248 



Moth of Rhodoneura myrtoea.—The. following description is 

 taken from Hampson's Fauna British India Vol. 1, page 358. 

 "Differs from myrsusalis in being brick-red; the striae less distinct. 

 Fore wing without the yellow costa. Under sides suffused with 

 pink, strise well defined; a dark brown subapical patch on the margin 

 of the fore wing. 



The form fenestrata has two hyaline spots on the fore wing, with 

 an ochreous streak between them." 



The specimens I have do not entirely answer to this description, 

 but do not differ sufficiently to demand a separate description. The 

 form found here is nearest to fenestrata, although the yeilow costa is 

 present. The colour however is brick-red. The suffused pink on 

 the under side is not obvious. 



Tortrieidse. 



Pests attacking Merbau {Afzelia palembanica). 



Capua Sp.~ Certain species of this family are the cause in their 

 larval state of much damage to a large variety of cultivated and 



In Ceylon Capua coffearia has been the source of consi- 

 derable trouble to the planting community there, and in Java 

 ^ 1 M M E r MANN draws attention to a species of this family as 

 attacking the coffee planted in that country. 



Here a Capua is defoliating the Merbau trees. 



Description.— The eggs are laid on the upper side of the leaf; they 

 are flat and overlapping, rendering their appearance scaly. Their 

 surface is shiny, and with a slight irridescence. A single female is 

 capable of laying a large number of eggs, batches collected varying 

 in number between 50—400. The newly disclosed larva is ot a 

 yellowish colour with a shining jet-black head. 



I am unable to say whether the young larvae are at first gregarious 

 or not but judging from my observations lam inclined to believe 

 that they are until the first moult has taken place. For the purpose 

 ot feeding, a small portion of a leaf is drawn together, being held in 

 this position by threads attached to either side of the leaf. II* 

 enclosed portion is now riddled, very irregularly. The vr, 

 Iff O ^ T^' are avoided at * e commencement of the la v 1 

 We. Often m the later stages, however, the veins are also devoured. 

 As the larval life progressed a greater portion of the leaf is enclosed 

 but comparatively little is eaten away. This may be taken as 

 typical of the species in question for it is always the case, that, aft* 

 having eaten a small portion of the leaf the larva escapes com^ 

 cing its ravages m another place. This habit of continually change 

 its scene of operation during its larval life renders its depre^on 

 vastly greater than they otherwise would be. Before vacating * 

 house, or before pupation takes place, the threads which hold t» 

 ieai in position, are severed thus allowing the leaf to uncoil. 



