PLUME-MOTHS OF CEYLON. 
33 
crepancy between my figure and Mr. Meyrick’s diagnosis. The 
original description reads, “Forewings .... 8 and 10 stalked, 9 
absent, 11 from near angle,” but I have considered the formula 
better expressed by taking 11 as the missing vein and numbering 
the others accordingly. In the hind wings also 5 and 6 are stated 
to be absent, but are sometimes faintly traceable. 
Synopsis of the Species. 
Expanse usually under 13 mm. ; meta¬ 
thorax usually pale yellow ; colour of f.w. 
a reddish-gray, black scales on subapical 
portion of dorsum of f.w. form four com¬ 
pact equidistant groups .. . . liophanes 
Expanse usually over 15 mm. ; metathorax 
usually grayish; colour of f.w. pale 
yellowish-gray ; black scales on dorsum of 
f.w. are often absent and, when present, 
are scattered and irregularly grouped .. atomosa 
Note. —Both these species seem to be very variable in size, 
coloration, and development of the cilial scales. 
Exelastis atomosa, Wlsm. 
(Plate A., figure 11.) 
Atomosa.— Wlsm., P. Z. S., 1885, 885 ; Meyr., B. J., XVII., 730 ; 
Lefroy, Mem. Agric. Ind., Ent. I., 219, (figs.). 
Parasita. —Meyr.; Lefroy, Ind. Ins. Pests, p. 140 (figs.). 
Distribution. —Anuradhapura, Galle, Weligama, Trincomalee, 
Undugoda, Madulsima. 
The Ceylon form of this moth is smaller and lighter-coloured 
than the Indian type, from which it may ultimately prove to be 
specifically distinct, and seems to be decidedly scarce and mostly 
confined to the low-country. The case is very different, however, 
in India, where E. atomosa is generally distributed throughout the 
plains and often becomes a serious local pest on crops of Cajanus 
indicus and Dolichos lablab. 
Early Stages.— The early stages have not yet been found in 
Ceylon, but I rather expect that the larva may be found on the 
flowers of Anacardium occidentals (kadju-nut). 
Exelastis liophanes, Meyr. 
(Plate A., figure 12.) 
T. E. S„ 1886, 19 ; B. J., XVII, 136. 
Distribution. —Jaffna, Mankulam, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, 
Kegalla, Puttalam, Colombo, Labugama, Ambalangoda, Galle, 
Weligama, Hambantota, Trincomalee, Matale, Kandy, Peradeniya, 
7(6)09 
F 
