454 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
also by a pink band.’ These points are the breathing pores. ‘The glands 
are usually terminated by bristles. 
“The caterpillar changes its skin five times before metamorphosis, and 
when about to turn it leaves the inside of the cane and lightly spins a few 
of the leaves together for a protection. The caterpillars that from any 
cause remain to undergo pupation in the cane appear usually to perish from 
the humidity and unsuitableness of position, or from Acari. Several 
hundred chrysalides taken from inside cane were found on inspection to 
contain Acari instead of the future moth. 
“The existence of the insect is computed at nine days in the egg, thirty- 
one as a caterpillar, fifteen as a chrysalis, and four or five in the imago 
state—about sixty days altogether; and as in the mildness of the Mauritian 
climate reproduction takes place at all seasons, the increase is very rapid. 
“ Details regarding these small moths have been so fully given elsewhere 
that I need not enter on their specific description, but their appearance 
when in repose is stated to be very singular. The inferior palpi are stated 
to be nearly three times the length of the head, projecting forward in the 
shape of a beak. ‘The anterior legs are without spines, and when the moth 
is at rest are directed forward parallel to the beak-like palpi, and in addition 
to the great black eyes which distinguish this moth, and the antenne laid 
flat against the wings, which they exceed in length (but which are raised at 
a right angle when on the point of flying), are remarked as giving the 
insect ‘a very peculiar, not to say sinister look.’ 
“From observations made on the moth in captivity, it is stated to be 
very sedentary in its habits, remaining fixed in the same place for thirty-six 
hours concealed between leaves without even changing its position. Its 
flight is heavy and almost vertical; but when tormented at night by a vivid 
light, it jumps and turns on itself very quickly, and if set at liberty—far 
from being attracted by the light of a candle—conceals itself in the darkest 
corner of the room. The writer observes, ‘ This peculiarity has confirmed 
us in our first impression that its large eyes are totally deprived of the 
choroid membrane, which renders it almost blind.’ It is also noted that 
the moth had not then been captured in the cane-fields—conjecturally from 
its remaining hidden under the leaves. 
“'The report quoted runs to considerable length, but I have given these 
few points as they seem of practical importance. 
“The habits as mentioned agree with those noted of the moth cane- 
borer from Demerara, even in the matter of difficulty of capture, and this 
quiescent state in the shelter of the leaves and immediate concealment on 
disturbance, puts it on the one hand almost out of reach of destruction 
by the usual artificial means of attraction; and, on the other hand, puts it 
very much into the power of the ants, stealing quietly into every nook to 
lay hold of and destroy it. 
