XV] ZOO-GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION 289 



five peculiar genera Epallage, Sympycna, Platycnemis, Erythromma, 

 and Pyrrhosoma. 



Japan. This group of islands forms a distinct province of 

 the region. It is marked by two special characteristics : (i) the 

 presence of Planaeschna,Aeschnophlebia and Epiophlebia (peculiar), 

 and Mnais (Japan and China) ; (ii) a strong incursion of Oriental 



Fig. 152. Wings of Oxygastra curtisi Dale, <$, France. 

 (Hw. 35 mm.) Original. 



forms, amongst which the most striking are undoubtedly the 

 magnificent insects of the genera Epophthalmia and Aznma. 

 Judging from numerous allusions to the Odonata in Japanese 

 literature and poetry, the fauna seems to be one of striking 

 beauty and coloration, and has impressed itself upon the national 

 consciousness. 



The Ethiopian Region. 



The Ethiopian region includes the whole of Africa and Arabia 

 south of the Tropic of Cancer, Madagascar, Mauritius, the Seychelles 

 and other islands adjacent to them. Though neither so rich nor so 

 varied as those of the Neotropical and Oriental regions, the Ethiopian 

 fauna is a very distinct one, and fairly rich both in genera and 

 species. Out of 105 genera known to occur, 70, or 67 per cent., 

 are peculiar to or entogenic in the region 1 . A great deal of work 



1 See foot-note on p. 286. 

 T. D.-F. 19 



