56 
MADAGASCAR 
structs large black nests in the woods. In the economy 
of Nature it plays an important part, as it aids in the 
formation* of soil by reducing to pulp the fallen trunks 
of palms and barringtonias as well as of other trees. This 
useful work, which is rapidly performed, is shared in by 
other species, especially C. tricolor^ C. maculatus^ C. 
Grandidiei'i and C. Kelleri. Among the Lepidoptera there 
are a few which are greatly sought on account of their 
beauty, e.g., Arania riphceits^ of a brilliant green and 
gold, and a large spinning moth [Actias cometas) with 
wings extending 8 inches across and drawn out behind 
to a great length. The butterflies are represented by 
various species of Aci^cea^ Salamis and Diadema. Papilio 
demolens is somewhat common. Plaucopis fomnosa^ a 
species found also in East Africa, with brilliant colours 
and a heavy body, flies beside the rivers. Special 
mention must be made of the Madagascar silk-worm 
[Bombyx Radauza), 
Gryllidse and large woodlice are very troublesome, and 
gnats are a veritable plague ; they are especially numerous 
on the Sakalava coast, where they often make the nights 
quite unendurable. In moorland districts there are swarms 
of dragon-flies; the termites are chiefly confined to the 
forest region, but it seems that they are also found on 
the southern steppes. 
Of the Hemiptera I should like to mention the red and 
yellow Plataspis coccizielloides^ distinguished by its enor¬ 
mous shield. It is gregarious, covering long branches 
of the trees on which it lives. 
The Madagascar spiders have become better known 
by the investigations of Dr. Vinson. There is a surprising 
number of wheel-web spinners, whose strong nets are 
met with everywhere in the neighbourhood of the dwell¬ 
ings, on the shores of the streams and in the clearings 
of the forest. Epeira livida generally takes up its abode 
under the roofs of the houses, Epeira niauritia hunts 
