142 JOURNAL R. A. S. CEYLON. [Vol. VII, Pt. II 



had to be carefully removed and kept in little paper boxes 

 containing tender mulberry leaves. They began to grow- 

 rapidly and increase in size, as can be judged from the 

 specimens now exhibited, containing caterpillars of different 

 stages of growth.* 



Indian Species 



Described by Captain Thomas Hutton, f.g.s., c.m.z.s., 

 Corresponding Member of the Agri-Horticultural Society of 

 India. f 



Wild species of India differ widely in form, habits, food, and 

 silk from the Bombyces proper ; they are all wild and indi- 

 genous to India and widely diffused wherever there are hills. 

 The type of this group is the well-known Tussar or Tussek 

 moth (Anthercea paphia) which is found along the coast line 

 from Bombay through Pondicherry and eastward to Bengal, 

 and thence through Cachar, Assam, Darjiling, and even to the 

 Punjaub. 



When left to nature, in a wild state, they are annual or 

 single-brooded; but when domesticated, two to five broods a year 

 may be obtained. 



In the whole family of the Lepidoptera there is no insect so 

 variable in the imago state in point of colouring as the Tussar 

 species, so that a novice would scarcely believe the varieties to 

 be of one species. 



The Actias selene, others of that genus, and the Antkercea, 

 have a strong, sharp-pointed, horny spine at the shoulder of the 

 wing, which is alternately brought into play in making a cross- 

 cut, or in separating the threads without cutting, until the 



* The card and other specimens exhibited at the Meeting can be seen 

 at the De Soyza Museum, Ceylon Medical College, Colombo. 



f From the Journal of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of 

 India Vol. I. Part 4 ; New Series. 



