NYMPHALINjE. 
49 
colouring, both on the upper and underside. There is generally a distinct tinge of pink about the 
white markings on the underside of this Neptis , and there is much variation in size, though not 
so marked as in the foregoing species. This butterfly is to be seen throughout the year. 
Fig. 3, PI. VI is from a $ taken in July. 
Egg, hemispherical or bee-hive shape, granulated and bristly, darkish green; attached to 
the upperside of a leaf-tip of the foodplant, Cratoxylon polyanthum , Korth., a shrub or small tree 
native to Malaya and S. China and very abundant in this district: Nat. Ord. Hypcricincce. 
Larva, figured on PI. 2a, Fig. 13, pupa Fig. 14. When young the larva eats away the 
leaf-tip, leaving the mid-rib, and on this projecting stalk it usually rests, near the end. The larva 
appears to use a large quantity of filament as footholds, and its excreta collect at the bitten edge of 
the leaf, suspended by and mixed up with the silk ; it is thus much easier to detect the lame when 
very young than when fullgrown. The larvae of Athyma , and to some extent Limenitis , have 
the same habits. When fullgrown the larvae of both sp. of Neptis usually rest with the face pressed 
flat on the leaf. 
The four spots coloured blue in the figure of the pupa indicate silver. 
Athyma nefte, Cram. 
A very pretty and fairly common butterfly, but rather local, haunting woods and the 
patches of trees round villages, where it is fond of sitting high up on the leaves; it sometimes 
visits Lantana flowers and likes those of certain trees and shrubs. It has a swift flight, but often 
affects a special perch whence it makes excursions. It is on the wing almost throughout the year. 
The £ and £ differ widely both in shape and colouring. The $ is fond of settling on damp soil, 
probably drinking up the moisture. At a distance the ? might be confused with Symbrenthia. 
Fig. 12, PI. IV is from a £ taken in June, Fig. 11 a $ taken in November. There is 
little seasonal variation in this butterfly. 
Larva, figured on PI. 2a, Fig. 9, pupa Fig. 10. When very young the larva is of a dark 
brown. After its later moults it is, for a short time, beautifully variegated with green and yellow, 
blue spots, dark markings and blotches, the processes or studs on the face turning a light blue. 
Just before pupation it changes to a dirty yellowish-white. The larva feeds on Glochidion 
eriocarpum , Champ., only known from S. China, and G. macrophylhun , Benth., a common 
shrub in China. The parts coloured yellow in the figure of the pupa indicate gilt. It has an 
extraordinary dorsal process, resembling the nose or beak on the pupa of A. perius, but much 
more developed, the tip of the beak being produced till it touches an opposed smaller process, 
leaving an opening between this appendage and the body of the pupa. At the head are two kite¬ 
shaped projections pointing in opposite directions. The pupa is attached by the tip only, without 
a band. 
