82 
LYCiENIDiE 
shrubs and trees frequented by all this group of Lycaenids. I have taken it from March to 
September inclusive. The females are often very large in comparison with the males, and they vary 
somewhat in the amount of white near the anal angle of the hindwing, on the upperside. 
Fig. 4, PI. VIII is from a ? taken in September; Fig. 5 of the same plate a $ taken in 
May. The blue on the upperside of the $ is very bright. 
Larva, somewhat limaciform but more cylindrical than most Lycaenid lame; of a general 
brownish-yellow, with a large head, reminding one rather of many coleopterous larva?; skin smooth 
and rather shiny. It feeds on Gardenia flortda , Linn., Nat. Ord. Rubiacece; the double or 
cultivated variety, though the single-flowered shrub is indigenous to China and grows here abundant¬ 
ly, and the larva may probably feed on it; although it could scarcely conceal itself very well in the 
buds of single flowers. The larvae feed on the unopened flower-buds, boring holes through them 
and eating away the interior. The shrub is called by the Portuguese here “ Flor de Maio ” or 
May-flower, as it is in full bloom in that month. 
The pupa is short and stout and of a general rather dark, shiny yellow. Sometimes it is 
affixed to the centre of a leaf, sometimes to the interior of a bud which has been eaten away by the 
larva. The clean-cut circular holes bored by the larvae may often be observed in the flower-buds of 
this shrub or tree. The pupa is attached sometimes with, sometimes without a girdle. 
Rapala varuna, Horsf 
A common Lycaenid, occurring nearly every month, but often very numerous in the 
autumn. It does not seem to vary much seasonally, but the bluish-silvery markings on the under¬ 
side of the hindwing at the anal angle are sometimes very distinct and sometimes almost wanting; 
and the two large black spots, one on the anal lobe and one just outside the “tail” bordered at the 
top with orange, in some individuals are very large and black, in others rather small and obscure. 
In certain lights the $ has most of the hindwing and a patch on the lower part of the 
forewing of a deep, shining and brilliant blue, but looked at directly from above it appears of a very 
dark indigo blue, almost black. The ^ is rather lighter on the upperside, inclining to purple, and 
is not brilliant in any light. 
This insect has a rapid flight and the usual habits of Deudorix , etc., and is exceedingly 
fond of the flowering shrubs already referred to. If disturbed whilst feeding it will dart away but 
often settle on a leaf hard by, and return to the flowers in a minute or two. It may sometimes be 
seen feeding at the juice of Lantana berries and other fruits. 
Fig. 18, PI. VIII is from a £ taken in May, but as stated above the sexes are much alike, 
especially on the underside. 
