54 PSEUDOSPHINX DISCISTRIGA ° 
probable that the young make their first appearance when the 
teak is putting on its new foliage somewhere about the begin- 
ning of the month. Sphingid larvz are, as a general rule, by no. 
means either very common or gregarious in their habits. This 
rule does not apply to P. discistriga which was exceedingly 
plentiful on teak in Berarin July 1901, swarming over the trees 
and feeding voraciously and wastefully. It apparently rarely 
entirely finishes a leaf, eating from 3 to 3 only and then seeking 
a freshone. When feeding, it eats straight on through all the 
ribs and minor veins of the leaf and thus its attack can be easily 
distinguished from those of its offtime companions Hydlza 
puera and Pyrausta acheralis. It is to be found at all eleva- 
tions between 1,800 feet, and 2,900 feet, and at the latter 
elevation appeared to almost entirely take the place of H. puera 
and P. achzralis. The caterpillar when alarmed takes up a 
characteristic attitude, raising the first few segments of the 
body and curling them over downwards so as to roll upand 
protect both head and prolegs. As its growing period is during 
the rainy season, it is perhaps natural that it should be un- 
affected by rain. I have watched it feeding unconcernedly in 
the heaviest of tropical showers, and I noticed them to be 
numerous on the trees on the morning after a 6 inch fall of rain 
during the night. 
One moth, just issued from the chrysalis and with wings still 
unexpanded, was found on August 3rd. 
I think it is improbable that this insect has more than one 
generation in the year, but further observation is required on 
this point. 
Localities from which reported. 
Larve of this insect were exceedingly plentiful in the 
Melghat teak forests, Berar, in July rgor. A few specimens 
and one moth were also found in the Central Nursery, Poona, 
at the beginning of August during a visit made there with 
ir. Wroughton, Conservatcr of Forests 
Mr. Williamson, Deputy Conservator of Forests, informed 
me that the insect is to be found generally throughout the Melghat 
teak areas. Hampson gives the habitat of this moth as Chinat, 
throughout India and Ceylon, 
i 
