THE FAUNA OF A DESERT TRACT IN SOUTHERN INDIA. 213 



XXIV. ClCENDELA BIRAMOSA, Fabr. 



This is a common species in Southern India. I found it very common on the 

 sea-shore at Pamben, in a very similar environment to that in which C. sumatrensis l occurs 

 on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. 



On several occasions a Robber Fly of the genus Promachus was observed carrying 

 off specimens of C. biramosa as its prey. 



XXVI. Sternocera chrysis, Fabr. 



This species evidently aestivates during dry weather, as large numbers appeared 

 at Ramanad on the day following a shower of rain, all having a hard, fully formed 

 integument. 



I believe that the different phases which some have regarded as separate allied 

 species, but which are usually now grouped together under the above name, are, to some 

 extent, due to the state of preservation of specimens. 



XXVII. Mylabris balteata (Pall.). 



This conspicuous little Beetle was common at Pamben near the sea. I saw it on the 

 wing at all times of day, and watched an individual feeding on a dead shoot of Spinifex 

 squarrosus in the evening. 



LEPIDOPTERA RHOPALOCERA FROM RAMANAD. 



XXXI. Catachrysops pandava (Hors.). 



Common at Pamben, chiefly among the stunted thorns just above tide-mark on the 

 shore. Specimens fresh and unworn. 



XXXII. Catopsilia pyranthe (Linn.). 



Common at Ramanad and at Rameswarem, less so at Pamben and Mandapam. 

 Specimens in excellent condition. 



XXXIII. Terias hecaboides, Menet. 

 Not very common. In good condition. 



XXXIV. Terracolus danae (Fabr.). 

 Not uncommon at Ramanad. The specimens are in very bad condition. 



XXXV. Papilio hector, Linn. 



Probably the commonest and certainly the most conspicuous Butterfly at Pamben 

 and Mandapam ; not quite so abundant at Ramanad. 



1 See Robinson, in Annandale and Robinson, Fascic. Malay., Zool., Vol. I., p. 180. 



