



107. Clerome arcesilaus, Fabricius. 



Very rare in Sikhim, but quite common in the adjoining country 

 of Bhutan. 



Subfamily AcRiEiN^. 



108. Paeeba vesta, Fabricius. 



Immensely common in Sikhim, and found from 2,000 to 7,000 

 feet elevation, and is certainly double, if not treble brooded. The 

 black, spiny larva? may be seen in hundreds in clusters by every 

 road-side from October throughout the winter, at which time they 

 are in a dormant state. Birds do not seem to eat them though they 

 are most conspicuous; probably their compound spines are a sufficient 

 protection. The larvae appear to be polyphagous, eating any kind of 

 weed. It is found in Western and Central China. 



109. Telchinia viol^, Fabricius. 



A butterfly of the plains rather than of the hills. I have seen 

 only two or three properly authenticated Sikhim specimens. In the 

 Western Duars at the foot of the hills it is quite common. Mr. Dudgeon 

 has himself taken specimens in Daling at 3,000 feet. 



