16 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XV. 



Habitat in heavy forest beneath fallen leaves. Amba- 

 gamuwa specimens measure: height 4 mm., diameter 15 mm. 



17. — Plectopylis clathratula, Pfr. 

 This species is fairly abundant. The shells are much 

 smaller than the type figured in the Conchologia Indica. 

 The animal is pale brownish-red, visible through the trans- 

 lucent shell. 



Habitat on the under side of decaying leaves in forest. 

 Dimensions : height 2-20 mm., diameter 5 mm. 



18.— Acavella Waltoni, Jouss. (Helix Waltoni, Reeve.) 



This is one of the commonest species in the district. The 

 shells are very variable in size and colouration, some of them 

 being extremely handsome. The Ambagamuwa specimens 

 are, as a rule, smaller than those found at lower elevations. 



The animal is inky black, with dark bluish-gray tentacula. 

 It is oviparous in April-September. The eggs have white 

 calcareous shells, usually measuring 21 mm. in length and 

 12-50 mm. in width. They are deposited singly, in leaf 

 mould, around the roots of trees in forest. The embryonic 

 shells, which are thin and almost transparent, are beautifully 

 variegated. 



Habitat in forest undergrowth and under fallen leaves. 



19. — Acavus superba, Pfr. 



This species is represented in Ambagamuwa by a beautiful 

 variety (var. roseolabiata), which is figured in the Conchologia 

 Indica as Helix superba. 



Nevill has, however, pointed out that this is in reality quite 

 distinct from Pfeiffer's type, although the difference does 

 not appear to have been noticed by Mr. Hanley.* 



Perfect specimens of this form are seldom seen. They 

 invariably, when old, become coated with a slimy lichenous 

 growth, which gradually destroys the bright colouring of the 

 shells. This is doubtless a protection against birds and other 



Journal, R. A. S,, Bengal, 1881, No. HI., p. 134. 



