EAST AFRir-AN ISSKCTS. 1039 



2/j of tins is occupied Uy i,lie nbdomeii. A casque of 2§ iuclies 

 protects the head and well-developed wings. In breadth the 

 casque is 1| inches, in height 1| inches, and looks out of all pro- 

 portion to the rest of the insect. 



The colour of the creature is a pale green with mid-ribs and 

 venations of the casque in yellow ; the vein-like ribs are punctuated 

 at intervals by yellow spots. Two peculiar silver blotches occur 

 about half-way along the casque, one on each side ; these can be 

 seen from above. The upper wings have each a bright splash of 

 ultramarine near their junction with the body. (Morogoro, 

 14. V. 17.) 



P Jl AS MID^. 



9)]. Palopjius greyi Grand., J . A native brought me a fine 

 stick-insect measuring 11| inches in length ; antennsD 4,^ inches ; 

 hind-legs 4| inches ; opened wing 3| inches ; elytra | inch long, 

 each having a hollow excrescence resembling a thorn. Large 

 stick- insects are rare in East Africa ; I have only come across 

 two during three years, and those were of diflerent species. 

 (Morogoro, 1. ii. J 8.) 



M antid;e. 



94. Praying Mantids non det. An egg-mass of a mantis, 

 which I collected a month ago has just hatched out and given 

 rise to a few score grotesque little black mantids. (Morogoro, 

 2().iii.l7.) V ^ ' 



In the stomach of a, Hornbill (Lojikoceros deckeni) were two 

 large and complete mantids. (Morogoro, 1. vi. 17.) 



A. Hornbill {Lojihoceros namnanni) which was mobbed by some 

 small birds had a large mantis in its stomach. (Morogoro, 

 15.vi. 17.) 



94 a. DACTYLorTEiiYx sp. not in Brit, Mus. Took a mantis 

 which gave me a great deal of trouble to capture. It harmonized 

 most perfectly with the l)ark of the tree on which I found it, 

 and ran round the, tree and up and down with the agility of a 

 gecko. (Morogoro, 2. ii. 17.) 



95. PoLYSPiLOTA y-ERUoiNOSA Goeze. Whilst at my meals all 

 sort of trifles such as moth or fly wings come floating down. This 

 is a sign that a praying mantis is also dining. He took up 

 residence near the ventilating holes at the apex of my bell- 

 tent, and is between the two covers. Apparently lie finds it a 

 good spot, for he has been there a very long time. (Morogoro, 

 15. vi. 17.) 



One of the Black-lieaded Weavers (Ploceus v,igriceps) surprised 

 me to-day by dodging after a mantis in the fashion of a flycatcher. 

 Almost immediately after catching it, however, it dropped it again, 

 presumably owing to the mantis making good use of its toothed 

 fore-legs and perhaps jaws. (Morogoro, 7.xii. 17.) 



