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a
JOURNAL
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY,
INDEX AND TITLE PAGE.
VOL. XXIX.,
f
Lee
PARTS 3&4.
BomBayY :
Printep AT THE Trives Press.
1924.
WHE
JOURNAL
OF THE
BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
EDITED BY
R. A. SPENCE, F.Z.S; P. M. SANDERSON and S. H. PRATER, C.M.Z.S,
VOL. XXIX. 2114S
eS rs,
Parts 3 and 4.
Containing 2 Coloured Plates, 44 Lithographed Plates,
1 Diagram and 12 Text-figures.
Dates of Publication.
Part Ill, (Pages 577 to 847) ... 3Ist December 1923.
Pe IV.( ., 849 to 1070) .. 15th May 1924.
LONBON AGENTS :
DULAU & Co., Ltd., 34-36, Margareat Street, Cavendish Square, W.
PRINTED AT THE TIMES PRESS, BOMBAY,
:
Hee
nea Bont
©s
ney
Me
ait ee,
5 Aelia Sipeet hs sod we he Av
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXIX.
No. 3.
THe Game Birps oF Inpra, Burma AND CrEyYLOoN. Part
XXXVI. (Coturnix coromandelicus) The Black-Breasted
PAGE
or Rain Quail (with a plate). By EH. C. Stuart Baker, —
Tape OUBene WES ag RY 7 SM. Bs OsU is OM SALOU, fy oho 4 cig, emis
A Hanp-List oF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN Emprre. Part
i By. Col. Bo Wall; ©.M.6.5 \O:M.Z.8., °F U8., FAs. Bs
TEIAC) VASCEL A hy DACP eee ge ae a A ee CRN EM Duane Sento ena oa
AnimMAL Lire— oF THE Gances. By Dr. Annandale, D.sc.,
OE Naat eas eR Ue tae naar aan a eA dance ation
Some New or INTERESTING ORTHOPTERA FROM PERSIA,
BALUCHISTAN AND WESTERN InprA (with a plate). By
Bree Uivarova. Hob Seta cS. Cis denne earn ne oe AY OT
SMALL GAME SHOOTING IN KASHMIR AND THE ADJACENT Hin
Provinces. By Col. A. EK. Ward (witha plate) ......
InprAN Draconruies. Part XVII (with two plates and four
_ Text-figures). By Major F. C. Fraser, 1.M.s., F.E.S. ......
‘Tue Rep Ant. Part IT. By Major R. W. G. Hingston, 1.M.s.
ORNITHOLOGICAL Notes From A Trip IN LapaKk. By Mrs.
INE eS pe Nate uct 8 atl eles ge cea al yng 8 dade vay tae
Tue ComMonN BUTTERFLIES OF THE Puains oF [nptA. Part
ROX, By, Re Bell) Ctr Re (Retd.).uc.3 at... oe:
A JOURNEY TO S1Am AND Back. Part III (with two plates). By
Major C. H. Stockley, WS Ome ee tei bt eae an
_ Notes oN THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM Himanayas. Pari II
(with three plates). By Herbert Stevens, M.B.0.U. ........
DRAGONFLY CoLLectiIne IN Inpia. Part FV (with three places).
ByaiajorsheoG fraser i MiS:, WE Sie ues. ec. ce 3 's.\6 oes a
577
598
633
643
693
- 659
681
694
703
718
723
141
iv CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXIX.
PAGE
A Description oF THE NESTS AND Eaas oF THE Commo n Birps
OCCURRING IN THE PLAINS OF THE UNITED PROVINCES.
Part LV (wath two plates) ly i. TN] Gillet. ci. T5T
A Review oF THE AsrATIC SPECIES OF Contia IN INDIAN
Musnums. By Col. F. Wall, 1.M.s., C.M.G., C.M:Z.S.°.......° 769
THE [DENTIFICATION or INDIAN BurrerFuies. Part ITT (with
four plates). By Lt.-Col. W. H. Evans, D.s.0., B.E., F.Z.S.,
IES ERG te ep Me edo ectoing Se: oes op Cay RNR topes Ren 07 ete eee eta (80
Nores on Hucu WuHuistier’s ‘“‘ A CoNTRIBUTION TO THE ORNT-
THOLOGY OF CASHMERE” in Vol. XXVIIT, No. 4 (with
a plate). By Capt Ro Se Po Bates uli) rc ie skeen Wet. 798
KLEPHANT Catcuing IN Assam. By A. J. W. Milroy........ 803
Reviews.—A Naturauist in Hinpustan. By Major R. W. G.
Einegston,” (TMS. 9) one ee cee eeaueee ea eacn 812
A BroLogy oF THE British HemiererRA HETEROP-
TERA. ?- By Ho AY Butler seer ae. eri terete 812
Manuva oF Enromotoay. By H. Maxwell Lefroy. 812
InpDIAN EartrHworms. By Lt.-Col. J. Stephenson,
ABAD /S. Co TMS OCU ae caw eae ae Poe ear Uhetacns, bee Sols.
AC SURVEY OF THE PAUNA ORGIRAQEE vee ea enn oe 815
DET ORTAT Ms gi escons nase tse eae ohne ee he URES reas eee ae Mee OL 818
OpiTuaRY.—_JOHN Duncan InvERARITY, Bar.-at-Law...... 822,
MiIsceELLANEOUS NOTES :—
I. On the Forms of the Himalayan Serow (Capricornis
sumatrensis) (with two plates). By Major C. H.
Stockley, SiS J08 se air or eh cn bey Gea, 824
II. A Panther Shoot in Simla (with a photo). By
Feostamdd wu Si Pieee aerospace hoec un ie ete ae tee 827
Il. A Fresh Hypothesis in regard to Protective Colour-
ation In Animals. By W..Forsyth. ............- 829
IV. The Mishmi Takin (Budorcas tazicolor). By
EH We Wells) oe teresa, esse | nee ee area 2 830
xT:
XIV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXIX,
Notes on Porcupines. By Major C. R.8. Pitman .
Change of Colour in the Blackbuck (Antilope cer-
vicapra). By Major H. M. Simmonds
Double Nest of the Kashmir Great Tit (Parus major
By H. Whistler, F.z.s.
Late and early Snipe in the Deccan, Poona Dist.
By Major W. B. Trevenen
On the Breeding of the Black-winged Stilt (Himanto-
pus candidus). By H. W. Waite
Range of the Tufted Pochard (fPuligula fuligula).
By R. F. Ruttledge
Late Stay of Pintail (Dafila acuta) in the C. P.
Bye We AL Bindeausc wt ena de et is Bo
By C.E.C. Fischer
The Common Flamingo (Phenicopterus antiquorum)
in the Punjab Salt Range.
kashmuriensis). By H. Whistler, F.z.s. ........
eoeeee eee es ee @ @ @&
Cr
Drongo and Cicada.
Birds attacking a Snake.
Woodcock in the Nilgiris.
Home
By George Brown ....
By Major W. M. Logan
Cr ee ee |
The Corvide of the Punjab. By Major Ronald T.
Foster
ooer eo eee e eee ee ee eo ee wm me wee Hee oe em eo woe we we eo
The Affinities of Eryx jaculus and Eryx johnei.
Col. F. Wall, 1.m.s.
An unusually large Labeo from the Indrayani River.
By Major W. R. Trevenen
eeoe ee se ee es Peo eee wo wR ee ww eo ew &
cooeo we ee ee ee ee wwe we
XIX. A Note on some discrepancies in Fauna of British
PROCEEDINGS
India. (Butterflies). By S. N. Chatterjee
2
No. 4.
THE Game Brrps or Inpra, BuRMA AND CEYLON, Part
XXXVITI. (Cryptoplectron (Microperdiz) e. erythrorhynchus)
The Painted Bush Quail (wiih a plate). By HE. C. Stuart
alcers huss. W.7:S,, MoB:O-U,, O.K.A-O.Us 6 as ls. so, vie/s c's ole 2
By H. W. Whistler. |
846
vi _ CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXI1X.
A Hanp List oF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN Empire. Part
Til By Goll Walls muss :C-M.G.. C.N7/8., 5... te. eae |
THE MAMMALS AND Brrps oF KASHMIR AND THE ADJACENT
Hitt Provinces. By Col. A. E. Ward (with five plates
BNG A pPHOLOS) Mine esate. cones af ula ales ale Guba ate neee
SCIENTIFIC RESULTS FROM THE MAMMAL SuRVEY No. XLIV.
On A NEw Fretp-Movss, rrom NEPAL, WITH A Nore on
THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE GENUS APpopEmuS. By
Oldfield homas. WR Si” pee eee OE AGRE
PAGE
864
879
888
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BuTTERFLIES. Part IV (with |
5 plates). By Lt.-Col. W. H. Evans, D.s.0., R.E., F.Z.8.,.
¥.E.S.
9 te -e.@ 0.8 © (9 @ 10 © (so (@ 0: © © .8).0 0 0: fe: \e «6 ‘ee ‘a 0) 0 (ee. 0 ce'\0 0 je ce (8) \ 0) jes Je) \e: 6
THe Rep Ant. Part JIT (with a text-fixure). By Major
RaWe-G: Hingston, TMCS. (s . Shr ae een ee ee ee eee
THe CoMMON BUTTERFLIES OF THE PLaINS oF InpiA. Part
XXX. “By T. BR. Bell, cas, eS sal hetd eo. ce
Birps’ Nesting witH A CAMERA IN INDIA. Part I (with 6
plates). By Capt. R.S.0P./ Bates! ea ee eee
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BREEDING HaBits OF SOME FRESH
Water Fisnes In THE PunsaB (with 2 plates). By
M. Hamid ‘Khan, M-8:0)) 9 B.MSS fo 2 ee
A DEscripTION OF THE Nests AND Eccs or THE Common Birps
OCCURRING IN THE PLAINS OF THE UNITED PROVINCES.
Part TV’ “(with a:plate). “ By Hoi N; Gill eee.
Nores on Inpian Burrerriies. By Lt.-Col. W. H. Evans,
DS.OnR HY RUZ Sie PBS. cst, te eee er eee Ghee.
A JournEy To Stam AND Back. Part IV (with 2 plates). By
Major C. H. Stockley, D.8.0. ,........+-0+ ++ sewn ences
InDIAN DRAGONFLIES. Part XVIII (with 2 plates and 2 text-
figures). By Major F. C. Fraser, 1.M.8., F.E.S.........4.
Notes ON THE Birps or SrkKim Himarayas. Part III
(with 4 plates). .By H. Stevens, M.B.0.U. ...........00.
890
908
921
947
958
963
oT
974
982
1007
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXLX. ‘vil
PAGE
Reviews.—Burrerriy Lore. By velo eitrimghane 2 arash 1031
A BrBLioGRAPHY OF FisHes.. By Bashford Dean
AVCHO UES Ath wy cept in eerie tatrn agp oy'- eo) LOU!
WILD. ANIMALS IN CENTRAL INDIA. By A. Dunbar.
dD e a0 Cop rasta Means aCe Menke ta anes nce Ne Groene a Ata 1032
HimaLavan snp Kasumrrt Birps. By Douglas
Dera sce zat atthe Caen ary a aa eR eS sa a0
EDETORIAT FS 054.0 a: SEO te ak PAU CE AaUT I ON Ht oan RRS OP 2, 1038
OBITUARY.—COLONEL CHARLES SwINHOE, M. A. (Oxon), F.L.S.,
eZ Siae BANIGGs sieh soc oterens ah tree ne. oe Piet hse SAE TEN OREN Sera Shoe 1042
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:
I. Readers’ Comments on previous notes and articles.. 1043
II. Large Tusks of Indian Elephant (Z. maximus) (with
a photo). “By Cx Ri, Congreve: 3.5.2 2. is aalel te 1044
III. Inthe Haunts of the Indian Wild Dog (C. dukhun-
ensign By C. ie Oirk TuMlalss aise estas ey or ieat 1046
IV. A Novel Method of Shooting Black Bear in the
eGalise., By Ox EUS: aime’ tg oes Sekai 58 1049
V. Black-Buck and Jackal. By Capt. L.G.W.Hamber. 1050
VI. Malformed Horns in the Cheetal (Aais axis) (with a
BHOtO Dy Bical Pari ee Teun cae ae 1051
VII. Southern Range of the Mallard (Anas boscas). By
J Re Wbercrombie and, others: . 42454524 654555 1052
VIII. Nest of Mrs. Gould’s Yellow-Backed Sunbird (Aitho-
| pyga gouldie). By S. M. Robinson, M.B.0.U. 1052
IX. Nesting of Walden’s Yellow-Backed Sunbird (4itho-
pyga sanguinipecta). By S. M. Robinson,
TVESTSS OMIM papul Sri’ a Ap eh eee: «uta wah Stirs we ere nat aes 1053
X. Nidification of the Western Spotted Babbler (P.
ruficeps jonest). By B. B. Osmaston, ¢.1.5.,
TRIN c cMayay st creche. cPayel sys ie, Goode a taNa, Siayqenettees ace Ala! 1053
viii CONTENTS OF VOLUME XX1X.
PAGE
XI. Migration of Eagles. By C. H. Donald, F.z.s.,
ME OU ahs oe Ware «junta Ries ene eee OE Ie Aes 1054
XII. Wire Nests. By Major W. P. Pakenham Walsh,
RHC witha phObO)h. sae ee eRe rows eis. 1055
XII. The Incubation Period of Bulbul’s Eggs. By Satya
Chun alianwals e213 ae ae coer rete ernie 1056
XIV. A Note on the White-Bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaétus
LeUucogaster.\'< VOW lea wow eel emer eee bie 1059
XV. . Flighting on a Delhi Jheel. By Rostand........ 1059
XVI. A Mugger Shooting Experience. By L. Stansfiled.. 1061
XVII. A Note on the Habits of the Large-scaled Earth
Snake (Szlybura macrolepis). By Charles
MoCanii) (CpG). Sua eck ee PA ele & 1062
XVIII. Further Notes on the Breeding-habits of the Pearl
Spot Fish (Htroplus suratensis). By N. P.
Pama Kar 20s Cine i geteiate alee i) eer emma a vege 1064
PROCEEDING Stie)n. e eee ay eae Pe erate gs gt GAR A 1065
ACCOUNTS BOR ONGI3: t earners ee ee tee at eas gee ee eae ca 1069
1X
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
VOLUME x= I~ NOS. 3S & 4.
ABERCROMBIE, J. R.; Sou-
thern Range of the Mallard
(Anas boscas)
ANDREWS, Mayor FF. L.,
O.B.E., D.C.M.; Note on the
colour-change of the Black
Buck (Antilope cervicapra) ..
ANNANDALE, N., D.Sc., C.LE.;
Animal Life of the Ganges ..
Baker, E. C. Stuart, J.P.,
O.B.E., HS 3 8 Za,
M.B.0.U., C.F.A.0.U.; The
Game Birds of India, Burma
& Ceylon, Part XXXVI (with
a coloured plate) of (Coturnia
the Black-
breasted or Rain Quail, the
Common or Grey Quail, the
coromandelicus),
Japanese Grey Quail
Sols s Part
XXXVII (with a _ coloured
plate) of Cryptoplectron (Mi-
croperdix) e. erythrorhynchus,
the Painted Bush Quail, Ble-
witt’s Bush Quail, the Mani-
pur Bush Quail, Primrose’s
Bush Quail .. ie
Bates, Capt. R. 8. P.; Notes
on Hugh Whistler’s «« A Con-
tribution to the Ornithology
of Cashmere’? in Vol.
XXVITI, No.4 (with a plate)
; Birds
Nesting with a Camera in
India, Part 1. (With 6 plates)
PAGE
1052
Bett, T.R., C.1.E., 1. F.8.(Retd.)
The
the Plains of India (including
those met with in the Hill
of the Bombay
Presidency), Part XXX.
ee Part. Sox XT...
Common Butterflies of
Stations
836
Bompay Natura History So-
633 cIETY’s MamMMAL SURVEY OF
Inpra. Screntiric REsutts,
No. X LIV.—On a New Field-
Mouse from Nepal, with a
Note on the Classification
of the genus dApodemus, By
Oldfield Thomas, F.R.S.
Brown, Greorce; Birds attack-
ing a Snake
Burton, BrIGADIER-GENERAL
R.G.—* Strange’ Behaviour
of a Panther
CHATTERJEE, 8S. N.; A Note on
some discrepancies in Fauna
of British India (Butter-
flies)
ConGREVE, C. R. T.; Large
Tusks of Indian Elephant
E. maximus ( Text-figure)
849
Duar, H. H. THe Manarasa
oF; Comment on the colour-
change of the Black Buck
(Antilope cervicapra)
798
Donat, C. H., F.Z.8., M.B.O.U.;
947 Migration of Eagles
Paar
>
703
921
888
.. 840
1044
844
1044
835
1054
x LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.
PaGE
EDITORIAL 818,10
Epitors; Famale Antilopes
developing horns “3 834
——Colour-change in the
Black Buck.. 834
Evans, Lirut.-Con. W. H.,
D.S.0., R.E., F.Z.S., F.E.S.’;
The Identification of Indian
Butterflies, Part III (with 4
plates)... aR on ae 780
Part IV (with 5 plates)
FiscHEer, C. EH, C.;
and Cicada
Drongo
Forsytu, W. A.; Fresh Hypo-
thesis in regard to Protective
colouration in animals 829
Foster, Magor R. T.; The
Coryide of the Punjab 841
FRASER, Mason F. W., 1.M.S.,
F.E.S.; Indian Dragonflies,
Part XVII (with 2 plates
and 4 text-figures) .. 659
—————; Part XVIII (with
2 plates and 2 text-figures) .. 982
a >. Dra-
India,
(with 3 piates) |
gonfly collecting in
Part IV 741]
Gint, E. H.; A description of
the nests and eggs of the com-
mon birds occurring in the
Plains of the United Pro-
vinces, Part IV (with 3 plates)
. ; Part IV
a]
Or
~J
— —_——_——_
(with. ‘a plate) 963
Hamper, Capr. IL.
Black Buck
G. W.;
and Jackal... 1050
PAGE
Hineston, Masor R. W. G,
I.M.S.; The Red Ant, PartII 681
——— ———Part III .
(with 1 text-figure) 908
Homzn, Masor W. M. LoGan ;
Woodcock in the Nilgiris .. 841
Kannan, K. Kunut, M.A., Ph.
- D.; Protective colouration in
Wild Animals.. 1043
Kuan M, Hamip, M.Sc., F.R.
M.8.; Observations on the
breeding habits of some Fresh-
water Fishes in the Punjab
(with 2 plates) 958
Law, Satya CuHurn, M.A.,,
F.Z.S., M.B.0O.U.; The Incuba-
tion period of Bulbul’s eggs.. 1006
—_—_-__——__—— ; Note
on the White-bellied Sea-
Eagle (Haliaéctus leucogaster) 1059
McCann, (CHARLES ; A Note
on the habits of the Large-
scaled Earth Snake (Silybura
macrolepis)
Mirtroy, A. J. W.;
catching in Assam
John
Inverarity .. oe a's
106
Elephant
80
OBITUARY ; Duncan
822
; Colonel Charies
Swinhoe 1042
OsmastTon, B. B., TES. -° Nidr-
fication of the Western Spot-
ted Babbler (Pellornewm
ruficeps jonest)
Pantkxar, N. P., B.A., F.LS. ;
Further notes on the breed-
1053
ing habits of the Pearl-spot
Fish (Ltroplus suratensis) .. 1064
LIST OF. CONTRIBUTORS.
PAGE
Parr, B. R. ; Malformed Horns
in the Cheetal (Axis axis)
(with a photo) 1051
_ Prrman, Masor C. BR. 8.; Notes
on Porcupines BA ieee
——— ;s The
Haunts of the Red Indian
Wild Dog (Cuon dukhunensis) 1046
= pamela A
novel method of shooting
Black Bear in the ‘ Galis ” 1049
PRIDEAUX, F. W. A.; Late stay
of the Pintail (Dafila acuta)
; A Survey of the
Fauna of Iraq 815
; Butterfly Lore 1031
; 9 ject to same Vari-
Aimona, Pi., Fig.3,Wing .. 796 ation oe af
; ‘ pape Sen
Agriocnemis,Pl., Fig. 7, Wing.. 744 |———-__—_—_ rubescens, PI1., Fig.
clausent, Pl., Fig. 9, 11, Terminal seg-
second ab- ments, dorsal
dominal aspect .. ots
‘ + °
segment, Alectoris greeca chukor, Pl. ..
showing
= Pare he a ted be (A)
characteri-
staedorsal | Nest and
UL Gus
marking 74.7 | abnormal
As teh > eo 5
PI clutch of
—--——_-—_—— -Pl., Fig. 12
are 21 eggs..
End of ane oe
Amathusia, Pl., Fiz. 7, Wing ..
6th and Need I =
A; uxidia a ing
Tels sex Amathuxidia, Pl., Fig. 8, Wing
eae eae Anadebis, Pl., Fig. 21, Wing ..
ON ey Anthus roseatus, Pl... He
———— ——— —— Fl. Fig. 15,
Apatura, Pl., Fig. 7... ae
Head and es =
i Arachnechthra asiatica, Nests, Pl.
thorax
showing a
common
type of
marking .
Arge, Pl., Fig. 12, Wing aye
Argiolestes, Pl., Fig. 6, apex of
Wine | 2): oe eee ate
747 | Aulocera, Pl., Fig. 9, Wing ..
PaGe
747
747
653
XVlil
‘PAGE
Axis axis, Malformed Horns,
Photo .. A LOST
Bos gruniens, Pl).
Caconeura, Pl., Vig. 7, Base of
wing
shaped Stigma ..
RAE ROO ee eto.
Head and
thorax,
showing a
broad and
unusual
marking ..
Calicnemis, Pl., Fig. 3, Base of
wing
Calinaga, Pl., Fig. 14 ..
Capricornis sumatrensis, Pl. (A.)
Female
Serow,
Chenab
Valley,
April
191]
—_______________-P]. B., Old
Male Serow,
Kashmir
Valley,
October
1922
—_————
Rl Large
female Kashmir Serow, show-
ing white area on the under-
surface of the jaw. ..
Ceriagrion, Pl., Fig. 2, Head of,
showing the ridge on frons. No
postocular. spots
Charaxes, Pl., Figs. land2 ..
Pl., Fig. 9, Diamond-
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Chhenawan Farm for Carp
breeding, Pl., Figs. 1 &2..
882 | Chryptoplectron (Microperdix)
e. erythrorkynchus, Col. Pl. ..
741 ‘Celiccia, Pl., Fig. 8, Stigma ..
744
906
825
747
894
didyma, Pl., Fig. 14,
Head and thorax,
showing unusual
nature of mark-
ings ae ais
Celites, Pl., Fig. 19, Wing
Cenagrion, Pl., Fig. 5, Apex of
wing ae ite
Copera, Pl., Fig. 5, Leg, showing
dilatation of
1DIA, Hs is ae
annulata, PL, Fig. 4, Ter-
minal segments
great
and
anal appendages
marginipes, Pl., Fig. 3,
Terminal segments and
anal appendages. The
appendage
than
the superior. Lateral
inferior
much — longer
view
Corvus coronoides intermedius,
vl
Coiurnix coromandelicus, Pl. ..
Cyanosylvia cyanecula abetia,
Pl. y :
Cyllogenes, Pl., Fig. 23, Wing..
Diagora, Pl., Fig. 11
Dichorragia, Pl., Fig. 16
Dilipa, Pl., Fig. 6
Discophora, Pl., Fig. 10, Wings.
Disparoneura, Pl., Fig. 8, Base
of wing
PAGE
959
849
744
747
789
744
747
747
747
948
577
950
789
897
800
897
796
741
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS. X1x
PAGE Paar
Dove’s nest made of wire, Photo 1655 Gomphidia fletcheri Fig. 3,1, 6,
Drepanosticia, Pl., Fig. 3, Base Lateral
of wing 741 and ventral
Elaphas maximus, Large Tusks ees ey
of, Photo .. 1045 ments and
Hiymnias, Pl., Fig. 25, Wings. 789, 794 anal ap-
Emieriza cia stracheyi, Pl... 948 pendage .. 667
_ Enallagma, Pl., Fig. 17, Terminal ve —P.-nigrum, Fig. 3-3,
segment seen from the side, Lateral
showing the spine under seg- view of end
ment 8 749 segment
Enispe, Pl., Fig. 11, Wing 796 oa
appendage 667
Equus hemionus, Pls. 880, 881] — pee aR By siti 3:
Erebia, Pl., Fig. 13, Wing 780 ‘Markings of
Eribea, Pl., Fig. 2 894 3 3a. Mark-
Erites, Pl., Fig. 17, Wing 780 ings of head
: of 3, facial
Esme, Pl., Fig.4, Base of wing 74! ok Me a
a Pl Wig Or... 897 ciate
me hy BIB © — williamsoni, Fig. 2,
Humenis, Pl., Fig. 8, Wing 780 6: ‘Base. of
Euripus, Pl., Fig. 10 804 wings 666
Euthalia, Pl., Fig. 18 900, 902 ee ip 3) 28
Faunis, Pl., Fig. 2, Wing 794 Lateral
Felis pardus, Text Fig. 828 and ventral
Gomphidia abbotti, Pl., Fig. 4, | views of
Markings of ¢ 4a. end seg-
Markings of head of ment and
3, facial view 663 anal ap-
——_———fletcheri, Fig. 2 a. pendage 667
Base of ae Se ee
wings 666 5, Markings of ¢ 5a. Markings
eee a tly LY of head of ¢, facial view .. . 663
2, Mark-
"ings of a Helcyra, Pl., Fig. 4 897
2a. Mark- Hemichelidon sibirica cacabata,
ings of Pl. 950
head _ of ;
2, facial Herona, Pl., Fig. 8 897
view .. 663) Hestina, Pl., Fig. 12 897
xx INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Heterogomphus hannyngtoni, Ischnura, Pl., Fig. 1., Head of,
Fig. 3, Lateral view
of
and anal appendage
667: Wings of ¢ ..
Lely.
Fig. Markings
of ¢ 3a, Markings
of head of @, facial
view : is
flavicolor, Pl.,Fig. 2,
Markings of 9 2a.
Markings of head of
©, facial
—_———— hannyngtoni,
end segment
ceylonicus,
2
Os
view
Aad i
Fig. 1, Markings
of § la. Markings
of head, facial view ..
——smiihii, Pl, Fig.
4, Markings of ¢ 4a, Markings
of head of ¢, facial view
Himalagrion exclamationis, Pl.,
Fig. 8, First four abdominal
segments, seen from the side,
showing markings
Himeriia kinneari, External
genitalia of the male, Pl., Fig.
Ictinus rapa, Pl., Fig. 1, Mark-
ings lof id “la:
Markings of head
of 3 facial view ..
—_—_——— Fig. 3, 4-7 La-
teral and ventral
of end
segment and anal
views
appendage
—— ———— Wings..
Indoneura, Pl., Fig. 5, Base
of wing wie 45
674
678
675
678
663
|= ,Dujorceps,
showing postocular
coloured spots
—— = ely Bie 26. ndion
abdomen, showing
dorsal tubercules on
segment 10
—-_——— Pl. Fig. 10, Bico-
lorous Stigma of
forewing 4
—_—_——— Pl., Fig. 11, Unico-
lorous Stigma of
hind wing 5
—_—_——— Pl, Fig: 17, Termi-
nal segment,
from the side,
showing the spine
under segment 8 ..
seen
forcipata, Pl., Fig.
12, Bicolorous and unevenly
shaped Stigma
Lamellogomphus acinaces, Fig.
982, Pl., Fig. 2
Pl
Fig. 3
————-—. drummondi,
Fig. 6
IPL
——_ inglist,
+ ae
malabarensis, FP.,
Bigs 5.
|______. nilgiriensis,. Pl.,
Fig. 1
Lebadea, Pl., Fig. 2]
Timinitis, Pl., Fig. 24 ..
| Lyrotylus persicus, 9, Pl, Figs.
ples 1OGcee* de ys ahs
Mai (‘‘Khola’’) Valley, East
Nepal from Kalo Pokhari,
May 1912, Pl. B.
Maniola, Pl., Fig. 7, Wing —
Melanitis, Pl., Fig. 22, Wing ..
Fig.
Pace
747
744
747
744
984.
984
984
984
984.
984
906
906
643
738
730
789
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
PaGE
Melanoneura, Pl., Fig. 6, Base
of wing 741
Meping River at Raheng, Siam,
Ag oa
Mesogomphus lindgrent,
ic Ss.
——————lintaius, Pl., Fig.
1 a .. 1001
—_—_—_—-—— rist, Pl. Fig.2.. 1001
Mortonagrion, Pl., Fig. 2, Base
of wing a i .. 744
Musicapa superciliaris, PI.
(B. 1), Nest and eggs .. 799
Myiophoneus horsfieldi — tem-
mincki, Pl. 955
Nepal, Below Kalo-Pokhari,
Ply het a0» LOG7
Kalo Pokhari, Pl., Fig. 2 1007
Looking west from Phalut,
Pip wigs 1010
‘‘“The Snows’ and Pine
Forests from Sandak-
pou, Ely fis. 2".
Valley, below Phaiut, Pl.,
Fig. 1 : is
Tonglo, Pl., Fig. 2..
Mai (‘‘Khola’’) Valley from
Kalo Pokhari, Pl., Fig. 3
Neorina, Pl., Fig. 20, Wing
1010
1014
i014:
1014
784
Neurasigma, Pi., Fig. 22 906
‘Observations on the breed- )
ing habits of some Fresh |
Water Fishes in the Pun- |
tab—
Pl., Fig. 1, Netting for |
Murral. \
Fig. 2, Live car for Eggs and |
Fry under observation. |
Fig. 3, Tank at Sirkian |
for Murral. cf
958 | meanyar,
Ovis vigner vigner, Pl., Fig. 1, 884, 887
Paknampo, Siam, Pl. B.
Parthenos, Pl., Fig. 26...
Penthema, Pl., Fig. 15...
Phalut Summit, Pl.
Ploceus baya, Pl.
and ‘‘female’
Nests
Nest
sero Pl Nests co:
Pl., Nest
tall Elephant grass
| es
Plicigeia himalayana, 2, S-end
of the abdomen from below..
(A) “male”
b)
(B) An abnormal
in
718
906
906
723
XX1
Pace
Onychargia, Pl., Fig. 1, Base
of wing : o- |, 444
idee Nig. 7, End of
abdomen, showing dorsal
tubercules on segment 10.. 747
Onychogomphus bistrigatus,
Pl. Fig.4 .. 1001
————— dingavant, Pl.,
Fig. 7 LOO]
— duaricus, PL,
Rigo oe, LOL
—— M. flavum, P1.,
Big. 6... .: a, .. 106)
Oreicola ferrea ferrea, Pl. .. 951
Orsotricna, Pl., Fig.16,Wing.. 783
Ovis ammon ammon, Vig. 1, 380
Fig. 2 884
-—-——-——— hodgsoni, Pls., 880, 883:
884
—__———— poh, Fig.3 885, 886
Ovws ammon + O. vignet, PIi.,
Roses 884
Ovis vigner + Ovis ammon,
PE Rigs 884
|
XX11
Platysticta, Pl., Fig. 2, Base of
wing
Prothoe, Pl., Fig. 3
Protosticta, Pl., Fig. 1, Apex and’
base of wing
Pseudagrion, Pl., Fig. 4, Base
of wing
Ist and 2nd ab-
dominal segments
UE ite Bae ke
indicum, Pl., Fig. 20,
Ist and 2nd
abdominal seg-
ments
HE ei EO Pe
Terminal ab-
dominal seg-
ments
—williamsoni Pl., Fig.
19, Ist and 2nd abdominal
segments
cagadia, Pl., Fig. 18, Wing ..
Rhyacornis fuliginosa, Pl.
Sandakphu, North face of the
summit, Dwarf Rhodcden-
dron, March 1912, Pl. A
Sasakia, Pl., Fig. 13
Sephisa, Pl., Fig. 9
bengalense, Pl., Fig. 18,
Paaet
741
894
741
747
747
747
897
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Siam, a journey toand back. )
Pliage. 1, Head) oie
Bison shot in Me’wang. > 974 .
PL., Fig. 2. Open jungle in |
the Mauwang Valley. )_
Pl., Fig. 1. The track down }
the Melamoung, 995.
Pl., Fig. 2. Fording. the
Meklong.
Sikhim Himalayahs, Plates 1230
727,. 733
Singile La and Everest, PI. 723.
Singile La Ridge. A, looking
South to Sandakphu from
Phalut, Feb. 1912. B, lock-
ing South toTonglo from San-
dakphu, March 1912 .. 727
Silybura macrolepis, Diagram
to illustrate method of clos-
ing burrow, Fig. 1063
Stibochiana, Pl., Fig. 17 900:
Stictopthalma, Pl., Fig. 4, Wings, 794
Thaumantis, Pl., Fig. 5, Wing.. 796
Thauria, Pl., Fig. 6, Wing 794.
Tropidauchen edentulum, 3, Pl.,
Fig. 2 643.
= _subulosum, 2, Pl, Fig. 1 643
Xanthotenia, Pl., Fig.1,Wing. 794
Ypthima, Pl., Fig. 14, Wing .. 789
Zeuxidia, Pl., Fig. 9. Wing 796
Zipetis, Pl. Fig. 15, Wing ..) 1° 780
PAGE.
XXlll
ERRATA.
Page 890, line 5, for 707 read 797.
», 1009, ,, 13, for macocercus read macrocercus.
ONG 5.305 fOr atrogualiris read atrogularis.
XX1V
INDEX OF SPECIES.
NUMBER.
Abaratha ransonnettii .. oe sae TU)
Ablabes ankapura
——_—_ -—_—_wardi ..
'——— semiflava a3
——— swinhoei .. e;
ais VenuUsta, 1. wa
———zelmira .. Be
Aprion carinatrm sis
— curvifrons
——-— strictum .. oe
—robustus .. ihe
Aproaspidops antecursorum
INDEX OF SPECIES.
Nv MBER.
| 300, 950,
|
:
Aquila bifasciata we
— heliaca .. sts
Arachnechthra asiatica ..
Ardea gigantea .. is
Arge halimede montana
Agriocnemis ae a
Argynnis adippe jainadeva
————-. kalama bee
lathonia isscea
Arhopalas alla ea
—— atosia .. ae
Arigiolestes melanothorax
hae a brachyorrhus
—— copei .. be
———. drummondhayi
———— guentheri ae
trachyprocta
Atomarchus multimaculatus
Auzakia danava..
Aulocera brahminus brahminoides
--—- brahminus
Se dokwana..
—_———padma chumbica
- : fulva
= loa. 742
——— padma
—_————. garaswati re
swaha garuna
kurrama
: — swaha
Aulophorus tonkinensis
Axis axis aK, re
AZ UMS Gears Aig ae
Barbus tor re ar
Bains eancilla .. a
Bhringa remifer tectirostris
Blythia reticulata ca
Boiga andamanensis ..
——— cyanea .. He
———- eynedon .. oe
———- forsteni .. ae
——— irregularis oie
xk
NUMBER.
.. 1055
.. 1054
fae oO
Bye 718
ane 783
ne
eo Oe
he 972
we 972
975
975
; TJ44
* Gil
ane 611
2 611
oll
ie 61)
500
845
782
; 782
‘ 782
783
: 183
: 783
783, 972
ee Oe
; 783
783 972
eho
Si4
: 1051
+. made
or 960
oe 962
een LOLS
a oll
su: 873
Par 873
ae 874
nee 374
a ie
XXVI1
Bos grunniens Ai
Bothrodytes subminiatus
Brachythemis contaminata
Budorcas taxicolor
Bungarus bungaroides ..
Caconeura :
—— -— anandalei
autumnalis ..
———-—— botti
= = Canning!
————— mackwoodi..
nigra
o doneli
sita ..
—————theebawi ..
——-———— verticalis
Ceenagrion dyeri
gravelyi
er oe msriceps
—— violacea
Calamaria pavimentata
Calandrella acutirostris ..
Calicnemis chromothorax
erythromelas
—_—_——_—— eximia
a an kS5)
ee a
er Onvong
—————— pulverulans..
Calinaga buddha aborica
— ——— brahma
buddha
gautama
sudassana
Calipheea confusa |
Calmaria catenata
Campanulina ceylonensis
Camponotus _
Cantoria violacea
‘Capellea argenteovittata
Capricornis sumatrzensis
NUMBER, |
INDEX OF SPECIES,
881° _Capricornis sumatrensis jamrachi
604'-
Do
830
615 | ——____
753
743
744
743
743
743
744
743
743
70]
745, 754
745, 754
745, 754
745, 754
745, 754
745, 754
745, 754
899
899
899
899
899
753
627
640
688
868
650
824
——-__— —-___—_.-—_- —- humei 824, 825, 826,
827
—
———--—_— rubidus
—————. thar
Carpocoris fuscispina as
Carpodacus erythrina roseata ..
Castalius decidia. .
—ethion ..
TOxUS
Catla catla
Catopsilia. .
Cephalophis :
Cephalopyrus flammicens
Ceratophyllus vittata
Cerberus .. us on ote
= = DOCTOLMIS
rhynchops
Cercaspis ..
———_— —carinatus
Cercomela fusca ..
Ceriagrion aurantiacum
— cerinorubellum
coerulescens ..
coromandelianum
erubescens
—_—_—_—+— fallax
——--—— melanurum
- olivaceum
rubige ..
Certhia discolor discolor
-——--- familiaris nipalensis
——— himalayana
——— himalayana
stoliczkee
Ceryle rudis leucomelanura
Chaimarrornis fuliginosa fuliginosa
milne-edwardsii
—rodoni 824, 825, 826, 827
NUMBER.
. 824, 827
824
824, 825
824, 827
812
699
.. 845
958, 959
845
ae ee ire
1014, 1015.
603
867
867
867
612
614
757
748
748
Ye ae
748, 755
VR TAS
748, 755
748, 755
748, 755
748
1010
1010
798
954
1010
861
799
Chaimarrhornis leucocephala 698, 799, 951, 954
Chaptia snea enea
Charaxes aristogiton
—-——— distanti
———-— durnfordi nicholi
———-— fabius cerynthus
—_——_-——— --—-— fabius ..
1009
894.
894
804.
895
895
|
INDEX OF SPECIES.
NuMBER.
_Charaxes fabius sulphureus 895
kahruba 894.
———_—-—— marmax 894.
= polyxena agna 894
————— - hemana 894
—_____—. __—__---—_ hierax 894
——____—. ——___— hindia, 894
a hipponax 894
a ——— Imna, 894
“7. Ppleistoanax 894
* ——_-— psaphon 894:
Chersydrus granvlatus .. He 598
Chibia hottentotta hottentotta 1009
Chilopoma rufopunctatus 609
Chloebora crassa 643
Chloroneura 753
, — apicalis 742
—— quadrimaculata 742
Chloropsis aurifrons aurifrons .. - 740
7 hardwickii hardwickii 740
Chrysopelea ornata 878
Cinclus cinclus kashmiriensis .. Ae tee A
: pallasii tenuirostris 951, 954
Cirrhina mirgala 958, 959
reba 958
— Ceeliccia ae 754
——_—-— didyma 745
| renifera 744
— Celites epiminthia binghami 789
nothis adamsoni 789
-Coladenia indrani ales
Colias cocandica irma, subsp. n. 972
—-— glycia te a 845
montium longto, subsp.n. 973
——— pugo sp. n. Way See 7)
Columba leuconota ' 951, 954
—— — leuconota 702
rupestris turkestanica .. 702
Coluber a Het rieOOe
berus .. 602, 604, 616
: blumenbachi ee cn eGL6
Soa. — cantoris .. 621
-frenatus .. 620
helena 622
Coluber hodgsoni
— irregularis
leonardi ..
——— melanurus
——— oxycephalus
——— pavo
——— porphyraceus
See PLOSIUS) ar.
——— radiatus
reticularis
. | ————— teenlurus..
Conostoma smodium
Contia
——_—- angusticeps
coilaris
condoni
——— coronella ..
< | —-_—— decemlineata
fasciata’ .. as
———~- memahoni
————— persica
sebrina
walter
——— zebrina, sp.n.
Copera
-——— annulata ..
————_ Marginipes
vittata deccanensis
Sa ee a
Copsychus saularis
Corixa geoffroyi ..
-——— hieroglyphica
Coronella .
— austriaca
— brachyura
teeniclata
Corvus corax tibetanus ..
Coryphodon
Cotile sinensis
Coturnix communis
XXVI1L
NUMBER.
.. 632, 769,
sition t Los
AT. Tas:
TIO. TGs
632, 771, 776,
632, 769, 776,
778,
coronoides intermedius... 696, 798,
monedula scemmeringii ..
622
873
621
621
XXvlil INDEX OF SPECIES,
NuMBER. NuMBER.
Coturnix coromandelica. . 593, 594| Delias singhapura agostina 7
—_—— coturnix coturnix DNs eOon am ein oh aun 971
eugene) japonica 591| Delichon urbica .. 700
a dactylisonans 578 | Dendrelaphis caudolineatus 625
pe era ——— ViNGIcUs 579 | — biloreatus 625
—— erythrorhyncha 849, 850 1 — subocularis 625
a= japonica 591 | tristis 625
Mee, ort A False 594! Dendrophis bifrenalis 624
ee ay pula lis 594 — caudolineolatus 623%
—_—_—_—- vulgaris SSM eas effrenis 623
ee — japonica 591 — gorel 623
Criniger tephrogenys flaveolus .. 1007 — grandoculis 624.
Crocothemis servilia 753 pictus 623, 625
Crvptolopha affinis 10 25)) erg a proarchus 624 —
aS SS burkn purku 1O251|\ seca subocularis 625
—_—_—__—_— cantator .. 1026) sap tristis 625
—_—_— - castaneoceps 19026 | Diagora mena 899 |
eee SE Holiogenys 1026 — persimilis persimilis S99 —
2a xanthoschistos jer sdoni 1025 a a zella 899 |
Crytoplectron Be Diastatomma rapax 661
= ery pur ae ius we itti 849, 5G, 50. | Diceum erythrohynchus 968
854, ee | Dichorragia nesimachus 906
ak ice ede ee ee erythrorhy- Dicrurus annectens annectens .. 1009
nehus 849, 850, 851) — —— exrulescens 1009
______—_— manipurensis inglis1 850, 861 | ———_ leucopheus stevensi .. 1009
SENT oa es manipurensis 850, 851 | ——-— Macrocercus albirictus 1009 —
Cuculus canorus .. 891 | Dilipa morgiana .. .. 897%
______.— telephonus 701 | Dinodon gammiei 614, 615
Cuon dukhunensis 1046 | —— septentricnalis 615
Cutia nipalensis nipalensis 738| Diplacodes lefebvrei 660.
Cyanosylvia cyanecula abbotti 951 | — nebulosa 753
Cyclophis persicus 632, 769 Diplophallus piscator . .. 6039
Cylindrophis rufus 865 | Dipsadomorphus andamanensis 870, 873 —
Cyllogenes janete 791 | barnesi 869 —
— suradeva 70) | = beddomei 870
Cyornis superciliaris 953 — ceylonensis 840, 879, 8738, 874
Cyrestis cocles 845 cyaneus ecg dal
nivea 844 — dightoni 872, 873
Cyrtostomus zeylonicus. . 840 —_——-— forsteni 874.
gokool eon Ope
— hexagonotus .. 870, 872 |
Dafila acuta 839 — jollyi 868
Danais mulciber .. 974 —_ multifasciatus 871
Delias singhapura 97) | —-_—-——_———_ multimaculatus .. 869%
agoranis 971 ——— nuchalis 870, 872
INDEX OF SPECIES. 29:0 15:<
NUMBER. NuMBER
Dipsadomorphus quincunciatus 869) Drepanosticta viridis 742
pee stoliczke 872| Dromicus .. , 604
trigonatus 871| Dryobates himalayensis 801
Dipsas barnesi oy ne 869| Dryocalamus davisoni 616
——— ceylonensis SOS O0 oy a -- gracilis 616
=~ cyanea 874 -- nympha 616
—-— cynodon .. 874| Dryonastes cerulatus ceerulatus 728
——— dightoni.. 872 | — — ruficollis TI
| ———— drapiezii.. 873 | Dryophis dispar .. 877
| forsteni 874 | — mycterizans 877
——— fusca 873 | ————— perroteti 876
—— gokool oe ..- Ofl|————_ frontianctus: .. 875
hexagonotus ie ONUSS1 2,510) Drasinits 877
multimaculatus 869 | ——-—— pulverulentus.. 877, 878
rhinopoma 868 | Dumetia albigularis albigularis 840
trigonatus 871 | —— hyperythra 732
Discognathus 636 | Dysphaea ethela 756.
| Discophora oe Be 794
— continentalis andamensis 197
——_-__ eontinentalis 797] Elachistodon westermanni 878
== deo 797| Klachura formosa 1012
lepida ceylonica 797 | Elaphe 620
-=—_—_—_—_ —_—_~. lepida 797| Elaphas maximus 1044.
— spiloptera 797 | Klapoides 612
— tullia muscina 796 | Elaps 867
a] 796 | ———— marcgravi 604.
; Diaparoneura s 753 Elephas indicus .. ve ae oe 803
— atkinsoni.. 743 | Elvmnias casiphone saueri 792
— cexsia 743 | ————— cottonis cottonis 792
— campioni 743 | ————-_ — obnubila 791
oo _Gentralis .. 743 dara deedalion .. ae a 792
-— fletcheri .. 743 | —————._ esaca andersonii 793
nigerrima 743 |————— hypermnestra caudata 791
— tenax ON eee fraterna 791
a tetrica 743 | —————- ———_——_—_- paraleuca 791
Dissemurus paradiseus grandis 1010 | ————- ——-——-— tinctoria 791
Dolycoris baccarum 812 \ —————- ————_——- undularis 791
Dophia patala 844. | ———_— malelas malelas 792
Drepanosticta digna 742 | —__—_——_ ——— nilamba 792
hilaris 742 | ——-—— nescea cortona 792
michaeli . TAG ee eS mama 792
——.— montana. . 4 742 panthera mimus 792
ars quadrata 742 | _———-—- patna patna .. re jon how
_— tropica .. die 742 |} __—-—. — patnoides athamas .. 792
XXX
Elymnias pealii ..
-—-_——. penanga chelensis
singhala
—_—-——. vasudeva burmensis ..
EO OE a ae,
yp iscieveniey eh
Emberiza cia stracheyi ..
luteola..
stewartl
Enallagma A
cyathigerum
— ——_.
—_—_——_—_— insula |
—_—_—-——— malayanum..
—__—_—-—- parvum
Enhydrus Bee 5
Enicognathus punctato striatus
Enicurus macujatus maculatus
Enispe
———- —— cycnus cycnus
—_——__—_—— —-—_— verbanus
-——_—— euthymius ..
paw eee tosella tas.
Equus hemionus :
Erebia annada annada ..
— orixa
—_——- ———— suroia
——— hyagriva ..
———- hybrida
kalinda chitralica
puede Se alinds
mani ee
——-— narasingha dohertyi
narasingha. .
= — nirmaia, daksha...
—— kala
nirmala
reducta
scanda
—‘shallada ..
Eremiaphila levivrons ..
EKremocharis brachycera
Eremopeza brachycera ..
Eribcea arja
——— athamas.. 5
———-~ athamas agrarius:
NuMBER.
792
792
793
792
793
793
700
947
799
755
747
748 |.
748
895
——— phyllis irma subsp. n.
INDEX OF SPECIES,
Kriboea athamas andamanicus..
—madeus
delphis
samatha Bie
dolon centralis..
dolon
grandis ..
eudamippus eudamippus
jamblichus
— nigrobasalis ©
—— >—— magniplaga
—— hebe chersonesus
——— Jalysus!; 7. oe
——-— moori sandakanus
——— narcceea aborica
lissainei
nepenthes
schreiberi assamensis
tisamenus
—_— ——_ wardi
Krites angularis ..
——-~ argentina delia
falcipennis falcipennis
--— rotundata
Krpornis xantholeuca xantholeuca
Erythrospiza mongolica
Eryx jaculus
——— johni
Esme cyaneovittata
Etroplus suratensis
Kudipsas ..
EKulaceura manipuriensis
——- osteria kumana
Eumenis heydenreichi shandura
mniszechii baldiva
lehana
parisatis parsis
SEL
———-— persephone enervata
—_——-— semele diffusa
thelephassa
Euploea diocletianus
ee oom
NUMBER.
895 |
895
EKuploea godarti :
klugii reepstorfi
Euripus consimilis meridionalis
— ——-== sonsimilis
halitherses ae Bs
— alcathosides
—_____ ______——- cinnamomeuts
ed
es
—_—_ ———_—— isa
nyctelius
Eurydema dominulus
Hurygaster maura
EHutaenia ..
Eutainia gaurita ..
Kuthalia anosia anosia .. :
saitaphernes ..
cibaritis
———— cocytus satrapaces
et
ee tet re:
curvifascia
———— cyahnu jahnu
———_— duda
dunya ..
———-— durga durga
— splendens
evelina derma
-laudabilis
francie franciz
rajah
garuda anagama
acontius
garuda
meridionalis ..
-suddhodana ..
— vasanta
—————_ godarti asoka ..
————— jahnu jahnita..
——_—- jama jama
—-— jamida
oo
Ne eo
oe
verena
juliiadima
—-— appiades
sedeva
——_—_—. —— xiphiones
kanda elicius ..
——____—- kesavaarhat ..
ee eee
5
INDEX OF SPECIES.
NuMBER.
974 |Kuthalia kesava discispilota
1S Lean, ——— kesava
899 |-—-— lepidea andersoni
SOON nes ame a oes lepidea
SO0laaa Gkam@arsia uyone:
399 |-——-—— ——_— sthavara
399 |—-———_ Iubentina arasada
SOOiNe oars fats a an indica
399 |——-——- ——— psittacus
812 |} mahadeva binghami..
812 |———— merta eriphyle
602 |———_—_ nais
600) nae eae Bana
902m a patala patala ..
OGOt eye — taooana
GE1) ne cara Dole?
990 |——— phemius
905 |/-—— recta
901s ea sahadeva narayana ..
904. \snaaaee ose sahadeva
0064 ae telchinia
904 |— teuta gupta
004)\—_ aes ee teuta
CYS actrees teutoides
905
994 |Falco subbuteo subbutico
904 |—-—— tinnunculus
903 |Faunis
903 *. arcesilaus. .
903 |——-— eumeus assama ..
903 |—--— —-—— incerta
903 |--—— faunula faunuloides
003 |Felis pardus
991 |Fordonia leucobalia
9v2 \Fowlea peguensis
994 Francolinus vulgaris
994 |Franklinia cinereocapilla
904. | gracilis
99] |\--—_ rufescens
901 |Frenatus liopeltis
901 |Fringilauda nemoricola altaica. .
901 |Fulica atra
903 |Fuligula fuligula
902 |\Fulvetta vinipecta vinipecta
XxXI
NUMBER.
902
902
901
901
901
901
904
904
904
902
903
905
905
905
905
$01
904
905
905
905
802
906
906
906
702, 801
702
793
794
794
794:
794.
1034
868
602
801
1018
1017
1018
864
700
839
839
734
xxxii INDEX OF SPECIES.
NUMBER. NuMBER. —
Galeritadeva .. 43 So .. 966 |Helicops schistosus indicus 608
Gallinago ccelestis 33 “4 .. 837 |Hemichelidon sibirica cacabata 952 — '
Gallinula chloropus oe d 801, 839 |Hemixus flavala flavala 1007 — |
Gampsorhynchus rufulus Made INA TNE bce macclellandi macclellandi .. 1007
Garra 54 ie yr she .. 636 'Heodes phleas stygianus 972 :
Garrulax albogularis albogularis .. 729 |Herona marathus andamana 898
--—— leucolophus leucolophus Se exe) -—_ ———_-—- angustata 898
————— moniliger moniliger .. sy Oh — marathus 898
— pectoralis pectoralis .. .. 728 |Herpetodryas prasinus .. 622
Gerardia prevostiana .. Se .. 868 |Herpetoreas sieboldi 604.
Gomalia albofasciata .. se .. 942 |Hesperia alpina 972%
Gomphus bicornutus .. 3 ee) OT9 galba 939
Sarre bistrigatus .. By, .. 999 |Hestia lynceus reinwaidtii 1937
— grammicus .. a .. 994 \Hestina nama : 899
see LG ick Bh 44 .. 678 |Heterogomphus Mcoraiitae 4h .. 679%
Gomphidia abbotti . .. a 672, 680 |-_——-————— ceylonicus_ .. 676, 680 —
a5 fletcheri, sp.n. .. 666, 667, 669, 680 |——-——--hannyngtoni, sp.n. 667.674,680 —
——_—— kodaguensis,sp.n. .. © 667,671 |———-—_ flavicolor ie 678, 680 —
t.-nigrum 4 667, 668, 689 |-—-—-—--——— ris] 5 678
williamsoni, sp.n. ..666, 667, 670, 680 }-— ———~ smithi.. a 677, 680
Gonopteryx oe ca oF .. 8465 |Hilarocichla rufiventer .. 739
——- —aspasia zaneka .. .. 972 |Himalagrion exclamationis .. t47—
-— zanekoides .. 972 |Himantopus candidus .. 0 802, 838 —
_______ farinosa chitralensis .. 972 |Himerta kinneari, sp.n. .. si 651, 652
Gonyodipsas .. se a .. 873 |Hipistes hydrinus : 868
Grammatoptila striata striata .. .. 730 |Hirundo daurica 4 800
Grayia lubrica .. * My se nO08 erythropygia .-. 768
Gryllus miniatus as oe .. 643 |/———— fluvicola 767 —
Gymnopleurus militaris Ae .. 684 smithii 766 —
Gymnorhis flavicollis .. wl .. 763 /Homalopsis buccata 867 |
Gypetus barbatus “as Ae .. 702 |Horeites brunnifrons 1029 ©
aairas — —-— grandis .. .. 950 | pallidus 798 —
Gyps sp. .. e wh * .. 702 |Hormonotus modestus .. , 612 —
Horornis acanthizoides brunnescens .. 1028
—_-__——— fortipes fortipes 1028
Haliztus leucogaster .. B, .. 1¢58 |-——-— major 1028 —
leucoryphus .. _ .. 80] |-——— pallidipes 1028 —
Haplocercus ceylonensis re ei G10 — pallidus pallidus 948 —
Harpodon nehereus on om .. 642 |Humbe oe a4 643
Helcyra hemina .. 4 as .. 897 |Hurria 614
Helicops oy s ey .. 602 |- Peaches: 867
—indicus.. ue ny .. 868 Ligdvosheliden leucopareia indica 802 —
———— schistosus .. 45 .. 608 |Hydrophasianus chirurgus”.- 802, 839 —
a andersoni .. .. 608 |Hydrophobus davisoni .. os + 616
INDEX OF SPECIES,
) Hydrophobus gracilis
-nympha ..
Hydrus
ee platurus ..
Hypsirhina blanfordi
bs —— enhvdris
——__——— plumbea
—— sieboldi
Tanthia rufilata
Janthocincla ocellata ocellata ..
Icerya re
TIetinaetus malayensis
Ictinus angulosus
atrox
ae predator
| rapax mordax
———- —-— precox
| —-— rapax
Idionyx
Indagrion gautama
Indocnemis kempi
Indomacromia as
Indoneura gomphoides. .
ramburi
Indothemis
Ischnura annandalei
aurora. .
elegans. .
forcipata
inarmata
rufostigma
7 — senegalensis
Ixops nipalensis nipalensis
Ixulus flavicollis flavicollis
occipitalis
lynx torquilla japonica. .
Junonia atlites
| —iphita ..
Kach uga donghoka
gangapuputakas. .
——
rufogularis rufogularis ..
.. 66]
NuMBER.
616
616
867
607
866
866
866
866
949, 954
729
729
691
1054
665
664
659
663
663
, 667, 680
753
746
745
756
743
748
753
746, 754
746, 754
746, 754
746, 754
746, 754
746, 754
746, 754
735
737
737
956
845
845
633
633
XXX1ll
NUMBER.
Kallima sp. , 845
Karanasa acteea magna. . 782
= ai ames DIGa ania: 782
—_—_——- digna digna 782
——_—_—— ——.—_ pallas.. 782
—_——— hubneri.. 782
—-— regeli moorei .. 782
Katophis picturatus . 600
Labeo calbasu 958, 959
fimbriatus. . ed gor =)
— gonius 958, 959
—— micropthalmus 22 958
— rohita aw 958, 959
Lamellogomphus gen. nov. 983
acinaces 982
a biforceps 983
drummondi, sp. n. 985
— inglisi, sp.n. 984.
= malabarensis, sp.n. .. 980
nilgiriensis, sp.n. 986
Lanius schach erythronotus 799
Laringa glaucescens 975
Larus brunneicephalus .. 702
——— sp. 702
Lathrecista asiatica 753
Lebadea martha .. 975
—-—-— -— attenuata 907
—.-—-—_ —--—- ismene.. 907
——-—.- ——-— martha.. 907
Leioptila annectens annectens. . 735
capistrata capistrata 735
Leptacris filiformis 650
— greenl «« 6 it, 6a0
Leptophis 604, 616
—-—— saurita.. 600
Leptorhynchus maynardi 619
-—- paradoxus 619
—— -—-- ridgewayi 619
Letana nigrosparsa 651
Lethe irma seh ond
Leucanium 690, 691
Liminitis trivena, . 845
xxXiv INDEX OF SPECIES.
Lindenia biforceps
quadrifoliata. .
tetraphylla
—
Lioparus chrysotis
Liopeltis calamaria
- dori ..
frenatus
hampsoni
———_—-— nicobariensis ..
—— frappl .
scriptus
———— stoliczke
Liophallus i s:
Liothrix lutea callipyga
Locustella neevia straminea
Lophophanes ater zemodius
- dichrous dichrous
oe
—_—————— _ rufonuchalis beavani
Luscinia suecica abbotti
Lycena orion tytleri, subsp. n.
Lycodon .. :
anamallensis ..
——_—— atropurpureus
——--——— audax ..
aulicus..
aT Cat laa lus
fasciatus
- flavomaculatus
————— gammiei
jara
————- mackinnoni
——_———. septentrionalis
- striatus
travancoricus. .
Lycophidion bipunctatum
Lygceus equestris
Lygosoma sikkimense
Lyrotylus, gen. n...
———— persicus, sp.n.
Machlolophus spilonotus spilonotus
Macrocephalus
Macromia
NUMBER.
983 |Macromia ida ..
659 |Macropisthodon ..
659, 660, |—-_ himalayanus ..
734 plumbicolor
965 |Malacocinda sepiaria abbotti
964. |Maniola cononympha
864 \—- davendra chitralica
865 |-———_ davendra ..
865 |-———.__ latistigma..
865 |—— hilaris ..
964 |-— narica ..
364 |———_ pulchella
873 [ese pulchra
737 — wagneri mandane
1015 |Maniolalupinus centralis
ORS nga Tae ie ¢ cheena..
Oa kashmirica
795 (Melanitis leda ismene
—phedima bela..
699, 800
973 |-—— — bethami
G14 2 oe Get ee ee isee
G19) ac ee ea
BIAS ae Ee tambra
B19 ee varale:
613 -—zitenius andamanica
e 614. —- auletes
614, 615 Tam eonale
eS ara ara area We kalinga
GIANG Scour Cay aR zitenius
612, 613 Melanochlora sultanea sultanea
614 |Melanoneura bilineata ..
615.
612
Melophus melanicterus .
Merops apiaster ..
613 Mesia argentauris argentauris .
612 |Mesogomphus
S19) aa ee eMMMICUS
600 toa lindgreni, sp.n ..
GI UGKON cpm rT CAGE, lineatus ..
650, 652 | Lisi, Sp. ..
Micromerus
Microperdix
725 ——- blewitti
873 —— erythrorhyncha
793 | inglisi
{
«
4
|
INDEX OF SPECIES. XXXV
NUMBER. NUMBER.
‘Microperdix manipurensis inglesi- 861 |Neorina chrishna archaica 789
— — manipurensis857,861 |——-—— hilda 789
‘Micropus apus pekinensis 702 patria westwoodi 789
‘Microscelis psaroides psaroides 1007 |Neornis flavolivacea flavolivacea 1928
Minla ignotincta .. 740 |Nerodia 602
Mirafra cantillans 965 |— — fasciata 602
erythroptera ; 966 |—____— modesta 603
Mixornis rubricapilla Ripiicapits 733 |——_— piscator 603
Mizodon variegatus 600 |—_-——- punctulata 603
Mnais earnshawi ae : 7( 55) aes sipedon 602
Molpastes hemorrhous Hetealentis 1007 tessellata 604.
—-- -— hemorrhous .. 840)|Neurobasis chinensis 753
—___— leucogenys 1008 |Neurothemis fluctuana .. 153
—— leucotis LOS 7s) 2 —— fulvia 753
‘Monophlebus A i 691, 692 |- tullia feralis 753
-Monticola solitaria pandoo 799 —.— tullia 753
Montifringilla nivalis adamsi .. 700 |Neusterophis levissima. . 602
Morsimus carinatus.. 651 |Notonecta furcata 812
-Mortonagrion varralli_ .. Sh Soe) - glanca 812
Motacilla alba hodgsoni 701, 800, 956 |—- maculata 812
oo cinerea melanope 701, 800 | Novaculina 63
-______—- citreola calcaratus 701, 800
——- maderaspatensis 963
-Muscicapa parva hypery ane We Odontopilum angulata .. 703
= geaeles o 199 |Gicophylla 684, 685, 688, 689, 911
Mycalesis maianeas = -5 +: 797 Cnusude balteata 645
-Myiophoneus horsfieldi temminckii z SOO as ea te oe 643
; 951, 955, 1037 eat _
Myrmecocystus .. 681, 682, 688, 903! 7 Staves 2g Re
-Myzornis pyrrhoura ote “ve Pevensie Ol et, hour HOTS 7. © O28
. —_—_—— miniata 643
——-—— obscurata 644
Natrix baileyi .. 602 schochi - 643
__ khasiensis 601 |nanthe deserti atrogularis 699
leonardi - .. 602 |Oligodon affinis .. 630
Bee atric +. 600, 602, 604, 616 |--—_ albocinctus 631
-_——— nicobariensis ee 601 |———— arnensis 629
-_—_—— parallelus - 601, 613, 625, 628, 630, |--——--— beddomei 630
| 631, 869, 872, 875 |__- brevicauda 628
-——— peali oye 600 |——-—-_ cruentatus 629
—---— rianguligerus 601 ;—---_ dorsalis 627
——-— _venningi 601 |——-——— elliotti E8 627
— ——— vulgaris.. a 600 |—_—-—-—— erythrogaster ae ws» 629
—__--- xenurus .. A 601 |—-———_—- erythrorhachis -- 626, 629, 630
Nemorhedus bubalinus typicus se (O28 — evansi.. ve se GTZ
XXxXvi
NUMBER.
Oligodon herberti is “4 ~« 626
— juglandifer . . — 630
——-—— melaneus 628
———— melanozonatus 630
———— medougalli 626
—— octolineatus 630
——-— planiceps oe 4 626
———_— purpurascens .. 631
—___—— splendidus 631
——- subgriseus 627
—_——— sublineatus .. be 627
———— subpunctatus 599
teeniolatus 627
———— templetoni 627
——— theobaldi 628
ae TT Lorguatus 626
————. travancoricus | see O29
———— venustus 629, 630
—__._——.. yjolaceus 628
————- woodmasoni .. 630
Onychargia atrocyana 745
Onychogomphus 982
— acinaces 988
—__—_-——_—_— biforceps 983
——_—_—- —-- nilgiriensis 986
a bistrigatus 999, 1001, 1003
———_—_—_—— ‘dauricus, sp.n. 1001
dingavani, sp.n, 1005
t }
—__—_—_-—_—_—— grammicus 994
= dineatus 982
om. lava 1003
al —— nilgiriensis 673
———— striatus, sp.n... 1001
Opetiodon
3 873
Ophiocephalus -- 638
—_—_——— gachua 961, 962
oo marulius. . 961
Re ‘punctatus 961
—_—_—__—_—-— striatus 961
Ophites anamallensis $13
— atropurpureus. . -. 614
Ast - aulicus 612, 613
———\-— fasciatus ve tO
Ophites flavomaculatus
613 {Parus major cinereus .. os
INDEX OF SPECIES.
NUMBER.
Ophites jara.. 612
— mackinnoni 614
striatus 612°
—-——-— gubcinctus 612:
—— subfuscus 614.
NE ERGE travancoricus .. 613.
Orcaella brevirostrus 639.
Oreicola ferrea .. 956
—_—_..-_ —-.-— ferrea 800:
Oreocincla dauma dauma .. 948
Oriolus oriolus kundoo .. 698, 700:
Orogomphus xanthoptera 753
Orsotrizena medus mandata 788
— —- medus 788
Orthetrum : 752.
Orthotomus atrogularis .. 1016.
sutorius sutorius 1016.
Otocompsa emeria 1057, 1058.
—_—______ ——_-—— emerla 1908
—— flaviventris flaviventris 1008
Otocorys alpestris longirostris . . 701
Ovisammon ammon .. S83
hodgsoni . 882, 1066.
—_—_-——-— poli a a -- 885
—— vignei Seay ae) 887
Paleornis schisticeps .. ote 801
Papilio paradoxus telearchust . . O74.
— telarchas oie 845.
Pappophis ‘ 873
Parantirrhwa marshallii 791
Pararge .. os 797.
— schakra 972.
Parnassius delphius kafir.. .. bee Ms
Parceneis palearcticus sikhimensis .. 782
- pumilus bicolor 782
--— pumilus a be: On,
Parthenos sylvia cyaneus i ete -- 906.
a gambrisius .. .. 806.
_ roepstorfi o~ «o 906
iw. — virens os we COG
_ ——_——--— fuliginiventer
Parus major kashmiriensis
mahrattarum
——-— melanolophus
monticolus monticolus ..
Passer domesticus
—_———— parkini
———- rutilans debilis ..
Pellorneum ruficeps jonesi
«mandelli ..
Penthema darlisa
—— binghami binghami ..
— merguie
yoma
——-— lisarda lisarda. .
mihintala
Perdicula erythrorhyncha
—— manipurensis..
Perdix coromandelica
— coturnix ..
———. erythrorhyncha ..
——— olivacea ..
——— textilis
Petaurista annamensis ..
Petrophila cinclorhyncha
solitaria pandoo
Phanerophera nigrosparsa
Phayrea isabellina
Phidole ..
Philothammus
- Phyllergates coronatus .
Phyllomacromia ..
Phylioneura westermanni
Phylloscopus affinis
— collybita tristis ..
—_—_____——— fuscatus fuscatus .
—_—_——_—_— homeyeri
——__—_—_—-—. inornatus inornatus
pee lugubris ..
—————— maculipennis
—_—_—_—_—-— magnirostris ey
——_———-— nitidus plumbeitarsus
INDEX OF SPECIES. XXXvib
NUMBER.
697, 837)Phylloscopus occipitalis occipitalis 799:
.. 840 proregulus newtoni. . 1020:
798 |. pulcher 1020
723 |——_————- trochiloides .. 1024
764 |Phoenicopterus antiquorum 840:
700 |Phragomaticola zedon 1018.
956 |Pica pica bactriana 696
1053 | Pieris callidice kalora 972
732 |—-— canidia 972
800 |Piprisoma squalidum 969
900 |Plagiopholis blakewayi .. 610
900 |Planesticus castaneus castaneus 949, 953.
990 |Platanista. . ot 634
800 gangetica 639
. 909 |Platyenemis latipes dealbata 744
850, 854 |Platysticta apicalis 742
857 deccanensis. . 742
593 : maculata 742
577 |Plectrurus perroteti 865
g509 | Plicigera gen, n. .. 651
594 ——himalayana sp. n. 652
504 Ploceus baya 759
975 manyar.. 761
954 Pneepyga pusilla 1014
yi} squamata 1013
65] Podiceps albipennis 839
ruficollis capensis 802
on Polistes : 681
Polyergus ae ee 654
le: Polymmatus eros drunela 972
1029 \polyodontophis bistrigatus .. 600:
oe ——_——_——— collaris 598
742 sagittarius 599, 62T
subpunctatus . -. 599
698 |Pomatorhinus erythrogenys haringtoni 731
1019, 1029 \_—-——— ferruginosus ferruginosus 731
1919 ruficollis ruficollis 731
1020 schisticeps schisticeps .. 731
1621 |Pratincola caprata es oe eit On
1022 | Prenolepis 682, 685
1020 |Presbytes entellus eee
1022 |— -— robinsoni 917
1023.|Prinia socialis socialis 1030
. . 896
—_— —-—__.———_——
— viridanus
682, 688
950, 1018
NUMBER.
799, 1021 |Prothe calydonia belisama
ri be. 4 XV111
ue othoe franckii angelica
regalis
' Protoncura
‘Protosticta cerinostigma
—— oravelyi
hearseyl
himalaica
lindgreni
mortoni
— sanguinostigma
: stevensi
- Prunella rubeculoides
strophiata jerdoni
——<—$———
=
— a=
Prymnomiodon ..
chalceus
Psammodynastes pulverulentus
-Psammophis
condanarus
leithi
longifrons
schokari
triticeus
ee
Pseudagrion azureum
bengalense ..
bidentatum
decorum
hypermelas
indicum
laidlawi
microcephalum
pruinosum ..
rubriceps
spencei
—_—__———. williamsoni
Pseudocyclophis bicolor
: olivaceus.
persicus
walteri..
INDEX OF SFECIES.
NUMBER.
NuMBER,
- $97|Psittiparus gularis gularis 727
$97 ruficeps ruficeps yar
753 |Pteruthius erythropterus 738
741 |\-——_—_ melanotis melanotis 738
74] xanthochloris xanthochloris 739
741 |Ptyas 604
74] |-———- mucosus 616
74] |—--—— nigromarginatus .. 617
74] |-—— tenasserimensis 617
741 |Ptyonoprogne concolor .. 766
741 |Pycnonotus leucogenys .. 798
699 —— luteolus 840
950 |Pyctorhis sinensis sinensis 739
600 |Pyrrhicia connata 651
800,
607,
Pseudominla castaneiceps castaneiceps
—_—_————_ cinerea
Pseudopheea
etheli
Pseudoxenodon angusticeps
macrops
i
876 |Pyrrhulauda grisea
875 |Python
875
875
_. 875|Ragadia crisilda crisilda
749, 755 gio
750, 755 ——— critolaus
_ 74g|— — critolina
750. 755 |Rana cyanophlyctis
749, 755 |Ranee formos
750, 755 |Regina leberis : A
750, 755 |Regulus regulus Meatay ena oe
749, 755 |Rhabdophis
749, 755 |———— beddomei
750, 755 |————— ceylonensis ..
749. 755|————— chrysargus ..
wey firthi. .
619 himalayanus
.. 619|————— monticola
632, 769 — nigrocinctus
632 |_—-—_ olivaceus
734 |—_—_-—_—— platyceps
734 |\——— stolatus
753 subminiatus
601 |Pyrrhocorax graculus
376 pyrrhocorax
607 | Pyrrhocoris apterus
756 |Rhabdops bicolor
608 |Rhapdia .. : =
608 |Rhaphicera 5c Ad
-- 616
604, 609
-- 605
604, 620
610
Dey
ais
>
Rhinocypha
Rhodischnura nursei
Rhodothemis rufa
Rhyacornis fuliginosa
Rimator malacoptilus
Riparia rupestris
Rita rita of ae
Ruticilla ochrurus pheenicuroides
Saccobranchus fossilis
Sarangesa dan
dasahara
purendra
Sarcogrammicus indicus
Sasakia funebris ..
Satyrus ..
Scaphula
Scolopax rusticola
Seiysiothemis nigra
Sephisa chandra ..
See a DIG...
—— — ———— chandrana
——-— dichroa ..
Serinus pusillus ..
Sibia picaoides picaoides
Silybura ocellata ..
macrolepis
————. phipsoni
Simotes .. ss
albocinctus
arnensis
———— beddomii
ey
aa. cruentatus
cyclurus
juglandifer
octolineatus
planiceps
purpurascens ..
———-— splendidus
theobaldi
torquatus
violaceus
———-—— woodmasoni
_—_———.
———__.
—_—_
INDEX OF SPECIES.
On x
NUMBER. NUMBER.
752, 753 |Sitta castaneiventris castaneiventris.. 1008
747, 755 |—-—— formosa a 1008
7538 |—— _ frontalis frontalis. . 1009
947 —— himalayensis 1008
733 Siva cyanouroptera cvanouroptera 736
700 strigula strigula 736
958 |Speleornis caudata 1012
698 |Sphecodes albofuscus 612
Sphenocichla humei 1012
Sphingonotus amaranthinus 645
638 —-balteatus .. 645
922 -—___—--— balteatus 646
929 himalayanus, subsp.n. 646
925 |_—---__- ——-rosens, subsp. n. 646
802 |--_—___——bifasciatus 645
899 |_——_—_ brunneri 644
797 lameerei 644
639 -—— g1ga8 647
841 -intutus 646
.. 660 -latifasciatus 646
845, 898 ae obscuratus 644
898 octofasciatus 644.
898 |———___— quadrifasciatus 644
898 |— satrapes 646
699 |Sporeeginthus amandava ) 763
735 |Stachyridopsis rufifrons ambigua 73:
865 |_—_- ruficeps ruficeps 733
1062 |Stachyris chrysea chrysea 733
875 |——-——_ nigriceps nigriceps 733
626 |Staphidia striata rufigenis 735
630, 631 |Steirophis chrysargus 604
629 |Sterna hirundo tibetana 7€2
629) = co. 702
629 |Stibochiana nicea nicea 800
631 }———-—_- ——— subucula 800
630 !Stictopthalma 793
629 |_--_-_-_—--—- camadeva camadeva.. 795
626 | —— ——— camadevoides 795
631 |— sags eines nagaensis .. 795
Cli == -— nicevillei 795
628 |---———__-—- godfreyi .. 795
626 Licncaae howqua sparta .. 795
628 |. louisa louisa 795
: O30) ee by tlerl 795
a
i,
4
ia
< |
A
NUMBER, NumpeEr, |
xt INDEX OF SPECIES,
Stictopthalma nourmahal nourmahal.. 795 |Thereiceryx zeylonicus zeylonicus .. 840 |
—_———— - nurinissa .. 795 |Tholymis tillarga ss ie .. 753m
Stoliczkala khasrensis .. “i .. 598 |Tichodroma mtraria_ .. si? -- LOL
Streptopelia orientalis meena .. 702, 801 |Tickellia hodgsoni hs Ly .. 1027
Styporhynchus truncatus .. : .- 600 Timalia pileata bengalensis ..° .. 732m
Sus cristatus .. 7 .. 1040 |Tmethis cinerascens .. oe .. 6468
Suthora fulvifrons rations 4 .. 727 |————— hotsoni.. .. At -. 649
— poliotis humii. . we .. 726 |-————— saussurei violacea .. .. 6464
ruficeps ruficeps oe .. 727 |Toxicodryas ss + + -» 873 |
unicolor J -. -. 726 |Trachischium fuscum .. aff » 608,
Suya atrogularis .. oe ats 029 eS ouenthen , -- 609)
crinigera crinigera.. te ey) 1020) Seek Ses amonticola: i eo
Sylvia altha = .. 0 .. 0s. s+. 697 | __ quinquelabialis .. _-._ 609 |
curruca affinis .. re Pe 8 jee ee ibrivienter he .. 609 |
Sylviparus modestus modestus neh 2e ee ee WenuiCensi bes .. 60am
Sympetrum | ., >. -. -~.. 753 |Tribura lateoventris ../. 4, |) +s 10a
major .. a “is .. 697m
thoracica. . she oe .. 1016
Triglyphodon, 6. 720. Sas 0.82 eae
glareola_ .. Ae ae .. 8028
Tapena thwaitesi as us .. 934 |Trirhinopholis nuchalis .. a .3 | Cle |
Taphrometapon lineolatum .. $75 |Trithemis aurora 36 iS -. Tddq
Tarbophis rhinopoma .. Ae 868, 869 |-- festiva bys oy. ae), Ae |
Tarucus .. ny 48 we .. 845 |Trochalopterum affinis affinis .. -. 730m
Terias .. ws ee wees 89455 | -_+-_—-—- erythrocephalum nig- |
Tesia castaneocoronata castaneocoro- rimentum 729
MLA aes ie o ee OLS lineatum ro oe 798 |
cyaniventer .. oe -. 1012 |J-——— pheeniceum pheeniceum 729 |
Tetragonosoma effrenis .. Be .. 612 |-———--—— squamatum .. - 136
Tetrao coromandelicus .. ve .. 593 |-——-—— subunicolor subunicolor 729 |
—ocotumnix.. .. .. -. 877 {Troglodytes troglodytes neglecta = -._ 9509
— israelitarum we ca Pee Dg —_- —_——— nipalensis .. 1012 |
Tetrathemis platyptera .. ie Phy he rordesy ina See oe “3 6 OL |
Thamnobia cambaiensis. . ie .. 758 }Troilus luridus .. a ee Aa dite! | |
Thamnosophis lateralis .. ae .. 604 ;Tropidauchen edentulum, sp.n. 648, 652 |
—_———— scalaris .. ae He 1600 ——— sabulosum, sp.n... 649, 652
VThaumantis a es ae ts (6 3 lTropidonotus ting i 600, 602, 604 |
ih dioresy ts crate ees ——asperrimus .- +. 608 |
~ lucipor is 5 .. 795 |-—-—--- beddomii ..__-- tei?) OOm
hasiria.) ss r, ae Be es 7S | ceylonensis ‘3 -- 605 |
alirisintermedia .. .. 796 |. chrysargus “jg sa) OOM
a -— pseudaliris |... .. 796 |\-—————— firthi .. + -. GOTH
Thelasyla .. es O72 himalayeanus, 31.) ee
Therapha hyposcyami ,. ols », 812 -——--——- modestus ., hs 601, 603 |
Tropidonotus monticola
—_____-~— natrix
—_—_—_—_—_—- nicobarensis
-— nigrocinctus
piscator
platyceps. .
—_—_—_—_—_—- plumbicolor
punctulatus
quincunciatus
sanctijohannis
—_—_—__—_—— stolatus
subminiatus
—— tessellatus
tytleri
vibakari ..
xenurus
Turdoides terricolor terricolor ..
furdus unicolor .. o.
Typhlops bothriorhynchu
Tytleria hypsirhinoides
Upupa epops
—_——___—__.
epops
Urocissa flavirostris
Uroloncha acuticauda
— malabarica
punctulata
—
Vanessa cashmirensis .. a
Varuna litterata ..
Vipera. He Ae
a Sp... ap ie
Nallagoattu... a
—__—__
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CONTENTS OF Vol. XXIX, No. 8.
|/Tue Game Brirps oF Inpia, BuRMA AND Cryton. Part XXXVI. (Coturnizx coro-
mandelicus) The Black-Breasted or Rain Quail. (With a plate.) By E. C.
iM akere Ur leS..c 8. 7. Srs Me be Osea Oss AsOs Ue) (sls oe sielele os: acer sidse Shida) ea ¥ ala biele es
|A Hanp-List oF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN Empire. Part II. By Col. F. Wall,
C.M.G., C.M.Z.S., F.L.S.5 F.A.S.B., H.C.Z.S.1., I.M.S. OO 1 @2 6:50) O10 (6) '@ 6.6: 6: O° 8 0) 06:8 8 60.8. 4 8 06 o 6 8 ee
HANIMAL LIFE OF THE GANGES. By Dr. Annandale, D.S.C., C.LE. 6... . cee ccc cee eee
|\SomME NEW OR INTERESTING ORTHOPTERA FROM PERSIA, BALUCHISTAN AND WESTERN
PDEA (Wun a plate.) By B. P. Uvarov, FBS. ..6 0. ees ebes se osce eee ceae ds
|SmaLct GAME SHOOTING IN KASHMIR AND THE ADJACENT Hitt Provincys. By Col.
PMN VAT (DUEL ON ULE), seheecce, fee: cy 0R vata Oa Shyu a apie lol as ail teee aw ah dite lere bara deare 4h
\Inpran Draconrures. Part XVII. (With two plates and four text figures.) By
Pe Om HOME raser. T.MsSs5) Woks Sy ie eaieties, cc: ailelaceis) «yecaiavesaliontne Auatelie & 6 bie elw/ ada Wl ecalg ete
an Rep Ant. Part IJ. By Major R. W. G. Hingston, LM.s. ............. 0000s
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A TRIP IN LADAK. By Mrs. M. L. Wathen ..........
|Tue ComMon BUTTERFLIES OF THE PLAINS oF INDIA. Part XXX. By T. R. Bell,
GMenGE.S., (Retd,) 02.5.0’. HER Lshe els issinc ets) sitet Miehe tones res Ue taena bth Pecge A Me is Koos
|A JourNEY To Siam AND Back. Part III. (With two plates.) By Major C. H.
Benge ISlON ADI S| Ontetaryes iayelz 20 8 mm., and the extremes are : maxima,
30-6 x 21°7 and 30:8 x 22:2. mm.; minima, 25°5 x 20-8 and 26:9 x
192 mm.
This Quail is undoubtedly monogamous, the cock-bird keeping close
to the hen whilst she is sitting and if he wanders away a short dis-
tance when feeding he keeps on calling to her as much as to say he has
no intention of deserting her altogether. He also assists her to
feed and watch the young after they are hatched but apparently
596 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X.
does not assist in the actual incubation of the eggs. The hen is a
very close sitter, often sitting until almost trodden on, or, if dis-
covered, remaining squatted on her eggs until the hand is within
a few inches of her.
-- Davidson remarks on the very large percentage of the eggs of this
mrd which are destroyed by vermin, and this not only in regard to
those nests which he had discovered and left, but also to eggs not pre-
viously found until they were seen by him lying broken and scattered
about. Davidson suspected the Common Crow Pheasant and a large
lizard of being the culprit, but birds in India have many foes to
contend with, both amongst their own order and from outside.
Crows of almost all kinds, Treepies and some Owls are all arrant egg
thieves ; snakes make odlogy their special study, and rats and mice
are equally destructive.
The cock Rain Quail during the breeding season, although he is
content with one wife, is very combative and, according to Reid, the
natives of Lucknow place his fightmg qualities above those of his
larger cousin, the Common Quail.
Habits. —The Rain Quail is certainly resident over the greater part
of the area he occupies but he is generally believed to be locally migra-
tory in many of the parts mto which he comes durmg the breeding
season. Thus Hume says “ the majority are only seasonal residents,
spending the drier months of the year in the low-lying and moist tracts
of Lower Bengal and other Provinces and the monsoon in the higher,
drier regions of Upper and Western India”. Reid says that it is not
found in Lucknow until the rains commence and it is not until this
season that observers have recorded anything but a few casual birds
in the Punjab and North-West Provinces, Cutch, Sind, Katiawar,
the United Provinces and Rajputana.
In Behar I understand they are to be found all the year round 7f one
knows where to look for them, as during the driest months they seek
shady cover of some kind; either reeds and long grass, bush or even
tree jungle and the cover which is always to be found in Mango and
other orchards round villages. Nowhere, however, is there any
record of this bird being more numerous in the driest months than it
is in the wetter ones, and it seems possible that the migrations are
very local and consist merely of short journeys to the nearest dense
cover, and especially to quarters where a little water 1s available.
In Bengal I never found them more common in the dry months
than in the rains, and in Assam they were equally rare in Winter or
Summer. )
Davidson has probably correctly explained what takes place.
“The Rain Quail is very common in the Deccan, and is a
permanent resident, though it wanders about a good deal in
search of water, food and shelter. Thus, while in November or
December this Quail will be found scattered about singly or in
THE GAME BIRDS OF INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON. 597
pairs everywhere, in the hot weather hundreds will be found
collected in a few nallas and gardens, and the most careful beating
will fail to flush a single bird elsewhere for miles and miles. More-
over, it deserts its most favourite haunts at once if food begins to
run short. In 1876, when the rains failed in Sholapur, and the
ground was as bleak and uncultivated as in the hot weather, [
never saw a single bird. Nor did they return till about June,
1877.
‘¢ In Tamkér, Mysore, in the middle of November, they simply
swarmed. They were then in pairs and commenced calling
hours before daylight, and in one camp positively kept me awake
from four in the morning. I was very busy, and had no time to
look for nests ; but [never started any young ones. They after-
wards collected in the scrub jungle, some of the flocks were very
large, and they were still there in the middle of May. During
June and July before leaving Mysore, I was working in a jungle
country, so can hardly say whether they migrated or not, but I
certainly never saw one in these months.”
They are typically plains birds, but they wander up to considerable
height, having been killed at 8,000 feet’in the Simla Hills, and also as
high in the Nilgiris. In Travancore they are common between two
and four thousand feet, and in Nepal and the outer Himalayas they
certainly breed up to nearly 6,000 feet.
They are not gregarious, though the two old birds remain with their
young until the latter are about eight months old, when they are driven
off and scatter into twos and threés. Where numerous, as in the
Deccan, and parts of Central India, Mysore, etc., many birds may be
flushed from the same field of crops, but they rise singly, or in twos,
and never in coveys once the young have left their parents.
They are essentially birds of open country, cultivation and grass
plains and plateaus, though, as already suggested, they may take to
scrub or even heavier cover during the dry season. They are often
found in compounds and gardens and very commonly in the semi-
cultivated semi-bare areas round villages. In such places they are
very tame and confiding but away from villages and towns they be-~
have much in the same manner as does the Common Quail. No one
seems to have made this bird a definite object of sport, though a few
are nearly always shot during Quail shoots as they haunt the same
crops and grass lands as the Common Quail does and, on the wing, one
cannot be distinguished from the other. The flight of the two birds
is identical, equally direct and swift and each ending in the head~
long dive into cover after some 50 yards or so have been traversed,
The notes of the two birds are, however, quite dissimilar, that of this
bird being a rapidly repeated and musical ‘“‘ whit-whit-whit-whit,”
uttered principally in the mornings and evenings but in July and
August almost throughout the day. | : |
72,
73.
74,
oo
Or
cc
92)
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE
INDIAN EMPIRE.
By
BP) Wark, CMG.) ORE Z. SI FD.S.) FLAGS. B., HCl. Sale,
COLONEL, I.M.S.
Part II.
(Continued from page 361 of this volume.)
Family.—COLUBRID.
Subfamily.—ACROCHORDIIN &.
Genus.—CHERSYDRUS Cuvier.
(443) Chersydrus granulatus (Schneider). The Rasp-skinned Water
Snake.
Annandale, J.A. S., Beng., 1905, p 175; Mem. Ind. Mus. 1915, p 169,
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 174; 1. c. Vol. III, 1896, p 597;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIV, p 386; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr.
Jena. 1910, » 131; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 45; Wall,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXIII, p 372;1t.¢. Vol. XXV, p 756a ; 1. ©.
Vol. XXVI, pp 583 and 584; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 79.
Length.—1,220 mm. (4 feet).
Distn.—Coasts of India. From Bombay on the Malabar Coast, and
Hijili (Ind. Mus.) on the Coromandel Coast to Tuticorin. Ceylon.
Coast of Burma, Andamans. Coasts of Maloy Peninsula to Cochin-
China. Malay Archipelago. Papuastia.
Genus.—STOLIczKAIA Jerdon.
(442) Stoliczkaia khasiensis Jerdon. Stoliczka’s Snake.
Annandale, J. A. 8. Beng. 1904, » 209; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893,
p 176.
Length.—809 mm. (2 feet, 73 inches).
Lepid.—Frontal partially divided anteriorly by mesial suture. Posto-
culars 3. Supralabials 8; the 4th and 5th touching the eye on the
left side, 5th and 6th on the right*. Costals, 31 to 33 about mid-
body. (In the ‘‘ type” I count 31 about midbody). Ventrals. 209
to 210. Subcaudals. 115 to 117.
Distn.—Assam. Khasi Hills. (Nr. Shillong. Ind Mus.)
Subfamily.—COLUBRIN 4h.
Genus.—PoLyopontoPuis Boulenger.
(363) Polyodontophis collaris (Gray). Gray’s Polyodont.
. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 46 and 53; Boulenger, Cat.
Vol. I, 1893, » 184; 1. c. Vol. III, 1896, p 597; Sclater, List. Sn.
Ind. Mus. 1891, p 17; Wal’. Bomb..N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 315,
lc. Vol. XIX, pp 340 and 7d7a.:
Distn.— Western Himalayas. As far West as Simla. Hastern Hima-
layas. As far East as Sikkim. Bengal. Calcutta. (Ind. Mus.)
Assam. Hills North and South of the Bramaputra. Burma. As
far North as Sima. (Lat. 25°:2° Long. 97° Bombay colln.) South
to Arakan Hills and Pegu Yomas. Siam. North of Kra (Malcolm
Smith). China. Yunnan. Ichang. Fokien Prov. Formosa.
Note.—Improbable as Calcutta may appear for this hill. species, I
have it on Dr. Annandale’s authority that an example was indubi-
tably acquired there, which I have ete It was probably
washed down by floods,
* In the specimenin the Indian Museum,
¥
75.
76,
af HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 599
(364) Polyodontophis subpunctatus (Dumeril and Bibron). Jerdon’s
Polyodont.
Oligodon subpunctatus. Vidal, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. I, p 144.
Polyodontophis subpunctatus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon. 1910,
' p» 71; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 186; 7. c. Vol. ILI, 1896,
p 598; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr.
Jena. 1910, p 130; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 17 (part,
All except No 7073); Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI, p 297; Ll. c
Vol. XVII, p 823; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, pp 397 and 406; Oph. “Tap.
1921, p 84; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Lepid. aventalss 151 to 214,
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. South of Rajputana, and South of
the Ganges Valley.
Note.—In the Bombay Natural History Journal (Vol. XVII, p 823)
I referred to a specimen, that appeared to unite the characters of
subpunctatus and sagittarius, and which suggested the union of the
two species under the latter and older name. Iam nowin a
position to show that the two species previously held as such are
both valid, and that the specimen referred to is an aberrant subpunc-
tatus. This viewis based on skulls in my collection. The dentition
is as follows:—subpunciatus. Maxillary 44 to 45. Palatine 23 to 24.
Pterygoid 21. Mandibular 40.— sagittarius. Maxillary 32. Palatine
14 to 16. Pterygoid 13, Mandibular 30.
The specimen referred to was probably from the Northern part of
the Western Ghats as it was preserved in the same bottle as a Lycodon
jfiavomaculatus, which has a very restricted distribution (¢. 2.)
(365) Polyodontophis sagittarius (Cantor.) Cantor’s Polyodont.
P. subpunctatus. Selater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 17 (part
No 7073).
P. sagittarius. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 175; Boulenger,
Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 187; l. c. Vol. IIT, 1896, p 598; Sarasin, Zool.
Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 17;
Wall, Bomb, N. H. J. Vol. XVIT, p 823.
Length.—292 mm. (114 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 205 to 236. Subcaudals. 54 to 70.
| Disin.— Western Himalayas. As far West as Chamba. Sewaliks,
North of Saharanpore. (*. W.) Dhikala, Garhwal . Dist.
Melaghat, Almora Dist. (Ind. Mus.). The Ganges Basin. Nowgong,
C. P. Darbhanga. Purnea. Dinajpore. (Ind. Mus.). Bettiah, Behar.
(Bombay colln.) Lower Bengal. Manbhum. Chaibasa, Serampore.
Calcutta. (Ind. Mus.)
N ote,—Penang as a locality calls for confirmation. The note appended
to 7. yphlops bothriorhynchus shows that some of Cantor’s localities
are open to doubt. De Roepstorfi’s specimen in the Indian Museum,
labelled Nicobars, is undoubtedly correctly identified. I feel justified
however in raising the strongest doubt as to the authenticity of the
locality for this species. The fact thatde Roepstorff is also alone
responsible for the Nicobars as a locality for Oligodon sublineatus,
and Amblycephalus monticola strengthens the justification for doubt.
Both Polyodontophis sagittarius, and Amblycephalus monticola are
known from Northern India, but not from Assam or Burma, and. the
record of the Nicobars for the species must have perplexed other
herpetologists as much as it has done me. Oligodon sublineatus
known only from Ceylon with the exception of de Roepstorff’s
record from the Nicobars, is equally surprising.
600 |
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCLETY, Vol. XKIX.
_ Nearly every keen herpetologist has snakes sent to him ‘by friends
from distant parts of the Empire, and it is not surprising if these
exotics sometimes get mixed with those collected from the locality
where he is domiciled. In these cases the common species with
which he is familiar are probably discarded and only the uncommon
species retained. If all the species so acquired were retained the
mixing would probably be discovered by future herpetologists at
once. 7 :
77. ° (366) Polyodontophis bistrigatus (Giinther) Gainther’s. Polyodont.
Annandale, J.A. S8., Beng.,: 1905, 9 175 : Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I,.
1893, p 188; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 18.
Distn.— Burma. Prome. Pegu. Nicobars.
Note-—De Roepstorfi’s specimen labelled Nicobars is correctly
identified, but the doubts I have raised in the note appended to
P. sagittarius makes confirmation of the Nicobars as a locality
desirable.
Genus.—-X ENOCHROPHIS Giinther.
. (441) Xenochrophis cerasogaster (Cantor.) The Painted Keelback.
1768.
1826.
1842.
1853.
1858.
1860.
1861.
1863.
1875.
1877.
1883.
1893.
79.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol, I, 1893, p 191 ; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 146 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, » 45; Wail, Bomb. N. H.
J. Vol. XVIII, p 104,
Lengih.—775 mm. (2 feet, 63 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 140 to 154.
Distn.— Ganges Valley. Fyzabad (F. W.) Bengal. yey (Ind. Mus.)
Assam. Goalpara. (Ind. Mus.) Khasi Hills. (Brit. Mus.)
Note.—Penang on the authority of Cantor I doubt for reasons cited
in the note appended to T'yphlops bothriorhynchus,
Genus.—NaTRIX Lauwrenii.
Natrix. Laurenti, Syn. Rept. p 73 [type N. vulgaris = Natrix naitriz
(Linné). |
Tropidonotus. Boie., part, Isis. p 205 [type N. natrix (Linné).|
Leptophis. Holbrook, N. Am. Herp. IV, p 21, pl LV [type? L. sauritus=
N. saurita (Linné). |
EKutainia. Baird & Girard, [iype E. saurita=N. saurita (Linné).]
Coronella. (non Laurenti, 1768) Giinther, Cat. p 39.
Thamnophis. Cope, Proc. Ac. Philad, p 369 (type N. scalaris).
Mizodon. Peters, Mon. Berl. Acad.,p 358 (type N. variegatus).
Styporhynchus. Peters, Mon. Berl. Ac., P 399 (type NV. truncatus).
Chilopoma, Cope, Wheeler's Rep. V. S. Ea. Surv., p 544 (type N-
rufopunctatus).
Katophis. Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N, S. Wales II, p 36 (type N-
picturatus).
Atomarchus. Cope, Amer. Nat., p 1300 (type N. multimaculatus).
Prymnomiodon. (non Cope, 1860). Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 192.
(Nil.) Natrix peali (Sclater.) Peal’s Keelback.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. T, 1893, p 214; Sclater, List, Sn. Ind. Mus.
1891, p 41.
Types.—In the Indian Museum. From aa
Distn.— Assam. Sibsagar.
.' A -HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 601
\
80. (427) Natrix parallelus (Boulenger.) Anderson’s Keelhack.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 223; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 337 ; Sclater,
“bist. SR. ind.) Mus, 1891, 937°; Wall, Bomb. Ni: Ho J. Vol:
XVIII, p 223; 1.c. Vol. XIX, p 340.
Length.—712 mm. (2 feet, 4 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 162 to 175. Subcaudals. 73 to 110.
Disin.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam. Khasi Hills.
Burma. Sanda, China. Yunnan.
Note.—The locality of No 4397 of Sclater’s list of snakes in the Indian
Museum reported as ‘* Madras Hills’? by Colonel Beddome is to be
discredited. The same authority records also T'ropidonotus sub-
miniatus, T. himalayanus, Oligodon splendidus, O. octolineatus,
Dendrelaphis caudolineatus, and Lycodon java, from Hills in South
India. These records are equally untrustworthy as regards habitat.
81. (425) Natrix khasiensis (Boulenger.) The Assam Keelback.
Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 210; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp
37, 49 and 53; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 223; Wall, Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol. XVI, p 317.
Length.—673 mm. (2 feet, 23 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 143 to 155. Subcaudals. 73 to 100.
Distn.—Assam. Abor Hills. (Ind. Mus.) Khasi Hills. Garo Hills,
(Ind. Mus.)
82. (Nil.) Natrix rianguligerus (Boie.) Boie’s Keelback.,
Boulenger.gCat.. Vol. I, 1893, » 224; Uc. Vol. III, 1896, p 604 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus, 1891, p 42.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 134 to 150.
Disin.—Burma. Tenasserim. Siam. The Peninsula. S. China. Tschon-
glok. (Muller). Malay Peninsula. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra
to Celebes.
83. (Nil.) Natrix venningi (Wall.) Venning’s Keelback.
. Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 774; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XX, p 345.
Type.—In the British Museum from the Chin Hills, Burma. Co-types
in the Bombay colln.
Length.—750 mm. (2 feet, 54 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 19 at midbody, 17 behind. Ventrals. 161 to 172.
Subcaudals. 108 to 138.
Distn.— Burma, Chin Hills.
Note.—I have examined ten specimens.
84, (Nil.) Natrix xenurus (Wall) Wall’s Keelback.
T. modestus. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 36.(part, No 4278).
T. xenura, Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVII, p 616; Rec. Ind, Mus.
1909, p 145.
- Type.—in tle Bombay collection from Khasi Hills.
Lepid.—Costals. 19 at midbody, 17 behind. Ventrals. 158 to 165. Anal.
divided. (entire (?) in the type). Subcaudals. 81 to 107; entire.
Disin.— Assam, Khasi Hills. (Near Shillong. Cherrapunji.)
85. (Nil.) Natrix nicobariensis (Sclater.) Sclater’s Keelback.
_ Prymnomiodon chalceus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 192.
T. nicobarensis. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, pp 174 and 175 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 42.
602 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
Type.—In the Indian Museum, (No 8895) from the Nicobars.
Lepid.—Costals. 19 in midbody, 17 behind. The anal shield appears
to me to have been entire, and the division now seen traumatic,
already suggested by Annandale.
Disin.— Nicobar Islands.
Note.—I have examined the maxillary dentition and find there is no
gap posteriorly, and that the posterior teeth are distinctly enlarged.
It appears to me without doubt a Natriz.
86. (Nil) Natrix leonardi (Wall). Zeonard’s Keelback.
N. leonardi Wall. Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXX, p 466.
T'ype.—In the British Museum from Burma.
Length.—660 mm. (2 feet, 2 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 17 in midbody, 15 behind. Ventrals, 152. Anal
divided. Subcaudals. 46, divided.
Distn.— Burma. Sinlum Kaba. (Lat. 24° Long 97°5°)
FOOTNOTE.
- Natrix baileyi (Wall.) Bailey’s Keelback.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVII, p 617.
Types.—In the British Museum from Thibet.
Length.—762 mm. (2 feet, 6 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 19 at midbody, 17 behind. Ventrals. 201 to 221.
Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 98 to 111 (? 91) divided ; some of those
at the base frequently entire.
Distn.—Thibet, At about 14,000 feet elevation. ¥
Note.—Strictly speaking, this is not a species within the political
boundaries of British India, but it is convenient to include it in this
paper. J have examined the maxillary dentition of one specimen
and find it accords with that of the genus Natrix. The teeth
number 21 (? 22) are syncranterian, and coryphodont.
Genus.—NERoDIA Baird and Girard.
1766 Coluber. Linné, part. Syst. Nat. 1, p 378 (type C. berus):
_ 1768 Coronella, Lawrenti, part. Syn. Rept., p 87 (type C. austriaca).
1799 Hydrus. Schneider, part, Hist. Amph. 1, p 247 [type H. dicolor=H.
platurus (Linné)]
1816 Enhydrus. (zon Latreille 1802.) Oken, Lehrb. Naturg III, p 232.
1824 Natrix. (non Laurent: 1768.) Wagler, Spix. Serp. Bras., p 29, pl X, fig 2.
1826 Tropidonotus. Boie, part, Isis, p 205. [type N. natrix (Linné) |.
1853 Nerodia. Baird and Girard, N. Amer. Rept., p 38 [type N. sipedon=N.
fasciata (Linné) |
1853 Regina. Baird and Girard, N. Amer. Rept., p 45 |type N leberis=N
| septemvittata (Say) |
_ 1860 Amphiesma. (non Dum and Bibron, 1854.) Hallowell, Proc, Ac. Philad, p
503.
1863 Neusterophis. Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc., p. 16 (type N. laevissima).
_ 1863 Enicognathus. Jan. Arch. Zool, Anat, Phys II, p 278 [type N. punc-
tatostriatus—N olivacea (Peters). ]
1865 Helicops. (non Wagler, 1828.) Jan. Arch, Zool. Annat. Phys. ILI, p 246.
1868 Fowlea. Theobald, Cat. Rept. As. Soc. Mus. p 57 [type N. peguensis
=N. punctulata (Giinther) }
1871 Contia. (non Baird and Girard, 1853.) Cope, Proc. Ac. Philads p 223.
1885 Eutaenia. (non Baird and Girard, 1853.) Cope, Proc, Ac. Philad. XXII,
p 386.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 603
1893 Diplophallus. Cope, Amer, Nat. XXVII, p 483 [type N. piscator
(Schneider) | ,
1898 Grayia. WSc.ater, Ann. 8S, Afric. Mus. I, p 109 [type G. lubrica =N.
laevissima (Giinther)]
1893 Ceratophyllus. Cope, Amer. Nat. XXVIT, May, p 483 [ type R. vittata
(Linné). |
1905 Macropisthodon. (non Boulenger, 1893.) Annandale, J, A. S., Beng.,
p 210.
87. (438) Nerodia punctulata (Ginther.) The Burmese Keelback.
Tropidonotus punctulatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 228:
“* Keswal,” Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. I, p 173; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind.
Mus. 1891, p 41; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII,
p. 351.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 138 to 154.
Distn.—Lower Burma Pegu. (Brit. Mus.) Watiya. (W. and Evans.)
Rangoon. Amherst. (Ind. Mus.). Tenasserim. (Mergui. Ind. Mus.)
88. (423) Nerodia modesta (Ginther.) Giinther’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus modestus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 229: Sclater.
List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 36. (vart, all excepting No 4278 which
is N. xenurus Wall.) |
Distn.— Assam, Khasi Hills. China. Yunnan.
89. (435, 437) Nerodia piscator (Schneider). The Chequered Keelback.
Tropidonotus quincunciatus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, p 46 ;
“ Keswal”, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol I, pp 119 and 173.
Tropidonotus asperrimus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, p 48:
Spol. Zeylan. 1911, p 206; 1. c. 1913, » 146; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. If.
1893, p 232 ; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sarasin, Zool Jahr.
Jena. 1910, pp 127 and 144; Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1910, p 35; Willey,
S'pol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Tropidonotus tytleri. Blyth, J. A. S., Beng., Vol. XXIII, p 291;
And. Islanders, p 365.
Tropidonotus sanctijohannis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 230;
l. c. Vol III, 1896, p 604.
Tropidonotus piscator. Abercromby, Sn. Ceylon. 1910, pp 51 and 76 ;
Alcock and Rogers, Proc. Roy. Soc. 1902, p 452; Annandale, J.A.S.,
Beng. 1905, pp 174 and 175 ; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 49 and
53: Beghie, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI. p 516; Boulenger, Cat. Vol.
I, 1893, p 230; 0. c. Vol. III, 1896, » 604; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913,
» 338; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 72; Millard, Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol. XV, p 348; Richards, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXV
p 150 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 40; Wall and Evans.
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII, pp 351 and 619 ; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XFL, p 373 3.1. c. Vol. XV, p 524; lc. Vol. XVI, pp 305,
388 and 390; 1. c. Vol XVII, pp 107 and 857; l.c. Vol. XVITI,
p. 318; 0.c. Vol. XIX, pp 340, 611, 756, 757a and 898; l.c. Vol.
XX, p 1034; lc. Vol. XXVI, p 560); Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 156.
_Nerodia piscator. Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 397; Oph. Tap. 1921,
p9l.
Length.—1,290 mm. (4 feet, 23 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 125 to 154. Subcaudals, 58 to 90.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To Baluchistan in the extreme
North-West. N. W. Frontier. To Malakand. Western and Hastern
Himalayas. Assam. Abor Hills. Burma, As far North as Mansi, and
604 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCLETY, Vol.-X XIX,
~Bhamo. Andamans. Malay Peninsula. Siam. Indo-China. China.
As far North as Fokien. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. Borneo.
Java. Formosa.
FOOTNOTE.
Nerodia tessellata (Laurenti.) Lauwrenti’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus tessellatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 233;
l. c. Vol. III, 1896, p 605 ; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII,
p798; lc Vol. XXI, p 133. |
Distn.—S8. E. Europe. N. Africa. Central and 8. W. Asia.
Note.—Has not yet been recorded within the political limits of British
India. I obtained a specimen from Mastuj in North Chitral
Territory and on that account it is convenient to mention it here.
Genus.—RHABDOPHIS Fitzinger.
1766 Coluber. Linné, part, Mus. Ad. Frid., p 26, pl XVIII, fig. 2 (type
C berus).
1768 Natrix. Laurenti, part, Syn. Rept., p 74 [type N. natrix (Linné)].
1801 Elaps. Schneider, part. Hist. Amph. II, p 299 [type FE. marcgravi
(Wred)}.
1826 Tropidonotus. Bote, part. Isis., p 205 [type N. natria. (Linné)].
1843 Rhahdophis. Fitzinger, Syst. Rept.. p 27 (type R. subminiatus (Schlegel)].
1843 Steirophis. vizinger, Syst. Rept., p 27 [type R. chrysargus (Kuhl.)].
1854 Amphiesma. Dumeril and Bibron, part. Erp. Gen. VII, p 724 (type R
stolatus).
1854 Leptophis. (non Holbrook,’ 1842.) Dumeril and Bibron, part, Erp.
Gen. VII, p 541.
1858 Xenodon, (non Boie, 1827.) Giinther, part, Cat., p 58.
1858 Dromicus. (non Bibron, 1843.) Giinther, Cat., p 133.
1863 Thamnosophis. Jan., part, Elenco, p 82 [type R. lateralis (Dum and
Bibron)}.
1867 Zamenis. (non Wagler, 1830.) Steindachner, Sitz. Zool. bof. Ges. Wren.
XVil, p 513.
1876 Herpetoreas. Giinther, Proc. Zool. Soc., p 16 [type H. sieboldt =
platyceps (Blyth)].
1877 Ahaetulla. (non Gray, 1825.) Boettger, Abh. Senck. Ges. XI, p 33.
1881 Philothamnus. (non Smith, 1840.) Boetiger, Abh. Senck. Ges. XII, p 526.
1882 Ptyas. (non Fitzinger, 1843.) Giinther, Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. (5) IX,
p 263.
1886 Bothrodytes. Cope, Proc. Amer. Phil. Sc. XXIII, p 495 [type R. sub-
miniatus (Schlegel).
90. (424) Rhabdophis platyceps (Blyth). Blyth’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus platyceps. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 49
and 53; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 248; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind.
Mus. 1891, p 36; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 156; Bomb. N. H.
J. Vol. XIX, p 340.
Disin.— Western Himalayas. As far West as Kashmir. Hastern
Himalayas. Assam. Abor Hills. Khasi Hills.
Note.—No 8622 of Sclater’s list is reported from Allahabad. The
same donor, Mr. J. O. Cockburn, records specimens of T'rachischium
guentheri (Nos 8763 and 8764 of Sclater’s list) from the same loca-
lity. Both records are equally untrustworthy. No 80—4 Bombay
collection from Taunggyi, S. Shan States, donor Mr. Lightfoot, I
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 605
discredit. It is significant that Nos 620 and 621 of the same col-
lection, bothof which are Macropisthodon plumbicolor; are also
reported from Taunggyi, and presented by the same Collector.
91, (432) Rhabdophis himalayanus (Gimther), The Orange-collared Keel-
back.
Macropisthodon himalayanus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 210.
Tropidonotus himalayanus. SBoulenger, Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, p 251; Ree.
Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind, Mus. 1891, p 38;
Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 341; Lc. p 773; Wall
and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII, p 537; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XVIII, p 319; l. c. Vol. XIX, pp 341, 614 and 7T57a.,
Length.—864 mm. (2 feet, 10 inches).
Lepid.Ventrals. 157 to 177. Subcaudals. 78 to 97.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim, Assam. Plains and
Hills. Kaptai. Nr. Chittagong. (Nos 14574 and 14579. Ind. Mus.)
Burma, Manipur. Chin Hills. 8. Shan States. (Taunggyi, No 81-9
Bomb. colin.) Moulmein. (Nos 7417 and 7418. Ind. Mus.) Tenas-
serim. (Sclater.) China, Yunnan.
Note.—Reported by Beddome from the Anamallai Hills evidently in
error. (See note below Nairix parallelus.)
92. (430) Rhabdophis ceylonensis (Ginther). The Ceylon Keelback.
Tropidonotus ceylonensis. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon 1910, p 75;
Spol. Zeylan. 1913, p 145; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 252;
lc. Vol. IIT, 1896, p 607; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 127;
Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Rhabdophis ceylonensis. Wall, Oph. Tap. .1921, p 103.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 131 to 141, Subcaudals. 35 to 54.
Distn.—Ceylon. Hills,
93. (426) Rhabdophis beddomei (Giinther). Beddome’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus beddomii. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, » 252; Ferguson,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 72; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, » 137;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 37; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XXVI, p 560.
Length.—692 mm. (2 feet, 34 inches).
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 62 to 81.
Distn.—Western Ghats, Mahableshwar to Tinnevelly.
94, (434) Rhabdophls stolatus (Linné), The Buff-striped Keelback.
Tropidonotus stolatus. Abercromby. Sn. Ceylon, 1910, pp 46, 47, 49,
and 76; Spol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 206 and 207; Lc. 1913, pp 144 and
146; Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, » 175; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p
218; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 253; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H, J, Vol. X, p 72; Pearless, Spol, Zeylan, 1909,
p 54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131; Wall and Evans, Bomb.
N.H. J. Voi. XIII, pp 351 and 619; Wall, Bomb. N. A. J. Vol.
AIT, p 765; l.c. Vol. XV, p 525; l. c. Vol XVI, pp 302 and 390; 1. c.
Vol. XVIII, pp 108,. 205 and 320; 1. c Vol. XIX, pp 341,
615 and 8983 l;.c Vol. XX, p 603; l.¢c. Vol. XXVI, p 5625 Spel.
Zeylan. 1905, p 146; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 156 ; Willey, Sol.
Zeylon. 1906, p 233.
Rhabdophis stolatus. Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, » 397; Oph. Tap.
1921, p 105.
Length.—762 mm. (2 feet, 6 inches),
606 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. Up to about 5,000 feet. As far
North as Sind. VN. W. Frontier. (Malakand F. W.) Himalayas.
Assam. North and South of the Bramaputra. Burma. As far North
as Myitkyina. (Lat. 26°. Long. 96°3°), South to Tenasserim.
Andamans. Nicobars. Malay Peninsula, Siam. . China. Yunnan.
Formosa, Philippines.
95. (429) Rhabdophis nigrocinctus (Blyth). The Black-banded Keelback.
Tropidonotus nigrocinctus. Boulenger, Cat, Vol. 1, 1893, p 255 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 37.
Lepid.Ventrals. 155 to 171.
Distn.— Burma. Pegu. Tenasserim. Tavoy. (Ind. Mus.) Kawkareik,
Dawna Hills. (F. W.) Siam. Klong Bang Lai. Patiyu. (M. Smith).
96. (431) Rhabdophis subminiatus (Schlegel). The Vermilion-necked Keel-
back.
Tropidonotus subminiatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 256,
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 38 ; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XX, pp 341 and 773; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XL11
pp 351 and 619; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 320; 1. c. Vol.
XIX, pp 341, 618 and 757a.
Length.—1,080 mm. (3 feet, 64 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 132 to 175, Subcaudals, 61 to 97.
Disin.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam. As far North
as Dibrugarh. Burma. As far North as Myitkyina. (Lat. 26°. Long.
96°3°). South to Tenasserim. (Mergui. Ind. Mus.) East to 8. Shan
States. (Taunggyi.) Siam. Indo-China, China. Yunnan. Malay
Peninsula. Malay Archipelago. Java. Celebes. Ternate.
Note.—Beddome’s record ‘‘ Madras Hills’ is to be discredited. See
note below Natrix parallelus.
97. (428) Rhabdophis chrysargus (Schlegel). Schlegel’s Keelback.
T. chrysargus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 258; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913,
p 338; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 37; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus.
1909, p 145.
Tropidonotus vibakari. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 41.
Length.—728 mm. (2 feet, 48% inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 156 to 175. Subcaudals. 60 to 102.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas? Burma. Tenasserim. Peninsular Siam.
Malay Peninsula. S. China. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. Java.
Borneo. Palawan.
Note.—This species, and firthi Wall, have been confused, and it is
difficult to define the exact habitat of the former North of Tenasserim
in consequence. Two specimens from Nepal submitted to Mr.
Boulenger by Dr. Annandale were pronounced chrysargus. These with
another from the Eastern Himalayas constituted the types of my
jirti, and other specimens from the Eastern Himalayas, and Assam
Hills identified as chrysargus may prove to be firthi. Aspecimen from
“Burma” is in the British Museum (‘“‘g” of Boulenger’s Catalogue)
but “Burma” has been often loosely applied by our older herpeto-
logists, and it is possible that this may have come from Tenasserim
a Province within the Political boundaries of Burma. I have
examined 12 specimens from Tenasserim.
98. (Ni.) Rhabdophis firthi (Wall). Firth’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus chrysargus ? Boulenger, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 337:
Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 156.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 607
Tropidonotus firthi. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol, XXIII, p 166.
Types.—In the Indian Museum. (Nos 15817 and 15818 from Chitlong,
Nepal).
Length.—About 455 mm. (about 1 foot, 6 inches). Not measured,
Lepid.—Ventrals. 173 to 199. Subcaudals. 80 to 88.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam ? Silonibari,
N. Lakhimpur (Boulenger).
Note.—See note below last species.
99. (433) Rhabdophis monticola (Jerdon). Jerdon’s Keelback.
Tropidonotus monticola. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 259 ; Ferguson,
Bomb. N. H. S. Vol. XIV, p 386; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 137; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 39; Wall, Bomb. N.
H, J. Vol. XXVI, p 562.
Length.—577 mm. (1 foot, 102 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 133 to 145. Subcaudals. 78 to 92.
Distn.— Western Ghats. From Talevadi, Goa Frontier (Ind. Mus.)
to Travancore.
Genus.—PHAYREA Theobald.
1868 Phayrea. Theobald, Cat. Rept. As. Soc. Mus., » 51 (type Pisabellina).
1896 Psammophis. (non Wagler, 1830). Boulenyer, part, Cat. Vol. Il, p 165.
100. (Nil.) Phayrea isabellina Theobald. Phayre’s Snake.
Phayrea isabellina. Theobald, Cat. Rept. As. Soc. Mus. 1868, p 51;
Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 109.
Psammophis condanarus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. III, 1896, p 165 (part).
Type.—In the Indian Museum, from Bassein.
Length.—520 mm. (1 foot, 83 inches). Tail 145 mm. (5? inches),
Lepid.—Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 19, at midbody
19, two heads-lengths before the vent 17; smooth. Ventrals. 166.
Anal. Divided. Sukcaudals. 82, divided.
Distn.— Burma. Bassein (Theobald).
Note.—This snake is closely allied to the members of the genus
Rhabdophis, and is not an Opisthoglyph. The teeth in the left
maxilla are diacranterian. The praecranterian are 17 (?) in number
and moderately coryphodont in type. The cranterian teeth number
2 and are about twice the length of the last praecranterian.
Genus.—MacropistHopon Boulenger.
101. (489) Macropisthodon plumbicolor (Cantor). The Green Keelback.
Tropidonotus plumbicolor. Abercromby, Spol. Zeylan, 1911, p 206 ;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 72; Fischer, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XVII, p 527; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sclater.
List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891. p 41; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Macropisthodon plumbicolor. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 267 ; 1. c.
Vol. III, 1896, p 609 ; Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 1164 ;
Fischer, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol, XVII, pp 1 and 527; Fletcher, Spol.
Zeylan. 1908, p 99; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 130; Wall,
Bomo. IN. LOS. Vol. XVI. p 390%, ..c: Volt Vil, po ls tse, Vol.
XIX, p 756; 1. c. Vol. XXVI, p 563; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 128.
Length.—890 mm. (2 feet, 11 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In midbody 21 to27. Ventrals. 144 to 163. Sub-
caudals. 34 to 50.
608 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XAIX,
Distn.—Peninsular India, Except the Ganges Valley. In or near
elevated terrain usually up to 7,000 feet. Punjab. Ambala (Sto-
liczka). Sind. (Murray.) Ceylon.
Note.—See note to Rhabdophis platyceps.
Genus.—PsEUDOXENODON Bouwlexger.
102. (422) Pseudoxenodon angusticeps (Blyth). The Mock Cobra.
“P. macrops. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 49 and 53;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol, 1, 1893, p. 270; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, » 338;
Venning, Bomb. N. H. J, Vol. XX, pp 340 and 772 ; Sclater, List.
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 363 Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol, XVIII, p 321;
l. c. Vol. XIX, py 341, 757a and 898 ; l. c. Vol. XX, p 446.
Type.—From Ramri Island, Arakan, in the Indian Museum.
Length.—1,283 mm. (4 feet, 24 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 152 to 180. Subcaudals. 55 to 82.
Disin.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim, Assam. Hills North of
the Bramaputra. Burma. As far North as Myitkyina (Lat. 26°.
Long. 96°3° Bombay colln.) South to Tenasserim. (Ind. Mus.). East
to S. Shan States. (Taunggyi. Bombay colln.). China. Yunnan.
(de Scabra) Sze-Chuen. (Brit. Mus.)
Note.—The name Pseudoxenodon angusticeps Blyth has page preference
over P. macrops of the same Author (J. A. 8., Beng., XXIII, 1855,
p 296).
Genus.—Heticorps Wagler.
103. (440) Helicops schistosus (Daudin). The Olivaceous Keelback.
Sub-species—Helecops schistosus indicus.
Abercromby, Spol. Zeylan. 1911, p 206; l. c. 1913, p 145; Annandale,
Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p 218; Boulenger, Cat. Vol I, 1893, p 274;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p72; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena.
1910, » 131; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 44; Wall, Bomb.
N. A.J. Vol. XVI, p 391; 1. c. Vol. XVIII, » 109; 1c. Vol. XIX, p °
146; 1. c. Vol. XXI, p 1009; Oph. Tap. 1921, » 135; Willey, Spol.
Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Length.—870 mm. (2 feet, 104 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 128 to 161.
Distn.—Peninsular India, South of Rajputana, and to base of Hima-
layas further east. Ceylon.
Note.—A specimen in the Bombay collection (91-3), donor Major F. Wall,
is labelled by mistake ‘‘ Shillong.” Sub-species, H. schistosus
andersoni is known from China. Yunnan, (Ind. Mus.).
Genus.—IRACHISCHIUM Giinther.
104. (336) Trachischium fuscum (Blyth.) The Black-bellied Roughside.
Ablabes gilgiticus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 210; Wall
Rec. Ind. Mus. 1919, p 147.
Trachischium fuscum. Aznandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904, p 208;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 297 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus, 1891,
p.11; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 342.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 150 to 165. Subcaudals. 28 to 42.
Distn.—Himalayas. Gilgit. Loharganj, Garhwal Dist. (Ind. Mus.)
Sikkim. Assam. (Ind. Mus., Annandale.) Khasi Hills ? (Brit. Mus.)
Note.—I have not been able to trace the specimens referred to by
Annandale (J. A. S., Beng., 1904, p 208.), presented by the Assam
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 609
Government to the Indian Museum. Khasi Hills rests on the
authority of Jerdon who presented one specimen to the British
Museum said to be from this locality.
105. (337) Trachischium guentheri Boulenger. The Rose-bellied Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 298; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 11, Wall. Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XIX, p 343.
Length.—437 mm. (1 foot, 5} inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 132 to 154, Subcaudals. 29 to 38.
Distn.—Sikkim,
Note.—Nos 8763 and 8764 of Sclater’s list of snakes in the Indian Mu-
seum presented by Mr. J. Cockburn, labelled ‘‘ Allahabad’, are
obviously not from this locality. (Vide note attached to Jihabdophis
platyceps.).
106. (338) 'rachischium tenuiceps (Blyth.) The Yellow-bellied Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 299; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910.
p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 11; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus.
1907, p 156; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 343.
Length.—406 mm. (1 foot, 4 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 125 to 140. Subcaudals. 28 to 42.
Distn.—EHastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Bengal, Hills near
Barakar. (Anderson, J.A.S., Beng., Vol. XL, p 33).
Note.—Improbable as “‘ Hills near Barakar”’ may at first sight seem,
Annandale (Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, p 47) from fairly extensive and
varied collections, finds a Himalayan element in the fauna of Paras-
nath Hill. (4,480 feet.) Among other reptiles he obtained the Hima-
layan Lizard Lygosoma sikkimense there, so that Anderson’s record
of the snake 7’. tenwiceps from “‘ Hills near Barakar ”’ claims credit.
107. (339) Trachischium moaticola (Cantor.) Cantor’s Roughside,
Trachischium rubriventer. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, p 300.
Trachischium monticola, Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37,
45 and 53: Boulenger, Cat. Vol. J, 1893, p 299; 1. c. Vol. ILI,
1896, p 612; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 12; Wall, Bomd. N.
H, J. Vol. XVIII, p 322 ; 1. c. Vol. XIX, footnote, pp 343 and 618.
Distn.—Assam. Hills North and South of the Bramaputra, astern
Himalayas ? Bengal. Barakar. (Ind. Mus.)
Note.—I have examined the Barakar specimen and can confirm its
identity. This may have come from Parasnath Hill. (See note
attached to 7’. tenuiceps.) Eastern Himalayas rests on the authority
of Jerdon who sent nine specimens from Darjeeling to the British
Museum. This would lead one to suppose the species is common
there, whereas it has not been found by any of the many other her-
petologists who have explored that locality. I suggested (Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 343, footnote) that these specimens might
have been collected in the Assam Hills where this species is common,
and where Jerdon: collected extensively, Eastern Himalayas seems
to me a locality that calls for confirmation. Jerdon’s 7’. rubriventer
(Proc. A. 8.. Beng., 1870, p 80) does not appear to me sufficiently
differentiated to consider a. distinct species.
108, (Nil.) Trachischium quinquelabialis Wall, Wall’s Roughside.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X XI, p 201.
Type——From Muktesar, Western Himalayas. In the Indian Museum,
5
610 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Lo9,
110.
at,
412.
p13.
il4,
Length.—324 mm. (123 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 13 rows in midbody. Ventrals. 141 to 147. Sub-
caudals. 29 to 39. Supralabials. 5.
Disin.— Western Himalayas. Muktesar, and near Naini Tal. (F.W.)
Note.—I have now seen four specimens, three of which were taken at
Muktesar at about 7,000 feet.
Genus—-RHABDOPS Boulenger.
(361) Rhabdops olivaceus (Beddome), Leddome’s Smooth Snake.
Pseudocyclophis olivaceus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890,
p 300.
Rhabdops olivaceus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 300; Sarasin,
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p. 187; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXVI,
» 564.
Length.—750 mm. (2 feet, 6? inches).
Lepid.—Ventvrals. 202 to 215. Subcaudals. 63 to: 74.
Distn.— Western Ghats. Wynad.
(362) Rhabdops bicolor (Blyth.) Blyth’s Smooth Snake.
Pseudocyclophis bicolor. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Mus. 1890, p
300 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 16.
Bhabdops bicclor. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, » 301; Wait, Bomb.
N.H. J. Vol. XIII, p 322; l.c. Vol. XXI, p 686.
Length.—676 mm. (2 feet, 22 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 190 to 214.
Distn.—-Assam. Ihasi Hills. China. Yunnan.
Genus—PLaGIOPHOLIS Boulenger.
(Nil.) Plagiopholis blakewayi Boulenger. Dlakeway’s Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 301. Wall, Bom. N. H. J. Vol. X XTX,
p 467.
Distn.— Burma. 8. Shan States. (Taunggyi. Brit. Mus.) Sinlum Kaba
Lat. 24 (Long. 97°5) Bombay Collection.
Genus—XYLoPHIS Beddome.
(334) Xylophis perroteti (Dumeril and Bibron.) Perrotet’s Dwarf Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 304;1. ¢ Vol. III, 1896, p 612
. Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena
1910, p 138 ; Sclaier, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 11; Wall, Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol. XX VI, p 564.
Lenid.—Ventrals. 130 to 150. Subcaudals. 14 to 40.
Distn.— Western Ghats. Wynad to Tinnevelly.
(335) Xylophis stenorynchus (Ginther.) Giinther’s Dwarf Snake.
annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904, » 208; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893,
o 304; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X,p 71; Sarasin, Zocl. Jahr.
vena. 1910, p 138. "
repid.—Ventrals. 108 to 132. Subcaudals. 12 to 31.
Distn.—-Western Ghats. Anamalais to Tinnevelly.
Genus—HAaPpLocercus Giinther.
(346) Haplocercus ceylonensis Ginther. The Black-spined Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 309; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
w 127; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 7843; Oph. Tap.
$921, p 143 ; Willey, Sol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
21.
116.
417.
118.
119,
120.
HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 611
Length.—450 mm. ( 1 foot, 5} inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 177 to 217.
Distn.—Ceylon. Hills of Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.
Genus--ASPIDURA Wagler.
(345) Aspidura trachyprocta Cope. The Common Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, p 313 ; 1. c. Vol. IIT, 1896, p 613; Fletcher,
Spol. Zeylan. 1908, p. 98; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 127;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891 p12; Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1905, p
144 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 209 ; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
. Length.—412 mm. (1 foot, 44 inches).
Distn.—Ceylon. Hills of Central, and Uva Provinces.
(Nil.) Aspidura drummondhayi Boulenger. Drummond-Hay’s Rough
side.
Boulenger, Spol. Zeylan. 1094, p 95; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p
127; Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p 213; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906,
p 239.
Types.—From Balangoda. Preserved in the British Museum.
Lepid.— Ventrals. 112 to 135. Subcaudals. 18 to 26.
Distn.—Ceylon. Hills of Uva Province. (Balangoda.)
(342) Aspidura brachyorrhus (Boie.) Boie’s Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 311 ; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p
54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 127; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind.
Mus. 1891, p 12; Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p 204; Willey, Spol.
Zeulan. 1906, p 233.
Length.—390 mm. (1 foot, 3 inches).
Lepids.—Ventrals. 139 to 159.
Distn.— Ceylon. In or near Hills.
(343) Aspidura copei Giimther. Cope’s Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I 1893, p 311; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1919,
p 217; Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p 207; Willey, Spotl. Zeylan. 1906,
p 233.
Length.—650 mm. (2 feet, 1 inch). .
Distn.—Ceylon. Hills of Uva and Central Provinces.
(244) Aspidura guentheri Ferguson. The Pigmy Roughside.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 312; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 127 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p12; Wall, Oph. Tap.
1921, p 208 ; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 398; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906.
p 233.
Disin.—Ceylon. Western Province.
Genus.—Biytuta Theobald.
(341) Blythia reticulata (Blyth.) Bilyth’s Snake.
Aproaspidops antecursorum. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp
37, 46 and 53.
Blythia reticulata. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37 and 45;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 314: Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 12; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XX, pp 336 and 771; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 323.
Lepid.—Ventrais. 122 to 157. Subcaudals. 16 to 32.
Distn.—Assam. Hills North and South of the Bramaputra to Manipur
(F. W.) Burma. Hills. Sima. (Lat 25°, Long, 97-2° Bombay colln.).
Cain Hills. (Haka.) Lushai Hills.
612 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
Genus—-TRIRHINOPHOLIS Boulenger.
121. (Nil.) Trirhinopholis nuchalis Boulenger. The Arrow-head Snake.
Oligodon evansi. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXII, p 514.
Trirhinopholis nuchalis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 419; lc. Vol.
ITI, 1896, p 612; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXVI, p 863; 1. ¢.
Vol XX VII, 6175; Lc. Vol. XXVIII, p 43; l.c. Vol. XXIX, p 46.
Length.—470 mm. (1 foot, 63 inches).
Lepid. a enerals 131 to 141. Subcaudals. 23 to 27. (I omitted to
remark against one in a previous paper with subcaudals 19 from
Taunggyi, that the tail was incomplete.)
Disin.—Buima. Hills between the Chindwin and Salween Rivers, as
far North as Mansi and Sima, Lat. 25° Long. 97:2°. (Bombay colin.)
S. Shan States (Thondaung. F. W. Taunggyi. Bombay colln.) Karenni:
(Brit. Mus.) Stam. Ratchaburi, on the Western Boundary. (M.
Smith.)
Genus—OpnitEes Wagler. °
1826 Lycodon. Ferrusac, part, Bull. Scien. Nat. p 238 [type L. audax= Hor-
monotus modestus (/-umeril and bibron).
1830 Ophites. Wagler. Syst. Amph., p 186 [type O. subcinctus (Bore)].
1853 Sphecodes. Dumeril and Libron, Mem. Acad. Scient. XXL11, p 461. (type
S. albofuscus).
1858 Tetragonosoma. Gunther, Cat. p 253 [type 7. effrenis (Cantor) |.
1863 Lycophidion. eters, Mon. Berl. Acad., p 403 [type L. bipunctatum=
Ophites jara (Show) |.
1868 Tytleria. Theoba/d, Cat. Rept. As. Soc. Mus., p 66 [type T. hypsirhinoides=
Ophites aulicus (Linne)].
1870 Cercaspis. (non Dumeril and Burbron., 1854.) Beddome, Madras Monthly
Jour. Med. Sc.
1884 Elapoides (non Boie, 1827.) Sauvage, Bull. Soc. Phil. (7), VIII, p 144.
122. (347) Ophites striatus (Shaw) Shaw’s Wolf Snake.
Lycodon striatus. Annandale, J. A. 8., Beng., 1904, p 208; Mem. A.S.,
Beng., Vol. I, p 194; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 3493; Green.
Spol. Zeylan. 1905, p 205; 1. c. 1906, pp 233 and 234; Sarasin, Zool;
Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 130; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 13;
Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1907, p 174; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 110
l.c. Vol. XIX, p 102; 1. ¢. Vol. XX, p 1034; Willey, Spol. Zeylan
1906, p 233.
Ophites striatus. Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, pp 147.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 150 to 196. Subcaudals. 34 to 66.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To the Himalayas. Western
Himalayas. Kasauli (F.W.) Punjab. Sind. Baluchistan. Persva.
Khwaja. (Ind. Mus.). Transcaspia.
123. (348) Ophites jara (Shaw.) The Twin-spotted Wolf Snake.
Lycodon jara. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 350; 1. c. Vol. IIT, 1896,
p 618; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus.
1891, p 14; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, pp 344 and 619.
Length.—539 mm. (1 foot, 94 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 167to 188. Subcaudals. 52 to 74.
Distn.—Bengal. Alipur. Sibpur. (Ind. Mus.) Saraghat. (F. W.) Last
Himalayas. Pashok. Tindharia. (F. W.) Assam. Dibrugarh. Sadiya.
Makum. Namsang. (F. W.) Dejoo, N. Lakhimpur. N. Cachar. (Ind.
Mus.) Monacherra, Cachar.(Bombay colln.). Burma. Manipur. (F. W.)
Pegu. ? (Stoliczka.)
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 613
Noté.—Specimens in the British Museum of Colonel Beddome’s collect-
ing are labelled ‘‘ Malabar ”’, and ‘‘ Anamallays’’. These localities are
to be discredited for reasons cited in the note below Nairiz
parallelus. Pegu on the authority of Stoliczka calls for confirmation.
124. (349) Ophites anamallensis (Giinther.) Gunther's Wolf Snake.
Lycodon anamallensis, Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 351; Sarasin,
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 138.
Disin.— Western Ghats. Anamalais. Wynad.
Note.—In_ view of the fact that I have had specimens of striatus and
aulicus in which the loreal is divided into two, and specimens of
both in which the anal is entire, I think this species may have to be
united with aulicus. Only two specimens are known both of which
are in the British Museum.
125. (351) Ophites aulicus (Linné.) The Common Wolf Snake.
Lycodon ulicus. Abercromby, Spol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 205 and 206
Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, pp 173 and 175; Boulenger, Cate
Volt, p. 352; l.c. Vol. ILI, p 618; Blyth, And. Islanders,
pp 365 and 366; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 71; Pearless,
Spol. Zeylan, 1909, p 54; Sarasin. Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 14; Wall and Evans, Bomb,
N. HA. J. Vol. XITT, pp 348 and 616; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XV.
p 706-:1.c. Vol. XIV, pp 293 and 387; 1.c. Vol. XVIII, p 112;
lc. Vi XIX, pp 87, 344, 619, 756, 757a; 898; lI. c. Vol. XX.
p 521; 7c. Vol. XXVI, p 565 ; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 156; Willey,
Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Ophites aulicus. Wall. Oph. Tap. 1921, p 151.
Length.—838 mm. (2 feet, 9 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 177 to 224. Subcaudals. 53 to 80.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. Sind. Larkhana. (Bombay colln.).
Himalayas. Kuluto Sikkim. Assam. As far North as Dibrugarh.
Burma. As far North as Myitkyina. -South to Tenasserim. East
to Shan States. Andamans. Nicobars. Malay Peninsula. Indo-China.
China. Yunnan. Southern Provinces and neighbouring Islands.
Matay-Archipelago. Java to Timor. Philippines.
126. (Nil.) Ophites flavomaculatus (Wall.) Wall's Wolf Snake.
Lycodon flavomaculatus. Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 138 ; Wall;
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVII, p 612.
Types.—In the British Museum from Oudi and Kirkee.
Length.—350 mm. (1 foot, 1# inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 165 to 182. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 53 to 62.
Distn.— Western Ghats. (Nasik. Kirkee. Poona. Deolali. Dharwar.
Sangli. Lat. 16° & Long. 75°.) Berar. (Buldana. Lat. 20°5°. Long
76°).
. Note.—Was confused with L. jara for many years.
127. (350) Ophites travancoricus (Beddome.) Beddome’s Wolf Snake.
Lycodon travancoricus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 355; Ferguson
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p
138; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 14; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XVI, p 297; I. c. Vol. XIX, p 756; 1. c. Vol. XXVI, p 565.
Length.—742 mm. (2 feet, 5} inches).
Distn.— Hills of Peninsular India. Western Ghats. (From Matheran
to Tinnevelly.) S. Arcot. Vizagapatam. (Bombay colln.) Jubbul-
pore, C. P. (Bombay colln.)
614 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX.
128. (352) Ophites atropurpureus (Cantor.) Cantor's Wolf. Snake.
Lycodon atropurpureus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 356.
Type.—From Mergui, is lost.
Distn.— Bengal. Assam ? Burma. Mergui.
Note.—The type of Cantor’s subfuscus (synonymous) from Bengal is
also lost. No representative is known in any Museum.
129. (354) Ophites fasciatus Anderson. Anderson’s Wolf Snake.
Lycodon fasciatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 358; l. c. Vol. III,
1896, p 618 ; Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI,p 169; Sclater, List
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p15; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XIII, pp 372 and 616; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, pp 324
and 779; l. c. Vol. XX, pp 279 and 948.
Length.—934 mm. (3 feet, # of an inch).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 201 to 213. Subcaudals. 74 to 94.
Disin.—East Himalayas. Darjeeling Dist. (Ind. Mus.) Mungpoo.
3 (F. W.) Assam. Tezpur. (Ind. Mus.) Khasi Hills. Burma. As far
Northas Mansi and Sima. (Lat. 250. Long. 97°. F.W.). Chin Hills.
Shan States. (Mogok. Maymyo. Taunggyi. F. W.) Siam. In the
Peninsula N. of Kra. China. Yunnan.
Note.—I have examined a young example in the British Museum
labelled L. gammiei by Mr. Boulenger, in which the costals are 17
in midbody, ventrals 208, and subcaudals 91, which emphasises the
close resemblance of this species to Dinodon gammiet. (Vide note on
that species. )
130. (Nil.) Ophites mackinnoni (Wall.) Mackinnon’s Wolf Snake.
Lycodon mackinnoni. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVII, p 29.
T'ype.—From Mussoorie. Preserved in the British Museum.
Length.—387 mm. (1 foot, 34 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 164 to 184. Subcaudals. 47 to 57.
Disin.— Western Himalayas. Mussoorie. Almora. Muktesar. Near
Naini Tal.
Note.—I have now seen eleven specimens.
Genus.—CercasPis Dumeril and Bibron.
1820 Hurria. (non Daudin 1803.) Kuhl, Beitr. Zool. Verg. Anat, p 95.
1837 Lycodon. (non Ferrusac, 1826.) Schlegel, Phys. Serp. I, p 109, pl LT,
figs 6 and 7.
1854 Cercaspis. (non Wagler, 1830.) Dumeril and Bibron, VII, p 390.
131. (356) Cercaspis carinatus (Kuhl.) The Ceylon Wolf Snake.
Lycodon carinatus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, » 297
Cat. Vol. I, 1893, » 358; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 127
Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Cercaspis carinatus. Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, pp 399 and 404. Oph.
Tap. 1921, » 162.
Length.—730 mm. (2 feet, 4? inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 188 to 198. Subcaudals. 51 to 64. Costals. Two
heads-lengths behind the head 17, midbody 19, two heads-lengths
before the vent 17.
Disin.—Ceylon. Plains and up to 3,000 feet.
Note.—My reasons for removing this species from the genus Ophites
are given in Spolia Zeylanica, 1921, p 404.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 615
Genus.—Di1nopon Dumeril and Bibron.
132. (355) Dinodon gammiei (Blanford). Gammie’s Wolf Snake.
Lycodon fasciatus. D’Abreu, Bomb. N. H. J. Volo. XX: p 857;
bce Vol. XX, op 1385.
Lycodon gammiei. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 358; Sarasin, Zool.
Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 15 ;
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXI, p 279.
Type.—From Darjeeling Dist. in the Indian Museum.
Length.—1.118 mm. (3 feet, 8 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. At midbody 17 or 19. Ventrals. 206 to 222. Sub-
caudals. 98 to 105.
Disin.—Hastern Himalayas. Darjeeling Dist. (Ind. Mus.) Kurseong.
(D’ Abreu. )
Note.—I have examined the type (No 8447 in the Indian Museum) and
count the ventrals 222, and the subcaudals 100 in pairs. The costals
are 17 anteriorly for about six heads-lengths, then become 19 and
remain 19 till behind midbody, when they become 17, and later
reduce to 15. In this feature I believe the specimen will prove
aberrant. A second specimen (No 17129 in the Indian Museum) has
the costals in 17 rows to well behind midbody. I count the ventrals
207, and the subcaudals 105. The species is extremely like Ophites
fasciatus in almost every detail, but I am satisfied is not only distinct
but should be placed in the genus Dinodon. I find that in both the
specimens referred to, the praecranterian teeth are small and
number 2. The cranterian number 3 and progressively reduce in
size, the first of the 3 being considerably larger than the praecranterian.
This is the arrangement of the teeth in three other species of
Dinodon of which I have skulls, viz., septentrionalis, rufozonatus
and semicarinatus. In the genus Ophites there are 2 small
praecranterian teeth. The cranterian number 2 only, the posterior
being the shorter. In this respect my four skulls of fasciatus agree
with other Ophites. I have skulls of 7 species. The specimen
referred to by D’Abreu as Ophites fasciatus was submitted to me
for examination, and proves to be this species. I have seen four
examples,
133. (353) Dinodon septentrionalis (Giinther.) Jerdon’s Wolf Snake.
Sub-species.—Dinodon _ septentrionalis septentrionalis Gunther.
Bungarus bungaroides. WSclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 58. (part,
No 7741).
Lycodon septentrionalis. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p
295.
Dinodon septentrionalis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 363; 1. c.
Vol. III, 1896, p 619; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI, p 235; Wall,
Pol Sela. p 90; bomb. No He J. Vol. XVILL, p. 118); Keo.
Ind. Mus. 1909, » 621. s
Length.—1,020 mm. (3 feet, 4 } inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 207 to 217. Subcaudals. 81 to 92.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Darjeeling Dist. (Ind. Mus.). Phoobser-
ing, below Darjeeling. (F. W.) Assam. Namsang. Lat. 27°. Long.
95°5°. (F. W.) Burma. Mogok, Ruby mines. (Boulenger.) Karen Hills.
(Brit. Mus.) S. China. Kuatun, Fokien. (Boulenger.) Hills N. of
Kiukiang. (Brit. Mus.)
616 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
Genus.—DRYOCALAMUS Giuinther.
134. (357) Dryocalamus nympha (Daudin.) The Bridal Snake.
Hydrophobus nympha. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p |
298 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 16. |
Dryocalamus nympha. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 370; Ferguson, |
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p
128; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 287; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p
399 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 166; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Length.—508 mm. (1 foot, 8 inches).
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. As far North as the Balarangam
Hills on the Western side and Orissa (Rumbha. F. W.) on the
Eastern.
135. (359) Dryocalamus davisoni (Blanford.) Davison’s Bridal Snake,
Hydrophobus davisoni. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890. p
299 . Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 16 (part, No 3201).
Dryocalamus davisoni. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 372.
Length.—700 mm. (2 feet, 33 inches).
Distn.—Burma. Tenasserim. (Nawlabu Hill. E. of Tavoy. Ind. Mus.).
Siam. Indo-China.
136. (358) Dryocalamus gracilis (Giinther.) The Scarce Bridal Snake.
Hydrophobus gracilis. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 298,
Hydrophobus davisoni. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 16 (part.
No 8690).
Dryocalamus gracilis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 371 ; Sarasin;
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 128; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, p 147.
Bomb. N. H.J Vol. XIX, p 290; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 169; Willey,
Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Lengih.—607 mm. (1 foot, 11% inches.)
Lepid.—Ventrals. 199 to 243. Subcaudals. 75 to 87. Anal. Sometimes
divided.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. Anamalais and Cuddapah Hills
(Brit. Mus.) Berhampore, Orissa. (F. W.).
Note.—Specimen No 8690 of Sclater’s list is undoubtedly this species.
The costals are in 15 rows. Ventrals. 236. Anal. Divided, (and in
this feature aberrant). Subcaudals. 85. I support Sclater in the
doubt he has raised to the locality of this specimen (labelled False
Island, Arrakan ?).
Genus.—Pryas Fitzinger.
1758 Coluber. Linré, part, Syst. Nat. 1, p 226 (type C berus).
1768 Natrix. Laurenti, part, Syn. Rept. I, p 388 [type N natriv (Linne.)]
1843 Ptyas. Fitzinger, Syst. LRept., p 26 [(type Coluber blumenbachi) =
P mucosus (Linné) |.
1854 Coryphodon. Dumertl and Libron, part, Erp. Gen. VII, p 180.
1854 Ablabes. Dumertl and Bibron, part. Erp. Gen. VII, p 326
1860 Zaocys. Cope, Proc. Ac. Philad, p 563 [type Z dhumnades (Cantor.)|
1860 Leptophis. (non Dumeril and Bibron, 1854). Hatlowell, Proc. Ac. Philad.
p 503.
1864 Zapyrus. Giinther, Rept. Brit. Ind., p 256 (type Z fuscus).
1890 Zamenis. Boulenger, part. Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 324.
438.
©
fa
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 617
137 (397) Ptyas mucosus (Linné.) The Dhaman or Common Rat Snake;
29,
Zamenis mucosus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910; pp 47, 63 and 73 ;
Spol. Zeylan. 1911, p 205;¢.c.1913,p 145; Alcock and Rogers P.R.
Soc. 1902, p 451; Annandale, J. A. S8., Beng, 1905, p 175; Rec. Ind. Mus.
1912, pp 37, 48 and 53 ; Beadon, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 228.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol I, 1893, p 385; 1. c. Vol. III. 1896, p 621 ;
D Abreu, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXI, p 1099: lc. Vol. XXIV, p 753.
Fenton, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 1002; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. X, p 71; Gleadow, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVII, p 245 ; Kelsall,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XII, p 783 ; Millard, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XV.
p 348;l.c. Vol. XVII, p 245; Millett, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XLX, p
759; Mullan, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 919; Pearless ; Spol.
Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 132 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891 p 26; Sundara Raj, Bomb.
N.H.J. Vol. XXIII, p 789; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX,
p 339; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Voi. XIII, pp 353 and 620;
Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1905, p 3; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI, pp 298 and
393 ;1.c. Vol XVII, pp 259, 1017, and 1033 1. c. Vol. XVIII; pp 113
and 157; lc. Vol. XIX, pp 267, 345, 623 and 757 ; lc. Volo XXL,
pp 134 and 1034; 1. c. Vol. XXIII, p 168; Willey, Spol. Zeylan.
1906, p 233.
Zaocys mucosus. Wall Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXIII, p 168; l.c. Vole
XXVI, p 566 ; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 399.
Ptyas mucosus. Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921. p 172.
Length.—3,583 mm. (11 feet, 9 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 180 to 213. Subcaudals. 95 to 146.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To the Himalayas. Sind.
Baluchistan. Afghanistan. Transcaspia. Assam. North and South
of the Bramaputra. Burma. Andamans. Malay Peninsula.
Indo-China. S. China. Including neighbouring Islands and For-
mosa. Malay Archipelago. Java.
Note.—In the Bombay Natural History Journal Vol. XXIII, p 168,
I gave reasons for removing mucosus (Linné) from the genus
Zamenis, and included it with the genus Zaocys, but Cope’s Zaocys
1860, is antedated by Fitzinger’s Piyas. 1843. All the six species
referred to in Boulenger’s Catalogue under Zaocys (Vol I, p 374)
must now be grouped with mucosus under the name Ptyas,
(405) Ptyas nigromarginatus (Blyth.) Blyth’s Rat Snake.
Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p 217; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893
p 376 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 29; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XVIII, p 325; Le. Vo. XIX, pp 344 and 621.
Length.—2,363 mm. (7 feet, 9 inches.) (Blyth).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 189 to 205. Subcaudals. 120 to 142.
Distn.—Lastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam. — Khasi
Hills. Naga Hills. (Kohima, F. W.) China. Yunnan. (Lu-shui-ho,
Su-chuan Province. Annandale).
(Ni.) Ptyas tenasserimensis (Sclater.) Sclater’s Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 378 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 30.
Type.—In the Indian Museum from Tenasserim.
Distn.—Burma. Tenasserim.
Note.—Known from a single specimen in the Indian Museum.
618 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
Genus—ZAMENIS Wagler.
140. (596) Zamenis korros (Schlegel.) Schlegel’s Rat Snake.
Zamenis korros. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 3843; lc. Vol. IIT
1896, p 621 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 26; Wall and
Evans, Bomb.N. H. J. Vol. XTIT, pp 353 and 620. ; Wall, Bomb.
N.H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 326 ; l. c. Vol: XIX, pp 345 and 622.
Length.—2,198 mm. (7 feet, 24 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 160 to 187. Subcaudals. 120 to 147.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Assam. North and South of the Brama-
putra. Hastern Bengal. Chittagong. (Ind. Mus.) Burma. Plains.
and Hills. Shan States. (Lashio. Bombay colln.) Tenasserim.
(Ind. Mus.) Malay Peninsulas Siam. Indo-China. China.
Yunnan. South; Provinces, and neighbouring Islands. Malay
Archipelago. Sumatra. Java. Formosa ?
141. (398, 399) Zamenis ventrimaculatus (Gray) Gray’s Rat Snake.
Zamenis rhodorhachis. Alcock and Finn, J. A. S., Beng., 1896, p 563..
Annandale, J.A.S., Beng., 1904, p 209. Boulenger. Cat. Vol. I. 1893, p-
398 ;1. c. Vol. III, 1896, p 623; P. Z S. 1919, » 301; Wall, Bomb.
N.H. J. Vol. XVITI, p 198: tc. Vol. XX pp 3s and A035:
Zamenis ventrimaculatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, p 399 ;1. c. Vol-
ITI, 1896, p 623; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 143; Sclater,.
Last. Sn. Ind, Mus. 1891, » 27; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXII,
p 38.
Zamenis ladacensis. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 27.
Length.—1,232 mm. (4 feet and 4 an inch).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 199 to 246. Subcaudals. 82 to 145.
Distn.—A frica. Egypt to Somaliland. Arabia. From Mesopotamia in
the North to Aden Hinterland in the South. Persia. Transcaspia-
Afghanistan. N. W. Lndia. Baluchistan. Chitral. Gilgit. Ladak. Sind.
Punjab. Peninsular {ndia. TRajputana. Gujerat. (Deesa. Bombay
colln.) Bombay Pres. (Khandesh. Deolali. Bombay colln.
Western Himalayas. As far East as Lamgarrah, Almora District
(F. W.)
Note.—I cannot separate this species from rhodorhachis Jan. It is:
as variable in colouration as Z diadema, but I do not think these
varieties deserve recognition as subspecies.
142. (400) Zamenis karelini (Brandt.) Karelin’s Rat Snake.
Annandale, J. A. S., Beng. 1904, » 209; Alcock and Finn, J. A. S-
Beng. 1896, p 563; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, pm. 401: Sclater, List.-
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, » 28; Wall, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XX, p 1035.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 192 to 213. Subcaudals. 92 to 111.
Disin.—Transcaspia. Lurkestan. Persia. Afghanistan. Baluchistan.
143. (401) Zamenis gracilis (Giinther.) Giinthers Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, p 404 ; 2. c. Vol. ILI, 1896, p 624.
Distn.—Peninsular /ndia. Bombay, Poona. (Murray.) Satara. Asirgarh,
Lat. 21°5° Long. 76°2° (Bombay colln.) Sind. (Murray. )
144, (Nil.) Zamenis florulentus (Geoffrey.) Geoffrey's Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 7;.1893, » 402; Jvc) Volo ite =p 624: (Pa 7.8:
1919, p 302; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 689.
Disin.—N. E. Africa. Egypt to Somaliland. Baluchistan. Quetta.
(EF. W.)
\
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 619%
145. (402) Zamenis fasciolatus (Shaw.) The Fasciolated Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 404 ; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p.
131; Sclater. List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 28; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XVIUI, p 115; bc. Vol. XXIII, p 34; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 1913;
Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 191 to 2382.
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To the base of the Himalayas.
To Calcutta in the N. East. To the Punjab in the N. West. (Ambala.
Bombay colln. )
Note.—I doubt its occurrence in the Malay Peninsula for reasons cited
in the note to Typhlops bothriorhynchus (q.v.).
146. (Nil.) Zamenis ravergieri (Menetries.) Ravergier’s Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 405 ;1. c. Vol. IIT, 1896, p 625; Sclater.
List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, » 29; Wall, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XXI, pp’
137 and 1036.
Distn.—Transcaucasia. Transcaspia. Turkestan. Persia. Afghanistan,
Baluchistan (F. W.) Chitral. (F. W.) N. W. Frontier. (Paiwar Kotal.
F. W.)
147. (403) Zamenis diadema (Schlegel.) The Royal Rat Snake.
Annandale, J. A. S.. Beng., 1904, p 208; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I 1893, p:
411; 2. c. Vol. III, 1896, p 265; P. Z. S. 1919, » 302; Sclater, Lnst.
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 28; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXI, pp 138-
and 1036; 1. c. Vol. XXIII, p 210.
Distn.—N. Africa. Algeria to Egypt. Arata, Persia. Turkestan. Afgha-
nistan. Baluchistan. N. W. lndia, Chitral, N. W. Frontier. Punjab.,
Peninsular India. Rajputana. As far South as Cutch. (Bhuj. Bom-
bay colln.) and Guzerat. (Ahmedabad. Bombay colln.) As far East
as Farukhabad, U.P. (F. W.)
148. (404) Zamenis arenarius Boulenger. Murray’s Rat Snake,
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1893, p 413.
Distn.—N. W. India. Sind. Rajputana.
Genus—LYTORHYNCHUS Pelers.
149, (Nil) Lytorhynchus ridgewayt Boulenger. Ridgeway's Desert Snake.
Alcock and Finn, J. A. S., Beng. 1896,, » 562; Annandale, J. A. S.,
Beng. , 1904, p 208; Boulenger; Cat. Vol. 1, 1893, p 415; Wall, Bomb.
Ne wiHecd V0), Xone. 7 ORT.
Lepid.—V entrals. 171 to 185. Subcaudals. 42 to 52.
Distn.—Transcaspia. Afghanistan, Baluchistan. Man, Gusht, Kacha,
Sib, Kanki. (Bombay colln.) Quetta. (F. W).
150, (395) Lytorhynchus paradoxus (Ginther.) Giinther’s Desert Snake,
Boulenger, Cat. Vol I, 1893, p 416.
Distn.—Sind. Punjab. Multan. (Bombay colln.)
151. (Nil.) Lytorhynchus maynardi Alcock and Finn. Maynard’s Desert
Snake.
Alcock and Finn, J. A. S8., Beng, 1896, p 562; Annandale, J. A. S.,
Beng., 1904, p 208.
Type.—From near Probat, Perso-Baluch Frontier. Preserved in the
Indian Museum. Co-type in the British Museum.
520 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXLX.
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows in midbody. Ventrals. 181 to 192. Ana
Divided. Subcaudals. 55 to 58.
Distn.—Baluchistan.
Genus.—XENELAPHIS Giinther.
1
152. (415) Xenelaphis hexagonotus (Cantor.) Cantor's Rat Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. IT, 1894, p 8.
Distn.—Burma,. Arakan. Malay Peninsula. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra
Borneo. Java.
Genus.—CoLuBER* Linné,
153. (413) Coluber frenatus (Gray.) Gray’s Coluber.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 58.
Distn.—Assam, Khasi Hills.
154. (412) Coluber prasinus Blyth. Blyth’s Coluber.
Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p 218; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894;
p 59; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 32; Venning, Bomb. N. H
J. Vol. XX, p 337; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Voi. XIX, pp 346 and 825.
Lepid.—-Ventrals. 191 to 209. Subcaudals. 91 to 110.
Disin.—kastern Himalayas. Sikkim. Assam. Garo Hills. Khasi Hills.
Naga Hills. (F. W.) Burma. As far North as Mansi+ (Lat. 24‘32. Long.
96°32. Bombay colln.) Bhamo. (Ind. Mus.) Chin Hills. N. Shan
States. (Ruby Mines. Bombay colln.) 8. Shan States. China,
Yunnan. (Ind. Mus.)
t+Note.—There is another Mansi (Lat. 24°7°. Long. 95°7°).
455. (373) Coluber porphyraceus Cantor. The Broad-barred Coluber.
Ablabes porphyraceus. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p 217; 1. c.
1912, pp 37, 47and53; Boulenger. Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p
308; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, » 19; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XX, p 337; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XIII, pp 343
and 611.
Coluber porphyraceus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, » 175;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 34; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XVIII, p 326; l.c. Vol. XIX, pp 345 and 827.
Length.—991 mm. (3 feet, 6 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 190 to 218.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Jalpaiguri Dist. Sikkim. Assam. Abor
Hills. Sadiya. (F. W.) Sibsagar (Ind. Mus.) Garo Hills. Khasi
Hills. Naga Hills. Burma. Kachin Hills. (Hotha., Ind. Mus. Sadon
Lat. 24°7°. Long. 98°. Bombay colin.) Manipur. Chin Hills. 8S. Shan
States. Andamans, (Annandale.) China. Yunnan. Fokien.
Note.—I do not credit its occurrence in the Malay Peninsula for reasons
cited in the note to T'yphlops bothriorhynchus. I cannot trace the
authority for Sumatra, and also discredit this as a locality until
confirmation,
*Stejneger (Herp. Japan 1907, p 307) attempts to invalidate Coluber Linné,
1766, and substitute Hlaphe Fitzinger 1833, on the representation that Linné
did not cite a definite genotype, and Fleming in 1822, and Boie in 1826 selected
‘as types species that were unknown to Linné. The matter should be referred
to an International tribunal to decide, and until a decision has been given it
would be unwise to change the name. (See also footnote to Vipera.)
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 621
156. (411) Coluber melanurus Schlegel. Schlegel’s Coluber.
Annandale, J.A.S., Beng., 1905, pp 173 and 175; Boulenger, Cat. Vol.
IT, 1894, p 60; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 145, Sclater, List
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 32.
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 89 to 115.
Disin.-—Burma. Tenasserim. (Mergui. Ind. Mus.) Andamans. Nicobars,
Malay Peninsula, Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. Nias. Borneo.
Java. China ?
Note.—Malcolm-Smith questions the authenticity of China.
157. (410) Coluber radiatus Schlegel. The Copper-headed Coluber.
Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 210; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894,
p 61; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 358; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 32; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII, pp 345 and 614;
Wall, Bom. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 327; 1. c. Vol. XIX, pp 347.
757a and 825; l.c. Vol XX1I/, p 206.
Length.—2,135 mm. (7 feet). (Rev. C. Leigh, S.J., in a letter to me
from Kurseong, 21-7-09.)
Lepid.—Ventrals. 224 to 250. Subcaudals. 85 to 106.
Disin.—Orissa. Cuttack. (Ind. Mus.). Bengal. Backergunj. (Ind.
Mus.) Kakina, Rungpore District. Cooch Behar. (Bombay colln.)
Eastern Himalayas. Buxa Dooars. (F. W.) to Sikkim. Assam. As far
North as Sadiya. (F. W.) Khasi Hills. Naga Hills. Burma, As far
North as Monywa and Mandalay. 8. Shan States. Tenasserim. Malay
Peninsula, Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. Java. Siam. Including
Coastal Islands, Cochin China, China, Southern Provinces and
Coastal Islands.
158. (Nil.) Coluber leonardi Wall. Leonard’s Coluber.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXVIIT, p 43, l.c. Vol. XXIX, p 467.
Type.—From Sinlum Kaba. Now preserved in the British Museum.
Length.— 685 mm. (2 feet, 3 inches). Tail. 113 mm. (43 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 19, midbody
19, two heads-lengths before the vent 17. Ventrals. 205 to 223?
Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. £0 to 56 divided.
Distn.—Burma, Sinlum Kaba (Lat. 24°. Long. 97°5°). Assam.
159. (407) Coluber cantoris Boulenger. Cantor’s Coluber.
Coluber reticularis. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 332 ;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 31.
Coluber cantoris. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 35; Wall, Bomb.
N.H. J Vol. XIX, pp 345 and 898.
Length.—1,372 mm. (4 feet, 6 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 213 to 236. Subcaudals. 65 to 88.
Distn.— Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam. Garo Hills.
Khasi Hills. Burma ?
Note.—The localities Pegu and Ramri Island (Ind. Mus.) seem to me
to call for confirmation.
160. (Nil.) Coluber pavo (Annandale.) Annandale’s Coluber.
Ablabes pavo. Annandale, Rec. Ind, Mus. 1912, pp 37, 47 and 53 3
Prater, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXVI, p 683.
Coluber pavo. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XXVI, p 865.
Type.—From Abor Hills, preserved in the Indian Museum.
Length.—1740 mm. (5 feet, 84 inches), Tail. 330. mm (1 foot,
1 inch).
§22 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXLX.,
Lepid.—Costals. In 21 rows in midbody (not 19). Ventrals. 225 to
238. Subcaudals. 80.
Distn.—Assam. Abor Hills. (Rotung. Ind. Mus. Type.) Burma, Kindat.
(Lat. 23°82. Long. 94°5°. Konglu. Lat. 27-20. Long. 97:50. Bombay
collin.)
Note.—I find the scales 21 in midbody in the type and two others.
J61. (408) Coluber hodgsoni (Giinther.) Hodgson’s Coluber.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. IT, 1894, »m 35; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr Jena, 1910,
p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 31.
Length.—1,614 mm. (5 feet, 33 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 23 (rarely 21) in midbody. Ventrals. 233 to 247.
Subcaudals. 79 to 92.
Distn.— Himalayas. From Ladak and Kashmir (Srinagar. Bombay
colln.) to Sikkim. Assam. Garo Hills. (Ind. Mus.).
Note.—Flower very properly questions the authenticity of Hanitsch’s
record of this species from Singapore.
162. (409) Coluber taniurus (Cope.) Cope’s Coluber.
Coluber teeniurus. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1911, p 217; L. c.
1912, pp 37, 48 and 53 ; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 473 /.
Vol. ILI, 1896, p 627; Butler, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XII, pp 424
and 425: WSclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 31; Venning,
Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XX, p 338; Wall, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XIX, p 346.
Length.—1,677 mm. (5 feet, 6 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 230 to 235. Subcaudals. 90 to 107.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Assam. Abor Hills. Burma. Chin
Hills. China. Yunnan. (Ind. Mus.) Yangtse Valley to Pekin.
Formosa. Korea. Manchuria. Amur. /
Note.—Stejneger (Herp. Japan 1907, p 319) points out that the speci-
mens from Siam, Malay Peninsula, Borneo, and Sumatra recorded
as teniurus conform to a type specifically distinct from this species,
viz., grabowskyi Fischer. With this opinion I fully concur.
163. (414) Coluber oxycephalus Boie. Boie’s Coluber.
Herpetodryas prasinus. Blyth, Andaman Islanders, p 365; J. A. S.,
Beng., Vol. XXIII, p 291.
Coluber oxycephalus. Annandale, J. A. S. Beng. 1905, p 175:
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. IIT, 1894, pp 56 and 357; 1. c. Vol. IIT, 1896,
p 627 ; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 145; Sclater, List. Sn.
Ind. Mus. 1891, p 33; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII,
p 614.
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 121 to 157.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Darjeeling (Dist. ? Ind. Mus.). Burma.
Pegu. (Ind. Mus.) Tenasserim. Andamans. Nicobars. Malay
Peninsula. Siam. Peninsula N. of Kra. (Malcolm-Smith) Malay
Archipelago. Borneo. Java. Philinnines.
64, (406) Coluber helena Daudin. Daudin’s Coluber, or the Trinket Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, pp 36 and 357; Ferguson, Bomb.
N. A.J. Vol. X, p 72; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sarasin.
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 130; WSclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 31; Wall, Bomb... N. H.J. Vol. XVI, p 394; t.c. Vol. XIX, p
757; Lic. Vol. XXII, p22; l.c. Vol. XXVI, p 566; Spol. Zeylan. 1921.
Pp 399 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 197; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Length. ge 601 mm, (5 feet, 3 inches).
A HAND.-.LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 623
166,
£67.
168.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 217 to 265. Subcaudals. 73 to 100.
Disin.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To Sind in the North-West, and
Jalpaiguri Dist. in the North-East. Western Himalayas. Almora
District. (If W.) Assam. Naga Hills. (Samaguting. Ind. Mus.)
Genus—DENDROPHIS Bote.
(420) Dendrophis caudolineolatus Giimther. Giinther’s Bronze-back.
Dendrophis caudolineolatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, p 85; Ferguson,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, 1895, p 72; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena.
1910, p 128; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 151; Rec. Ind.
Mus. Aug. 1921, p 218.
Dendrophis caudolineatus. Walley, Spol. Zeylan, 1903, p 86; 1. ¢.
1906, p 233.
Length.—876 mm. (2 feet, 105 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 149 to 164. Subcaudals. 119 to 128.
Distn.—S. India. Ramnad (Ind. Mus.). Travancore. (Ferguson.) Ceylon.
Note.—1 have examined all the Indian specimens referred to,
(Nil.) Dendrophis effrenis Werner. Werner's Bronze-back.
Dendrophis effrenis. Werner, Rept. Nat. Hist. Mus., Hamburg, 1909,
p 221; Wall, Rec. Ind, Mus, Aug. 1921, p 152; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 219.
Type.—¥rom Ccylon. Preserved in the Hamburg Natural History
Museum. %
Length.—884 mm. (2 feet, 103 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 13 rows in midbody. Ventrals. 175.
129. Loreal. none.
Distn.—Ceylon. Acquired from Mr. John Hagenback, said to - be
from Colombo.
Note.—May prove to be an example of D. caudolineolatus aberrant
in that it has no loreal, as I have seen a specimen with the lorea!
confluent with the praefrontal on one side. Boulenger (Cat. Vol.
IIL, p 630) records a similar anomaly in a specimen of D. tristis,
Subcaudals.
(Nil.) Dendrophis gorei Wall. Gore's Bronze-back.
Dendrophis pictus. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 34 (part
Nos 3945, 4042, 7703, 7705, 7707 and 7736).
Dendrophis gorei. Annandale, Rec. tnd. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 48 and 53
(part No 16871 from Kobe); Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX
p 829; lc. Vol. XXII, p 639; Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 153.
Types.—From Namsang, Jaipur at the base of the Naga Hills. Preser-
ved inthe British Museum.
Length.—825 mm. (2 feet, 83 inches).
Lepid.——Costals. In 13 rows in midbody. Ventrals. 187 to 199. Anal.
divided. (Rarely entire.) Subcaudals. 139 to 153.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Darjeeling Dist. (Nos 7703, 7705,
7736. Ind. Mus.). Assam. Kobe. Abor Expedn. (No 16871. Ind.
Mus.) Dibrugarh (F. W.). Sibsagar (No 4042. Ind. Mus.). Garo
Hills (No 3945. Ind. Mus.), Naga Hills. (Jaipur. F. W. Samaguting.
No 7707 Ind. Mus.) Burma. 8. Shan States (Taunggyi.
Bom bay
colln.).
(417) Dendrophis pictus (Gmelin) Gmelin’s Bronze-back.
Dendrophis pictus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, pp 174 and 175:
Blyth, Andaman Islanders, pp 365 and 366; Boulenger, Cat. Vol.
IT, 1893, pp 78 and 358; Sarasin. Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131;
624 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.-
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 34 (part, Nos 4074, 4483,
4484, 4485, 4486, 4487, 4489, 4490, 4491, 4492, 4493, 4494, 7682;
7683, 7686, 7687, 7691, 7692, 7696, 7698, 7700, 7701, 7704, 7706,
7709, 7710, 7711, 7712, 7714, 7718, 7734, 7735 7886, 8614, 8886,
8894, 8897, 8898, 12542); Wall and Evans, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol.
XIII, pp 345 and 615; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 189 s.
lc. Vol. XIX, pp 347, 787 and 827; 1.c. Vol. XXV, p 509; Ree.
Ind. Mus, Aug. 1921, p 153.
Dendrophis gori. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 48 and 53:
(part, Nos 16836 and 16993).
Length.—1,220 mm. (4 feet).
Lepid.—Costals. In 15 rows in midbody. Ventrals. 173 to 211.
Subcaudals. 119 to 164.
Disin.— Western Himalayas? Kathgodam. (F. W.) (Stoliczka.)..
Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim. Assam, Plains and Hills. burma.
As far North as Sima. (Lat. 25°. Long. 96°. Bombay colln.) 8. Shan.
States. (Taunggyi. Bombay colln.) Tenasserim. Andamans.
Nicobars. Malay Peninsula. Stam. Indo-China. China?
(Hongkong. ? I’. W.) Malay Archipelago. Sumatra, Further East
to Philippines.
Note.—It is not certain whether it is this snake or D. tristis, Stoliczka
refers to from the Western Himalayas, and there is a similar doubt
with regard to the specimen I encountered at Kathgodam.
169. (416) Dendrophis grandoculis Boulenger. Beddome’s Bronze-back.
D. grandoculis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. 11, 1893, p 84; Ferguson, Bomb.
N. A. J. Vol. X, p 72; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 1383.
Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 156.
Lepid.—Costals. In 15 rows. Ventrals 167 to 188.
Disin— Hills of S. india. South of the Goa gap. Tinnevelly.
Travancore. (Brit. Mus.). Nilgiris. (Kollengode. Bombay colln.)
Wynad. (Brit Mus.).
170. (Nil.) Dendrophis proarchus Wall. Wall’s Bronze-back.
Dendrophis pictus. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 34 (part Nos
3998, 4046, 6909, 7680, 7713, 7717, 11368); Wall, Bomb. N.H.J.
Vol. XVII, p 189.
D. proarchos. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, pp 827 and 898 ;
Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 157,
Types.—From Upper Assam, in the Bombay Natural History Museum.
Length.—1,296 mm. (4 feet, 3 inches).
Lepid.—Costals, 15 in midbody. Ventrals. 181 to 196. Subcaudals.
141 to 157. Anal, Entire.
Disitn.—N. LE. India. Upper Godavery Dist. (No 6909. Ind. Mus.)
Bengal. Jalpaiguri Dist. (I. W.). Chittagong (F.W.) Assam. As far
North as Sadiya. Sibsagar. Narainpur. Silchar, N. Cachar. Garo
Hills. Naga Hills. (Ind. Mus.). Burma, Ramri Island, Arrakan.
(Ind. Mus.). Upper Burma. (F.W.)
171. (419) Dendrophis bifrenalis Boulenger. Boulenger’s Bronze-back.
Dendrophis bifrenalis. Abercromby, WSpol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 205 and
207; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II. 1893, pp 80 and 358; Ferguson, Bomb.
N.H.J. Vol. X, p 72; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p. 128; Wall,
Bomb. N.H.J. Vol. XXII, p 639; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, pp 399
and 406; Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 158; Oph. Tap. 1921,
p215; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1904, p 116.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 625
Lepid.—Ventrals. 154 to 176. Subcaudals. 144 to 165.
Distn.— Western Ghats. South of the Palghat gap. Travancore.
(Ind. Mus. F. W.) Ceylon.
Genus—DENDRELAPHIS Boulenger.
172. (Nil.) Dendrelaphis biloreatus Wall. The Biloreate Bronze-back.
Wall, Bomb. N..H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 273; l. c. Vol. XIX, p 830; Ree.
Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 159.
Type.—From Sadiya, now in the British Museum.
Length.—699 mm. (2 feet, 34 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 13 in midbody. Ventrals. 192. Anal. Divided.
Subcaudals. 147.
Distn.—Assam. Sadiya, on the North Bank of the Bramaputra.
173. (418) Dendrelaphis subocularis (Boulenger.) Fea’s Bronze-back.
Dendrelaphis subocularis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, p 89; Malcolm
Smith, Bomb. N. H. J. 1915, p 785; Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921,
p 159.
Dendrophis subocularis. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 35.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 157 to 188.
Distn.— Burma. Bhamo. Siam. Fat Bua Kao. Bangkok. (Bombay
colln.) Den Chai, Bangtophan, Sriracha-Koh-Lam Island. (Malcolm-
Smith.) Indo-China. (Pavie Mission.)
174, (417) Dendrelaphis tristis (Daudin.) Seba’s Bronze-back.
Dendrophis pictus. .4bercromby, Spol. Zeylan. Vol. IX, p 146; Sn. of
Ceylon, 1910, pp 45, 48 and 75 ; Annandale, Mem. A.S., Beng., Vol. I,
p 194; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1893, p 337 (part.); D’ Abreu, Bom.
N. H. J. Vol. XXV,p 306; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X, p73;
Green, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 220; Luard, B. N. H. Vol. XXV, p 306;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 34 (part. Nos 7684, 7685, 7715,
7716, 7720, 7721 and 12952); Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI,
p 301; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. Vol. I, p 117; 1. c. 1906, p 233.
Dendrelaphis tristis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1893, pp 88 and 358 ;
lc. Vol. III, p630; Luard, Bomb. N.H.J. Vol XXV, p 306; Sarasin,
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131; Wall, Bomb. N. H. aE Vol. XIX, pp
347, 757 and 776; Lc. Vol. XX VI, p 567; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 406 ;
Rec. Ind. Mus. Aug. 1921, p 160; Oph. Tap. 1921, 1.c. 1910 p 35,
Lc. 1921 p 221.
Length.—1,320 mm. (4 feet, 4 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 163 to 205. Subcaudals. 110 to 150.
Disin.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. As far North as Sind (Brit. Mus.).
Bengal. Jalpaiguri Dist. Kalna. (F. W.) Hastern Himalayas. Darjee
ling Dist. Burma. Mergui (Nos. 7684 and 7685. Ind. Mus.).
174, (421) Dendrelaphis caudolineatus (Gray.) Gray’s Bronze-back.
Note.—The occurrence of this species in India rests on the authority
of Beddome. ‘Two specimens in the British Museum are labelled
‘““Wynad”’, donor Colonel Beddome. I discredit this locality for
reasons stated in my note to Natrix parallelus,
Genus.—CoRONELLA Laurenti.
175, (374) Coronella brachyura (Giinther.) Leith’s Smooth Snake.
Coroneila brachyura. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1893, » 2063 Sarasin
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, pp 140 and 145.
Length.—545 mm. (1 foot, 94 inches).
626
176,
E is
ATs,
179,
180,
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 200 to 224. Subcaudals. 45 to 53.
Distn.— Peninsular India. Poona District. (No 11410. Ind. Mus.)
Berar. (Wun. Lat. 20°. Long. 79°. No 7335. Ind. Mus.)
Note. —I have examined all the three known specimens.
Genus.—OLIGopDoN * Boie.
(385) Oligodon pianiceps (Boulenger.) Boulenger’s Kukrt Snake.
Simotes planiceps. Boulenger, Cat. -Vol. II, p 232 ; Sclater, List. Sn,
Ind. Mus. 1891, p 25.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 132 to 142. Subcaudals, 22 to 27.
Distn.— Burma. Minhla. (Lat. 20°. Long. 95°.)
Note.—A specimen in the Indian Museum is dubiously from Upper
Burma or Yunnan.
(Nil.) Oligodon herberti Boulenger. Hampton's Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI, p 235. Wall. Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XXVIII, p 44 51. c. Vol. XXIXX, p 467.
Type.—In the British Museum from Mogok, Ruby Mines. Burma.
Length.—560 mm. (1 foot, 10 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 13 rows in the whole body length. Ventrals.
186 to 208. Subcaudals. 37 to 40.
Distn.— Burma. N. Shan States. (Mogok.) Sinlum Kaba. (Lat. 24°
Long. 97°5°. Bombay colln.)
(Nil.) Oligodon mcdougalli Wall. McDougall’s Kukri Snake.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVI, p 251.
Type.—From Sandoway, in the British Museum.
Length.—350 mm. (1 foot, 1# inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 13 in the whole body length. Ventrals. 200. Anal.
Divided. Subcaudals. 39, in pairs. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. Absent.
Postocular. One.
Distn.— Burma. Sandoway.
(384) Oligodon torquatus (Boulenger.) Fea’s Kukri Snake.
Simotes torquatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, p 232.
Length.—292 mm. (11$ inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals, 150 to 153 (144 to 159, Boulenger.)
Distn.—Burma. Between Lat. 24° and 26°, and East of Long. 96°.
Bhamo, (Brit. Mus.) Myitkyina. (F. W.)
Note.—I have seen four specimens including the types. I count the.
ventrals in the types 153 and 150, and the subcaudals 31 and 29.
(Nil.) Oligodon erythrorhachis Wall. The Red-spined Kukri Snake
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 923.
Type.—From Jaipur, Assam in the British Museum.
Length.—375 mm. (1 foot, 2} inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 15 to behind midbody, 13 two heads-lengths before
vent. Ventrals. 154. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 46 to 64 ? divided.
Nasal. Entire. Loreal. Absent. Temporal. One. Supralabials. 7, the
3rd and 4th touching the eye, 6th reaching edge of lip.
Distn.—Assam. Jaipur (Namsang at the foot of the Naga Hills).
* In the Bombay Natural History Journal Vol, XIX. (Footnote, page 556) I
have shown that the separation of the genus Simotes from Oligodon was based on
faulty observations on the part of Ginther, and later Boulenger. I can find no
differences between the two of sufficient value to warrant their separation, and
Oligodon has precedence dating from 1827. (Simotes Dumeril and Bibron, 1853).
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 627
181. (390) Oligodon dorsalis (Gray.) Gray's Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 241; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus.
1891, p 25; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, pp 338 and 772;
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 327.
Length.—508 mm. (1 foot, 8 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 162 to 188. Subcaudals. 27 to 51.
Distn.—Eastern Bengal. Chittagong Hills. Assam. Garo Hills. (Ind.
Mus.) Khasi Hills. Naga Hills. Burma. Chin Hills. (Mansi Lat. 24°8°.
Long. 97°6°. Bombay colln.)
Note.—Calmaria catenata. Blyth, (J. A. 8., Beng., X XITIT, 1854, p 287)
may prove to be thissnake. I have known aspecimen where the
costals reduced to 13 at midbody.
182. (391) Oligodon templetoni Giinther. Templeton’s Kukri Snake.
O. templetoni. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, p. 73; Boulenger,
Cat. Vol. II, 1894, pp 241 and 359 ; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1916,
p 127; Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 400 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 245;
Willey, Spel. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Length.—292 mm. (114 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 127 to 152. Subcaudals, 20 to 34.
Distn.—Ceylon.
183. (392) Oligodon sublineatus Dumeril and Bibron. Dumeril’s Kukri
Snake.
O. sublineatus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, p 72; Spol. Zeylan.
1911, » 206 ; Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 175; Boulenger,
Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 242; 1. c. Vol. III, 1896, » 640; Pearless,
Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 134;
Sclater, Last. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 25; Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1910,
p 37;l.c. 1921, p 400; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 248; Willey, Spol.
Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 134 to 161. Subcaudals. 23 to 37.
Distn.—Ceylon.
Note.—I have examined de Roepstorff’s specimen in the Indian Museum,
and can confirm the identification, but I doubt the reported locality
(Nicobars). See note to Polyodontophis sagittarius.
484, (393) Oligodon elliot iGiinther, Elliot's Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. I, 1894, » 242; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910.
p 138; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 533,
Length.—343 mm. (1 foot, 14 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 149 to 152. Subcaudals. 29 to 31.
Distn.—S, India. No precise locality. Ceylon ? (Bombay. colln.)
Note.—Confirmation of the latter locality is desired before acceptance,
185. (394) Oligodon taeniolatus (Jerdon.) The Variegated Kukri Snake.
O. subgriseus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 243; Ferguson, Bomb,
N. H. J. Vol. X,p 71; Millard, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XV, p 348;
Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 130; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind, Mus. 1891, p 25; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XVI, p 298;1.c. Vol. XIX, p 556; lc. Vol. XXVI, p 568;
Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 406 ; Willey, Spol. Zeylan, 1906, p 233.
O. taeniolatus. Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p 239.
Length. —584 mm, (1 foot, 11 inches),
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 29 to 56.
628 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,.
Disin.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. To Sind, Baluchistan, and N. W..
Frontier. Inthe North-East to Bengal. (Karagola, Purnea Dist;
Ind. Mus.). Western Himalayas. Garhwal Dist. (Dhikala. Ind. Mus.):
Note.—Jerdon (J. A. S., Beng., Vol. XXII, 1853, p 529) describes.
a snake under the name Coronella taeniolata which is clearly this:
species. Costals 15, ventrals 185, subcaudals 41, which he says “is.
common at Madras,” and he cites Plate XIX of Russell’s first volume:
as the snake he alludes to.
186. (Nil) Oligodon melaneus Wall. Wall’s Kukri Snake.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol, XIX, p 349.
Type.—From Sukna, in the British Museum. Co-type in the Bombay~
Natural History Society’s collection.
Length.—333 mm. (1 foot, 14 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 15 in the whole body length. Ventrals. 152 to:
159. Anal. Divided or entire. Subcaudals. 40 to 42, divided.
Distn.—Lastern Bimalayas. Sikkim. (Sukna.)
187. (389) Oligodon brevicauda Ginther. The Short-tailed Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 240; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J..
Vol. X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr, Jena. 1910, p 138.
Disin.— Western Ghats. South of the Goa gap. Nilgiris. Ana--
malais. Travancore.
188. (378) Oligodon violaceus (Cantor.) The Violaceus Kukri Snake.
Simotes violaceus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 222; 1. c. Vol,
III, 1896, p 640; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 23; Wall’
and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIII, pp 350 and 618; Wall,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XII, pp 672 and 766; 1.c. Vol. XIX, p 831.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 157 to 182 (196, Boulenger.) Subcaudals. 29 to 42,
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Eastern Bengal. Chittagong Hills. Assam. —
Nazira. (Ind. Mus). Baroi. Tinsukia. (F. W.) Khasi Hills. Naga |
Hills. Burma. As far North as Mansi. (Lat. 24°7°. Long. |
95°7°.) Manipur. Arakan Hills. S. Shan States. (Taunggyi.) |
Tenasserim. Siam. Peninsula North of Kra. Indo-China, |
Camboja. China. Southern Provinces, and South Coastal Islands.
Lepid. Costals. Rarely in 19 rows.
189. (382) Oligodon theobaldi (Gimther.) Theobald’s Kukri Snake.
Simotes beddomii. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 229; Sarasa |
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, » 138; Wall, Bomb. N. H.J. Vol, XXII
170.
Simotes theobaldi. Boulenger, Cat Vol. II, 1894, p 230; Sclater, List. |
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 24; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. —
XIII, pp 350 and 618; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 7835
lc. Vol. XXGT Tip Wi0: |
Lepid.—Ventrals. 164 to 180; Subcaudals. 30 to 42. |
Distn.—Assam. Garo Hills. (Tura. Bombay colln.) Burma. As far
North as Myitkyina. (Bombay colln.) To Tenasserim. (Mergul. |
Ind. Mus.)
Note —Wynad on the authority of Beddome (Types of beddomer) must |
be discredited for reasons cited in the note to Natria parallelus.
Karachi (No. 11712, Ind. Mus.) is also untrustworthy.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 629
190, (380) Oligodon arnensis (Shaw.) Z7'he Common Kukri Snake.
Simotes arnensis. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, p 72; Boulenger.
Cat. Voi. II, 1894, pp 229 and 359; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 130; Sclater,
Inst. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, » 24; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII,
pills; le. Vol. XIX, p 532; lc. Vol. XXII, p 749; Willey,
Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 233.
Oligodon arnensis. Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 400; Oph. Tap. 1921,
p 231.
Length.—700 mm. (2 feet and 2 of an inch).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 164 to 202.
Distn.— Ceylon. Peninsular India. To Dera Ghazi Khan. (Bombay
colln.) NV. W. Frontier. (Bannu. F.W.) Western Himalayas.
Almora Dist. (F. W.) Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim.
191. (383) Oligodon cruentatu ? (Gunther.) The Crimson-tailed Kukri Snake
Simotes cruentatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, p2381; Sclater, Inst.
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 24; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XIII, pp 349 and 617.
Length.—387 mm. (1 foot, 34 inches).
Disin.—Burma. As far North as Bhamo, and South as Rangoon.
Note.—Stoliczka’s record of a specimen from Penang I discredit.
‘192. (Nil.) Oligodon erythrogaster Boulenger. The Red-bellied Kukrt Snake.
Simotes octolineatus. Giinther, P. Z. S. 1861, p 216; Rept. Brit. Ind.
1864, p. 206.
Oligodon erythrorhachis. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, p 48.
Oligodon erythrogaster. Boulenger, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 217;
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIX, p 1000. l. c. Vol. XXII, p 639.
Type.—From Nagarcoil, Nepal, in the Indian Museum.
Length.—510 mm. (1 foot, 8,5 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 17 rows to behind midbody, 15 or 13.two heads-
lengths before the vent. Ventrals. 163 to 186. Anal. Divided. Sub-
caudals. 42 to 59, divided. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. Absent. Temporal.
One (rarely two). Supralabials. 7, the 3rd and 4th touching the eye,
6th cuneate, not reaching edge of lip.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim (Tindharia. F. W.)
Assam. Abor Hills.
Note.—I have now seen six specimens including the type.
193. (387) Oligodon travancoricus Beddome. Beddome’s Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 236; Ferguson, Bomb. N, H.J. Vol. X,
p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 138; Wall, Bomb.
NHS. Vol. XXIII, m. 169:
Lepid.—Ventrals. 145 to 155. ;
Distn.— Western Ghats. South of the Palghat gap. Travancore. (High
Range.) Tinnevelly.
Note.—In 1914 (Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXIII, p 169) I questioned the
validity of this species apart from venustus. My doubts were based
on a study of external characters. Since then I have acquired one
skull, a comparison of which with my seven skulls of venustus supports
Boulenger’s view. Maxillary. Venustus 7 to 8 (8 usually); travan-
coricus. 7. Palatine. venustus 0 to 3; travancoricus 0. Pterygoid.
venustus 4 to 8: travancoricus 12. Mandibular. venustus 9 to 11;
travancoricus 8
630 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,.
194. (386) Oligodon venustus Jerdon. Jerdon’s Kukri Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II. 1894, » 235; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910,
p 138; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXIII, p 169; l. c. Vol. XXVI,.
p 567.
Length—495 mm. (1 foot, 74 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 138 to 165. Subcaudals. 27 to 36.
Distn.— Western Ghats. South of the Goa gap. Wynad. Nilgiris.
Palnis. Cochin. Travancore.
195. (Nil.) Oligodon melanozonatus Wall.
O. erythrorhachis. Annandale. Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, p 48.
O. melanozonatus. Wall. Rec, Ind. Mus. Vol. XXIV, p 29,
Type.—No 16799 in the Indian Museum from Upper Rotung Valley,
Abor Hills, Assam Frontier. Co-type No 16798 Ind. Mus.
Length.—513 mm (1 foot, 8} inches).
Lepid.—Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 17, midbody
17, two heads-lengths before the vent 15. Ventrals. 171 to 173.
Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 42 to 45, divided. Loreal. Absent.
Distn.— Assam. Abor Hills beyond the Frontier.
196. (388) Oligodon affinis Ginther. Génther’s Kukri Snake.
O. affinis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 236; Ferguson, Bomb..
N. H. J. Vol. X, p 71; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 188;
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXVI, p 568.
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 23 to 36.
Distn.— Western Ghats. South of Goa gap. Wynad to Travancore
(High Range. Ferguson).
(381) Oligodon beddomei Boulenger.
Note.—See Oligodon theobaldt.
Oligodon octolineatus (Schneider.)
Note.—This I feel certain does not occur within Indian limits. Ana-
malais on the authority of Colonel Beddowe is to be discredited.
See note to Natriz parallelus.
197 (Ni.) Oligodon woodmasoni (Sclater.) Wood-Mason’s Kukri Snake.
Simotes woodmasoni. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, pp 173 and:
175; Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, » 223; Sclater, Lust Sn.
Ind. Mus. 1891, p 24.
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 46 to 57. Loreal. Absent on both sides in:
specimen No 8459, and absent on the right side in No 12547
of the Indian Museum.
Distn.—Andamans. Nicobars.
Note.—I have examined both the co-types in the Indian Museum,
The 3rd labial is divided in both, and the upper part, and the 4th
touch the eye. Ventrals. 180 in both. Subcaudals. 54 in No.
12547 ; 48 (tail slightly incomplete) in No 8459.
198, (Nil.) Oligodon juglandifer (Wall.) The Large-spotted Kukri Snake.
Simotes albocinctus. (part) Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 220 (part:
Var. C.).
Simotes juglandifer. Wall, Bom. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 1162.
Type.—In the Bombay Natural History Society’s collection. From:
Tindharia, Darjeeling District.
Length.—717 mm. (2 feet, 44 inches).
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 631
Lepid.—Costals. 19 in midbody. Ventrals. 162 to 208. Anal.
Entire. Subcaudals. 53 to 68.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Nepal to Sikkim. Assam. Khasi
Hills. (Brit. Mus.).
199, (377) Oligodon albocinctus (Cantor.) The Light-barred Kukri Snake.
Simotes albocinctus. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37,
48 and 53; Boulenger, Cat. Voi. II, 1894, p 220 (part, Var. A. and
B.), Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338; Hvans, Bomh. N. H. J. Vol. XVI,
p169; Sclater, List Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 23; Venning,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 338; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XIX, pp 348, 757a, 830 and 898 ; l. c. Vol. XXIT, p 756.
Length.—864 mm. (2 feet, 10 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 177 to 208. Subcaudals. 47 to 69.
Distn.—Bengal. Rangpur District. (Kaligang. Ind. Mus.) Chittagong
Hills. Hastern Himalayas. Buxa Dooars to Sikkim. Assam. Plains
and Hills. Burma. As far North as Simla. (Lat. 252.°
Long. 97°. Bombay colln.) Kachin Hills. Manipur. Chin
Hills. Arakan Hills. 7
200. (376) Oligodon purpurascens (Schlegel.) Schlegel’s Kukri Snake.
Simotes purpurascens. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. IJ, 1894. p 219.
Simotes cyclurus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 219; Sclater,
List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 22; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol. XIII, pp 350 and 617; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII,
p 780; Lc. Vol. XIX, p 348.
Length.—865 mm. (2 feet, 10 inches) (Malcolm-Smith).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 159 to 195 (156 to 210. Boulenger). Subcaudals.
40 to 60.
Distn.—Bengal. Purnea Dist. Rangpur Dist. Jalpaiguri Dist.
Calcutta. (Ind. Mus.) astern Himalayas. Assam. Garo Hills.
(Ind. Mus.) Khasi Hills (F. W.) Burma. Manipur. (F. W.) S.
Shan States. (Taunggyi, Kalaw.) Plains South of Lat. 21°.
Karen Hills. Diamond Island (Ind. Mus.), Tenasserim. Malay
Peninsula. (Stoliczka). Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. (Flower.)}
Siam and Coastal Islands. Indo-China. Cochin-China. Chena.
In the South. Hongkong (Specimen so labelled in City Hall.
Museum. F. W.)
201. (375) Oligodon splendidus (Giinther.) The Ornate Kukri Snake.
Simotes splendidus. Loulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 217; Heana,
Bomb H. N. J. Vol. XVI, p 362; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena.
1910, p 142; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Voi. XXIII, p 164; Wall
and Evans, Bomb. N. Wd. J. Vol. XIII, p 537; Wall, Bomb.
N. HJ. Vol. XVIII, p\781; Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol, II, p 105.
Length.—730 mm. (2 feet, 43 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals, 169 to 193. Subcaudals. 35 to 47.
Distn.— Burma. Between Lat. 20° and 23° and Long. 94° and 98°.
Yamethin. (Wall and Evans.) Sagaing. (Evans.) Pyawbwe.
(Venning.) Shwebo, Monywa, Mandalay. (Bom. colln.) N. Shan
States. (Ruby Mines, Evans) 8S. Shan States. (Kyaukse and
Pakokku. Ind. Mus.).
Note.—The locality of the type, presented by Beddome to the
British Museum (Wynad) is to be discredited. All the other
preserved specimens are from Burma. See note to Natix
parallelus.
632 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Genus.—Contra Baird and Girard.
202, (Nil), Contia persica (Anderson). Azxderson’s Contia.
Cyclophis persicus. Anderson, P. Z. S. 1872, p 392. Blanford, Zool.
E. Persia. 1876, p 408.
Pseudocyclophis persicus. Boettger, Zool. Jahrb. 1888. III p 922.
Contia persica. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II. 1894, » 263. Ingoldby,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXIX, p 129. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol.
XVIII, p 801.
Contia angusticeps. Annandale, Bom. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII, p 801.
J. A. S. Bengal. 1904, p 208. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II. 1894, p 262.
Ingoldby, Bomb. N. H.J. Vol. XXIX, p 129. McMahon, Bomb.
N.H.J. Vol. XIV, p 181. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XVIII,
p 501.
Contia walteri. Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 1037.
Lepid.—Loreal. Sometimes absent. Costals. Two heads-lengths behind
head 15, midbody 15, two heads-lengths before vent 15 or 13.
Ventrals. 185 to 214. Subcaudals. 63 to 82.
Distn —Persia. Baluchistan. Cherat. (No. 13680. Ind. Mus.) N. W.
Frontier. Malakand. Parachinar (Bombay colln.) Western Himalayas.
Murree. (Bombay colln.)
Note.—In an anomalous specimen from Malakand in the Bombay
collection, the fourth costal row above the ventrals divides and blends
several times so that the rows count 17 in places.
203. (360) Contia walteri (Boettger.) Walter’s Contia.
Pseudocyclophis walteri. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 300
Contia walteri. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p 263.
Distn.—Transcaspia. Sind. Kolustan.
Note.—I suspect the Sind specimen will prove to be persicus,
204. (Néi.) Contia mcmahoni Wall. McMahon’s Contia.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XX, p 1038.
Types.—In the Quetta Museum. From Baluchistan,
Length.—311 mm. (1 foot and $ of an inch.)
Lepid.—Costals. Two heads-lengths behind head 13, midbody 15, two
heads-lengths before vent 13. Ventrals. 204 to 212. Anal. Divided.
Subcaudals. 91 to 96.
Distn.— Baluchistan. Quetta. Mach. Loralai. Spintangi.
Note.—I have seen four specimens.
(To be continued.)
i}
633
ANIMAL LIFE OF THE GANGES.
{A lecture delivered in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, on the afternoon of August
22nd, 1923.)
By N. ANNANDALE, JD. Sc., C.LE.,
Director, Zoological Survey of India.
The study of the animal life of the Ganges is no new thing. For many cen-
turies it has attracted the attention of rulers, of religious leaders and of natura-
lists, who have regarded the matter from a practical, a superstitious or an
jntellectual point of view. Even in a strictly scientific sense it dawned in Bengal
before the beginning of the 19th century. Apart from casual mention of a few
real and mythical animals, the earliest document we possess is the Fifth Pillar
Edict of Asoka? by which game laws and fishery legislation were instituted
in northern India in the 3rd century B.C. In this inscription the Emperor
Asoka had carved on enduring stone a list of birds, beasts, fishes and possibly
even insects which were to be strictly preserved from slaughter, and he decreed
‘that no fish of any kind should be caught or sold on fast days throughout the
year or for three days at four full moons in each year.
Unfortunately the names of aquatic animals in his list of protected species
are very obscure. To judge, however, from modern Bengali two names have
preserved their meaning for all these centuries and are still in use in a modified
form. They are those of the Sting-rays (of which two species are common in
the Ganges)? and of a common river tortoise or terrapin now known to science
as Kachuga donghoka.*® Possibly Asoka also included the Gangetic Porpoise
in his list, for the word gangapuputakas, which has puzzled the commentators,
may be partly onomatopeic, representing the noise made by the animal as it
expels its breath on the surface.
Asoka’s motive was neither economic nor scientific. He was an ardent Bud-
dhist reformer interested in animals as partaking of life and thus being in the
stream of transmigration. We do not know why he considered certain species
more important than others from this point of view: perhaps because their
names were mentioned in ancient legends current in his time and already adopted
into Buddhism. Perhaps, on the other hand, their flesh or some other product
‘of them was regarded as a luxury and not as a necessity of life.
After about seventeen centuries another emperor appeared in Hindustan who
was a real naturalist—Babur, the first of the Moghuls. Babur is one of the most
human characters in Indian history, in which he lives as few others live because
‘of the intimate personal memoirs he left behind him. These included not only
an account of his own adventurous and momentous life but also a description
‘of India and its natural products—the first Imperial Gazetteer. Amongst
many practical and intellectual activities Babur, who was probably in a sense
illiterate, was a keen botanist. The only two things he admired in India were
1: For the latest translation of this edict see Vincent A. Smith, Asoka in the
“Rulers of India’ series, p. 204 (Oxford: 1920).
*+ Asoka’s name, which is translated ‘‘(?) skate’? by Smith, is samkujamachi
4 compound word in which the last two syllables of course mean fish. The equiva-
lent for the first two syllables in Sanscrit and modern Bengali is sankar, which is said
to. mean ‘bastard’ or ‘mongrel,’ i.e., between a fish and a tortoise. See Chau-
‘dhuri, Journ, As. Soc. Bengal VII, p. 627 (1912).
*: Asoka called it dadi or dudi and the name is translated ‘ female tortoises’ by
Smith. The modern Bengali is dundi, dudr or dhoor. The flesh of this tortoise can
be eaten even by Brahmins. See Chaudhuri, Rec. Ind. Mus. VII, De2l2 (loez):
‘and Haraprasad Shastri, Journ. As. Soc. Bengal X, p. 137 (1914).
634. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,.
the wealth of the country and the red Hibiscus flower, but he took an interest.
in its animals also. He was the first to describe a peculiar habit of the commo-
nest of our north Indian frogs (Rana cyanophlyctis), which skips lightly along:
the surface of the water when disturbed. He gave also a description of the
Gangetic Porpoise, evidently from his own observation, and of the crocodiles:
of the river, all of which must have seemed strange and unnatural beasts to a.
man from central Asia. After Babur more than two centuries were to elapse-
before the animals of the Ganges were first studied in a scientific spirit.
The initiation of this new work was due to a Scotchman, but he was by no
means the first European naturalist who wrote on the fauna of the river. To the-
Greeks and the Romans? India was a land of marvels. Herodotus, the Father -
of History, remarked in his sober way some twenty three centuries ago, how
strange it was that the uttermost parts of the earth produced the most admir-
able products. He gave as an instance the supposed fact that the animals of.
India, except the horse, were larger than those found elsewhere.* Later writers.
greatly improved cn this. They talked of eels 300 feet in length, of the mons-.
trous turtles of the Ganges and of a sky-blue worm 60 cubits long and armed
with a pair of tusks (or gills) by means of which it seized the elephants which
came to drink at the river’s edge. The elder Pliny, who lived in the Ist century
A. D. quoted this story of the elephant-eating worm with some reserve, but also.
gave an account, only exaggerated in point of size, of the Gangetic Porpoise,
which he called by the modern generic name Platanista. Further, he recorded
the fact that certain fish of the Ganges migrate overland to breed in isolated.
pools. To this point I will return later. After Pliny the next writer of impor-
tance on the Gangetic animals was Aelian, who wrote in Greek about a century
later. He added little, except a fairly accurate description of the Gharial..
Neither Pliny nor Aelian had visited India: they relied on travellers’ tales.
We need not follow out the history of the myths they transmitted, but may
note in passing that for once Sir John Maundeville, the notorious liar of
the Middle Ages, was more moderate and reduced the length of the Indian eels
from 300 feet to ‘‘ 30 foote or more.”
To come to modern zoology, Dr. Francis Buchanan, the Scotchman to whom.
I have already referred, came to India in 1794 as an assistant surgeon and was.
stationed in this capacity for some years in the Sunderbans. There, influ-
enced probably by the great French naturalists of his time, he spent his leisure-
in studying the fish of the deltaic creeks and estuaries. Later he was appointed
to conduct a statistical survey of certain parts of Bengal and in the course of his
work continued and extended these investigations and prepared an elaborate.
account of the fisheries, which was published many years later by Hunter in.
his Statistical Account of Bengal.* In 1822 after leaving India he published in.
Edinburgh his ‘‘ Fishes of the Ganges,”’ which is still an indispensable work of
reference. Many of the original drawings of Gangetic fish prepared under his.
supervision are still preserved inthe Asiatic Society's library in Calcutta; if
published they would settle many disputed points.
After the time of Buchanan (who later assumed the name of Hamilton) a suc-
cession of zoologists worked on the Gangetic fauna in Calcutta. I have time-
only to mention the names of a few who are no longer living : :—Benson, tesla
1- See Mrs. Beveridge’s edition of the Memoirs of the Emperor Babur, fasc.
p- 503 (1918); also Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. XVI, p. 122 (1919).
2+ See M Crindle’s Ancient India (London : 1901) foe which I am_ indebted for:
the references to Pliny and Aelian.
s+ A few very large animals are found in India and might give the impression of.
a gigantic fauna, but those species which have a very wide range are usually larger
in temperate regions than they are in the tropics.
++ The MS is in the possession of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and would repay:
re-editing.
ANIMAL LIFE OF THE GANGES. 635.
land, Blyth, Theobald, Stoliczka, Anderson and Wood Mason.‘ Of these men
the first was a judge, one was a doctor, two were geologists and only
three were professional naturalists. Where are the successors of the _ bril-
liant amateurs? The work was continued by Lt.-Col. A.W. Alcock, formerly
Superintendent of the Indian Museum and now Professor of Entomology in
the London School of Tropical Medicine, and is still being continued by the
members of the Zoological Survey of India. On recent work we cannot linger,
for we must now turn from literature to facts.
From the faunistic point of view the Ganges system is divided into three parts,
but the divisions are not quite the same as in the vegetation. Firstly we
must distinguish the little streamlets which rush down the southern slopes
of the Himalayas and unite in the valleys to form the larger tributaries;
secondly we have the middle reaches, in which the Ganges and its great
tributaries the Jumna and the Sone roll slowly across the great plain of northern
India, and finally there are the deltaic tracts, where the main stream breaks up
into innumerable tidal creeks and estuaries. Each of these regions has its
own type of animal life.
In the tiny mountain streamlets there is an assemblage of very curious little
animals, few if any of which could be mistaken for those from any other habi-
tat. This is an interesting fact, for the animals of mountain torrents in Europe
or North America or Japan, or even in the extreme western parts of the Himala-
yas, are few and very ordinary in appearance. Some of the insect larve are ex-
ceptionally flat and broad, or even are provided with special organs of adhesion
but among the higher groups, in so far as they occur at all, there is rarely any,
characteristic species. It is only as we approach the tropics, though temperature
can have little to do with the matter in the cool Himalayan waters, that we
find the fish and tadpoles of the little hill streams assuming peculiar forms and
developing apparatus that will enable them to overcome the sudden floods and
rapid rush of water to which they are exposed. So far as the fish are concerned,
we find equally remarkable, but of course quite different, forms in the mountain
torrents of South America,? but in Asia itis chiefly in the great tract of mountain-
ous country which extends from the eastern Himalayas eastwards across China,
and southwards through Burma and the Malay Peninsula into the Malay
Archipelago that the young of the frog and toads seem to have conspired with the
fish, to put the matter metaphorically, to produce special organs or modifications
of existing organs that will enable them to cling tight in the cascades and eddies of
the smallest streamlets.
Three principles are as a rule involved in their modifications, the principle
of the sucker, that of producing friction in the right place and the right direction
and that of reducing friction where it is undesirable. The last of these principles
is illustrated mainly in the general outline of the fish and tadpoles. Almost
any species from the hill-torrents of the lower eastern Himalayas will be found
on examination to have very little depth, to be flat below and to have a peculiar
outline in its upper profile, which rises in a gentle curve from the tip of the snout
to about the middle of the body and after this point is nearly horizontal. An
outline of this kind enables the animal to overcome, to a very large extent, the
1, For further particulars see the Centenary Review of the Asiatic Society of Bengal
(1885),and Dr. Gravely’s address on the history of Indian Zoology in the Proceedings
of the Eighth Indian Science Congress (Proc. A. S. B, 1922, p. cxxxii); for more
recent work my lecture ‘“‘ On Some Recent Advances in our Knowledge of the
Freshwater Fauna of India ” in Journ. As. Soc, Bengal (n. s.) VIII, p. 39 (1912) and
reports on the Zoological Survey of India for the years 1917 to 1920 and 1920 to.
1923.
Female: Abdomen 48mm, Hindwing 40mm.
Very similar to the male but rather paler. The occiput yellow and outer part
of head beyond eyes also yellowish; thorax has a yellow tint on the sides replacing
the bluish, The Ist, 2nd and base of 3rd segments yellowish green, segment
2 having a broad subdorsal band of dark brownish orange prolonged for a short
distance into base of 3, the dark spots on segments 7 to 9 better defined.
Anal appendages yellowish. |
Hab. Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia, also South Europe, North Africa,
Asia Minor and Persia. I have seen it taking long flights down the Persian Gulf
during which time the exhausted insects would come aboard ships plying up
and down the Gulf and would remain on board for some long time. Thus the
insect is spread and carried along the Mekran coast and must ultimately reach
the Indus. When discussing other Mesopotamian dragonflies I remarked on
some that they would probably be found in Sind and therefore included them
in our Indian list. Since then specimens of Diplacodes lefebvrei and Selysiothemis
nigra have both been taken in Karachi and we shall probably hear of L. tetraphylla
before long. The distribution is a very natural one, Sind and the river Indus
having much in common with Mesopotamia and the Shat-el-Arab,
. Lindenia tetraphylla is very nearly akin to the next genus Ictinus and must
be regarded as an Ictinus modified by the influence of its desert surroundings,
continued as rows of 2 cells ; nodal index 4or5cellsin anal triangle
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES. ee BSE
‘
Genus—Ictinus, Ramh.
YY
LY Ryo
HATES
Sauseeresse
Peon
Sy
ory Meise
[oa 5
A ea cadunennn
Tey
TIS OO WIRY nee FEROS
ehh see LAD sents seer sacri ‘<
Fig. 1. Wings of Ictinus rapax rapax, Ramb.
Ictinus Ramb, Ins. Nevrop. p. 171 (1842); Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi (2),.
p. 86 (1854) ; Mon. Gomph. p. 263 (1857); Will. Proc. U.S. Nat. Hist. Mus.
Xxxili., p. 278 (1908) ; Laid. Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol. xxiv, p. 373 (1922).
Head large and transversely elongate ; vesicle very prominent, elevated into
two robust points; thorax and abdomen black marked vividly with yellow ;
wings long and narrow, membrane narrow, stigma long, braced, trigones of fore-
wing with 3 to 4 cells, subtrigone with 2 or 3 cells. Abdomen tumid at the base
narrow and cylindrical from 3 to the basal half of 7, 8 and sometimes the apical:
half of 7 with wide lateral winglike prolongations, 9 and 10 narrow, the latter
very small, Legs moderately long and robust.
Superior anal appendages straight, longer than segment 10, the inferior much
shorter, deeply cleft. Genitalia and larve as for the series. Resting with
head inclined downward, abdomen held ina _ strong scimitar-like curve. Both
rapacious and pugnacious, often holding a resting place for days against all-
comers. Breeding in still or running waters from sea-level to an altitude of
over 3,000 ft.
Ictinus rapax rapax (Ramb)
(Diastatomma rapazx) l.c.p. 169 (1842).
Ictinus rapax, Selys, l.c.p. 90 (1854) ; l.cp.. 276 (1857) Kirby, Cat..
Odon. p. 77 (1890) ; Will. Le.p. 279 (1908) ; Laid. Lc. pp. 370, 375 (1922).
Male: Abdomen (with appendages) 52mm. Hindwing 40 mm. |
Head. Eyes bluish grey; labrum yellow bordered with brownish; labrum
either yellow with a heavy black border and a median prolongation of — black
from the base which nearly cuts the yellow in two, or black with two large
lateral yellow spots, the median prolongation in this case meeting the black
on anterior border of labrum. Face and frons greenish yellow with a black
stripe traversing the lower part of front or frons and expanding upwards at
its middle to cut the yellow into two large lateral triangular spots ; anteclypeus.
yellow, postclypeus black with a large lateral spot of yellow on either side;
a black spot at the base of frons above in the middle line which does not extend
as far forwards as the crest ; vertex black ; occiput greenish yellow fringed with
short yellow hairs.
Prothorax black marked with yellow,
Thorax black marked with yellow or greenish yellow as follows :—a complete:
mesothoracic collar, oblique dorsal spots short and broad above, pointed below
662 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
where it is widely separated from the mesothoracic collar, a large central spot
in alar sinus, yellow spots on tergum, a humeral stripe represented by an upper
triangular spot and often a lower broad streak, laterally yellowish green with a
median broad black stripe and the posterior border of the metepimeron narrowly.
Vestiges of a third yellow stripe on the median lateral band of black, sometimes
an upper spot of yellow, sometimes an upper and lower or again a row of three
yellow spots (I have never seen a complete yellow band.)
Wings hyaline and clear but in adults they may be slightly enfumed. Stigma
black braced long over 5 to 6 cells ; trigones of forewings with 4 cells, 3 in the hind;
subtrigone of forewing with 2 cells, only 1 in the hind ; hypertrigones traversed
PENS) ANE
Paroles) aes
the forewing, 2 in the hind ; 5 cells in anal triangle. Discoidal field begins with
a row of 4 cells and continued as rows of 2.
Legs black, coxe and trochanters yellow and a stripe of the same colour on
flexor surface of anterior femora ; hind femora extending just beyond hind margin
of thorax, furnished with an inner and outer row of spines, the inner closely-set
and numerous at the base, gradually lengthening and more widely spaced
towards the apex, outer row closely-set and small near the base, followed by 5
or 6 robust widely spaced gradually lengthening and then gradually shortening
“spines.
aie black marked with bright yellow as follows :—segment 1 with
an apical dorsal stripe confluent with a large triangular spot on dorsum of 2,
a narrow lateral apical stripe on 1 confluent with a broad lateral spot on segment
2 which involves but does not pass beyond the oreillet, 3 with nearly the basal
half yellow, this turning to pure white low down on sides and beneath, 4 to 6
with large dorsal basal spots confluent across the middle line except at apices,
the basal half of 7 yellow, rather more than half of 8, the black here indenting
the yellow on dorsal carina, the leaflike expansions all black, 9 with a lateral
basal stripe and a small apical lateral spot, 10 very variable, in a large number
of specimens examined it was quite unmarked, in others a small subbasal
subdorsal spot on either side and a dorsal subapical pair of small spots. Some-
times the basal spot is much lower down on the sides and in one specimen all
four spots were actually joined up so as to form a bow-like stripe on sides and
dorsum of segment.
Anal appendages black, as long as the two last segments, cylindrical and
tapering. Inferior much shorter, deeply bifid, black.
Genitalia : lamina tumid, broad and deeply cupped along free border, internal
hamules robust hooks, external short flat and tonguelike, all hidden beneath
a fringe of stout bright yellow hairs directed inward and meshing across the
genital orifice, lobe short trowel-shaped.
Female :
Abdomen 50 mm. Hindwing 42-44 mm.
Very similar to the male, yellow markings more extensive, abdomen much
-stouter, laterally compressed and shorter. The humeral stripe is nearly always
almost complete and the lateral black band is always spotted, and there may be
an almost complete yellow stripe here. Segment 10 is usually entirely black.
Anal appendages short, conical black.
Occiput raised, a robust spine situated at its middle which in some specimens
is minutely bifid, black, the floor of occiput yellow.
Wings with a dark brown basal marking extending out as far as the Ist
-antenodal nervure. This is often present also in the male but never so well
-defined as in the female. Vulvar scale black deeply cleft into two narrow tongue-
like processes which extend nearly to the base of segment 10.
Hab. Throughout India save in the desert tracts, Burmah, Ceylon and the
Andamans. In the Deccan it breeds in running water and I found exuvia
once or twice ; membrane whitish ; nodal index
Journ , Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Plate I.
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES.
For explanation see end cf article,
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, | 663
commonly along the borders of the Mullah Canal, Poona, which has a three or
four knot current. In Coorg however I have lately found it breeding in large
tanks around the borders of which it is very common.
Here it may be seen perched on a prominent twig facing out to the water,
head inclined downward and abdomen held well up. Should it be disturbed
either by a rival, a passing female or by the collector, it dives gracefully towards
the surface of the water and then banks and turns flying swiftly off along the
borders of the pond or stream, If disturbed it usually returns to its resting
place again and again or settles close by until the danger is past when it again
returns to its first resting place. Females are rarely seen and then only when
coming to oviposit, their stay then is of very brief duration. Pairing takes
place over water, is not of more than a minute or two’s duration, after which a
few eggs are depo ited by swift dips over the water, the insect then rising and
‘disappearing high over the tops of neighbouring trees. Unlike most Gomphines
the males frequently engage in fierce combat especially if females are frequenting
their locality.
The two following species are separated with difficulty from true rapax and
cannot be regarded as of more than local race value. I have seen them so
frequently mixed up with rapax that I have come to regard them as mere varie-
ties and an examination of the genitalia does not help one, these organs being
identical in all.
Actinus rapax mordax, Selys, I.c.p. 433 (1857).
Ictinus rapax, race (?) mordax Selys, 1.c. Bull. Acad. Belg. (2) xxxv., p. 768
(1873) ; Kirby, Cat. Odon. p. 77 (1890); Will, l.c.p. 279 (1908) ; Laid.,
Le.p. 373 (1922).
Abdomen 47mm. Hindwing 42 mm.
Differs from rapax rapax by the greater extent of yellow on the face. Ina
‘specimen I have from Malabar (female) the whole of the ante and post-clypeus
is yellow save for two minute black points lying between them near the middle
-of face. The black basal spot on upper surface of frons is almost obsolete and
the yellow of occiput is much more extensive, the spine being finer and markedly
longer.
Selys mentions that the basal yellow ring on segment 9 is reduced to two
lateral spots but it is very rare to find a complete ring on this segment even
in true rapax (The end segments of the type of rapax have been lost so we do
not know what the markings were. )
The vestigial lateral yellow stripe marking the black lateral band is absent
‘in the male of mordax but is well marked in the female.
Other points mentioned by Selys are a slightly longer stigma and the minute
spines on the anal appendages less rudimentary, and lastly segment 10 entirely
black.
Hab. The type is from Assam and was regarded by Selys at first, as nearly
related to I. melenops but was afterwards thought to be amere variety of
rapax, an opinion shared by Dr. Hagen. I have male specimens which may be
regarded as this insect from Malabar and the female which is much more specifi-
-eally distinct, is also from that part of India.
‘ilctinus rapax praecox, Hagen, Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi. (2) p. 89 (1854);
(2) xlvi., p. 677 (1878) ; Mon. Gomph. p. 275 (1857); Kirby, Il.c.p. 77 (1890);
Will. = Le.p. 279 (1908) ; Laid. l.c.p. 373 (1922).
Male: Abdomen 53mm. Hindwing 39 mm.
Differs from rapax rapax by the slightly longer abdomen and_ the slightly
shorter wings. The superior appendages a little longer and less abruptly
‘truncate. The lateral winglike expansions on segment 8 have the teeth more
“robust. Lastly the black at base of frons above is much more extensive and
fuses with the black on front: of frons,
G64 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
. The dorsal spots on segments 8 to 6 are shorter, whilst segment 10-has the same:
extensive yellow markings which I have described above as not uncommon in:
rapax rapax, Forewings with 20-21 antenodal nervures, 15 in the hind, 11-12
postnodal nervures in all wings. The basal brown clouding of wings is moder--
ately marked. .:
_ Hab. Pondicherry, Himalayas. Type in Copenhagen Museum is from
Pondicherry. Female unknown but 1 have two females which may be regarded.
as precox both from Malabar. In one the black on upper surface of frons is:
hardy fused with the black on the front, whilst in the other the separation is.
hardly perceptible. In all other respects these’ two insects are identical with
typical rapax.
Ictinus atrox, Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi. (2) p. 92 (1854); (2) xlvi. p. 677
(1878); Mon. Gomph., P. 282 (1857) ; Kirby, Le.p. 77 (1890) ; Will lc. Pe
279 (1908) ; Laid. l.c.pp. 370,374 (1922).
A single male in the Pusa collection, probably from Bihar.
~ Male: Abdomen 51mm. Hindwing 41°5 mm.
Head. Labium yellowish ; labrum, face and frons yellow, the labrum very
finely bordered with black, a fine transverse line across lower part of frons and
two tiny spots of black below this. Above frons, black at base; vertex and.
occiput yellow, a black stripe crossing the former just behind the ocelli.
Prothorax black marked with vellow laterally.
Thorax black in front marked with yellow as follows:—a complete meso-
thoracic collar, oblique broad dorsal stripes not meeting the alar sinus above
nor the collar below, the alar sinus and, a complete humeral stripe slightly,
constricted about its middle. Laterally broadly yellow marked with fine black
lines on the anterior and posterior lateral sutures. Legs entirely yellow with
black spines.
Wings hyaline, tinted with yellow, a basal dark brown mark extends as_ far:
out as the first antenodal nervure ; stigma yellow, 7mm. membrane ashy grey.
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows :—segment 1 entirely yellow,
2 with a broad triangular spot, its apex just reaching the apical border of seg-
ment and its basal angles fusing with a broad latéral stripe which involves the:
oreillets and extends from base to apical border of segment, segments 3 to 7 with
the basal half of each yellow, segment 8 with very large wing-like lateral proces-
ses of which the base is broadly yellow, this continuous with a broad yellow
annule covering rather more than the basal haif of the segment, 9 and 10 have:
narrow basal annules which extend apicalward on the sides of each segment.
Anal appendages very similar to those of rapaz, black.
Female:
Abdomen 54 mm. Hindwing 44 mm, Stigma 6 mm.
Lips and face reddish yellow changing to citron yellow on the frons which:
_has a fine sinuous basal black band slightly notched before the ocelli; vertex
and occiput yellow, the former margined with black in front, the latter margined:
with brown, its border concave, with a small spine on either side of the conca-
vity, fringed on the outer side of spines with fine yellow hairs; back of eyes.
glossy. black with a lateral vestigial yellow spots
Prothorax black broadly bordered with dark yellow on each side.
Thorax black marked with yellow as follows:—a complete mesothoracic:
collar, moderately narrow oblique dorsal bands pointed below and diverging
widely but not meeting the collar below, a humeral band a little tapered above,
broader below and uninterrupted. The sides broadly yellow, the sutures only
marked finely with black.
Legs yellow marked with black, femora reddish yellow the four anterior ones.
with an external black stripe broadening apically, the hinder pair with only a
vestige of this and bearing two rows of black spines, the apical 5 of which are:
much longer than the others. Tibie and tarsi black.
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, | mh) 665:
~ Wings hyaline with a slight saffronation at the bases; costa yellow ; stigma
long, dark yellow between black nervures, over about 8 cells; membrane
brownish ; trigones in forewings with 3 cells formed by the confluence of three
nervures in centre of trigone, trigone of hindwing with only 2 cells; discoidal
field begins with a row of 8 cells in forewing, followed by rows of 2, in hind
" : 20") 22-131)
begins with 4 cells ; nodal index ee ; subtrigone of forewing divided.
into 2 cells, that of hind entire, small.
_ Abdomen tumid at base, a little compressed, black marked with yellow as.
follows :—segment 1 has a transverse dorsal stripe and the sides yellow, 2
a dorsal stripe extending the full length of segment, very broad at base, taper-.
ing apically, the sides broadly yellow, 3 to 6 with the basal half yellow,
the apical black extending basalwards for some distance along the sides,
segment 7 with basal half yellow, the black encroaching slightly on the dorsum
and more so on the sides, 8 with a fine basal black ring followed by a narrow
yellow ring and then black as far as apical border, the yellow ring extending a
little apicalwards on the sides, the winglike processes on this segment black
narrowly yellow at the base, rounded, strongly denticulate except at bases:
segment 9 with a large dorsal black spot, its base at the apical border of segments.
tapering basad, the rest of segment yellow. segment !0 black, rather less than
the apical half yellow, the apical border finely black.
Anal appendages black, longer than segment 10, fusiform pointed.
Vulvar scale dark yellow, deeply cleft to its base into two contiguous lamelle:
pointed at apex.
Hab. The type (a female) is doubtfully from India or China. The male
described above, which I think is undoubtedly conspecific with airox ig in
the Pusa Museum and was probably taken in Bihar.
It is distinguished by the large amount of yellow both on the face and body.
Selys remarks that it is nearly related to angulosus but the description of the:
latter insect, of which the male alone is known reads very differently from that
of atrox, The armature of the female occiput differs from other species of
Letinus.
ictinus angulosus, Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi. (2) p. 92 (1854); Mon. Gomph,
p. 281 (1857); Kirby, le.p. 77 (1890) ; Will, lic.p. 279 (1908) ; Laid. Le.p.
374 (1922).
Male: Abdomen 53 mm. Hindwing 43mm, Stigma 6 mm.
Head. Labium and labrum yellow with the borders finely black; rest of
face and frons yellow with a vestige of black on anteclypeus, 2 small points on
postclypeus and a large spot on front of frons, the latter above with a broad
black basal line ; vertex and occiput both yellow, the former black in front, the-
latter narrowly bordered with black. Back of eyes black with a large yellow
spot above.
_ Prothorax almost entirely black.
Thorax black marked with yellow as follows:—a complete mesothoracic
collar, broad dorsal oblique bands converging above and resting on the borders.
of the alar sinus, pointed below but not meeting the mesothoracic collar.
my broadly yellow, the sutures outlined in black. Tergum spotted with
vellow.
Legs black, femora broadly yellow on the outer sides and a fine line of the
same colour on outer sides of tibize ; hind femora with 2 rows of spines, the distal
7 or 8 being much longer than the others,
Wings hyaline, bases clouded with dark brown as far out as the 1st antenodal
-hervure; costa finely yellow; stigma reddish brown; trigones of forewings
with 3 cells, that of hind also 3 cells ; 19 antenodal nervures and 11 postnodal:
‘in the forewings ; membrane blackish brown especially at base. Base of wing
deeply: excavate, the tornal angle very prominent,
12
666 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows :—-segment 1 broadly yellow
-on dorsum, the marking constricted at its middle, 2 with a broad even dorsal
‘stripe not extending as far as apex, the sides including oreillets broadly yellow,
3 to 6 with large yellow lanceolate basal spots, extending nearly to the apex
-on segment 3 and for about three-fourths the length of the others, 7 with a broad
basal ring occupying the basal two-thirds of the segment, rather less than this
-on the sides, 8 with the basal half and its sides yellow, the moderately large
leaf-like expansions entirely black, not visibly denticulate along borders, 9 black
above, yellow laterally, 10 similarly coloured.
Anal appendages black, superior a little longer than segment 10, subcylindrical,
excavate within, pointed, moderately divergent, inferior about half the length
forked branched straight but separated.
Hab. India. Described from a male in the Saunders collection.
The abdominal markings are sufficiently distinctive to separate it from other
Indian species. Female unknown.
Genus—GOMPHIDIA.
Sean
x
vy, @
Mabe ae
Fig. 2. a. Base of wings of Gomphidia fletcheri.
b. Base of wings of Gomphidia williamsont,
‘Gomphidia, Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi. (2) p. 86 (1854); Mon. Gomph. p.
259 (1857) ; Will. lc. p. 281 (1908) ; Laid. l.c. p. 374 (1922).
The genus is very nearly allied to Ictinus and species of the two genera closely
resemble one another. They are readily distinguished by the absence of any ~ |
leaf-like dilatations on the 8th abdominal segment, the abdomen especially
of the male is rarely held curved scimitar-like to the extent it is seen in [ctinus.
Head transversely elongate, frons elevated and prominent, vesicle prominent,
raised into two robust points on either side, occiput slightly raised but notched
in the middle, in the female.
Thorax bulky, rather square, black marked with yellow or yellow marked with
black ; wings long and narrow, membrane narrow, stigma long braced, trigones
-of forewings with 3 to 4 cells, 3 in the hind, subtrigone of forewing with 2 or 3
cells, only 1 in the hind.
Abdomen tumid at the base, narrow and cylindrical thereafter as far as middle
of segment 7 where it dilates as far as base of 9 after which it rapidly narrows
ay
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, 667
again. No leaf-like dilatations on sides of segment 8. Segments 9 and 10
very short. Anal appendages, superior longer than segment 10, of even width,
Jaterally compressed, inferior much shorter, cleft as far as base into two flat
triangular diverging lamina, waved and directed upward.as seen in profile.
Legs robust, of moderate length, variably spined.
Genitalia, Lamina short broad depressed, hamules very prominent and
projecting, the internal robust hooks, the external flat and tongue-like, lobe
funnel shaped. Vulvar scale deeply cleft, its branches slightly divergent,
extending nearly to base of segment 10.
Hab. Breeding in still or running waters, habits as for Ictinus. Larve very
similar to Ictinus.
Gomphidia fletcher, williamsoni and kodaguensis were not included in the
key to the Gomphine as they were unknown at the time it was written.
6 7 &
Fig. 3. Lateral view of end segments and anal appendages of :—
1. Gomphidia fletcheri. 2. Gomphidiawilliamsoni. 3. Gomphidia T-nigrum
4, Ictinus rapax, 5. Heterogomphus hannyngtoni.
Ventral view of end segments of abdomen and anal appendages of :—
©. Gomphidia fletcheri. 7. Ictinus rapax. 8. Gomphidia williamsoni.
668 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
. Gomphidia T-nigrum Selys, Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi (2) p. 86 (1854); Mon
Gomph. p. 260 (1857); Kirby, Cat. Odon. p.76 (1890); Will. Proc. U.S.
Nat. Mus. xxxiii, p. 282 (1908); Laid. Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol. xxiv,
pp. 370, 374 (1922).
Male: Abdomen 53mm. Hindwing 38 mm,
Head. Eyes bluish grey; lips, face and frons bright citron yellow, upper
surface of frons marked with a black line in floor of sulcus, which forms a ‘“‘ T ”
by meeting a short medial transverse black line on front of frons ; vertex black,
the two points of vesicle yellow, occiput largely yellow, its hinder border
raised, its floor filled by a pyramidal eminence.
Prothor rax brownish black, ”
‘Thorax black marked broadly with bright yellow as follows :—a broad meso-
thoracic collar barely interrupted at its middle, two broad short dorsal oblique
stripes pointed below and not meeting mesothoracic collar, the sides broadly
yellow with a broad median black stripe marked above and below with a small
upper and a large inferior spot of yellow. Humeral spot vestigial, represented
only by a small upper spot, alar sinus black, the tergum spotted with yellow.
Legs black, coxee and trochanters spotted with yellow. Hind femora with two
rows of very robust evenly and widely spaced spines, longest at the middle of
femora, crowded at the extreme base where they are very minute.
Wings hyaline, costa yellow as far as the stigma which is yellow bordered
with black ; trigone in forewing 3 cells long, the basal cell divided into 2 cells,
10-16|16-9
4 cells in all in the trigone, trigone in hindwing 3 cells long ; nodal index |
3 cubital cells in forewing, 2 in the hind ; subtrigone in forewing 2 cells, that of
the hind entire ; anal triangle 5 cells.
Abdomen black broadly marked with yellow as follows :—segment 1 diffusely
yellow on dorsum, segment 2 all yellow except for an irregular black ring at the
apex which extends forwards on either side of dorsum and also below along the
ventral border. Genitalia except the lamina bright yellow. Segments 3 to.
6 with basal half yellow (rather less on segment 6), segment 7 and 8 with narrow
black apical rings, broadest on 8, extending forwards along the ventral border
on both segments ; 9 has a fine lateral stripe at the base and _ the basal part of
dorsal carina finely yellow, 10 has a small dorsal spot.
Anal appendages brownish, the superior longer than segment 9, broad at the:
bage, compressed and of even width thereafter, bevelled at the apex, curving at
first out and then in, the apices meeting ; inferior one-third the length of supe-
viors, seen in profile undulated, from below diverging and broadly triangular.
Genitalia very similar to that of fletcheri (to which this insect is more closely
related than to other species, both by anal appendages and genitalia), lamina
short and broad, bluntly pointed, somewhat excavate; internal hamules long
tapering hooks, the apices curling alittle outwards, external hamules long
narrow and acute tongue-like processes, bright yellow in colour, projecting
markedly from the genital sac and hugging the lobe, which is also yellow and
‘broadly funnel-shaped.
Female: Abdomen 53mm. Hindwing 43 mm,
Very similar to the male. Mandibles marked with black at the base ; labrum
all yellow ; occiput concave at its middle, dorsum of segment 2 bears a triangular
yellow spot, the other black markings of abdomen of greater extent, segment
9 without any dorsal stripe, 10 entirely black. Anal appendages short, conical,
brownish,
Vulvar scale cleft om about three-fourths of its length, the atone slightly
divaricate, extending nearly to base of segment 10. e
Hab. .The type is trom Northern India but the exact locality is unknown.
(I have never received specimens of this insect from that part of India so that:
it must be either very rare or very local.)
9-12|12-10-
Gs ea i a INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, Wie 669,
! Personally I have seen it in considerable numbers on the Katraj Lake, Poona,
Bioccan, where it has established itself. In flight it looks very like an I clinus
but its bright yellow colour is sufficient to distinguish it even on the wing. It
patrols the borders of the lake for long distances, the males engaging each other
in combat as they pass,
Gomphidia fletcheri, sp. nov.
. Male: Abdomen (with anal appendages) 63mm, Hindwing 42 mm,
Head. Eyes bottle green ; midlobe of labium brownish, lateral lobes yellow ;
labrum black marked with two greenish yellow spots at the base ; face and frons
greenish yellow, a black stripe across the lower part of front of frons which sends
a prolongation up to meet a medial black marking on upper surface of frons
occupying the floor of sulcus and expanding towards the vesicle; vertex and
occiput black, the former raised into two prominent points, the latter raised
laterally and medially and fringed with pale coloured hairs,
_ Prothorax black marked with a yellow anterior collar.
Thorax black marked with greenish yellow as follows:—a broad meso-
Poricio collar interrupted in the middle line, very short and broad, oblique
dorsal stripes rather widely separated from the mesothoracic collar. Laterally
broadly yellowish green with a medial broad black band which is marked above
and below by large vellow spots. Tergum spotted with yellow.
Legs black, coxe and trochanters yellow, the hind femora with two rows
of robust spines, short, numerous and crowded at the base, longest and widely-
spaced at the middle and 5 or 6 short closely spaced ones at the apex.
- Wings hyaline, enfumed somewhat patchily with warm brown ; stigma black,
very long, over 6 to 7 cells, braced ; trigonein forewing 3 to4cells, 3 cells long,
that of hindwing with 3 cells in a line ; hypertrigones traversed twice in all wings ;
subtrigone in hindwing entire, in forewing formed of 8 cells by conjunction of
} 14-20 | 20-12. 15-18 | 19-15 aes
3 nhervures at centre of cell ; nodal index. 1414 | i614 [4-14 | 14-14 ;2 cubital
nervures in hindwing, 3 to 4 in forewing ; 6 to 7 cells in anal triangle. (In the
second specimen the trigones in forewings are 3 cells long and have only 3
cells and the subtrigones have only 2 cells.)
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows :—segment 1 with a broad
dorsal spot and a narrow apical streak low down on the sides confluent with a
lateral spot on segment 2 which involves the oreillet and is limited apically by
this structure ; genitalia tipped with yellow, segments 3 to 6 with elongate dorsal
spots confluent over dorsal ridge except at extreme apices and gradually dimini-
shing in size from 3 to 6, segment 3 has also the ventro-lateral border narrowly
yellow, segment 7 has the basal half yellow, 8 has a complete narrow basal ring,
9 has a mere vestige of this and 10 is entirely unmarked.
, Anal appendages black. Superior broad at base, compressed in apical half,
apices bevelled off and turning in to meet each other. Inferior only one-third
Ss length of superiors, undulated in profile, flat and triangular as seen from
elow.
Genitalia. Lobe rather flat, the border emarginate; internal hamules very long
robust hooks ; external hamules long flat narrow tongue-like lobes projecting
well out from the genital sac; lobe funnel-shaped prominent, embraced on
either side by the outer hamules.
Hab. Coorg. Two males taken at Hallery near Mercara on the borders of
@ rocky mountain stream, 3,800 ft. altitude. Both were very shy and unapproa-
chable so that I finally had to bring them down with a charge of dust shot. They
bear a close resemblance to Jctinus when on the wing or resting or to Hetero-
gomphus hannyngtoni for which the insects were actually taken to be until secured
and examined. When settled they rest with the head inclined somewhat down-
670 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX
wards and the abdomen held stiffly and straight out, this latter feature distin-
guishing them from the curved scimitar-like abdomen of Ictinus.
Their large size will distinguish them from any other Indian species of
Gomphidia ; other oriental species approaching it in size are krugeri, Martin, which.
has the oblique dorsal stripes joined to an upper humeral spot, and perakensis,
Laid., in which the ante and post-nodal nervures are much more numerous
than fletcheri.
This magnificent species is named after Mr. T. Bainbrigge Fletcherin ack-
nowledgment of his long and unstinted aid in contributing material which has.
much facilitated the preparation of this work.
Gomphidia williamsoni, sp. nove
One female and several males from Hasimara, Duars, Bengal, coll, by Mr.
H. V. O’Donel, 20.v.23— 6. vi.-23.
Male: Abdomen with appendages 54mm. Hindwing 43 mm.
Head, Eyes bottle green ; labium yellow ; labrum black enclosing two moder-
ately large yellow spots ; frons greenish yellow above and infront, a medial
basal spot of black sometimes present above but never extending as far forwards.
as the crest ; face greenish yellow below, black above, this colour invading the
yellow of front of frons so as to cut it into two lateral spots; vertex and
occiput black.
Prothorax black with an anterior yellow collar.
Thorax black marked with greenish yellow as follows :—a mesothoracic collar
slightly interrupted in the middle line, broad oval oblique dorsal stripes narrowing
below where they may be connected to the mesothoracic collar or widely
separated from it (separated in one male and in the single female examined ;
connected in two males); laterally two very broad greenish yellow stripes
separated by a broad black stripe which is quite unmarked. The anterior
yellow band sends a tongue-like process back above, which may have been formed
by confluence with an upper yellow spot, the posterior stripe covers the whole
of metepimeron ; tergum spotted with yellow.
Wings hyaline, rather deeply enfumed with warm brown ; costa black ; stigma
blackish brown, very long, braced ; trigone in forewing four celled, four also
in the hind ; anal triangle with 5 cells ; nodal index ad | a
Legs entirely black, the hind femora with two rows of robust spines which
fuse to form a close field of smaller spines at the base.
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows:—segment 1 with a dorsal
apical triangle and an apical lateral spot low down on the sides, segment 2 with
a broad dorsal stripe not quite reaching the apex, laterally a broad spot of yellow
which just meets the dorsal spot at its base and extends‘to the ventro-lateral
border below involving the oreillet, segments 3 to 6 with elongate dorsal spots
confluent over the dorsal crest save for the extreme apex. These spots gradually
decreasing in size from 3 to 6, the 3rd segment witha long basal streak low
down on the sides, 7 has the basal half yellow, 8 a tiny lateral basal streak, 9is
unmarked, whilst 10 has a small rounded spot on the centre of the dorsum,
Anal appendages black, the superior long and sinuous, laterally compressed,
blunt and bevelled at the apex, the inferior very much shorter, leaf-like and
curling upwards as seen in profile, flat and triangular as seen from below.
Genitalia. Lamina deeply excavate, more pointed and longer than in fletcher: ;
internal hamules short robust hooks, much shorter than in fletcheri; external
hamules broadly triangular flat and not markedly projecting from genital sac ;
lobe funnel-shaped. The external hamules and lobe are tipped with yellow.
Female: Abdomen 54mm, Hindwing 45 mm,
Very similar to the male but the yellow markings broader and better defined.
Wings rather more deeply enfumed ; all trigones with 4 cells; nodal index
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES; 671
13-20 ; 20-13. “ : ; te
{2-15 | 14-12. Occiput raised, a small point at its ‘centre, finer than that found
in Ictinus ; vesicle black marked with two small yellow spots. Dorsal oblique-
stripes widely separated from the mesothoracic collar ; the black stripe, traversing
sides of thorax, marked with a large lower spot. Segment 2 almost entirely
yellow, the lateral band very broad and extending the entire length of the segment,
the dorsal stripe also very broad in its basal two-thirds, the apical third connected
to it by a narrow neck only ; segment 9 has a fine lateral basal streak similar
to that on 8, whilst segment 10 is unmarked,
Vulvar scale very characteristic, deeply cleft at base into two long narrow
tongue-like foliate processes, the apices of which extend as far as the base of
segment 10.
Anal appendages very short conical black.
Hab. Duars, Bengal. Iam indebted to Mr. H.V. O’ Donel for these specimens,
the type of which will be sent to the British Museum. The species belongs to:
the abbotti-kodaquensis group, to both of which it is closely allied, especially
to the latter. It differs from kodaguensis by the greenish-yellow on upper surface
of frons not being divided up by black, this colour being either entirely absent
or present as a very small spot at the base only. It also differs by the absence:
of an upper humeral spot and of spots on the lateral black band. From abbotti it
differs by the absence of spots on the lateral black band of thorax and also by
the absence of black on upper surface of frons, lastly by the much greater extent
of yellow on segment 2, etc.
This species is named after Mr. E. B. Williamson who has done so much valu-
able work on the subfamily Gomphine.
Gomphidia kodaguensis sp. nov.
A single male, Dubarry, Cauvery river, Coorg, 21, vi. 23.
Male: Abdomen with appendages 53mm, Hindwing 42 mm.
Head. Eyes bottle green ; face and frons bright citron yellow, the latter with.
a black mark in floor of sulcus which is continuous with a black mark on the upper:
part and front of frons. This again is confluent with a transverse black line on
lower part of front of frons, in other words the black on front of frons tapers:
rapidly and irregularly to meet the black on its upper surface, leaving a broad
space of the ground colour on each side which is irregularly triangular in shape.
Labium yellow ; labrum yellow narrowly bordered with black, the ground colour
split into two large spots by a medial vertical streak of black running from the
base ; occiput black raised, fringed with very short pale yellow hairs; vertex
black, the vesicle elevated into two very acute prominent points.
Prothorax black with a narrow anterior collar of yellow.
Thorax black marked with yellow as follows :—a mesothoracic collar broadly
broken in the middle line, two broad oval greenish yellow short dorsal stripes,
pointed below and not nearly meeting the mesothoracic collar, a small upper
spot representing the rudimentary humeral stripe. Laterally broad yellow
stripes separated by a broad black stripe, marked by an upper and lower spot
of yellow. The posterior yellow covers the whole of metepimeron. Tergum
spotted yellow.
Legs black, coxe, trochanters and anterior pair of femora yellow. Hind
femora with two rows of widely separated robust spines, the two rows coalescing
at base where they are small and crowded, mid femora with small evenly sized
crowded spines.
Wings hyaline, costa black, the apices and posterior borders palely and evenly
13-22 | 22-15
14-15 | 15-137
trigones of forewings with 3 to 4 cells, 3 cellsin the hind (traversed twice) ; 5 cells:
enfumed with warm brown ; stigma very long, black ; nodal index
672 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X,
in the anal triangle ; 5 cubital nervures in forewing, 3 in the hind ; subtrigone,
in forewing traversed once, free in the hind; hypertrigones traversed once or.
‘twice.
Abdomen black sap with yellow as follows :—segment 1 with a fine apical
dorsal ring, 2 with a small oval dorsal spot extending from the base for two-
thirds of the length of segment, and a small lateral spot which involves the
oreillet, Subdorsally and subapically a very tiny yellow spot, segments 3 to.
6 with dorsal basal elongate spots confluent over the dorsal crest except at the
extreme apices, segment 3 has also a narrow basal streak of yellow along the
ventrolateral border. Apices of lobe and external hamules also tipped with
vellow. Segment 7 has the basal half yellow, 8 hag an elongate transverse basal
spot, 9 is unmarked, whilst 10 has a dorsal spot expanding apically and covering
almost the entire dorsum,
Anal appendages black. Superior nearly as long as segments 9 and 10, late-
rally compressed, sinuously curved at first down and then slightly up, bluntly
pointed at apex which is bevelled. Inferior only one-third the length of superiors,
curling upward, undulated as seen in profile, broad and triangular as seen from
below, markedly divergent branches.
Genitalia similar to that of williamsoni to which the insect is closely related,
as also to abbotti, its markings being a combination of these two insects. It
differs from both by having the face and lips almost entirely yellow and by the
black on frons joining up with that on the upper surface. From williamsoni
it again differs by the restricted yellow markings on segments 1 to 3 and by
broader markings on segments 8 to 10. From abbott by the greater number of
antenodal nervures and by the vestigial humeral spot on thorax which is absent
in williamsoni.
The single male was taken about a quarter of a mile inland from the Cauvery
river in a dense teak plantation. I mistook it for an Jctinus but my curiosity
was aroused by the curious locality in which I had found it.
The name is derived from the vernacular way of spelling ‘“‘ Coorg ”’, the latter
being the English corruption of the word,
Gomphidia abbotti Will. l.c. pp. e828 (1908.)
Male: Abdomen 53 mm. Hindwing 4 mm.
Head. Eyes bluish green ; labium brownish ; labrum black marked with two
large transversely oval lateral spots ; anteclypeus yellow, postclypeus black:
with a small lateral yellow spot ; frons black, its crest narrowly in front and the
upper surface yellow, the sulcus black, this colour extending forward nearly
to the crest (In the Burmah specimen, this black area is much restricted) ;
occiput raised, black, fringed with short hairs. |
Prothorax brown, yellowish laterally.
Thorax black marked with yellow as follows :—a mesothoracic collar slightly
interrupted in the middle line, oblique dorsal spots resting on the alar sinus
above, widely divaricate below, extending about halfway to the mesothoracic
collar, humeral stripe entirely absent, laterally black marked with a narrow
anterior stripe of yellow on the mesepimeron and another wider on the metepi-
meron, between which there is a small upper spot on the black between the two’
yellow stripes. Tergum spotted with yellow.
~ Legs black, armature as for williamsoni.
Wings hyaline, evenly and palely enfumed ; membrane white; stigma dark
brown, over 4-5 cells, braced ; trigone of forewing with 4 cells, 3 cells long, the
basal divided into 2, that of hind 3 cells long ; subtriangle on forewing traversed
once, that of hind entire ; 1-2 nervures in hypertrigones ; 3 cubital nervures in
9-18|19-ll .
; 5 cells in anal triangle.
forewing, 2 in the hind ; nodal index ——— 10-13! Ja?
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES. 673
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows :—segment 1 with a dorsal
basal spot and a narrow apical low down on the sides, 2 with a dorsal median
spot and a small lateral which involves the oreillets, 3 to 6 with dorsal spots con-
fluent over the dorsal carina except at the extreme apex of spots, 7 with
nearly the basal half yellow, 8 with a small basal lateral spot and a smaller still
on segment 9, 10, with a median dorsal spot (this in the Burmah specimen
covers the basal half of the dorsum).
Anal appendages. Superior considerably longer than segment 10, compressed
of about even width to the apex which is squarish, separated in entire length
but converging at the apices, inferior much shorter, a little sinuous and directed
up as seen in profile, deeply cleft, the branches widely divaricate and triangular
seen from beneath.
Genitalia black tipped with yellow, similar to williamsont.
Hab. A single male from Trong, Lower Siam, the type in U.S.N. Museum,
I possess a specimen from Burmah which answers to the above description,
the slight variations between it and Mr. Williamson’s description being probably
due to changes in decomposition. The ground colour in the type is dark brown
but I notice that the jet black of most species of Ictinusis apt to turn brown
where no care is taken to prevent decomposition changes and I surmise that
the type was in lite deep black. The entire absence of the humeral stripe
separates it from kodaguensis, whilst the lateral upper yellow spot on the
median lateral black and the presence of a black basal spot on the upper
surface of frons found in abbott: will serve to separate it from this insect.
Series, Gompuus Williamson.
This series contains a somewhat miscellaneous group of genera and species,
the position of many of which is at present doubtful. Gomphus sens strict and
Onychogomphus will need further splitting up, a greater knowledge of their
larve may facilitate this asis well demonstrated by that of Onychogomphus
nilgsriensis.
The whole series is characterized by the following characters :—All trigones,
’ hypertrigones and subtrigones entire ; transverse nervures between Mi-iii and
Miv greatly reduced in number, usually only 1 in the hindwing and 1 to2 in
the forewing ; sectors of arc very distinctly separated at and beyond their origin
from the arc ; stigma variable ; no accessory sectors to Rs and Miv.
- As Dr. Laidlaw points out, clear-cut venational characters are not to be found
for the series as a whole owing to the large number of doubtful species included
in the series. Specialization of transverse nervures between Mi-iii and Miv is
much more constant in the hindwing although in some genera it is about equal
in fore and hind.
Genus—HETEROGOMPHUS, Selys.
Heterogomphus. Selys. Bull. Acad. Belg. xxi (2) p. 27 (1854); Mon,
Gomph., p. 94 (1857.)
Moderately or very large insects with hindwing 40 mm. or more, abdomen
usually considerably longer than this ; at least 16 antenodal nervures in forewing,
not more than 2 transverse nervures in the forewing between Mi-iii and Miv,
never more than 1 in the hind. Wings long and narrow, extending to end of
segment 8 in the male, to end of 9 in the female or in one species actually longer
than the abdomen, base of wing in the male strongly excavate, anal angle promi-
nent,
Head very massive, face deep, eyes tumid posteriorly, occiput low straight
in the male, often spined in the female. Thorax robust, black marked with
greenish yellow or yellow marked sparingly with black, Abdomen similarlv
is
674 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
coloured, tumid at base, rather narrow and cylindrical as far as segment 7, 8
and 9 slightly dilated, the 3 last segments diminishing successively in length,
Legs robust but short, spines variable.
Anal appendages long and tapering, as long as the two last segments of abdomen,
of nearly equal length, superior simple, inferior deeply cleft, its branches equally
divaricate as superior appendages, bearing a robust internal spine at the apices
of branches.
Fae Ey Co eles
Sate Pe
, S, ’
2480, ag ,
ane s
ES RLIS PEE
eee
ngewe em
ATES
Fig. 4. Wings of Heterogomphus hannyngtoni, sp. nov. 3
Genitalia ; lamina bonnet-shaped, a little raised, internal hamules robust
straight hooks, the external thin, tongue-like processes projecting perpendicu-
larly from the genital sac, lobe markedly projecting, with a long constricted
neck, the end expanding laterally, the expansions curling inwards, Vulvar
scale small, strongly cleft.
Hab. Breeding in mountain streams. Habits closely resembling those of
Ictinus for which the insects may be mistaken when on the wing or resting.
india, Western Ghats, Himalayas, Bengal, Ceylon, China and Cochin China, |
Keterogomphus hannyngtoni, sp. nov.
Male. Abdomen (with anal appendages) 58mm. Hindwing 48mm.
Head very large and massive, triangular. Eyes bottle green ; labium chrome
yellow ; labrum bright greenish yellow margined narrowly with black ; face
black, the lower epistome citron yellow and a spot of apple green on either side
against the eyes ; frons apple green above and in front with two small points of —
black in the sulcus just in front of the vesicle ; vertex and occiput black, the _
hinder border of latter raised and scale-like with a small rounded tubercle on the’ |
superior surface, fringed with long black hairs. (
Prothorax black marked with a postero-lateral spot of yellow and two small
spots on middorsum.
Thorax black marked with bright greenish yellow. In some specimens the
markings are bright citron yellow above changing to bright apple green below.
Markings as follows:—the outer angles of the alar sinus a broad subtriangular
oblique dorsal stripe more or less separated from a mesothoracic coilar which
Heterogomphus nannyngtoni, ana jiavicoior were not included in the key to
the Gomphinae as they were unknown at the time it was written.
[INDIAN DRAGONFLIES. §75
may be either entire or interrupted. (In one specimen the separation between
these two markings is bright reddish brown.) A rudimentary humeral stripe
represented by a small upper spot, laterally two broad apple green stripes sepa-
rated by a broad black band, the upper part of which bears a small yellow spot,
The posterior stripe covering the whole of metepimeron.
Legs short and robust, black, the cox and trochanters of the first pair yellow.
Hind femora with two rows of short robust closely set black spines.
Abdomen black marked with bright citron yellow as follows:—segment 1 with
a small apical dorsal triangle and the whole of the sides low down, 2 with a dor-
sal stripe, broad at the base and tapering to but not reaching the apex, laterally
a broad stripe, broadest at the base and including the oreillet, interrupted just
after the latter structure, lastly a narrow stripe bordering the genitalia, 3 with a
_ trilobed dorsal stripe and a lateral wedge-shaped spot at the base, segments
4 and 5 with a chain of three dorsal spots, the apical one cordate and larger
than the two basal, 6 with a single basal dorsal spot, 7 with rather more than
the basal half yellow, the margins of the yellow concave laterally, segments
8 and 9 with small lateral basal triangular spots, 10 entirely black.
Anal appendages black. The superior long and tapering, the inferior but
little shorter and armed with a small inner apical spine.
Genitalia : lamina scuttle-shaped, its sides straight and at right angles to the
dorsum ; internal hamules projecting from under shade of lamina, long curving
robust hooks ; external hamules narrow triangular plates projecting perpendi-
cularly from the genital orifice; lobe with a broad black base, narrowing to a
truncate neck which projects markedly from the genital sac, bifurcates at its
apex, the bifurcations curling inwards.
Wings hyaline. long and rather broad, reticulation close ; stigma long blackish
brown, braced ; Mia very indistinct, only 2 rows of ceils between it and Mz. In
females Mia is always quite distinct and there are always 3 rows of cells between
it and Mi, this applying to all species. Only 1 cross nervure between Miv and
Mi-ivi in all wings.
Nodal index 13-19 | 19-15
14-14 | 14-14
Female. Abdomen 56 mm. Hindwing 55 mm.
Very similar to the male but the ratio of wing length to that of abdomen
strikingly different. The wings enormously lengthened and broadened, evidently
for carrying the extra weight of the very robust thorax and abdomen. Apart
from the abdomen which is slightly shorter, the female is a much more robust
and bulkier insect than the male,
Labrum bright citron yellow instead of apple green; frons with a semicircle
of black at the base of upper surface ; occiput flat with a robust spine at either
end against the eyes.
Lateral spot of prothorax much larger than in the male.
Metepimeron citron yellow with a blush of green at its centre ; markings of
abdomen much broader and more crowded, the dorsal marking on segment 2
being trilobed, its basal part square, the median large and broadly oval, whilst
the apical lobe is smaii and round, the lateral stripe on this segment is unbroken
at its middle, the dorsal marking on segment 3 partially constricted to form four
lobes, whilst laterally a broad stripe runs its entire length, broken slightly at
the transverse suture, segments 4 and 5 have an additional lateral basal _ spot,
whilst 6 has this spot and another still larger following it, segment 9 has a
minute lateral basal spot.
Anal appendages very small, conical, tapering black.
Vulvar scale very small, deeply cleft, the apices of the two lobes thus for ned
curling strongly inward towards each other.
Wings hyaline, nodal index similar to that cf male.
676 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXTX,
-Hab, Haunting the banks of jungle mountain streams, perching on
twigs or more rarely settling on rocks. The male when settled bears a strong
resemblance to Ictinus but may be recognised by its abdomen, which is held
stiffly and straight outward instead of curved, scimitarlike as in Ictinus. Like
the latter insect, it rests with the head lowermost, the body inclined upwards.
When disturbed, it plunges downwards as it takes flight. It travels long distances
up and down stream but makes long rests and if followed up, is soom met with
again.
The only female taken was in the act of ovipositing beneath the dark shade
of a tree overhanging the stream at a point where the current was very swift
and racing over a bed of pebbles. It was performing a series of figure-of-eight
evolutions, striking the surface of the water at the waist of each figure-of-eight.
This and the first males were taken on the Cauvery near Bhagamandala (where
the river rises), two subsequent males being taken at Hallery near Mercara on a
mountain stream which empties lower down into the Hatty river, a large tribu-
tary of the Cauvery. The streams here are not more than ten feet across and I
have never seen the insect on the main river where it becomes much wider.
Type in British Museum.
In May 1906 the late Mr. Hannyngton, I.C.S., who was then Commissiorer
of Coorg, discovered a huge exuvia of some unknown dragonfly which he pre-
sented to the Pusa Museum. No notes are available as to where he discovered
this exuvia in Coorg but from local hearsay evidence I should think it was found
on the banks of the Hallery stream. Mr. Hannyngtor was a keen lepidopterist
ind spent much of his spare time collecting in the Hallery valley. The insect
the neck quite distinct ; the head well separated, larger than segment 2 in.
diameter, though not large for the larva. Head nearly round, thick, with a deeply
impressed, narrow line over vertex down centre of face, most deeply on frons
dividing it into two lobes with broadly rounded vertices; the true clypeus
triangular, half the height of face, higher than broad ; the false clypeus hardly
distinguishable, triangular, the apex broadly rounded ; the whole surface minutely
and coarsely reticulate-rugose including the false clypeus and, in a lesser degree,.
the true clypeus also and covered with many, minute, very short, white star-
topped hairs only visible under the lens and some slightly longer, reddish ones
about the mouth ; labrum glassy, transverse; ligula large, kidney-shaped, brown ;
basal, antennal joint brown, the second joint redder brown ; mandibies red-brown
with black tips ; the eyes black, the four of the curve being all equally spaced ;.
the colour of the whole head shining black or deep red-brown which is practically
black. Spiracles very slightly raised, circular or nearly so, light brown in colour
with a double, thin, darker margin; that of segment 2 hollow, funnel-shaped,
very large; that of segment 12 a good deal smaller. Surface of body dull,
smooth to the eye; covered all over with minute, erect, white, short, star-
topped hairs like the head but, perhaps, not so densely; the hairs on the
margin of segment 14 being somewhat longer, reddish; there are some
simple, erect, short, white, pointed hairs on legs and prolegs ; a minute, circular,
glassy, dorsal lateral dot on segments 5-12 which is placed somewhat in front of
the middle of segment; a larger, lateral, similar, oval dot on segments 3, 4;
a similar, oval, glassy dot below each spiracle and one on the ancle of each foot
of prolegs. The colour of the body is greenish russet-brown, with a moderately
plentiful sprinkling of white dots all over it ; ventrum bluish green. LL: 24mm ;
B: 5mm.
Pupa.—The pupa is of ordinary shape except for the large frontal process and
the large, golden-orange, plush-like faces te the spiracular expansions of segment
2. It is squarely blunt in front—except for this frontal, knob-like process—and
bent down and pointed behind; there is a slight lateral as well as dorsal constric-
tion at segments 4, 5, where the body-string passes; the wings are somewhat
produced at apices and the proboscis further still, being free nearly up to the end
of segment 9; the segments are well marked, the bevils of segments 9, 10, 11
also ; segment 13 is half the length of segment 12 and is shaped like a half-bowl—
the ventral half being wanting—with a deep, narrow, round-ended sinus in dorsal
line at front margin; segment 14 a similar, smaller (in diameter) half-bowl,
also with a similar sinus, the apex continued into the shortly oblong, thickened,
rugose, slightly down-curved cremaster with the hooked supensory, golden-
orange shafts bunched at the extremity. The frontal knob of head is at the
front end of the pupa sticking straight out in continuation of the longitudinal
axis, is somewhat lengthened, thickened at end, constricted at base, rugose as
to surface and with rather long, erect, golden-orange hairs—the head is bowed,
ventral; the frons is in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis of pupa;
segment 2 at an angle of 35°, a broadish band ; the head vertex at an angle of
45°: both margins of segment 2 straight ; the front slope of thorax at an angle
of 30° or slightly more, the curve, then, quite even and smooth, running up to
the thoracic apex and down again to hinder margin which is a quarter-circle
curve (or slightly more) meeting the wing lines in a widely open, rounded angle
of somewhere about 90°; the thorax is humped moderately. The spiracles
of segment 2 are indicated by large expansions rising from the front margin of
segment 3 in a short “foot” to a small eonvex surface which faces forwards, is
716 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX
shaped like three-quarters of a circle and is covered with a golden-crange shining
plush ; the rest of the spiracles are slightly raised, rather small ovals, the colour
of the body. Surface of the body is shining, covered all over fairly densely with
short (much longer than the larval ones), more or less simple, erect golden-
orange, simple hairs; these hairs tufted on each side of each eye-ridge and
round each proleg-scar ventrally... Colour of pupa light brown-yellow on
abdomen ; darker brown on thorax, head and segment 2; redder on wing cases,
nearly black on cremaster. L: 17mm; B: 5mm.
Habits.—When just emerged from the egg; the little larva cuts out a
circular piece from the middle of the leaf somewhere and turns it over
on to the top—it is a small circle of about 4 or 5mm in diameter—and
turns it over on to the top of the leaf; this little circle withers and
becomes concave underneath ; the little larva fixes the bit all round
with silk so that it lies closely applied and coats the inside above
and below with silk thickly ; it leaves a semicircular opening in front
which it enlarges as necessity demands ; it goes some distance to feed,
always returning home. When too big for its first home, it turns over
@ bit of the leaf from the side—a triangular bit—and makes a new one.
When full grown it gnaws nearly through the midrib, eating from the
place where it does so to the edges of the leaf on either side, thus more
or less separating a large portion of the top of the leaf from the basal
part so that the top part hangs down; this hanging part it makes
into its final home by turning over a large, wide-based, narrow topped
(triangular) piece on to the remaining surface and fixing it down
lightly, leaving an aperture (round) in front towards the base of the
leaf; it, at the same time, webs the cut-through part of the midrib
to prevent it ever falling away tothe ground. This hanging part
withers and becomes dry and shrivelled ; the inside of the cell formed
is covered thickly with a coating of silk which makes it into a very
tough cell hard to tear open. After eating largely, it finally turns into
@ pupa inside the cell and attaches itself by the tail and a body-band,
‘the body-band being again fixed to the top of the cell by a single silk.
Some of the specimens took 2 months to grow from the egg to the
pupa. The pupal stage is of normal length, 7.e., of 10 days. The
imago emerges in the morning, rather late and expands its wings
quite quickly, flying within an averagely short time. It rests with
the wings fully opened and flies well and strongly. It settles on the
tops of leaves and is commonly found at flowers—Allophyllus, Lea |
and such-like—and always with the wings fully open. It is mode-
rately fond of sunlight but is an insect of the regions of heavy rain-
fall more than of open places and dry country. It is a common
insect on the Western Ghats in Kanara and Belgaum where its
foodplants are found: Xylia dolabriformis, Grewia microcos, Mallotus
philippensis, Desmodium, etc., belonging to the families of the Legu-
minosee, Tiliacee, Euphorbiacee—and there are certainly others also.
Colonel Swinhoe, under Habitat and Distribution gives “ India,
Ceylon, Burma. The type is marked Bengal ; we have many examples
COMMON BUTTERFLIES OF THE PLAINS OF INDIA, 717
of both the wet and dry season forms from Sikkim; Assam, Madras
and Karwar and have examined many other from various localities ; it
is a common species throughout India and Burma; the uposatha of
Frhstorfer is the extreme dry-season form; our figures of the larva
and pupa are from Davidson’s drawings not previously published ;
we have examined the examples in his collection, they are all marked
“rains,” all have checkered clza and are not tessa but the wet-
season brood of indrant.” (Lepidoptera Indica, vol. X, p. 65). This
is all correct.
(Zo be continued.)
OUR REQUIREMENTS.
The Society would be very much beholden to any members who
would be good enough to send in female specimens, freshly captured,
of the following skippers ( Hesperiade ) :—
Particularly any Halpe and Arnetta vindhiana.
Also any of the following genera :—
Rhopalocampta, Ismene,
Capila, Calliana, Achalarus, Hantana.,
Daimio, Satarupa, Tagiades, Charmian, Odina, Gerosis,
Ctenoptilum, Darpa.
Hesperia, Pyrgus, Carcharodus, Thanaos,
Pamphila, Ochus.
Lotongus, Zela, Hidari, Pirdana, Grane, Creteus, Pithauria.
Pithauriopsis, Pesdestes, Suada, Isma, Scobura, I[tys,
Sebastonyma, Zographetus,
Gegenes, Iton.
Erynnis, Augiades, Onryza, Actinor.
Acerbas, Tamela, Koruthaialos, Watsoniella.
‘The object in view is a study of the eggs which can be dissected out
from the bodies. So it matters little if the insects are damaged—as: long
as they can be recognized for what they are. Many captures are thrown
away by collectors as being “ bad specimens ” which would be very useful
for the purpose above mentioned. cae glass teas L
718
A JOURNEY TO SIAM AND BACK
BY
Magor C. H. Srockiey, D.S.O.
PART III,
(With 2 plates.)
(Continued from page 387 of this volume.)
While staying with Mr. Gairdner, I came on an article in the Journal of the
Natural History Society of Siam, written by Mr. P. R. Kemp on Schomburgh’s
Deer and on reading this my hopes of obtaining one were shattered. It appears
that this deer is no longer to be found in the Paknampo area, but is now
restricted to a small and unexplored tract far to the east.
The season was too advanced to think of getting there, or of makirg entirely
fresh arrangements for transport, et¢., so L had to look round for a new line.
Here Mr. Gairdner helped me by suggesting the Mewong Valley, which had a good
reputation for big game, and it seemed that by crossing from the Mewong to the
Upper Meklong and thence to the Upper Thaungyin, I would be traversing
-country of very great interest, both geographically and zoologically. I there-
fore decided to travel down to Paknampo by river with Gairdner, and rail
¢rom there to Bangkok, where I would refit, and then return to Hkambengpet
(about 60 miles south of Raheng) which was to be my starting point for the
return land journey. Before leaving Raheng Gairdner kindly helped me to
fix up pony transport to meet me at Hkam bengpet.
Raheng was a bad place for mosquitoes, owing to theswamps which lie to the
‘east of the town. A few thamin still survive a day’s march to the east, and I
saw three heads in the Raheng bazaar. There are a great many guns in Siam and
game has little chance near the populous cultivated tracts along the main rivers.
These tracts are inhabited mainly by the true Siamese, the dense forest at the
back of them being peopled sparsely by Karens.
The Siamese have a curious way of wearing their hair standing straight on end
like a large blacking brush, and they have also a habit of blackening their front
teeth. As they are by no means distinguished by beauty of feature, the tout
ensemble is not usually prepossessing at first sight. They are however a
pleasant people to deal with, and their officials seem to know their job, and
‘were extremely kind and helpful to me.
On March 5th, we set forth down the Meping in three boats, the third being
the cookboat. ‘The river was so low that we had to use small boats, with an arch
-of matting for a roof. Maung U, as usual, had been patronising the local pubs,
-and spent most of the first two miles swimming behind us, in order to cool his
head.
The boats were paddled gently with the current or poled over the shallows,
_and we reached Paknampo on the 12th, passing Hkambengpet on the 8th. The
whole journey was like a continuous panorama of a waders’ aviary. Herons
were on every sandbank, either the common, night heron, or paddy bird ; while
‘once 1 saw a very large bird which I took to be the Giant Heron, (Ardea gigantea),
but was unable to get sufficiently close to make certain. |
Black-naped, Black-bellied and Indian River, floated and wheeled gracefully |
Terns of three species, |
over the hallows, or occasionally followed the boatsfor scraps, while Spur-winged |
Plover screamed monotonously the whole length of the trip.
_and middle, patrolled the edge of the water, sat in flocks on trees, or perched
-en bathing buffaloes; while the enormous red bill of the Stork-billed King |
fisher was conspicuous every hundred yards or so on some overhanging bough, —
Egrets, large, small :
Jjourn,, Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc.
a
Mepine River at RAHENG,
PAKNAMPO SHOWING FLoatine House
wsninssintitititasc a ouretyt jo sseT ~“youq s,Auod Gc}
uo porsl] UoYF PuVv SUTeAF SIYyF OF
uo peddeajs st peoTy | oa
‘90S (3SIH ‘3UN Avquicg “uanor
A JOURNEY TO SIAM AND BACK, 719
his relations, the Pied, Common and White-breasted, hovered, plunged and sat
on snags. Darters and Cormorants were common, while Ospreys added their
incessant clamour to the noise of the Spur-winged Plover. Other Raptores were
the White-headed Fish Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Pied Harrier and Hen Harrier.
The Common Kite seemed comparatively scarce.
Along the edges of the sandbars Greenshank, Dotterel, Godwit, three species
of Sandpiper, and Pratincoles ran busily about searching for food.
On the first evening we landed on a sandbar to pitch camp, and while pur-
suing a godwit, I put up and killed a snipe. On picking up the bird I was sur-
prised to find that it was a fantail, and not a pintail as I had expected.
In the evenings the harsh call of the Chinese Francolin or the melodious
whistling of green pigeon was usually to be heard close to our bivouac, while the
report of a gun would set all the White-breasted Waterhens braying for miles
along the river. Gairdner told me that the Siamese say that these birds call
the watches of the night: they certainly produced their weird call at most
unseemly hours.
It was at Raheng that I was first introduced to the sapodilla, whose fruit is
popular in the U.S.A. I thought them excellent, and was glad to find that they
were obtainable in most big villages along the river. We also occasionally
bought a fish, usually lanchi or goonch, but occasionally, when lucky, we got
a murral. A couple of Green Imperial Pigeon were the only game birds I shot ;
-even jungle-fowl were scarce by the river.
Any thing for the pot was always welcome, as the Chinese were celebrating
their New Year and there were few fowl or other supplies to be obtained. The
‘Chinese put up the cost of living wherever they settle and they are fast getting
the trade of Siam in their hands. They live in filthy huts on ground level with
pigsties built against them, and not in huts built on piles as do the compara-
tively clean-living Siamese and Burmans.
It was interesting to note the types of large boat on the Meping. The Siamese
type has a straight keel and lines, but is being rapidly replaced by the Chinese
type which is built on curved lines modelled from the body of a duck and known
as “‘duck-boats.’’ The Chinese type carries as much cargo for the same draught,
and, as it is much easier to work over theshallows, it can ply much later in the
‘dry season than the Siamese type: it has also the unpractical advantage of being
much more graceful to look at.
Another thing I noted was the large proportion of pink-skinned china-eyed
buffaloes among the herds bathing in the river. In some herds these albinesques
must have formed a third of the total.
Paknampo was an interesting place, as it is situated at the confluence of the
Meping and Me Nam which thereafter become the Menam Phraya, and is the
‘centre of the rice trade of Upper Siam. Most of the rice from Northern Siam is
rafted down the Meping to Paknampo and there sold to Chinese merchants for
‘export. This export rice is not that eaten by the Siamese themselves ; they
consume a kind which becomes a semi-transparent, glutinous mass on being
‘cooked. Below Paknampo lies the great rice-producing plains of Central Siam
which are annually flooded to such a depth that the rice grows on a stalk 12 to
15 feet long, in order to keep its head above water.
At Paknampo many of the inhabitants live in floating houses, which are moored
by large iron rings to fixed poles, so that they rise and fall with the level of the
‘water,
I was much struck with the large coils of rattan stored in the Bombay-Burma
‘Co.’s compound, where I enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Seaton Smith.
These rattans are collected during the dry season in preparation for the rafting
of teak logs, which commences with the rains. Shortly before they are to be
) a oy rattans are put into soak and are then used to bind the logs together
—Anto rafts.
720 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL AIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
I left Paknampo by train on the 14th, reaching Bangkok the same evening.
The engines on this line burn wood with considerable effusion of cinders, to the
detriment of the cushions and other fittings of the carriages. They are also the-
cause of considerable merriment to the passengers when a cinder falls down the:
back of some fellow traveller’s neck.
The country we traversed was flat and uninteresting, and little was seen worth
comment. I noticed that all the egrets were getting their nuptial plumes, though
those further north had shown no signs of acquiring them. One thing I noted
was that in two different places a couple of Siamese, armed, with iron rod and:
spade, were probing and digging for aestivating murral in the borrow-pits by
the side of the railway: a method of capture I had previously thought to be
confined to Burma.
Bangkok was a great surprise. It is a city of wide streets and motor roads ;
good shops and wide canals. The whole city seems well laid out, and I was
told that nearly all the revenues of inland Siam are applied to the upkeep and.
improvement of Bangkok, which contains three-quarters of a million inhabitants.
Mr. Hamilton, Price of the Bombay Burma Co. very kindly put me up, and
during my three days’ stay I met several enthusiastic and highly competent
naturalists, who run a flourishing Society. I handed over to Mr. Herbert, who has
made a particular study of the local pheasants, the cock Gennaeus which I shot
at Pang Yao, together with another shot by Mr. Gairdner. Unfortunately time
did not permit of a more than cursory look at Mr. C. Williamson’s fine collec-
tion of birds, while an afternoon spent with Mr. Godfrey, who is the authority
on the butterflies of Siam, only made me want several days with his collection. A.
visit to Dr. Malcolm Smith was both interesting and profitable: he always hasa
number of reptiles, alive and in spirit, which are well worth seeing ; but he also:
has some very interesting heads of Thamin and Schomburg’s Deer. He most kindly
presented me with a grand specimen of the latter species ; a handsome, even, 22°
pointer. When lunching with General Stevenson, our Military Attache, I was
much interested in a tame White-handed Gibbon, a fully acult male which |
seemed a gentle and pleasant pet. He was black, as I think are all old males
of this species. He seemed disinclined to adopt an upright attitude, but
did so when offered Miss Stevenson’s hand, and walked about with her. He had_
been in captivity some years.
The only thing I personally saw of zoological interest in Bangkok at first hand,.
was an Elephant Trunk Snake, which was lying dead on the bank of a canal,
evidently recently killed by some boatmen. It was large specimen, fully six’
feet long, of the colour and thickness of an elephant’s trunk.
In making preparations for my return journey, I was greatly assisted by Mr.
P,. R. Kemp, head of the Siam survey, who provided me with a map of the-
Mewong which proved most useful. Mr. Kemp has made a study of Schomburgh’s
Deer, and I was most interested in what he had to say on the subject.
I returned to Paknampo on the17th March, and found it much hotter than.
when I had left, it being 98° in the bungalow at 4 p. m.
T left Paknampo on the 19th in two of the same boats in which we had come.
down river, and camped some seven miles up stream that evening. As the
boats travelled slowly against the current I had plenty of time now to do a little:
collecting. The first thing I noticed was that the Golden-backed Squirrels seemed
much larger and to be much more richly coloured than those I had seen in the-
Thaungyin, and a fine male, which I shot on the second day, had the yellow of
the back extending over a much greater area than any I saw or shot in other,
localities. Half way to Hkambengpet I began to see Giant Squirrels (Ratufas)and
shot three of these fine squirrels to the detriment of romance, for two males were,,
competing for the hand of one female, and the chase ranged all over a grove of ,
giant evergreens. Fish were also interesting, as the boatmen caught a 15 pound ,
lanchi in a cast net, while I found a couple of Siamese fishing with rod and line,
A JOURNEY TO SIAM AND BACK, 921
Ss
and with a goodly pile of fish up to three or four pounds in weight beside them.
On examining the fish I was surprised to see that they appeared identical with
the Carnatic Carp of India, which I did not think existed outside that country.
On looking further into the matter I found that the bait was a long, green
lanceolate leaf ; and as I had memories of catching Carnatic Carp with this very
bait in Southern India, the evidence of identity seemed fairly conclusive.
I was very interested, on nearing Hkambengpet, to notice that in nearly every
village on the right bank, there was a small, penthouse-roofed, wooden structure
containing votive offerings; and that in every one were skulls of Crocodilus
siamensis, As these reptiles do not live in the Meping itself, and apparently
do not like running water, I enquired whence these skulls came, and was told
that there is a marshy lake about 20 miles to the west, which holds a large number
of these reptiles. This information was confirmed later on by Siamese and
Karens in different places after I left the river, and I hope to visit this lake soon
and establish its existence. At present it is not shown on any maps.
There was no great variety of butterflies to be met with along the river:
Papilio nomius swinhert being one of the commonest, particularly affecting
damp channels rear the river banks. A few Pievids, such as Nichitona xiphia,
Terias harina, and Huphina nadina were also very common.
A small Vamiops, (which takes the place of our Palm Squirrel but is not nearly
so common) and a couple of Black-backed Squirrels were added to the bag.
The Black-backed is very quiet compared to his relative the Golden-backed
Squirrel. I found the males of the latter species to be quite as noisy as the
Giant Squirrels, and on detecting the approach of an enemy they made a noise
- like a very loud pain of castanets. Though these squirrels chattered a good deal
they could not compare with C. caniceps in the matter of voice production.
My boats had to be poled all the way up, as the forest came right down to the
water's edge and prevented towing. In some places we had to push and haul
over sandbanks, and we passed several of thelarger river-craft struck fast and
their crews digging a channel with boards.
Every evening I bivouaced on a sandbar, and tried to locate the eggs of the
Spur-winged Plover, which wheeled and screamed about me, sometimes sham-
ming a broken wing. I never succeeded however.
One evening, just after we had tied up , a boat approached down-stream and
I was surprised to hear two verses of ‘‘ Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay ”’ sung completely
through. As I had never heard anything but the chorus before, I was interested
to find that the songster was a Burman trader. I was still more interested to
fina that this was the only English he knew !
I made enquiries all the way up as to the existence of Thamin and Hog-deer in
the vicinity. All reports agreed that there are now none on the right bank, but
that both exist in scattered localities a day’s march to the east. I met a Chinese
boat coming down with the skulls of two recently killed Thamin stags. One of
these showed considerable palmation at the ends of the horns, and was the only
really palmated specimen I saw from the Meping. The other head showed
only a slight flattening of the ends of the beam. I purchased the palmated pair,
which measured 31 inches ; the other pair were an inch longer. Thamin heads from
Siam do not run nearly as big as those from Burma, and these two were quite
good for the locality. The Chinese buy the horns for medicine-making, and are
mainly responsible for the reduction in numbers of thamin.
I never saw ahead or skin of a Hog-deer in Siam, but was assured of their
existence.
Except for ar occasional jungle-fowl, Chinese Francolin were the only game
birds. They called from high up in bamboo clumps by the river-bank in the
early morning, and I never heard them call from the ground, though I frequently
surprised them in theact. This coincides with their habits where I have met with
them in Burma, but there they seemed to call more in the evening, and I found
1D
722 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
them much more plentiful in the scrub and small tree jungle of Thamin ground
than in the main forest, even in the foothills.
Green Imperial Pigeon were fairly plentiful and their loud “‘ Moo” frequently,
gave away their position, so that a careful stalk resulted in their figuring on the
breakfast-table next morning. Fruit pigeons were scarce ; a female Cinnamon-
headed being the only one I actually shot by the river, though I saw several
more of this species flying through the jungle at great speed.
We reached Hkambengpet on March 26th and stayed in a big “salah” or
monastery on the right bank of the river. The town is on the left bank and
comprises the usual gaol, gendarmerie post and other official buildings, with a
long one-street bazaar. My ponies, 14 in number, turned up the next evening,
and a sorry lot they were. I reckoned that only two of them could carry a 120
Ibs. load, while the loads ranged downwards to as low as 35 lbs. This was a
set-back, but I did not intend doing long marches, and hoped for the best.
I called on the Governor, a most voluble Jittle man, who seemed to think
my projected journey was a form of suicide. Heand his myrmidons assured me
that I would never get ponies over the Mewong-Meklong divide, but as they had
never been there, and the man who had (a Burmese trader to whom Gairdner
had introduced me) assured me that it was possible though difficult, I refused to
be worried.
In the end though most of the ponies got over, some did not, and one remained
permanently on top of the divide.
(Z'o be continued.)
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Journ. Bompay Nat. Hist. Soc.
H. S. Photo.
SINGILE LA, 12,126/, anp EVEREST.
From Phalut, 18th February, 1912.
be.
H, S. Photo.
PHALUT SUMMIT, 11810"
18th February, 1912,
Puate II.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS,
By
HERBERT STEVENS, M.B.O.U.
Part II.
(With three plates.)
(Continued from page 518 of this volume.)
FaMILY—PARID&.
14. The Indian Grey-Tit. Parus major cinereus (Vieill).
Recorded for the Himalayas at all altitudes up to 9,000’ or more according
to Oates. This distribution is entirely erroneous for the Sikkim Himalaya. I
have failed to locate this Tit even at the lowest limits; it may have
some status in the Tista Valley at elevations approaching the plains-level ;
all efforts to prove this conjecture have been to the contrary, and so far it has
only been obtained at the foot of the hills in more or less open country at 500’ by
Mr. G. E. Shaw. I suspect the heavily forested tract along the foot-hills demar-
cates its distribution more effectively than any appreciable rise in elevation is
likely to affect any extension at dispersal, and this appears to be the case on the
north frontier of Assam; also P. monticolus is a predominant species and the two
Tits have well defined breeding distribution areas. Unless there is an overlap-
ping in its eastern limits with “ commirtus”, Parus major tibetanus Hart.,
which occurs in the Chumbi Valley in Tibet may well be a good species.
15. The Green-backed Tit. Parus monticolus monticolus
(Vig.) ‘ Chichin Kothi,” Paharia.
Oates states it appears to be found chiefly from 4,000’-8,000’ in elevation. In
the Eastern Dooars, January 1922, I found it in small parties in forest at the
base of the hillsat almost the plains-level. Bhotan Ghat, Raidak River, 6 9,
26-1-22. Mr. N. B. Kinnear has shown me a specimen recently obtained by the
2nd Mt. Everest Expedition at 12,000’ in summer from the Chumbi Valley in
Tibet, and there can be little doubt this species is extending its distribution
limits. Dikchu, Tista Valley, 2,150’, 22-2-20* and 13-3-20,* and at a somewhat
lower elevation to the south of this place, to even 8,800’ in Lachung, where I saw
a pair in the winter, 28-2-20.*In Gangtok at 5,800’, 21-2-20* I observed this Tit to
be gregarious for the first time in large parties of fifteen to twenty birds composed
entirely of this species, foraging on the ground. It breeds commonly in the
Rungbong Valley from 4,000’-5,000’ in April and May; clutches sometimes
number seven eggs (4-4-18).
Ten specimens examined :
6 Wing 65-67, av. 65°9. 963-64, av. 63°3.
Soft parts : Iris, hazel; bill, horny-black, tip and edges of lower mandible
lighter ; tarsus, plumbeous-blue.
16. The Red-headed Tit. AEgithaliscus concinna iredalei
(Stuart Baker).
Strictly sedentary. Occurs at elevations of from 5,000’-7,500’ on the Outer
Ranges, not moving to any appreciable extent below its lowest limits in the cold
weather. In the Jnterior observed above Chungthang in the Lachung Valley on
the 11-3-20* at an elevation of 6,000’. Around Singhik at 4,600’ on the 12-3-20*
and between Singhik and Dikchu in the Tista Valley on the 13-3:20* at an
alevation of 3,500’, Mai (“‘Khola”) Valley, East Nepal, commonly occurs
724 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX..
from 6,000’-7,000’.. The distribution as stated generally from 6,000’-10,000’ is,
in the latter instance, undoubtedly too high an altitude for the Eastern Himala-
yas as it does not overlap in its distribution with . woschistos. Gopal-
dhara, 4,720’, 16-7-21* a pair of these Tits amongst a large party of small birds
composed of Phylloscopt, Zosterops, Certhia discolor (pair), &c., &c., searching
the trees around the compound daily, particularly bad weather ; this elevation:
at this time of the year being considered worthy of record.
Nine specimens examined ;
do Wing 47-51; av. 49-8. 2 46-49.
17. The Rufous-fronted Tit. &égithaliscus ioschistos.
(Hodgs.).
This charming, diminutive species shares in all the varied actions of the true’
Tits. It seems to be impervious to cold and its copious plumage is significant
of this fact. It is generally distributed at elevations of from 9,000’-10,000’, and.
rarely descends under stress of weather except perhaps evading the heavy snow-
falls in winter, when its zonal distribution is modified from 8,000’-9,000’, and.
then may be found in small parties of eight to ten individuals, otherwise only in
pairs in April, May and onwards. Kalo Pokhari, Nepal side of the Frontier,
9,500’, ¢ 2 12-4-12. Sikkim side of the Frontier, 10,000’, ¢ 2 18-4-12.
& Q 27-4-12. One pair also observed at 10,000’, 19-5-12.* Partial to-
Rhododendron forest (below the belt of the pines at the breeding season).
Blanford states “‘ probably only pine forest’? where he met with it on.
two occasions only in the autumn: Lachung Valley at 10,000’, Lachen Valley
at 9,000’. My own experience is that birds give the pine forests a wide berth if
they can obtain sustenance in other more favourable haunts. It occurred around.
Karponang in the winter, 9,600’, @ 2 24-3-17. Lachung, common around 8,800”
and lower, from the 25th of February tothe 11th of March 1920, frequenting light
trees, bushes and scrub-growth adjacent to the river ; absent from the pine forests
which were practically devoid of all insect and in consequence bird-life, a single
pair at an extreme, high-winter limit of 9,500’, 28-2-20.*
Eight specimens examined :
6 Wing 55-60; av. 56°8. 2 56-57; av. 56°7.
Iris, naples (dark lemon) yellow.
18, The Yellow-browed Tit. Sylviparus modestus modestus
(Burton),
Sparingly distributed, yet locally common. Found from an elevation of
6,500’-9,500’. On one occasion obtained at Gopaldhara at 6,000’, Q 26-12-20,
and a probable record for Singhik in the interior of Sikkim, at 4,600’, 24-2-20.*
Lachung, 8,600’, ¢ 27-2-20, a few birds noticed. Kalo Pokhari, 9,500’, several
obtained in March and April, 1912. Senchal, 7,500’, ¢ 7-2-17. Semana
Basti, (below) at 6,500’, 8-2-18.*
Easily overlooked and most difficult to locate owing to its insignificant size
and duil green plumage, as it haunts the tops of the trees when in leaf, at times
it may be seen amongst low tree-growth. Oates describes a ring of feathers round
the eye yellow, edge of wing and the under wing-coverts bright yellow ; these
colours are absent in my specimens which would be more aptly described as
greenish-white: in one example, ¢ 18-3-12, the edge of the wing hardly showing
any imperceptible difference in colour to require notice.
Seven specimens examined :
36 Billfrom feathers at base 5-6°5, av.5°9; wing 58-64.av. 60°6.
9 Bill 6-6°5, av. 6°3 ; wing 55-58, av. 56°5.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 725
19. The Indian Black-spotted Yellow Tit. Machlolophus
spilonotus spilonotus (Blyth).
Sparingly and locally distributed. Resident at as low an elevation as 4,700’ in
the interior of Sikkim, (Singhik, February, 1920). Found generally at 6,500’-
8,000’, on the Outer Ranges. The elevation of 3,000’ as stated by Oates, is in need
-of revision, as it is far too low a limit for the Sikkim Himalaya. Observed near
‘Ghoom at 7,200’, 17-1-17.* A pair obtained in the Mai. (“ Khola”) Valley,
East Nepal, 28-3-12, at an elevation of 8,000’ approx., also, a 5 anda @
obtained on the 27-4-12, at 7,000’ approx. Soft parts: Iris brown; bill dark
-plumbeous-horny ; tarsus bluish-plumbeous.
zo. The Sultan Tit. Melanochlora sultanea_ sultanea
(Hodys.).
' Confined to the hot, steamy valleys. Commonly occurs in the Tista Valley
.at low elevations up to 2,500’ at Dickchu, 23-2-20*, A small party once observed
‘in the Rungbong Valley at 3,500’ in January 1912, denoting an upward
movement.
21.. The Himalayan Cole-Tit. Lophophanes ater zmodius
ate (Hodgs.).
Resident throughout the winter at high elevations along the Singile La Ridge.
‘Commonly occurs from Tonglo to Phalut at 10,000’-12,000’, from January to
March, and numerous around Kalo Pokhari at 10,160’, in April and May,
similarly on the Nepal-Sikkim Frontier, Karponang, 9,500’, in March 1917.
Lachung, 8,800’ observed in February and March 1920, seeking food amongst
‘the scrub-growth around the village in severe weather. Blanford records it as
less common than the other two species, but far from rare in the pine forests
with a similar distribution.
. Five specimens examined :
6 Bill from feathers at base 7; wing 58-60, av. 59.
‘2 Bill 7; wing 55-58, av. 56°7.
22. The Sikkim Black Tit. Lophophanes rufonuchalis
beavani (Blyth).
Resident on the Outer Ranges with a somilar distribution in elevation as L. a,
eemodius, but more plentiful. Tonglo, 10,000’, January. Kalo Pokhari, 10,160’,
March, April, May. Occurred around Lachung at 8,800’ in February and
March 1920, being driven with inclement weather into the village. Blanford
mrecords it as by far the commonest Tit in the pine forests of Sikkim, both on
the Cho La Range and in the northern valleys.
Nine specimens examined :
.d Bill from feathers at base 9-9°5, av. 9°1 ; wing 67-72, av. 70.
2 Bill 9-10, av. 9°3; wing 64-69, av. 66°5.
‘Soft parts :Iris dark brown; bill horny-black ; tarsus plumbeous.
23. The Brown Crested Tit. Lophophanes dichrous dich-
rous (Hodgs.).
| Commonly occurs as a resident on the Outer Ranges from an elevation of
| 9,000’-12,000’. Less numerous in the interior of Sikkim where I have noticed a
_ taarked disparity of its numbers compared with the other Cole-Tits. ‘
| Parties of this Tit, L.a. aemodius and L.r, beavani seen on numerous occasions,
occupied taking food on the ground amongst the snow, particularly when,
' foraging between dwarf rhododendron and birch on the mountain slopes and
summits in January and February. I did not observe it in the Lachung Valley.
I
726 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
in February and March 1920. I may also have overlooked it in taking down
my notes at Karponang in 1917. Blanford records it from 8,000’-13,000”
(August, September), northern Sikkim.
Six specimens examined :
& Bill from feathers at base 8-9, av. 8°5; wing 71-74, av. 72°5.
@ Bill 7-8, av. 7:4; wing 67-70., av. 68°8.
Soft parts : Iris red-brown ; bill horny-black ; tarsus slaty-plumbeous.
FamMILty—PaRADOXORNITHIDA.
24. The Great Parrot-billed Babbler. Conostoma emodiur
(Hodgs.) ‘ Tuti” Paharis.
Sparingly distributed on the Singile La Ridge. More plentiful in the
mountains of the interior at 10,000’-12,000’.. Kalo Pokhari, 10,500’, ¢ 27-4-12,
secured on the Sikkim side of the Frontier, in “‘maling” bamboo-growth.
Karponang, 10,000’, ¢ 24-3-17, one of a pair, surprised near the roadside in
dense bamboo thickets.
Two specimens examined :
3 Bill from feathers at base 22 ; wing 125-128.
Soft parts: Iris stone-yellow, (yellow ochreous-stone); bill ochreous-
yellow, lighter at tip; tarsus ochreous-plumbeous or plumbeous-horny; claws
of a similar shade.
25. The Brown Suthora. Suthora unicolor (Hodgs.).
Resident in the Interior of Sikkim from 6,500', and at 10,000' on the Singile
La Ridge, correspondingly with a suitable, dense bamboo-growth which is the
habitat of this Crow-Tit in common with other interesting species. It occurs
both on the ridges in the outer ranges and in the valleys of the far interior;
as it is strictly sedentary I am confident I located these birds in the identical.
place where Blanford recorded them from. Occurs sparingly on Tiger Hill,
above Darjeeling. Obtained at 8,500’, 28-9-19. (G. E. Shaw).
Kalo Pokhari, 10,000’, @ 2-5-12, @ 7-5-12, found in parties of half a dozen
or thereabouts, so could not yet be breeding.
Kedom , Lachung Valley, 6,500’, @ @ 26-2-20. 7,200’, 9 26-2-20.
Five specimens examined: ¢ Billfrom feathers at base 14-15, av. 14°6 ; wing
85-92, av. 88°8. Q Bill 14; 14-6; wing 88. |
Soft parts: Iris stone-grey of a beautiful tint ; bill fleshy-yellow for two-
thirds, remaining portion at tip of both mandibles lighter yellow; tarsus
greenish-grey.
26. The Black-fronted Suthora. Suthora poliotis humii
(Sharpe).
Found at a lower elevation than Suthora fulvifrons, probably about 6,000’-
8,000’ on the Outer Ranges and as low as 4,500’ in the Interior. More addicted
to a varied tree and scrub-growth, and therefore more generally distributed
but far from common; a pair of birds or at the most a small party accom-
panying a mixed assortment of Babblers, etc., Kalo Pokhari, Mai (‘‘ Khola ”)
Valley East Nepal, 7,500’, @ 7-3-12, obtained in dense bamboo-growth.
Singhik, 4,700’, & 24-2-20, probably three or four pairs in a mixed party of
small Babblers, inclusive of a pair of Machlolophus spilonotus. Gopaldhara
5,700’, 26-3-18,* evidently one pair only. I‘had observed a small party at 6,000°
on & previous occasion. Not previously recorded for Nepal.
Oates states Sikkim where this species appears to be common at and “above
Darjeeling”. This locality can only refer to Senchal to the south, and there is
every likelihood of it still being found there in much the same quarters as
Suthora unicolor has been located.
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JOURN. BomBay Nat. Hist. Soc.
H. S. Photo.
SINGILE LA RIDGE.
Looking south to Sandakphu from Phalut.
February, 1912.
H, S. Photo.
SINGILE LA RIDGE.
Looking south to Tonglo from Sandakphu.
March, 1912.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 727 -
Two specimens examined :
Bill from feathers at base 7; wing 45-47.
Soft parts : Iris brown ; bill black.
27. The Fulvous-fronted Suthora. Suthora fulvifrons
fulvifrons (Hodgs.)
Sparingly distributed on the Singile La Ridge, more plentiful in the Interior
of Sikkim at altitudes of 9,000’- 10,000’ in suitable localities, wherever the dense
* prong” and “ maling ”’ bamboo covers the mountain slopes, as it apparently
only frequents this habitat. Prong is the Lepcha name for the bamboo
Arundinaria aristata, Gamble., 10,000’ and upwards. Maling (Paharia) A.
racemosa Munro., 5,000’-9,000’, 15’-20’ in height. Kalo Pokhari, Nepal side of
the Frontier, 9,000’, 2 24-4-12 ; 9,500’, @ ¢ 7-5-12. Onthe Frontier, 10,000’.
3 Y 22-5-12, all obtained in dense thickets of “ maling ’? bamboo; they feed
in a great measure on vegetable substances and the insects in the crevices of
the unopened sheath of the bamboo. Karponang, 10,000’, ¢ 2 @ 18-3-17,
secured out of a large party of twenty to thirty birds in “prong” bamboo
jungle.
Six specimens examined :
3. Bil from feathers at base 7, av. 7; wing 56-57, av. 56°7.
2 Bill 6°5-7, av. 6°8; wing 55-56, av. 55:5.
Soft parts:—Iris red-brown; bill horny-pink; culmen with a broad band
dark-horny ; tarsus brownish plumbeous.
28. The Red-headed Suthora. Suthora ruficeps ruficeps
(Blyth).
Recorded for Sikkim. I have failed to locate it, and I have no hesitation
in stating it to be decidedly rare. Probably confined to a restricted area in the
interior.
29. The Red-headed Parrot-billed Crow Tit. Psittiparus
ruflceps ruficeps (Blyth).
Locally distributed and a partial migrant, occurring irregularly in “‘ the rains ”’
in the Rungbong Valley, evidently it extends by dispersal in an upward direction
at the nesting period and recedes towards the plains during the “* cold weather.”
Nagri-Spur, at 3,800’, a small party observed on the 11-1-12, in dense se-
condary bamboo and reed-growth. Mangpu at 3,700’, a small partyin scrub-
growth. Gopaldhara, 4,000’, observed about a dozen birds mixed with Actzno-
dura, Mesia, etc., keeping up a lively commotion on the 17-7-16.*4,200’, six birds
noted hereabouts on the 4-4-17.*3,500’-3,600’, a pair seen in company with other
small birds, Babblers etc., amongst the bamboos, 7-6-21.* Three located in the
** siris”’ trees in the garden on the 18-5-20.* These records constitute the whole
evidence available from personal observations.
Obtained at Namchi, 4,500’, 16-12-12. (G. E. Shaw). Recorded breeding
in May at 2,000’, (Gammie).
30. The Grey-headed Parrot- billed Crow Tit. Perlpatas
gularis gularis (Gray).
Evidently rare and locally distributed. Recorded, for Sikkim at 6,000’
8,000’, by Oates. The high limit evidently refers to Mandelli‘s mention of its
nesting on the 17th May. Mangpu at 3,600’, ¢ 5-11-21 and at 3,600’, 2
18-12-20. (G. E. Shaw).
These are the only records that have come to my knowledge during ten
years. Represented in the National Collection by specimens from. this same
locality (Gammie) and other specimens from Sikkim collected by Blanford,
Mandelli and others,
728 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX
FAMILY—TIMALIIDE,
Sub family—TiIMALIIn &.
3!. The Rufous-necked Laughing-Thrush. Dryonastes
ruficollis (Jard. & Selby). ey
Recorded by Oates ‘“‘ probably not above 4,000’ and mostly at the foot of the
hills.” Resident in the Rungbong Valley up to an elevation of 4,550’, where
it is only found in patches of rank grass, reeds and mixed light tree-growth
along the bed of the river. Occurs up to an elevation of 4,100’ around Mangpu
and at all intermediate elevationsin the Tista Valley, and reported from near
Rinchenpong at an elevation of 5,400’. (C. M. Inglis). Essentially a plains
Laughing-Thrush which has extended its distribution both in the valleys
of the outer ranges and in the interior, wherever this more or less necessary
habitat supplies the required seclusion and its wants. The minor valleys of
the outer hills ordinarily do not support a plains fauna above an elevation of 2,500’,
while strict low-elevation species invariably occur in the Tista Valley for a distance .
of some fifty odd miles from where the river disgorges its waters into the plains,
and in many cases reach a corresponding, higher altitude. The dispersal of this
species into the valleys of the interior provides an excellent case in point.
32. The Grey-sided Laughing-Thrush. _Dryonastes ceeru-
latus czrulatus (Hodgs.).
This Laughing-Thrush appears to have a better defined status in Au cee
deep valleys than it has in theyminor valleys to the west, although generally it
is somewhat locally distributed. Occurs around Gopaldhara in the Rungbong
Valley at elevations of from 4,500’-4;700’. Obtained above Mangpu at 5,600’,
(G. .E..Shaw) and at Rinchenpong at 5,400’, (C. M.: Inglis). Gammie. mentions’
it as breeding in the Tista Valley from 3,500’-5,000’. f
33- The Himalayan White-crested Laughing-Thrush.
Garrulax leucolophus leucolophus (Hardvw,).
On the Outer Ranges at the junction of the Balasan and Rungbong Rivers,
is not found above 2,500’ around Namsoo, and in the “ kholas’”’ on the Amboo-
tia flat at 3,200’. In the Intervor of Sikkim throughout the Tista Valley reacires
a limit of about 4,500’. Oates records it up to 6,000’, so far I have failed to locate
it at this elevation. Gammie refers to it breeding in the Tista Valley up-to
3,500’ and doubts Hodgson’s breeding limits of 5,000’ or 6,000’ as above quoted.
(Hume’s Nests and Eges of Indian Birds. [Oates] Vol. I, p. 47).
34. The Black-gorgeted Laughing-Thrush. Garrulax
pectoralis pectoralis (Gould),
Commonly found at low limits in the Great Rangit and Tista Valleys. Ob-
tained as high as 5,600’ above Mangpu, (G. E. Shaw). Entirely absent from
the Rungbong Valley, even at the lower reaches of:the river. around Namsoo,
where there is ample undergrowth in the forest ; no single occurrence has come
to my notice. The ‘erratic distribution of this Laughing-Thrush is another
instance in proof of an extensive penetration in the deep valleys of the interior.
3m: The Necklaced. Laughing-Thrash. Garrulax | monili-
ger. moniliger (Hodgs.). i
Occurs at low limits in. the Great, Rangit & Tista Valleys. ‘Ohienea up
to an elevation of 3,900’, (G. E. Shaw). Apparently it. has no status in. the.
minor valleys to the west at any altitude approaching 2 ,000’, as at Namsoo,,
where a certain, few ‘plains species’ are to be found.
—————————eeeeee
“I
bo
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 9
_ 36. The White-throated Laughing-Thrush. Garrulax
albogularis albogularis (Gould).
Very locally distributed, yet found in large parties in favourable localities
at an elevation of not less than 6,000’,
Mai (‘“‘ Khola ’’) Valley, East Nepal, 5&8. 32 2, 8,500’, 22-3-12. Observed
sparingly along the Ridge above Pokharibong on the Nagri Spur at 6,000’,
A party of about eight individuals observed in forest below Semana Basti at
about 6,700’, 6-5-23 at a time of theyear when other species of Laughing-
Thrushes of lower elevations are only to be found in pairs. Oates records thie
species at all elevations up to 8,000’ or 9,000’. This distribution is erroneous
for the Sikkim Himalaya.
37. The White-spotted Laughing-Thrush. lIanthocincla
ocellata ocellata (Vig.).
** Moonali Bhiakoorah,” (Paharia) so called owing to its spotted back resem-
bling in some measure the Tragopan which is locally called the Moonal.
Occurs on the Singile La Ridge, Nepal-Sikkim Frontier, at elevations of
from 9,000’-10.000". Odd birds are to be found at the extreme limits in winter
at 1%, 000" on Tonglo, 26-1-12; specimens collected from’ January to August.
. Soft parts: Iris stone-yellow ; bill horny, a broad band on culmen shading
into the colour of the lower mandible at ats edge of the eS tarsus fleshy
tinged above dusky-. .- ba
38. The Rufous chinned Lauenineerneuakt Ianthocincla
Ba rufogularis rufogularis (Gould).
- Recorded as found chiefly from 5,000’-8,000’.. This distribution for Sikkim
andthe hills on the North frontier of Upper Assam is erroneous. Locally distri-
buted at “low elevations” in the foot-hills. It occurs in the Tista Valley from
3,700’-3,900’, (G.E. Shaw), and in the Great Rangit Valley, Dentam at 4,500’.
(C: M. Inglis). It thushas some status in the deep valleys of the inierior.
39. The Sikkim Red-headed Laughing-Thrush. Trochalop-
terum erythrocephalum nigrimentum (Oates).
Generally distributed from 4,000’-7,000’ or even 8,000’,-and obtained on
Sandakphu during the winter at 10,500’, 15-2-12, one of a pair.
Plentiful around the station of Darjeeling throughout the whole year, as this
‘species in common with the rest of the Laughing Thrushes is strictly sedentary.
It will be noticed, onthe Outer Ranges, I record a higher distribution for this
‘pecies in comparison with T. subunicolor.
40. The Nepal Crimson-winged Laughing-Thrush. Tro-
chalopterum phceniceum phceniceum (Gould).
* Occurs plentifully in the Rungbong Valley from 3,000’-6,000’, and has been
wecorded at almost the plains-level from the Buxa Dooars. (C, M. Inglis).
. Gopaldhara, 5,800’, 5 9 ,24-10-21,* in dense under-growth in forest, evidently
occurs at the upper limits of its range during “ the cold weather.”
41. The Plain-coloured Laughing-Thrush. Trochalopterum
subunicolor subunicolor (Hodgs.)
Notwithstanding this species is weli represented by Mandelli’s specimens from
_ the interior of Sikkim in the B.M., Collection, it appears to be extremely local
and sparingly distributed. It occurs in the Mai Valley in East Nepal at elevations
4f 6,000’-7,000’, The elevation of 11,000’ as stated by Oates is in need _ of revi-
gion in modification for the Outer Ranges. I have failed to locate this Laughing-
Zo, 7
730 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
Thrush in any other part of the country. Blanford obtained it at 9,000’ in the
Lachung Valley and at 11,000’ on the Cho La Range, where in the interior
ut occurred higher than its congener T’.. e. nigrimentum.
42. The Black-faced Laughing-Thrush. Trochalopterun:
affinis affinis (Blyth).
Oates rightly records this species up to an altitude of 13,000’, which is no doubt.
a summer limit asthey come lower down in winter in the Interior to an appreciable
extent which 1s not noticeable on the Outer Ranges. This is the only instance
of a descent to lower limits that Iam aware of amongst the Laughing-Thrushesj
and is easily accounted for by the nearness of the snow-line hereabouts. Blan-
ford’s remark“ ranges above all other forms and is subalpine,”’ is very appropriate,
Occurs in parties in the winter at 10,000’ on the Singile La Ridge. Observed as
low as 5,350’ at Chungthang, in the latter days of February 1920: a striking diffe-
rence in altitude at a similar period of the year.
Chungthang, 24—26-2-20, several in the vicinity of the few scattered dwellings
comprising the village; at this time the maidan was occupied by numerous
Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redstarts, &c., and these Laughing Thrushes came _ well
out into the open, always with an eye to a secluded retreat near-at-hand ; all
had disappeared on my return on the 11-3-20,* specimens obtained on the
former occasion.
43. The Blue-winged Laughing-Thrush. Trochalopterum
Ssquamatum (Gould).
Generally distributed in suitable localities from 4,500’-7,000’ to the west of
Darjeeling and occurs in East Nepal at similar altitudes, but nowhere approaches
the low limit of 2,000’ as stated by Oates. Inthe Zista Valley it has a distri-
bution in elevation from about 5,900’-8,000’, (G. E. Shaw). 3,500’ upwards,
(Gammie).
The sexes differ as follows according to my sexed specimens. Male: Lores,
forehead and ear-coverts grey; back and breast more olive than in the female ;,
tail black. Female: Lores, forehead and ear-coverts rufous; back and breast
tinged rufous ; tail tinged olive; upper tail-coverts deep rufous in comparison
with the male ; this last character, however, does not always hold good ; one of
my specimens has a conspicuous white patch on the throat. There do not
appear to be any specimens of Trochalopterum lineatum lineatum (Vig.) from:
Sikkim in the B.M. Coll., the species occurs in West Nepal though the exact
limits of its distribution to the east is indefinite.
44. The Striated Laughing-Thrush. Grammatoptila striata
striata (Vig.). “ Bhiakoorah” Paharia. Used without dis-
tinction for all Laughing-Thrushes and even Scimitar Babblers.
sometimes with the addition of a vague prefix.
Commonly occurs on the Outer Ranges from 3,500’-7,000’ or somewhat higher. _ |
In the Interior of Sikkim to be found around 2,500’, above Dikchu. Occurs from
4,500’-7,500’ above Mangpu and upwards to Senchal. (G. E. Shaw). Recorded
by Oates for the Himalayas from 6,000’-9,000’ which is in need of correction for
the Eastern Himalayas at all events.
45. The Bengal Babbler. Turdoides terricolor terricolor
(Hodgs.).
A ‘plains’ Babbler, generally and commonly distributed in the Sikkim Tera!
and Bhotan Dooars. Recorded “ appears to ascend the hills to about 5,000’ ’’-
With the exception of the following record, neither Mr. G. E. Shaw nor myself
have met with it at anything approaching this altitude. I have no hesitation
in regarding this occurrence as merely accidental, as it is extremely unlikely
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 738}
to be overlooked. Gopaldhara, 4,550’, 4-5-21,* a pair observed hereabouts ;
these birds rose at my feet to settle on an adjacent tree whence their vivacious:
movements, particularly a whirling oscillation of the tail,were very pronounced.
46. The Slaty-headed Scimitar-Babbler. Pomatorhinus
schisticeps schisticeps (Hodgs.)
Evidently confined to the lower foot-hills. Obtained in the Tista Valley below
Mangpu at 3,800’, (G. E. Shaw). Entirely absent from the minor valleys in the
west of the Darjeeling district at anything approaching this elevation. Mandelli
is mentioned as having obtained it breeding at Namtchu(Namchi) and Yendong..
The first-named place is overlooking the Great Rangit Valley, the whereabouts:
of the last locality is unknown to me unless it refers to Tendong.
47. The Nepal Coral-billed Scimitar-Babbler. Pomatorhi-
nus ferruginosus ferruginosus (Blyth.)
Sparingly distributed. Occurs at elevations of from 4,000’-6,000’ in the Rung-
bong Valley. So far Mr. G. E, Shaw has failed to obtain it in the Tista Valley
where Gammie obtained it breeding at 5,000’. There is a likelihood of it being
overlooked asit is anything but a common bird. Evidently less numerous in
Sikkim than it was in the far Eastern Himalayas (Daphla & Miri Hills) at similar
altitudes,
48. The Nepal Ruvfous-Scimitar-Babbler. Pomatorhinus
ruficollis ruficollis (Hodgs.)
Generally distributed from 4,700’ in the Rungbong Valley to as high as 16,000’
on the Singile La Ridge in winter, at which last-mentioned elevation it has been
observed in pairs in company with parties of small Babblers. Obtained at9,500,’
Q 6-2-12, and around Mangpu, at 5,000’, (G. E. Shaw), also at Rinchenpong at
5,400’, (C.M. Inglis), Rishap (Rashab), 4,500’, (Gammie). Gopaldhara,
5,800’, ¢ @Q 24-10-21, in forest undergrowth, a pair only. 5,500’,
18-5-23*, youngsters on the wing, accompanied by their parents, on the forest
outskirts, In my experience there appears to be a marked absence of Scimitar
Babblers in the Interior of Sikkim, despite a sufficiency of undergrowth; where
there is a paucity of this vegetation, even in forested country, there is little
chance of meeting with them. These birds are not gregarious as the Laughing-
Thrushes and invariably occur in pairs.
Soft parts: Iris crimson-brown; bill, basal half of upper mandible black
tapering along commisure, remaining portion yellowish-horny, deepest at gape;
tarsus pale plumbeous-horny ; soles dull plumbeous-yellow.
49. Harington’s Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-Babbler. Pomia-
torhinus erythrogenys haringtoni (Stuart Baker).
Commonly occurs and is quite the most plentiful of all the members of this
genus. Found in the Rungbong and Mai Valleys from 3,500’-6,500’. Obtained
as low as 1,200’ in the Tista Valley. (G. E. Shaw). An elevation of 10,000’,
as stated by Oates, is far too high a limit for the Sikkim Himalaya. Breeds
very early in comparison with some of the other Babblers. Young birds to the
number of four in the nest, 27-4-12, at 7,000’ approx. Mai “ Khola ”, East Nepal.
50. The Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler. Xiphiramphus
superciliaris Blyth.
Evidently not previously recorded from Nepal. Hodgson records it breeding
from 3,000’-6,000’. I have failed to meet with it at anything approaching these
limits. Gammie, obtained it on the Mahalderam Ridge at 7,000’ breeding.
Kalo Pokhari, Singile La Ridge. Obtained both in Nepal and Sikkim, April and
732. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
May at elevations of from 8,000’-10,000’. It was found during these months
jn pairs in the dense “maling’’ bamboo thickets on the mountain slopes.
Its call is unmistakable, yet not easily described in syllables.
Soft parts: Iris pale stone-yellow; bill dusky-black, lightish at tip of
lower mandible ; tarsus and claws, plumbeous.
51. The Bengal Red-capped Babbler. Timalia pileata
bengalensis (Godw-.Aust)
Recorded for the lower hills along the border of Sikkim, &c. Obtained in the
plains of the Darjeeling district (G. E. Shaw), and I have observed it in “ low-
lving ” ground, a few miles out from the base of the hills in the Eastern Dooars,
It is unlikely to be found in the valleys, unless it has worked its way along the
beds of the main rivers, lavishly overgrown with reed and heavy grass-jungle.
‘There is small chance of locating it anywhere else, and the foot-hills are out
of the question as they are covered with forest.
s2. The: Rufous-bellied Babbler. Dumetia hyperythra
(Franklin).
Probably this Babbler has a clearer defined status to the west of this area,
though recorded for the Lower valleys in Sikkim. Its whereabouts is un-
known to me. It is not represented from the Sikkim Himalaya in the B. M.
Collection.
53. The White-beaded Shrike-Babbler. Gampsorhynchus
rufulus rufulus (Blyth.)
Occurs in the Tista Valley at low elevations where I have observed it com-
monly between Melli and Tar Khola.
To my mind I associate this Babbler, as typical of a. host of others, with
steep, broken ground, thickly studded with bamboos and a diverse tangle of
secondary undergrowth,—a different phase of verdure to that of the grander
forested tracts which do not undergo a transformation of colour to the same ex-
tent, yet are similarly subject to a period of prolonged drought followed by
months of an incessant deluge; when the whole aspect of the vegetation
suddenly passes rapidly from varied tints of brown to vivid greens. Nowhere
are these effects seen to better advantage than in this valley, when at times;
it seems as if every living plant was endeavouring to extract the last ounce of
moisture and nutriment out of the shallow soil, awaiting the never-failing
monsoon, when all forms of life are bathed in drenching rain and steamy heat.
54. TheIndian Yellow-eyed Babbler, Pyctorhis sinensis
sinensis (Gmel.).
The exact status of this Babbler in the Sikkim Himalaya is very obscure...
Recorded for every portion of the Empire and found in the hills up to 5,000’.
1 have signally failed to locate this Babbler and very much doubt if it occurs.
unless at the plains-level. Represented in the series of the B. M. Coll. by.-
one specimen from Sikkim and three from Darjeeling without other data as»:
to exact localities, etc.
55. Mandelli’s Spotted Babbler. Pellorneum_ ruficeps
mandellii (Slanf.)
Mainly confined to the Terai of the foot-hills, which supports a plains fauna.
Occurs around Namsoo up to 3,000’, and below Mangpu in the Tista Valley;
up to an elevation of 3,800’, (G. E. Shaw).
i
w
”
JOURN. BomBAy Nat. Hist. Soc. Prater LY.
H. 8S. Photo.
DWARF RHODODENDRON.
Sandakphu, 11,923'. North face of the summit. March, 1912.
Haunts of Lophophanes ater emodius, L. rufonuchalis beavani, L. dichrous, |
Certhia faniliaris nipalensis, C. stoliczke, Phenicurus schisticeps, |
Troglodytes nipalensis, Montifringilla nemoricola, &c., &c.
Hl. S. Photo. a
MAI (‘‘KHOLA’’) VALLEY, EAST NEPAL.
From Kalo Pokhari, May, 1912.
Forest of Oak, Chestnut, Magnolia, Rhododendrons, Maples, Laurels, &c., &c.
Haunts of Lanthocincla ocellatum, Xiphirhynchus superciliaris, Lioparus chrysotis,
Arborophila torqueola, Tragopan satyra, &c., &c.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS, 738
56. The Long-billed Wren-Babbler. Rimator malacoptilus:
(Blyth).
Rare. Gopaldhara, 5,600’, 1-2-21*. A pairin forest undergrowth with
their usual fearlessness. Although they were under observation within a
few paces I was unable to follow their movements for more than a brief
interval asthey shipped away like small rodents inthe broken and steep:
round. Recorded, “only at considerable elevations.” What is inferred by
this distribution is evidently incorrect as it has been more frequently met with
at moderate elevations,
57. Abbott’s Babbler. Malacocincla sepiaria abbotti
(Blyth).
Obtained at plains-levels around 500° elevation in the Darjeeling district
(G. E. Shaw).
58. The Nepal Babbler. Alcippe nipalensis nipalensis.
(Hodgs.),
Commonly distributed from the plains-level up to 6,000’. Very partial to
thick cover in general with numerous other small Babblers.
59. The Black-throated Babbler. Stachyris nigriceps
nigriceps (Hodgs.) “ Moostay”’, Paharia.
Commonly occurs from the plains-level wp to 6,000’ at all events. I have no
record of it attaining 10,000’ in summer as stated by Oates. Breeds at all
intermediate elevations. Equally plentiful, both in the interior and on the
outer ranges.
60. The Nepal Golden-headed Babbler. Stachyris chrysxa
chrysza_ (Blyth).
Generally distributed and fairly numerous at similar altitudes as S. nigriceps.
Commonly nests around Gopaldhara at 4,500’-5,500’. Apparently not much
in evidence around Mangpu, yet it occurs in the upper reaches of the Tista
Valley around Toong at 3,850’.
61. The Red-headed Babbler. Stachyridopsis ruficeps
ruficeps (Blyth).
Found at all moderate elevations upto 7,500’. Tonglo, ¢ 2 25-5-12. More
numerous below 6,000’. Obtained at elevations of from 6,200’-7,400’ on the
eastern side of the district above Mangpu, (G. E. Shaw). Breeds commonly
around Gopaldhara and in the Mai ‘“‘ Khola” in East Nepal.
62. Haringtun’s Red-fronted Babbler. Stachyridopsis
rufifrons ambigua (Harington).
This Babbler occupies a lower zonal distribution area than S. rwuficeps.
Obtained in the Tista Valley, March and April, at elevations of from 2,5007-
2,600’. (G. E. Shaw). A locality where numerous plains-species penetrate
the hills which species are entirely absent or poorly represented at similar
elevations to the West.
63. The Yellow-breasted Babbler. Mixornis rubricapilla
rubricapilla (Tick.).
Probably does not occur beyond the base of the ‘oot-hills, where it has been
| Obtained at the plains-level. (G. E. Shaw).
|
| .
}
|
|
734. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,
64. The Dusky-green Babbler. Pseudominla cinerea
(Blyth).
Extremely locally distributed. Occurs in the Interior at elevations probably
not exceeding 4,000’ in the hot, moist valleys. Toong, Tista Valley, 3,850’, 24-
2-20. I found these birds in a mixed company of other small Babblers of which
Stachyris chryseq was noticeable in light tree-growth on this occasion,
which was somewhat at variance to my experience in former years when they
freely came under my observation in the Miri Hills on the Assam frontier ;
they were then exclusive in their habits and kept apart from the mixed asgsort-
ment of birds so frequently to be met with, when on their rounds.
65. The Chestnut-headed Babbler. Pseudominla castanei-
ceps castaneiceps (Hodgs.).
Generally distributed at elevations of from 3,500’ in the Rungbong Valley
up to 10,000’ on the Singile La Ridge according to season ; so far not obtained
‘below 5,900’ above Mangpu, (G. E. Shaw). Observed commonly between
Shamdong and Singtam at 2,400’, 15-3-20. Frequents the bottoms of the valleys
in the winter months, gradually ascending with the advent of the warmer
weather to its extreme limits; then found in company with Tits, Yuhinas
&c.—a totally different assembly from its ‘cold weather” associates ; it
breeds plentifully at 5,000’. Ghoom to Sookia Pokhari, 7,300’, ¢ 19-1-12. Kalo
Pokhari, 10,000’, 2 17-4-12. Equally common in the Mai “ Khola” in East
Nepal, April and May 1912.
66. Hodgson’s Fulvetta. Fulvetta vinipecta vinipecta
(Hodgs.).
Recorded distribution ‘11,000’ or more.” Mandelli obtained it breeding
on Senchal where it commonly occurs nowadays.
Generally distributed from 7,000’-12,000’. Observed below Semana Basti,
at 6,500’, 8-2-18.* Occurs at all intermediate elevations, irrespective of season,
as numbers frequent the summit level of Tonglo at 10,000’ in the winter,
January and February 1912. Numerous parties in scrub-growth around the
village of Lachung at 9,000’ in February and March 1920. Evidently breeds
around Jalapahar and Katapahar, circum. 8,000’, as it commonly occurs there
in ‘the rains.” 17-4-21,* numerous and obstrusive. Ghoom, 7,300’, 19-1-12,
large parties about, bitterly cold and misty weather. Sandakphu, 11,500’,
21-5-12. Nest composed of moss, bents and strips of bamboo leaves enclosing
cup-shaped hollow lined with hair, containing three eggs of the recorded type.
Soft parts: Iris pale greenish-yeliow; bill upper mandible and terminal
half of lower mandible dark horny, base of lower mandible pinkish-horny ;
tarsus and claws dull horny, somewhat lighter than bill in colour.
67. The Golden-breasted Tit-Babbler. Lloparus chrysotis
(Hodgs ..
Widely distributed but far from numerous. Occurs mostly at elevations of
from 6,500’-10,000’, at a somewhat lower zonal area throughout the year
according to season, than Fulvetta vinipecta. Partial to dense growth on steep
ground. Kalo Pokhari, Mai ‘‘ Khola”, East Nepal, 8,000’-10,000’, March |
to May. Lachung Valley, Sikkim, 7,200’, 26-2-20, a small party intermingled —
with other small birds in forest. Sonada to Mangpu, 6,750’, 19-5-21*,in small
parties hereabouts in (“ gopi’’) bamboo thickets in forest.
Soft parts: Iris brown; bill deep plumbeous; base of membrane pinky- lj
white; tarsus dark ochreous-fleshy,
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS, 735
Sub-family—SriBin.
68. The Long-tailed Sibia. Sibia picaoides picaoides
(Hodgs.).
Found from the base of the hills up to a litile over 2,500’. An elevation of 5,000’
as stated by Oates, is much too high a limit for Sikkim.
Namsoo, 2,000’, 23-1-17*. A large party observed frequenting the flowers of
the ‘“‘simal”’ (Bombaz) cotton trees. It came under my observation beyond
Singtam in the Tista Valley at 1,800’ in February and March 1920. Obtained
in the lower limits of the Tista Valley below Mangpu at 2,500’. (G. E. Shaw).
60. The Black-headed Sibia. Leioptila capistrata capis-
trata (Vig.).
In the Rungbong Valley occurs as low as 3,400’, and is found at all elevations
up to &,300’, (G. E. Shaw,) around which elevation it occurs on Senchal in the
outer hills. In the Tista Valley observed at an extreme low elevation, near
Rasab, ot 1,700’ and 1,850’, 15-3-20’*, frequenting “‘simal”’ (Bombax) trees when
in flower, and around Dickchu at 3/000’ in February. Only recorded from 5,000’-
8000’. On occasions familiar to a degree. Gopaldhara, 28-6-23*, a single bird
came on to the verandah, searching the pots of geraniums in quest of spiders.
This Sibia is a sprightly bird with a loud, pleasing whistle. It is quite a
characteristic feature of the bird-life in the station of Darjeeling.
/
70. Blyth’s Sibia, Leioptila annectens annectens (Blyth).
The type locality is evidently Darjeeling and is thus recorded for Sikkim at
an clevation of 4,000’ and upwards. Apparently only locally distributed. I
have failed to locate it anywhere in the vicinity of Gopaldhara at all elevations
of from 3,450’ to over 6,000’, and it remains one of my desiderata. Informa-
tion in respect to its status is lacking. Represented by mounted specimens
in the Darjeeling Museum.
The B.M. Coll. contains 13 specimens. February, June-August, November,
without precise data of locality and elevation.
71. The Nepal Bar-wing. Actinodura egertoni egertoni
(Gould).
Commonly occurs in the Rungbong Valley at elevations of from 4,000’-6,000°
and similarly in the Tista Valley up to an elevation of 5,500’. (G. E. Shaw).
This Bar-wing is much more partial to secondary growth of scrub than it is to
well-wooded tracts, being much less arboreal than the Sibias and in its habits
shows in this respect some resemblance to the Laughing-Thrushes.
72. The Nepal Bar-wing. Ixops nipalensis nipalensis
( dodgs.).
More or less numerous at elevations of from 7,000’-10,200’ on the Outer Ranges.
On one occasion observed near Sookia Pokhari. It frequents the tops of the
trees in parties at high elevations. Although this Bar-wing belongs to a genus of
tropical birds, it has a distinct Palearctic distribution, 4,000’ at its lowest limit
as recorded by Oates is entirely erroneous for Sikkim, Singile La Ridge, Nepal-
Sikkim Frontier, slopes of Tonglo, circum. 8,500’g g 20-1-12. Kalo Pokharl
10,000’, ¢ 8 Q 7-2-12, 10,160’? 22-3-12., winter records.
73- Hume’s Staphidia. Staphidia striata rufigenis
(Hume).
Obtained in the Tista Valley at elevations of from 2,000’-5,100’. (G. E. Shaw)-
It is absent from the western parts of the district, and has no status at similar
elevations in the Rungbong Valley.
736 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. X XIX.
74. The Stripe-throated Siva. Siva. strigula strigula
(Hodzs. ).
Plentifully distributed from 5,500’-10,200’ on the Singile La Ridge. Occurs:
around Singhik in the interior of Sikkim at 4,700’, both these low elevations are:
undoubtedly extreme “ cold weather ” limits. On the Outer Ranges numerous:
at and below 7,000’ inthe winter yet nowhere reaches the 3,000’ limit as
recorded for the Himalayas by Oates. Ghoom to Sookia Pokhari, 7,300’, 32 2
19-1-12. Senchal, 8,000’, Q 6-2-17. Mai “‘ Khola”, East Nepal, 10,000’ and
lower, 19th March to 8th May 1912,3¢ 3,492 2. Blanford met with it on the
Cho La Range at 10,000’ andinthe Lachung Valley at about 9,000’ in the
autumn of 1870, at which localities and elevations it is absent in the winter
according to my observations.
75. Hodgson’s Blue-winged Siva. Siva cyanouroptera
cyanouroptera (Hodgs.).
Generally distributed on the Outer Ranges at all elevations up to 5,500’. It
moves down the slopes of the hills to some slight; extent during the cold weather
while its upper limit is exceeded in the Interior even in winter, when I saw am
odd pairin company witha party of Minlaignotincta at 5,800’ in Gangtok on.
the 21-2-20.* Itis often to be seen around Gopaldhara at 4,700’ in December
and January, intermingled with Minlas and several Pteruthius erythropterus,
or a pair of P. melanotis. Observed in parties on the Semana-Mirik Ridge:
at 6,000’, 6-5-23.
70. The Stripe-throated Yuhina. Yuhina gularis gularis.
(Hodgs.). |
The first under-mentioned occurrence most probably denotes a descent from.
the Senchal Ridge, when two specimens were obtained on one occasion at Man-
gpu, 3,800’, 4-4-18 (G. E. Shaw), a remarkable record in altitude, up to 10,0007
on the Singile La Ridge, where it commonly occurs on Tonglo summit in January
and February, and numerous at Kalo Pokhari at 10,160’ in March. Found in
parties which haunt the tops of the trees with lively twitterings. This Yuhing |
ascends the highest on the Outer Ranges in comparison with the other two species,
and has a decided Palearctic status. Blanford states “Less commonthan Y.
occipitalis in the pine forests above Lachung, though still by no means rare. |
Common above 10,000’ on the Cho La Range where I did not meet with Y. occv-
pttalis, (August.) I have failed to meet with it in these localities at similar’
elevations in the winter, and there is little doubt it occurs in the bottoms of the
valleys in the interior at this period of the year, when it is certain to ascend to a
much more appreciable extent than is possibly the case on the outer ranges.
77. The Slaty=headed Yuhina. Yuhina occipitalis occipita-
lis (Hodgs.).
This Yuhina belongs to an Oriental genus, but equally with the previous
species has a definite Palewarciic status. Generally distributed from about 6,500’-
10,200’ onthe Outer Ranges, at which higher limit it occurs during mild spells:
of weather in the winter, butis apparently absent during the severe weather.
In the Interior occurs however at 9,000’ in the winter inthe bottoms of the valleys,
where it appears to attain a higher limit than Y. gularis, as I observed several
south of Lachung at 9,000’ on the 26-2-20*. Singile La Ridge, Kalo Pokhari,
10,160’, 16—19-3-12, several in evidence, having arrived from the valleys below,
on to the ridge, with the advent of hot weather. This Yuhina and Y. gularis:
were partial to the rhododendron trees, and kept up a lively time when probing.
their bills into the flowers in search of insect food. Semana Basti, 6,500’,
NOTES ON THE: BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 737
8-2-18*, plentiful hereabouts. Blanford states “ Jerdon says rar near
‘Darjeeling, is very common and abundant inthe pine forests between 8,000’-
~ 10,000’ inthe Lachen and Lachung Valleys ’ (September & October).
78. The Black=schinned Yuhina. Yuhina nigrimentum
nigrimentum (Hodgs.). feet
Strictly confined to the hot, moist valleys, and thus has a tropical status. Occurs
in the Tista Valley in the interior up to an elevation of 2,300’ in February and
March. Obtained in the lower reaches of this valley at 1,200’, (G.E. Shaw).
Gammie obtained it breeding at Rungbee at about 3,500’. Informer years
it was obtained in the Miri Hills on the north frontier of Upper Assam at 4,000’
in the cold season.
Dickchu to Singhik, 2,300’, 23-2-20 and 13-2-20, in large parties, peontmed
to this species, haunting the foliage of the evergreen trees.
- The distribution ‘‘ considerable elevations only ”’ for the Eastern Himalayas
as stated by Oates is entirely erroneous,
79. The Chestnut=-headed Ixulus. Ixulus occipitalis (Blyth).
Gammie is mentioned having obtained it breeding at Rungbee at about 3,000’,
and it is thus recorded by Oates for Sikkim. It is probably restricted to the
base of the hills or at moderate elevations, a similar distribution in altitude, as
_its status is to the North-Kast, in the foot-hills of Upper Assam,
80. The Yellow-naped Ixulus. Ixulus tlavicollis ‘flavicollis
a (Hodgs,).
Recorded at elevations of from 5,000’-8,000’ for the Himalayas. It extends
in its distribution from the foot of the hills upto 7,500’. Equally p!entiful in the
interior of Sikkim at a similar period of the year around Singhik at 4,600’ as it is
-around Gopaldhara at 4,720’, Odd parties observed near Jainti, Hastern
Dooars, at the plains-level in January 1922. Gopaldhara, 4,700,’ 3, 31-12-11.
Semana basti, @, 20-1-12. Observed on the Semana—Mirik Ridge at
6,509’, in parties, feeding on the Yellow Raspberries (Atubus sp 7) in early June,
_ 1923.
Kalo Pokhari, Mai ‘“‘ Khola,” East Nepal, @Q 2-5-12. Blanford records.
it from (Lamteng) Lachen at 9,000’ in September, which denotes a deep penetra-
_ tion in the interior along the defile of the Lista Valley.
81. The White-bellied Herpornis, Erpornis «xanthocleuca
~ xantholeuca (‘lodys.).
_ Confined to the deep, hot valleys and has a tropical status. In the Tista
' Valley, it occurs up to an elevation of 3,300’ in the outer hills. (G. E. Shaw.)
Oates rightly remarks: “it does not appear to be found above 4,000’ or 5,000.”
These limits leave a wide margin in altitudinal distribution, as there is no like-
_ _lihood of any record being forthcoming from the upper extreme limit quoted,
at all events in the Sikkim Himalaya,
:
Sub-family.—LiorricHinak,
82. The Indian Red-billed Liothrix. Liothrix lutea
callipyga (Hodgs.).
Jharjhari, ” Paharia, probably also used for Mesia. :
lt is unfortunate no two authorities agree as to the exact rendering in nomen-
clature of this species, which is sometimes referred to as Liothriz luteus callipygus,
‘Hodgson appears to have named it callipyga.
21
738 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1IX.
Amongst the smaller songsters, the delightful notes of this cheery, vivacious
bird at the breeding season are by no means without variety and compass. A
resident, and commonly distributed at aJ/ elevations from 3,400’-7,400’ and possi-
bly higher as it is recorded “ at 5,000’-8,000’ or lower for the Himalayas.”
It forages much on the ground in secondary-growth, whilst it may often be
seen haunting creeper-festooned trees at some height from the ground, invariably
in parties before and after the nesting season.
This bird in common with several others, Mesia argentauris, Suya atrogularis,
&c., has accommodated itself to the cultivated tracts under “‘tea”’ of the Darjeel-
ing District, notwithstanding it suffers considerable depletion of its eggs at the
nesting season, as the Paharia youth spares nothing in the egg and bird line which
comes his way. The benefit these numerous small insectivorous Babblers
bestow is by no means fully appreciated or even realized.
83. The Nepal Cutia. Cutia nipalensis nipalensis (Hodgs.)
** Motum pho,” Ley cha.
Locally distributed. Apparently found chiefly at an elevation of 7,000° on the
Outer Ranges. Occurs as low as 5,000’ in the Interior ot Sikkim. Ghoom, 7,000’
17-1-17 *, in parties. Singhik, 5,200’, 12-3-20, a small party. Mai (‘‘ Khola’’)
valley, East Nepal, @ 16-4-12. Obtained at an elevation of 5,900’, 3 28-6-19
and as low as 4,500’, 2 on one occasion, 23-5-20, above Mangpu. (G. E. Shaw.)
Soft parts. : Iris dull red-brown; bill horny-black, basal half of lower mandible
bluish-horny tapering to a point; tarsus gamboge-yellow; claws light horny.
84. The Redewinged Shrike-Tit. Pteruthius erythropterus
(Vig.).
Irregularly distributed from 4,000’-6,000’ and apparently locally migratory.
Recorded by Oates in its distribution for the Himalayas 2,500’, (Jerdon) 10,000’,
(Stolickza). I have no acquaintance with this Shrike-Tit occurring at these
extreme limits. Noted as common at Gopaldhara at elevations of from 4,000’
5,000’, September, October, November, December, February, and at the end
of March over a period of ten years. Its appearances, however, being somewhat
erratic. Strictly confined to well-forested country. Found around Singhik at
4,600’ in February and March. Obtained at elevations of from 3,700’, March, to
4,500’, April, at Mangpu, (G. E. Shaw.) Gopaldhara, 5,700’, 26-3-18 *, several
noted in company with a host ot various small birds. 5,500’, 10-2-19 *, many
noted under similar conditions. 5,000’, 7-10-21*, observed an odd bird or so
hereabouts.
Soft parts: Tris stone-grey ; bill bluish-horny, upper mandible dark horny-
blue ; tarsus, pale fleshy.
> 85. The Chestnut-throated Shrike-Tit. Pteruthius mela:
notis melanotis (Hodgs.).
This dainty Shrike-Tit is not common, yet occurs in pairs in the wooded
‘portions of these hills where it is widely distributed at moderate elevations.
Recorded for the “ Himalayas at high elevations 7,000’ or so.”’ Obtained at ele-
vations of from 2,700’, January, to 6,200’, March, in the Tista Valley. (G. EH.
Shaw.) In the Rungbong Valley occurs from 3,500’-6,000’, and somewhat
higher in ‘‘ the rains,” a pair observed at 6,200’, 1-6-23*, on the Semana-Mink
Ridge. Its actions are very slow compared with the agility displayed by Minla
ignotincta, Pseudominla castaniceps with which and others pecies it often keeps
company. Observed in the interior of Sikkim at Singhik at 4,600’, and below
Chungthang at about 5,000’ in February and March, I have never observed |
more than one pair of this Shrike-Tit on any one occasion mixed up with cther _
birds, wh teas, P, erythropterus often occurs in small parties of the two scx€&e
_ NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS, .: 739
_ My experience of this bird in the Sikkim Himalaya further confirms my
_ observations on the North Frontier of Assam in regard to its zonal
~ distribution.
Soft parts: 9 Iris brown; bill, upper mandible dark mn: mbeous-horny,
- lower mandible similar only lighter ; tarsus fleshy ; claws pale hwiry.
86. The Green Shrike-Tit. Pteruthius xanth-chloris xan-
thochloris (Hodgs.).
Generally distributed both in the Interior and on the Outer Ranges,
This Shrike-Tit occurs at higher limits than the other two members of this
genus and has a decided Palearctic status in its distribution area,
During the winter it may be found at elevations of from 7,000’-9,500’ at which
| last elevation I obtained it at Lachung, ¢ 2-3-20, and at 9,600’, at Karponang
Q 24-3-17, which may be regarded as extreme high winter limits, as pairs were
only in evidence, although these elevations are likely to be exceeded in the
summer. It frequents low trees during the winter, and with the approach of
warmer weather when it undoubtedly ascends to some extent, occupying the
tops of the highest trees. This last trait combined with its dull green
plumage renders it inconspicuous amongst the dense foliage, and it is secured
with difficulty. Soft parts: Q. Iris brown; bill bluish-slaty.
87. The Rufous-bellied Shrike-Tit. Hilarocichla rufiventer
(Blyth).
Sparingly distributed. Evidently does not transcend the limits of 6,000’-8,000’
to any appreciable extent on the Outer Ranges. Occurs on Senchal at 8,000’,
Gopaldhara, 6,000’, 5-11-19, two females secured out of a party frequenting the
tops of lofty trees in forest.
Soft parts: @ Iris dark stone-grey; bill bluish-horny, upper mandible
dusky ; tarsus dark fleshy-horny ; scles pale yellow.
88. The Common lora. A githina tiphia tiphia (1).
Commonly occurs from the Plains-level up to 4,740’, at all events around
Gopaldhara, and obtained in the Tista Valley, up to an elevation of 5,600’, above
-Mangpu. (G.E. Shaw.) This latter record is no doubt an extreme limit for this
tora, as Oates rightly infers “ it does not appear to ascend the hills higher than
3,000’ being strictly a bird of the plains.” My own impression is that it is extend-
ing its distribution under favourable conditions. It has obtained a higher limit
in the Tista Valley, whichis only one instance of many similar cases, which
receive notice under specific circumstance.
89. Th: Fire-tailed Myzornis. Myzornis§ pyrrhoura
(Hodgs.),
Locally distributed. On the Singile La Ridge occurs up to 10,160’, in March
and April, both in Nepal and Sikkim, and in all probability not found below
7,500’ or thereabouts. Apart from a doubtful observation below Ghoom at
7,900*. my records without exception refer to the Nepal-Sikkim Frontier at
Kalo Pokhari,5 ¢ 6, 6 2 Q, collected between the 19th of March and the
30th of April.
Jerdon appropriately names this bird a Flower-picker. It was this fact
which first gave me the clue to its whereabouts, otherwise I expected to find
a Creeper-like bird haunting the tree trunks as mentioned by Oates ; whereas,
it was an agreeable surprise to see it ‘‘ hovering with a rapid beating of the
wings at the flowers’? of the Rhododendron trees. It is generally silent and
unobtrusive even at or towards the nesting season when birds are at their
iiveliest. Its note isa feeble but distinct call, Blanford records it as common
740 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL GIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X«
on the Cho La Range at 11,000’ in August where it was obtained amongst brush
wood, on mossy banks and once was shot on the ground. ‘‘Not seen in Upper
Sikkim.” I have also not met withit in the interior. It certainly occupies a
. lower zone during the winter and ascends to breed at these recorded limits.
Soft parts: vis brown; bill black; tarsus ochreous horny tinged. with
green ; claws dark horny.
90. The Gold=fronted Chioropsis. Chloropsis aurifrons
aurifrons_ (‘l’emm.).
Occurs at low elevations in the Tista Valley, and has a tropical habitat,
Obtained up to 2,300’ in elevation. (G. E. Shaw.)
Ot. The Orange-bellied Chloropsis. Chloropsis hardwickii
hardwickii (Jard. & Selby). ne:
Resident at all elevations up to 5,500’ in the Rungbong Valley, and occurs up
to a similar altitude in the Tista Valley, 5,000’. (G.E. Shaw), It possibly
reaches the limit of 6,000’ as recorded by Oates.
92. The Silver-eared Mesia. Mesia argentauris argen-
tauris (Hodgs.). 7
__ The Mesia is more addicted to secondary scrub-growth than forest. It utilizes
the “tea-bush”’ in common with Liothrix toa great extent at the nesting
period. Recorded from 3,000’-7,000’. Obtained in the Tista Valley as low as
‘1,500’, (G. E, Shaw.) I have no information respecting its status at plains-level
as was the case in the foot-hills of the North frontier of Upper Assam. It is
common at all elevations in the Rungbong Valley up to 5,500’, but here againit
has been overlooked below 3,000’, if it actually does occur below this limit.
93. The Red-tailed Minla. Minla ignotincta (Hodgs.).
This species frequents all well-wooded tracts. During “the cold. weather,”
it invariably is found in parties which intermingle with other tree haunting |
species; as they methodically search thetreetrunks and foliage, they are very
Tit-likein this habit. It is generally distributed at all elevations up to 8,5007
according to season, at which elevation it occurs on Senchal. Blanford records _
it from Lachen and Lachung at 9,000’, but not higher in September and
October. It is commonly resident around Gopaldhara at 4,500’-6,000’, between
which limits it breeds, and is equally plentiful in the interior of Sikkim, |
Gangtok, 5,800’, 21-2-20.* Around Jainti, Eastern Dooars, at the base of the |
hills, a party of this Minla came under my observation in early January, |
1922; I did not meet with them at a later period. I have formerly recorded it
from the Gorges of the rivers in Upper Assam at similar low-levels in “the cold |
weather.” |
(To be continued.)
258.
259.
260.
Bi
262.
263.
26.
265,
266,
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING IN IN DIA,
BY a. 4 . ee s
Masor F. ‘C. FRASER, LMS,, F.E.S. ae
™ PART LV, |
(With 3 plates.) :
(Continued from page 481 of this volume.)
| Subfamily—Protoneurine :—
The nervure Cuii absent As as uk ~~ 259
Cuii present and usually well developed | ak or ces, 290
(A supplementary basal nervure present Bro:
ximal to ac ee ae .- 260.
5: supplementary basal n nervure , proximal to ac a te paweoue
(Genus—Protosticia :— sana oe
{ The anal bridge (ab) absent fs Pie ae (26k
The anal bridge present, running from the
lower side of quadrangle to Join either ac
or the hinder margin of wing . we : 6266
4 Abdominal segments 8 and 9 of nearly equal
length ; stigma blood red ' ie en Meee eee S262
Abdominal segment 8 more than twice the | al pe
‘iG length of segment 9 ; stigma black sees! 263
(Abdomen 47mm. in length ; 16-18 poatcedai om
nervures in the forewing; segment’8 bluish> ea
| white with the dorsal ridge and a narrow ‘
} apicalring black ~~ .. = -- « .Protosticta sanguino.
. stigma,
Ssieiamen only 44mm, in length ; only 15 we
nodal..nervures in forewing; segment 8 » 4
' bluish white, the apical third and the dorsal 2 23. ce aT ee.
ridge broadly white: .. . Protosticta cerinostigma,
Abdomen oniy 35mm, in: length > prothorax pass to ek
bluish white, unmarked; segment 8 bluish white
with a narrow apical black ring . .Protosticta hearseyi
Habomen 40 mm. injlength or more ; prothorax Be, }
| marked with black : segment 8 veriable «set 264
Segment 8 entirely black ore Wee: ta gravely.
| Segment 8 marked with white or bluish white. passe 265
_ (Segment 8 with the apical half and a narrow yey
basal ring black;a narrow black ring onthe -—- i. et ae
posterior part prothorax ca? . Protosticta mortoni.
‘| Segment 8 with more than the apical half ra
black, no basal black ring, the middorsal
ridge on the bluish part finely black ; pro.
thorax with a small triangular marking Or :
- black posteriorly : & _ .Protosticta. stevensie, :
Segment 8 almost ental, white, its apex
narrowly and diffusely black; prothorax black |
with a longitudinal subdorsal yellow stripe. . Protosticta lindgr ent.
Segment 8 with the apical half bluish white ; ost,
prothorax black-on the dorsum, the sides eC: a. oe
whitish -... soe teats ws ee «Protosticta himalaiaca,
my A Bee Drepancatierd : —- yee ee
Beis of arg - fused for a. aor distance at Ee soe
their origin |. ia ti eo ne cole cane naces teas 5 a LOC
142
266.
267.
268,
269.
270.
271
272.
273. 2
275,
276.
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX.
4
Genus—Platysticta :-—
Sectors of arc separated at their origin fe aA - 270
Species confined to N. India. Abdominal seg-
ments 8 and 9 entirely blue above .. . -Drepanosticta car:
michaeli.
Species confined to Burma. Abdominal seg-
ment 8 with its apical half and the whole of
segment 9 blue Se ee i ae 268
Species confined to Ceylon. ‘Segment 8
usually entirely black . ; Pe 1.) eee
Abdomen 50 mm. in length ; (hore on ine mid:
dorsum metallic green .. . .Drepanosticta viridis,
< Abdomen 35 mm. in length; de on the
. middorsum brownish black
. .Drepanosticta quadrata,
Abdominal segment 8 all black, 9 black marie
with a large basal and a small apical blue spot. Drepanosticta tropica.
Abdominal segment 8 all black, its apical bor-
Abdominal segment 8 all black, 9 all blue =... Drepanosticta digna.
der and the whole of segment 9 blue.. .-Drepanosticta hilaris.
Abdominal segments 8 and 9 brown . Drepanosticia montana.
Apices of all wings broadly. black ate .- Platysticta apicalis,
Apices of all wings hyaline ae Pa a 27k
f Thorax black marked with yellow ; abdoannal
| segments 8 to 10 blue on the dorsum ..Platysticta maculata.
Thorax bright reddish brown ; only segments 8
and 9 blue on the dorsum .. Platysticta deccanensis.
the nervure ac to meet the nervure des-
The anal bridge complete (that is it runs fon
f
e
cending from the outer end of quadrilateral) . . fe ie 275
The anal bridge incomplete or absent (when
incomplete its outer end curves down to
meet the hinder border of wing before the
level of the nervure descending from the
outer end of quardrilateral .. ee Rh ee St 28t
Genus—Chloroneura :—
eens of male coloured ay with blackish
brown .. ee ¥: -. > 2a
Wings of male uneoloured di 275
Apices of all wings broadly tipped with Backs iChigroneae apicalis,
All wings traversed by a broad blackish brown
fascia about the middle .. ED .-Choloroneura quadri-
The nervure Cui reaching the hinder margin of maculata,
wing at about half the length of wing. Com-
paratively large spe black marked with
blue “s : Se ae 276
Genus—Disparoneura:: —
The nervure Cui reaching the hinder margin of
wing well before half the pout of vane
Smaller species, varicoloured ve a 278
(senus—Phylloneura :—
Large species, abdomen about 50mm. in length ;
segments 7t0 10 marked with blie .- --Phylloneura — wester-
Genus—LEsme :— manni.
Smaller species, abdomen about 40mm. in
length ; segments 8 to 10 marked with blue. Lsme cyaneovittata.
Journ., Eombay Nat. Hist. Soc Plate J,
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING IN INDIA,
for evplanation see reverse.
Ae
ee)
EXPLANATION OF PLATE 1.
The are, sa. Sectors of arc,ac. The anal crossing known as
nervure ac, ab. The anal bridge known as the nervure ab, Cui
nervure running from lower and outer angle of quadrilateral. ¢
The quadrilateral, abn. The accessory basal nervure.
Apex and base of wing of Protosticia. Note that sectors of arc
are fused at origin, the anal bridge is absent and that there
is an accessory basal nervure.
Base of wing of Platysticta. Note that the sectors of arc are
separated at their origin, that the anal bridge is present
running from ac to the underside of quadrilateral and that
there is an accessory basal nervue.
Base of wing of Drepanosticta. Note that the anal bridge is
present running from the lower border of quadrilateral to
hinder border of wing, the sectors of arc are fused at their
origin and there is an accessory basal nervure.
Base of wing of L’sme. Note that the anal bridge is present and
complete. Cutis of great length.
Base of wing of Indoneuva. Note that the anal bridge is present
but incomplete. Cui is of great length.
Base of wing of Melanoneura. Note that the anal bridge is
absent. Cui is of great length.
Base of wing of Caconeura. Note that anal bridge is present but
incomplete. Cui is very short. ( The bridge is often absent in
this genus. )
Base of wing of DVisparoneura. Note that the anal bridge is
present and complete and that Cua is very short.
278,
Bios
280.
281.
283.
284,
285.
286.
287.
288,
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING IN INDIA, 743
( Species confined to Ceylon se oe “és 6 278
Species confined to South and Central India ae a oF 279
Species confined to N. E. India and Burma 5 ee 280
Thorax pulverulent blue; posterior border of
prothorax rounded ste ‘ .Disparoneura cesia,
Thorax black with two yellow Spell on the
sides ; posterior border of ErOEncres notched
on either side .. ..Disparoneura centralis.
Thorax black marked with two red Sires on
the back and a red and yellow stripe on the
| sides ' .Disparoneura tenax.
Thorax black, prlimosed | on ile aides aad
teach. _ Superior anal appendages obliquely
| truncate as seen in profile. Found in open .
sunlit places beside streams. .. oe ..Disparoneura nigerri-
Thorax black (with pale yellow stripes on the MA.
dorsum of thorax in recently emerged speci-
mens). Superior anal appendages bifid as
| seen in profile. Found in dark shady spots
C
on covered streams. : ae . Disparoneura tetrica.
( Thorax black marked with blue oe Disparoneura campioni.
Thorax black marked with red. ds Disparoneura fletcheri.
Thorax black marked with yellow se Disparoneura atkinsoni,
(The nervure Cui reaching hinder margin of
wing at about half the length of the wing.. = os 282
Genus—Caconeura :—
The nervure Cui reaching the hinder border of
wing well before half the length of the wing ee ae 284
Genus—M elanoneura :—
The anal bridge (ab) absent ne a . Melanoneura bilineata.
Genus—Indoneura :—
The anal bridge present but always incomplete He ae 283
Species with abdomen 36 mm. in length. Con-
fined to the grassy uplancs of the Nilgiris at
about 7,000 ft. .. é Indoneura gonphov es,
Species with abdomen 441 mm. in Heagihr Found
in forests not above 6,500 feet in fhe Nilgiris,
Coorg and South Canara oe aie .. Indoneura ramburt.
The anal bridge always present but incomplete x. t 285
| The anal bridge always absent .. ai ts 286
( Thorax black with a broad blue panna mark
__ oneach side of the dorsum. (Burma) .. .Caconeura botti.
Thorax metallic purple marked obscurely wi th
| yellow on the sides ss ce Me . Caconeura mackwoodt,
4 Thorax black marked with red . : os as 287
Thorax black marked with creamy white or
yellow .. a Hoe 288
Thorax black, unmarked o or very - obscurely So ae = 289
Thorax black marked with azure blue .. . -Caconeura theebawi.
Pilon. black unmarked . .Caconeura odoneli.
Postnodal nervures in forewing 1B to 15 . Caconeura anandalei,
Postnodal nervures in forewing numbering 17. .Caconeura verticalis.
(Thorax bronzed black marked with a white
' shoulder stripe and a broad lateral band. . Caconeura sita,
+ Thorax black marked with two lateral yellow
SU wtripes =o... os se ws ue . -Caconeura canningi.
744° JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1IX,
Thorax ‘entirely black ; 15 postnodal nervures
in forewing °- -. Caconeura nigra. .
289, Thorax black, marked with: two lateral Bicaniiah.-
white stripes. Only 13 pence nervures.
| in forewing as é : Ae - Caconeura autumnalis,
(Subfamily—M. gh lode — ;
| Several supplementary nervures present in oo
| addition to Mia; stigma elongate, approach- :
| ing that of Lestes in shape a ve .. Arigiolestes m el an O-
290. < Genus—Arigiolestes One species only— — thorax,
| Subfamily—Cenagrionine :— !
No supplementary nervures other than Mi 10 ; |
{ stigmavery short, square or diamond shaped Fe! Ben. 291
(Upper and lower sides of quadrilateral about
equal, the quadrilateral square atits outer :
| end‘; hind tibize very broad and flattened .. sort i Se ae ee
201. < Upper side of quadrilateral shorter than the
| lower, outer end of quadrilateral more or less
acutely pointed ; hind tibize not broadened
| or flattened aes ce = Bt; : + A - 295
Genus—Platycnemis :— . Ste :
| Hind tibize broadened in both sexes; dorsum iat
| of thorax marked with metallic green bands Platycnemis latipes
22; < c Masa)
| | Genus—Copera:—
| Hind tibie broadened anes in the males ; ; ok
{no metallic bands on dorsum of thorax bees E evayedt 293
(Tibi ‘greatly dilated, white; inferior’ anal’ Ku
appendage much ccs than superior and ©
curved strongly down...'° . . Copera annulaia,
293. i biee moderately dilated, pranees inferior anal
1 ‘appendage four times as long as superior and "
| directed straight back: A . Copera marginipes,
| Tibize variable ; inferior’ anal appendages only :
| twics the length of the superior’ <4 ‘es: 20
(Tibiz sips dilated, Roca ieen ‘sh’ a Sa
294, < yellow .. ; : Spare - vittata dec-
cae | ae canensis.:
| Tibie only slightly 4 dilated. brown .. =... Copera vittata piliaia.
the length of lower. Most of the cells in’ q
wings four-sided ~ : Eger eae 296
295. 4 Quadrilateral with upper side only half or less ES a
i than half the length of’ lower, outer end } a
~~ acutely pointed. Many cells in wings oe aan !
| five-sided Be ee ee gies 305
(Genus—Celiccia :— ° mf ee ei |
4 The nervures ac and ab meet at the margin of
96,
{ Quadrilateral with upper side two-thirds or more’
2 the wing Mame
The nervure ac meets ab well away from the NS «ae
(margin of the wing ~ . ve eek, rn
(Segments9 and 10 and the anal appendages aa
black ; two oval blue spots on lower part of = = 5: :
297. frontof thorax which may or may not be = >) | He
coalescent with a blue outer stripe ;.18 to 24 iad
-'.'-(-* postnodal'nervures in forewing-. .-- . Oct renifer
Plaie Il.
Journ,, Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc.
HINDLA.
IN
NFLY COLLECTING
DRAGO
For explanation see reverse.
“I
te.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.
Base of wing of Onychargia. Note that the arc is at the level of
the 2nd antenodal nervure, that the quadrilateral is rather
broader than usual, that ab meets ac well away from the wing
margin and meets Cui? at an angle.
Base of wing of Mortonagrion. Note that the arc is distal to the
level of the 2nd antenodal nervure, that the anal bridge
(ab ) isin a continuous straight line with Cui. (This latter
feature is also seen in Indagrion. )
Base of wing of Calicnemis. Note that upper and lower borders of
quadrilateral are nearly equal and that the quadrilateral is sub-
acutely pointed.
Base of wing of Aciagricn and Pseudagrion, Note that ab and ac
meet at the wing margin.
Apex of wing of Canayrion. Note that there are nv supplement-
ary longitudinal nervures save Mia.
Apex of wing of . oe
340. 1 that ‘of the hind =02er, 4a) 3 ae we aay | ae
-Genus—Pseudagrion :—. bse
Female without a spine on the Andean: of —
segment 8; stigma of the same size in | isa
ect > Gil WINGS. sxe 5) erseisl, ” Sipsics | pce euly paiteke o eaeees ee eaacal see 345
341,
342,
843.
344,
345,
346,
347.
348,
349,
350.
|. DRAGONFLY. COLLECTING IN INDIA. 2°. % 149
30 mm. in length. Segments 8, 9 and 10 pale arte
blue or bluish grey unmarked with black . at ‘ ~. 342
Species with shorter and stouter abdomen,
considerably shorter than 30 mm. in length;
_ segments 8, 9 and 10 deep azure blue and
at least some of them marked with black.. a i. waote
Ground colour pale whitish brown; thorax
-with two poorly defined pale bluish stripes
on each side; a large bluish spot behind
each eye ae .Acragrion pallidum,
Grourd colour pale whitish ‘brown ; " thorax
with a well-defined blue stripe on each side
1 of dorsum; a transverse stripe of blue
across the occiput from eye to eye .-Aciagrion olympicum.
Ground colour blue, the thorax black on the
dorsum witha well defined blue stripe on
each side ; a large blue spot behind each eyeAciagrion azureum.
Segment 8 blue with a broad band of black on
the dorsum ig ee towards the base of
segment . Aciagrion occidentalis.
Segment 8 blue, no Binet domal mraniencs bs At pe Nowy ote
|
;
L
| Sides of thorax yellow or greenish yellow ;
L
| Species with long slim abdomen not less than
|
segment 8 with or without a short black
stripe on each side .. 4 é .. Aciagrion hisopa.
Sides of thorax blue or black couted ein. a
whitish pruinescence ; as ent 8 always
unmarked .. -. Aciagrion tillyardi.
( Abdominal segments 1 to 8 azure blue un-
4 marked with black .. . Pseudagrion azureum.
Abdominal segments 1 to 7 Blues all Tuatleed
{ broadly with black .. ‘ ay ia ne eis .. 346
Segments 8, 9 and 10, all ee Me ae hice .. 347
Segments 8, 9 and 10 blue, at least some a
| them marked with black .. ws si ets oe -. 348
| Segments 8, 9 and 10, all blue se oe ae: ». 354
( Thorax black with an olive coloured stripe. on
each side : .Pseudagrion hypermelas,
Thorax blue with a black Tne on tities aile
| of the middorsal ridge rs ..Pseudagrion bidentatum
i Only segment 10 marked with black a a a .. 349
Segments 8, 9 and 10 marked with black .. a per .. 353
(Not less than 10 Eee nervures in
|
forewing : Bs ie 2. 300
+ Not more than 8 postnodal nervures in fore-
wing (occasionally 9 in some specimens of
|
+ Pseudagrion spencei.) aye ae ser OOo
Ground colour black heavily pruinosed
with white on the sides and beneath of
thorax : Ae . Pseudagrion pruinosum
Ground colour azure blue, no pruinescence ite ane a -. do]
A es marked apical black ring on segment
;inferior anal appendages as long as ©
segment Ln ce ae os 58 . Pseudagrion microce-
phaium.
i
a
750 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL AIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X,
8 black; superior anal appendages only half
the length of segment 10 Bs . -Pseudagrion peng wense,
(Ground colour azure blue. Female with the
| black markings on abdomen very restricted
359 and segments 3 to 6 usually unmarked ..Pseudagrion —spencei.
: Ground colour lilaceous. Female with broad
) black markings on abdomen, segments 3 to
| 6 always broadly marked us ..Pseudagrion laidlawi,
(Moderately large species, abdomen 33 mm,
| long; segments 8 and 9 with narrow apical
| black rings which extend forward on the
| dorsum of each segment as two tongue like
points : .Pseudagrion indicum,
353. ~< Smaller species, aiden only 23 mm, lone:
segments 8 and 9 with broad apical black
| rings covering about one-fourth of the seg-
{3 the apical row of spines on segment
351
| ments (Burma only.) .. ot = ..Pseudagrion william-
lk son.
Face and front of eyes pale greenish yellow ..Pseudagrion decorum.
354, | ees and front of eyes bright orange .. ..Pseudagrion rubriceps.
GLOSSARY.
Ab.—The anal bridge. A small longitudinal nervure running from near
the base of the wing and from its posterior border to join the nervure
descending from the lower and outer end of the quadrilateral.
Abdomen.—The part of the body lying behind the thorax, composed of ten
segments numbered from the thorax towards the anal end.
Ac.—The anal crossing. A small transverse nervure on the posterior
border of the wing lying between the level of the two antenodal ner-
vures and meeting the anal bridge when this is present.
Anal segments.—The end segments of the abdomen.
Antehumeral stripe-—Stripes on the front of thorax lying anterior and
parallel to the shoulder region. Occasionally they run obliquely down
and outwards.
Antenodal nervures.—Short transverse nervures lying between the costal
margin of wing and the radius to the inner side of the node. They are
numerous in all species except the Cenagrionine.
Apical.—The part furthest removed from the thorax.
Arc.—The short transverse nervure from which the nervures Mi-2i2 and Miv
take origin. Situated near the base of the wing at the upper and inner
angle of the trigone or quadrilateral.
Auricles—Small ear-like processes springing from the sides of the 2nd
abdominal segment in some of the Anisoptera.
Basal_—The part nearest the thorax.
Basal antenodal nervure-—The antenodal nervure lying nearest the base
of wing and occupying only the posterior half of the space. Only
found in the Gomphine.
Basal space-—The space lying internal to the arc.
arcular space.
Braced.—A term applied to the stigma when it has an oblique nervure
running back from its inner end.
Crest of frons—The front edge of the forehead.
Cubital nervure.—Short transverse nervures traversing the cubital space
in the Anisoptera. Usually single but sometimes multiple,
Cubital space-—The space to the inner side of trigone.
The arcular or pre:
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING IN INDIA. 751
Cui.—The nervure running outward from the lower and outer angle of
trigone or quadrilateral.
Ouii.—The nervure running parallel to and behind Cui.
Dentigerous plate—A spiny or forked plate found beneath the anal end of
the abdomen in the females of -dschninae.
Discoidal cell——The trigone or quadrilateral.
Discoidal field—The area lying between the outer side of the trigone and
the posterior border of wing, bounded in front by Miv and behind by
Cut.
Divaricate—Diverging.
Dorsal mesothoracic triangle-—A triangular area enclosed by a splitting of
the middorsal ridge of the thorax in Rhinocypha males.
Dorsal thoracic stripe-—Antehumeral stripe, which see.
Dorsum.—The back.
Epistome.—The part of the face just above the upper lip and corresponding
to the position of the nose.
Fascia.—A broad belt of colour.
Femur.—The upper part of leg.
Frons.—The forehead. Upper part of face and fore part of head in the
Anisoptera.
Front of thorax.—The upper sloping part.
Humeral stripe-—A longitudinal stripe crossing the shoulder of thorax
from behind forwards.
Hyaline.—Clear, transparent.
Hypertrigone.—The narrow triangle situated above the trigone in the Anisop-
tera.
Labium.—tThe lower lip.
Labrum.—tThe upper lip.
Lamina.—A broad plate lying in front of the genitalia of the male on the
second segment.
Lobe.—A sac-like organ lying posterior to the genitalia of the male on the
second segment.
Loop.—A cluster of cells varying in shape and length lying posterior to and
behind the trigone in the hindwing of most Jbellulide.
Median space—The basal or prearcular space.
Mesothoracic triangle—See Dorsal mesothoracic triangle.
Mia—A short longitudinal nervure at the apex of wing.
Node.—The false joint about the middle of the costal margin of wing.
Occiput.—The space lying between the eyes and at back of head.
Posterior lobe of prothorax.—A collar-like scale situated on the posterior
border of the prothorax.
Postnodal nervures.—Short transverse nervures lying to the outer side
of node and between the costal margin of wing and the nervure run-
ning parallel to it.
Postocular spots—Rounded or subrounded spots of colour lying behind
and to the inner side of eyes in many species of Cenagrionines.
Pruinosed.—Coated with a more or less dense white or bluish bloom.
¢Juadrilateral—The four-sided area at the base of wing below and to
outer side of arc in the Cenagrionide. The discoidal cell. Corres
ponds to the trigone of the Anisoptera.
Sectors of arc—The two nervures springing from the arc,
Subapical.—Near the apex.
Subbasal.—Near the base.
Subdorsal.—Near the dorsal ridge.
Subtrigone—A small triangular area below and behind the trigone of the
Anisoptera
-752 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Stigma.—The pterostigma. An opaque area on the costal margin of the
wing near the apex, nearly always present but sometimes absent in
one or both sexes.
Supplementary basal nervure.—A small transverse nervure on the posterior
border of the wing proximal to the anal crossing (ac.), only found in
some Protoneurinae.
Tibia.—The foreleg.
Tibial spines——Spines lining both borders of the tibie.
VentralBeneath. The belly-side.
Vesicle—A small eminence found on the upper and fore part of head,
lying just behind the ocelli in the Anisoptera.
Vitreous spots——Iridiscent clear areas found on the wings of most species.
of male Rhinocyphas.
FEMALE DRAGONFLIES.
In the above key only the male dragonfly has been dealt with, little or no
attempt has been made to deal with the females.
It must be borne in mind that the latter, more often than not have the wings
uncoloured even in cases where the male wings are coloured; venation however
is nearly always identical in the two sexes and must be relied upon as the
chief- means of determining the species of any particular female.
In some genera of the Zygoplera there are two or even three varieties of the
female, which renders the task of identification very puzzling.
The chief differences met with between the two sexes may be summed up in
the following rules :—
1. The male genitalia are conspicuous on the underneath of the 2nd abdo-
minal segment whilst the female carries her organs below the 8th and
9th segments.
2. The anal appendages of the female are very small and inconspicuous as
compared to those of the male.
3. The abdomen of the female is much stouter and less shapely than that
of the male.
4, The wings of the female are nearly always uncoloured and modified in
shape; in the Anisoptera the anal angle of the hindwing is rounded off
instead of strongly angulated as is the case usually in the male. In
the larger species of Zygoptera the fore and hind-wings are of the same
shape and width.
5. Colouration is usually more dull and inconspicuous. Where the abdomem
of the male is some shade of red or blue, that of the female will be some
shade of yellow or brown, or if marked in the male, the corresponding
markings in the female will be much more in evidence hiding or obs-
curing the ground colour,
A newly emerged male, especially of the Libelluline closely resembles the |
female in colouring, the blues and reds are not developed for several days. Thus
a female may often be determined by comparing it with a newly emerged.
(teneral) male.
_ In the larger species of Zygoptera the body markings of the females are better
developed, in the Rhinocypha however, the coloured mesothoracic triangle 0
the males is absent in the females.
In the following notes I have endeavoured to deal with striking and individual
differences between the sexes of certain species, showing how the fom of |
such may be identified.
Tetrathemis platyptera.—Wings uncoloured.
Orthetrum.—All females have “the body and abdomen some meee of yellow
or brown, Venation is usually true,
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING OF INDIA, - 753
Rhodothemis rufa.—Abdomen ochreous or brownish yellow. A_ pale
greenish yellow stripe runs from front and dorsum of thorax un-
brokenly on to the first few segments of abdomen.
Indothemis.—Females yellowish, marked with black.
Tholymis tillarga.—Female without the opalescent white spot on hind
wings. Body colour brownish olive.
Diplacodes nebulosa.—Black apices of wings absent. Body colour pale
yellow marked with black.
Sympetrum.—Where males have red bodies the females are yellowish.
Neurothemis fulvia.mFemale differs markedly from the male. The colour
is pale amber and the hyaline spaces at the apices of wings are nearly
always absent. When present they are small and poorly defined.
Neurothemis fluctuans——Wings usually colourless but occasional speci-
mens resemble the male.
Neurothemis tullia tullia and tullia feralis—Females totally different from
the males, so much so in fact that they were for a long time taken to
be two different species. The two sexes are usually found swarming
together in marshes. The base of the wing as far as node pale saffron,
a broad brown fascia traverses the wing at the level of the node av a the
apices are coloured broadly with the same colour.
Lathrecista asiatica—Abdomen rich ochreous in the female. I have only
once taken a female with the abdomen coloured bright red as in
the male.
Brachythemis contaminata.—Wings without the orange bands.
Crocothemis servilia—Females sandy yellow.
Trithemis aurora.—Females yellow marked with black, abdomen cylindrical,
wings with brown apices.
Trithemis festiva——Very similar to aurora but the apices not tipped with
brown.
Azuma and Macromia.—Females with broad compressed abdomen. Yei-
low markings broader and better defined.
Idionyx.—Same as last but the wings often broadly saffronated at the
base.
Orogomphus xanthoptera.—The description in the key is that of the female,
the wings of the male are colourless and narrow. Found only in the
Western Ghats.
Mnais earnshawi.—Wings of female colourless, stigma usually absent.
Neurobasis chinensis ——Wings deep saffron in the female, the node and
false stigma opaque white. No metallic colouring on wings.
Anisopleura.—The angulation of the costa in the hindwing is absent so that
they are apt to be confused with Bayadera.
Caliphaea confusa.—Wings colourless, thorax green metalli:, no parts of
body pruinosed.
Pseudophea.—All females remarkably alike. Wirgs simular in shape
and narrow, uncoloured or with the apices indifferently tipped with
brown. Markings of body better defined but of the same pattern as
in the males.
Rhinocypha and Micromerus.—Wings colourless. Stigma always present
and wellformed. Coloured mesothoracic triangle absent. Unless
taken in company with the male, females of Rhinocypha offer the great-
est difficulty in identification, as they resemble each other so closely.
Protoneura.—Females are much shorter and stouter than the males, but
markings are very similar.
Chloroneura.—Females have the wings colourless.
Disparoneura and Caconeura.—In males where the body markings are red.
the corresponding females are marked with yellow.
23
754. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Copera.—Females more sombre, legs pale brown, abdomen stouter and
shorter.
Calicnemis.—The differences here are best expressed by means of a key.
The one given is a modification of Laidlaw’s.
( Legs yellow ; dorsum of abdomen bronze green C. eximia.
1, < Legs black ; dorsum of abdomen black ..C. mortoni.
| Legs black marked with yellow .. ae - $3 ai 2
2. ane yellow marked with black .. & ei Ar 3
aan crimson uP is 4
f Whole of abdomen back © or thie baval segments
yellow marked with black... .C. pulverulans,
Abdomen black, terminal segments bright
a yellow .. .C. chromothorax.
Abdomen aie: clouded ‘with black through
out : ne ..C. miles.
4 ; Upper lip black a ‘i os . .C. erythromelas.
*+ | Upper lip reddish brown . ..C. miniata.
Celiccia.—Dorsal markings on "thorax a plain outer stripe of yellow on
each side.
Ischnura.—Nearly all the species of this genus have at least two distinct
types of female which usually differ very markedly from the males.
Except in the orange type of female, the head and thorax closely re-
semble the male. Fortunately it is rare to take any two species in the
same locality except J. senegalensis and IJ. aurora and here the differ-
ences in size are so marked that there is no difficulty in separating
the two.
I. inarmata.—Three types of female.
1. Thorax bright orange without any black marking.
2. Head and thorax closely resembling male. Ground colour pale
blue, all segments marked broadly on dorsum with black,
Middorsal ridge of thorax finely yellow.
3. Similar but the ground colour palest brown.
J. aurora.—Ground colour orange or ochreous, all abdominal segments
broadly black on dorsum. No blue marks.
I. forcipataa—Females resemble those of senegalensis but no orange
female is known although it probably exists. Stigma pale brown and
diamond shaped in all wings.
I. elegans.—Two types of female known. One resembling the male
very closely and an orange form closely similar to that of senegalensis.
I. senegalensis.—Three types of female known.
1. Exactly similar to the male.
2. An orange form with the thorax bearing a broad median black
stripe.
3. Ground colour dirty brown, abdomen marked broadly with
black throughout.
I. annandalei and I. rufostigma.—Females resemble males closely
except that all segments of abdomen bear traces of black.
Agriocnemis and Argiocnemis.—Females of these are markedly polymorphic.
All species have a reddish coloured female which represents the newly
emerged insect and from this all grades of colouring are met with
to the adult insect.
These red females are the analogues of the orange females of Jschnura.
In the adult insect, the abdomen is broadly marked with black but
the head and thorax do not differ markedly from that of the respective
males, so that there is usually not much difficulty in determining them. ©
A, incisa.—This species has a pale citron yellow type of female and an
DRAGONFLY COLLECTING OF INDIA. 755
equally common rose-pink type. The former has the thorax unmarked,
the latter bears a broad, median black stripe on the dorsum.
Rhodischnura nursei.—The female is dimorphic. One type is similar to
the male but is rare, The common type is not unlike the female of
I, aurora but there is only a single broad band of black on the dorsum
of thorax and no enclosed stripes of the ground colour. A third type
has the thorax similar but the abdomen red marked finely with black
on segments 1 to 6, and broadly from 7 to 10.
Ceenagrion dyert.—The ground colour of the female is pale grey, the thorax
bearing 3 fine parallel black lines on the middorsum and the abdomen
marked broadly with black throughout.
Ceriagrion.— Both sexes usually similar but the females more sombre.
C. fallax and C. melanurum have the abdomen broadly marked with
warm brown changing to deep black on segments 6 to 10. C. coromande-
lianum has the abdomen olivaceous brown and may be confused with
olivaceum. Other species are usually taken in company with their
respective mates.
Enallagma and Aciagrion.—Sexes closely similar but the blue shoulder
stripes are pale greenish yellowin the females.
Pseudagrion.—The females of these are very confusing as they differ widely
in colour from that of the males and bear a more or less close resem-
blance to each other.
J have thought it best to make out a key for these but as they are usually
taken paired with the males, the characters of these should be relied
upon for determining the species.
Thorax with only a single fine middorsal black
» line 2
1. < Thorax arth 3 fine parallel ‘black ies on mite
le edorsum: . 3
( Ground colour pale blue; black marking « on dor-
| sum of segment 9 split into two apical points P. microcephalum,
< Similar but a deeper blue.. sie A * .. P. bengalense.
| Ground colour pale green; 9th segment with a
| broad, quadrate black mark .. a .. LP. decorum,
(Black markings on segments 2 to 6, very narrow
| and restricted .. F P. spencet,
4 Black markings on segments 2 to 6, very broad
and covering most of dorsum .. a2
More than 10 postnodal nervures to forewing .
Less than 10 postnodal nervures to forewing ..
(More than 12 postnodal nervures to forewing ..
5. 2 Not more than 12 postnodal nervures to fore-
wing ae ate ats ai se she
6 eae 8 all blue at ene ays . P. azureum.
Segment 8 all black : . P. pruinosum
Segment 8 all black; 11 postnodal nervures to
{ forewing . . P. rubriceps.
ns Segment 8 black marked with a blue apical ring,
i 12 postnodal nervures to forewing .. . P. indicum.
{ Ground colour of thorax violaceous brown ; ;
segment 10 unmarked - 8 postnodal nervures to
3 forewing .. : . P. laidlawi.
Ground colour of thorax pale greenish yellow ; :
| segment 10 with a basal mark of black; 9
| postnodal nervures to forewing ae .« P. hypermelas.
>
I OOo
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
ERRATA.
Part IT.
Page 53, lines 5 and 10 from top cf page, Cuzz should be Cuz.
Page 54, line 11, the figure 6 should be 8.
Page 58, line 8, Macromiaida should be Macromia ida, and on lines 41 and
47, Indomacromia should read Phyllomacromia.
Page 59, fifth line from bottom, specious should read speciosus,
Page 65, lines 4 and 7, the word b:forceps should be omitted.
Part ITI.
Page 474, line 3 from bottom of page, the letter B should read D.
Page 475, lines 15 and 16 from bottom of page, subfamily should read
family,
Page 478, line 2, from top of page, Pseudophaea ethelt should read
Dysphaea ethela,
Page 479, line 27, the word perforata should be omitted.
Page 480, line 12 from bottom of page, the word praemorsa should be
omitted.
757
A DESCRIPTION OF THE NESTS AND EGGS OF THE COMMON BIRDS
OCCURRING IN THE PLAINS OF THE UNITED PROVINCES,
By
E. H. N. Git.
' Part Iv.
(With 3 plates.)
(Continued from page 344 of this volume.)
Pratincola caprata el ee .. The Common Pied Bush-Chat.
Local name ae .. Kala Pidha,
Anglo-Indian name as .» The Pied Robin.
This species seems to have a curious distribution, in that it is comparatively
common.in some districts, and rare in others. It seems to occur more abundantly
jn wild, open country ; and is very common in the hilly, scrub covered tracts of
—
———
ee
the Mirzapur, Allahabad, Banda and Jhansi districts; and in the wilder por-
tions of the Rohilkhand division. In the Eastern districts it is rare, and is
seldom met with. I cannot remember ever having seen it East of Benares.
The breeding season is from March to June, though the majority lay in March
and April. The nests are shallow, saucer-like structures composed of soft grasses,
fine roots, and wool; lined with hair and other soft materials ; placed in holes
_ in walls or banks quite near the ground; the entrance being carefully sheltered
externally. Sometimes the nests are in dense bushes or tufts of grass, but always .
close to the ground. The birds are shy and wary, and as the nests are well
concealed, a great number escape detection. ‘Two nests of unique type taken
by Colonel Marshall at Saharanpur are worthy of mention. ‘““They were situated’,
he says, ‘“‘in the middle of tufts of surkery-grass, the insides of which had been
all hollowed out, so as to leave a circular space of bare ground in the middle
| about a foot in diameter, which was sparsely covered over with bits of grass ;
this circular space was roofed over by drawing the surrounding grass-stems
together and weaving in other pieces so as to form asort of dome. The interior
_ height of the structure was about 18 inches. The entrance was circular on one
pide near the top, about 15 inches above the floor of the chamber. The egg-
receptacle was a hollow in the floor of the chamber near one side farthest from
_ the entrance and neatly lined with grass, about 2} inches across, and about
_ 14 inch deep.”
Normally only four eggs are laid in shape rather broad ovals slightly pointed
| towards one end, and fairly glossy. The ground-colour is a delicate pale greenish
_ blue, and the markings consist of specks, streaks, and splashes of reddish brown
scattered over the egg, and having a tendency to collect in an irregular cap at
the large end. In some specimens the streaks and splashes predominate, and
in others only the speckles ; and a normal egg would measure about 0°65 by
0°56 inch.
Cercomela fusca (629) .. .. The Brown Rock-Chat.
Local name axe a .. Shama.
Anglo-Indian name aed .. The Sharma.
This is a common bird throughout the Province, and is peculiar for its curious
attachment for old ruins, buildings, forts, mosques, temple:, and quarries,
_ It bobs up most unexpectedly in the wierdest places and darkest corners where
_ its haunting voice and dull, sober colouring strikes a note of unspeakable
loneliness. Summer and winter they haunt the same buildings and are never
absent from the vicinity of their breeding grounds; in some cases becoming
80 domesticated as to be almost handled. A pair have been breeding in the
_ Bareilly Club for several years, and at the present moment are so tame, that .
758 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,.
they hop cheerfully about the various rooms without the least fear of
molestation.
The breeding season is from March to July, and the nests, always placed in.
holes or crevices in walls or rocks, are feeble structures of fine grasses, roots,.
and wool, scantily lined with horse-hair and soft materials, with a slight depres-
sion in the centre to contain the eggs. Occasionally the nest is placed on a
flat surface or ledge projecting from. under a roof, and then it is encircled with
small lumps of earth or pebbles to prevent the eggs from slipping off the edge..
There are two, and sometimes three broods a year.
Normally only three eggs are laid, only occasionally four. In shape they
are, typically, moderately broad ovals somewhat pointed towards one end.
The ground-colour is a pale pure blue sometimes spotless, but generally sparingly
spotted and speckled with different shades of red, particularly towards the large
end ; the small end being almost free from any markings. A normal egg would
measure about 0°8 by 0°6 inch.
Thamnobia cambaiensis (661) .. The Brown-backed Indian Robin.
Local name ue A -- Unknown.
Anglo-Indian name ae ..- The Indian Robin ; Dhama.
This species is extremely common throughout the Province, and a familiar
garden bird in practically every district. It is essentially terrestrial in its
habits, and is quite ir teresting to watch as it hops about the garden in a most
sprightly manner with its little tail held erect, expanding and contracting it
at frequent intervals.
The period of nidification is from March to July, according to locality ; and
the nests are always placed in holes in walls and earthen banks quite near
the ground. The holes in stable and gate pillars, when the bamboo cross poles:
are not in use, are favourite nesting places, and many a nest may be found
therein. The nests are merely soft pads of tow, sheep’s wool, and vegetable
fibres, with the egg-cavity in the middle; sometimes deep and sometimes
shallow, lined with fine roots and horse-hair. Quite frequently nests may be
found wedged firmly between the stiff, upright stems of cactus bushes, and these
are simply compact masses of the same materials with a cup-shaped and hair-
lined egg-cavity let in on top. But this is not all, for the birds are not without
a sense of humour, and are not above contemplating the possibilities of disused
drain-pipes, broken flower pots, old tin cans, and the like, as highly desirable
nesting sites.
The usual complement of eggs laid is three, occasionally four. Two and three
broods are raised each year, sometimes in the one nest. In shape the eggs are
somewhat elongated ovals, more or less pointed towards one end. The ground
colour varies from a cream, through shades of pink and pale brown, to a light-
green, with a moderate gloss. The markings which are numerous, consist of
specks and spots of a reddish brown scattered more or less profusely over the
whole egg, particularly towards the large end, which in some specimens produce
a distinct brown zone underlaid by secondary markings of pale purple shades.
A normal egg would measure about 0°8 by 0°6 inch.
Copsychus saularis (663) -. The Magpie Robin.
Local name fe ae ee Dhiyal.
Anglo-Indian name... -- Dhiyal.
This conspicuous bird occurs in mostly all the districts of the Province, though
less commorly perhaps than the Brown-backed Indian Robin. It is a familiar
garden bird of pleasing song, especially in the breeding season when it may be
observed in the early mornings perched high on the top of some leafless bough
whistling and twittering in the most refreshing manner, and which, if not
disturbed, it will continue for some considerable time.
The period of nidification is from about the beginning of April to about the
beginning of August, according to locality, though the bulk lay in May and April.
a a
—<—— ——- —
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dHAVHM NOWWOO WHA
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'90S °3SIH ‘'372N Avequwog ‘u4anor
NESTS AND EGGS OF COMMON BIRDS OF THE U.P. 759
The nests are invariably built in holes in trees, though holes in walls and mud
banks are often selected. Both birds assist in building the nest and incubating
* the eggs, and are devoted parents.
The nest is simply a frail padding of fine twigs and various vegetable fibres
occupying the bottom of the hole or cavity, slightly cup-shaped towards the
centre to contain the eggs: the full complement of which is five, though it is
more usual to find four, sometimes only three.
In shape they are typically almost perfect ovals with a moderate gloss, though
the variation in shapeis pretty wide ; elongated, pyriform, and globular specimens
being quite common. The grourd-colour varies from a pale green, through
darker shades of green, to a distinct greenish blue. The markings, which are
usually more conspicuous towards the large end, consist of streaks and small
blotches of reddish brown, underlaid by faint spots and mottlings of pale purple
shades; more conspicuous in some specimens thar in others. The eggs, as a
whole, bear a remarkable resemblance to those of the Black-headed Cuckoo
Shrike ; and a normal specimen would measure about 0°86 by 0°65 inch.
Ploceus baya Ad ais -. The Indian Baya, or Weaver-Bird.
Local name ; fe .- Baya.
Anglo-India1 name Re .- The Bottle-Bird.
The common Baya is a popular bird throughout India. It occurs commonly
throughout the Province, but can hardly be characterised as a garden species.
The birds are highly gregarious, and are usually met with in large numbers in
cane-brakes and high cultivation. They are birds of considerable sagacity,
and are popular with Indians on account of the way in which they can be trained
to perform all manner of quaint tricks. They are very easily tamed, and
become charming pets.
The period of nidification is from April to September, according to locality.
and the nests, though wonderful structures, are perhaps even more familiar
to the casual observer than the birds themselves. They occur most commonly
in the immediate vicinity of water ; the overhanging fronds of date and toddy
palms, and the spreading branches of thorny acacias being specially favoured.
Large bushes overhanging the borrow-pits alongside railway embankments..
and even disused wells amidst high cultivation are common sites; and it is
not out of the ordinary to find fifty or more nests on the one tree. They are
pensile and retort shaped, and are composed throughout of fine strips of elephart
grass or sugar-cane leaf without lining of any description, and are marvels of
ingenuity and patience.
The upper part of the nest varies in length as also does the nest itself, and
the long tubular entrance underneath. From the point of support the top portion
is extended and widened till the roof portion, comprising about a third of the
nest proper, is completed; at which stage a strongly woven loop is formed,
attached to either side of the roof. The egg compartment is then formed on one
side of the loop, but lower than the top of it—-in order to prevent the eggs from
rolling out, and the tubular entrance on the other. Both birds assist in building
the nest, and are tireless in their continued efforts to acquire perfection. When
the nest has assumed certain proportions the female takes up her position inside
while the male supplies the materials from without, and though the strips of
grass used for the purpose are much serrated, it does not seem to worry the birds
in the least who thread it in and out of the nest fabric without the least difficulty.
In fact, this is done ‘0 efficiently that it is very difficult to pull the nest to pieces,
a fact which adds considerably to its stability.
_The precise method by which the building material is obtained is most interest-
ing. A bird alights on a stout blade of grass and bites through its edge to the
required thickness. Then, with the bitten end held firmly in its bill, the bird
flies off. The strip, of course, rips along the blade and snaps off at the end without
in any way retarding the progress of the bird. A method which, apart from
760. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X,
being quite ingenious, saves a deal of valuable time. Some observers have gone
so far as to maintain that the blade is bitten in two places to the required length,
but I have not actually observed this myself.
A most interesting feature about the nidification of this species is the small
deposits of clay found in many of then sts. One idea, distinctly oriental but
rather picturesque, is to the effect that the birds use the clay to stick fire-flies
on to in order to light up the nest at night. Layard suggests that the bird uses
it to sharper: its billon. Burgess that it helps to strengthen the nest, and Jerdon
that it serves to balance the nest correctly aud to prevent its being blown about
by the wind.
The deposits of clay are not present in all nests, and so far as my experience
goes, I have found it more abundant in the incomplete nests which are supposed
to be built by the males for their own special benefit. That there is a definite
reason for this peculiarity is beyond question, and when one takes into considera-
tion the fact that the clay is always stuck on at the one place, under the roof
directly above the egg-compartment, it is not improbable to suppose that it
serves to make the egg-compartment more waterproof, and also to make the
roof stronger and more rigid and better able to withstand the extra weight of
the young birds without getting out of shape and pressing down upon them.
Then there is the extraordinary phenomenon attaching to the incomplete
nests which are a feature of every breeding colony, in some more some less.
Itseems to be just the normal nest cut hurizontally in halves with a transverse
loop at the bottom on which the male bird takes up his position. Jerdon,
however, maintains that they are just ordinary unfinished nests which
have been rejected either for some imperfect constructiop, weak support, or
other reason ; but there would seem to be more in it than this. Not so very
long ago I watched a lone male Baya build one of these ‘‘ unfinished ” nests
entirely for himself ; but not being in possession of a mate he was obviously
aware of the futility of completing it.
Even in the breeding colonies the males go on building and titivating the
completed nests long after the eggs have been laid, especially the tubular en-
trances which sometimes attain to a length of about 12 inches. As a matter of
fact the constructive faculty at this season appears to be so strong that the
males seem to be smitten by an overmastering desire to keep on building
something and this is borne out by the fact that the incomplete nests are of
greener material. What is more desirable than a comfortable nest of simple
design for themselves?
The tubular entrance itself is obviously designed for purposes of safety, as
anyone who has tried to extract the eggs from one of these nests will readily
acknowledge. No other bird could possibly accomplish it without tearing the
nest to pieces, and even thisis not an easy task. But the way in which the
birds themselves dash up the tubular entrance without even shaking the nest,
or pushing their heads through the roof with the impetus they acquire, is per-
fectly marvellous, and a sight well worth watching.
The tubular passage is used as a mode of entrance while the nest is in process
of construction, and while the eggs are being incubated. But shortly after the.
eggs are hatched it seems to be abandoned altogether and the food delivered
to the claimant offspring through small apertures driven through the nest
fabric immediately above the egg cavity. In fact the absence or otherwise
of these apertures is a certain sign as to whether the nest contains eggs or
young.
Some of the males, more enterprising than their fellows, attach their own
nests to the bottom of those occupied by the females. These are rather wonder-
ful structures, and the fact that they occur quite frequently rather knocks the
bottom out of Jerdon’s contention regarding the rejection of nests of unsuit-
able design. A photograph of such a nest is reproduced.
' Journ., Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. :
NESTS OF I'HE COMMON WEAVER BIRD
OR BAYA (Ploceus baya).
Journ., Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc.
NEST OF THE STRIATED WEAVER BIRD.
(Loceus manyar) in tall Klephant-grass.
NESTS AND EGGS OF COMMON BIRDS OF THE U. P. 761 |
' The number of. eggs laid is, according to Sundeval, three: Burgess six to
eight, Tickell six to ten, Blyth four or five, and Jerdon two or three. But from
personal observations I have found two to be the normal number, sometimes
three. When more than three eggs occur in the one nest they must be the pro-
duce of more than one bird, but I have never come across an instance of this
mature personally.
The eggs are pure white, somewhat cylindrical in shape and pointed at each
end, and of a pinkish ground when fresh on account of partial translucency of
the shells. A normal specimen would measure about 0°82 by 0°6 inch.
Ploceus manyar (723) .. The Straited Weaver-bird.
Local name ue .. Baméani Baya.
Anglo-Indian name -. Unknown.
This species, so far as my experience goes, seems to have a curious distribu-
tion in the Province, in that it appears to be missing entirely from vast tracts
of country. I have seen nests in large numbers in the Kumoun Tarai as well as
in certain parts of the Benares and Ghazipur districts; but have never come
across the birds or their nests in any of the intervening stations, though instances
of their breeding in the Etawah, Aligarh, Mainpuri, and Cawnpore districts
are recorded in Hume’s “ Nests ard Eggs of Indian Birds.” They do not seem
to occur at all in Bundelkhand south of the Jumna.
Though there is very little difference between the plumage coloration of this
and the last species, there is certainly a marked differerce between their nests.
Not that the materials employed are different, nor is there much alteration in
the general plan of architecture. The spacious egg-compartment and character-
istic tubular entrance are present in both, but whereas in the case of the Common
Baya the nest is suspended from a point and acquires thé shape of aleg of mutton
with an attachment at the bottom, in the case of the other, several blades of
stout elephant grass (in which the nests are always built) are drawn together and
incorporated in the structure to form the point of support, which has the effect
of making the top of the nest dome-shaped. But the fact that one species builds
in grass, and the other on trees and bushes is ordinarily quite sufficient for pur-
poses of discrimination.
The period of nidification is the same as that of the Common Baya and the
number of eggs laid is two, sometimes three ; ard they are also similar as regards
eolour, size, and shape.
Uroloncha malabarica (734) .. The White-throated Munia.
Localname .. dis -. Charchara.
Anglo-Indian name .. .. Chirookee.
This species breeds commonly throughout the Province, more commonly
perhap* in the more arid tracts; especially where thorny scrub is plentiful.
‘The birds occur, not infrequently, in gardens adjoining human dwellings where .
they sometimes breed ; while nests are also found in creepers over the verandahs
and porticos of burgalows. There does not appear to be any fixed breeding
pericd, for this is continued throughout the year ; eggs being found in practically
every month.
Typically the nests are large’and globular, and are composed throughout of
various grasses, usually course on the oustide, lined with appreciably finer
material within ; and a good deal of ingenuity is evirced in putting the loose
materials together. Quite frequently old bits of rag and cotton are incorporated
in the structure, but are-not characteristic of the nest. A small circular
entrance leading to the egg-cavity is let in on one side, and the egg-cavity itself
usually lined with feathers and soft materials.
The structures, though loosely put together, are quite strong and compara-
tively substantial; but sometimes the covering over the egg-cavity is frail, and
sometimes missing altogether. They are placed at various heights from the
24
762 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
ground, but as a rule are fairly low down, and well concealed. Thorn bushes
with heavy foliage are specially favoured.
Both birds assist in building the nest and incubating the eggs, and both occupy
the nest together at night. In tact, being gregarious in their habits, several.
birds may be observed to occupy old nests at night,not only in the winter months,
but during the hot weather as well ; a curious practice peculiar to certain species of
this family only.
I have never found more than six eggs in a nest, which I consider to be the full
complement laid. Normally one finds only five, sometimes three or four. In
shape they are typically rather broad ovals, sometimes more or less pointed
towards oneend. The ground colour is pure white without spot or blemish of any
kind, and with no perceptable gloss. A normal specimen would measure
about 0°6 by 0°5 inch.
Uroloncha acuticauda (727) .. Hodgson’s Munia.
Localname .. bs -- Unknown.
Anglo-Indian name .. .- Unknown.
It is with a certain amount of diffidence that I make mention of this species
in these papers, for I am very doubtful whether it can be included among the
common birds of the plains. It breeds quite commonly throughout Kumoun,.
but the only plains district in which I have come across their nestsis Ghazipur,
where they are almost invariably constructed among the spiny leaves of date and
toddy palms, sometimes at considerable heights from the ground; the most.
favoured months being September, October and November.
Unlike the White-throated Munia this species appears to be either wholly
or partially migratory, for it seems to be absent from particular localities during
the first six months of the year. My observations of their breeding habits have
been confined to the one district, but from what I have been able to ascertain
the work of nest construction and incubation seems to be undertaken by the.
female alone; the male, during this period, being very little in evidence. Nor
do the birds appear to evince the peculiar habit of the White-throated Munias
of collecting together in an old rest at night.
The nests are constructed throughout of various fine grasses, and resemble
very much those of the White-throated Munia, save that the small, circular
entrance invariably has a canopy of fine grasses projecting over it.
The eggs are usually five in number, and are almost exact replicas of those of
the other allied species. A normal specimen would measure about 0°61 by 0°42
inch.
Uroloncha punctulata ie) -- The Spotted Munia.
Local name ae 3 .. Telia Munia.
Anglo-Indian name... .. The Spotted Munia.
This species seems to be sparingly distributed in the well-wooded and watered.
tracts of the province, and is wholly absent from large tracts of country; whereas.
in the more acrid regions it seems to occur only as a bird of passage.
The breeding season is from about July to September and the nests are almost
invariably constructed in thick thorny bushes and the various acacias ; seldom
at a greater height than ten feet from the ground. They are globular structures,
remarkably large for the size of the bird, up to about 10 inches in diameter and
7 inches in height, and composed throughout of various grasses, straw, and strips:
of course grasses rather neatly interwoven. A small, circular entrance is let in
on one side, and the egg-cavity carefully lined with very fine grass-stems and
roots.
Not infrequently the nests are massive and shapeless, and a typical example
of one of these has been admirably described by Mr. F. R. Blewitt. “A nest
of this species ’’, he says, ‘‘ was remarkable as being more compact and massive
than those of this species usually are. It was a very irregularly-shaped nest,
something in outline like a gouty foot done up in bandages, the toe pointing
NESTS AND EGGS OF COMMON BIRDS OF THE U. P. 763
downwards, and the aperture where the leg would join on; exteriorly
it was composed of broad-leaved grass; imnteriorly of fine grass and
flowering stems. The walls were fully an inch thick and very compact. The
cavity, measured from the aperture to the bottom, was six inches deep, and some-
thing less than three inches in diameter; exteriorly the nest was some nine
inches measured from heel to toe, and six inches from the heel to the mouth of
the aperture, and some four and a half inches in breadth. The whole exterior
portion was composed of green grass, but the fine lining was dry.”
The number of eggs laid varies considerably, and as many as ten have been
recorded from the one nest. Six or seven would seem, however, to be the normal
number, though it is not unusual to find four, often five. They resemble some-
what the eggs of the White-throated Munia, but their more elongated character
is very marked, by which they can be differentiated. A normal specimen would
measure about 0°65 by 0°46 inch.
Sporeginthus amandava ee -» The Indian Red Munia.
Local name ‘ : ..- Lal Munia.
Anglo-Indian name -» The Red Munia.
This entertait.ing little bird, like the last species, is also sparingly distributed
in the more well-watered tracts of the Province, more especially in country
abounding in high grass. But unfortunately it is seen more frequently in cap-
tivity thar in its wild state.
The breeding season is from about June to September, and the nests are almost
invariably placed in small stunted bushes in the midst of high grass, and are
usually quite close to the ground; a great deal of attention being paid to
concealment. I have found nests on two different occasions in bushes growing
out of the sides of old wells some way down below the level of the ground. Both
birds undertake the work of nest construction.
The nests and eggs are almost identical with those of the White-throated
Munia ; but on the whole the eggs are considerably smaller, and usually five in
number. A normal specimen would measure about 0°55 by 0°43 inch.
— Gymnorhis flavicollis ( ee -- The Yellow-throated Sparrow.
Localname .. .. dJangli-churi.
Anglo-Indian name .. sc.) Loott.
This is a comparatively common, though inconspicuous, bird throughout the
Province; and is, as a rule, more frequently heard than seen. With the excep-
tion of a yellow patch under the throat, and dark chestnut patches on the wings,
it resembles greatly the female of the House-Sparrew ; and is often mistaken.
for one. In the winter months the birds are, to a certain extent, gregarious ;
but as the breeding season approaches the parties split up in couples, and are
then not at all inclined to be friendly towards their neighbours; though occa-
sionally, if the tree happens to be of gigantic proportions, it may contain mcre
than one nest.
The breeding seasonis from about March to the beginning of June, and is
heralded by loud, not unmusical chirrupings on the part of the male as he calls
ceaselessly to the female who answers in a voice slightly modulated. The calls
fee reminiscent of the House-Sparrow, but are slightly more melodious and pro-
onged.
The nests are, without exception, placed in holes in trees. Sometimes in neat
little apertures excavated by Woodpeckers or Barbets, and sometimes in mere
cracks or crevices in the wood; and both birds assist in building the nest,
which is almost invariably a loose collection of various grasses rather thickly
lined with an assortment of feathers conforming to the internal shape of the hole
or cavity.
The normal number of eggs laid appears to be three, though one finds four
occasionally, very often only two. In shape they vary considerably, pyriform
and more or less elliptical varieties being quite common. Typically, however,
764 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
they are moderately elongated ovals, slightly pointed towards - one end. The
shell is dull and glossless, and of a dull greenish white ground ; but this is almost
obliterated by heavy smudges, streaks, and blotches of various shades of dark
brown and sepia, so confluent in most specimens as to render their identifica-
tion unmistakable. A normal egg would measure about 0°75 by 0°55 inch,
Passer domesticus (776) .. The Common House-Sparrow.
Local name. if as .. Gonriya
Anglo-Indian name 1 .. The Common Sparrow.
There is not much that I can say about this species that is not only too well
known already, for it seems to have come in for an abnormal amount of both
abuse and appreciation which mere man, in his boundless conceit, seems to have
showered on it. Even as discriminating an ornithologist as Hume did not have
a good word to say for it, and, indeed, what he does say is well worth quoting.
‘* But what is in a mame’? He asks, ‘‘ Call him domesticus or indicus, it
doesn’t alter his depraved nature, does not make him one whit less detestable—
only there is a certain lucus a non lucendo sarcasm involved in the Linnean name
that aggravates.”
‘Tf domesticity consists in sitting upon the punkah-ropes all day, chit, chit,
-chit, chittering ceaselessly when a fellow wants to work, banging down in angry
conflict with another angry wretch on to the table, upsetting the ink, and play-
ing old Harry with everything, strewing one’s drawing-room daily with straw, .
feathers, rags, and every conceivable kind of rubbish in insane attempts to
build a nest where no nest can be; if I say these and fifty other atrocities constitute
domesticity, heaven defend us from this greatly-lauded virtue, and let us cease
to preach to our sons the merits of domestic wives! Conceive a wife evincing
similar tendencies ! Why, there isn’t a jury in the country who would not return
a verdict of ‘sarve her right,’ even if the unhappy husband should have wrung
her neck before the golden honeymoon had run out. witieai ihe at viet ite
My one regret has ever been that the whole race had not before ae time met, »
under Providence, that appropriate doom so graphically depicted in Mr. Yarrell’s
charming woodcut.”’
Mr. Benjamin Aitkin, on the other hand, is much more charitable ; and not
only declares his actual liking for the bird, but willingly overlooks its disorderly
habits in admiration of its intelligence, courage, patience, and care for its
offspring. And is quite certain that if it be but “ tuneless melody ”’ he pours
forth, that it sounds far sweeter to Mrs. Sparrow than all the hurried snatches
of song with which the Bulbul, Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, and Lark put off
their uncomplaining mistresses.
It is not for me to criticise, nor even to draw comparisons between the considered
opinions of my betters, and pioneers of ornithology ; so that I am quite content
to leave my readers to draw their own conclusions in accordance with their
own experience of this ubiquitous bird. I will deal only with the material facts
of nidification.
The breeding period seems to be continued spasmodically throughout the year,
though the bulk invariably breed from about March to September. The nests
are loose, untidy structures of grass and straw placed in holes, cracks, crevices,
and in fact in any sort of receptacle which will hold them conveniently ; the
egg-cavity being thickly lined with feathers.
The eggs are up to six or eight in number, but normally only four. They
vary considerably in shape, but are typically somewhat elongated ovals, only
very slightly pointed towards one end. The ground-colour varies from a pale
stone-colour, through shades of gray and dull yellow, to a greenish white ; and
the markings normally consist of specklings and streaks of different shades of
dull and dingy browns and sepias scattered all over the surface of the egg.
Sometimes the markings are scanty and sometimes profuse, and sometimes
consist of bold spots and blotches which have a tendency to form a _ blotchy,
NESTS AND EGGS OF COMMON BIRDS OF THE U. P. 765
ill-defined cap at the large end. A normal specimen would measure about 0°8
by 0°6 inch.
Melophus melanicterus (803) .. The Crested Bunting.
Local name we ws Pathar Chirta.
Anglo-Indian name ay .. Unknown.
This vivacious and sprightly little bird is unfortunately very sparingly distri-
buted in the Province; and, in fact,seems to be missing entirely from large tracts
of country. Its conspicuous chestnut body and black, crested head, and pleasng
simple note, are unmistakeable. But the only places where I have met with
the species are the wilder and less frequented portions of Bundelkhand, the
Allahabad and Mirzapur districts ; and even here they were not common.
In spite of the fact that I have seen and studied the birds on various occasions,
I have never had the good fortune to find anest. But I quote a description
of Mr. F. R. Blewitt’s who found them breeding in the Jhansi district in July
and August.
“My experience ’’, he says, ‘is confined to two nests : one was found at the
base of a small plum-bush, near to a wall; the other in a hole in a wall.
The nests are exact counterparts of each other; on the outside they are made
of very course grass and roots. The egg-cavity, cup-shaped, has first an inter-
mediate coat of fine khus, over which, again, is a complete lining of horse-hair.
The outer diameter is about 4°8, inner 2°6, and depth of cavity 1:4. The
nests are compact, especially the inner part of the structure, and neatly made. .
Their favourite resort is old buildings and walls, to which the birds confine
themselves, seldom going far away from them. The male has a peculiarly soft,
melodious note, repeated at intervals. . . Three appears to be the regular
number of eggs. They are of a dull whitish grey, with a sprinkling of light
brown spots.”
According to Hume the eggs are typically broad ovals in shape, somewhat
obtuse at the small end; and a normal specimen would measure about 0°79
by 0°63 inch.
Cotile sinensis (809) ... .. The Indian Sand-Martin.
Local name A i fa) avbalt.
Anglo-Indian name as .. The Sand-Martin.
These fascinating little birds are commonly distributed throughout the Pro-
vince in suitable localities, and as there does not appear to be any regular fixed
period for nidification, they frequent particular localities throughout the year,
and are seldom absent from their usual haunts,
Precipitous mud banks overlooking rivers, streams,and lakes are their favourite
haunts, and where one nest occurs there are sure to be many more. For they
breed, according to locality, in large or small parties ; and are highly gregarious
in their habits.
The nests are merely horizontal, circular tunnels about two inches in diameter,
and from two to three feet in depth, which the birds excavate for themselves.
with their bills and claws. At the end of each tunnel is the hollow, peatly-
fashioned egg-chamber lined with fine grass-stems and roots and soft feathers.
Four seems to be the full complement of eggs laid, though it is not unusual to
find three, often only two.
I have not been able to accumulate sufficient evidence to state definitely
whether there are two broods in the year, but this is possible. I have found nests
in very nearly every month, but the bulk seem to breed in March, April, and
May. I have come across breeding colonies of upwards of a hundred couples
with all the tunnelled nests driven into the face of a mud cliff some fifteen feet
square ; the little apertures being only inches apart. In such circumstances it is
rather a wonderful sight to watch the building operations in progress, How
each bird identifies its own nest is a problem difficult of solution.
766 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
The eggs are pure white in colour, and quite devoid of any gloss. In shape
they are oval, a good deal pointed towards one end ; and a normal specimen
would measure about 0°68 by 0°48 inch.
Ptyonoprogne concolor (811) .. The Dusky Crag-Martin.
Local name de zs .. Unknown.
Anglo-Indian name ; .. Unknown.
This sober-plumaged though unmistakeable bird is sparingly distributed
throughout the Western districts of the Province , especially in the wilder and
more desolate tracts. Its name, in fact, would suggest as much. I have never
met with this species east of Chunar ou the Ganges, and I very much doubt
whether it occurs at all in the Province east of Benares.
In localities where it is a constant resident, itis never met with in any
numbers. Indeed Chunar, with its wild and rocky environment and ancient
buildings, could boast only of the one pair; which, after various attempts to
build a nest, finally decided on a site quite inaccessible for either man or beast,
and eventually got the nest fixed on to a perpendicular wall quite sixty feet
from the ground ; and there it remained in perfect security.
The breeding season is from about February to July, though the nest men-
tioned above did not contain eggs till the middle of August. If one were to
take a small, deep saucer and cut it exactly in halves, and then stick the cut
face on to some perpendicular wall, one would get a fair idea of what the nest
of this species is like ; save that the nest is made up of small mud pellets stuck
closely together, and inclining to a well-defined point beneath. The egg-
cavity is more or less cup-shaped, and lined internally with fine grass-stems,
roots, and soft feathers. The perpendicular stone walls of old buildings, the
shelving sides of large rocks, and cliff-faces are specially favoured ; particularly
those in the wilder and less frequented spots; and yet quite recently I found
one quixotic pair endeavouring to build a nest in the verandah of a large business
establishment in Hazratgunj ; perhaps the busiest thoroughfare of Lucknow.
The full complement of eggs laid appears to be four, though it is more usual
to find only three. In shape they are typically moderately elongated ovals,
distinctly pointed at one end. The ground-colour is white, while the markings
consist of specks and spots, occasionally blotches, of various shades of yellowish
and reddish brown more or less thickly scattered over the whole egg, but parti-
cularly towards the large end, where they have a tendency to form an irregular
zone. A normal specimen would measure about 0°7 by 0°5 inch.
Hirundo smithit (818) .. .. The Wire-tailed Swallow.
Local name ee ae .. Leishra.
Anglo-Indian name : .. The House-Martin.
This beautiful little bird, so easily distinguished from the last species by its
beautiful plumage of metallic lustre, and by the two long wire-like feathers
in the tail, is also sparingly distributed throughout the Western, districts of
the Province; and, like the last species, does not seem to occur at all east
ot Benares.
Like the Dusky Crag-Martin, it frequents mosques and old buildings, but
is found more frequently in the vicinity of running water for which it has a
peculiar weakness. They are vivacious and sprightly birds which capture
their food on the wing, but are not nearly as friendly as the Dusky Crag-Martin.
However, they are most fascinating birds to watch on a bright morning when
the sun’s rays may be observed to scintillate on their brilliant metallic plumage
in the most wonderful manner.
The period of nidification seems to be somewhat prolonged, from about
February to September; though the bulk seem to breed in.April and May.
The nests are found almost exclusively in the immediate neighbourhood of water
running streams particularly ; the most favoured sites being under the cornices
of bridges, under stone culverts spanning canals, under overhanging shelves
NESTS AND EGGS OF COMMON BIRDS OF THE VU. P, 767
of rock, or the faces of mud or stone cliffs overlooking rivers and streams, and
occasionally in old buildings in the vicinity of water.
The nests are composed externally of mud, about 53 inches broad, and 3 inches
across, and resemble greatly those of the Dusky Crag-Martin. The egg-cavity,
which is usually a neat hemispherical hollow, is lined with fine grass-roots and
a various assortment of soft feathers; and both birds assist in the construc-
tion. I have never found more than one nest in the one vicinity.
Three seems to be the normal number of eggs laid. In shape they are typi-
cally narrow ovals, a good deal pointed towards one end. The shells are fine
and delicate with a bright gloss when fresh. The ground-colour is a delicate
pinkish white usually thickly speckled, spotted, and blotched with various shades
of reddish brown. In some eggs the markings are pretty evenly distributed
over the whole surface, and in others they are more numerous towards the large
end, where they have a tendency to form rather a distinct zone. As a whole the
eggs are very beautiful, and a normal specimen would measure about 0°7 by
0°5 inch.
Hirundo fluvicola (819) .. .. The Indian Cliff-Swallow.
Local name nas ae .» Unknown.
Anglo-Indian name bag . Unknown.
This species, so far as nidification is concerned, is quite the most gregarious
of all the allied species, and occurs in certain localities of the Province ; but not,
so far as I am aware, east of Benares. They are most interesting and energetic
birds, but do not appear to have a wide distribution. In the localities where
they do occur, and breed, they are met with in large numbers ; and their nests,
crowded close together, look from a distance like some gigantic honeycomb.
I have come across breeding colonies of this species only three times. One
was a collection of about fifty nests on the face of a high mud cliff overlooking
the Belan river at the south-eastern corner of the Allahabad district ; a second
of about a hundred nests under a high railway bridge over a stream about twenty
miles east of Mirzapur, and a third of about two hundred nests under the railway
bridge over the Ken river at Banda ;—in each case in wild and rugged country,
so that the birds would seem to favour the less frequented spots. In each of
the above cases the nests were very inaccessible, and I have always regretted my
inability to secure decent photographs.
A most admirable account of the nesting habits of this species has been fur-
nished by Mr. James Aitkin who writes :—‘‘ The smallest of our Swallows, and
much less familiarly known than the other species, as it lives in colonies, and
is strictly confined to certain localities ; at Akola there is one of these colonies,
which build their nests under the broken portion of a wall which stretches
out into the Moorna. The nests are retort-shaped ; a few stand apart, but the
majority are attached together, the tubular necks all standing out from the wall,
and presenting a very peculiar appearance. With the first heavy showers of the
monsoon the river comes down in a flood and washes the whole place clean.
As goon as the rains abate, rebuilding commences, and the bustle in the early
morning is prodigious, the birds hurrying from all quarters with their bills
full of mud, They are much persecuted by Sparrows, who take possession of
the egg-cup of the nest before the neck is added, and a single pair will cause
Several nests to be deserted before they suit themselves. . . . The second
brood is in February, during which months they swarm about the nests like bees
about a hive, while every now and then splash into the water goes some too
fragile neck, breaking even under the light weight of the little owner. These
breakages do not, however, interfere in the least with the process of incubation,
but appear to be repaired even while the mother bird is sitting.”
Nests may be found in practically any morth from February to August, but
whether two broods are hatched each year is still a matter of uncertainty. The
nests are made of small mud pellets stuck close together. They are small and
768 ©. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
retort-shaped with the chamber about four inches in diameter, and the tubular
mouth invariably turned outwards, varyi1g from two to five inches in length,
and crannei as close together as possible. Internally they are well lined with
grass-roots and soft feathers and rendered extremely cosy ; but how each bird
recognises its own nest is perfectly marvellous.
The normal number of eggs laid appears to be three. Typically they are &
long oval, a good deal pointed towards one end, though pyriform and almost.
cylindrical varieties are frequently met with. The ground-colour is pure
white, pinkish when fresh on account of partial translucency of the shells, which
are fine and delicate. Some eggs are pure white throughout without a spot or
blemish of any kind ; while others are spotted, speckled, mottled and clouded
with dull shades of reddish brown never very sharply defired ; and as a rule,
they are more numerous towards the large end. A normal egg would measure
about 0°7 by 0°5 inch.
Hirundo erythropygia ey .. Sykes’s Striated Swallow.
Local name oi .. Masjid-ababil.
Anglo-Indian name .. .. The Red-backed Swallow.
This handsome swallow,-so easily recognised by the conspicuous red patch.
on the rump, has perhaps the widest distribution of all the allied species; as
it seems to occur in the Eastern and Western districts alike. It is never met with
in large numbers, but either singly or in pairs flitting about in the vicinity of old
ruins, mosques, and temples, where it exhibits very little fear of man.
The breeding season is from about March to July, according to locality ; and.
the nest, always solitary, is so typical as to be quite unmistakeable. It is.a
large retort-shaped structure in which the tubular entrance might be anything
up to ten inches in length, composed of small mud pellets stuck firmly on to the
under surface of some horizontal wall ; well lined internally with fine grass-roots
and stems and a various assortment of soft feathers,
The most favoured places are the roofs of old and ruined buildings, but the
nests are by no means confined to these ancient relics, and may be frequently
found in all sorts of weird places. As Mr. F. R. Blewitt very rightly remarks :
‘Eccentric to a degree is this swallow in the selection of a suitable place for its
nest,”’ for I have personally found the nests in barns and stables, old buildings,
mosques and temples, under rocks and ledges in old caves, under the corrugated.
sheeting of an old latrine, and under an old wooden bridge where the water
was all but touching the bottom of the nest; and, last but not least, under a
small ledge quite fifty feet down an old and disused well. Both birds share
in the labours of nest construction.
The eggs are up to four in number, and pure white in colour without any
perceptible gloss. In shape they are rather long ovals, somewhat blunt at
both ends ; though pyriform varieties are not uncommon. A normal specimen
would measure about 0°78 by 0°55 inch. |
( To be continued),
£6907.
ee ed gl OF THE ASIATIC SPECIES OF CONTIA IN INDIAN
MUSEUMS.
BY
Cou. F. Watt, I,M.8., C.M.G., C.M.Z.S.
The identification of many of the Asiatic species of Contia has for many years
caused me—as it must have done others—considerable perplexity. This is not
surprising when one studies the key to these species and the descriptions in
Boulenger’s Catalogue (Vol. II, pp. 255 et seg.). Some of the supposed species
are so closely affined that they can only be separated by very minute differ-
ences in the relative length and breadth of such shields as the rostral and frontal.
When his Catalogue appeared in 1894 Boulenger had seen one specimen of
angusticeps submitted to him by Mr. Sclater from the Indian Museum, which
he made the type of a new species under that name. The British Museum Col-
lection contained no specimen of fasciata, only one specimen of persica, and two
of waltert. I have for many years had doubts as to the validity of some of these
species, and in answer to my appeals I have been able to examine and compare
recently all the available specimens of Contia in the Indian and Quetta Museums,
and the Bombay Natural History collection, thanks to Dr. Annandale, Mr,
Bond, and Mr. Spence. Inaddition to these specimens I have examined many
& others. I propose to put these records together in this paper, and it will be
seen that there are good grounds for considering angusticeps the same as persica,
condoni the same as decemlineaia, and that one specimen in the Bombay col-
lection deserves recognition as a species new to science for which I propose the
name zebrina.
I have examined minutely the specimens refer red to above, and append below
descriptions and synopses showing the details of the lepidosis.
ConTIA PERSICA (Anderson),
Cyclophis persicus.—Anderson, P.Z.S., 1872, p. 392. Blanford, Zool. Eg
Persia, 1876, p. 408.
Pseudocyclophis persicus,—Boettger, Zool. Jahrb., 1888. III, p. 922.
Contia persica.—Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p. 263. Ingoldby, Bomb,
N. H. Jourl., Vol. XXIX, p. 129. Wall, Bomb. N. H. Jourl., Vol. XVIII, p. 801.
Contia angusticeps.—Annandale, Vol. XVIII, p. 801. i A.S. Bengal, 1904.
p. 208. Boulenger, Cat. Vol. II, 1894, p. 262. Ingoldby, Bomb, N. Tike Jourl.,
Vol. X XIX, p. 129. McMahon, Bomb. N. H. Jourl.. Vol. XIV, p. 181. Wall,
Bomb. N. H. Jourl. Vol. XVIII, Be 501.
Contia walteri.—Wall, Bomb. N. H. Jourl., Vol. XX, p. 1037,
Length.—345 mm, (132 inches), tail 78 mm, (3$ inches),
Lepidosis.—(a) Typical. Rostral. Depth from three-fifths to two-thirds its
breadth. Portion visible above from two-thirds to a shade less than the suture
between the internasals. IJnternasals. The suture between the fellows sub-
equal to that between the praefrontal fellows. Praefronials. The suture bee
tween the fellows from one quarter to two-fifths the length of the frontal, Sup-
raoculars. Length from two-thirds to four-fifths the length of the frontal, half
the parietals ; breadth from half to two-thirds that of the frontal. Frontal,
Length equal to or rather greater than its distance to the end of the snout, threes
fifths to two-thirds that of the parietals. Zoreal. Absent, the praefronta]
touching the 2nd labial. Praeocular. One. Postocular, One. Temporals,
1+1. Supralabials. 7; the Ist and 2nd touching the nasals, 3rd and 4th
the eye, and the 5th and 6th the anterior temporal. Sublinguals. Posterior
shorter than the anterior ; in contact with the 4th and 5th, or only the 5th in-
fralabials. Infralabials, 5, the 5th touching two scales behind. Costals,
25
770 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X,
Two heads-lengths behind the head 15, midbody 15, two heads-lengths
before the vent 15 or 13. When the rows reduce from 15 to 13 the 3rd and 4th
rows above the ventrals blend. Smooth. With single apical pits. Ventrals
185 to 214. From 6 to 8 pairs of scales intervene between the 1st ventral and —
the posterior sublinguals. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 63 to 82. Divided.
(6) Anomalies, Loreal. A very small shield rarely present. Posterior
sublinguals. Rarely separated by one scale. Costals. Rarely the 4th row
above the ventrals divides, the resultant rows blend, and the redivision and
blending may be repeated making the rows 17 in places.
Colouration.—Dorsally the scales are a pale brown or dun with buff margins,
This is most marked in the anterior part of the body, the colour becoming uni-
form buff posteriorly. In some specimens there are a few black spots behind
the neck arranged quincuncially, or confluent to form cross bars. Belly un-
spotted. Head with three black cross-bars which may be completely confluent,
The anterior passes between the eyes, and reappears below the eye on the upper
parts of the 3rd or 3rd and 4th supralabials. The median passes over the middle
of the parietals and extends to the upper parts of the 5th, 6th and 7th suprala-
bials. The posterior lies just behind the parietals, and involves 4 or 5 rows of
scales behind, extending to the sides of the neck. In spirit the black often fades
considerably,
Sexes.—The male genitalia are cylindrical organs, not bifid, and are beset —
with numerous very smal] recurved spines.
Distribution —Persia. Baluchistan. Waziristan. N.W. Frontier (Mala-
kand, Parachinar). W. Himalayas (Murree).*
_ Nots.—I think it probable that the specimen labelled wwaléert in the British
Museum from Kohistan, Sind, will prove to be this species.
CoNTIA FASCIATA (Jan.).
Length.—358 mm. (144 inches), tail 54 mm. (23 inches),
Lepidosis.—(a) Typical. Rostral. Depth about two-thirds its breadth,
Portion visible above twice or nearly twice the length of the suture between the
internasal fellows. Jnternasals. The suture between the fellows half to three-
fourths that between the praefrontal fellows. Praefrontals. The suture between
the fellows one-third to two-fifths the length of the frontal. Supraoculars, Length
equal to or a shade less than the length of the frontal, three-fifths to four-fifths
the parietal:. Breadth equal to that of the frontal. Frontal. Length greater
than its distance to the end of the snout, two-thirds to four-fifths the parietals,
Nasal, Entire. Loreal. One, one-third to two-fifths the length of the nasal,
Praeocular, One. Postoculars. Two. Temporals. 1+1. Supralabials. 7; the
Ist and 2nd touching the nasals, the 3rd and 4th the eye, 5th and 6th the an-
terior temporal. Sublinguals. The posterior about three-fourths the length
of the anterior, separated by one scale; in contact with the 4th and 5th infra-
labials. Infralabials. 5, the 5th in contact with three scales behind. Costals,’
Two heads-lengths behind the head 15, midbody 15, two heads-lengths before
the vent 13, The rows reduce from 15 to 13 four to six heads-lengths before
the vent by the fusion of the 3rd and 4th rows above the ventrals, Smooth,
With single apical pits which are extremely difficult to detect in spirit specimens,
Ventrals, 126 to 157 (158 to 171 Boulenger). From 4 to 6 pairs of scales bet-
ween the Ist ventral and the posterior sublinguals, Anal. Divided. Sub-
caudals, 39 to 49; divided (48 to 62 Boulenger).
(6) Anomalies, Supralabials. The 5th is divided in one specimen on one
side forming a spurious lower anterior temporal. The 3rd and 4th are con-
fluent on one side in one specimen and the 6th and 7th confluent on both sides
a ee NE
* This specimen used to be in the Bombay collection but is now missing.
emi i ae
REVIEW OF THE ASIATIC SPECIES OF CONTIA, 771
on the same specimen, and the 6th and 7th confluent on one side in another
Posterior sublinguals, In contact in one specimen. Subcaudals, In one specimen
the 3rd _ to the 7th are subdivided making four shields across the tail. In
another the 2nd is entire.
Dentition—I have no skull but I have a note saying that “the mazillary
teeth are dubiously 11, the palatopterygoid series dubiously 22, and the man-
didular dubiously 11.”
Colouration.—Dorsally buff to pale brown with from 33 to 40 blackish bars
on the body, and 11 to 16 on the tail. These extend to the edge of the ventrals.
A series of dark spots on the edge of the ventrals and last row of costals.alter-
nate with the bars. Belly unspotted, or with a scanty dusky mottling or suffu-
sion mesially from the throat extending slightly backwards. Head in well
marked examples with a dusky suffusion on the top involving the frontal, the
inner two-thirds of the supraocular and inner two-thirds of the parietal shields,
extending below the eye to the upper parts of the 3rd and 4th supralabials. A
nuchal bar involves four to five rows of scales in the length of the snake and
extends round the sides of the neck but is not complete across the throat.
Breeding.—A female 358 mm, (143 inches) in length contained five eggs in
the oviducts, of such a size and character as to suggest that this species is ovi-
parous,
Distribution.—Palestine. (Shellal, Wadiguzzi and Deir-el-Belah). Irag. (Shai-
ba, Faluja). S. Persia. (Maidan Mihaftan).
CoNnTIA MCMAHONI Wall,
C. memahoni.—Wall, Bomb. N, H. Jourl., Vol. XX, p. 1038.
Length.—311 mm. (1 foot and } of an inch), tail 84 mm. (32 inches),
Eepidosis. Rostral. Depth two-thirds to three-fourths its breadth. Por-
tion visible above two-thirds the suture between the internasal fellows. JInfer-
nasals, The suture between the fellows equal to or a shade greater than that
between the praefrontal fellows. Praefrontals. The suture between the fel-
lows one-third to one-fourth the length of the frontal. Swpraoculars. Length
three-fourths to four-fifths the length of the frontal, half to three-fifths the
parietals, Breadth about half that of the frontal. Frontal, Length rather
greater than its distance to the end of the snout, three-fifths to three-fourths
the parietals. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. None. Praeocular, One. Postocu-
lar, One. Temporals1+1. Supralabials. 7, 1st and 2nd touching the nasal,
3rd and 4th the eye, 5th and 6th the anterior temporal. Sublinguals. The poss
terior about three-fourths the anterior; in contact or separated by one scale;
touching the 4th and 5th infralabials. Infralabials. 5, the 5th touching two
scales behind. Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 13, midbody 15,
two heads-lengths before the vent 13. The increase from 13 to 15 occurs about
four heads-lengths behind the head, and is due to the 3rd or 4th row above the
ventrals dividing. The decrease from 15 to 13 occurs about eight heads-lengths
before the vent, where the 3rd and 4th rows above the ventrals blend. Smooth,
With single apical pits. Ventrals. 204 to 212. From 6 to 8 pairs intervene
between the first ventral, and the posterior sublinguals. Anal. Divided
Subcaudals. 91 to 96; divided.
Colouration.—Dorsally the scales are pale brown centrally with buff margins.
The brown is darker in the anterior part of the body than posteriorly. A few
obscure blackish spots on the neck in some specimens. Belly unspotted. Head
blackish or dusky, the black extending for about four rows in the length of the
snake behind the parietals, and laterally to the temporals and upper parts of
the 5th, 6th and 7th, or 6th and 7th supralabials,
Distribution.— Baluchistan (Loralai, Spitangi, Mach, Quetta).
772: JQURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
CONTIA COLLARIS (Menetries),
“Letvath: —340 mm. (132 inches), tail 62 mm, (24 inches).
Lepidosis.—(a) Typical, Rostral. Depth two-thirds to three-fourths its.
breadth, Portion visible above equal to or less than the suture between the
internasal fellows. Internasals. Suture between the fellows equal to or a little.
shorter than that between the praefrontal fellows. Praefrontals, The su-
ture between the fellows one-third to two-fifths the length of the frontal. Swp-
raoculars, Length a little shorter than the frontal, three-fifths the parietals.
Breadth half to three-fourths that of the frontal. Frontal. Length rather great-
ér than its distance to the end of the snout; two-thirds to three-fourths the
parietals. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. Small, about one-third the length of the
nasal (sometimes absent). Praeocular. One Postocular. One, Temporatls.
¥+1. or 1+2. Supralabials, .7; the 1st and 2nd touching the nasals, 3rd and
4th the eye, and the 5th and 6th the anterior temporals. Sublinguals. The -
posterior rather shorter than the anterior, in contact with one another,
touching the 4th and 5th infralabials. Infralabials. 5, the 5th touching two
scales behind. Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 15, midbody 15,
two heads-lengths before the vent 15 or 18. Smooth. With single apicai
pits. -Ventrals. 157 to 189 (150 to 191 Boulenger). 4 to 6 pairs of scales
between the Ist ventral and the posterior sublinguals, Anal. Divided. Sub-
caudals. 54 to 62, divided. (50 to 78 Boulenger).
(6) Anomalies. Subcaudals, The 2nd to 6th are entire in one specimen.
Dentition.—Maxillary 17; anonodont, isodont. Palatine. 9 to 10; anodo-
dont, isodont. Prerygoid. “19 to 20, anododont, isodont. Mandibular. 16;
anododont, isodont,.
Veriebrae. Neural spines veut one-four th the depth of the body: Hypapophy-.
ses well developed in anterior vertebrae ceasing in the second eighth of the
body of the snake. Bifid in the first caudal and succeeding vertebrae.
Costae. The first articulated to the 3rd vertebra. Well developed, as long as
the second. Last bifid, the outer ramus very short. First two caudal verte-
brae with bifid pseudo-costal processes,
Colouration.—Dorsally uniform buff or pale brown. Belly unspotted. Head
black above, involving the posterior part of the internasals or praefrontals.
and the anterior two-thirds to three-fourths of the parietals. Laterally the
black extends to the edge of the parietals and involves the upper part of the 3rd
and 4th supralabials. In the Muscat specimen the whole of the 2nd, 3rd and
4th supralabials are black and the outer part of the sublinguals and Ist infrala-
bials, and all of the 2nd to 5th infralabials. A black nuchal bar involving four
to five rows in the length of the snake, begins just behind the parietals and ex-
tends laterally to below the throat where it is incomplete mesially.
Distribution.—Grecian Archipelago. Cyprus. Asia Minor to Caucasus.
Arabia (Muscat), Iraq Baghdad. Persia,
CONTIA ZEBRINA spec. Nov.
Length.—475 mm ; (18? inches) tail 125 mm. (5 inches).
Lepidosis.—Rosiral. Depth two-thiids its breadth, portion visible above
about two-thirds the suture between the internasal fellows. - Internasals, The
suture between the fellows equal to that between the praefrontal fellows. Prae-
frontals, The sutures between the fellows half the length of the frontal. Su-
praoculcrs, Length three-fourths thefrontal, half the parietals ; breadth three-
fifths that of the frontal. Frontal. Length a shade longer than its distance
to the end of the snout, two-thirds the parietals. Nasal. Entire. Loreal,
None. Praeocular, One. Postocular, One. Temporals. 142. Supralabials.
7, the lst and 2nd touching the nasaJ, 3rd and 4th the eye, 5th and 6th the an-
terior tem por al, Sublinguals, _ The “posterior about three-fourths the Jength
i er a nen aE Se
REVIEW OF THE ASIATIC SPECIES. OF CONTIA, 773.
of. the anterior ; in contact with one another ; touching the 4th and 5th infrala.
bials. Infralabials. Five, the 5th touching two scales behind. Costals. Two
heads-lengths behind the head 15, midbody 15, two heads-lengths before the
vent 13. The rows reduce from 15 to 13 about five heads-lengths before the
vent by the blending of the 4th and 5th rows above the ventrals. Smooth.
With single apical pits. Ventrals. .225. 7 pairs of scales between the Ist
ventral and the posterior sublinguals. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 110;
‘divided.
Colouration. —Dorsally tawny with many close-set, blackish, linear cross
bars, about sixty-eight in the anterior half of the body. The first bar is on the
5th row behind the parietals. The bars extend to the edges of the ventrals
and gradually fade till the posterior part of the body is uniform buff. On close
examination the bases and centres of the scales are a pale dun, and the edges
buff Thebelly is unspotted. The head is uniform except for a blackish mark
-on the upper halves of the 3rd and 4th supralabials. There is no nuchal bar.
Distribution. — Bazdad, South Persia. The type is in the Bombay -collection
(No. 171-1). :
CONTIA CORONELLA (Schlegel),
Length.—106 mm. (43. inches). ;
Lepidosis. Rostral. Depth about two-thirds its breadth. Portion visible
above rather greater than the suture between the internasal fellows. Jnter-
nusals. The suture between the fellows rather less than that between the prae-—
frontal fellows. Praefrontals, The suture between the fellows one-fourth the
length of the frontal. Supraoculars. Length three-fourths that of the frontal.
three-fifths the parietals ; breadth one half that of thefrontal. Frontal. Length
about twice its distance to the end of the snout, a shade greater than the parie-
tals. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. One; small, about two-fifths the length of the.
nasal. Praeocular. One. Postoculars. Two. Temporals, 1+2. Suprala-
bials, Seven, the 1st and 2nd touching the nasal, 3rd and 4th the eye, and 5th’
and 6th the anterior temporal. Sublinguals. Posterior subequal to the ante-.
rior ; separated by 2-++1 scales; touching the 4th and Sth infralabials. Infra-
labials. 5; the 5th touching 3 scales behind. Costals.. Two heads-lengths.
behind iho: head 17, midbody 17, two heads-lengths before the vent 15, The
rows reduce from 17 to 15 about six heads- lengths before the vent by the blend-
ing of the 3rd and 4th rows above the ventrals. Smooth. With single apical
pits. Ventrals. 142. (103 to 148 Boulenger) Divided. Subcaudals. 33,
divided (24 to 52 Boulenger) 2 pairs of scales between the Ist ventral and the
posterior sublinguals. Anal. Divided.
Colouration. Dorsally pale dun with ten series of deep brown spots
arranged quincuncially. Belly with four series of round, brown spots arranged
two on each ventral, the outer of one side and the inner of the opposite.
Head with a brown bar between the eyes, reappearing below the eye
and involving the posterior part of the second, the whole of the 3rd and
the anterior part of the 4th supralabials. A dark speck on the 3rd infralabials.
A black nuchal bar involving 5 scales in the length of the snake, separated ex-
cept mesially from the parictals by two rows of ‘scales, This is complete right
round the throat.
Distribution.—Shellal, Wadi Guzzi, Palestine. (No. 19428 in the Indian
Museum.)
CoNTIA DECEMLINEATA (Dumeril and Bibron),
C. decemlineata.—Boulenger, Cat., Vol. II, p. 260.
Contia condoni.—Boulenger, Bomb. N. H. J., Vol. X XVI, p.. 1024.
Length. 498 mm, (193 inches), tail 128 mm, (51 inches).
774. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX-
Lepidosis. (a) Typical Rostral. Depth about three-fourths its breadth, -
Internasals, The suture between the fellows from half, to equal to that bet-
ween the praefrontal fellows, Praefrontals. The suture between the fellows
two-fifths to three-fifths the length of the frontal. Swpraoculars, Length
equal to or a little shorter than the frontal, three-fifths to two-thirds the
parietals; breadth three-fourths to four-fifths that of the frontal. Frontal.
Length equal to or a shade greater than its distance to the end of the snout,
two-thirds to four-fifths the parietals. Nasal. Entire. Loreal. One. Postoculars.
Two. Temporals. 1+2. Supralabials. 7; the Ist and 2nd touching the
nasal, 3rd and 4th the eye, 5th and 6th the anterior temporal. Sublinguals..
Posterior a little shorter than the anterior, in contact with one another,.
touching the 4th and 5th infralabials. Infralabials. Five, the 5th touching
two scales behind. Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 17, midbodv
17, two heads-lengths before the vent 15. The reduction from 17 to 15
is caused by the 3rd and 4th rows above the ventrals blending six to eight
heads-lengths before the vent. Smooth. With single apical pits. Ventrals.
150 to 174. (152 to 175 Boulenger). 3 to 6 pairs of scales between the
first ventral and the posterior sublinguals—Anal. Divided. Subcaudals. 69 to-
92; divided (64 to 85 Boulenger).
(b) Anomalies. Postoculars. In specimen No. 6 the upper postocular is.
confluent with the supraocular on both sides. Swupralabials. The 3rd is divided
in one specimen on one side, making the series total 8, the 4th and 5th touching
the eye. Posterior sublinguals. Sometimes separated by a scale. Infrala-
bials. The 5th is sometimes in contact with 3 scales behind.
Colouration.—Dorsally buff with oblong blackish spots arranged quincuncial-
ly. A series of single spots on the edge of the ventrals, a series of dual spots.
on the edges of the 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and 4th rows and a series of triple spots
on the edges of the 5th and 6th, 6th and 7th, and 7th and 8th rows (sometimes.
also the 8th and 9th). These tend to become dotted longitudinal lines poste-
riorly. Belly unspotted. Head with no black bars. No nuchal bar. Upper
supralabials with dusky sutures especially evident between the 3rd and 4th,
and 5th and 6th shields (sometimes in all).
Breeding.—A specimen 482 mm. (19 inches) in length contained three eggs
in the oviducts, of such a size and cnaracter as to suggest that the species is:
oivparous.,
Distribution.—Persia.
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776 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
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CONTIA
1 | Q | 339] 65) 15) 15) 15) 213] 63! 2/3 2/3| > 1/3} 4/5: 4) 3 3/5
2) g | 339) 75) 15 ‘ 13 #09 : 2/3} 2/3) = 2/5)" —3\ S| ales ;
3] © | 811) 56} 15) 15) 13] 204) 67) 2/3 HOU | 1/3] 2/3) - a 3/5|9 Slee
4} gy | 330) 68} 15) 15) 13) 198) 74] 2/3 3] > 4| 4| 3/5) =| 396
Bi | icf 285) tip | toy) 5) 915202) ia 22/8 2 i) 8) > 2/3
brokjen
6 | g | 293) 62) 15) 15) 13] 207) 74) 3/5 z S> 3 4] 3/5) >| 278
7 | Q | 336] 60] 15] 15| 13] 199] 66) 3/5 ee 2 3] 3/5] >| a3
8 | O | 345) 78} 15) 15) 13 se 77| 2/3} 2/8) > | 2 <| #4) 4-136
9 140 Bladistiat le 3/5} <3) > | < 1/3) 4/5| <3! 4 > | 85
1G |g | 323) 68} 15} 15] 15 - SPA inert as = 21 $1 2/3
11 | 9?! 311) 65] 15) 15) 15] 201) 77/2/38) ey) = 1/3) 3] 3) Bl ae
12 | S | 290) 72} 15) 15} 13) 185) 82) 2/3 AL SS 1/3), 3) 4! 8] >| 278
13 | 99] 212) 62] 15 (ae 15|205?| 74] 2/8 a) = 1/3) <| >> 8) 3/5) >| 2/3
14] § | 244] 53] 15] 15) 15} 200] 79] 2/3) A = 1/3| 2/3) 4) 3/5] >| 2/8
15 | Gu| 222) 58] 15/15) 13/492 )) 80 _ | = | SS ate > | 2/3
16 | G2?) 812) 72) 15 We 1'5'°200)0 26) are — ef emer an ee yis > 2/3
17 |
7) g | 272] 66] 15) 15) 13] 186] 78 | en = a Zt) 3] 2/3 > | 2a
Specimens 12 to 17 are labelled angusticep s
Sir A. H. McMahon. I have examined
CONTIA
1} g | 250; 50) 15) 15] 18) 131) 48) 2/3) > >} 2| = BIB < | 2/8
21 © | 805} 50] 15] 15| 13| 153) 42| 2/2] 2/3) | 3/4
3 | g2) 128 15} 15] 13) 126) 49] 2/3! 2/1 A ye
4} go] 221) 48) 15} 15) 13/187) 43] 2/3) 2/1 4) 25) <1 s Bl ee
5 | Q | 858) 54) 15) 15) 13) 152) 37) 2/3) 2/1) S43) <3) 4/5) 2/3 > |
6 | gy | 250; 50) 15) 15} 13/136] 45) 2/3) > 2/3} 1/3) <] 4/5} = | sl e
tf 2 232) 85) 15/915! 231150) 85) 2/3) <0 a} 2/5) <<) 4/5) = | > a
8 |g | 244] 40) 15 15! s 157| 39] 2/3) 2/1 1} 2/5] <] 2/3 > | 4/5
9 | og | 288} 60) 15) 15) 2 134] 45] 2/3) 2/1 4] 2/5) = | 4/5 > | 4/5
1
10 |g | 258} 56) 15) 15 z 146] 51] 2/3) <2/1 3} 1/3) |) 3/5} =] >] <
11 9 245) 35) 15] 15! 18 157| 39/ 2/3) 2/1 3] 2/5] ] 2/38] = | + 1 4/5
“4 | | CoNTIA
1 |g?) 312} 85] 13) 15} 18, 209] 94| 2/3} 3] = d- fre | 3/6) 4) eee
Ba. | 13) 15) 13) 212] 967] 2 a < 3 2) eh] 3] > 3/5
REVIEW OF THE ASIATIC SPECIES OF ‘CONTIA. wire)
n ‘ ~~
Suprala- Posterior 2
bials. | sublinguals. ler!
eo ete
be —
=a 2. leis
oO =| a) :
| alii teridiec ese fle Fy ;
3 Sail | 3 He Locality. Where preserved.
° ° . = fa. = —_
a} 8) 2] .| & /*8| BS /e [8
= = 3 An 50 its) o Wh
3. 5 5 5 o a fel e 8 a} Go
Bi si si & | 8] BS | esl se ge | oe
~~ = “oO gat
um =) 77 = 5 Ss| fe Pf =
to) as fo) © | i) ® 5 Sees | oes
Ss] a] & Zee eis. Wasa wy |
PERSICA (Anderson).
QO 1f 2) 1+1 7| 8rd &, 2/3) 4th &|cont 2|Maidan Mihaftan, S$.|/No. 460 Bombay N.H.
| 4th 5th Persia. Soe. Collection.
0 1 1} 141 7| do. ?| 4th do. ee do. ci |No.459 ~~ do.
-0 1 WN aheeal 7| do. 2) 4th do. 2| do. ..|No. ? do.
& Sth
0 1 1] 1+1 7| do. < | do. | do. 2|S. Persia ae ..{St. Joseph’s College,
Bangalore.
BOT) 1, ati | 7 do. |< | do. |do.| 2) do. ie ae do.
“| 2) ea 7| do. | do. | do. do. at les do.
0 il 1) 1-1 7| do. < | do. do 2 do. a fs do.
0 1; 1} 141 7| do. < | do. |cont 2\Sharigh, Baluchistan. |No. 132, Quetta Mue
seum.
OO 4a) 1; 2 +1 7) 0,0 =|, 2/ Ste dOsy do. 2|Quetta, Baiuchist mn. |No.177 — do.
ii) as ee 7| do. | < | Sth | .. | .. |Kirgi, Waziristan ..|My collection.
0 1 1} 1-2 i koe 3) do. |cont/2 L |Kotkai, Waziristan .. do.
3F
0 1 dy) i4+1 7| do. 31 4th &| do. 2) Malakand ne ..|No.802, Bombay Col-
Sth lection.
0 1 1] 141 7| da. = | do. do. 2 do. ae ..|No. 803 do.
6 1 1] 142 7| do. < | do do. 2 do. ae >aNo. til Dt 1- do.
0 1 1] 1+1 7| do. < | do. |sept do. re ..|No. 14437 Indian Mu
seum.
0 ‘| 1] 1+1 7| do. < | do. |cont 2 do. Phe ..|No. 14438 do.
oj 4) tata] 7 do. | < | do. |do.| 2] do. .. ..[No.14440 ° do.
j
and were.all collected by
several others from this locality.
FASCIATA (Jan.),
1 1 2 V2 7| ard &| 4/5] 4th sept. 2/Shellal, | Wadi-Gazzi, 19429 Indian Museum.
mie al. 2)2+2-) 7 ce 4/5 nee sept] 2 Ea ak .. (19430 do.
Heya 2) 1441 7| do. | 4/5! do. |sept.| 2)/Deir-el-Belah,Palestine}19431 do.
1 dt 2) b-Fa 7| do. 2/3) do. |sept. 3 Maidan Mihaftan, 8.1462 Bombaycellection.
| Heel 2h4+1| 7] do. | do. |sept.| 3 uae .|461 do.
me th 2) 4-44 Srleao. l315\ qo, sent 3 do. . (463 do.
4p ody 22) 141 7| do. 2| do. |sept. 3 do. ..{171 Cl do.
Bed) 21141} 7 do. | =| do. sept.) 2 do. ..|171 C3 do.
eet) 2) 121 7) do. 3} do. |sept.| 3 do. |17E E38 do:
mae a 2 a4 | ~~ 7\-do. 3! do. |sept.| 3'Shaiba,Iraq .. ../171-4 do.
ZI a een 71 do. | =
MCMAHONI Wall.
i
do. sept. 3\Faluja, Iraq .. --{171-€3 do.
0). Hea-t}141;,° 7 3rd& 3 an &| sept clan Baluchistam..| 53 Quetta Museum.
4th 5 : me:
Oo} 1 141 | | do. | 4/5] do. {cont grep al? Baluchistan.| 26 do.
a 26
778 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
SS | 8
Costals. Rostral. | o@ | o Supraocular. |Frontal.
z, |8s
Dn * "os ve | oe .
=| jie Be |“Sy/"8 a p _
— — om oss | ° 3 ~_ ei
&0 n a} 2 Bn s| © = ~ 3s -| &
ros] a cS | oS 255 =o) s a ~ 2 ~~
° ° Be = a] -52 eos] B+ a= ox =| =] o
i g a] ws} © ake 3 to) 3 is (s) ‘ee
= Rl gigs| lee ‘| 5/28 (438/08 | 2] 9
wi = 2 3S ~ je)
Ee s| Elgsl sl3s| a] S| slb2.|°28) Fe] S| 2] 2] 2] 2
oI S| site! SiSo| £1 eespace SeSieee| £1 S| 3] S| 4
Ss 5 | Alew 2lek + 3) Se a) ae as) wo] i)
Bl wi §| Sle=]| SIES| 8) 81 syeeal See Fee) gi s| S| si &
a\| ul al] sje | ale | &| v2] Aalges|H A] a] al B] A] Af
£5 2
CONTIA
1 260| 54) £3] 15) 15] 189} 62] 2/3 a =f TB) <1 8/5) aS aid
2] .. |:287| 40) ESP 15] 18) 178) soa a Arsh) ee 2/5| 4/5] 3/5| 2/3] > 3
S| .. | 154) i. | 1s) 25 atatieg?|) 62h a << 2/5] < | 3/5] 3/4] > g
165) .. | 1p] 15) Isl azo ez) 3) =e) 2/5) <<] 3/5) F > | 2/8
CONTIA
475| 125) 15) 15] 13] 225) 110 ae 2ifot| === + es ee a > | 2/3
eo
ce)
or
\
I
VA
ot 426| 106] 17] 17| 15] 170) 69) # 2/3 4/5
| I
we Nie
A A
ies)
a
Q? 442) 106) 7) 17) 15
i
J
eS)
J
—y
w;wo
l
I
wit
|
oo
et
or
RY
ll
oo
~
on
> 4/5
ry
J
eo
@
i
Pleo
ll
we
3/5| # 2/3
—
~J
co
J
J
peo
bo
—
(su)
A
V
—
aaa
ey)
<
<
150] 87| # #} = | >1/3| < | 2/3] 3/5] > ! 5/6
< | 2/3) << | >| 4/5
<
py
o
(=)
@
fz)
pk
ie
(\)
by
1
of 2} 498] 128] 17] 17] 15] 174) 79) 4/5) = = 2/5
2/31 < | > | 5/6
Os On, FOQ
° ho
° No)
i=)
Qo
bo
py
~J
_
J
=
wt
10 17] 17) 15:159?| 92
peo
a
i]
|
bo
—
or
2/3) 3/4] > | 3/4!
Nos.1, 2,3 & 4 are labelled condoni two of which were so pronounced
referred to in his description of that species.
4
1 ee
ie
Lhe. | 112) 46 | 27) az 15) 442 2/3) SN ee 1/4} 3/5) 3/ 4/ 2/1 a
CoNTIA
A] .. | 480] 118] 17} a7} 15/1732] 73) 2 2 < 3 3/5| 3/4 3/5
21 .. | 490): 72) ap aah a5) ges! Coase 2/3) > 3/5] < eyes)
REVIEW OF THE ASIATIC SPECIES OF CONTIA, 779
—————— eee
Suprala- Posterior 4
bias, sublinguals. &
N < o S
= sje |*
Py g e lg [8_ Locality. Where preserved.
Pay ry e o 3 ss
S) 4/2] (f4] 3 lf |
° fo) om pst}
gi 13] = | | 2 les) 2 [Ee |%z
ad ~— 4 ~~ :
a e| 2! & | 5 ($8) 2 123 |os
es) al al & 42) 8 | Ss |n a
COLLARIS (Menetrics).
0, 1 1, 1+1 7| 3rd & 3) 4th & |eont 2|Muscat ae --|171 F1 Bombay col-
4th 5th lection.
i} -1 2) 1+1 7| do. 2/ do. |cont 2) Baghdad me soll #2 do.
ba |
qa do. = | do. |cont 2) Baghdad ae 171 F3 do.
2
et) i] 21 142]° 71 do. | < | do. |eont] 2/Baghdad .. ..(171 73 do.
-SEBRINA spec. nov.
ei! 61) 149 73rd & Z| 4th &\cont| 2/Bazdad,S. Persia ..|171-1 Bombay col-
4th 5th lection.
|
CORONELLA (Schlegel).
Se ee 71 3rd & | = [4th & |sept| 3/Shellal, Wadi-Guzzi, | No. 19428 Indian Mu
| 4th |. 5th Palestine. seum.
‘DECEMLINEATA
(@umeri] & Bibron.)
‘Synopsis of species,
1} 1} 2) 1+2 7| 8rd & | — | 4th & {cont} 3 LiShiraz.. ae ..|No. 171 G2 Bombay
4th 5th 2 N.H.S. Collection.
HM 1) Gise| Teard&| — | 4thé&lsept| 3] do... .. -/171G83 do.
4th 5th
| GS ee 714th &| — | do. Jeont do. .. i --(171G4 ~~ do.
S5thL
31a &
ith R
me) 1] 2) 1+2 7|/3rd &| = | do. |sept. do. .. ae ~(171 G1 do.
; 4th :
ti 1) 2) 142 7\8rd&| = | do. |eont] 2/Maidan Mihaftan ..|456 do.
4th
me 1). 1/142 7| 3rd & | = |-do do do. . (457 do.
4th
ed) 2} 4 -+2 7| 8rd& | = | do. | do do. . (458 do.
4th
me 1) 2142) 73rd&| =| do. | do do. ..{171E4 = do.
4th
1} 1] 21/142! 7/38rd&}] = | do. | do do. «171 B1--. do.
4th
) See 142) V3rd& < | do. _}-de. do. mary yt We he D4 dc.
4th
by Boulenger and
780
By Lrevr.-Con, W. H. Evans, D.S.0., R.E,, F.Z.S., F.E.S,
|
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, —~ —
(Continued from page 537 of this Volume.) |
Part III.
(With 4 plates).
|
_D7. Maniola.—The Meadowbrowns. (Plate 13). | . |
j
|
|
Upf the ocelli not pupilled or only rarely so in individuals.
la (5a). H termen even, No ¢ brand, except in No. 3.
lb (4). Unh no prominent pale markings. Upf single apical ocellus; in”
@ rarely an ocellus in 2 ; ocelli not yellow ringed.
1 (2a). Upf bright tawny except for extreme base and margin. Unf discal |—
line obsolete or nearly so, never shows above. |
*pulchella, Fd. ' (38-45). The Tawny Meadowbrown. Chitral—Kashmir N.R.
2a (1) Upf tawny area completely overlaid dark brown scales, less so in |
2. Unf discal line more or less prominent, especially in 9, where it shows
upf and beyond it there is a tawny area nearly clear of dark scales.
2 (3). Comparatively large, no @ brand. F e
pulchra, Fd. (40-45). The Dusky Meadow brown. Chitral—Kumaon. NR. |
3 (2). Small. brand upf under mv.
hilaris, Stg. (34-36). The Pamir Meadowbrown. N. Chitral. VR.
4 (1b). Unh with prominent fulvous markings from base 8 to mid cell and a
discal series of irregular fulvous or pale yellow spots. ¢ upf ocellus very obscure;
2 apical ocellus and ocellus in 2 prominent and yellow ringed. qi
*ceenonympha, Fd. (35-45). The Spotted Meadowbrown. Kashmir. NR. -}
5a (la). margin crenulate. g upf broad dark brand from v1 to v3 or 4, |
2 usually ocellus in 2.
5b (7a). Unh no pr omihent ocelli, at most a very small one in 1.
5 (6). Above dark brown, only tawny beyond cell and about ocelli in female. |~
y & upf ocelli not yellow ringed. @Q uph discal line prominent and.) —
much paler beyond it. . 4 Pate | ‘-
lupinus centralis, Riley. °(45-50). The Branded Meadowbrown. Baluchis- —
tan. _.R. H
6. A upf ocellus yéllowtinged. @Q uph uniform.
*Jupinus kashmirica, M. ‘Chitral—Kashmir. NR. |
y. As last, but larger and fulvous ring round ocellus in ¢ and fulvous areas |
about ocelli in 2 upf ‘larger.
lupinus cheena, M. (50-60). Kashmir—Nepal. NR.
6 (5). Above tawny except for extreme base and border. Unf discal oan
obsolete. Unh paler and more striated, very irregular discal and sub- ~~
line.’
narica, Hub. (48-50). The Tawny Branded Meadowbrown. Baluchistan. R. | |
7a (5b). Unh prominent white ringed ocelli and prominent -white edged |i u
discal line.
7.(8). Upf apical ocellus elongate. ;
wagnert mandane, Koll. (50-52). The Ovalepet Meadowbrown. Raluch-}
istan. VR. en
8 (7). Upf apical ocellus circular. | ;
Large. @ upf brand wide and extending into 3. Unh ocelli small, ocell | —
in 1 and 5 very small or absent. |
*davendra latistigma, M. (52-55). The Whiteringed Mondo htesal - Balu-| |
chstan. NR. |
8. Small. ¢ brand narrower and not into 3. Unh ocelli variable, often
an extra ocellusin 6. Unf discal line prominent.
&
(quae BompBay Nat. Hist. Soc. Prater XTIT.
D. Satyridae. 7. Maniola: 8. Eumenis: 10. Aulocera: 12. Arge: 13. Hrebia: 14. Ypthima:
15. Zipoetis: 17. Hrites: 16. Orsotrioena: 18. Ragadia,
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 781.
D7. Maniola—conid.
davendra chitralica, Evans. (48-52). Chitral NR.
». Aslast. Unh ocelliin 2 and 5 large and equal ; ocellus in 1 usually absent.
davendra brevistigma, M, Baltistan—Ladak. NR.
Large and brand broad, but not into 3. Unusually an occllus im 1,
Unf discal line obscure.
davendra,davendra, M, (50-55), Spiti—Kumaon. R,
D8. Eumenis.—The Rockbrowns. (Plate 13).
1 (2a). Above velvet black with white border, no discal band. Unh white
edged discal line and prominent ocelli in 2 and 5. d_ upf brand from v1-4.
qa. Upt white marginal band unsullied. Uph ocellus in 2 small and mostly
on the white area. Below paler, discal line straight.
_ parisatis shiva, LeCerf. (65-70). The White-edged Rockbrown. Baluchistan
—Chitral and Hunza. NR.
g. Upt white margin narrow, sullied, Uph ocellus in 2 mostly on the dark
area and large. Unh ocelli very large.
- *parisatis parsis, LeCerf. Kashmir—Kumaon. NR.
2a (1). Above with tawny or white band.
2b (4a). Unf broad dark bar in cell. Upf discal band consists of discon-
nected broad streaks, those in 2 and 5 being divided by an ocellus.
ocellus in 1.
2 (3). Upf basal half of cell white ; discal band white and always a streak in
4, Unf ocellus pupilled. o upf broad brand. |
heydenreichi shandura, Mar. (50-65). The Shandur Rockbrown. Chitral—
Kashmir. R.
3 (2). Upf cell dark brown ; discal band tawny in DSF and white in WSF,
rarely streak in 4. Unf ocelli blind. 6 brand narrow.
- *persephone enervata, Stg. (€0-70). The Dark Rockbrown. Baluchistan—
Chitral. NR.
4a (2b). ,Unf dark bar in cell narrow or absent, apical ocellus pupilled.
4 (5a). Upf @ tawny band suffused dark brown, except round ocellus; in 2
pale tawny, sullied. Uph ocellus in-prominent. Unh broadly white beyond
discal band. ¢ brand upf broad.
semele diffusa, But. (60-70). The Grayling. Ravi Basin. VR.
5a (4). Upf tawny band prominent and continuous, veins more or less dark.
Uph ocellus in 2 small or absent.
5 (6). Uph tawny discal band continued into 6 or to costa. ¢ upf.dark
basal area not projecting prominently into discal band at v4. dg upf dark
brand larger v1-4.
mniszechit lehana, M, (58-65). The Tawny Rockbrown.
Chitral—Ladak. NR.
g. Aslast but always smaller.
mniszechit baldiva, M. (50-55). Ladak, Kun-wur, Spiti. NR.
6 (5). Upf tawny discal band not into 6. @ upf dark basal
projecting into discal band at v4. ¢ upf brand mid cell parailel to the scv.
*thelephassa, Hub. (55-65). The Baluchi Rockbrown. Baluchistan, NR
Upt no
Baluchistan.
area
D9. Karanasa.—The Satyrs. (Plate 13).
la (8a). Upf single ocellus in 5.
1 (2). Upf broad tawny discal band ; ocellus not pupilled.
a Apex F produced. Upf diseal band broad and light, veins only narrew!v
black,
782 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX.,
D9. Karanasa.—(contd.) -
igna pallas, Evans. (55). The Chitrali Satyr. Chitral to 9,000 feet NR.
Apex F not produced. Upf discal band narrower, duller, veins broadly
black, especially v4 ; outer edge discal band much zigzagged. Smaller.
digna digna, Mar. (52). Chitral over 9,000 feet. NR.
2(1). Upf no tawny discal band ; ocellus pupilled.
a. Small, Apex F produced. Upf ocellus small.
actea nana, Stg. (50-55). The Black Satyr. Baluchistan. R.
6. Much larger. Apex F produced. Upf ocellus very large.
*actea magna, Evans. (60-65). Chitral to 9,000 feet. R.
y. Small, Apex F rounded. Upf ocellus small.
acteea pimpla, Fd. (45-50). Chitral over 9,000 feet. R.
3a (la). Upf ocelli in 5 and 2 on a pale band (ocellus in 2 rarely absent),
3 (4). Upf veins across pale band brown in d.and in 2 vs 1 and 4 brown. Pale
band yellow, but often more or less suffused tawny. Outer edge of discal band
uph defined by a sawtooth line. Apex F produced. ¢ brand prominent. a
regelti moorei, Evans. (45-55), The Turkestan Satyr. Chitral—Ladak. NR.
4 (3). Upf veins across pale band concolorous with ground, except sometimes
at upper end. Pale band tawny; outer edge discal band uph defined by an
even or waved line. Apex F not produced. @ brand faint.
*hubneri, Fd. The Tawny Satyr. Safed Koh. Chitral, Ladak, Kashmir. N
Di0. Paroeneis.—The Mountain Satyrs. (Plate 13),
Above brown with tawny band. Small. No d brand.
1 (2). Upf tawny band ill-defined, diffused inwards, mostly tawny except
tor the dark border.
a. Above dark brown border narrow, confined to termen and ill-defined
inwardly.
pumilus pumilus, Fd. (38-40). The Mountain Satyr. Kashmir, Ladak. NR.
g. Above dark brown border broad, up to edge of discal band.
*numilus bicolor, Seitz. (40-45). Chumbi Valley. NR.
2(1). Upf tawny discal band narrow and well defined, Most of wing dark
brown.
palearcticus sikkimensis, Stg. (40-45). The Arctic Satyr. Sikkim. R.
Di1. Aulocera.—The Banded Satyrs. (Plate 13).
Above black or very dark brown, discal band white or pale yellow. ¢ upf
dark brand mid dorsum to v4 more or less prominent.
la (5). Below dark, white striation less prominent than the dark ground.
Tegumen with horns.
1 (2a). Upf inner edge white discal spots 1-4 in line. Uph band narrow
and even. Wings rounded, termens convex. Tegumen gradually sloped to tip.
a. Unf apical ocellus well defined and prominently pupilled. Uph discal
band to dorsum.
brahminus brahminus, Blanch. (55-65). The Narrow-banded Satyr. Kashmir
—Mussoorie. NC.
p. Upf apical ocellus ill-defined. Uph discal band to dorsum, comparatively
straight. Large.
brahminus dokwana, Evans. (65-68). W. Garhwal, Kumaon, Nepal. R. ~
y. As last, but much smaller and darker. Uph band much curved.
brahminus brahminoides, M. (50-60). Chumbi Valley. R.
2a (1). Upf inner edge discal spots 1-3 nearer base and not in line with spot
in 4, but more in line with inner spot in 5, if present. Tegumen with shoulder. —
Wings produced, termen F straight,
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, 783
Dll, Aulocera—(¢cvntd.)
2 (3). Uph band of even width throughout and veins crossing it black.
Tegumen hooks short.
- a. Upf inner spot in 5 absent in @. Uph band to dorsum in @, not always
so in 2. Unf ocellus prominently pupilled.
padma padma, Kollar. (70-85), The Great Satyr. Kashmir—Sikkim. NR.
g. Upfinner spotin 5 presentin g and 9. Uph band to dorsumin ¢ and
©. Unf ocellus often ill-defined.
padma loha, Doh. (80-92). Kumaon—Assam to 8,000 feet. NR.
\. As last but much smaller and bands much narrower. Uph band curved
and not as a rule to dorsum in @.
padma chumbica, M. (65-75). Bhutan, Chumbi Valley, over 9,000 feet
NR.
6. As last, but bands pale yellow above and bright yellow below. Occurs
as a variety with chumbica.
padma fulva, Evans, (70-75). Abor Valley and S8.E. Thibet, over 9,000 ft. R.
3 (2). Uph band distinctly narrowing to dorsum, whichit never reaches
except rarely in @ ; veins crossing it not darkened as a rule. Bronzy sheen
above and below paler than last. Tegumen with very long hooks.
a, Uph band very narrow and not entering cell; upf spots of band weli
separated, only very faintly tinged yellow.
swaha kurrama, Evans. (60-65). The Common Satyr. Safed Koh. NR.
8. Uph band broad and enters cell; upf discal spots coalesced usually and
larger, Above band pale straw, unf tinged pale yellow.
*swaha swaha, Koll. (60-70). Chitral—Sikkim. C.
y. As last, but upf band bright yellow.
swaha garuna, Fruh. Kashmir-—Kulu, inner ranges. NR.
4 (la). Below very pale, white striation predominant; white band broad and
straight on H, reaches dorsum. Tegumen without hooks.
saraswati, Koll. (65-75). The Striated Satyr. Chitral—Sikkim. C.
Diz. Arge.—The Marbled Whites. (Plate 13).
_ Above white with irregular sub-marginal brown line and upf narrow irregular
brown discal band and dorsum brown. Unh ocelliin 1-3 and 5 and 6, often
obscure.
*halamede montana, Leech. (60-65). The Chinese Marbled White. N.
Burma. VR.
D13. Erebia.—The Arguses. (Plate 13).
la (4a). Antenne club spatulate. Above velvet dark brown; upf ocellus
single pupilled. (sometimes unpupilled and very rarely 2). Unf maroon. Unh
dark brown, powdered white scales, no ocelli, complete postdiscal row white
spots, No. 3 brand.
1 (2a). Upf outer half wing yellow. Uph uniform dark velvet brown.
*mant, DeN. (45-50). The Yellow Argus. Chitral—-Ladak. R.
2a (1). Upf outer half not yellow. Uph obscure postdiscal ferruginous patch.
2 (3). Upf broad prominent postdiscal ferruginous area and apical ocellus
Orominently yellow ringed.
y Upf ocellus not pupilled and upf no tawny patch.
3 eerie chitralica, Hvans. (45-50). The Scarce Mountain Argus. Chitral.
& Upf ocellus pupilled.
784. JOURNAL, BOMBAY. NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X,
D13. CISD)
*kalinda, kalinda, M. (45-50). een nes R..
3 (2). Upf ferruginous area cae and detached from ocellus, which ia
no yellow ring, except in @.
shallada, Lang. (45-55). The Mountain Argus.. Chitral. Kashmir—Mussoorie,
NR.
4a (la). Club antenne gradual.
4b (8a). Above velvet dark brown; upf ocellus bipupilled; uph an ocellus
in 2. Unh at least an ocellus in 2.
4c (6a). Unh no sub-marginal brown fascia or line; discal brown line or
fascia obscure or obsolete.
4(5). Above uniform. No ¢ brand.
a. Unh finely irrorated ; ocellus in 2 minute, no ocellus in 1, white spots 4,
5 and 6 obscure, also brown discal line traceable. Unf maroon.
nirmala reducta, Evans. (50-55). The Common Argus. Chitral. VC.
8. Unf dark brown and unh no white irrorations, ocellus in 2 prominent,
usually no ocellus in 1 and rarely ocellus in 4, white spots prominent, no
discal line.
nirmala daksha, M. (45-50). Kashmir. C.
y. Transitional between last and next. Unf dark maroon, unh white irrora-
tions weak, ocelli never so well developed as is usually the case in the next.
nirmala kala, Evans. (45-50). Murree. VC.
5. Unf bright maroon. Unh white irrorations prominent and often broad
discal line ; ocelli very variable, may be only 1 or 2 or a complete row.
*nirmala nirmala, M. (50-55). Kangra—Kumaon. VC.
5 (4). Above outwardly prominently paler. Unh white irrorations very
prominent, especially towards dorsum; ocelli in 1 and 2 prominent and
subequal, none elsewhere, white dots prominent. @ upf modified scales on
disc.
scanda, Koll. (50-60). The Pallid Argus. Kashmir—Sikkim. NR.
6a (4c). Unh prominent sub-marginal and discal fasciz or lines; striation
prominent and uniform ; never more than ocelli in 1 and 2.
6 (7). Unh prominent sub-marginal and discal lines, not fasciz; sub-
marginal line clear of the ocelli, which are prominent. F dorsum longer than
costa. No @ brand.
hybrida, M. (50-60). The Hybrid Argus. Simla—Kumaon. NR.
7 (6). Unh prominent submarginal and discal fasciz, not lines, and former
runs into the ocelli; fascize widening to apex. IF costa longer than or equal
to the dorsum. In DSF unh fasciz and ocelli tend to obsolescence.
a. Large. Upf narrow fulvous ring to ocellus. Apex F produced and
termen straight. @ prominent area modified scales on disc upf.
annada annada, M. (60-70). The Ringed Argus. Kashmir—Sikkim. NR.
B. Smaller. Upf ocellus with a very broad ring. Apex F rounded. No
modified scalesin ¢.
*annada orixa, M. (55-60). Assam—N. Burma. NR.
y. As last, larger. Upf ocellus with even broader ring. Unh white irrora-
tions very prominent also dark fasciz and there is a prominent sub-basal fascia
as well. No @ brand.
annada suroia, Tyt. (60-65). Manipur. R.
8a (4b). Above brown ; ocellus with yellow, not fulvous ring.
8 (9). Uph prominent ocellus in 2. Upf second pupil to ocellus absent or
minute. Below pale brown; unh striated and with 2 large double ocelli in 1-2
and 5-6, no discal line. No @ brand. Wings rounded.
*hyagriva, M. (42-46). The Brown Argus. Kashmir—Kumaon. R,
ee Se See
THE IDENTIFICATION CGF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, 185
D13. Erebia—(contd.)
9 (8). Uph and unh no ocelli. Unf prominent dark discal line from inside
ocellus to vl and postdiscal line to vl, between which ground colour is paler. 3
prominent dark brown brand mid I to base 4, entering cell. Wings produced,
especially tornus H which is lobed.
a. Below rather pale brown, more or less frosted over white scales F and
evenly striated H, no fascia.
narasingha narasingha, M. (55). The Mottled Argus. Abor Valley. VR.
8. Below paler and with an ochreous tinge, H not striated or uniform, costa.
apex and tornus prominently darker.
narasingha dohertyi, Hvans. (55 ). N. Burma—Shan States. VR,
Di4. Ypthima.—The Rings. (Plate 13).
1 (2a). Unh no ocelli or at most a dot in 2.. Uph ocellusin 2. Unh varie-
gated, basal area and mid termen ochreous vrown, rest nearly white. Unf no
loop under ocellus or fascia. No d brand.
megalomma megalia, DeN. (45 ). The Ringless. N. Burma. VR.
2a (1). Unh with ocelli, though often obsolete in DSF.
2b (lla). Unh single apical ocellus in 6.
2c (7a). Unh only 2 subtornal ocelli in 1 and 2, no ocellusin 3 and uph
only ocellus in 2.
2d (5a). Unf no loop round ocellus extending to 1, or 2.
2e (4). Unf no prominent sub-marginal dark fascia, at least in WSF. ¢ with
brand upf.
2 (3). Unhapicalandtornal ocelli not in line, ocellusin 2 shifted out.
DSF variable, may have a submarginal fascia unf and two discal fascive unh.
inica, Hew. (80-34). The Lesser Threering. Punjab—Bengal. NR.
3 (2). Unh apical and tornal ocelli in line. No DSF.
a. Unf striation obsolete. Below ochreous tinge. Upf ocellus ring
obscure.
*lycus lycus, DeN. (37-40). The Plain Threering. Assam, R.
g. Unf striation prominent. Below grey.
lycus lycoides, Wat. (37-40). N. Burma. R.
4 (2e). Below sub-marginal fascia F and mid termen H; no discal fascia
I. No @ brand, no DSF,
a. Unf sub-marginal fascia prominent and widening at tornus, Unh
apical ocellus not much larger than rest. Small.
nareda nareda, Koll. (40-45) The Large Threezing. Kashmir—Kumaon.
NR.
6. Unf submarginal fascia even. Unh apical oceilus much larger than rest
and striation coarser,
nareda newara, M. (45-50). Sikkim—Assam. NR.
y. As last, but smaller.
nareda sarcaposa, Fruh. (40-45). Assam—Shan States. NR.
5a (2d). Unf with discal fascia, which forms a loop under the ocellus with
the sub-margina] fascia. No ¢ brand. With DSF.
5 (6). Large. Below striation coarse and wide. Unh in WSF ocellus very
large.
watsoni, M. (40-45). The Looped Threering. Manipur—s. Burma. NR.
6 (5). Small. Striation below fine.
a. Unh WSF ocelli very small; in DSF 2 more or iess prominent discal lines.
*asterope mahratta, M, (30-37). The Common Threering. India. Chamba—
Assam. C,
6. Unh WSF ocelli large; in DSF discal lines obscure or abzenty Uni Joop
may be obscure.
27
786 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
D114. Ypthima—(:ontd.)
asterope burmana, Evans. (28-36). N. Burma. NR.
7a (2c), Unh 3 tornal ocelliin 1,2 & 3, Uph usually ocelli in 2 & 3 at least.
No ¢ brand.
7b (9a). Unh subtornal ocelli on a dark band. Seasonal forms not strongly
marked.
7 (8). Upf dark bands from below invisible and ocellus ring obscure.
ypthimoides, M. (40-55). The Palni Fourring. 8S. India. NR.
8 (7). Upf dark bands and ocellus ring prominent. Below paler; H
whitish, dark bands and ocelli rings prominent.
chenui, Guer. (36-46). The Nilgiri Fourring. S. India. NR.
9a (7b). Unh subtornal ocelli not on a dark band. Seasonal forms strongly
marked.
9 (10). Uph tornal half white.
ceylonica, Hew, (30-35). The White Fourring. Ceylon. 8. India—Bengal.
C.
10 (9). Uph not white.
a. Below all fasciz obso!cte.
hubnert kashmira, M. (35-40). The Common Fourring. Kashmir—Kulu.
NR.
@. Below all fasciz usually prominent. Very variable, especially in DSF,
hubnert hubneri, Kirby. (30-40). India. Burma. VC.
lla (2b). Unh more than one apical ocellus and that in 5 always prominent.
11b (13a). Unh the tornal ocelli in a straight line or that in 2 slightly shifted
out. ;
11 (12). Unh only 2 subtornal ocelli usually, ocellus in 3 absent. Unh 3
sub-apical ocelli in 4, 5 and 6. Below fascie prominent. No dg brand.
No DSF.
bolanica, Mar. (35-40). The Desert Fourring. Baluchistan—Kashmir. R.
12 (11). Unh 3 subtornal and 2 subapical ocelli (rarely an ocellus in 4 and
rarely that in 6 absent).
a. Small. @ upf no ocellus. Below pale; unf discal band may be absent.
Unh no discal band. @ brand more or less prominent.
avanta singala, Fd. (30-35). The Jewel Fourring. Ceylon. S. India—
Central Provinces. NR.
6. @ upf ocellus prominent. Below whitish, with prominent bands. @
brand absent.
avanta striata, Hamp. (35-45). Nilgiris. R.
y @ upf no ocellus. Below dark, markings more or less prominent, @
brand prominent. :
avanta avanta, M. (32-38). Kashmir—Sikkim. NR.
6. @ upf prominent ocellus. Pale and small. Below pale and fascice obscur
3S brand faint or absent.
avanta cerealis, Wat. (32-36). Burma dry zone. R.
n. As typical avanta, but larger and striation below coarser.
avanta bara, Evans. (38-42). Sikkim—Burma. NR.
13a (11b). Unh tornal ocelli not in line, ocellus in 2 shifted in more or less.-
13 (14a). Unh ocellus in 6 minute. Small. Uph no discal fascie.
Unf no discal and sub-marginal fascia obscure. No ¢ brand. DSF well marked.
a. Unh discal fascia obsolete.
philomela tabella, Mar. (25-35). The Baby Fivering. 8S. India, NR.
6. Unh discal fascia always visible. Paler,
philomela pequana, Evans. N. Burma. NR.
14a (13). Unh ocellus in 6 more or less prominent. Larger.
14b (20a). Unh the 2 apical ocelli not prominently larger than the rest.
I)
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, 787
P14. Ypthima.— (coréd.)
14c (17a). Under 45mm expanse.
14d (16a). 4 upf prominent brand ; discal line not visible. DSF well marked.
14 (15). Below striation coarse and sub-basal band prominent as well as the
discal. Uph discal line always more or less well marked.
a. Unh 2 apical ocelli usually well separated. WSI discal bands very often
most prominent on a pale ground.
baldus madrasa, Evans, (36-43). The Common Fivering. S. India. VC.
6. Unh apical pair of ocelli and also central pair usually confluent. Small,
pale, especially below, fascize more obscure.
baldus satpura, Evans. (32-36). Pachmarhi. NR.
y. Very variable; unh in WSF ocelli often very large and confluent ; dark
and bands not so prominent as in a.
*Daldus baldus, F. (35-48). Chamba—Burma. VC.
15 (14). Below striation fine and darker; sub-basal bands F and H obsolete.
- Uph discal band not visible. NR.
indecora, Mar. (35-40). The Western Fivering. /Kashmir—Kumaon.
16a (14d). ¢ upf brand absent and discal line visible F and H. Below sub-
basal. fascia obscure.
a. Very dark, especially below. DSF strongly marked and variegated.
similis affectata, El. (38-42). The Eastern Fivering. Assam. R.
6. Very pale, below whitish, sparsely striated. Termen F very straight.
DSF ocellated, not strongly marked.
similis yoma, Evans. (35-42). Pegu Yoma. R.
vy. Very like baldus. DSF ocellated, not strongly marked.
similis similis, El. (40-45). Karens—Dawnas. NR.
17a (14c). Over 45 mm expanse.
17 (18a). Below very pale with dark fasciz’ very prominent and discal
fascia H straight. Above pale, prominent brand. Unh tornal double
ocellus separated. DSF strongly marked.
savara, GrS. (45-50). The Pallid Fivering. C.
18a (17). Unh discal fascia, if present, angled out opposite end cell, fascice
never so prominent. DSF ocellated.
18 (19). Unh double tornal ocellus separated, apical pair separate.
a. Large and dark. No d brand.
methora methora, Hew. (50-55). The Variegated Fivering. Sikkim—Assam
8. Smaller and rather paler. <3 brand obscure. Below fasciz very faint.
methora sobrina, El (48-52). Karen Hills. R. |
19 (18). Unh double tornal ocellus with single iris, apical ocelli with irides
touching or coalesced.
a. Dark. Below fascie absent on H and obscure on F. No @ brand. F
produced. Unh ocellus in 5 shifted in.
dohertyt persimilis, El, (50-55). The Great Fivering. Manipur. VR.
6. Pale. Below whitish, sparsely striated, fasciz obscure. @ brand
prominent. Uph all ocelli showing.
dohertyi dohertyi, M. (52-56). Shan States—Karens. R.
20 (14b). Unh apical 2 ocelli much larger than the rest, tornal double ocellu
with single iris. No DSF.
a, Small, dark, ocelli smal]. Unh apical ocelli separated by iris, the irides
being coalesced. @ brand prominent or obscure. Below no fascie.
on nikaea, M. (45-50), The Himalayan Fivering. Murree— Kumaon.
6. Larger, paler, ocelli larger. Unh apical 2 ocelli with a single iris. 6
brand obscure. Below no fasciz.
sakra sakra, M. (48-55). Sikkim, C,
788 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
D14. Ypthima—(contd.)
7. As last, paler. Unf discal and sub-marginal fascia show obscurely and
rarely also on H.
*sakra austent, M. (48-55), Assam—Karen hills. C.
D15. Zipoetis.—The Catseyes. (Plate 13).
Without dry season form.
1 (2). Velvet black with broad white band F and H. Unh 2 small tornal
ocelli, large one in 2, double one 5—6, small one in 7, allinwardly bordered by a
pale line.
*saitis, Hew. (60-65). The Tamil Catseye. 8S. India. R.
2 (1). Above dark velvet brown, no pale bands; 3 very narrow sub-terminai
lines; apex F paler. Unh ocelli as in last.
*scylax, Hew. (55-62). The Dark Catseye. Sikkim—Shan States. NR.
D16. Orsotriena.—The Nigger. (Plate 13).
Above dark brown, unmarked, but the discal band from below shows faintly.
Below crossed by a white band. Unf ocelli in 2 and 5. Unh in 2, 5 and 6,
DSF strongly marked.
a. Below white band broad and tapering to costa F and dorsum H.
medus mandata, M. (42-52). The Nigger. Ceylon, S. India. C,
8. Below discal band narrow and even ; in DSF may be absent or replaced
by a dark line.
*medus medus, F. (45-55). Sikkim—Burma. Andamans, Nicobars. C,_
Di7. Erites.——The Cyclops. (Piate 13).
Seasonal! forms slightly marked.
la (3). Upf large ocellus in 2 only, remainder from below show faint. Apex
F produced.
1 (2). Unh inner band sharply angled in middle as is the discal band. Uph
ocelli with broad yellow rings.
*angularis, M. (50-60). The Angled Cyclops. NR.
2(1). Unh inner band straight or slightly curved, discal band sharply
angled.
a. EF termen concave opposite end v5. Upf ocellus in 2 pupilled. Uph
ocelli small and narrow ringed, no bands showing. Unh ocelli small, bands
broad and dark.
falcipennis falcipennis, WM. (50-55). The Common Cyclops. Cachar—
Chin Hills. R.
6. EFtermeneven. Upf ocellus not pupilled. Uph ocelli with broad rings
and bands show through.
faleipennis rotundata, DeN. (50-60). Karen Hills—S. Burma. C.
3 (la). Upf all ocelli marked. Apex F not produced. Uph and unh as
rotundata.
argentina delia, Mart. (50-55). The Eyed Cyclops. Tavoy—S. Burma.
VR.
D18. Ragadia.—The Striped Ringlet. (Plate 13).
a, Above all 4 bands of the same shade, dusky. Unh ocelli in 3, 4 and ©
with irides conjoined.
cristlda crito, DeN. (42-46). Bhutan—Manipur, R.
—
|
PLATE X]
JouRN. BomBay Nat. Hist. Soc.
tes: 21. Anadebis: 25. Ely 10s
a
23. Cyllogenes: 19. Coel
.
.
Us
22. Melanit
20, Neorina
Satyridae.
D.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 789
P18, Ragadis—(conid.)
g. Above pale band (3rd from base) clear white, narrow. Uph sub-marg |
inal band very narrow. Uph dark band bearing the ocelli below much wider
than the pale bands on either side. Unh ocelli in 3, 4 and 5 with irideg
conjoined.
crisilda crisilda, Hew. (42-46). Cachar—Assam. NR.
y. Above discal white band broader on F also sub-marginal band H, where
the dark band bearing the ocelli below is only slightly wider than the pale bands ; ;
upf sub-marginal band narrow white. Unh ocelliin 4 and 5 with irides con-
joined or separate.
crisilda critolaus, DeN. (42-46). Karens—Dawnas. R.
6. Above as last, but smaller and darker, white bands narrower. Upf sub-
marginal band may be obsolete.
*crisilda critolina, Hvans. (37-42). Dawnas to 8S. Burma. R.
D1i9. Ccelites—The Blue Catseyes. (Plate 14).
Above dark brown, bases broadly glossed purple blue; below dull brown with
a diffused pale band. d uph long erect hairs along vl and a prominent
dark brand along outer two-thirds of vl.
1 (2). Unh ocelliin 4 ond 5 much smaller than ocelliin 2,3 and 6; no discal
band ; dark discal line before ocelli angled out opposite end cell.
nothis adamsoni, M. (75-85). The Scarce Catseye. Bhamo. VR.
2(1). Unh all ocelli small and equal, prominent pale straight discal band
and no dark discal line.
*eprminthia binghami, M. (75-85), The Blue Catseye. Dawnas—S
Burma. R.
D209. Neorina.—The Owls. (Plate 14). No male brand.
1 (2a). H no tail at v3. Upf broad yellow discal band.
—*hilda, Wd. (80-95). The Heslligny Owl. Sikkim—Assam. R.
2a (1). H tail at v3.
2 (3). Upf broad white Akal band. Uph no ocelli.
patria westwoodi, M. (100-110). The White Owl. Assam—N. Burma
R
3 (2.) Upf broad yellow discal band. Uph ocelli in 2 and 3.
chrishna archaica, Fruh. (95-105). The Tailed Yellow Owl. S. Burma. VR.
D21i. Anadebis.—The Diadems. (Plate 14). No male brand.
1(2). Above and below complete postdiscal row ocelli.
*himachala, M. (60-85). The Dusky Diadem. Sikkim—N. Burma. NR.
2 (1). Above and below complete postdiscal row white spots, which are very
large on H,
* diademoides, M. (80-90). The White Diadem. Karens—S. Burma. R,
D22. Melanitis—The Evening Browns. (Plate 14). No male brand.
1 (2a). WSF below grey, striated dark brown, with large prominent ocelli.
Upt always prominent, white pupilled, black spot in 3, extending into 4 and a
white spot against its upper, outer, edge; paler above the spot. DSF the black
and white spots prominent, with on the inner and lower side a narrow, promi-
790 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST SOCIETY, Vol. XX TM
D22. Melanitis—(contd.)
nent, sharply defined ochreous bar; in 5 a similar ochreous bar that very rarely
extends above 5. F produced ; in WSF termen just angled below v5, prominent-
ly soin 2 andin DSF 4g, falcate in DSF 9. H termen equally tailed at
vl. and v3.
*leda ismene, Cr. (60-80).: The Common Evening Brown. Ceylon, India,
Burma, Andamans. VC.
2a (1). WSF never with large ocelli below. DSF ochreous markings never
so restricted and so well defined. ;
2 (3). WSF below ocelli small, but more or less complete and usually welt
formed. DSF with termen ashy, especially so in ¢. KF WSF apex not pro-
duced and termen straight or very faintly angled below v5. H WSF tailed only
at v3 and termen straight to tornus; DSF tail at v1 much shorter than tail at
Ve
a. WSF do above very dark, unmarked, apex F paler; @ upf black spots
prominent, white spots small or absent, pale area above to costa. Below @ very
dark, 2 ferruginous, ocelli not so well formed as usual. DSF no ochreous mark-
ings upf, black and white spots more or less prominent and pale costal bar.
phedima tambra, M. (70-80). The Dark Evening Brown. Ceylon, NR.
8. Smaller and not so dark. WSF below ocelli well developed and discal |
line prominent, ferruginous.
phedima varaha, M. (60-70). S. India. NR.
B. WSF with costal ochreous bar beyond cell, no black and white spots;
2 entire apex ochreous with small pupilled ocellus in 3, indistinct black spot
above and 2 small apical black spots. DSF broad yellow apex, entering cell
and to marginin 9, black and white spots prominent in 2, small and well —
separatedin 3 asin 2 WSF.
phedima bethami, DeN. (75-85). Pachmarhi. NR.
6. As large as tambra. WSF C_ below bands ill-defined. DSF wpé
ochreous mark in 2 asin No. 1, but not sharp defined and reaches costa.
phedima galkissa, Fruh. (60-75). Kashmir—Kumaon. NR.
n. As last, but larger and darker, especially in DSF. DSF ¢ ochreous costal
bar present.
phedima bela, M. (65-80). Sikkim—N. Burma. C.
& As last, but smaller. DSF ochreous markings reduced. Below ocelli
or spots smaller. WSF below tornus edged rich reddish brown.
phedima ganapati, Fruh. (65-75). Karen Hills—S. Burma. C.,
3 (2). WSF below small white spots rather than ocelli, DSF margins not
ashy.
a. Above DSF and WSF nearly alike; black spots more or less prominent,
especially white spotsin ¢ ; margin F shining blackin @¢ (slightly powdered in_
DSF), dusted ochreous in 2 (especially in WSF); pale costal bar beyond cell
dusky in @, dull ochreous in 9. Below dark discal line prominent in WSF
and apexin d yellowish. DSF pale smoky, with black basal patches,
more prominent in gd. YF produced and termen prominently angled below vd,
falcate in 9.
zitentus gokala, M. (75-85), The Great Evening Brown. S. India. R.
6. As next, but smaller and apical ochreous area very wide, black spots
prominent,
zitenius kalinga, M. (75-85). Godaveri Valley. R.
y. WSF upf black spots obscure and white spots usually absent: promi-
nent costal ochreous bar, which, especially in 9, is often continued nearly to the
tornus outside the black spots. DSF ochreous markings wider, black and white
spots prominent and ochreous area encircles them; ocherous area reaches
termen in 2. Shape as in No 1 in both seasonal forms.
*zatenius zitenius, Herbst, (80-95), Kumaon—Karen hills. NR.
‘THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, 791
D22. Melanitis—(contd.)
6. Above @ WSF unmarked and ground colour with a dull ferruginous tinge.
2 black spots absent or at most 2 small dots in 3 and 4; the ochreous costal
bar continues as a broad even discal band to tornus, where it becomes duskier,
DSF as last, smaller and ochreous markings more restricted.
zitenius auletes, Fruh. (75-85). Dawnas—S. Burma. R.
7, DSFasy. WSF Go upf ochreous costal bar restricted to5 and 6, no
black or white spots; 2 ?
zitenius andamanica, Evans. (70-85). Andamans. R.
D23. Cyllogenes.—The Evening Browns. (Plate 14).
1(2). Above strong purple tinge. Upf apical yellow band narrow and not
to termen. ¢@ upf large black brand bases 2-5 and end cell.
*suradeva, M. (75-85). The Branded Evening Brown. Sikkim—Bhu-
tan. R.
2(1). Above no purple tinge (faint in 2). Upf yellow band broad and
reaches termen. No @ brand.
janete, DeN. (90-95). The Scarce Evening Brown. Bhutan—Assam. VR.
D24. Parantirrhoea.—The Travancore Evening Brown.
Above dark brown with a prominent violet purple band upf. do upf brand
on dorsum and wing folded over in middle, vl much distorted ; upf prominent
brand near end vl.
marshalli, WM. (55-65). The Travancore Evening Brown. Travancore.
VR.
D25. Elymnias.—The Palmflies. (Plates 14-15).
la (12a). @ upf no brand ; uph brand base 6, extending to cell and 7, cover-
ed by tuft of hairs, whch may be in 1 or 2 pencils.
lb (5a). F apex not produced.
la (3a). @ tuft in 2 pencils.
1 (2). Upt margin not chestnut, usually with blue or white spots. 92 tawny
with white banded black apex upf.
a. © uph margin broad yellow; upf blue spots faint. Q@ uph marg n
ochreous.
hypermnestra fraterna, M. (60-80). The Common Palmfly. Ceylon. C.
B. oo @ long tail at v3 H. o¢ upf blueish white spots prominent. @Q
uph white sub-marginal spots obsolete.
hypermnestra caudata, But. (65-80). S. India. NR.
y. Asa but @ uph margin chestnut and upf blue spots prominent. 2 uphk
margin dark brown.
*hypermnestra undularis, Drury. Bengal. Dun—N. Burma. C.
6. As last, but upf ¢ blue spots more developed and contiguous, extending
often to upper part H. 9 dark margin broader.
hypermnestra tinctoria, M. S. Burma. C.,
Q v. paraleuca, Fruh. Uph disc whitish. NR.
2(1). Upf margin chestnut. ¢ @ alike. Above unspotted, except rarely
m 2.
a, Above chestnut margins very wide and pale.
cottonis obnubila, Mar. (65-75). The Chestnut Palmfly. Karen Hills—
8S. Burma. R.
6. Chestnut margins narrow and dark. @ uph with obscure sub-marginal
white spots.
792 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
D25. Elymnias.—(contd.)
cottonis cottonis, Hew. (70-80). Andamans. NR.
da (la). o tuft single. H caudate at v4.
3 (4). Unh prominent ocelli, appearing uph in 2 on a pale margin.
*panthera mimus, WM. (65-75). The Nicobar Palmfly. Nicobars. R.
4 (3). Unh no ocelli. Go Q above dark brown, broad oblique white band
F and H, bearing outwardly on H a row of white dots.
*dara dedalion, DeN. (60-65). The White-banded Palmfly. Dawnas—
S. Burma. VR.
5a (1b). F apex produced. do tuft single in No 9, double in rest.
5b (11). Termens scalloped.
dc (7a). Upf dark brown with no discal markings. H caudate.
5 (6). Above narrow pale margin F and H outer third pale yellowish white,
striated dark brown.
*singhala, M. (75-90). The Ceylon Palmfly Ceylon. NR.
6 (5). Above termen broadly dull blue and dull chestnut at tornus H (bright
chestnut in 92). Unh white spot in 7 prominent.
pealu, WM. (75-85). Peal’s Palmfly. Assam. VR.
7a (5c). Above markings not confined to margin,
7 (8a). Above dull greenish blue, all veins broadly black. Caudate.
a. Above streaks between veins blueish.
*neseea timandra, Wall. (75-85). The Tiger Palmfly. Sikkim—N. Bur-
ma. NR.
8. Above streaks greenish; in 2 veins broad chestnut instead of black.
nescea cortona, Fruh. S. Burma. NR.
8a (7). Upf dark brown with discal blue or white markings and apex shot
blue. Only caudate in sauert. °
8b (10). Upf markings consist of spots, 2 spots in 3 and often in 2.
§ (9). Upf @ spot in cell and basal half of 2.
a. As next, smaller. Uph irregular white terminal spots. Below more
broadly white streaked and dotted.
malelas nilamba, Fruh. (75-85). The Spotted Palmfly. Kumaon, Nepal.
R.
8. uph whitish, striated dark brown, veins broad black. Below dull,
basal half hardly striated; outer half evenly striated.
*malelas malelas, Hew. (80-100). Sikkim—Karens. NR.
9 (8). Upf no spot in cell. Below highly variegated, rather as No. 7,
mottled and striated all over. H more dentate. Q upf apex ferruginous.
castphone sauert, Dist. (80-95). The Malayan Palmfly. Dawnas—S.
Burma. VR.
10 (8b). Upf markings consist of broad blue or purple stripes, single in
3 and 2. Uph postdiscal row small white spots. @ 2 alike.
a. Large.
paina patna, Wd. (80-100). The Blue Striped Palmfly. Kumaon—N.
Burma. NR.
8. Smaller. H apex rather acute and termen straight.
patina patnoides, M. (75-90). Karen Hills. R.
11 (5b). Termens even. Apex F sharp pointed and termen concave below.
Upf with broad discal blue streaks.
*penanga chelensis, DeN. (70-75). The Pointed Palmfly. Assam—Bur-
ma. VR.
12a (la). ¢ upf brand mid la, covered by recumbent tuft hairs; uph brand
as in rest, tuit single.
12 (13). Upf blueish white with broad black veins. Uph dorsal two-thirds
white or vellowish, unmarked. Unh dorsal half yellow and usually at base
Ja and 1 a black bordered red area.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 793
D2. Elymnias—(contd.)
a. @ above black veins well separated. Uph white.
vasudeva vasudeva, M. (80-90). The Jezabel Palmfly. Sikkim. R.
g. DSF upf greenish yellow spaces; H yellow; 92 F all blueish white with
marrow black veins. WSF nearly as next.
*yasudeva deva, M. (80-90). Assam. R.
+. 6 more streaked green and in 2 broad black veins form a confluent
discal band. Unh @Q red basal area absent.
vasudeva burmensis, Fruh. (80-90). Burma. R.
13 (12). Above dark brown with termen broadly blueish green, Apex
'F not produced, costa no longer than dorsum.
esaca andersonii, M. (60-65). The Green Palmfly. Mergui. VR.
4E. Amathusiide. The Amathusiids.
la (10a). F dev a tubular vein throughout. H vla always longer than the
body, if vl is as long as v2.
Ib (7a). H cell completely open.
Ic (4a). F lower end cell nearer termen, ends at angulation of v4.
ld (3). F vs 11 and 12 free.
1 (2). F origin v10 from before half way along v7, far from origin v9 ; upper
dev long, lower nearly straight. H quadrate. ¢ uph small tuft mid vl.
Xanthotenia, Wd. Pan. (Plate 15).
2(1). F origin v10 from beyond half way along v7; origins 8, 9 and 10 close
together ; upper dev very short, lower very concave at upper end. ¢ uph bran
about base 6 and a prominent tuft from 1 below base cell; there may be a brand
on la near tornus, covered by a tuft. F dorsum bowed.
Faunis, Hub. The Fauns (plate 15).
3 (id). F vs 11 and 12 anastomosed, cell as in No 2. ¢ tuft along vla nea:
‘tornus uph, inconspicuous.
Aimona, Hew. The Dryads. (Plate 16).
4a (lc), F lower end cell nearer base, angulation of v4 far beyond end cell.
_ 4(5a) F vs 11 and 12 free, vi0 absent, @ uph brand above origin v7 and
tuft from base cell ; unf brand in la near base.
Stictopithalma, Fd. The Junglequeens. (Plate 15).
5a (4). F vs 10 and 11 anastomosed to v12
5 (6). EF vs5 and 6 well separated at base, 6 much nearer 7. H v4 nearly
touchesv5. 6 unf base 1 & la polished ; uph tuft from cell near base, brand as
in last may be present.
Thaumantis, Hub. The Jungleglories. (Plate 16).
6 (5). EF vs 5 and 6 approximate at base, far from v7. H v5 curved, not
angled. @ abdomen with prominent dark tuft of hairs on either side; uph
‘small tuft on la and with or without a very large black brand with its centre
a base of 7, covered by a tuft of hairs from base cell and a second tuft from
‘base 6,
Thauria, M. The Jungleking. (Plate 15).
7a (1b). H celi closed more or less, tornus produced and more or less lobed.
7b (9). Fno spur from v4.
7(8). Fall veinsfree. @ uph fold and tuft in la and long erect hairs along
base v1 ; abdomen with a tuft on either side.
Amathusia, F. The Palmking. (Plate 16).
8 (7). F vs 11 and 12 anastomosed. ¢ uph large dark brand in 2, extending
to base of 1 and 2; prominent tuft below vl near base, vl distorted at base
and hairy.
Amathuxidia, Stig. The Kohinoor. (Plate 16).
28
794 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
E. Amathusiide—(contd,)
9(7b). F v4 with spur towards v5 from its angulation beyond cell : vs 10 & 11
anastomosed to 12. do unf dorsum polished and bowed, v1 also bowed; uph
with 3 tufts overlying brands, viz., base 7, near base cell, near end cell and also
a fourth erectile tuft on vl howende base, v1 much distorted,
Zeuxidia, Hub. The Saturns. (Plate 16).
10a (la). F dev incomplete as a tubular vein in the middle. H produced,
vl as long as v2, but vla not longer than body.
0 (11). Fvl10 present ; vs 10 and 11 anastomosed to v12. ¢ uph brand
about base 3 and in la.
Discophora, Bdv. The Differs. (Plate 16).
1 (10). F vl0 absent; vll anastomosed to v12. ¢ uph prominent large
hairy patch all over cell.
Enispe, Db. The Caliphs, (Plate 16).
El. Xanthotenia.—Pan. (Plate 15).
Above chestnut brown; upf with prominent yellow band and sub-apical
spot. Below ocellated, ground yellow brown.
*busiris, Wd. (60-70). Pan. Dawnas—S. Burma.
E2. Faunis.—The Fauns. (Plate 15).
la (3). Above fulvous brown, no dark markings showing through. do no
brand on vla.
1 (2). Below uniform dark brown, discal yellow spots small, dark lines dull,
discal line much curved at ends and on H looped to the basal line.
*arcesilaus, F. (65-75). The Common Faun. Sikkim—Burma. C.
2 (1). Below pale discal spots very large, dark lines narrow and prominent,
straighter, on H looped to the outer line.
a. Below pale spots yellow. Unf discal line straight at upper end, looped
to outer line at lower end.
eumeus assama, Wd. (85-95). The Large Faun. Assam. R.
6. Below pale spots white. Unf discal line curved at upper end.
eumeus incerta, Stg. (80-90). Shan States. VR.
3 (la). Above smoky whitish with dark bands showing through from below ; |
H tornal area broadly yellow. Below very prominent dark bands on a smoky
ground. @ uph brand on vla.
*faunula faunuloides, DeN. (100-112). The Pallid Faun. VR. (The plate
represents typical fawnula from the Malay peninsula).
E3. Aemona.—The Dryads. (Plate 16).
1(2). Above ochreous yellow with dusky apex F, no veins darkened. In DSF
outer discal band uph obscure and ocelli from below -bowing through more
or less.
amathusia, Hew. (75-90). The Yellow Dryad. Sikkim—Assam. R.
2 (1). o upf apex andtermen whitish with darkened veins: in Q above
entirely whitish except ochreous tornal area H.
*lena, Atk. (80-100). The White Dryad. Shan States, Karen Hills. BR.
E4. Stictopthalma.—The Junglequeens. (Plate 15).
1 (2a). Uphsubmarginal dark line narrow. Above bright chocolate brown —
broad yellow pre-apical band F and margin H.
i}
}
i
i
Jorn. BomBay Nat. Hist. Soc. Bplay
D. Satyridae. 25. Hlymnias.
| K. Amathusiidae. 4. Stictopthalma: 2. Faunis: 1. Xanthotaenia: 6. Thauria.
THE LDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 795:
E4. Stictophalma—cuntd.
a. Upf pre-apical band to tornus; uph yellow margin broad. Aboveinner
sub-marginal markings obscure or absent.
nourmahal nurinissa, DeN. (95-105). The Chocolate Junglequeen.
Bhutan. R.
B. Upf pre-apical band not to tornus; uph yellow margin narrow. Above
inner sub-marginal markings narrow and prominent.
*nourmahal nourmahal, Wd. Native Sikkim, Naga Hills R.
2a (1). Uph dark sub-marginal marking large and prominent.
2 (3a). Uph no dark spots on a pale ground inside the broad dark sub-margi-
nalline; basal area bright chocolate brown from base merging into dark brown
disc, whence margin is blueish white, bearing the dark sub-marginal band. Upf
base chocolate brown, outer area blueish white.
a. Above milky white. Uph pale terminal area narrow.
camadeva camadeva, Wd. (125-150). The Northern Junglequeen. Sikkim.
NR.
6B. Above milky white areas suffused violet.
camadeva nicevillei, Rob. Assam. NR.
y. Paler. Upf golden yellow costa and small chevrons. Below transverse
lines straighter.
camadeva nagaensis, Roth. Naga Hills. VR.
6. Pale. Uph pale terminal area much wider and sub-marginal band
narrower.
camadeva camadevoides, DeN. N. Burma R.
3a (2). Uph a postdiscal series of conspicuous black spots adjoining the dark
sub-marginal line on the inside.
3b (5). Uph no conspicuous series pale discal spots inside the postdiscal row.
3 (4). Above yellow, base F and all H suffused darker fulvous. Uph
postdiscal spots shield shaped and broadly joined to the sub-marginal band.
howqua sparta, DeN. (140). The Chinese Junglequeen, Manipur. VR.
4 (3). Above outer half F and termen H white, bases fulvous. Uph post-
discal spots diamond shaped, joining the sub-marginal line narrowly and look-
ing like arrowheads.
a, Above white areas faintly tinged yellow, basal areas bright, rather
dark, fulvous.
*louisa tytleri, Roth. (125-150), The Burmese Junglequeen. Manipur—
N. Burma. NR.
8. Above much paler, white areas tinged lilacine.
louisa louisa, WM. Karen Hills—S. Burma. NR.
5 (3b). Uph conspicuous series diamond shaped white spots inside the post-
discal band of conjoined spots, making three marginal pale bands. Upf also
with 3 rows of white spots, inner row ending in a large pale costal area. Ground
colour above greenish steel blue, washed olive brown.
godfreyt, Roth. (125-140), Godfrey’s Junglequeen. Tavoy—S. Burma. VR,
E>. Thaumantis.—The Jungleglories. (Plate 16).
1 (2). Above dark brown with a prominent iridescent blue discal band on
each wing. Below uniform dull dark brown. tuft small, no brand.
*diores, Wd. (95-115). The Jungleglory. Sikkim—Burma. NR.
2 (1). Above brilliant metallic blue to base, no discal band. Below base and
Margin paler. with tuft and brand,
lucipor, Wd. (100-110), The Dark Jungleglory. S. Burma. VR.
796 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,
E6. Thauria.—The Jungleking. (Plate 16).
Above dark brown, pale discal band F ; H costa narrowly and tornus broadly
bright chestnut ochreous.
1 (2). o& uph no brand or tuft around cell. 3 ELEPHANT CATCHING IN ASSAM,
ea ; By
A, J. W. MILRoy.
Elephants are caught in Assam by two methods, Mela Shikar and Kheddahs.
The former consists of pursuing the wild herds with tame elephants carrying
nooses, and this method, together with pitting (now illegal), has been practised
irom very ancient times.
Three or four koonkies, as the tame elephants are called, usually operate together
at mela shikar, and it is considered desirable that one of the elephants should be
a big male of known courage in case any of the wild elephants prove aggressive.
Each koonkie has 3 attendants, the phandi, who sits on the neck anc throws the
phand (or noose), the lohitiya, who hangs on behind and prods the koonkie near
the root of the tail when speed is required, and the kumla, who remains in camp
and is responsible for feeding the koonkie.
The catching gear consists only of the jute phand, which is attached to the
koonkie’s girth.
The koonkies can often work their way undetected into the middle of a herd
when it is feeding in open order, provided the locality has not been much hunted
recently, but the wild elephants soon become exceedingly wary, anc will then
fly both farther and faster from the smell of a tame elephant than they will from
man.
In such case there is no alternative but to pursue, and try to cut off and noose
those calves, which cannot go the pace and which fall behind. The whole per-
formance, with the screaming of the elephants and the smashing of the jungle,
is very noisy and terrifying, as may be imagined, but serious accidents are un-
common, as a matter of fact, and such damage as befalls the men is usually
caused by thorns and branches of trees tearing and bruising them.
Female elephants, whose calves have been noosed, will sometimes attempt a
rescue, but good koonkies will always square up to the attacker and drive her
away.
The big males of a herd seem to prefer keeping to themselves some little
distance off and, when danger threatens, are among the first to seek safety in.
flight, provided the koonkies do not get in their way: an elephant in musth
constitutes more of a problem, and the phandis draw off, if there is any danger
of coming into conflict with a male, that is under this dangerous influence.
Phandis necessarily vary greatly in skill but it commonly happens, even in the
case of the most expert, that the noose does not get home properly on the wild.
elephant’s neck, and it is then necessary to ¢all for a phand to be thrown from a
second koonkie.
Quite big elephants can be caught by this method, but in the case of such the
first noose scarcely serves more than to brake the headlong pace of the tervified
beast, and assistance has to be summoned at once to prevent an escape.
The phands may be 2 inches or more in diameter, but even these ropes are not
always heavy enough to take the strain, and the writer has known a big mukhana
(tuskless male) break 7 ropes in succession before he could be finally secured.
Mela shikar leads to a number of the wild elephants being unavoidably stran-
gled, and it is fortunate that this form of death is very instantaneous on
account of the structure of the elephant’s wind-pipe.
The koonkie proceeds to put on the brake as soon as the phand is round the
wil’ elephant’s neck, and then the tug-of-war begins, the wild animal doing all
it knows to escape from the unaccustomed restraint. It is the phandi’s concern
gradually to shorten the rope until the captive is secured close alongside his own
animal, and he can only do this by seizing such opportunities as occur between
peuts of pulling and struggling. The noose has to be tied by a small piece of
804 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. X XIX,
rope to prevent it slipping up and throttling the elephant, and it cannot but
happen occasionally that the noosed elephant gets so hopelessly wound up round
trees and so on that the phand tightens and death ensues.
Kheddahs in Assam are worked on a less pretentious scale than those organized
in Mysore, or formerly practisea by the now defunct Kheddah Department, and
no attempt is made to surround herds with a large number of men and then force
them into a hastily erected stockade.
Stockades in Assam are built either across main elephant paths or else in the
vicinity of salt-licks, which the elephants visit of their own accord from time to
time.
The herds are bound in most districts in Assam to travel from one feeding
ground to another by certain well-worn paths. Wherever the ground is favour-
able they can wander, may be several miles, from the main paths, but it generally -
happens that sooner or later steep hills or boggy ground, etc., etc., compel them
to return to their fixed paths, which follow the safest and easiest lines across
country with unerring accuracy, representing, as they do, the result of the
accumulated wisdom and experience of countless generations of travelling
elephants.
The most favourable stockade sites are in ravines, through which the driven
elephants must seek to pass, unless they have the courage to break back through
the beaters.
It is necessary that a stockade should not be too obvious to the approaching
animals, and so it must be built in thick tree forest, where camouflaging can be
successfully practised.
Very rocky ground is avoided because of the difficulty in sinking the posts to
the requisite depth, and it would obviously be impossible to build sufficiently
strongly on marshy soil. Stockades vary in shape according to the locality,
but are generally more or less oval or oblong, about a cricket pitch wide and
a few yards more in length.
A gate at each end is necessary where elephants can be driven from either
direction, and the gates have to be built across the path itself : a skilful band of
hunters, who know their work thoroughly, often prefer to build their stockade
across a subsidiary path, trusting to their own skilful management to deflect the
driven elephants (from whichever direction they may come), from the main on
to the subsidiary path ; this arrangement saves labour as it obviates the neces-
sity of constructing more than one gate.
The best site for a gate is clearly where the path passes between two trees.
because the trees can then be utilized as door-posts and, more important, because
there is no artificial narrowing of the path, the elephant being accustomed to
squeeze between the two trees at this spot. |
Drop-gates used to be employed, but these are cumbrous to lift up, and heavy
swing doors, 10 to 12 feet high, made after the pattern of an ordinary English
five-barred gate, are now used.
The doors open inwards and, before a drive commences, the door, through
which the herd must enter, is opened and keptin position by along rope, leading
to a machan concealed in some convenient tree outside the stockade. A slash
with a knife cuts the rope and releases the gate which, apart from having been
hung soas to swing-to of its own accord, has its pace accelerated by means
of a spring, consisting of a rope tied to the top of a bent over sapling,
which tends to straighten itself as soon as the watcher in the machan has
released the gate.
The old fashioned stockade consisted of stout posts, 18 or 19 feet long, sunk in
the ground to a depth of 5 feet with a spacing of about 3 feet, and horizontal logs
were packed in between to a height of 13 or 14 feet, but such massive structures
have proved unnecessary and involve very heavy labour as the timber must be
earried from some distance away in order not to disturb the forest close by.
ELEPHANT CATCHING IN ASSAM, 805
Nowadays vertical posts, 17 or 18 feet long, are buried 5 feet in the ground,
about 5 feet apart, and 3 rows of horizontal beams are tied on outside, one row
near the ground level, one at breast height, and the third near the top: the
whole structure is strengthened by struts from the ground to the 3 rows of hori-
zontal beams.
The spaces between the upright posts are filled by vertical poles (3 inches in
diameter are sufficient), which merely rest on the ground and are kept in posi-
tion by being tied to the inside of the 3 rows of beams.
Another method is to bury rather smaller posts every foot, the interstices
being filled in with poles.
A well built stockade may look extraordinarily flimsy, but there is plenty of
give in it, and it is adequately protected from direct assault by a V shaped ditch,
7 feet wide and 5 feet deep.
It is not customary in Assam to tackle old and big males, which may happen.
to be caught, because it has been found that the koonkies (if any can be found
with sufficient courage and strength for the job) may be severely damaged in the
encounter, and also because mature males often lose heart and practically refuse
to live in captivicy, so it is not necessary to build stockades strong enough to
retain the biggest elephants.
It so happens that the masters of a herd seldom get caught, except when in
musth because they selfishly try to break away, when danger arises, and the
beaters are only too thankful to let them through, but these goondas, as rogues
are called, are not really very troublesome so long as they are caught with a
herd ; they have to be shot, not from fear that they would break out, but because
they damage smaller members of the herd, and are, as has been explained, of
doubtful commercial value.
Solitary rogues often wander into stockades at night, and occasionally the
watcher in the gate-machan makes a mistake in the dark and underestimating
the size and age of the elephant closes the door: then the fun begins. Determi-
nation on the part of the men may suffice to keep a mukhana in, but a tusker
seeing red, is an awesome beast, and can generally walk right through a stockade:
at any spot he likes, despite the ditch, or, and more commonly, he just puts his
tusks under the door and heaves it over his back.
V-shaped funnels or wings extend out from the gate posts so that all elepbants,.
which are taking a course parallel to the path, may be directed to the
entrance.
The final act of preparation (excluding religious observances) consists of
camouflaging the stockade. Living tree-ferns and orchids are fastened onto.
the doors and door-posts, and branches of trees are stuck in the ground to conceal
the funnel.
Care is taken during the work of construction to preserve intact the jungle:
growing in the middle of the enclosure, and branches and creepers are hung over’
the sides of the stockade to mask an otherwise too distinctive outline.
The ditch is eftectively hidden by fresh branches placed across higgledy-.
piggledy.
A super-camouflager will sometimes take the trouble to fashion little trackr
through the jungle in the middle, the idea being that the elephants, which enter
first, will waste time following these tracks, and so enable the men to hustle im:
the laggards.
One of the outstanding advantages of the present day stockade is that the
elephants can see through it. Very few herd animals are game enough to try
and rush the ditch and palisade in the face of a man, armed with torch and spear
while at night, when the elephants are more restive, the encircling fires are
visible and command respect.
The weak point is the gate, a moveable structure without any part buried in
the ground and with no protecting ditch and the obvious place of attack, because
it bars the exit along the well known path. However, the dear old elephant is:
806 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXiX.
not.very worldly wise, and it-is found that the gate can be made to appear to the
elephants to be the strongest part of the whole:contraption by merely fitting it
with sticks and branches, so that the beasts cannot see through it.
_ Driving is best done late in the afternoon and evening, when the elephants
are on the move themselves, and the beaters like to time their drives so that the
elephants are entrapped just before dark, when deficiencies in the concealment
-of the stockade may not. be noticed.
Elephants like to rest in thick cover during the heat of the day, and are inclined
to be pig-headed and to circle round if driven while the sun is still high ; after
dark they become much more aggressive and may efiectively resist pursuit.
A drive may be a lengthy busingss extending over several days and nights
but i in that case the earlier stages, while the herd is still far from the stockade,
consist merely in the men keeping a long way behind the elephants, so that they
will move quietly in the desired direction without stampeding, any attempts to
take divergent paths being frustrated by men sent forward to block the way.
The real excitement begins about 3 o’clock on the last afternoon, when pressure
is first put upon the elephants.
The beaters as a rule number from 7 to 12, s: save in exceptional circumstances
crowds of men and excessive noise are regarded as the signs of unskilful work.
The beaters aro divided into two. parties, which follow on either flank of the
herd, the men keeping in single file, a formation which permits them to get
through the undergrowth without straggling, and to form line if the elephants
stand up to them.
The principal difficulties are caused by goondas trying to break out of the
drive and by mothers of weary calves.
No impediment is offered to the flight of a goonda unless some of the anal
fry are following him, when it becomes necessary cither to force back the goonda
or to nip in behind him and head back the others, a very delicate task.
Mothers will charge back time and time again in order to let their calves
get on, and they frequently spoil drives by holding back the beaters so much
that the leading elephants, with no one behind to hustle them, can discover
the approaches to the stockade; they will then leave the path and, if the
ground permits, make a big circuit at their leisure round the stockade, all the
succeeding elephants following in the footsteps of the leaders, as they know they
would never have branched off like this without some very good reason.
Herds will sometimes absolutely refuse to be driven any further, and. one is
tempted to believe that in these cases the herd must have passed through the
unfinished enclosure at night during the time when it was in course of erection,
or been made wise in some other way.
Guns are only fired in the last resort and when elephants are deliberately
- heading in the wrong direction ; the sound of a gun is so terrifying that the
herd may panic and scatter pell-mell through the forest, completely beyond
further control. Not even guns, however, will stop a herd that has made up
its mind to break back, and the beaters are only saved from extermination by
their uncannv power of distinguishing between bluff and the real thing on the
elephants’ part, and their amazing ability to make themselves scarce at a
moment’s notice as the elephants thunder through them.
Persistence on the men’s part may eventually cause the elephants’ determin-
ation to evaporate, if they keep on getting round in front of the herd, andthe
-elephants will then allow themselves to be driven all the way back.
The diverging paths near the stockade are blocked by men‘in machans, these
stops descending and joining in the passing hunt, when their work is done, and
there are also stops at the ends of the-wings.in case the elephants come along
very wide of the real path.
Once the herd has entered the funnel, a gun ig fired and every one behind: the
«elephants proceeds to make all the noise he can. The sudden irruption of sound
-$tampedes the animals but escape should not. be possible if the men running
ELEPHANT CATCHING IN ASSAM, — 807
along outside the wings resist any attempt at a break through. . It is not always
possible to impound all the members of a herd which straggles into the stockade
in extended order, because the elephants, which first enter, sooner or later
realize the position and try to retreat. It is| amazing, however, that they
should take as long as they do to appreciate the situation : the elephants bustle
in at the door and hurry across to the far side of the stockade, but the sight of
the ditch with the palisade beyond seems to bemuse them, and it is only after
some moments’ contemplation that they slowly turn and begin to wander back,
The door must be shut, whatever elephants there may still be outside, before
the animals inside make a rush for the exit. The writer has seen elephants
which had been excluded because the gate could no longer be kept open, barge
the gate open, before it had been tied, and join their companions within, but as
a rule the excluded elephants make a mad rush for one of the wings and burst
their way through. :
There is a certain amount of danger tothe beaters from these escaping
elephants, but it is quite certain that no elephant would in such circum-
stances waste time in hunting a man if it could possibly get away past him,
‘Methods of greater finesse must be employed to catch elephants in stockades
built near salt-licks.
- The herds visit the salt-licks during the night-time only and at irregular inter-
vals, so it is necessary for the men always to be on watch from the late after-
noon until dawn.
Two men are stationed in the gate-machan, and the rest are distributed in
high machans in the forest on the far side-of the lick in such a manner that the
elephants can pass by their accustomed paths without getting any scent of man.
As soon as the elephants have reached the lick and are busy taking their medi-
cine, the beaters descend from the machans and hasten to their appointed sta-
tions by specially cut paths which are kept scrupulously cleanand free from leaves,
- When sufficient time has elapsed for all to reach their stations, torches are
suddenly lit and the elephants driven towards the stockade: it sometimes
happens that they simply rush straight into it, but more often they are less
obliging, and skill and bravery are required to prevent them from escaping along
any of the numerous game trails, which radiate from the lick. It is a matter of
the greatest difficulty for anyone not accustomed to night work to appreciate
what is happening, but a correct diagnosis of all the different crashes in the
jungle must be made by the men, as it may be necessary to let small batches go
rather than run the risk of frightening back the main portion of the herd.
- The noise alone is sufficient to terrify the ordinary mortal and the close
proximity of the big beasts is very alarming, but accidents seldom occur so
long as the men use their torches boldly.
The salt-licks are very frequently visited by solitary rogues, and it is found
that these are often the advance guard of a herd. There is always the chance
‘of a herd coming early in the morning, if a goonda has been at the lick the pre-
vious evening, or of the herd coming the next evening after an early morning
visit by a goonda.
It may be presumed from this that elephants pursue an ordered routine when
undisturbed, and that a herd will follow the regular round of drinking at. the
accustomed places, feeding at the accustomed places and lying up in the usual
retreats once it has started on one of its regular routes.
The goondas are, of course, not molested while at a lick, but a whiff of
human smell will occasionally set a goonda off squealing in anger and charging
aimlessly about. | ee
~The men’s machans have to be built‘in big trees as a suspicious elephant
will prospect the locality carefully, and may be bold. enough to try. and tear
down the machans.
’ The writer remembers how on one spleiidid moonlight night. ‘a. large Fisker
érept up noiselessty:- beneath his machan and - stood there puzzling as to.the
~<
808 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X.
source of this poisoning of the night air ; at last his trunk reached the ladder
and told him that a man had gone up it not so very long before. The ladder
was soon made into mince-meat, but the tree stood firm and the huge beast
rolled off in avery grumpy frame of mind. The next obstacle, which he
encountered, was the outside of the stockade, which provided him with a little:
healthy exercise, and finally he played spillikins with one of the wings
before wandering off in high dudgeon. The amazing part of the story is that
the two-gate men slept through the whole performance, and were greatly
astonished when dawn arrived and they saw the destruction all around them.
At one lick, which we stockaded, there dwelt a very old and evil-tempered
mukhana, which soon came to learn all about the sites of the various machans,
so provokingly out of his reach : one night, abandoning his accustomed path, he-
entered the stockade unwittingly and, being short-sighted, tumbled, into the
ditch on the far side. This thoroughly frightened him and he essayed to retreat
at his best speed, but again his sight failed him and he tumbled into the ditch:
by the door.
This episode was too much for his nerves and we never saw him afterwards.
Elephants will certainly do quite unaccountable things at times; a goonda
that walked into a stockade one night, bit the cane, which was holding the gate
open, and consequently imprisoned himself inside the stockade, and he had to
do a lot of damage before he could punch a hole big enough to allow himself to.
escape through the palisade.
Elephants very seldom break out of a stockade, and when they do it is gene-.
rally due to the presence of a big tusker, which unmindful of the spears and fire-
brands succeeds in bursting his way through and escaping with all his herd.
It is quite clear that the elephants would have no difficulty in getting out, if
only they had the sense to rush pell-mell at the stockade and use their weight
against it, but that is not their way. They are exceedingly timid animals, and
spend most of their time in the stockade huddled up in the centre, scrimmaging
round and round, each trying to secure an inside berth, The scrimmages are-
painful to watch because one fears for the small beasts, but these remain safely
beneath their mothers and seldom come to harm,
As an illustration of how timid elephants are may be quoted the story of a
herd, which was nearly reduced to panic by the entry of two very small fowls
into the stockade. The religious ceremonies, which are performed on the com-
pletion of a stockade, include the releasing of two fowls, which from motives of
economy are usually quite small chickens. These chickens exist in the neigh-
bourhood of the stockade until some wild cat comes along and carries them oft.
On one occasion the diminutive pair sauntered into the stockade through scme
gap, looking for food amongst the debris on the ground, anc threw the small
elephants of the herd into the wildest confusion until angry charges from the:
bigger animals expelled them from the enclosure.
Single elephants will continually charge out from the scrum in the middle, but.
their charges end in precisely the same way as do the rushes which a dog will
make at a cat ; the brakes are put on before the ditch is reached, and 7 a
few kicks into space with the fore-feet the elephant retires.
Elephants are more restless at night, but a shout from a man and a wave of a
torch are generally sufficient to maintain discipline.
Different countries have different methods for getting the wild elephants out,
in Chittagong, for example, the koonkies enter the stockade backwards, the
phandis being armed with long spears to keep off any inquisitive wild elephant
that comes too close with evil intent. Men descend from the koonkies ané
eperating beneath them dexterously manage to bind the legs of the wild ele-.
phants, which can then be taken out very easily.
More direct and spectacular methods are employed in Assam, the hoantnes
entering head first and dragging out the reluctant wild elephants without any
preliminary hobbling.
ELEPHANT CATCHING IN ASSAM. 809
The koonkies are arranged in single file with the biggest animal. preferably @.
tusker, in front. The wild elephants smell the koonkies from afar, and the first
intimation of the koonkies’ approach is conveyed to those watching the stockade-
by the up-lifted trunks and visible uneasiness of the herd. The elephants
generally retreat towards the far side of the stockade and their attention is:
distracted there by fodder being thrown to them.
The bands tying the gate are loosed and, while men pull on ropes, the leading
~ koonkie butts the gate open and stalks in with the remaining koonkies crowding
after it.
It is advisable that the gate should be opened with reasonable speed. The
writer has seen a hy female charge at a gate, which stuck after being opened a
little way, and she banged it shut with such force in the face of the koonkie on
the other side that his morale was seriously effected.
It is still more advisable that the gate should shut quickly after the last koonkie-
has entered. On one occasion the leading koonkie swung the gate open so
violently as to unhinge it and prevent it from being closed. In the subsequent
eonfusion the men lost their heads and the koonkies were seized with panic,
although there were only a few small females to deal with, and the whole mob,
wild and tame, barged out through the open door amidst the groans and tears of
the stockade men.
The wild elephants never combine to overwhelm the koonkies ; one or two of
the bigger beasts may look a little aggressive, but the koonkies go straight up to-
them and start hustling the herd round and round with the same confidence as a
few disciplined men will show when dealing with an unruly but leaderless mob..
No great violence is necessary and there is no excuse for damaging the wild
elephants.
i: used to be the custom in Assam to delay putting the koonkies in until the
wild elephants had been weakened by thirst and hunger, but such cruelty is.
entirely unnecessary and has been discouraged by Government fixing a limit of
time, within which the stockade must be cleared, or else the catch set free.
After five minutes or so the animals are allowed to settle down, and the men.
untie their nosses and get to work. The noosing is often a tiresome job, especi-
ally in the ease of small elephants, which will insist upon running under their
mothers ; this makes it difficult to sherten the rope and tie the noose properly
to prevent it getting any tighter and unless this is done thercis always the danger
of strangling.
It is necessary for the koonkies to kneel down when the noose on a very small
elephant is being tied, as otherwise the man cannot reach it.
An elephant may require one, two or even three koonkies to manage it ; in the
latter case the third noose is generally tied to a hind leg and is very effective in
checking too headlong a progress.
The noosed animals resent being detached from their companions and have-
to be hauled to the door and thereis a danger, when the koonkies have not sufficed
to noose the whole catch, of the un-noosed elephants following the procession
out, so that the biggest koonkie is detailed to act as rear-guard, and he turns
round and looks very fierce if the rest of the herd show signs of following.
Once outside the door (and the getting outside may be a regular case of pull
devil, pull baker), the pace quickens up, and the koonkies have to use all their
strength to prevent their captives from pulling them off the track into the forest.
The passage from the stockade to the camp is usually rather a rough one for all
concerned.
The new elephants are tied up for the first night by the hind legs to one tree-
and by a long rope from the neck to another tree, and as high up on it as possible,
to prevent the elephants from catching the rope and biting through it. It is
necessary to have a koonkie on each side, when the hind legs are being fastened,
in order to obscure the elephant’s view and prevent its frantic kicks from being.
properly aimed.
30
810 VOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
An elephant, tied in this way can throw itself on the ground. and exert all its
-weight in trying to break the ropes on the hind legs, and it is hihgly desirable
that it should thus tire itself out as much as possible, because in the succeeding
marches to the training camp the koonkies have to carry the men’s kit, as well as.
lead the captives, and if the koonkies are few, one koonkie may have to take two,
wild elephants. :
A barbaric device to keep big elephants quiet on the march was to ah the heel
of the neck with a knife so that the noose could be fastened into the wound and
discourage struggling by the pain. Government is row taking every precaution
to discourage this sort of treatment. It is not difficult to detect a neck that has
been deliberately cut, but the phahdis can obtain much the same result by
‘sprinkling damp sand under the noose, which quickly eats through the skin in
a more natural looking manner. The Black List now awaits the men, who can-
not bring their elephants i in without a clean neck,
Tying the hind legs takes considerable time, so after the first night it is cus-
tomary to fasten the elephants short by the neck to a treein such a way that
they can run round and round the tree, from which the bark has been removed
‘in oréer to facilitate the rope slipping round without fraying.
- The training is the next episode in the elephant’s career on its road to a life
of domesticity and usefulness.
Keeping an elephant tied up tight by the head, and Bpyao ne it for every
misdemeanour has hitherto been considered the correct way to train an elephant,
but the writer has been conducting experiments, first on a small and then on a
very extensive scale, for the last five years, and has been able to prove that a
more rational method ot treatment yields better results in every way.
In the first place the training casualties, which have been known to be as
high as 48 per cent., have been reduced to less than 1 per cent., and in the second
place it has been found that elepharts, which are decently treated, settle down
to their work in an incredibly short space of time, and are more easily and effect-
ively trained than those which have been maltreated and have had _ their spirits
broken,
The elephants, of course, seek every opportunity during the first few days of
their captivity to attack any human being who goes near them, but their lack
of success, coupled with the heartiness with which the retaliatory stick is laid on,
soon convinces them of the futility of their attempts, and their desire for a quiet
and inoffensive life asserts itself so strongly that they abandon further resistance.
The stick they have to get sometimes, and it is adequate punishment for these
kindly beasts, though it cannot possibly hurt their thick skins.
The use of the spear is to be deprecated, not only because the wounds inflicted
may set upsepticaemia, but also because the fear of the pain distracts the |
elephant and prevents it concentrating its mind on its task and so delays the
completion of its education.
An elephant has to be tied up fore and aft by its legs in the training ‘depot,
except when taken out for training ; it is unnecessary to tie it up tight by the
head (save during the evening performance); and it is dangerous to do so, as it
may develop a bad neck wound, leading eventually to its death. Rope- harness
is attached to the elephant for the benefit of the man, who has to mount it.
The “ evening performance ” is a great show.
Eight or ten men approach the elephant after dark, and after its neck has
been tied closely to a Doses a man seizes its tail and the mahout springs on to.
its back. -
One man in front waves a Porehe in its face, and the others surround it, keeping
‘well away from reach of the trunk, and proceed to scrub it with wisps of oes
and all to the accompaniment of appropriate songs.
The frightened animal bellows, shakes, throws itself on to the ground, lunges
at® everyone with its trunk and tries to catch the irritating torch, but all in_
vain, it is well lambasted with sticks and the torch proves itself to ‘be a beastly
thot thing to catch hold of.
ELEPHANT CATCHING IN ASSAM. 811
This treatment is continued for’a , week or So o until the elephant makes no resist
ance, and the men can rub its face without being attacked.
The actual training takes place morning and evening.
The elephant, is taken out between two koonkies, to which it is : attached by
very short nooses.
=: The mahout is already on one of the koonkies and leaps on to the new elephant
when all is ready. The animal may shake a little,in which case the mahout
must hold on very tight, while the mahouts on the koonkies hit the elephant over
the head, and the men on the ground in front and behind beat it with
sticks. Shaking is a most dangerous vice and has to be stopped at all costs,
and it is lucky that very few elephants take to it. |
- It must be remembered that an elephant has generally lost a good deal of its
pep by this time. It has been through a rough and tumble in the stockade, may
have had several days’ march with inadequate food, has been tied on the stretch
by all four legs (to prevent it getting a real good rest), and has experienced the
terrifying performance at night, so, take it all round, the poor beast cannot be
in its best shaking form.
~The man on the ground in front is a source of much irritation to the new
elephant, but it cannot get at him and he can safely prod its trunk with his
‘stick or bamboo, while the mahout hammers it, whenever it tries to rush for-
ward.
The man behind, who sings the whole time in a horribly strident tone, is safe
from being kicked because the action of the hind legs is limited by ropes, but he
punishes all attempts at kicking, and the elephant has to learn to tolerate him.
When the mahout feels securely fixed, the order to proceed is shouted out, the
koonkies go forward and the elephant gets a prod behind each ear from a
sharpened bamboo.
The order to stop is shouted, the koonkies stop, and the mahout leans
forward and catches his beast a good clout between the eyes.
The order to go back is followed by the mahout digging the point into tke
elephant’s forehead and pulling, while the two koonkies pull the captive back a
few steps.
_ A full-grown female requires two koonkies for 4 or 5 days, after that one koon-
kie drops behind and, if the elephant behaves, goes about its business. The
remaining koonkie will be needed for another 4 days, but after that a man on
the ground with a leading rope will suftice until the animal can be taken out by
its rider in the company of other old and new elephants. .
_ Progress has meanwhile been made in the depot ; the elephant will allow itselt
to be tied up without attempting to kick, and it will feed nicely from the
Band.
“An elephant should be ready for removal to the purchaser’s home from within
14 to 21 days after the commencement of training, according to its size, ene
they are still far from being trained.
’_ A full grown female should begin bringing in a few stalks of fodtler after a
- fortnight and after 4 or 5 weeks should be fit for loading with almost a full feed.
.. Elephants are easiest taught to kneel down by being stretched out fore and
aft, and then prodded behind the withers with a sharp bamboo, while the word
f command is shouted, and men haul on the front ie ropes till the elephant
has to sink down to the ground.
Runaway elephants nh forget everything else, but never seem to forget how
to kneel down.
All the other accomplishments are: gradually taught, ‘and the elephant should
be safe to shoot from at the end-of 5 or 6 Bronce, though still Ly no means abso-
| infely psa. Bet es ate
7%
ria
Wats
812
REVIEWS.
A Narvuratist. 1n Hrnpustan. By Major R. W. G. Hingston, I.M.S.
(London, 1923; H. F. and G. Witherby ; pp. XII+-292, 10
plates and text-figures ; price 16 Shillings nett).
Many of our readers will recollect with pleasure Major Hingston’s previous:
book, A Naturalist in Himalaya, in which were recounted the observations.
made by the author in the Hazara district. In the present book he gives us a
collection of varied observations and experiments made in one small patch of
jungle in Fyzabad in the United Provinces, which is described in the first chapter.
The remainder of the book is devoted to the habits and instincts of Ants (six
chapters), Spiders (four chapters) and Dung Beetles (three chapters), conclud-
ing with a chapter on the South-west Monsoon.
Written in a charming style, albeit clear to the point of simplicity, the author
presents us with vivid word-pictures of the habits and instincts of the insects:
and spiders which he has watched and, by well-devised and clearly explained.
experiments, gives us an excellent insight into the evolution of such subjects as
communication amongst ants or the construction of spiders’ webs. We feel
strongly tempted to make long quotations but considerations of space prevent
this; and, where there are so many plums, it becomes difficult to make any
adequate selection.
This is just the sort of book to appeal to many of our members who would
like to learn a little of the wonderful world which exists around them in everyday
life in every station in India and who have been looking for a_ well-written.
account in non-technical language. To all such we can strongly recommend.
A Naturalist in Hindustan as just the thing they have been waiting for.
A Bictocy or THe British HemMietERA-HETEROPTERA. By E. A Butler
(London, 1923; Witherby and Co.; pp. viii+682, with coloured
plates. photographs and text-figures ; price £3-3-0 nett).
This book gives an up-to-date account of all that is known regarding the
early stages, habits, food, life-cycle, and occurrence of all the species of Hemip-
tera (as opposed to Homoptera) which are known to occur in Great Britain.
The Indian student of this important Order of Insects may at first suppose
that little of interest to him is contained in this volume, but this is far from:
being the case. The general notes on the various groups are of universal inter-
est to entomologists in all parts of the world and, so far as the student of the
Indian Fauna is concerned, this book includes descriptions of the following
species which are definitely noted as occurring in India. viz:—(Pentatomide)
Eurygaster maura, Carpocoris fuscispina, Dolycoris baccarum, Eurydema dom-
nulus, Troilus luridus, Zicrona cerulae ; (Coreide) Therapha hyoscyami ; (Lyg-
wide) Lygeus equestris; (Pyrrhocoride) Pyrrhocoris apterus ; (Anthocoride)
Lyctocoris campestris ; (Capside) Miris calcaratus ; (Notonectide) Notonecta
glanca, N. furcata, N. maculata ; (Corixide) Coriza geoffroyi and
C. hieroglyphica. In addition to the above, about thirty other species are so
widely distributed in the Palearctic Region that they may reasonably be ex-
pected to occur in the Northern parts of the Indian Empire also. |
The book is well-written and well produced and will prove indispensable to
all serious workers on the Hemiptera.
Manvau or Entomonocy By H. Maxwell Lefroy. (London, Edward
Arnold and Co., 1923; pp. i-xiv+541 ; 35 Shillings nett in the
United Kingdom).
It is very difficult for any author to keep in proper perspective the entire
field of investigations in a branch of science like that of entomology with due
reference to varying degrees of keenness of different workers in different and —
REVIEWS, . 813
quite divergent directions, yet such an attempt has been successfully made
by Prof. Lefroy in the work under review. The book is not a complete treatise
dealing with all aspects of entomology, for such a work, as the author himself
rightly says, ““ would occupy many years and fill many volumes.”’ On the other
hand it is based on lectures delivered by the author in the second year of a three
years’ course in the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London.
No attempt is made to discuss details, but the essential points about the differ-
ent groups of insects are all fully dealt with. Details of structure and morphology
are sacrificed in favour of notes on habits, enemies and checks of various
insect pests. The latest classification of the insects is adopted, and for the
sake of comparison the schemes given in Sharp’s volumes on insects in the
Cambridge Natural History and in Sedgwick’s Yextbook of Zoology are given
in parallel columns. Generic and specific lists are avoided except in very
important cases like that of the silkworms. Regarding nomenclature the
author has done well to follow the middle course ‘‘ between the ultra-conser-
vative and the ultra-nomenclaturist’’—two very happy selections of names for
the present day exponents of the two Schools of Zoological Nomenclature.
The illustrations are reduced to the minimum as the author does not
believe in the identification of insects from drawings or pictures, and lays
greater stress on the examination of living and pinned collections, The text-
figures are, however, quite numerous, clear and in every way worthy of a
textbook. In addition there are four half-tone full-page plates, but these are
neither very characteristic nor is the reproduction very satisfactory.
In the matter of literature citing we cannot agree with the author, He assumes
that every student of entomology is familiar with the use of the Zoological Record,
Genera Insectorum and the Review of Applied Entomology, and therefore reduces
most of his references to the name of the author and the year of publication of
the work, as for example “‘ MacLachlan (1868).’? This course may be defended
‘on the basis of economy of space, but surely the work would not have increased
in bulk to any great extent if the name of the serial in which the work referred
to was published had also been given. This has been done in some cases, and
we only deplore that the method was not generally adopted. In short the
methods of citation of the literature, owing to their inconsistency, are not to be
commended.
The book seems remarkably free from misprints, but looking through casually
we have noticed an unfortunate lapsus calami in “Die Kriegelmiicken” on
p. 428 fo: ‘Die Kriebelmiicken.”’
The absence of synoptic keys for the various orders and families is a great
drawback, and a chapter in the beginning of the work dealing with the external
structure of a typical form as also the larval and pupal stages would have
been very useful. A glossary of descriptive terms would also have added to
the usefulness of the work.
The very high price of the work is somewhat prohibitive and will, we are
atraid, greatly discount the value of the book.
The work is primarily intended for the British student, and the literature
references are, therefore, mainly restricted to those on British insects, but the
book should prove of great value to students of entomology all over the worid,
B. PRASHAD.
Inp1an Earntuworms: The Fauna of British India including Burma
| and Ceylon (Oligochwta) By J. Stephenson, M. B., D. sc, Lieut.-Col.,
| I.M.S. (retired), Lecturer in Zoology, Edinburgh University.
The earthworms are not a popular group among naturalists. Their study
involves great practical difficulties if it be biological, and careful
_ if not section-cutting, if it be anatomical or systematic.
are of great practical moment in agriculture,
|
|
dicsection
Nevertheless they
while in zoogeography they are
814 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X,
among the most important groups of animals. In the _ history. of scientifi¢
zoology in India, moreover, they have played a great part. This was due in
the first place to Dr. (now Sir Alfred) Bourne, late Director of Public Instruction
and formerly professor in the Presidency College, Madras; but the foundation
of a regular school of oligochztology (if one may be permitted to coin a word)
was instituted much more recently in Lahore by Lieut.-Col. J. Stephenson,
eel
LM.S., the author of the book under review. In addition to the early contri: —
butions to this branch of zoology by Sir Alfred Bourne, several important papers.
have been published by Dr. W. Michzlsen of Hamburg and others, but it is to
Col. Stephenson and his pupils that we owe the greater portion of the work
now summarized. 4
Two things seem to me of the first importance in the preparation of volumes
in a series like our “‘ Fauna ’’—a knowledge of the group discussed and a know-
ledge of the country under consideration. In some cases, when the author
has exceptional capacity, the latter may be dispensed with, as in Dr. Boulenger’s.
account of the reptiles and batrachians; but many of the recent volumes in
this series have suffered from the fact that their author was a museum specialist
without knowledge of India though he may have lived in the country. No
such reproach can be brought against Col. Stephenson, who has studied the
Oligocheta of the Indian Empire for fourteen years in India. There is one
point, an innovation in the fauna, in which he evinces his appreciation of the
geography of the country particularly, viz., the inclusion of maps illustrating
che range of different genera.
The introductory part of the volume is of the greatest interest to all natur-
alists, even if they do not wish to study the highly technical descriptive part.
Geography, bionomics and the methods of examination and determination
are discussed in a clear and at the same time an admirably concise style.
It is to the two former sections that I propose to direct my remarks.
Bionomics.—In spite of Darwin’s classical work on the British earthworms,
very little is known in detail about the natural history of the group as a whole. —
All that Col. Stephenson can find to say about that of the Indian forms
is comprised in three and a half pages, and the greater part of what he says
refers to the small aquatic species which are not, strictly speaking, earthworms
at all. These species, as he points out, are fascinating to the microscopist,
being for the most part minute and transparent with most of their internal -
anatomy displayed almost like a diagram under magnification. In Indian
waters at any rate many of them are associated frequently if not habitually
with sponges and polyzoa, while those of the genus Chetogaster are definitely
symbiotic with or parasitic in either sponges or freshwater snails. Another
little species (Aulophorus tonkinensis) builds for itself a portable abode which
is often composed of the seed-like reproductive bodies of sponges and polyzoa.
The methods by which some of these aquatic forms obtain oxygen for respira-
tion areremarkable, and Col. Stephenson has given full references to literature
on the subject. ,
Among the true earthworms differences of habitat are greater than is usually
recognized. Some are found habitually in rotten wood, others in the small
accumulations of earth or debris at the base of the leaf-stems of palm-trees
and plantains. Some genera and families find excessive moisture more neces-
sary than others, and some have assumed a completely aquatic life with little
or no structural modification.
The only instance that Col. Stephenson can give of an Oligochete worm of
direct commercial importance is that of a small aquatic species which is sold as
food for goldfish in Japan. It is said to be particularly good for the complexion —
of the fish.
Geography.—Col. Stephenson describes fully some 330 species. Of these about
40 are minute aquatic species of little or no geographical significance, the
genera, and in some cases even the species, being cosmopolitan. Except
OS RRPEBWE: EES ON ee
in Lahore and in Calcutta, moreover, these little animals have been very
little collected. The littoral species, found at the edge of the sea, are few
in number and equally unimportant from a geographical point of view.
Col. Stephenson divides India, Burma and Ceylon into nine “ regions ”
(it would have been better to call them districts or areas) as follows :—
: (The drainage of the Indus (plains); the
1, North-Western Territory .. Punjab, N. W. F. Frontier Province,
Bi N. Rajputana and Sind.
2. Western Himalayan Region .. { Himalayas from Hazara to Nepal, includ-
| ing Kashmir.
3. North-Eastern Frontier Re- ramcenae from Nepal eastwards and
gion. Assam.
4. Indo-Gangetic Plain .. oY nied Provinces, Behar and Bengal
(plains.)
5. Burma .. Sip ae .- Burma, the Andamans and Nicobars.
( Peninsular India E. of the W. Ghats, S.
6. Main Peninsular Area.. --< of the Indo-Gangetic Plain and N,
of lat. 15°, with S. Rajputana and the
; Central Indian Agency.
Southern Region s -. The Peninsula S. of lat. 15°.
7,
8. The Western Region .. -. Goa, the W. Ghats and thence to the sea.
9. Ceylon.
A detect (which this volume shares with all others in the series) is the absence
of a detailed map of the Indian Empire and Ceylon showing the limits of these
SN an anaemia
~
|
areas graphically. :
The distribution of many of the genera, as is clear from a comparison of Col.
Stephenson’s outline maps of the genera with the charts in Eliot’s Climatological
Atlas of India, is closely correlated with that of excessive rainfall, but this of
course has not been the only factor in determining the range of different forms.
A considerable number of species are “‘ peregrine,” that is to say wanderers.
The word has been used in two senses, to indicate species that have been carried
about by man with cultivated plants, etc., and those that have spread them-
selves abroad naturally with the aid of birds, frogs and other animals to the
feet of which either the worms themselves or their cocoons have accidentally
adhered, or in floating logs or other flotsam. It is the true endemic species,
the genera of which are confined (except for forms of peculiar vigour and of
wandering tendencies) to limited areas, that provide valuable date for the study
of zoogeography. These seem to indicate in India that the fauna has been
recruited largely from areas of heavy rainfall to the east or north of the Bay of
Bengal. Other forms, however, have come from the south-west and are prob-
ably of Ethiopian origin. A few genera seem to have been evolved in the
Indian Peninsula. :
Considering Col. Stephenson’s work as a whole we may accept it as worthy
of the best (and older) traditions of the Fauna—no mere compilation, though
amply provided with references to literature—but the result of many years’
solid work in the field and with the microscope and the dissecting case as well
asin the museum and the library. It cannot fail to become and remain
@ standard book of reference.
. N, ANNANDALE.
A SURVEY OF THE Fauna oF Irag.—Mammats, Birps, Reprines, etc.—
MADE BY EMBERS OF THE MesoporaMIA EXPEDITIONARY Force ipl Die
1915-19, (Bombay Natural History Society, pp. XX+404, with coloured
plate, photographs, maps and text-figures. Price Rs. 7-8-0).
The following Review under the heading “‘ Progress of Science—War Collec-
tions from Iraq” appeared in the London Times of the 27th November.
Ihe reviewer being the scientific correspondent of the Times, we publish it in.
816 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL BIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X,
full for the benefit of members who have not yet obtained copies. These
are obtainable in England from Messrs. Dulau & Co., Ltd., Margaret Street,
Cavendish Square, London, W., and in India from the Society’s Office. 7
‘¢ Fortunate were those persons who could relieve the vast tedium of a modern
campaign by observations on natural history. Many soldiers who had little
knowledge of the ways of wild creatures were amazed at the fashion in which
birds and beasts pursued the routine of their lives amidst the thunders of war,
‘sometimes even finding between the trenches less disturbance from man than in
cultivated fields. But military duty called many naturalists from the museum
to the field, and, in addition to random observations, much serious collecting was
done. In the course of the Mesopotamian campaign, the Bombay Natural
History Society got into touch with all those who were likely to collect mammals
or birds, reptiles or insects while they were on active service, and arranged to
take over the specimens and to have them examined and catalogued in Bombay
or in London and reported on in the Society’s journal.
The work so carried out has made a substantial contribution to knowledge of
the fauna of Mesopotamia and has been brought together in a single volume,
under the title “‘ A Survey of the Fauna of Iraq,” published under the auspices
of the Natural History Society at Bombay. In 1915, Captain N. B. Kinnear,
then of the Bombay Museum and now of the British Museum (Natural History),
wrote a little pamphlet for the use of members of the Expeditionary Force,
showing how little was known of the fauna of the regionin which the campaign
was to take place, and so advised soldier-naturalists of the excellent work that
they might possibly undertake. As a result, no less than 92 species new to science
were discovered and are described in this volume, and in addition the known
range of a much larger number of creatures has been extended, and a large fund
of information as to habits has been gained. Specimens and duplicates have
been deposited in the British Museum (Natural History), where all the material
-was sent at the end of hostilities, in the Bombay Museum, and in various well-
known institutions.
COLLECTING IN THE FIELD.
Many of the specimens were caught and even skinned close to the enemy’s lines |
and under range of his guns. Colonel Magrath for example caught and skinned
a lesser shrew—an animal not two inches long—under shell-fire in the trenches
in front of Kut. Captain Pitman, in charge of the Regimental Scouts, trained
his men to look out for specimens, as well as for the enemy. Sir Percy Cox,
especially in the earlier part of the campaign, sent many living creatures, includ-
ing five giant herons, to the Victoria Gardens at Bombay, and, although the end
of the war did not lighten his responsibilities, continued, in association with
Captain Cheesman, to collect and to send to London and India living and _pre-
pared specimens. Colonel Wall, of the Iadian Medical Service, an authority on
snakes, as soon as he arrived, covered the palmtrees at Basra with posters
advertising rewards for snakes sent in to him. Dr, Buxton, Captain Ingoldsby,
and many other soldier-naturalists of repute helped in the work.
Mesopotamia is an alluvial plain, about 450 miles long by 150 wide, watered |
by the Euphrates, Tigris, and Karun, and lying between the Syrian and Arabian
deserts on the west, and the foothills of the Persian and Kurdistan mountains on
the east. The country on the right bank of the Euphrates is actual desert, and
here were found hyznas, and pale desert foxes, jerboas and gerbils, cream-
coloured coursers and spotted sandgrouse, ostriches and partridge.
JUNGLE LiFe,
In the bends of the rivers there is thick jungle and the marshes give a safe
home for innumerable water-birds including pelicans and giant herons. Captain
Cheesman came to the conclusion that the legends of ancient Mesopotamian
REVIEWS, 817
forests were mythical, and does not believe that the Kings of Egypt came to
Mesopotamia to hunt elephants, unless these and their keepers had come together
from more distant lands. As huge canals were built there 4,000 years ago,
it-seems probable that even then the country required irrigation. In
any event, there is now only low cover, which harbours wild pig of a kind that
was not identified, but had striped young, and seemed larger than the Indian pig,
too brown for the European wild boar. But there are wild cat, probably caracals,
chares and jackals. On the higher ground gazelles are abundant, porcupines
were frequently found and examples of a new species of ratel discovered.
The most interesting character of the birds of Mesopotamia, on which full
information was obtained, was the relatively small number of permanent
residents, as compared with the long list of migrants and winter visitors. In
some places the only permanent resident was the crested lark, but during the
spring and autumn migrations even the most desolate spots were thronged with
birds, staying a while to rest, or merely passing over. Theriver valleys appear
to be part of an immemorial route of birds passing between Europe and Asia
and Africa. In consequence, probably, of this unsettled feature of the bird life,
the collections yielded almost nothing in the way of new species. ‘The inver-
tebrates, on the other hand, seem to have been little studied before, and crus-
taceans, butterflies, sawflies and orthopterans supplied a large proportion of
forms new to science.”
818
EDITORIAL.
One of the changes recently made in the Journal was the placing just
before the Miscellaneous Notes of comments by readers on what had.
appeared in previous numbers. When the Editors, however, have to draw
attention to a mistake made by themselves they should surely clothe-
themselves in sackcloth and ashes and confess their fault in their own
editorial, especially when their fault was that of giving wrong information.
about a distinguished and honoured visitor to India. The author of the
account of H. R.H. the Prince of Wales’ Shooting Tour in India,
when writing about the Gwalior Shoots, mentions in a footnote (see Vol..
XXIX, page 193) that Monsieur Clemenceau, when shooting at a tiger,
had the misfortune to shoot a buffalo that had been sent into the jungle
to locate a tiger which refused to move and that as the tiger attacked the
buffalo, in the rough and tumble whick ensued, Monsieur Clemenceau shct:
the buffalo. H.H.The Maharaja Scindia. who has been a member of our
Society for many years, noticed this statement and at once wrote to ask.
us to publish the correct version as it was he himself and not Monsieur
Clemenceau that by mistake wounded the buffalo. He writes: “ What
happened was this, that the tiger troke through the buffaloes and got
mixed with them ; I aimed atthe tiger but missed the tiger and hit a
buffalo ;and for that reason I had to fine myself heavily by compensating
the owner of that buffalo.” His Highness’ desire to have the matter put
right is what one would expect from such a good sportsman as he is, and
we hope that Monsieur Clemenceau will accept our apologies for permitting
an impression to appear in our Journal that he had ever failed to obtain
what he had intended to get, or that he was not as successful in his.
shooting in India as he had been when directing France in her great
battle for freedom
In the last editorial we referred to the Society’s publications. These:
have been causing the Committee some perturbation. A scientific
publication such as the Snake Chart prepared by Mr. Prater on Col. Wall’s.
book has sold well so far as the big charts for Hospitals and Dispensaries.
are concerned, and the small pocket charts are becoming more in demand,
but what one would have thought would have been the desire of all small
game shikaries in India— the sumptuous volumes of Stuart Baker’s “Game
Birds of India’—attract little attention and the lack of demand prevents.
any thought of bringing out another volume, although eagerly awaited
by those who have bought the first two volumes. This Journal will be in
the hands of members about Christmas or New Year time. Will they
think, when thinking of what their friends want for X’mas presents, of the
pleasure all lovers of small game shooting in India obtain from the perusal
of Stuart Baker’s fine volumes !
We do not mind appealing thus openly to members to act as agents for
the Society because they have responded to our appeal to bring the
advantages of meinbersbip of the Society to the notice of those who are not.
members. The number of new members who have joined the Society of
late has been very encouraging and makes a good set off to the number of
those who, by retirement from India, annually thin the ranks of the
Society. Naturally we, in the Society’s office, cannot understand why
retirement from India should necessitate retirement from the Society—
surely the very opposite should be the case! Is it not necessary in
retirement to keep fresh and to keep in touch with the hobbies of one’s.
youth ! Still, hard times and small pensions make it necessary for many
to resign but we do wish members would understand that to resign
whilst on service in India is—well we wish we couldsay ‘‘ It’s not done ”.
— a —EE = iene
EDITORIAL, ° . 819
But like some Padres who preach to those who attend Church about the
iniquity of those who do not go to Church, we are perhaps wasting our
space yet may we ask all those who are members to register their deter-
mination never to resign so long as they remain in India.
We cannot all remain in India and we have to record our regret that,
owing to ill health, Mr. B. C. Ellison, a former joint Editor of the Journal
and Curator of the Society’s Museum, has had to resign. Mr. Ellison
suffered severely from Malaria during his stay in India and his health had
evidently been undermined by having been attacked with Typhus in one of
the German Prison Camps. He was aman of great enthusiasms and was
full of schemes, Had his health permitted of his staying on in India he
would, no doubt, have retained his enthusiasm, but under the powerful brake
of ‘““Nomoney” applied unmercifully and at all times by a pessimistic
Honorary Secretary, he would have given up schemes for the future to
grapple with the practical realities of making bricks without straw.
His successor, Mr. S. H. Prater, has to grapple hard from the very
beginning with these unpleasant realities and it is well that he has spent a
long apprenticeship in the Society under Mr. Kinnear and Mr. Millard who
had no visions where finance was concerned and cut the Society’s coat in
strict accordance with the Society’s cloth. Members ought to realise that a
brake must be applied to the Society’s rake’s progress and, to show this is
no mere fashion of speech, we give below the Society’s ordinary income and
expenditure for the past 10 years :—
Income, Expenditure.
Rs. a. Riss has
1914 ae et 33,954 7 37,386 1
1915 30,273 12 25,086 9
1916 31,762 7 27,024 10
1917 31,132 7 22,054 15
1918 34,705 9 22,840 15
1919 33,151 10 32,308 10
1920 32,264 15 31,240 4
192] 64,563 13 54,273 0
1922 39,787 13 48,531 7
1923 37,048 5 45,462 8 to date, -
3,68,645 2 3,46,208 15
Investments ae 22,800 0
Rs. 3,69,008 15
Invested 1914-1923 on account of Life Membership Rs. 22,800.
The increase in 1921 was due to the receipt of a final Government Grant of
Rs. 15,000 in that year in full settlement and to the exceptionally large number
_ of Life Members who took advantage at the time of the increase in subscrip-
tion to become Life Members at the old rate and the receipt from this source was
Rs. 14,600. The total amount of Life Membership commutation received in’
the ten years amounted to Rs. 17,600. Our income from investments (of
Rs. 65,800) on behalf of Life Members is Rs. 2,812-14-0. We have 156 Life
Members who, if paying the ordinary subscription, would be bringing in a revenue
of Rs. 3,900. We ought to have another Rs. 20,000 invested on account of Life
Members and perhaps consider whether Rs. 350 is not too low a figure for ‘Life
Membership. Anyhow the Life Member is scoring at present and no doubt
congratulates himself on his wisdom. Still all this does not disguise the fact
820 JOURNAI, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X,
that in the two years 1922 and 1923 we spent some Rs. 16,000 more than we
received. Retrenchment is the order of the day, but what about an increase
in membership and so increased revenue ? .
In addition to the above the Society realised from the sale of Snake
Books, Pamphlet on White Ants, advertisements, sale of Pigeon Book, List
of Butterflies, and other sundries, including donations, etc., some
Rs, 10,000, —
Turning to matters outside the ordinary expenditure, the Society has
about recouped itself for the money expended on the Snake Charts, and
future sales will mean revenue to the Society, but with the ‘ Game Birds ”
publication the position is that we have only sold sufticient to repay us what
we have already paid out and that we still owe Rs. 16,000 to the publishers,
We want to sell 266 copies of Vol. I, and 227 copies of Vol. Ll, to recover
this sum, hence the earnestness of our appeal in an earlier part of this note.
Mr. Prater is, however, more concerned financially with the Prince of.
Wales’ Museum side of the Society’s activities. Here he is confronted with
a new world to create and no money to pay the builders. What he is
effecting and has already effected is something to be proud of, and “if”
‘if only ’’—yes-—even with him schemes hold the day!
Will our President’s appeal to some of our members, an appeal to
associate themselves with H. R. H. the Prince of Wales becoming our patron
by themselves becoming Vice-Patrons, bring in such a response as to make
the Natural History Section of the Prince of Wales’ Museum worthy of this
Society and of the City of Bombay ? ‘If so ”, well the answer will be
given in the next editorial.
There is one sad thing about the appeal and that is it is the last active
interest our President, Sir George Lloyd, has been able to take in the
Society’s governance. Sir George Lloyd's period of office as President of
our Society has witnessed bigger changes than any previous period. We
are not speaking of changes in personnel, though Sir George Lloyd’s
Presidentship has included the retirement of Mr. W. S. Millard and the
resignation of his office by Mr. N. B. Kinnear, we refer to the material |
change in the transfer of our show collections from the old rooms in Apollo
Street to the more spacious halls of the Prince of Wales’ Museum. We
could not have carried on as we were. The loss of the Government Grant
and the inability to expand would have spoilt our collections and given us
almost a knock out blow. A former President, Lord Lamington, conceived
the idea of housing us in new quarters. Sir George Lloyd saw to our
moving, and his last act has been to do his best to ensure our filling our new
home worthily. We regret very much his departure and hope that he will
remain a member of the Society for many years to come.
We are very glad to be able to publish in this Journal the lecture on
* Animal Life of the Ganges” delivered by Dr. Annandale, C.I.E., in
the Indian Museum, Calcutta, on the afternoon of August 22nd, 1923. We
hope Dr. Annandale will give us the pleasure of publishing several other
popular papers by him. In the next number of the Journal will appear the
first of a series of illustrated articles by Capt. R. 8. P. Bates on “ Birds’
nesting with a camera in India.” The whole will be divided into three
parts—
(1) The Sindh and Liddar Valleys, Kashmir.
(2) Rampur and the Lolab, Kashmir.
(8) An Indian Heronry. ea
Capt. Bates’ photos of birds’ nests and birds are wonderful nature photos |
and we are confident will make a great appeal to all interested in Bird
Life. We feel very fortunate in being able to include him amongst the
contributors to the Journal.
EDITORIAL, 821
Not very long ago Mr. F. J. Mitchell, the pioneer of trout fishing in
Kashmir, sent home a collection of flies taken from the trout streams of
Kashmir ; some of these were new to science, one specimen in particular
attracting considerable attention amongst Entomologists in England
(a reference to the collection was made in Vol. XXIX, No.1, page 305),
but we missed the opportunity of communicating that discovery to the
scientific world. This time we are to be more fortunate. Another collec-
tion has been sent home by Mr. Mitchell, and Mr. Edwards, of the British
Museum, who has examined the collection, has promised to describe the
collection in an illustrated articleon ‘“ New Nematocerous Diptera
from British India.”
We should like to offer our congratulations to Major R. W. G. Hingston,
I.M.S., and to Mr. E. O. Shebbeare, both members of our Society, on
their being selected members ot the Mt. Everest Expedition for 1924, and we
hope they will make use of our Journal to record their experiences.
The above editorial was already in the Press when we learnt with deep
regret of the death of our oldest Vice-President Mr. J. D. Inverarity. A short,
obituary notice appears on another page, but we take this opportunity of
expressing on behalf of the Committee of the Society their appreciation of the
work done for the Society during the early days of its career by Mr. Inverarity,
R99
aie
_ OBITUARY,
Joun Duncan INVERARITY.
J.D. Inverarity was born in Bombay in 1847; he was the son ‘of Dr,
Tnverarity ; the friend and brother-in-law of Jonathan Duncan, the Governor
of Bombay in the last days of the 18th and the early days of the 19th centuries.
Educated at Cheltenham, he returned to Bombay in 1869, where by the sheer
force of his character and the brilliancy of his intellect he soon established him-
self as one of the leading lights of the Bombay Bar. He was a great lawyer,
and was famed throughout India as such. In the words of the Chief Justice of
Bombay, the Bombay High Court prided itself in having as the leader of its Bar,
an Advocate, who for 30 years had no equal in India. It is not as a great lawyer;
however, that we would speak of John Duncan Inverarity, butas a big game
hunter and naturalist. It was in the early days of his career that Mr. Inverarity
associated himself with the Bombay Natural History Society. He joined the
Society almost at its inception in 1886, became member of its Managing Committee
in 1891 anda Life Member in 1893, and was elected its Vice-President on
the 6th April 1897 and continued as such till the time of his death. He was a
_ valued and constant contributor to the pages of the Journal. He was a big game
hunter of no mean repute and excelled, not only as a shikari, but as a close and
accurate observer of the habits and characteristics of the animals he hunted.
Being gifted with afacile pen he was able to include his observations in his writings
on sport and jungle life. In his ‘“‘ Unscientific Notes on the Tiger ’’, published
in Volume III of the Society’s Journal and read before the Bombay Natural
History Society on the 9th of April 1888, Mr. Inverarity wrote : ‘‘ One of the chief
pleasures of shikaring, to my mind, is the observation of the manners and customs
of the animals one pursues. I keep a journal when in the jungle; so I have
been able to correct my memory by reference to notes made at the time.”
Mr. Inverarity’s observations on the tiger helped to elucidate many points on
the subject of the breeding of tigers, their mode of attack, and the treatment of
their kill, Mr. Inverarity also gave the Society the benefit of his observations
in regard to the Indian Gaur, more often, though erroneously, spoken of as the
Bison. In his article ‘‘ The Indian Bison, with some notes on stalking him,”
Mr. Inverarity gives a very accurate description of the appearance of the
animal from observations made by him in the field, and his paper also includes
valuable hints to the hunter of this animal ; his concluding advice being an index
to the character of the man, ‘‘Find the tracks yourself, track him yourself for
miles and kill him with a single bullet in a fair stalk and the incidents of the day
will never fade from your memory.” His adventures while hunting big game
were varied and were recounted by him is a plain matter of fact style which
spoke more for the high courage of the man than pages of superlative description
could have done. Writing of a Bison hunt he says,‘ When a Bison charges he
commences by running at you with his head well up and nose in the air, and only
kicks his head down when a few yards off. At least that was the way the ones
that charged me behaved.” His description of an exciting encounter with a
bear is also worth quoting, the infuriated animal, on being hit charged up a tree
on which Mr. Inverarity!was sitting ‘“‘ So quickly did she came that although I
never reloaded quicker in my life she reached by legs just-as I got one barrel
reloaded, she was on the point of seizing my leg with her teeth when I fired and
dropped her.” Mr. Inverarity’s Hunting Expeditions were not confined to India.
He made two sporting expeditions to Somaliland, the first, in 1889, was cut short
at the end of a fortnight by a misadventure. In his article or notes on “‘ The
Mammalia of Somaliland’? Mr. Inverarity, beyond a reference, does not tell us
what the misadventure was—-it consisted in nothing less than his receiving a
Severe mauling from a lioness. Later in describing the charge of a lion he says :
** They charge with the same coughing roar that a tiger does, the lion comes at
Sa a er a ae
EEE =
OBITUARY, 823
a great speed close to the ground, not leaping in the air as you see in the picture.
‘The ears are pressed close to the head, giving the animal the appearance of being
without ears.”” So much for the observations made while the lion was actually
charging him. Further he writes, “So large an animal coming at full speed
against you naturally knocks you off your legs. The claws and teeth entering
the flesh does not hurt so much as you would think. The only really painful
part of the business is the squeeze given by the jaws on the bone. I felt none of
the dreamy stupor Livingstone describes, but on the contrary felt as usual; I
.adopted the course of lying quite still which is the best that one can do, as you
are quite helpless with a heavy animal on you and they are inclined to make
grabs at everything that moves, and the fewer bites you can get off with the
better. All the wounds are centres of inflammation and blood poisoning and the
more you get the less chance you have. The power of the lion’s jaw may be con-
ceived from the fact that the Lioness that seized me, although it had a broken
jaw, scored deep grooves in the barrel of my rifle with her teeth. Some claw
wounds were mere scratches which I attribute to the fact that they clutch at
the surface of your coat, thinking that is all solid underneath, and so reach the
flesh pretty late, in fact my coat was torn in some places without any correspond-
ing wound beneath. I never felt the slightest shock.’? The second expedi-
tion in 1890 occupied two months. He was on this occasion fortunate in getting
good specimens of “‘ almost all the animals found within a hundred miles of the
coast.’ His articles are illustrated by wonderful series of photographs (taken
by the author) of the animals shot by him and always include accurate descrip-
tions of them. Mr. Inverarity was a skilful amateur photographer and the
results of his work are to be seen in the many photos of big game animals now
hanging on the walls of the Prince of Wales’ Museum, Bombay. Mr.
Inverarity’s writings in the Society’s Journal would make an excellent guide
book for sportsmen in India, written as they are by a man who combined with
other great gifts, the keenest power of observation and a great love of nature
and outdoor life. The following articles from his pen give an idea of
Mr. Inverarity’s varied experiences as a big game hunter and naturalist:—
Unscientific Notes on the Tiger, Vol.III, page 143 ; Stalking the Indian Bison,
‘Vol. IV, p. 294 ; Wounded Bear charging up a tree, Vol. V, p. 380; The Mammalia
-of Somaliland, Vol. VI, p. 457; Does a Tiger kill Snakes ? Vol. VII, p. 405; A
Bear with three cubs, Vol. VII, p. 406; Sambar and Sambar Shooting, Vol.
VIII, p. 391; Man Eating Panthers, Vol. IX, p. 25 ; The Four-horned Antelope,
‘Vol. IX, p. 193; The Oorial, Vol. IX, p. 322; The Cheetal or Spotted Deer, Vol.
IX, p. 481; The Indian Wild Buffalo, Vol. X, p. 41; The Indian Wild Dog, Vol.
X, p. 449; A Wild Dog’s Earth, Vol. XIIT, p. 529; Abnormal Sambar Heads,
Vol. XIV, p. 378; Sambar Horns, Vol. XVII, p. 23.
Mr. Inverarity died as he would have wished in harness, being taken ill in his
‘Chambers at the High Court on the 4th December 1923 and passing away that
same evening,
824
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. —ON THE FORMS OF THE HIMALAYAN SEROW
CAPRICORNIS SUMATRANSIS.,
(With 2 Plates.)
In 1913 there was an article by Mr. Pocock in the Society’s Journal (J. B.
N. H.S., xxii, p. 296) om the serows, and in this article the author reviewed
the forms of the genus Capricornis, and treated them all as sub-species of
sumatrensis.
In his ‘“‘ Summary of the Indian Manual Survey” (J. B. N. H. S., xxvii,
p. 80) the late Mr. R. C. Wroughton has retained the same key and subdivision,
which I repeat.
Kry To THE Forms oF Capricornis sumatrensis.
A,.—Head, body and limbs not all red,
a. Head and body brownish black or olack.
a1. Legs white or dirty white below the
knee.
42, Belly only a little paler than the
sides, their colours blending ;
much less white on the jaw, |
throat, and breast .. . 1. s, thar, Hodgs.
2; Belly white, sharply contrasted
with the rufous brown of the
sides ; much white on chest and
along lower jaw. . 2. 8. rodoni, Poc.
bl, Legs with a consider able ‘amount
of rusty or yellow below the knees
and hocks,
a2, Legs below knees and hocks all
rusty ; body brownish black .. 3. s. milne-edwardsit,.
Dav.
62. Legs below knees and hocks rusty
fawn ; knees and fetlocks white ;
body jet black. .. 4, s. jamrachi, Poc.
b. Head pale chocolate brown, body probably
that colour also, and legs probably white
below the knee... ie lee .. 5. 8. humet, Poe.
_ B.—Head, body and limbs all red ne are .. 6. 8, rubidus, Bl.
Distribution
EAE OI Kopala a .. Type locality :—Nepal. (Hodgson).
Other localities:—Sutlej Valley, Kumaon: Nepal:
Sikkim (B.M.)
Lectotype :—B.M. No. 43.1.12.89.
2. C.s. rodoni .. -- Type locality :—Chamba State, Punjab. (Rodon.)
Other localities :—None.
Type :—B.M. No. 2.12.11.1.
3. C. s. milne edwardsi. Type locality :—-Moupin, Sze Chuen.
Other localities :—Sze Chuen; Pegu; Moulmein ; Mount
Muleyit; Tenasserim (B.M.); N.
Shan States Pegu (M.S.L.)
4, C. s. vamrachi eo Type :—-Perhaps in Paris Museum.
Type locality :—Kalimpong, Darjiling.
Other localities :—Kurseong, Darjiling (B.M.)
Type :—2.10, 12.1.
Journ,, Bombay Wat. Hist. Soc.
OLD MALE SEROW, Kashmir Valley, October 1922
“avel oyg FO COVFINSIOpUN 9YF UO Cole SIIYM SUIMOYS MOJO ATWUIYSSxyT OTeWo; oSIET
"90S ‘1SIH "3EN Aeqwog “usnor
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 82
5. C. s, humei .. .. Type locality :—Kashmir. (Hume).
BRE Bey ks | Other localities :—Pir Panjal, Kashmir, (B.M.).
. Type :—B.M. No. 91.8.7.65.
6. (. s. rubidus .. Type locality :—Arakan.
Other localities :—Arakan (B.M.)
Type :—Not traced.
The above key struck me at the time of its first publication as most un-
satisfactory, and, in particular, the description of C. s. humez, based on one 60-
year old headskin only, as being quite unwarranted.
I have now collected particulars of 23 specimens of serow, as under :—
(1) An adult female shot by me in Kishtwar, and another adult seen at the
same time.
(2) Eleven headskins, five of which had the body skins with them, of 7 males.
and 4 females, examined in the shops of Srinagar skin curers. All
these came from the Kashmir Valley, and included specimens from
the Liddar, Sind, and Bandipur rivers, and one from the Pir Panjal.
(3) Three headskins, 1 male and 2 females, shot in Chamba in the same:
month : all adults.
(4) ploy:
Length.—972 mm. (3 feet, 24 inches). (Captain Frere in a private
letter, dated July 1911. Locality, Minbu. Burma.)
Distn.—Peninsular India. North-East litoral, North of the Godavery
tiver. Anakapalle, Vizagapatam. (Russell.) Orissa. Berhampore.
(F. W.) Puri. Kendrapara. (Ind. Mus.) Bengal. Manbhum, Calcutta,
and Sunderbunds. (Ind. Mus.) Burdwan. (D’Abreu in private |
letter.) Behar. Darbhanga. Siripur. (Ind. Mus.). Gonda, Oudh.
(Bombay colin.) Patna. (D’Abreu in private letter.) Jalpaiguri.
(F. W.) Assam. Goalpara and Cachar. (Ind. Mus.) Dibrugarh.
(F. W.) Burma. From Mandalay (Ind. Mus.) in the North, to Tavoy
(Ind. Mus.) in the South. Stam. Bangkok. (Bombay colln.) Patani.
Cochin-China. China. Southern Provinces and Coastal Islands.
Malay Peninsula. Kedah. Penang. Singapore. Malay Archipelago — |
Borneo.
Note.—Both Flower and Boulenger mention Ceylon within its habitat
but I can find no authority for this. Possiblyit has been confused with
Helicops schistosus, a mistake I have discovered in examining various
collections.
216. (468) Hypsirhina blanfordi Boulenger. Blanford’s Water Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol II], 1896, p 10; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 5d.
Type.—In the Indian Museum. Locality dubious.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 122 to 125. Subcaudals. 33 to 45.
Disin.— Burma. Pegu. (Blanford.) Bassein ? (Sclater.)
217. (469) Hypsirhina sieboldi (Schlegel). Siebold’s Water Snake.
‘* New Homalopsid.”’ Dreckman, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol I, p 24.
Ferania sieboldi. Murray, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol I, p 219.
Hypsirhina sieboldi. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, » 11; Sarasin,
Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 144; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XI, p 732;
l.c. Vol XVIII, pp 118 and 920.
Length.—775 mm. (2 feet, 64 inches).
3a
. a
| A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 867
Lepid.—Costals. In 27 to 33 rows. Ventrals. 143 to 158. Subcaudais.
43 to 56.
Distn.—Peninsular India. Malabar Coast. Travancore. (F. W.)
Bombay. (Brit. Mus.) Ganges River System. Delhi. (F. W.) Agra.
(Ind. Mus.). Saugor. (Bombay colin.) Fyzabad. (fF. W.)
Champaran. (F. W.) Patna. (D’Abreu in private letter.) Monghyr.
Purneah. (Ind. Mus.) Pusa. (Bombay colln.). Brahmaputra River.
Samaguting. (Ind. Mus.) Mymensingh. (Bombay colln.). Rangoon
River. Pegu. (Ind. Mus.)
Note.—I discredit Penang on Cantor’s authority for reasons cited in
the note to T'yphlops bothriorhynchus.
Genus.—Homatopsis AKuwhl.
218. (464) Homalopsis buccata (Linné.) Linné’s Water Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 14; Sclater, List Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 53.
Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 349 and 616;
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 388.
Length.—1,310 mm. (4 feet, 34 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 157 to 173. Subcaudals. 65 to 106.
Distn.—Burma. Lower reaches of the Bassein, Rangoon and Moulmein
Rivers, and adjacent tanks. Siam. Indo-China. Malay Peninsula.
Malay Archipelago. Sumatra. Java. Borneo.
Genus.—Hvurrisa Daudin.
1799 Hydrus. Schneider, part. Hist. Amph. I, p 246 (type. H. platurus (Linné)].
1801 Elaps. Schneider, part. Hist. Amph. II, p 301 [type E. marcgravi. ( Wied)).
1803 Hurria. Daudin, Hist. Nat. Rept. V, p 281 [type H. bilineata=H. rhynchops
(Schneider) |.
1803 Coluber. (non Linné, 1766.) Daudin, Hist. Nat. Rept. VII, p 167.
1820 Python. (non Daudin, 1803.) Merrem, Tent. Syst. Amph., p 89.
1826 Homalopsis. (non Kuhl, 1822) Fitzinyer, N. Class Rept., p 55.
1829 Cerberus. Cuvier, Regne. Anim. IT, p 8\[ type Coluber cerberus =H. rhynchops
(Schneider) |.
{ 219. (465) Hurriarhynchops (Schneider.) The Dog-faced Water Snake.
Cerberus beeformis. Blyth, And. Islanders, pp 365 and 366.
Cerberus rhynchops. Alcock and Rogers, Proc. Roy. Soc., 1902, p 449 ;
Annandale, J. A. S. 1905,» 176; Mem. Ind. Mus. 1915, p 170 ;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 16; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
X,p 74; “ Keswal,”’ Bomb. N. H. J. Vol I, p 173; Selater, List. Sn.
Ind. Mus. 1891, p 54; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131; Wall
and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp. 345 and 612; Wail,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 307; t.c. 1919, » 89.
Hurria rhynchops. Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p 257.
Length.—991 mm. (3 feet, 3 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 122 to 160.
Disin.—Coasts and tidal Rivers from Bombay to Indo-China. Ceylon.
Andamans. Nicobars. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra to Celebes,
Philippines. Formosa.
Note.—One was brought to me in Bangalore on the 22nd of July 1920
by a snakeman, who tried to convince me he had procured it locally
He eventually confessed that he had captured it on the West Coast.
‘“‘ Nilgiris ”’ as the locality of a specimen in the British Museum
868
220.
bo
i)
Lo
223.
JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
presented by Mr. Theobald may be similarly explained. In every
case where a snake has been acquired through snakemen the fact.
should be recorded.
Genus—GERARDIA Gray.
(471) Gerardia prevostiana (Eydoux and Gervais.) Gerard’s Water Snake,
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 20; Phipson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol IX,
p 486; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, p 6163 Wall,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 307 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 262.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 145 to 156. Subcaudals. 29 to 36.
Distn.— Coasts and Rivers of India. Alibag. (Bombay colln.) Bandora.
(Brit. Mus.) Cannanore. (F. W.) Burma. Rangoon. (F. W.) Pegu.
(Brit. Mus.) Amherst. (Ind. Mus.) Ceylon. Kelani River.
Note.—The Ceylon record, though disputed, is on the authority of
Ferguson, a thoroughly reliable observer. Further I found a speci-
men labelled Kelani River in the Colombo Museum obviously the
one referred to by that authority.
Genus.—¥oRDONIA Gray.
(470) Fordonia leucobalia (Schlegel.) Fordon’s Water Snake.
Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 176; Boulenger, Cat. Vol III,
1896, p 21; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 55; Walland Evans.
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, p 347.
Distn.—Rivers and Coasts from the Sunderbunds to Cochin-China.
Bengal. Sunderbunds. (Ind. Mus.) Burma. Rangoon. (Theobald.)
Watya. (Wall and Evans.) Moulmein. (Bombay colln.) Nicobars,
Cochin-China. Malay Peninsula. Singapore. Penang. Malay Archi-
pelago. Java. Borneo. Ceram. New Guinea. North Australia.
Genus.—CanToria Girard.
(472) Cantoria violacea Girard. Cantor’s Water Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 23 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p55; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H.J. Vol XIII, p 611; Wall, ©
Bomb. N. H. J.. Vol XXITI, p 126:
Length.—1,220 mm. (4 feet).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 241 to 284. Subcaudals. 52 to 69. —
Distn.—Rivers of Burma. Irrawadi. (Wakema.) Moulmein. Amherst.
Andamans (F. W.) Malay Peninsula. Singapore. Malay Archipelago.
Borneo.
Genus.—HIPIsTEs Gray.
(473) Hipistes hydrinus (Cantor.) Gray's Water Snake.
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 24; Sclater, cist. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
p 56; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 347 and 616,
Lepid.—Ventrals. 153 to 172. Subcaudals, 21 to 35.
Distn.—Coasts and tidal rivers of Burma. Rangoon River. (Watiya. —
Rangoon. Pegu.) Thaton. Moulmein. Amherst. Mergui. Malay
Peninsula. Selangor, Penang. Kedah. Singapore. Siam. Bangkok. —
Genus.—TARBOPHIS Fleischmann.
(Nil) Tartophis rhinopoma (Blanford.) Blanford’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas rhinopoma. Blanford, Ann. and Mag. N. H. (4) XIV, 1874, p
34; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 48. "
Dipsadomorphus jollyi. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Val XXIII, p 167.
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE, 869
Tarbophis rhinopoma. Boulenger, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol IX, p 325 ;
Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 50.
Type.—From Karman. In the Indian Museum.
Lepid.—Costals. In 21 to 25 rows to behind midbody, reducing to 17
before the vent. Ventrals. 247 to 280. Anal. Entire. Subcaudals.
76 to 99.
Distn.—Sind. Baluchistan. Kacha Thana. Miranshah, Tochi Valley.
Persia.
DIPSADOMORPHUS Fitzinger.
1827 Dipsas. (non Laurenti, 1768.) Bote, part Isis, p 548.
1843 Dipsadomorphus. itzinger, Syst. Rept., p 27 [type D trigonatus (Schn-
erder)].
225. (448) Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus (Boie.) The Argus Cat
Snake.
Dipsas multimaculatus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept., 1890, p
360; -Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus., 1891, p 46.
Dipsadomorphus multimaculatus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904,
p 210; Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 63; Wall and Evans,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 346 and 615; Wall, Bomb. N. H.
J. Vol XIII, p 534; 1. ¢. Vol XXV, p 525.
Length.—997 mm. (3 feet, 3} inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before the vent. Ventrals. 202 to 245. Subcaudals. 80 to 111.
Distn.— Eastern Bengal. Chittagong. (F. W.) Burma. As far North as
Mandalay. (Bombay colln.), and South to Moulmein. Shan States.
Siam. Pachebon. Pitsanuloke. Sanam Cheng. Bangkok. Indo-China,
China. Southern Provinces and Coastal Islands.. Fumun. Canton.
Hongkong. Malay Peninsula? Penang. (Cantor.) Malay Archi-
pelago. Sumatra. Java. Celebes.
Note.—I attach a query to the Malay Peninsula for reasons cited in
the note to Natrix parallelus. Cantor appears to be the only
authority for this locality.
_ 226. (445) Dipsadomorphus barnesi (Giimther.) Barnes’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas barnesi. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, pp 47 and 78 ; Spol.
Zeylan. 1911, p 206; Boulenger, Faun, Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p
359; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1903, p 81; 1. c. 1906, p 233.
Dipsadomorphus barnesi. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 738;
Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, » 127; Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, p
283.
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, reducing to 15 two
heads-lengths before the vent. Ventrals. 208 to 220. Subcau-
dals. 99.
Disin.—Ceylon. Gangaruwa.
Note.—-I have examined the type, and the only other known specimen
in the Colombo Museum.
227. (Nil.) Dipsadomorphus quincunciatus Wall. Waill’s Cat Snake,
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVIII, » 272; 1. ¢.. Vol XIX, p 833.
Type.—In the British Museum from Tinsukia near Dibrugarh, Assam.
Length.—1,055 mm. (3 feet, 53 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before the vent. Ventrals. 237 to 242. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals.
118.
870 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
Distn._-Assam. Tinsukia and Rangagara, both near Dibrugarh.
Notes.—I have seen two examples the only ones known.
228. (446) Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis Giinther. Giinther’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas ceylonensis, Abereromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1901, pp 49 and 77;
Spol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 205 and 207; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J .
Vol X, p 73; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909, p 54; Willey, Spol.
Zeylan. 1903, p 82.
Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 66
(part.); Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909,» 152; Bomb. N. AH. J. Vol
XXVI,p 519; Oph. Tap. 1921, » 278.
Length.—1,283 mm. (4 feet, 23 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, 13 or 15 two heads-
lengths before vent. Ventrals. 214 to 235. Subcaudals. 91 to 111.
Distn.—Western Ghats. From Matheran to Travancore. Ceylon.
Hills of Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces.
Note.—Has been confused with beddomei, nuchalis, and andamanensis.
I have examined 82 examples. Annandale (Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909,
p 281) contests my view that these four “forms ”’ are entitled to rank
as species, and I expect many others to accept his view in opposition
to mine, which I adhere to. In the circumstances it is open to
those who agree with Annandale to relegate beddomei, nuchalis, and
andamanensis to the rank of varieties of ceylonensis.
229. (446) Dipsadomorphus beddomei Wall. Beddome’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas ceylonensis. Abercromby, Spol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 205 and 207,
Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890; p 359 (part); Ferguson,
Bomb. N. H, J. Vol X, 1895, p 73; Willey, Syol. Zeylan. 1903
p 82.
Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol IIT, 1896, » 66
(part); Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, » 152.
Dipsadomorphus beddomei. Wall, Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 406; Oph.
Tap. 1921, p 282.
Length.—1,232 mm. (4 feet and 3 an inch).
Lepid.—Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, 15 or 13 two heads-
lengths before the vent. Ventrals. 248 to 266. Subcaudais. 111
to 129.
Distn.— Western Ghats. Matheran to ‘Travancore. Ganjam Dist.
(Berhampore close to Hiils.) Ceylon. C. Prov. (Kandy. Peradeniya.)
N. Prov. (Mullaitivu).
Note.—I have examined 13 specimens.
230. (449) Dipsadomorphus hexagonotus (Stoliczka) (non Blyth) The
Tawny Cat Snake.
Dipsas hexagonotus. Anderson, P. Z. S. 1871, p 185 (part); Boulenger,
Faun. Ind. Rept. 1890, » 361 (part); Stoliczka, J. A. S., Beng., 1870, |
p 198 (part); Wall and Hvans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XITI, pp 346 and
615. |
Dipsadomorphus hexagonotus. Roulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, 65
(part); Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XX, p 342; Wall, Rec. Ind.
Mus. 1909, p 154.
Length.—1,016 mm. (3 feet, 4 inches).
Lepid.—-Costals. In 19 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before vent. Ventrals. 221 to 246. Subcaudals. 89 to 107.
Distn.—Burma. From Bhamo in the North to Tenasserim (Kawkareit)
in the South. Chin Hills. (Haka.) §S. Shan States. (Taunggyi.)}
Andamans.
A HWAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 871
Note.-—This is not the snake described by Blyth as hexagonotus. (J. A.
S., Beng., 1856, p 360.) His type specimen (No 8048 in the Indian
Museum) is a voung D. cyaneus (Dumeril and Bibron). It is pro-
bable that the specimens reported from Siam, Cochin-China and the
Andamans are hexagonotus, but precise details regarding the lepidosis
are wanting. I have examined 22 examples. |
93), (444) Dipsadomorphus trigonatus (Schneider.) The Common Cat
Snake or Gamma Snake.
Dipsas gokool. Phipson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol II, p 2473; Traiill,
Bomo. Need nV ol, LX pi 4go.
Dipsas trigonatus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 360;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol X, p 73; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus.
1891, p 45; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, » 307.
Dipsadomorphus trigonatus. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904, p 209;
Boulenger, Cat Vol IIT, 1896, » 63; Mullan, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
XVII, p 919; Nurse, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XITI, p 340; Sarasin,,.
Zool. Jahr. Jena, 1910, p 144; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XV, p 524 ;.
lc. Vol XVIII, pp 120 and 543; 1. c. Vol XIX, pp 267a and’
352; l.c. Vol XX, pp 864 and 1038; 1. c. Vol XXVI, p 569; Oph..
Tap. 1921, p 269.
Length.—940 mm. (3 feet, 1 inch).
Lepid.—Costals. 21 to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths before:
vent. Ventrals. 206 to 256. Subcaudals. 75 to 96.
Distn.—Peninsular India, To the Himalayas. Punjab. Sind.
Baluchistan. Transcaspia. N. W. Frontier. Western Himalayas..
Subathu. (Ind. Mus.) Almora. (F. W.) Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim..
(Ff. W.) Bengal. As far East as Calcutta. Ceylon. Uva Prov..
(Haldamulle. F. W.)
Note.—The snakes referred to by Anderson (J. A. S., Beng., Vol XU,
p 35) from Assam and Naga Hills are probably D. gokool, a species.
with which D. trigonatus was frequently confused by early herpeto-
logists.
232. (447) Dipsadomorphus gokool (Gray.) Gray’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas gokool. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 360; Sclater,
Inst. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 46.
Dipsadomorphus gokool. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37
and 49; Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 64; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J..
Vol XIX, p 831.
Length.—870 mm. (2 feet, 191 inches).
Lepid.—-Costals. 21 to behind midbody, 17 or 15. two heads-lengths.
before the vent. Ventrals. 224 to 232. Subcaudals. 87 to 101.
Distn.— Bengal. Jessore. Jalpaiguri. (Ind. Mus.) Darjeeling Dist.
(Ff. W.). Assam. Sadiya. Sonapur. Sibsagar. (Ind. Mus.) Dibrugarh.
Dejoo. (F. W.) Cachar (Monacherra. Bombay colln.) Garo Hills.
(Tura. Bombay colln.) Khasi Hills. (Shillong. F. W.) Naga Hills.
(Samaguting. Ind. Mus.). Burma. Manipur (F. W.).
Note.—Malay Peninsula I discredit for reasons cited in the note to:
Typhiops bothriorhynchus.
233. (Nil.) Dipsadomorphus multifasciatus Blyth. The Himalayan Cat
Snake.
Dipsas multifasciatus. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 46.
Dipsadomorphus multifasciatus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 69;
Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1907, p 157; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIX, p
352 3 l.c. Vol XXVI, p 866.
872 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,
Length.—1,157 mm. (3 feet, 93 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 21 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before the vent. Ventrals. 223 to 251. Subcaudals. 96 to 116.
Distn.—Himalayas. W. Himalayas. Subathu. Mussooree. Naini Tal.
(Ind. Mus.) Naini Tal. Muktesar. (F. W.) EZ. Himalayas. Nepal.
(Chitlong. Ind. Mus.) Darjeeling Dist. (Ind. Mus.) Pashok. Tindharia.
Mungpoo. (F. W.)
Note.—I have seen over 20 specimens, and though uncommon, it ap-
pears to be about as numerous in the Western Himalayas as in the
Kastern part of that. Range, up to 7,000 feet.
234. (449) Dipsadomorphus stoliczkx Wall. Stoliczka’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas hexagonotus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p
65 (part); Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 47 (part, No 7932).
Dipsadomorphus hexagonotus. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, p
281; Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 65 (part); Rec. Ind. Mus.
1913, p 338; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIX, pp 352 and 758; Rec.
Ind. Mus. 1909, p 154.
Dipsadomorphus stoliczke. Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, p 155.
Length.—1,105 mm. (3 feet, 74 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 21 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before the vent. Ventrals. 223 to 252. Subcaudals. 100 to 119.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Buxa Dooars to Sikkim. Assam.
Goalpara. Sibsagar. Cachar. (Ind. Mus.)
Note.—Has been confused with D. hexagonotus Stoticzka, so I give
only localities I can guarantee. J have examined in all 74 examples.
It is to be noted that two specimens in the British Museum from
Burma conform to this type, but their donor Colonel Beddome has
been shown unreliable in many of his records. See note to Natriz
parallelus.
Annandale (Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, p 281) contests my view that
this deserves specific rank apart from hexagonotus. To those who
share his view this “form” should be considered a “ variety’’ of
hexagonotus.
235. (446) Dipsadomorphus nuchalis (Giinther.) The Collared Cat Snake. .
Dipsas ceylonensis. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 66
(part); Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1890, p 46 (part except No 7932).
Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 66
(part). ;
Dipsadomorphus nuchalis. Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol XIX, p 153;
lc. Vol. XXI, p 279; Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XXVI, p 571.
Length.—1,309 mm. (4 feet, 33 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 21 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths
before vent. Ventrals. 234 to 251. Subcaudals. 90 to 108.
Distn.— Western Ghats. South of the Goa gap. Wynad to Travancore.
Shevaroys. Hastern Himalayas. Nepal (Chitlong). Assam. Sibsagar.
N. Cachar. (Ind. Mus.)
Note.—I have seen 60 examples. I have two skulls, the teeth of which |
number. Maxillary, 14 praecranterian, 2 cranterian. Palatine,
6 to 7. Pterygoid, 15 to 17. Mandibular, 20 to 23.
236. (Nil.) Dipsadomorphus dightoni (Boulenger.) Dighton’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas dightoni. Boulenger, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol VIII, p 528 ; Ferguson,
Bombs N.S Vol Xp fe:
A HAND.LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 873
Dipsadomorphus dightoni. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904, p 210;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 69; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910
p 136.
Lepid.—Costals. In 23 rows to behind midbody, 17 or 15 two heads-
lengths before the vent. Ventrals. 228 to 241. Subcaudals. 95 to 102.
Distn.— Western Ghats. ‘Travancore. | Pirmed. Brit. Mus. Ind. Mus.
(No 13787). ]
Note.—I have examined three specimens, the only ones known, all from
Pirmed.
Botea Fitzcnger.
1803 Hurria. Daudin, part, Bull. Soc. Philom. Paris. I1I, No 72, p 187
[type Hurria rynchops (Schneider) ].
1826 Boiga. Fitzinger, part, Neue. Class Rept. p 29 [type Coluber irregularis
—Boiga irregularis (Merrem) i
1827 Dipsas. (non Laurenti, 1768.) Boie, part, Isis., p 548.
1843 ? Macrocephalus. Fitzinger,. Syst. Rept. p. 27 [type Dipsas drapiezii=
Boiga ? drapiezi (Bote) }.
1843 Gonyodipsas. Fitzinger, S: yst. Rept. p 27 |type Dipsas irregularis—Boiga
irregularis (Merrem) ].
1843 Eudipsas. Fitzinger, Syst. Rept. p 27 [type Dipsas eynoson. Beige
cynodon (Bote) |.
1843 ! Cephalophis. Fitzinger, Syst. Rept. p 27 |type Dipsas dendrophila=
Boiga dendrophila (Boie) |.
1853 Opetiodon. Dumeril, Prodr. Class. Ophid. p 98 [type O. cynodon=
Boiga cynodon (Bote) |}.
1853 Triglyphodon. Dumeril, Prodr. Class. Ophid., p 1 [type T. irregulare=
Boiga irregularis (Merrem) ].
1857 ! Toxicodryas. Hallowell, Proc. Philad. Acad. p 60 (type T. blandingi).
1877 Pappophis. Macleay, Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S. Wales, II, p 39 [type P
| laticeps=Boiga irregularis (Merrem) }.
1895 ? Liophallus. Cope, Proc. Philad. Acad. p 427 [type Dipsas fusca=Boiga?
fusca (Gray) |.
237. (446) Boiga andamanensis (Wall.) The Andaman Cat Snake.
Dipsas ceylonensis. Stoliczka, J. A. S., Beng., 1870, p 198 (part).
Dipsas fusca. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 47 (part, Nos 7928,
7929, 7930 and 8641).
Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 174
(part): WStoliczka, J. A. S., Beng., 1856, p 360 (part).
Dipsadomorphus andamanensis. Wall, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1909, p 153.
Types.—In the Indian Museum from the Andamans.
Length.—1,486 mm. (4 feet, 104 inches).
Lepid.—Costals, 21 to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths before
the vent. Ventrals. 259 to 269. Subcaudals. 118 to 133.
Distn.— Andaman Islands.
Note.—-I have seen 9 examples. I have one skull, the teeth of which
number. Maxillary. 13 praecranterian, 3 cranterian. Palatine 7 to
8, Pterygoid 20. Mandibular 21 to 22.
288. (450) Boiga cyanea (Dumeril and Bibron.) The Green Cat Snake.
_Dipsas hexagonotus. Blyth, J. A. S., Beng., 1856, p 360; Stoliczka,
J. A. 8., Beng., Vol XX XIX, p 198 (part).
Dipsas fusca. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 47 (part, No 8048),
| Dipsas cyaneus. Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 361; Evans,
| Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, p 553 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891,
| p47; Wall and Evans. Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 188 and 346,
44 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XAIX.
(e6)
ae)
Dipsadomorphus ceylonensis. Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1905, p 174
(part); Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 134 (part).
Dipsadomorphus. cyaneus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 72;
Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 170; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vot
XVIII, p 329; 1. c. Vol XIX, p 353 ; Rec. Ind. Mus, 1909, p 154.
Length.—1,448 mm. (4 feet, 9 inches).
Lepid.—Costals. 21 to behind midbody, 15 two heads-lengths before
the vent. In some specimens the vertebral row divides as in other
species of this genus. making the scale rows appear 23 in places.
Ventrals. 237 to 257. Subcaudals. 124 to 134.
Distn.—Kastern Himalayas. Darjecling. (Brit. Mus.) Tindharia. (F. W.)
Assam. Cachar. (Ind. Mus.) Sonapur. Monacherra. (Bombay colln.).
Khasi Hills. (Cherrapunji. Ind. Mus. Nongpho F. W.) Burma. Kokine,
near Rangoon. (Evans) Insein near Rangoon. (Wall and Evans)
Tavoy. (Ind. Mus.) Siam. Klong Menao. East of Sriracha. Koh Phai »
Island (Malcolm-Smith) Indo-China. (Mocquard.)
239. (Nil.) Boiga cynodon (Boie.) Boie’s Cat Snake.
Dipsas cyanea. Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, p 615.
Dipsas cynodon. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 47.
Dipsadomorphus cynodon. Boulenger, Cat. Vol IIT, 1896, pp 78
and 164;.Wall, Bomb.. N: H. J. Vol XTX, p33: lo cs, Vol Xie
pp 832 and 899.
Lepid.—Costals. In 23 or 25 rows to behind midbody, 15 two heads-
iengths before the vent. Ventrals (for Indian specimens). 249 to 277,
Subcaudals (for Indian specimens). 114 to 147.
Disin.—Eastern Himalayas. Jalpaiguri. Tindharia. (F. W.) Assam.
(Dibrugarh. F. W.) Cachar. (Ind. Mus). Garo Hills. (Ind. Mus.) Naga
Hills. (Samaguting. Ind. Mus.) Burma. Thayetmyo. (Ind. Mus.)
‘Toungoo. (Brit. Mus.) Rangoon. Myitkyina. (F. W.) Mergui. (Ind.
Mus.) Burma-Siam Hills. (Ind. Mus.) Stam. Bangnara, Patani
State. (M. Smith). Malay Peninsula. (Brit. and Ind. Mus.) Malay
Archipelago. Borneo. (Brit. Mus.) Philippines. (Brit. Mus.)
240, (451) Boiga forsteni (Dumeril and Bibron.) Forsten’s Cat Snake.
| Dipsas forsteni. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon. 1910, pp 47 and 78 ; Spole
Zeylan. 1911, p 206; U. c. 1913, » 145; Alcock and Rogers, Proc. Roy-
Soc. 1902, 9 449; Boulenger, Faun. Brit. Ind. Rept. 1890, p 362;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol X, p 73; Pearless, Spol. Zeylan. 1909,
p 54; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 47; Willey, Spol. Zeylan.
1903, p 82; l.c. 1906, p 233.
Dipsadomorphus forsteni. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, » 80;
Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 130; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
ALX, p 757; 1.¢c. Vol XXVI, p 571; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 406.
Boiga forsteni. Wall, Oph. Tap. 1921, » 285.
Length.—2,313 mm. (7 feet, 7 inches). if
Lepid.— Costals. In from 25 to 31 rows to behind midbody, 17 or 15.
before the vent. Ventrals. 254 to 273. Subcaudals. 102 to 119 (131
Boulenger).
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. Western Ghats. Matheran to
Travancore. Ganges Valley. Orcha. Fyzabad. Gorakhpur. (Bombay
collin.) Balrampur. (F. W.) Purnea. Manbhum (Ind. Mus.).
Orissa. Berhampore. (F. W.) Bengal. Sijna (F. W.). Western.
Himalayas. Naini Tal Dist. (Kaladungi. I. W.) astern Himalayas.
Darjeeling Dist. (F. W.).
rae
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 875
Genus.—TAPHROMETAPON Brandt.
241. (Nil.) Taphrometapon lineolatum Brandt. Brands Sand Snake.
Psammophis leithi. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 50 (part,
No 11697).
Psammophis schokari. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XX, p 1039 (part).
Psammophis triticeus. Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. X XI, p 634.
Taphrometapon lineolatum. Alcock and Finn, J. A. S., Beng., 1896.
p 563; Annandale, J. A. S., Beng., 1904, p 210; Boulenger, Cat.
Vol III, 1896, p 151; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus, 1891 p 49.
Length.— 870 mm. (2 feet, 10} inches).
Lepid.—Costals. In 17 rows to behind midbody, 13 two heads-lengths
before the vent. Ventrals. 174 to 197. Anal. Divided. Subcaudals.
72 to 107.
Distn.—Baluchistan. Quetta. Marachak. Chaman. Baleli. Afghanistan.
Persia. Turkestan. Aralo-Caspian Steppes.
Genus.—PSAMMOPHIS Bove.
242. (454) Psammophis leithi Giinther. Leith’s Sand Snake.
P. leithi. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 155; WSclater, List. Sn. Ind,
Mus. 1891, p 50 (part, Nos 7596, 8663, 8705 and 11453); Wail.
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVIII, pp 120 and 203 ; l. c. Vol XX, p 1039,
Lepid.—Ventrals. 161 to 185. Subcaudals. 85 to 107.
Distn.— Ganges Valley. Fyzabad. Rae Bareli. (F. W.) Gwalior. (Brit.
Mus.) Banda. N. W. P. (Ind. Mus.) Cutch. (Ind. Mus.) Rajputana.
Ajmer. (Brit. Mus.) Punjab. Campbellpore. (Bombay colln.) Sind.
Karachi. (Ind. Mus.) Baluchistan. Munro Khalat. (Brit. Mus.) Duki.
(Quetta Mus.) NV. W. Frontier. Thal. (F. W.)
Note.—A specimen in the Bombay collection (No 652 ) is labelled
*“Cannanore. Donor Major F. Wall.” This is a mistake as I never
obtained it from that locality. It is necessary to remark upon this
to show that the records of this collection are not completely reliable,
in spite of every care. (See note to Stlybura phipsoni.)
243, (Nil.) Psammophis schokari (Forskal.) Schokar’s Sand Snake.
P. leithi.. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 50 (part, Nos 4612.
4613, 4614, 7602, 7603, 8440, 8584, 8585, 8593, 10974, 11421, 13421,
13422.)
P. schokari.. Boulenger, Cat. Vol IIT, 1896, » 157; P. Z S. 1919.
: pp 290 and 305; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVIII, p 808; 1. c,.
Vol, (XiXE > 1039.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 174 to 186. (Boulenger, 162 to 195.) Subcaudals.
112 to 187. (Boulenger, 93 to 149).
Disin.—Punjab. Lahore. (F. W.) Sind. Karachi. Sukkur. Baluchistan,
Afghanistan. Persia. Syria. Arabia. Somaliland. N. Africa. Sahara,
244, (456) Psammophis longifrons Boulenger. Boulenger’s Sand Snake.
P. longifrons. Boulenger, Cat. Vol ITI, 1896, p 165; D° Abreu, Bomb.
N. A. J. Vol XXII, p 634; Dreckman, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol VII.
p 406; Gleadow, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol VIII, p 553.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 166 to 175.
Distn.—Peninsular India, Cuddapah Hills ? Bombay Dist. (Godra.
Thana. Kalyan. Bulsar. Bombay colln.). Central Provinces (Nagpur).
Note.—I attach a query to Cuddapah Hills as this locality rests upon
the sole authority of Beddome. (See note to Natrix parallelus.)
876 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX,
245. (455) Psammophis condanarus (Merrem.) Merrem’s Sand Snake.
P. condanarus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 165; Sclater, List,
Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 50 (part, all except No 8730); Wall and
Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, p 617; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J.
Vol XVIII, p 121; Ul. «. Vol XX, p 626.
Length.—978 mm. (3 feet, 24 inches). ©
Lepid.—Ventrals. 156 to 188. Subcaudals. 71 to 92.
Distn.— Cutch. (Ind. Mus.) Punjab. Chillianwala. (Brit. Mus.) Sand.
Kotri. (Brit. Mus.) Western Himalayas. Simla. (Ind. Mus.) Mussoorie.
Almora. Muktesar. (F. W.) Ganges Valley. Fyzabad. (Ff. W.) Lower
Bengal. (Ind. Mus.) Burma. Pegu. (Brit. Mus.) Prome. Bassein.
(Ind. Mus.) Tharrawady. (F. W.) 8. Shan States. (Brit. Mus.)
Siam. (Brit. Mus.) .
Genus.—PSAMMODYNASTES Guinther.
246. (453) Psammodynastes pulverulentus (Ginther.) The Mock Viper.
P. pulverulentus. Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37,50 and 54 ;
Boulenger, Cat. Vol IIT, 1896, p 172 ; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338;
Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 49; Venning, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
XX, p 342; 1.c. Vol XX, pp 72 and 774; Walland Hvans, Bomb,
N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 349 and 617; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
XVIII, pp 204 and 330; 1. c. Vol XIX, pp 353, 758 and 833;
lc. Vol XX, pp 73 and 686.
Length.—629 mm. (2 feet and # of an inch).
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 44 to 71.
Distn.—Eastern Himalayas. Buxa Dooars to Sikkim. Assam. Hills
and Plains North and South of the Bramaputra. Burma.
From Katha (Long.-96°1°. Lat. 24°1°) in the North to Tenasserim.
Malay Peninsular. Siam. Indo-China. S. China. Malay Archipelago. —
Sumatra to Celebes. Philippines. Formosa.
Genus.—Dryopuis Dalman.
247. (457) Dryophis perroteti (Dumeril and Bibron.) Perrotet’s Whip Snake.
D. perroteti. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, » 178 ; Sarasin, Zool,
Jahr. Jena. 1910, » 138 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 513.
Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVII, p17; L.c Vol XXW I; prai2:
Length.—585 mm. (1 foot, 11 inches).
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 65 to 84.
Distn.— Western Ghats. N. Canara. Nilgiris.
248. (459) Dryophis fronticiactus Ginther. Ginther’s Whip Snake.
-D. fronticinctus. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, » 179; Sclater, List.
Sn. Ind: Mus. 1891, 951; Walland Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII,
p 346; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVII, p 7; 1. c. Vol XIX, p 353:
Length.—864 mm. (2 feet, 10 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 168 to 196.
Distn.—H astern Himalayas. Darjeeling Dist. (F. W.) Assam. Sibsagar.
(Ind. Mus.) Burma. Watiya. Rangoon. (F. W.) Pegu. (Brit. Mus.)
Note.—I think the specimens from Darjeeling and Assam will prove
to constitute a species distinct from fronticinctus. In two Burmese
specimens in the Indian Museum (Nos 7791 and 7792) I find the
praecranterian teeth (behind the second edentulous space) 6, and 7
(? 8) respectively. In the specimen from Dibrugarh (preserved in |
the Bombay collection) these teeth number 3, and in a specimen from
Sibsagar in the Indian Museum (No 6924) they number 4. I cannot
A HAND-LIST OF THE SNAKES OF THE INDIAN EMPIRE. 877
however discover any difference in lepidosis. It is significant that
the Burmese species which Stoliczka (J.A.S., Bengal, Vol XX XIX,
p 197) reports a true brackish water species common about the
mouth of the Moulmein River, and Theobald (Cat. Rept. Brit. Burma,,.
p 53) reports “‘by no means scarce’ in the Mangrove swamps on the
Arakan Coast, should not have been recorded anywhere in Burma
except at the mouths of rivers, and should again be found far inland.
in Assam,-and in the Darjeeling District.
249. (458) Dryophis dispar (Gimther.) Beddome’s Whip Snake.
D. dispar. Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 179 ; Ferguson, Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol X, 1895, p 73 ; Fischer, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XXIV
p 194; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 142; Sclater, List. Sn.
Ind. Mus. 1891, p. 51; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVII, p 7.
Length.—788 mm. (2 feet, 7 inches).
Lepid.—Ventrals. 136 to 156. Subcaudals. 78 to 106.
Distn.— Western Ghats. Nilgiris to Travancore.
Note.—The snake alluded to by Mocquard (Rept. L’Indo-Chine, 1907,,
p 47 ) is obviously not this species, or if the identification is correct
did not come from Indo-China.
250. (460) Dryophis prasinus Boie. Boies Whip Snake.
Annandale, Rec. Ind. Mus. 1912, pp 37, 50 and 54; Boulenger, Cat..
Vol III, 1896, » 180; Rec. Ind. Mus. 1913, p 338 ; Hvans, Bomb.
N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 169; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol
XITI, p 616; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 51; Wall, Bomb..
N.H.J. Vol XVII, p73; l.c. Vol XIX, pp 353, 825, 834 and 899.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 194 to 235. (196 to 215 for Indo-Burmese specimens).
Subcaudals. 151 to 207. (155 to 182 for Indo-Burmese specimens. ).
Disin.— Bengal. Jalpaiguri Dist. (F..W.) Eastern Himalayas. Sikkim.
Bhutan. dssam. Plains and Hills North and South of the Bramaputra
River. Chittagong Hills. Burma. As far North as Mansi. (Lat. 24°7°.
Long. 95°7°.) South to Tenasserim. East to 8. Shan States. Malay
Peninsula. Siam. Indo-China. Malay Archipelago. ee to Celebes.
Philippines.
251. +(461) Dryophis mycterizans (Linné.) Zhe Common Green Whip Snake,
D. pulverulentus. Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 52 (part, Nos
7811 and 7816).
D. mycterizans. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, pp 49 and 63:
Spol. Zeylan. 1911, pp 205 and 207; 1. c. 1913, p 144; Alcock and
Rogers, Proc. Roy. Soc. 1902, p 450 ; Annandale, Mem. A. 8., Beng.,
Vol 10, p 196; Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 182; Caius, Bomdé.
Ne Vol XXVIT, p 862; Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p
169 ; Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol VI, p 420; 1. ¢. Vol XX. Pilar;
Green, Spol. Zeylan. 1903, p 36; Kinlock, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XXVI,,
p. 681; Kinnear, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XXI, p 1336; Pearless, Spol.
Zeylan, 1909, p 54; Primrose, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XV, p 347;
Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 131; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus.
1891, p 52; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XIII, pp 347
and 615; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, pp 308, 394 and 542;
lc. Vol XVII, p 731. c. Vol XVIII, pp 783 -and 919 ; 1. c. Vot
XIX, p 75731. ¢. Vol Ox pp 229 and 524 ; 1. c. Vol DEX, p 572 ;
Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 401 ; Oph. Tap. 1921, p 291; Willey, Spoi,
Zeylan. 1906, p 227.
| Length.—1,944 mm. (6 feet, 44 inches).
878 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Lepid.—Ventrals. 168 to 206. (Peninsular India, 168 to 188. Bengal, E.
Himalayas and Burma, 176 to 206.) Subcaudals. 136 to 174.
(Peninsular India, 187 to 174. Bengal, E. Himalayas, and Burma. 140
to 153.)
Distn.—Ceylon. Peninsular India. Excluding the Ganges Valley West of
Patna. Bengal. Eastern Himalayas. Assam. Burma. Siam. Indo-China.
Note.—I question the reliability of Mount Abu (Ind. Mus.) and Allaha-
bad on the authority of the von Schlagintweits. These collectors
are also responsible for the records of Hryx conicus and Eryx john
from Sikkim at 4,900 and 9,800 feet respectively. Thisis an extremely
common species in the stock in trade of itinerant jugglers, and all
the three species alluded to may have been derived from this source.
Vide my note to Hurria rynchops.
252, (462) Dryophis pulverulentus (Dumeril and Bibron.) The Brown
Speckled Whip Snake.
D. pulverulentus. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910 pp 49 and 79;
Spol. Zeylan. 1913, p 144; Boulenger, Cat. Vol IIT, 1896, p 184;
Ferguson, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XIV, p 386 ; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr.
Jena. 1910, p 128 ; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891 p 52 (part.
No 8386); Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol. XXII, p 639; tc. Vol
XXVI, p 574; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 401; Oph. Pap. 1921 ge
302; Willey, Spot. Zeylan. 1908, p 84.
Lepid.—Ventrals. 179 to 202. Subcaudals. 161 to 207.
Distn.—Ceylon, Western Ghats. Nuilgiris to Travancore.
Genus.—CHRYSOPELEA Boie,
253. (463) Chrysopelea ornata (Shaw.) The Gold and Black Tree Snake.
(©. ornata. Abercromby, Sn. of Ceylon, 1910, pp 49 and 80; Annandale,
J. A. S., Beng., 1904, » 210 ; 1. c. 1905, p 176; Boulenger, Cat. Vol
ITT, 1896, » 196; Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XVI, p 170; Ferguson,
Bomb. N. H. J. Vol X, » 74; Millard, Bomb. N. Hf. J. Vol. XV,
p 348; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. 1910, p 134; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind.
Mus. 1891, p 53; Wall and Evans, Bomb. N. H. J. Vel XIII, pp.
345 and 614; Wall, Bomb. N. H. J. Vol XV, p 525; 1.¢. Vol XVIJ,
p 1035; 1, ¢c. Vol XVIII, p 227; 1. c. Vol XIX, pp. Tola sane
899; lc Vol XXVI, p 574; Spol. Zeylan. 1921, p 401; Oph. @
Tap. 1921, » 305 ; Willey, Spol. Zeylan. 1906, p 230.
Length.—1,400 mm. (4 feet, 74 inches).
Lepid.—Subcaudals. 100 to 144.
Distn.—Ceylon. Western Ghats of India. South of the Goa gap to
Travancore. Bengal. As far West as Patna. Lastern Himalayas,
Buxa Dooars to Sikkim. Assam. Burma. Necobars. Siam. Indo-
China. S. China. Malay Peninsula. Malay Archipelago. Sumatra to
Celebes. Philippines.
Sub-family 6.—ELACHISTODONTINAE.
Genus.—ELaAcuHIstopon Reinhard.
254. (452) Elachistodon westermanni Reinhardt. Westermann’s Snake. .
Boulenger, Cat. Vol III, 1896, p 264; Sarasin, Zool. Jahr. Jena. |
1910, p 146; Sclater, List. Sn. Ind. Mus. 1891, p 48; Wall, Bomb |
N. H. J. Vol XXIT, p 400. » |
Lepid.—Costals. Two heads-lengths behind the head 19, midbody 15,
two heads-lengths before the vent 15. Ventrals. 208 to 217.
Disin.—Bengal. Rangpur. (Type, Copenhagen Museum.) Purnea
(Ind. Mus.) Jalpaiguri. (Bombay colln.)
( Zo be continued. )
879
* THE MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF KASHMIR AND THE
ADJACENT HILL PROVINCES.
Bring NatruraAu History Norss.
; BY
Gor. At EL Warp:
(With 7 plates and four photos.)
The task before me is to write a series of articles on the fauna of Kash-
mir and the adjacent hills; the idea is to produce a book of reference ina
popular form and at the same time not to lose sight of the scientific side.
When describing the larger animals, it may be possible to interest a
large number of the readers of this magazine, but the naturalist alone will
care to study the notes on the small mammals.
The difficulty ahead is the prevailing fashion of sub-dividing species, and
giving generic rank which in many instances is not due.
Environment often conduces to change in size and colour. In many
cases these characteristics pass from the parent stock to the offspring, this
however cannot be said to be the universal rule, hence latent variations
may be found in some of the descendants, in plain language a throw back
may occur and these variations may be transmitted; hence great caution
is required before the acceptance of a new type.
Take the “ Voles” asanexample, the variations seem to be endless, and
many of the smaller Rodentia present great difficulties in their classifica-
tion.
- Without implying that the naturalist is not in need of further knowledge
of large animals, it is undoubtedly the case that by far the largest scope
for research is amongst the small mammals such as the rats, mice, bats, etc.
Hence it is proposed to note on the larger animals before passing on to
the smaller, for this arrangement will give more time in which all the
‘specimens can be arranged and examined.
Crass—MAMMALTIA.
OrRDER— UNGULATA.
In this group are included the four-footed animals which have no claws
at the ends of their toes, they are provided with sheaths or hoofs into
which the digits fit ; these vary in number, for instance the elephant has
five in the front and four on the hind foot, and each toe has a sheath.
The horse has one hoof, the ruminants and pigs have cloven hoofs which
contain the two central toes, whilst the exterior toes are less developed
a do not reach the ground, but here again these two are provided with
oofs.
The cloven hoofs stand flat on the ground and are the only ones of any
use to the animal except perhaps when it treads on soft snow or mud, even
then very little support would be given to the body; it is reasonable to
Suppose that in some future stage of evolution these apparently useless
_ toes may disappear.
*The following Natural History Notes have been written by Col. Ward asa
supplement to his articles on ‘“ Big and Small game shooting in Kashmir’,
[Eds. }
880 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
The feet of the camel do not follow the usual formation of the ruminat-
ing quadrupeds, the two toes are enclosed in a common sole and have a
fatty covering.
The Ungulates are divided up into various suborders and families, the
first to be dealt with is that of the horses.
SuporpEr I,.—PERISSODACTYLA.
Family—EquliDAE.
THE Horsz, Ass AND ZEBRA.
A single member of this family is found in the area now dealt with :—
THE Asiatic Wi1LD Ass—Equus hemionus, The “‘ Kiang ”’ of Tibetans,
Distribution.—Ladak, Turkistan, Mongolia, and in various countries in
Asia.
Tho variety of wild ass known as the “‘ Ghorka’” which differs little from
the “ Kiang” is found in Cutch, Sind and Baluchistan.
Description.—The colouring of the upper portion of the body is a ruddy
chestnut which varies in tinge, in some specimens being more or less red.
Underneath white. A dark brown dorsal stripe extends from the nape
of the neck to the tuft of the tail, the hair in this tuft is practically black,
so also is that round the coronet and at the tip of the ears.
Height of a stallion shot in Ladak just overil hands. The skull 18ins,
Looking at the body of a “ Kiang,” attention is at once drawn to the
large size of the head, and the small hard hoofs, which look as if contracted.
The “ Kiang” is much given to galloping. On the hard stony plains, its
great weight and the velocity with which it travels, but for the protection
afforded by nature, would destroy the whole structure of the leg.
The foot bone known as the coftin bone of the horse or ass does not fill
the hoof, moreover it is provided with passages which permit the flow of
the blood to a padding of fleshy material which is elastic, and thus the jar
caused is so much reduced as to be innocuous. The leg of a horse presents.
a most interesting study, itis very complicated and delicate, but the above
note indicates why a ‘ Kiang.” can gallop over the rocky ground
with impunity.
General — Notes.
The wild ass is shy but inquisitive; when suspicious the herd willap- |
proach at a considerable pace, then, when the danger is confirmed, they |
will sometime stand for a second or two, snort and gallop off. A herd may |
consist of almost any number, but asarule three to ten or twelve asses |
are to be seen together. |
Many astalk after wild sheep and antelope is spoilt by the ‘“ Kiang.” ...
The photographs, for which I am indebted to Col. C. B. Wood, show three .
asses standing between the wild sheep and the stalker, and the ending of |
the chance of a shot, for the “ Kiang” have got suspicious and given the |
alarm. |
To the sportsman the “Kiang” is only a disadvantage ; the skin is useful |
for the soles of numdah boots and for patching the coverings of mule trunks. |
The Tartars will eat the flesh, and so also do the wolves, |
Rarely a young “Kiang’’ is caught and partially tamed, one or two were |
with the Wazir of Ladak’s ponies ‘and wandered about near Leh, but the
“were very shy.
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THE MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF KASHMIR. 88!
_SusBorper LL—ARTIODACTYLA.
Section A.—Prcora.:
Family—BovipakE.
Subfamily i.— Bovine,
Included in this family are cattle, sheep, goats, antelopes and gazellea,
all of which have horns consisting of a core covered with a sheath. These
are permanent. In many of the species both sexes carry horns. The
genus Bos has only one representative in the area dealt with.
THe YaK—Bos grunniens.
The “Dong” of Tibetans—also the “Bon-Chour’’—-is found in Northern
Ladak and op most of the uplands of Tibet. |
Description.—Male. Height 16 hands, a big bull 163 ; length 7 ft. ; horns’
30” to 83” any measurement above this being rare, 353” is undoubtedly
a correct measurement of a pair, and 39’ has been recorded. The females
are smaller and have short horns.
An old bull when standing within about 50 yards looked as if it were a
mass of black hair with scarcely any length of leg. These masses of hair
hung down nearly to the ground from the shoulders and sides, also from
the chest. The tail which does not reach the ground had a very large
oe of black hair over a footin thickness. After shooting the bull the
ollowing notes were made:—
i Colouring blackish but with a brown fie annals grey, hoofs very large,
fore legs almost entirely concealed by hair, both at the sides and front,
probable weight 900 to 1,000 lbs. Height just over 16 hands.” |
The photo of a bull yas is unfortunately much fore-shortened, but the
horns are clear and show the outward and inward curves, they are 31” long
and 17” in girth.
The sense of smell is highly developed, as also appears is that of
peerings it is said that sight is deficient but this seems to be doubtful.
General Notes.
Yak are gregarious, seldom found in large herds except in the spring and
summer when large numbers of cows and calves congregate on a good
grazing ground. Bulls are generally found in parties of three or four until
the late summer, when the rutting season commences and extends through
July, August and September, then one male is accompanied by four or
five or more cows.
The calves are well grown at a year old.
Wild yak cross freely with the Ladaki cattle which are turned out when
the pairing season begins, Dr. Heber informs me “The hybrids do not
breed at all but the crossing of the yak and cow is quite easy.’
The local name of the hybrid is phonetically ‘‘Zo” for the male, and
““Tsomo ” for the female animal. The cross-bred beasts are very sure
- footed, they are used for riding, and are capable of carrying a load of
200 lbs. on very difficult ground. When the camping ground is reached
the yaks are turned out to fend for themselves, up to a certain point they
are enduring but when once tired, they lie down and refuse to move, The
Ladakis declare that many of the wearied animals get up when hungry
and wander off to where they can get grazing, and are retrieved in the
following summer.
When starting on a long fp I was pressed to buy a small sized red
baggage yak which would ‘bring luck; this animal was seldom loaded for
fear the ‘ mascot’. should tire, yet on the return journey, and when within
two Marches of Tankse, the driv er reported the creature hai lain dewr
5 |
882 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
and would not go on and would have to be sent for later. At any rate the
purchase of that red ‘Zo’ was a cheap form of amusement, for the price
paid was Rs, 10 only.
There may be some superstition which exalts the red creature into the
position of a ‘ Mascot’, but I suspect the Ladaki coveted it and thought of
this method of acquiring it.
Subfamily ii.—Caprine.
SHEEP—Ovvs.
This genus is 4s poptesenited by O. hodgsont, O. ammon and 0. ‘poli ana allied
forms, but these are the three large sheep of Ladak and Central Asia, and
in addition there is O. vignezi, this last has a wide range in both hot and
cold climates and also has closely allied races.
THE Great TIBETAN SHEEP—Ovis ammon hodgeon.
This is the Nyan of Ladakis, and is known to sportsmen as the Ammon,
whereas the true Ovis ammon is the species found in Siberia and Mongolia.
Description —The ram weighs about 240 lbs. and measures 46” at the
shoulder, from between the horns to the tail 5’-4”, tail 3”.
A very large ram was 47” at the shoulder. Length 5’- 5 and scaled
280 lbs.; it owned very thick horns with the points broken off.
There is some doubt as to the size of the largest horns. Rowland Ward’s
‘‘ Records of Big Game ’”’ mentions a_ pair of horns from Tibet as 57”. If.
this was from a Hodgson’s ram it is far the longest. Three trophies of
50” to slightly over 51” in length have been carefully measured, one of |
these had a girth of 19”. Horns of 45” with a girth of 17” are good and
exceptional. Ca
Judging from many heads of ewes which were picked up, the ewes carry
horns 708 18”, but one pair, found near Haule, was 20” long; they are
straight for the greater part of their length and gently twisted at the top.
The female is of “considerable size and must weigh 150 lbs. or more.
The male is light brown above, and white on the chest, stomach and on
the insides of the legs. The ruff is whitish, a dark brown line of long hair
extends along the back. Early in the summer the upper portions are
greyish brown. When viewed through glasses the white chest and neck
are very obvious. Females are brownish onthe upper part, the colour
merging into a brownish or yellowish-white in the lower parts. I never
had a chance of measuring a ewe. The females of the Central Asian
sheep are all large, :
Genel Notes.
There is no beard. Like the rest of the sheep, the glands under se
eyes and in the division of the cleft hoof are present.
Gregarious and migratory, the Hodgson’s sheep wander in small docks
from place to place searching for their food, hence in’ one year numbers
_ may be found in a tract of country whilst i in the next season not a single
animal can be seen.
The flocks in the very early summer may consist of both sexes aa may
number from about three or four to ten or more, then as the season
advances four or five rams may be alone ; the females and young Corer
gate in mid summer.
As recorded in the ‘‘ Sportsman’s Guide ”’ ] have seen three lambs with
a single ewe, and on two or more occasions, twine. '
Shy by nature, also possessing keen powers of scent and apne thead
sheep are hard to approach. When they have taken up their summer
quarters, having found grazing, the rams may be sighted day after day,
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THE MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF KASHMIR 883
‘it.is therefore desirable to be patient and to wait until the game is
favourably placed for a stalk before making the attempt, for once
_ thoroughly frightened they will trek for many miles and ascend the highest
mountains. At the best of times it is useless to expect to find them under
14,000’ to 16,000’ in the summer.
The open ground, which is the general rule in Ladak, tells both ways
for and against the sportsman, it may make the stalk difticult, but it
enables the game to be located.
Plate IV shows a Hodgson’s sheep left out at night to freeze and
photographed in the morning by Capt. J. Y. Allan.
Plate V shows heads of three animals, including a hybrid between
-a ram of Hodgson’s sheep and a Ewe Urial (Vigne’s sheep). ‘This hybrid
was at one time called O. brookei, and was first noticed in the Rampak
_ ravine, Ladak, Three or four of these cross-bred sheep have since been
_ obtained, whether they would produce offspring or not cannot be discov-
ered, but that the two species occasionally cross is not open to doubt.
| The pairing season is in the early winter and the Hodgson’s ram probably
__was driven down to the lower ground by the weather and could easily
_ ‘force the Vigne’s ram away.
| The cross-bred between Vigne’s ram and the Hodgson’s ewes is more
_ difficult to explain—possibly the ram was killed ‘and ewes were joined
‘after this by the male Oorial. I have only heard of one such hybrid which
was shot by Major Cumberland many years ago. The .Oorial must have
- wintered much higher up the hill than is their usual habit, for the
_ Hodgson’s sheep rarely come below 13,000’. The Ladakis say that the
presence of the ewes of the Nyan must have been due to their being
_ driven by wolves.
SIBERIAN ARGALI—Ovis ammon Ammon.
~
Fig, I ~ eh dal Siberian or Altai Argali, Ovis ammon 4mmon from the Altai.
Shot by Major C. S. Cumberland
The typical race of Ammon is found in Mongolia and differs from Hodg-
S8on’s sheep in the shape of the horns and in the absence of the white ruff,
dt has been stated that the Ammon is the largest of the Central Asian
884 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX..
sheep. I have however no record of any. that: exceeds that of the huge.
Hodgson’s ram which weighed 280 lbs.
. There is a considerable difference between an animal shot in April that..
has gone through 5 or 6 months of semi-starvation, and one obtained in
August or September which has been grazing freely for 3 or 4 months.
Probably any full grown ram of the larger Se exceeds 200 lbs. and does
not reach 300 Ibs. in weight.
~The Siberian or Altai Ammon (0. ammon ammon) is decd of the —
white ruff on the neck, and comes chiefly from the Altai, the southern parts
of Siberia, and northern Mongolia. The Mongolian Ammon (OQ. ammon
mongolica) is not entirely devoid of the ruff, but the hair is not pure white
nor so much developed as in Hodgson’s sheep. Itis found to the eastward
in Mongolia. The type locality being the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.
-The Altai animal has very large horns of 60” in length and upwards.
Rowland Ward gives the record at 6234” by 19%” in girth.
The. second form which for’ convenience sake has. been styled the
‘* Mongolian Ammon ”’ has smaller horns, and in addition differs slightly
in colouring. Fig. I shows ‘the Altai ‘Ammon’s head, it was shot by
Major Cumberland and measures
Length on Curve, Girth. Tip to Tip.
562” 182” 384”
This i is a typical head, the horns turn abruptly outwards we an down--
wards at the points.. In some specimens there is a slight tendency to do
so, but not toa marked degree. See the head of the Siberian Argali,
B. N..H. Society Journal Vol. XXVIII, page 336. Below is given a fine
specimen shot by Colonel C. B. Wood.
Bie. il: —Siberian Argali (Cris ammon ammon).
From the Altai shot by Col. C. B. Wood.
621” by girth 193” Tip to tip 412”.
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THE MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF KASHMIR, 885
There are three closely allied forms:—one to the westward and south-
west of the Altai on the Irtish river and adjacent mountains; this is a
smaller race, the horns are more twisted at the extremity and turn down-
wards, but the habitat of these and other closely allied forms is beyond
the geographical scope of this article, in fact the real object of dwelling
on the various forms of the Ammon which are outside Ladak and the
Pamirs is to point out to sportsmen who visit Kashmir territory that the
Great Tibetan Sheep or O. ammon hodgsoni is not the true ammon.
THe GREAT Pamir SHEEP—Ovis ammon poli.
ag. TL, HGt oat, Pamir Sheep. Ovisammon polit. A picked up head
brought to Kashmir—1874.
The Kulja.—This sheep is in many respects like the closely allied race
from Ladak (O. ammon hadgsoni). The ram is smaller and measures 43” to
44” at the shoulder and weighs about 220 lbs. The white ruff and dark
crest are present in both species, but the Poli has a white muzzle. In this
‘respect it resembles the sheep found in the Irtish and Sair district, which
have been briefly alluded to already.
The few skins I have seen of this sheep are darker on the upper Bede
‘than those of the Hodgson’s sheep, the tail is longer, but the chief
difference is in the horns which unlike those of the Ammon turn consider-
‘ably downward at the tips.
The ewe is of large size and has horns which are very similar to those
of the Great Tibetan Sheep, and are about 17” long.
The horns were brought down to Srinagar in large numbers between
1875 and 1888. Every collector wanted a specimen and every sportsman
who could afford the expense and could get a permit wanted to shoot a
iTam.
886 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIS. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
There is not much difference in the general shape of the horns, although
some have the downward bend much tucked in towards the sides of the
skull, and in others the outward turn is a good deal splayed.
At first there was a «ood deal of speculation as to whether there were
two species of Marco Polo’s sheep, and one was tentatively called
Karelini. This name is now apparently used for an inferior form of poli
which come from Tian Shan.
As many of the horns were obtained through traders, the exact
locality from which they came could not often be guaranteed. The two
photos show the horns which were amongst the first to arrive in Kashmir, ©
both, as is evident, were ‘ picked up heads’. No. 2 is 73” along the curve
and is 16” in girth hence it nearly approaches the record of 75” x 1638”
which used to hang on the walls at Snowdon in Simla,
Fig. [V.—Great Pamir Sheep, Ovis ammon polr. 73” x 15”. One of the
first to be brought from “ Little Pamirs.”
The horns of the Great Pamir sheep do not girth as much as those of the
Great Tibetan sheep, (O. a. hodgsoni) and out of dozens of heads I have seen
none come quite up to 17”. A‘reference to the B.N.H.S. Journal, Vol.
XXVIII, page 337, will show that, out of the 13 heads of O. ammon
hodgsont mentioned, 8 exceed 17” in girth, which is by no means uncom-
mon. Large horns are now seldom seen. The photo of a poli shot by the
late Colonel G. Sulivan shows what is the best obtained of late years.
The length is 63’, girth 142”. A good hsad just under 60” was brought
down in 1922, butfrom all accounts the increase in the number of rifles
owned by the Khirgis and others has enabled them to shoot large
numbers of poli and the many horns lying about point to the reason for
the decrease mentioned.
Lately I was told that this shéep had suffered from rinderpest; this
is quite possible for the disease has been prevalent in some of the far
hills, but the improved rifle is probably the main cause of the trouble.
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THE MAMMALS AND BIRDS OF KASHMIR On a, 887
UrIAL on OorIAL.—Ovis vignei.
There is but little difference to be traced between the various sheep
which are generally known as the Urial or Vigne’s sheep.
The following are the forms of local races :—
1, The Sha or Sharpu of Ladak. Ovis vignet vigner.
2. The Urial of the Punjab. Ovis vignet punjabensis,
3. The Gad of Baluchistan. Ovis vignet cycloceros.
4, The Ouch or Arkhar of Persia. Ovis vignei arkar.
The Urial is smaller than the Sharpu, rarely exceeding 32” at the
shoulder whilst the latter stands 34”. The weight of the Sharpu is about
125 to 130 lbs., that of the Urial 10 to 15 Ibs. less.
The ruff, which is almost black, is fully developed on the Punjab Urial,
whilst the Sharpu, although it has a decided ruf'in the winter, does not
even carry. the very dark ruff which in the Urial falls well down the chest.
The Urial horns are not so thick as those of the Sharpu or the Gad.
The Ouch or Arkhar of Persia has horns exceeding in length and equalling
in girth those of the Sharpu or the Gad.
The Gmelin sheep’ O. orientalis gmelini of Asia Minor is known as the
Red Sheep and is allied tothose mentioned, au ewes which in. all the
other races carry small horns do not do so,
After all that can be said in regard to the shane of the horns the
variations in colouring and the presence or the partial absence of the ruft,
there is practically nothing to justify the separation of these sheep into
different species. They extend from the Salt Range of the Punjab to the
North-Western Frontier, from Sind to Baluchistan and Afghanistan, and
from Ladak to Turkistan and into Persia. With so extensive a habitat.
it would be strange if there were no variations in size and colour.
The record horns of the Punjab form are figured in Rowland Ward’s
last edition, they were got by my friend Col. H. V. Biggs, R.E., and
taped 36” by 93” in girth, the points turn upwards rather sharply, more so:
than is generally the rule.
The finest Sharpu horns are 39’ x 11}?’. |
The horns also mentioned as near ‘Leh’ are 364” X 112” and, if they
had not been broken at the points would probably have been nearly the
record, they are very circular in shape and resembles those of the Afghan
Urial (Ovis v. cycloceros).
The winter garb of a ram is a greyish-brown or red on the back, the
legs have dark hair on the outside, the rest being white as also is the
chest and the lower part of the body. The ruff is black in some of the
races and induced to rufousin others. As the Summer approaches the
colouring is generally less defined and redder.
_ Ewes are as a rule greyish-brown and keep much the same colouring
in both seasons, the under parts are of a paler tinge than the upper.
General Notes.
Active and shy if at all persecuted, Vigne’s sheep is easily tamed and
crosses freely with tame sheep. It frequents for choice fairly easy ground
but when disturbed will take to the precipices.
Sharpu and Urial kept four miles from Srinagar used to be loose on the
hills, and would join the tame flocks when out grazing, they would
come back as far as the homestead but did not enter the enclosures,
but would stay close at hand and go up hill in the morning. Dogs used
to worry them and finally they disappeared and were probably killed by
leopards.
(To be continued.)
888
SCIENTIFIC RESULTS FROM THE MAMMAL SURVEY
No. XLIV
‘ON A NEW FIELD-MOUSE FROM NEPAL, WITH A NOTE ON THE
CLASSIFICATION OF THE GENUS APODEMUS.
By OLpFIELD THomas, F.R.S,
(By permission of the Trustees of the British Museum.)
Among the mammals obtained in Nepal by Mr. N. A. Baptista, on behalf
of the Bombay Natural History Society’s Mammal Survey, are 16 specimens
of a mouse quite unlike any we have hitherto received, and evidently a very
distinct species.
With a certain superficial resemblance to Mus pahari or the Metad, it is really
an Apodemus, and would seem to be the most western and oneof the most
southern members of the group with 2-2—8 mamme, of which various spe-
cies have been described from Burma and further east.
It may be called :—
Apodemus gurkha, sp. n.
Size medium. Fur rather soft, but not very long, hairs of back about 8—9
mm. in length; no spines intermixed. General colour dark smoky or bluish—
grey, nearest to “deep mouse-grey”’ of Ridgeway, darker on the back, more
drabby on the sides. Under-surtace soiled greyish, the hairs slaty for two-thirds
their length, washed with greyish white ; line of demarcation not sharply defined.
Ears medium, blackish, darker than the head. Hands and feet white. Tail
rather longer than the head and body, with about 13 rings. of scales to the centi-
meter, finely haired, not tufted, blackish above, dull whitish below, not very
sharply defined. Mamme 2-2—8.
Skull smooth, rounded, with well-filled braincase, somewhat asin A. mystacinus,
although smaller. Less angular and ridged than in spectosus, though faint
but distinct supraorbital ridges are present, which do not however pass back-
wards on to the braincase. Palatal foramina of medium length. Bulle
small.
Teeth with the characteristic structure of the sylvaticus-speciosus sec-
tion of the genus, not as in agrarius ; tri-lobular character of m3 well marked.
Dimensions of the type :—
Head and body 102 mm.; tail 118 ; hindfoot 24; ear 16.
Skull, greatest length 29; condylo-incisive length 26°3; zygomatic breadth
14°5; nasals 11; interorbital breadth 4:5; breadth of braincase 12°8; palatal
foramina 6; upper molar series 4:2.
Hab,—Nepal. Type from Laprak, Gorkha; altitude about 11,500’.
Type.—Adult male. B. M. No. 23.11.5.44. Original number 941. Collected
9 May 1923 by N. A. Baptista, and presented by the Bombay Natural History
Society. 16 specimens examined.
This species would appear to be most nearly allied to the A. speciosus group,
of which a number of species and subspecies have been described. But it is
readily distinguishable by its dark greyish colour and by the detailed characters
of its skull and teeth. The related western forms all have 1-2=6 mamme.
While studying this Nepalese mouse I have again examined the characters
that separate the various groups of Apodemus, with especial regard to the
question as to whether they are all strictly congeneric. The most salient point
concerns the considerable differences that exist between agrarius, with its
near allies chevrieri and fergussoni, and the sylvaticus-mystacinus-speciosus
group. These differences, in external form, skull and dentition, have been set
SCIENTIFIC RESULTS FROM THE MAMMAL SURVEY, 889
~ out by Forsyth Major*, by myself+ and more fully and completely by Hinton, {
the latter giving a good account, with figures, of the dental structure in the_
various forms.
The characters, however, are inclined to be nearly all inconstant, either
individuals or races, and it would therefore seem to be inadvisable to separate
the two groups as genera. But none the less I think the subject would be sim-
_ plified if they were considered as subgenera, the name Apodemus to be used for
the agrarius-chevriert group and the new name Nemomys for the sylvaticus-
mystacinus-speciosus group, Linneus’s .Mus sylvaticus being taken as the
genotype of the latter.
That these groups are natural is evidenced by the general external appearance
-of the animals, by the shape of the skull, compressed, ridged, and convex upwards
- in Apodemus, rounded, smooth, and with flat or concave forehead in Nemomys,
as well as by the various dental characters described, of which the most constant
are the trifid structure of the inner side of m3 in Nemomys, while bifid in Apode-
mus, and the common presence in the STU of an antero-exterior cusplet on
m2, this being absent in Apodemus.
The following is a list of the more important names which occur in A podemus,
arranged alphabetically under their respective subgenera; those of Nemomys
again divided by the number of mamme.§
Apodemus (s. 8.)
agrarius (type), chevrieri, core, fergussoni, harti, mantchuricus, ning-
poensis, rubens.
Nemomys.
Mamme 1-2—6,
arianus, epimelas, flavicollis, fr idariensis, hayt, hebridensis, hirtensis, wlex-
mystacinus, pentax, rusiges,. semotus, sylvaticus (type), tscherga, wardi, win-
ton.
Mammz 2-2—8,
ainu, draco, geisha, gurkha, laironum, nigritalus, orestes, peninsule,
speciosus,
* Proc. Verb. Atti. Soc. Tosc. IV, p. 135, 1884.
Tee Zases LOD. p., 135.
{ Hist. Brit Mamm. II, p. 504, 1914.
§ This divison is inserted as an ’aid to memory, but is clearly no certain indi-
eation of the true affinities of the species. Thus A. (N.) semotus, with six mammz
is obviously more related to the speciosus group, with eight, than it is to sylvaticus
and its allies,
850
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES.
By Linvt.-Cononet W. H. Evans, D.S.O., R.E., F.Z.S8., F.E.S.
Part IV.
(With 5 plates.)
(Continued from page 707 of this Volume.)
F. Nymphalidze.—The Nymphalids. Key to genera.
la (51a). Hindwings channelled to receive abdomen.
lb (48a). F v12 not swollen.
le (18a). Larva, where known, smooth and the head with horns. Palpi
with no long projecting hairs.
1d (4a). I v8 from before the middle of v7. Eyes smooth. Palpi smooth
Pal
and white. Antenne longer than half costa, club gradual. J ceil closed and
upper apex right angled. Body stout.
le (3). F costa serrate. H pre-costal as a spur forward. Larva with 4 horns:
on the head.
1 (2). H cell closed.
Charaxes, Ochs. The Rajahs. (Plate 17).
2 (1). H cell open.
Eribeea, Hub. The Nawabs. (Plate 17).
3 (le). F costa smooth. H. precostal! curved back.
Prothoe, Hub. The Begums. (Plate 17).
4a (1d). F v8 never from before the middle of v7.
4b (14a). F upper end of cell opposite well before the origin v3.
4c (9a). Palpi white or brown throughout. Antenne longer than half costa. —
4 (5a). F upper end of cell obtuse; v10 ex 7; cell open. Eyes smooth.
Antenne club sharply spatulate.
Helcyra, Fd. The White Emperor. (Plate 17).
5a (4). F upper end of cell right angled or acute ; vl0 ex cell. Antenne |
club stout, yradual.
5 (6a). Cells closed. Eyes hairy. F v9 from well beyond end cell. H
pre-costal forked. Forelegs hairy.
Dilipa, M. The Golden Emperor. (Plate 18).
6a (5). Cells open.
7 (7a). EF v3 much shorter than the mv. Genitalia of 4 protruding. Eyes:
hairy. .
ani M. The EJegant Emperors. (Plate 18).
7a (6). EF v3 nearly equaltothe mv. ¢ genitalia not protruding.
7 (8). F origin v8 nearer termen than origin v9. Eyes smooth or hairy.
Larva with 2 horns.
Apatura, F. The Emperors. (Plate 18).
8 (7). F origin v8 nearer origin v9 than termen. Eyes smooth.
Herona, Db. The Pasha. (Plate 18).
9a (4c). Palpi black or black and white. Antenne equal to half the costa.
Cells open. H pre-costal mostly straight. “4
9b (12a). Fvl0ex 7. Larva with 2 horns.
9 (10a). Palpi very lony, black with a white tip.
Sephisa, M. The Courtiers. (Plate 18).
10a (9). Palpi short, only white at base.
10 (11). Eyes smooth.
Euripus, Wd. The Courtesans. (Plate 18).
11 (10). Eyes hairy.
Diagora, Snell. The Sirens. (Plate 18).
12a (9b.) Fvl0 excell. Eyes smooth. Palpi mostly black.
12 (13). Fend v 12 long before origin of v9.
Hestina, Wd. The Circe. (Plate 18).
eT
eee eee —
my
JHE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 891.
F. Nymphalidae.—Key to genera.—(conid.).
13 (12). F v12 ends after the origin of v9.
Sasakia, M. The Empress. (Plate 18).
14a (4b). F upper end cell opposite origin of v3 or beyond. Cells closed..
Antenne and palpi black.
14b (16a). F upper end of cell right angled. 4H pre-costal straight or curved.
back.
14 (15). F lower dev straight. Antenne equal to one-third costa. Eyes.
hairy. H v8 ends before apex.
Calinaga, M. The Freaks. (Plate 21).
15 (14). F lower dev highly curved. Antenne equal to half the costa..
Eyes smooth. H v8 ends at apex as usual.
Penthema, Wd. The Kaisers. (Pate 21).
16a (14b). F upper apex of cell acute. Eyes hairy.
16 (17). H pre-costal straight. Antenne longer than half costa.
Dichorragia, But. The Constable. (Plate 19).
17 (16). H pre-costal curved forward. Antenne shorter than half costa..
Stibochiona, But. The Popinjay. (Plate 19).
18a (1b). Larva not smooth.
18b (30a). Larva with tubercles, never with more than a few rows of spiny
processes. Palpi and antenne never black.
18c (20a). Larva on either side with a complete row of very long horizontal:
pinnate processes. Eyes and palpi smooth. F upper end cell opposite beyond.
the orgin of v3, right angled or acute. Pre-costal well curved forward and.
arises from well before the origin of v8. F origin vll from far before the end
of the cell, opposite origin v2. Antenne longerthan half costa, club gradual.
18 (19). F cell, if closed, lower dev ends at origin v3.
Euthalia, Hub. The Barons, Counts, etc. (Plates 19-20).
19 (18). F cell closed and lower dev ends weil beyond origin v3.
Adolias, Hub. The Archdukes. (Plate 20).
20a (18c). Larva without long horizontal pinnate spines.
20b (27a). Larva without long horns on the head.
20c (22a). H precostal from beyond origin v8. Eyes smooth. Cells closed..
F upper apex cell acute and far beyond opposite origin v3.
20 (21). Palpi with thin long hairs. H pre-costal forked at end. F v9:
distorted and arises just before 8.
Parthenos, Hub. The Clipper. (Plate 21).
21 (20). Palpi smooth. H pre-costal curved forward. F vs. 9, 10, 11
distorted, but 9 rises well before 8.
Lebadea, Fd. The Knight. (Plate 21).
22a (20c). H pre-costal rises from origin v8. Antenne club slender.
22b (26a). H v8 reaches apex. Palpi smooth. H_= pre-costal curved for-
ward.
22 (23a). F vl highly sinuous, vs 9 and 10 distorted. Cells closed. Eyes.
smooth. Antennz equal to half costa.
Neurosigma, But. The Panther. (Plate 21).
23a (22). F vl straight.
23 (24a). F lower dev highly concave. H cell open or shut; F shut. Eyes.
smooth. Antennz equal to half costa.
Abrota, M. The Sergeant-major. (Plate 21).
24a (23). F lower dev nearly straight. Antenne equal to or longer than,
half costa. Eyes smooth or hairy. Cells open or shut.
24 (25). F upper end cell opposite origin v3 or beyond.
Liminitis, F. The Admirals, etc. (Plates 21-22).
25 (24). F upper end cell before opposite origin v3.
Pantoporia, Hub. The Sergeants. (Plate 22).
892 JOURNAL, BUMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
F. Nymphalidae.—Key to genera—(conid.)
26 (22b). H v8 not to apex. Cells open. Eyes smooth. Palpi hairy. F
upper end cell opposite es beyond origin v3; vl0 ex cell or 7. H pre-costal
‘straight.
Neptis, F. The Sailors and Lascars. (Plate 22).
27a (20b). Larva with very long horns on the head and very few processes
‘on the body. Cells shut. Eyes smooth. H _ pre-costal from beyond origin
v8. Palpi smooth. Antenne equal to half costa, club slender.
27b (29). F v9 not to apex.. Palpi very long.
27 (28). F-vl0 ex cell; vs 10 & 11 free,
Cyrestis, Bdv. The Maps. (Plate 23).
28 (27). EF vl0 ex 7; vs 10 & 11 anastomosed.
Chersonesia, Dist. The Maplets. (Plate 23),
29 (27b). EF v9 to apex; v10 ex cell. Palpi comparatively short.
Pseudergolis, Fd. The Tabby. (Plate 23). -
30a (18b). Larva spiny with many rows of spines or knobs (Melita) F
‘upper end cell opposite origin v3.
30b (35a) Palpi smooth and abnormally long. Eyes smooth. Larva with
‘2 stout branched horns on the head. Antenne equal to half the costa, club
gradual.
30 (3la. 33a). H not tailed. F apex produced, termen rounded, but apex
‘broadly truncate and termen concave just below.
Hypolimnas, Hub. The Egeflies. (Plate 23).
31a (30. 33a). H shortly tailed at v4 and Jobed at vl. F apex sharply
‘truncate and falcate.
31 (32). Cells closed.
Yoma, Doh. The Lurcher. (Plate 23).
32 (31). Cells open. F termen highly concave in middle and convex bet-
‘ween vs 1 & 2.
Rhinopalpa, Fd. The Wizard. (Plate 23).
33a (30-3la). H long tail at v1 only.
33 (34). Cells open. F upper apex of cell right angled (acute in rest of
group). F apex broadly truncate and concave below; convex above tornus.
Doleschallia, Fd. The Autumn Leaf. (Plate 23).
34 (33). Cells closed. F. apex sharp pointed, termen highly convex opposite
‘v2.
Kallima, Bdv. The Oakleafs. (Plate 23.)
35a (30b). Palpi not abnormally long and usually more or less hairy.
35b (47). Claws normal and with appendages.
35¢c (41a). F lower dev, if present, ends well beyond origin v3. Larva with
no horns on the head.
35d (37a). F ends vs 6, 7, 8, 9in a straight line.
35 (36). Eyes smooth. Palpi smooth. Cells open. Antenne equal to half
‘costa, club gradual or sharply spatulate.
ae Hub. The Pansies. (Plate 24).
6 (35). Eyes hairy. Palpi more or less hairy. Cells closed. nak ee
douree than half costa, club gradual, stout.
Vanessa, F. The Tortoise. Shells, etc. (Plate 24).
37a (35d). F ends vs 6, 7, 8, 9 not in line, 9 well back.
37b (39a). Eyes hairy. Antenne equal to half costa, club stout, gradual.
*Cell F closed, H open.
37 (38). Palpi hairy.
Araschnia, Hub. The Mongol. (Plate 24).
38 (37). Palpi smooth.
Symbrenthia, Hub. The Jesters. (Plate 24).
39a (37b). Eyes smooth. Antenne equal to or longer than costa, club
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 893:
F. Nymphalide.—Key to genera—(contd.)
abruptly spatulate. Palpi hairy.
39 (40). H cell closed. F upper end cell acute or right angled, opposite:
beyond origin v3; v10 ex 7 orcell. Larva spiny.
Argynnis, F. The Fritillaries. (Plate 24).
40 (39). H cell open. F upper end cell right angled or obtuse, opposite.
origin v3; v10 ex 7. Larva with humps.
M eliteea, F. The Small Fritillaries. (Plate 24).
41a (35c). F lower dev ends before, at or only just beyond the origin of v3.
41b (46). Eyes smooth. Palpi with long fine hairs at the sides.
41c (44a). F vl0 ex 7, v9 ends on costa and v8 behind a line joining the
ends of vs6and 7. Larva head hornless.
41 (42a). H cell open. F origin v10 well beyond origin v7, v8 very short.
_ Antenne equal to half costa, club absent.
Cupha, Hub. The Rustic. (Plate 25). ;
42a (41). H cell closed. F origin v10 just beyond origin v7. Antenne equal
to half costa, club moderate. |
42 (43). H no spur from the angle of v4.
Atella, Db. The Leopards. (Plate 25).
43(42). H with a spur from the angle of v4 towards v5.
Issoria, Hub. The Vagrant. (Plate 25).
44a (4lc). F v10 ex cell, v9 ends on apex behind a line joining the ends.
of vs 6, 7, 8. H with a spur or fold from the angle of v4 towards v5. H cell
open. Larva with or without horns.
44 (45). Flower dcv ends at or just beyond the origin of v3. Antenne longer
than half the costa, club gradual.
Cynthia, F. The Cruiser. (Plate 25).
45 (44). F lower dev ends before the origin of v3. Antenne equal to half
the costa, slender and clubless.
Cirrochroa, Db. The Yeomen. (Plate 25).
46 (41b). Eyes hairy. Palpi smooth. H with fold inthe wing from the
angle of v4 towards v5. Cells closed. F v10 ex cell; v9 ends at apex behind the.
line joining the ends of 6, 7 , 8. Antenne equal to half the costa, club gradual.
Terinos, Bdv. The Assyrian. (Plate 25).
47 (34b). Claws very long and without appendages. Eyes smooth. Palpi
white with long thin black hairs. Antenne equal to half the costa, no club.
Cells closed. F v10 ex 7, from well beyond end cell. Larva with 2 fine horns.
Cethosia, F. The Lacewings. (Plate 25).
49a (1b). F vl swollen. Larva spiny with 2 thin horns on the head. Eyes
smooth. Palpi slender, smooth. Antenne equal to half the costa. Cells.
closed. .
48b (50). Posterior tibiz and tarsi with rows of spines.
48 (49). Antenne club sharply spatulate. Apex F not truncate.
Byblia, Hub. The Joker. (Plate 25).
49 (48). Antenne slender, clubless. Apex F truncate.
Ergolis, Bdv. The Castors. (Plate 25.)
50 (48b). Posterior tibiz and tarsi without rows of spines. Antennz slender:
and clubless. Apex F truncate.
Laringa, M. The Dandies. (Plate 25).
5la (la). Hindwings not channelled to receivethe abdomen. Antenne
hardly as long as half the costa. Palpi sparely hairy. Eyes smooth, Wings
sparsely scaled.
1 (52). Antenne club gradual. H v7 ex 6.
Pareba, Db. The Yellow Coster. . (Plate 25).
52 (51). Antenne club short, abrupt. H v7 ex cell.
Telchinia, Hub. The Tawny Coster. (Plate 25).
394 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXTX,
F1. Charaxes.—The Rajahs. (Plate 17).
la(7). Abovetawny orchestnut. ¢ more or lesstoothed and Q tailed at v4.
1 (2a). Uph margin broadly pale greenish white, bearing, a central series
‘of black rings. Bases chestnut brown, outer half of F dark brown, bearing 2
rows of crescentic white markings.
durnfordi nicholi, GrS. (95-115). The Chestnut Rajah. Assam—S, Burma.
VR. |
2a (1). Uph margin not broadly pale.
2b (6). Unf costa not silver white at base.
2 (3a). o upf border broad black, never with tawny spots atthe apex; 9
‘with broad white discal band. Below purple tawny.
a. Upt black border immaculate, border broad, equal to one-third of the
wing at the dorsum; d _ never with pale discal band, basal area uniform
‘tawny with only a black bar at end cell. Q white discal band immaculate,
reaches costa. @ with a tail at v4 H.
polyxena psaphon, Wd. (90-112). The Tawny Rajah. Ceylon. R.
8. As last, black border narrower. In DSF @ some tawny markings appear
on the border upf towards tornus.
*nolyxena imna, But. (90-100). S. India—Orissa. NR.
y- o& upf black border with tawny markings from dorsum to v2 or 3;
uniform tawny with a black discal line and bar at end cell. 2 discal band yellow-
ish white and on inner side of border there are some pale tawny spots in-
wardly bordered by a lunular line; pale discal band not quite to costa and
always with 2 black spotsin middle in 5 and 6. 6d only toothed H.
polyxena hemana, But. (85-100). Mussoorie—Kumaon. R.
5. As last, but very variable; ¢ with several well marked varieties.
@ discal band white and pale spots on the border mostly white. Typical 4 with
no pale band upf and uph white dots in centre of black spots along border.
polyxena hierax, Fd. (80-100). Sikkim—N. Burma. C.
dv. corax, Fd. No pale band: white spots uph on inner edge of the black
‘spots.
A dv. hindia, But. Upf pale discal band ; base fulvous and margin spotted.
av. hipponax, Fd. Upf pale band ; base fulvous to dark, margin not spotted. -
dv. pleistoanax, Fd. Upf pale band; base dark, margin white spotted and
uph with the white discal band from F continued to v3 or 4.
<6 upf with no pale discal band; discal line usually absent; very like
-corax. Below darker and more variegated.
*nolyxena agna, M. (80-100). Karens—S. Burma. NR.
3a (2). o upf black border narrow, bearing tawny spots reaching to the apex
-and inwardly bordered by a lunular dark line. 2 never with a pale discal band;
3 (4a). Upf apical spots not above v6. Below purple tawny.
aristogiton, Fd. (70-95). The Scarce Tawny Rajah. Sikkim—Burma. R.
4a (3). Upf tawny apical spots into 6. Below ochreous.
4 (5). Below more or less uniform and markings regular; unf black bar mid
‘cell macular ; unh dark discal line beyond cell more or less straight, except just.
beyond end cell. In WSF central band darker.
marmax, Wd. (90-120). The Yellow Rajah. Kumaon—Burma. R.
5 (4). Below markings prominent and irregular central band much darker.
Unf all cell bars entire; unh dark discal line very irregular and breken, highly
‘concave in 6.
kahruba, M. (90-120). The Variegated Rajah. Kumaon—Burma. R.
6 (2b). Unf with a silver white bar at the base of the costa. Above much
as No. 3. Below tawny.
distanti, Hon. (90-120). The Silver-edged Rajah. VR.
7(1a). Above dark brown with a yellow or whitish discal band. H long ~
vequal tails at vs 2 and 4.
ourN. Bompay Nar. Hist. Soc. Puate XVII.
cement OE
yes
FE. Nymphalidae. 1. Charaxes: 2. Hriboea: 3. Prothoe.
ES
- (THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES. 895
¥1. Charaxes.—(conid.)
a. Above pale band narrow and dark yellow.
fabius cerynthus, Fruh. (70-80). The Black Rajah. Ceylon. NR.
g. Above pale discal band wide, dark in WSF, pale in DSF.
*fabius fabius, F. 8. India—Kangra—Sikkim. NR.
y. Above pale discal band wide and sulphur yellow ; H spotting on termen
‘wider.
fabius sulphureus, Roth. Assam—Burma. R.
F2. Eribcea.—The Nawabs. (Plate 17).
la (4a). Above dark brown with a broad pale discal band, which does not
reach the dorsum H. Uph termen with small white spots on the outer edge
of the broad dark border.
1 (2a). Unh dark basal band passes through the outer half of the cell. Above
discal band white, broadly blue edged. |
a. Upf discal band continued evenly to v5, with 2 adjacent spots beyond
in 5 and 6.
*schreibert wardi, M. (90-100). The Blue Nawab. S. India VR.
g. Upf discal band tapers at the upper end and just reaches 4; white spot
in 5 much nearer apex and with an apical dot in 6.
schreibert assamensis, Roth. Assam—N. Burma. VR.
y. Upf as last, but discal band not into 4, detached spot in 5 very small
and spot in 6 absent.
schreibert tisamenus, Fruh. Karens—S. Burma. Andamans. VR.
2a (1). Unh dark basal band passes through inner half of cell. Above dis:
al band not blue edged.
2 (3). Above discal band pale yellow, width varies greatly with the season ;
races only very slightly differentiated.
a. Small, band broad.
athamas madeus, Roth. (60-75). The Common Nawab. Ceylon. C
g. Larger, usually 2 pale sub-apical spots upf.
athamas agrarius, Swin. 8. India. C.
y. Large and very variable.
*athamas athamas, Dr. Kulu—N. Burma. C.
6. Smaller and darker.
athamas samatha, M. Karens—S. Burma. C,
e. Much larger and very dark.
athamas andamanicus, Fruh. Andamans. C.
3(2). Above discal band pale greenish white. Three seasonal forms as in
last and width band varies very considerably with the season.
arja, Fd. (75-85). The Pallid Nawab. Sikkim—Burma. NR.
4a (la). Above pale yellow or greenish yellow, base H never dark; F with
_ ‘broad black apex.
ey
4b (11). Unh dark discal band through basal half of cell meeting post-
‘discal band at tornus.
4c (7a). Unf curv dark band from base through end cell to sub-marginal
lunular band. U'pf single pale spot on black apex.
4 (5a). Upf black margin not decreasing towards tornus,
4 Been sandakanus, Fruh, (80-85). The Malayan Nawab. Sikkim—Burma.
5a (4). Upf black margin decreasing markedly in width towards tornus.
5 (6) Unh pale area coves more than half wing.
yalysus, Fd. (75-85). The Yellow Begum. Karens—S. Burma R,
6 (5). Unh pale area covers less than half wing.
hebe chersonesus, Fruh. (75-85). Victoria Point. VR.
7a(4c). Unf broad barend cell extending to base v2; sub-marginal band
896 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol; XXIX.
F2. Eribeea.—(contd.)
continuous, not lunular and nearer cell.
7b (Ya). Unt costa dark chocolate brown ; upf single row pale spots on margin,
7 (8). Upt and Unt no broad bar from end cell towards discal band. Uph
sub-marginal dark band bearing pale spots along the outer edge and.
blueish Junules along the inner edge.
a. Smaller and paler.
dolon dolon, Wd. (80-90). The Stately Nawab. Kulu—Kumaon. R,
6. Upf pale spots smaller and shorter.
dolon centralis, Roth. (85-95). Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan. R.
y. Upf spots larger thanin a. Uph sub-marginal band narrow and blue-
lunules small.
*dolon magniplaga, Roth. (95-105). Assam—N. Burma. R. °
5.. Uph more deeply scalloped and uph blue sub-marginal lunules more. —
prominent.
dolon grandis, Roth. (95-110). Shan States—Karens. R.
8 (7). Upf and unf broad dark bar from lower end cell along 3 to the discal
band, enclosing a large pale spot beyond end cell; spots on margin increase in:
size totornus. Uph with a postdiscal dark band. |
‘a. Larger. Usually a postdiscal pale spot in 7 upf. Uph sub-terminal
narrow dark bars in spaces up to 6.
*narceea aborica, Evans. (70-75). The China Nawab. Abor Valley. RB.
68. Smaller. Upfnospotin 7. Uph sub-terminal dark bars obsolete above 3:
narcea lissainei, Tyt. (70-75). Naga Hills. R.
9a (7b). Unf costa white and upf with sub-marginal as well as postdiscal
row spots. Uph band as in No. 7. Upand unf bar from lower end cell
towards discal band asin No. 8, but much shorter.
9 (10). Upf 2 pale spots end cell; dark margin becoming obsolete at tornus.
nepenthes, Gr S.(80). TheShan Nawab. Shan States. VR.
10 (9). Upf single pale spot end cell and 2 spots beyond.
a. Large. Seasonal forms differ much in size and size of spots.
eudamippus eudamippus, Db. (100-120). The Great Nawab. Kumaon—
Assam, NR.
6. Upf cell all black or very nearly so.
*eudamippus nigrobasalis, Lathy. N. Burma. N.R.
y. Asa, but smaller. Uph no blue border to band and outer white spots
larger.
eudamippus jamblichus, Frun. Karens—-S. Burma. R.
11 (4b). Below no dark bands; large spots end cells, base 2 F and mid costa H.;
sub-marginal row reddish spots preceded by a blue line and on H followed by
a greenish yellow line as well as aterminal blue and greenish yellow line. Above
broad black apex bearing one or two pale spots and on H sub-terminal blueish,
white centred, line.
*delphis, Db. (95-100). The Jewelled Nawab. Assam—Burma. NR.
F3. Prothoe.—The Begums. (Plate 17).
1 (2). Above pale yellow, broad black apex and margins. Below variegated
red and black. FEF lower dev evenly curved.
*calydonia belisama, Crow. (110-120). The Glorious Begum. Karens—
S. Burma. VR. |
2(1). Above dark brown witha blue band F. Below variegated dark brown
and whiteish; H with broad greenish marginal lunules. F lower dev highly
concave at lower end.
a. Upf blue band very broad and not marked with white; complete series
terminal blue spots, upper 2 being white.
: : *
;
33 : ; ‘ :
. = es f o : - :
nant. ‘
‘ ' .
’ 7 \ ye me A
Ph F =.
» ' a ry
- t f .
ne 1 ' : 7
‘ 6 ' ‘ : ¢ 1
\ .
‘ 7
‘ - 1" 7
- i. ‘
re
. : i 3 4 - : eG
Journ. Bompay Nat. Hist. Soc. PLATE XVI:
F 10.2
F, Nymphalidae. 4. Helcyra: 5. Dilipa: 6. Eulaceura: 7. Apatura: 8. Herona: 9. Sephisa
10. Euripus: 11. Diagora: 12. Hestina : 13. Sasakia. |
THE IDENTIFICATION OF INDIAN BUTTERFLIES, 897
F3. Prothoe.—contd.
franckii regalis, But. (70-80). The Blue Begum. Manipur, Upper Assam. VR,
8. Upft blue band narrow and centrally with white splashes ; white marginal
spots only in 5,7 and 8. |
*franckit angelica, But. Karens—S. Burma. R.
-F4, Helcyra.—The White Emperor. (Plate 18).
Above glazed white ; upf black spotsin cell and 1, broad black apex with 2
white spots; uph with afew irregular black discal spots. Below only a thin
discal line of black lunules.
*hemina, Hew. (65-75). The White Emperor. Sikkim—-Burma. R.
F5. Dilipa—The Golden Emperor. (Plate 18).
Above dark brown , & with golden bronzy, Q with white, central and discal
spots F and whole disc H ; upf 2 white apical dots.
*morgiana, Wd. (70-80). The Golden Emperor. Kashmir—Shan States. R.
F6. Eulaceura.—The Elegant Emperors. (Plate 18).
1 (2).. Above transparent pale brown, with dark brown costa F and large
spot in 2 as well as margins and discal band H.
manipuriensis, Tyt. (75-80). Tytler’s Emperor. Manipur. VR.
2 (1). Above dark brown with a continuous white discal band, extending on F
from dorsum to 3. Below asin last, glazed pale violet brown with an ocellus in
2) FE and’ H,
*osteria kumana, Fruh. (65-70). The Elegant Emperor. S. Burma. R.
F7. Apatura.—The Emperors. (Plate 18).
la (6a). Unf no row of minute sub-apical white dotsin 5, 6 and 8.
lb ((8a). Unf no black spots in cell.
1 (2). Upf single discal pale band, macular in ¢ continuous in 2, in addition
to the white apical spots. Above dark brown, no pale band H. Below ocellus
in 2 F and H fulvous ringed ; dark discal line white edged at upper end.
a. Upf discal band white. Uph ocellusin 2 prominent. Below pale brown.
sordida sordida, M. (60-70). The Sordid Emperor. Sikkim—N. Burma. R.
6. Upft discal band yellow tinted. ae ocellus in 2 absent. Below pale
greenish brown.
sordida naga, Tyt. Nagas. R.
(1). Upf 2 pale discal bands in addition to the apical spots. Unh dark
discal line pale edged throughout. Above dark greenish brown; z 7
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INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, 985
nally cleft at the base by a brown mark on the dorsal carina, segments 3 to 6 with
basal annules occupying about the basal fourth of segments, all nearly cleft by an
invasion of the black along the dorsal carina posteriorly, segment 7 with rather
more than the basal half greenish yellow, the basal half of this marking on the
sides is squarely pale brown. Segments 8 to 10 unmarked.
Anal appendages about the length of segments 8+9, the superior yellow,
posterior two thirds straight as seen in profile, apical third curling strongly down
and then actually back so that finally its dorsum comes into contact with the
dorsal surface of the inferior appendage. The latter black, cleft to its base,
curving at first down and then bent at a right angle and prolonged to overlap
the superiors. A little dilated at base, then thin and cylindrical for as far as
middle third where it dilates rather abruptly and tapers to the ends, its branches
separated at base to enclose a long oval space. The appendages by their apposi-
tion enclose a large cordate space as seen in profile,
Genitalia—lamina broad depressed and obtusely notched, inner hamules
converging long sinuous, broad at base and tapering to a fine outwardly turned
point, outer hamules broad and conical, projecting well beyond the genital sac
and bearing a stiff pencil of hairs at the apices, lobe broad and deep, funnel-
shaped but not markedly prominent, surface black and coarsely corrugated.
Female: Abdomen 45 mm. Hindwing 38 mm.
Very similar to the male, markings similar in every respect. Wings rather
more enfumed, pterostigma well braced, blackish brown, 2 or 3 rows of cells
13-19 | 18-12
12-14 | 13-13
Anal appendages yellow, very fine and rather longer than segment 10.
Vulvar scale very short triangular, deeply encased by expanded sides of seg-
ments 8 and 9. Legs coloured as in the male, hind femora with a row of short but
robust closely-set spines on the proximal half and3to6 much longer, more
robust and more widely spaced spines on the distal half.
The markings in the Hasimara female, whichis distinctly teneral, are distinctly
broader and there is some evidence of a broken yellow stripe traversing the lateral
black stripe of thorax and there are small baso-lateral spots on segments 8 and 9.
Hab. A single pair collected by Mr. C. M. Inglis on the Riyang River,
Mangpu, Darjeeling District, 1800 ft. 17, V. 23. A female collected by Mr. H. V.
O’Donel at Hasimara tea estate, Duars, Bengal.
This species difters from L. biforceps by the colour of the labium, the presence
of lateral yellow spots on postclypeus, the vestigial character of the hunieral
line, the absence of middorsal markings on segments 5 and 6, the larger size and
greater number of antenodal nervures. From L. camelus (Mart.) by the absence
of excrecences on segment 8 ; by its smaller size, etc. ; from acinaces by the shape
of the anal appendages and from nilgiriensis by its much larger size and markings.
between Mi and Mia, nodal index
Lamellogomphus drummondj sp. nov.
Female: Abdomen 45 mm. Hindwing 40 mm.
Head. Labium with middle lobe entirely black, lateral lobes pale vellow,
labrum black with a transversely oval yellow spot on each side, anteclypeus
yellow, rest of face black. Frons greenish yellow, its base above narrowly
bordered with black, the black only slightly encroaching on the floor of the
sulcus, occiput largely yellow, raised into a point at its centre, behind greenish
yellow.*Eyes bottle green.
Prothorax black marked with a small yellow spot at centre of posterior lobe
in front of which is a much larger geminate spot of the same colour, finally a large
spot of yellow on each side.
Thorax black marked with yellow as follows :—a complete mesothoracic collar,
oblique antehumeral stripes extending from the alar sinus above to the
18
986 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
mesothoracic collar below with which they blend, a minute upper spot represent-
ing a vestigial humeral band, laterally yellow marked with a broad median black
band which bears a minute yellow spot above just below the insertions of wings
and a very narrow line well separated from it below.
Legs black, the anterior femora only bearing a well defined yellow stripe on the
inner side. Armature similar to that of the female of L. inglisi.
Abdomen. black marked with yellow as follows :—segments 1 and 2 broadly
yellow on the sides, a broad middorsal stripe tapering gradually from the base of
segment | to apex of segment 2, leaving a narrow black stripe between itself and
the lateral yellow, segments 3 to 7 with yellow basal annules occupying nearly
the basal fourth of each segment, segment 8 unmarked, 9 with a broad
dorsal yellow spot covering its apical half, 10 almost entirely yellow, marked
with a small subdorsal basal triangle of black on each side.
Anal appendages short conical, bright yellow.
Vulvar scale deeply sunk between the overhanging sides of segments, shore
and tongue-like, about one third the length of segment 8, black.
Wings palely enfumed, pterostigma dark brown, weakly braced in three of the
wings, not at all in the fourth, only 2 rows of cells between Mi and Mia, nodal
12-16|16-12
12-11 12-12
Hab. A single female collected by Captain Drummond at Loimwe, 3,000 ft.,
Siam Road, Southern Shan States.
The venation and general facies of this insect are so similar to L. biforceps and
LL. inglisi, especially to the female of the latter, from which it is only distinguish-
able by close inspection, that there can be no doubt but that it is a true Lamello-
gomphus, at the same time the differences in the markings are so great as to
distinguish it from any other species of the genus. It is very closely related to
the two species mentioned and less closely so to L. acinaces and nilgiriensis from
which it differs principally by its much larger size. From biforceps and
inglist it differs by the antehumeral band being confluent with the mesothoracic
collar, by the basal ring on segment 7 of the same size as those on segments 5 to
6 and by the extensive yellow markings on segments 9 and 19. From camelus
Mart (from Tonkin), the species is distinguished by the fewer antenodal nervures
and by the sides of thorax yellow marked with a single broad black stripe instead
of black marked by two yellow stripes.
Martin in ‘‘ Mission Pavie”? mentions a third species from Mandehowrie
unknown to me, and gives neither name nor references ; it differs from drummondt
by the humeral stripes being entirely absent, by segment 8 marked with a yellow
spot on the sides and by segment 9 with a similar spot instead of a broad apical
dorsal spot.
index
Lamellogomphus nilgiriensis ('ras.)
Onychogomphus biforceps nilgiriensis Fras. Rec. Ind. Mus., Voi. XXIV,
pp. 425, 426 (1922.)
Male. Abdomen (with appendages) 36 mm. Hindwing 30 mm.
Head. Labium entirely black; labrum black marked with two oval trans-
verse spots of yellow varving in size from very large to very small; bases of —
mandibles greenish yellow as is also the anteclypeus (but in cne specimen
examined, this latter was quite black) ; postclypeus black ; frons greenish yellow,
its base above rather broadly black, a prolongation of this colour invading the
floor of sulcus ; rest of head black (but a good number of specimens with a round-
ed spot of yellow behind the occiput only visible when the head is tilted forward).
Eyes deep bottle green or in younger specimens bluish green.
Prothorax black, occasionally unmarked but usually bearing a small geminate
spot of yellow at centre of posterior lobe and outside this an even smaller
spot.
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, 987
Thorax black marked with greenish yellow as follows :—the upper part of
middorsal carina only occasionally, a mesothoracic collar interrupted in the middle
line, oblique antehumeral stripes generally connected to the mesothoracic collar
but in a small percentage more or less widely separated thereform (in such cases,
the lower end of the stripe is squared off, not pointed as in acinaces), humeral
stripe absent (only in a single male was a vestigial spot found representing the
upper part of a humeral stripe), laterally two broad stripes separated by an almost
equally broad black stripe, the posterior the broadest and covering the
greater part of the metepimeron, the anterior slightly narrower, the black stripe
nearly always with linear longitudinal spot of yellow at its upper part close to
the insertions of the wings, but this occasionally absent on one or both
sides.
Wings hyaline; pterostigma black, over 5-6 cells, not robustly braced ; nodal
fd ee 10-15)16-1i 11-14)14-19 |
cee ee 12IONIEKO™. 12 -10)10-12.”
and Mia.
Leys black, without markings. Arowof moderately closely-set robust short.
spines on cither side of posterior femora which converge and merge into a common
field at the proximal] end, hind femora with a row of more robust more widely
spaced spines on either side.
Abdomen black marked with bright citron yellow as follows :—segment 1 with
a triangular spot on the dorsum, its base apicalward and a large apico-lateral
spot, segment 2 with a dorsal longitudinal stripe broadening at the middle,
tapering at the apex, the oreillets and an apicolateral spot varying in size, segment
3 with a large baso-dorsal spot deeply cleft behind by an invasion of the black on
dorsal carina, segments 4 to 6 with two dorsal triangular spots situated close to
base, 7 with nearly the basal half yellow, 8 with a basal spot low down on the
sides, this sometimes very minute or even absent altogether (but rarely), when
very large, then accompanied by a smaller apico-lateral spot, segments 9 and 10
unmarked. (In one specimen the dorsal spots on segments 4 to 6 were
almost obsolete and that on 7 was cutinto two by the black of dorsal
carina. )
Anal appendages black, the outer and upper surfaces of the superiors bright
citron yellow to nearly as far as the apex (in one specimen examined, the yellow
was restricted to a short linear streak on the basal half of the outer side only).
In shape exactly similar to those of L. biforceps and wnglisv. .
Genitalia scarcely differing from that of ¢nglisi, the outer hamules however are
much longer and tapering, projecting very prominently from the genital sac.
Female: Abdomen 36mm. Hindwing 33 mm.
Very similar to the male, the abdomen stout and cylindrical; markings
differing as follows:—spots on labrum smaller, band on frons cut into two large
oval spots by the black at base of frons joining up with that on front, antehumeral
stripe separated from the mesothoracic collar (in the only two specimens known
but this may be found to be variable when more material becomes available),
the first lateral yellow stripe on sides of thorax with its upper part isolated asa
separate spot, yellow markings on sides of segment 2 confluent, basal spots
on segments 3 and 7 separated by the black on dorsal carina, baso-lateral spots
on segment 8 very minute and apical spot never present.
Occiput armed with a pair of very long robust spines atits centre, the apices of
which curl outwards.
Wings enfumed and distinctly saffronated at the base; nodal index :—
12-14|15-11
11-10)10-13
Anal appendages rather longer than segment 10, tapering, black with a bright
yellow tip, a long triangular protuberance between them ; segments 7 to 10 pro-
gressively shortening.
2-3 rows of cells between M2
988 . JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
Vulvar scale half the length of segment 9, cleft to its base so as to form two
small triangular leaf-like processes which project back and somewhat down so
as to be easily visible in profile.
Larva. Totallength 23 mm. Length of hind femora 6 mm. Greatest breadth
of body at about centre of abdomen 9 mm. Head moderately broad and quads
rate, antennae with basal segment small and cylindrical, 3rd segment broad
flattened triangular, 4th segment rudimentary, exists as a tiny spine at inner
lateral angle of 3rd segment. A duplicated tubercle on the prothorax. Wing
sheaths broad, extending to segment 6. Abdomen depressed, strongly keeled
from segments 4 to 8 which bear robust spines on the carina, segment 7 to 10
with stout lateral spines. Mask very short, extending to base of first pair of
legs, middle lobe rounded, fringed with rather long stiff brissae, mentum angu-
lated, the whole mask nearly quadrate. The highly specialized shape of antennae
gives thename to the genus.
Habitat. Nilgiri-Wynaad, Coorg and South Kanara, from the end of Sep-
tember to the third week of Qctober. The insect which is very local, frequents
shady mountain streams, generally those with clean gravelly bottoms and is
found settled on rocks or twigs in mid stream. When disturbed it iminediately
rises perpendicularly to trees overhanging the stream. In Coorg it prefers streams
almost entirely hidden and closed in by overhanging cane brakes where it may
be found settled on rocksor on the gravelly beach or occasionally hawking to —
and fro over runlets or rapids to which places the female usually resorts to lay
her eggs. Whilst ovipositing the female hovers some two feet or less over
the surface of the water and drops her eggs perpendicularly into theswirling
stream.
L. nilgiriensis is a southern species and is easily distinguished from acizaces, _
from the same districts by the shape ofits anal appendages. It and acinaces
stand somewhat apart from biforceps, inglisi and drummondi by their relatively
smaller size, this being due to the shorterabdomen. It differs from biforceps by
the absence of a humeral stripe and dorsal spots on the middles of segments 3 to
6, from inglisi by its much smaller size, by its confluent antehumeral stripes and
by the absence of a vestigial humeral spot, etc., from drummondi by its much
smaller size and by the black occiput. Its female differs from all others by the
presence of two rebust occipital spines.
Lamellogomphus acinaces (Laid).
Onychogomphus acinaces Laid. Rec. Ind. Mus. le. pp. 407-408 (1922).
Male: Abdomen with appendages 35 + 4mm. Hindwing 30 mm.
Head. Labium black, vellow at the base; labrum black marked with a
pair of transversely oval greenish yellow spots ; anteclypeus yellow, postclypeus
black ; frons greenish yellow above, black in front, the base narrowly black, this
colour sending a prolongation forward into sulcus which meets the black on
front and cuts the greenish yellow into two oval spots; vertex and occiput
black (In some specimens there is a small spot of yellow behind the occiputas in
nilgirvensis) . :
Prothorax entirely black.
Thorax black marked with greenish yellow as follows :—the lower part of the
dorsal carina (only in about half the specimens examined), a mesothoracic collar,
complete where the mid line exists but broken when this is absent, an antehu-
meral oblique stripe not connected with the collar, squared above but tapering
to a point below, no trace of a humeral band, laterally greenish yellow with a -
broad median black stripe, usually marked above near the insertions of the wings
by a small linear spot of yellow.
Legs black, unmarked except for a broad greenish yellow stripe on_ the
flexor surface of the anterior femora; armature similar to that found in
nilgirvensis.
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES, 989
Wings hyaline, rays of yellow tinting in the subcostal and cubital spaces ;
pterostigma black, over 5 to 5} cells, braced ; usually 2 but sometimes 3 rows of
10-16)15-11 — 12-15/16-12
11-10/11-11? 13-10}10-12°
Abdomen black marked with greenish yellow as follows :—segment 1 with
an apical triangular spot, its base resting on the apical border and continuous
with a middorsal stripe on segment 2 which expands medially and tapers api-
cally, segment 1 has also an apical lateral spot, segment 2 with two large yellow
lateral spots, the proximal including the oreillet and its surrounding area, seg-
ment 3 with a large basal spot nearly cut in two by an invasion of black along the
dorsal carina, 4 to 6 with smaller spots nearly or quite cut in two, 7 with its basal
half yellow and 8 with only a basal spot on the sides very variable in size, usually
quadrate and acutely indented on its apical border, 9 and 10 unmarked.
Anal appendages black, the superiors with the upper and outer surfaces bright
yellow as far as the apices. In some specimens these appendages are entirely
yellow and in such the upper surface of the inferior is of the same colour. Entire-
ly differing in shape to those of ali other species, the superiors truncate, taper-
ing sinuously backwards and sloping slightly downwards towards the apices,
equal inlengthto the two last segments of the abodmen, inferior slightly
longer, divided into two closely parallel branches almost as far as its base, the
distal halves curved gently upwards.
Genitalia almost similar to the last, the inner hamules are much stouter and
more robust, the outer shorter and stouter, the pencils of hairs at their apices
very long and prominent.
Female (hitherto undescribed): Abdomen 39-40 mm. MHindwing 32-35 mm.
Abdomen tumid at the base, stout, parallel-sided and cylindrical as far as
the anal end, black marked exactly as in the male except for the 2nd segment
.where the whole side is bright yellow, this in some specimens confluent with the
broad middorsal stripe, segment 8 unmarked. The dorsal carina on segment
7 usually finely black so that the basal spot is cut in two.
Anal appendages yellow, very short and conical.
Occiput fringed with long black hairs, slightly notched in the middle, without
the spines seen in nilgiriensis. Legs as for male but the hind femora furnished
with a row of very long, very robust, vers’ widely-spaced spines as in nilgiriensis
female.
Hab. Coorg, North and South Kanara. Found in company with nilgirien-.
sis in similar situations. Easily distinguished from all other species of the
genus by its abnormally shaped appendages. The species is very closely related
to nilgiriensis and apart from the appendages the only reliable character
by which to distinguish them is the pointed lower end of the antehumeral stripe
in acinaces and the absence of occipital spines in the female. L. acinaces is a far
more static insect than nilgiriensis which as has been noted above, exhibits con-
siderable variations ; this taken with its specialized anal appendages and with its
‘enormous preponderance in numbers would indicate that it is a more modern
and dominant insect and must eventually lead to the extinction of nilgiriensis.
The type which is lodged in the Indian Museum was taken by Dr. S. Kemp in
North Kanara (without date, probably October 1916). This was the only specimen
known until October 1923 when the species was rediscovered by myself in South
Kanara, and in considerable numbers. A large number of specimens were taken
on streams flowing down the Mangalore Ghat from Coorg to Kanara and event-
ually Mr. C. Souter, Commissioner of Coorg, found it swarming at Bhagmandala,
Coorg——“* After having taken about 59 males I grew tired of taking more and con-
tented myself with capturing females of which I was fortunate enough to take six
out of 10 specimens seen. All were hovering over a deep pool formed by damming
up the river below, and were busy ovipositing by dropping their eggs plumb
into the stream.’’ From Mr. Souter’s remarks it will be seen that their mode of
cells between Mi and Mia ; nodal index :—
990 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
oviposition is an exact parallel of that of nilgiriensis as observed by myself
The credit of the discovery of the female goes to Mr. Souter. The females
of these two species are easily distinguished by the presence of occipital spines
in nilgiriensis and by the antehumeral stripes in acinaces pointed instead of
squared below.
Lamellogomphus malabarensis SP. NOV.
Female (Male unknown): Abdomen.42 mm. Hindwing 35 mm.
Head. Labium pale yellow ; labrum yellow broadly edged with black with a
prolongation of this colour from the base joining the anterior border of black ;
anteclypeus yellow, postclypeus black with a large spot on each side close up to
the eyes ; frons black traversed by a broad stripe of yellow on the crest constricted
at its middle by an approximation of the black; vertex and occiput black, the
latter with a yellow spot at its middle which is raised into a small tubercle,
Prothorax black with a large spot of yellow on each side.
Thorax black marked with greenish yellow as_ follows:—-a_ mesothoracic
collar narrowly interrupted in the middle line, antehumeral oblique stripe
falling well short of the mesothoracic collar, no vestige of a humeral stripe, later-
ally greenish yellow traversed by a broad black stripe which is traversed by a
yellow stripe interrupted above by the black stripes confluent across it.
Legs. Femora yellow mottled with black, the hind femora with a row of
closely-set very short very robust black spines numbering 9 to 10.
Wings hyaline; pterostigma black, over five cells, well braced ; only 1 row of
cells between Mi and Mia at level of outer end of stigma; nodal index :—
10-16)17-10
9-1]{11-11
Abdomen black marked with yellow as follows :—segment 1 with a dorgal
spot and its sides broadly, 2 with a dorsal stripe, bilobed and extending from base
to apex and its sides very broadly, 3 with a broad basal ring and a spot situated
on the middle of the middorsal carina, 4 to 6 with subdorsal basal spots confluent —
across the middorsal carina and a middorsal spot as on segment 3 but progres-
sively smaller from 4 to 6, on the latter of which it is almost obsolete, 7 has the ©
basal half yellow, 8 a large baso-lateral spot, whilst 9 and 10 are unmarked.
Anal appendages yellow, small and pointed, the intermediate process also
yellow.
Vulvar scale small, deeply cleft to its base into two small triangular leaf like
processes, a shallow depression on segment 9 beneath the vulvar scale very
similar to that seen in M. lineatus.
The general conformation, size and colouring (deep black with sharply defined
yellow markings) of this insect are so similar to the known females of genus
Lamellogomphus that I have no hesitation in placing it in this genus, whilst it
differs so much from all other females in its markings that it must be given
specific rank.
From nilgiriensis it is distinguished by the yellow occiput without spines and
by the middorsal spots on segments 3 to 6, the latter character also serves to |
separate it from acinaces and inglisi, an additional point of difference being the
yellow stripe traversing the medio-lateral black stripe of thorax. From biforceps
the entire absence of the humeral stripe will at once distinguish it, lastly it differs
from drummondi by the presence of middorsal yellow spots on seginents 3 to 6,
by the presence of a lateral spot on segment 8 (unmarked in druwmmondz), and by
segments 9 and 10 without yellow markings.
Described from a single specimen in my own collection taken in Palghat by
Mr. T. N. Hearsey, 16 VI. 21. I had taken thisfor the female of biforceps —
(fec. Ind. Mus. Vol. XXIV, p. 124) being deceived by the middorsal spots on
segments 3 to 6 which are only found in this species and in bzforceps, I had however
Overlooked the fact that the humeral stripe is well developed in the latter species.
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES. 991
The species will probably be found inhabiting the Annaimallai or Cardamom
Hills.
Genus—MEsoGgomMPpuus Forster.
(==Genus—ONYCHOGOMPHUS groups—O. COGNATUS
and O. GRAMMiIcus Selys,)
Mesogomphus Forster, “ Die Libelluliden Gatiungen von Afrika und
Madagascar” (71 und 72 Jahresber., Mannheim. Ver f. Naturk). p. 71
(1906).
Moderately large or small insects with ground colouring sandy yellow, more
or less poorly marked with pale brown, dark brown or black.
Pterostigma moderately long, shorter than one fourth the distance between
the node and distal end of stigma; discoidal field in front-wing narrow, only
beginning to dilate at or after the level of node ; no anal loop nor vestige of such
in the hindwing ; legs short, hind femora not extending to hinder end of thorax ;
abdominal segments 8 and 9 laterally foliate; 3rd to 7th very slender and
cylindrical; superior anal appendages of male much longer than the 10th seg-
ment, approximate in the mid-dorsum and contiguous for the greater part of
their length, inferior appendage considerably shorter, deeply divided into two
contiguous branches. Vulvar scale of female broad and short, notched ; on
ventral plate of 9th segment a shallow depression corresponding to the vulvar
scale and bordered by a low ridge. °
Larva rather long, narrow and cylindrical, antennae of the usual Gomphine
shape. .
Genotype Mesogomphus cognatus (Ramb). .
Dr. Ris points out that the name as given by Forster is synonymous with
that of Handlirsch’s fossil genus Mesogomphus but as both publications date
from the same month and cannot be fixed to a day, he has thought it advisable
to adopt it for the living group, a procedure which is followed here.
In the key given for the Gomphinae in Part XVI of this Monograph, Meso-
gomphus lineatus appears under the old name of Onychogomphus lineatus and
species Mesogomphus lindgrent and risi were not included as they had not been
recorded at the time the M.S. was written.
Mesogomphus lineatus (Selys).
Onychogomphus lineatus Selys, Rev. Odon, p. 386 (1850); id. Bull.
Acad. Belg. X XI. (2), p. 36 (1854); id. Mon. Gomph. p. 48 (1851) ;
Kirby (Lindenia lineata) Cat. Odon. p. 59 (1890); Will. Pros.
U.S. Nat. Hist. Mus. XX XIII, pp. 309-310 (1908); Laid. Rec. Ind.
Mus. pp. 403-404, Vol. XXIV (1922).
Male: Abdomen plus appendages 37 mm. Hindwing 27 mm. Dehra Dun,
N. India and Bihar.
Abdomen plus appendages 32 mm. Hindwing 25 mm. Deccan and Nilgiris.
Abdomen plus appendages 36 mm. Hindwing 26 mm. Coorg.
Abdomen plus appendages 33 mm. Hindwing 24 mm. Malabar and Madras,
Head: Labium pale yellow, labrum, face and frons sandy yellow, the lat-
ter with a more or less ill-defined brownish black line across the crest; vesicle
and occiput yellow, a narrow transverse streak of dark brown separating
them. In some specimens there is a narrow diffuse basal line of brown. on upper
surface of frons and the base of labrum may be clouded with the same colour.
Occiput raised into a slight point at its centre and usually bearing a line of
minute spines on either side of this eminence. Coorg specimens have three or
four such spines on either side, a Burmese specimen has a continuous row along
its free border, Dehra Dun specimens resemble those from Coorg, a Poona
992 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X.
specimen has four teeth on one side and only two on the other and in no speci-.
mens have I found the spines altogether missing although Laidlaw states that
in some of my Poona specimens they are entirely lacking.
Prothorax blackish brown, the posterior lobe narrowly and a large spot on
either side yellow. :
Thorax sandy yellow marked with dull or dark brown or even blackish brown
according to age of specimens, as follows: a dorsal line bordering the mesothora-
cic collar closely and turning abruptly up on either side of the mid-dorsal carina,
which is black in its upper part, an antehumeral oblique line beginning from the
lower end of the dorsal line and running upwards and inwards to join this line
in its upper part, thus enclosing a thin stripe of the ground colour, a humeral
tine on the humeral suture and two lateral lines close together, all three parallel,
of the two latter, one crossing the spiracle and the other mapping out the postero-
lateral suture.
Legs yellow marked with black, a stripe on the inner side of all femora, an
outer stripe on distal half of mid femora and a rounded distal spot or stripe on
outer side of hind femora; tarsi black. Two rows of robust evenly spaced,
short spines on the hind femora which converge to form a common field of
spines proximally ; mid femora with more numerous and more closely-set spines. .
Wings hyaline, costa yellow as far as pterostigma which is pale reddish brown
heavily bordered with black especially on the costa! border, covering 4-6 cells,
Ul rell braced dal index rath ery 10-15) 16-9 8-15] 15-7
nsually well braced ; nodal index rather variable :—j97441;9-9 's9 |9-7
= — 5-6 rows of postanal cells; 2 nervures between Mi-iit and AMiv;
in the forewing, only 1 in the hind; 2 rows of discoidal cells as far as node;
outer border of trigone in hindwing well angulated.
Abdomen black marked with yellow or yellow marked with black, the two
colours occupying a variable space according to the age of specimens, in old
adults the yellow reduced to basal annules, in young the black present as apical
annules. Segment 1 with the sides broadly yellow and a large dorsal apical
spot of the same colour, segment 2 has a subdorsal line of black on each side
enclosing a dorsal bilobed spot of yvellow, the black curving down on each side
thinly behind the oreillets, finally an apical black annule of variable width, seg-
ments 3 to 7 have usually broad black apical annules occupying a variable length
of the segments but generally less on 7 than on the others, a lateral line of black
runs from the apical annule on each side and extends just short of the base, the
dorsal carina and jugal sutures finely black. In some specimens the lateral
stripe shortens as traced from 3 to 7,in others the jugal suture is so broadly black
that it cuts off two dorsal spots of yellowfore and aftof itself; segments 8 and
9 with wide dilatations at their sides, black on the dorsum except fora fine
basal annule and an irreguar spot of the same colour on the middorsum, more
evident on segment 8 than 9, segment 10 sandy yellow with the basal half or two-
thirds of the dorsum black. The terminal three segments show considerable
variation, thus the foliate lateral processes may be broadly edged with black or
almost entirely blackish brown and the dorsal surfaces may be entirely deep
black save for a fine basal ring on segment 9 and an apical ring on 10, the latter
sending a slight prolongation along the dorsal carina. There are many varia-
tions of this pattern but the differences appear to be purely individual, not
even racial characters.
Anal appendages dull sandy yellow. Superior truncate, as long as segments
9 and 10 taken together. In profile they slope gently backwards and down-
wards and then rather abruptly downwards, the apices even turning finally «
little forwards. Seen from above they taper evenly to the apex and are closely
apposed throughout their entire length. :
|
INDIAN DRAGONFLIES. 993
Inferior much shorter, only one third the length of superiors which they
resemble only in colour. Cleft deeply into two closely contiguous branches
which curve at first abruptly down and then as abruptly up again, the apices,
finally directed straight back at aright angle to the part immediately in
rear.
Genitalia. Very similar to that of M. cognatus; lamina pale yellow, very
shallow, broadly notched ; inner hamules long and narrow, slightly convergent;
the apices ending in a short sharp and slightly turned out hook, black ; outer
hamules much longer and stouter, broadish at base but rapidly tapering to a point
turning directly in to nearly meet at their apices, each bearing on the inner
side, a short distance below the apex a short robust spine, black, yellow at the
base. Lebe deeply excavate, hood-shaped, its apex strongly indented, directed
almost straight back, black.
Female: Abdomen 31-36mm. Hindwing 24-27 mm. (Poona and Coory).
Closely resembles the male except for shape of abdomen which is of even width
throughout, much stouter and laterally compressed, no dilatations on the 8th
and 9th segments.
As a rule females are much paler coloured than males and less marked with
brown or black. The lateral prolongations of black extend on to the 2nd segment,
segments 8and 9 are deep black and unmarked. In some specimens however
the abdominal markings are much restricted and 8, 9 and 10 are entirely yellow.
Segments 3 to 6, ventral to the lateral black stripes are pure shining silvery
white, a colour rarely met with in other members of the genus. Occiput bearing
four spines on cither side of the middle line, very evenly disposed in all specimens
I have examined. (Laidlaw states that they are entirely absent in one of my
Poona female specimens). Wings palely enfumed or saffronated at the base
and even more faintly along the costal margin ; costa and many of the nervures,
6-13)12-5 7-14/16-8
“6-9 9-6 8-10]10-8
Hab. Breeds both in still and running waters; in Poona and Coorg it de-
posits its eggs in shallows either at the edge of a sandy beach or over ripples
flowing over a gravelly bottom. The males await them here, settled on the sandy
foreshore where by reason of their colour they are well nigh invisible. Occasion-
ally thev rise and patrol backwards and forwards over the shallow ripples, a
favourite spot to find them. In Coorg, at Hoskoti, I found quite a number of
tenerals emerging in a dense reedy swamp and can only conjecture that ova
had been deposited in a tiny brook withsandy bottom which flowed into
the marsh. The site was quite unusual and may have been forced on the
females by the extraordinary swollen state of the rivers which in 1923
overflowed their banks and flooded large areas throughout Coorg. Larvae
may possibly have been swept from the riversand left stranded in such
marshy retreats. The following is a description of the larva :—Length
25mm., of abdomen 17mm., of hind femora 5mm. Cylindrical, head moderately
large; antennae of four segments, clubbed. the last segment very minute.
Mask very broad, almost square, the base a little constricted, its outer surface
coated with short hairs, mid-lobe straight not projecting, fringed with fine
bristles, lateral lobe furnished with a long moveable hook, somewhat squat, saw-
shaped, its inner border with a row of blunt, molar-like teeth. Abdomen taper-
ing gradually to the end, 10th segment short, not hollowed out above and not
furnished with spines. All segments except the 9th and 10th furnished with a
blunt middorsal spine. Legs very short, femora fringed with long coarse hairs.
The larva thus differs strikingly from that of L. nilgriensis by its narrow and
cylindrical shape and by the clubbed antennae.
M, lineatus isa very wary and shy insect and somewhat difficult to catch.
Occurs almost throughout the year but is most common from September tc
November. Found throughout India, | have specimens from hurma. Ceylon
19
especially the nodal, light yellow ; nodal index :—
994 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
Bengal, Dehra Dun, Poona, Bangalore and Khandala in the Deccan, Madras,
Palghat (Malabar), Trichinopoly, Coorg and the Nilgiris.
Mesogomphus grammicus (Ramb.)
Gombhus grammicus Ramb., Ins. Névrop. p. 164 (1842) ;
Onychogomphus grammicus Selys. Bull. Acad. Belg. XX1 (2)
p. 35 (1854); id. Mon. Gomph. p. 45 (1857); Will. Proc.
U.S. Nat. Hist. Mus. Vol. XX XIII, p. 309 (1907); Laid. |
Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol. XX1V, pp. 371 and 403 (1922).
Male. Abdomen 33-39 mm. Hindwing 29-30 mm.
Head. Eyes bottle green: labium yellowish; labrum, face and frons
sandy yellow, a fine black line below frons, another between the ante-and
post-clypeus and an equally fine line at base of labrum. Base of frons,
vertex and occiput black, vesicle yellowish, as also back of occiput.
Behind eyes bright yellow, bordered with glossy black above.
Prothorax black with the posterior lobe, 2 small points just in front of it,
a narrow anterior collar and the sides yellow.
Thorax yellow marked with black as follows :—two dorsal bands converg-
ing above, widely divergent below, markedly convex towards one another,
(the middorsal carina and collar below are yellow and confluent, the
former tapering into the latter), a humeral stripe on each side connecting
up with the dorsal bands above and below, so as to enclose an oval spot
of the ground colour, a posthumeral stripe connected with the humeral at
its upper part only. Laterally both sutures finely black. Tergum spotted
with yellow. i
Legs yellow, femora marked with black or brownish black, the extreme
distal end of outer side of hind, the distal half of outer side of middle,
and the whole length of outer side of front pair; tibiae narrowly yellow
on extensor surface.
Wings hyaline, palely saffronated, costa yellow; pterostigma yellow
between black nervures, over 5 cells, 4 mm. long, braced ; 1 cubital nervure
to all wings; nodal index = a 3 to 4 rows of postanal cells in hind-
wing ; no vestige of a loop ; 2 rows of postanal cells in forewing ; membrane
almost obsolete.
Abdomen tumid at base, cylindrical and slender as far as segment 8, the
latter and 9 dilated, 10 very small. Black and yellow as follows :-—
segment 1 yellow with a basal black spot on each side separated by the
dorsal carina, 2 with a trilobed yellow dorsal band tapering apicad and
lying between narrow black stripes, sides broadly yellow, 3 to 6 yellow
with broad black apical rings and a median spot on the jugal suture
tapering laterally, basad and apicad. On segments +to 6 the apical ring
sends a prolongation forwards on either side which meets the jugal spot
and encloses a yellow subdcrsal spot, 7 to 10 ochreous or reddish yellow,
basal articulations finely black.
Anal appendages yellow, superior as long as segments 9 and 10 taken
together, subcylindrical, tapering apicad; where they curve downward.
Apices flattened plate-like, slightly bifid. Inferior appendage shorter,
broad and flat at base, curling abruptly upin its basal half; where it
bifurcates into two slender contiguous truncate branches.
Female. Abdomen 37 mm. Hindwing 30 mm.
Similar to male ex2ept for sexual differences in shape. Abdomen 9» 9-9°5, av. 9'°1. wing 55-58 ; av. 56°3. |
Soft parts: Iris hazel (hazel-brown); bill, upper mandible dusky-yellow,
lower mandible yellow or pale yellow; tarsus pale yellowish-plumbeous (yellow-
ish-green); soles paler yellowish-plumbeous (deeper yellowish-green),
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SiKKIM HIMALAYAS. 1025
All these specimens have the two outer tai! feathers slightly margined on the
inner web with white.
I have not obtained this Warbler in the Interior of Sikkim. It is evidently
confined to the Outer Ranges during the breeding season, descending to lower
limits during ‘‘the cold weather.”’
149. The Allied Flycatcher-Warbler. Cryptolopha affinis
(Horsf. & Moore).
Observed plentifully in the Tisia Valley where it has been obtained up to
an elevation of 5,800’. (G. FE. Shaw). I have failed to locate it in the Rungbong
Valley at anything approaching this elevation. All my records refer to C.
poliogenys. It is somewhat a difficult matter to discriminate between the two
species, even when observed at close quarters under good conditions.
150. The Black-browed Flycatcher-Warbler. Cryptolopha
burkii burkii (Burton).
Apparently this Flycatcher-Warbler has the widest zonal distribution in
comparison with the other members of this genus. Common on the Singile
La Ridge at 10,000’ in Apriland May. Obtained in Nepal and Sikkim.
Numerous records from 3,400’and upwards in the Rungbong Valley, and obtained
as low as 2,000’ in the Tista Valley. (G. E. Shaw). There is every likelihood
that it occurs at much lower limits during ihe cold-season, yet it is strictly not
migratory, and it was observed on numerous occasions in the Eastern Dooars
in January 1922. Obtained at Bhotan Ghat onthe Raidak River, 9 24-1-22.
Bianford obtained one specimen at Lachung on the 28th September.
Eight specimens examined :
3 Wing. 58-60, av. 59°2. 9 53-56, av. 54.
These measurements average slightly larger than a series of five specimens
from Assam. 4 Wing, 57-58, av.,57°7. Q 52-53, av., 52°5
This difference is not surprising and might almost be expected, as more fre-
quently than not, specimens of all these small and other Warblers which have
been obtained at the extreme upper limits of their zonal distribution, have
a tendency to show a larger wing measurement than other specimens obtained
at lower levels, in species which merely move to some slight extent according
to season.
151, Brooks’s Grey-headed Flycatcher-Warbler, Cryptolo-
pha xanthoschistos jerdoni (Brooks).
Hodgson speaks of this form and the typical bird as breeding in Sikkim and
Nepal up to 6,000’ or 7,000’. It occurs commonly at all elevations up to 5,000
and obtained above Mangpu at 5,300, (G. E. Shaw). Generally distributed
over the whole area, and apparently the most plentiful of all the Flycatcher-
Warblers.
A series of three @ @, eight 9 9 Sikkim skins measure:
d@ Bill from feathers at base 7°5-8°5, av. 8; wing 52-55, av. 53°6.
Or a 33 A - » 9 =©7°5-8°3, av. 7°63; wing 50-55; av. 51°7.
. In comparison a series of six ¢ @, two? 9 Assam skins measure :
¢ Bill from feathers at base, 7°5-8, av. 7°8 ; wing 48°5-54, av. 50°6.
g Fe Sav 7°6 ; wing 47-50, av. 48:5.
One Bhotan Doone specimen & Bill from feathers at base, 8 ; wing, 49.
Sikkim birds on the whole certainly show more ashy-grey colour onthe
forehead, crown and napein comparison with Assam birds which are typical in
having these parts coloured blackish-ashy. The measurements however prove
the former to be this race.
23
1026 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXTIX,
152. The Grey-cheeked Flycatcher-Warbler. Cryptolopha
: poliogenys (Blyth).
Occurs in moderate numbers around Gopaldhara at 4,700’ in the Rungbong
Valley, and observed sparingly around Kalo Pokhari at 10,160’ on the Singile La
Ridge in April and May.
153. The Chestnut-headed Flycatcher-Warbler. Crypto-
lopha castaneoceps (Hodgs.).
Generally distributed at all elevations wp to 6,500’ at all events.
Apparently more plentiful from about 4,500’-6,000’. Obtained above Mangpu
at 6,300’, (G.E. Shaw). Mai ‘“Khola”, East Nepal, 26-4-12 ; Gopaldhara,
4,720’, 3-11-20 ; 5,000’, 1-11-18. Nawiseo. 2,100’ ; 13-3-14. A party of about
fifteen of these birds amongst which was intermingled a small assortment of
Abrornis albogularis and possibly an odd pair of C. cantator. Bhotan Ghat,
Raidak River, Eastern Dooars, 23-1-22; obtained and observed on other occasions.
It more often than not keeps to the leafy branches of the lofty trees, and does
not frequent the lighter, yet denser vegetation, to the same extent as the other
members of the genus.
Semana-Mirik Ridge, 6,000’-6,500’, May, June 1923. TI found six nests in all
containing both eggs, in one instance a single egg of Chalcococcyx maculatus
alorg with the three eggs, one of which was broken, slightly incubated and
forsaken on the 22nd of May and in other two cases, single juvenile cuckoos
of this species, females, the sole occupants. On the second occasion I visited
one of the latter nests at dusk ; I was struck by the chestnut head being so
prominent as to lead me to believe the parent bird was in possession.
Whilst it would be, perhaps, rash to hazard a guess that the majority of the
eggs laid by this Cuckoo in this Cryptolopha’s nest will prove to produce
females and that the eggs laid, for instance in the nest of -Hthopyga saturata
will turn out to be males; yet it would only bein keeping with what we
might expect of nature’s harmonizing methods.
It builds in the dark recess of an overhanging bank, constructing the usual
compact cup-shaped nest of moss, like its congeners with the entrance more
often than not facing the bank and opposing its main means of ingress and
egress. Although its habits in nidification allow of careful concealment ; there
is little doubt it suffers depletion of its numbers and eggs through the wiles of
snakes, when the brooding parent bird completely disappeais with its charge.
The full complement of pure white eggs, steel transparent, is three.
A small party seen on the 13-6-23* we1e probably composed of the parents
and young.
Four specimens examined; wing, 48-50, average, 49, which Simvlacy, com- |
pares with Assam specimens. The measurements show no appreciable difference |
between the sexes, which a large series would possibly refute.
Soft parts: Iris brown; bill upper mandible dark horny, lower mandible :
pale horny; tarsus dusky-horny.
154. Tickell’s Flycatcher-Warbler. Cryptolopha cantator
(Tick.).
Mandelli obtained numerous specimens of this species which are in the National
Collection, but it appears to be locally distributed, and only occurs sparingly at
moderate elevations. Obtained on one occasion at Gopaldhara 3,500’, in the —
bottom of the Rungbong Valley, 25-3-11, ¢ Bill from feathers at base 9;
wing 51.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 1027
155. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Warbler, Abrornis
superciliaris superciliaris Tick.
Confined to low elevations only. Great Rangit Valley, 18-2-20.*
Obtained up to an elevation of 3,300’ in the Tista Valley. (G. E. Shaw).
156. The Black-faced Flycatcher-Warbler. Abrornis
schisticlps schisticeps (Hodgs.).
Generally distributed but far from common and with a restricted zonal distri-
bution. Obtained around Gopaldhara up to an elevation of 5,800’, apparently not
to be found below 5,000’, also obtained above Singhik at 5,200’, in the interior
of Sikkim, 12-3-20, one d secured ; several noted in a mixed party of Cryptolopha,
Periorocotus, and in forest, on lofty trees. Gopaldhara, 5,000’, 26-2-19, ¢ testes
enlarged ; shot out of a large party of mixed species of small birds, in heavy
forest. 5,500’, ¢ 14-11-20, noted as a difficult optical task to distinguish between
this Abrornis and Chelidorhynx hypoxranthum; both of which species were
mixed up with Minla, Ivuius flavicollis‘and other small Warblers; the open
tail and short flights of Chelldorhynz were of course distinctive and it was only
when this trait in this Flycatcher was observable the Flycatcher-Warbler could
be identified with certainty. |
Three specimens examined :
3 Bill from feathers at base 6°5.; wing 48.
Soft parts: Iris red-brown of a defined tint; bill dark ochreous-horny
(pale brownish-horny),—a somewhat unusual colour for the bill in comparison
with its near allies; tarsus olivaceous-horny (dusky-olivaceous) ; claws similar.
157. The White-throated Flycatcher-Warbler. Abrornis
albogularis albogularis Hodgs,
Only found at low elevations probably not exceeding 2,500 or thereabouts.
Observed in the Great Rangit and Tista Valleys, alsoin the Balasan Valley,
Namsoo to Panighata.
158. The Broad-billed Flycatcher Warbler. Tickellia
hodgsoni (Moore).
Observed and obtained on numerous occasions in the Rungbong Valley from
2,800’, July, to 6,000’, March, and there is no doubt these limits are exceeded in
an upward direction. Gopaldhara, 3,800’, 19-7-21 ;* 5,900’, 9 17-2-18 ; 5,800’, 3
6-2-21 ; 6,000’, f 225-3-20,* in scrub-growth, every indication of their being
about to nest, 4,200’, 2 10-10-17.* 3,700’, 14-4-23,* a pairin evidence.
5,800’, 24-5-23,* a pair in company with a mixed assortment of small birds.
This Flycatcher-Warbler has very much the same habits as Horornis. It keeps
to the dense undergrowth, and though its high pitched note and_ bright coloration
is apt to cause it to be more easily located ; it is only on rare occasions, it may be
observed to advantage. Due to this trait in its habits I have been entirely
misled; as I had been under the impression all the birds that had come under my
observation were Phyllergates coronatus. On comparing my Assam skins of
the latter, it was then only apparent, as there is no likelihood of this Tailor-
bird,which could only possibly occur in the foot-hills, everbeing located at similar
elevations. Had I only examined the bills of the few obtained, apart from
my disinclination to shoot what I rightly regarded as a none too plentiful and
interesting bird, my mistake ought to have been apparent; instead of which my
interest has always been centred on the tops of the trees, wondering if ever I
should be fortunate enough to locate one of the few rare birds whose
whereabouts had so far baffled me. Even the field-ornithologist, left to his own
resources, has his difficulties.
1028 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vel. XXIX..
Two specimens examined :
& Bill from feathers at base 8°5; wing 47°5. @Q Bill 10; wing 46°5.
159. The Aberrant Warbler. Neornis flavolivacea flavoli=
vacea_ Blyth.
Dr. Hartert considers this Warbler congeneric with the four species to follow
which are all included in the genus Horeites.
In common with other near allies, probably only breeding at high altitudes:
and descending to the valleys in the winter. The distribution as given by Oates:
is conflicting. Himalayas, 6,000’-10,000’, ‘* breeds 3,500’-6,000 ”’ and is evidently
a mistake. Obtained near Kalo Pokhari in East Nepal at 10,00u’, 2 7-5-12.
Bill from feathers at base, 10; wing, 54.5. Gopaldhara, Rungbong Valley,-
Darjeeling, 3,500’, 13-2-19. Bill from feathers at base 10 ; wing 57. Well
represented in the B. M. Collection, May, June, August, October-December’
(Mandelli).
160. Hume’s Bush-Warbler. Horornis acanthizoides brun--
nescens (Hume).
Obtained near Kalo Pokhari, in East Nepal at 10,000’, 9 29-4-12. Bill from
feathers at base, 9 ; wing 50. Above Karponang, in the interior of Sikkim also:
at 10,000’, $ 24-3-17. Bill feathers at base 8; wing 52. On the latter
occasion procured in dense ‘ prong” bamboo thickets, a habitat similarly’
frequented by Conostoma cemodius. Well represented by Mandelli’s Sikkim
specimens in the B. M. Collection, January, February, spel November, but:
most without any data as to exact localities.
161, The Strong-footed Bush-Warbler. Horornis fortipes:
fortipes. Hodgs.
Occurs commonly around Gopaldhara, descending to the bottom of the Rung-
bong Valley in winter. Obtained at an elevation of 3,600’ in the Tista Valley,
(G.E.Shaw), and also at Chungthang at 5,500’, on the 26-2-20 3, in dense bamboo:
growth. Gopaldhara, 3,700’, 18-4-23, in evidence ina favoured locality, with
its high-pitched long drawn out note and a subsequent short trill, otherwise
difficult to locate as the few odd birds rarely showed themselves for anything
but a brief interval. There is some individual disparity in size as the follow-
ing measurements show :—
Four specimens examined :
3 Bill from feathers at base 8-5-1], av., 9-8; wing 50-57, av. 54.
2 29 9 29 29 99 2; ; wing, 49.
Seven Assam skins for comparison measure :—
S Bill from teathers at base 9°5-10, av. 9°8 : wing 50-56, av. 52.
Sie ae ies Rs » »» 10, av. 10 ; wing 48-53, av. 50.
162. Blanford’s Bush-Warbler. Horornis pallidipes (Blanf,).
Recorded as “‘breeding in Sikkim, Ging and Lebong near Darjeeling, May to:
June.” Represented in the B. M. (Hume Collection) by 8 Sikkim skins, March-
May, August, 1875-79, (Mandelli). 2 skins May, 1875, (Tweedale Collection.):
and 4 skins from the Bhotan Dooars, January and April, 1876-77. (Mandelli}.
163. The Large Bush Warbler. Horornis major (Moore).
Recorded for Sikkim. “ breeding high altitudes (Lachung.) in July.” Re-
presented in the B. M. Collection by 13 specimens, April-June, August,
October, November 1872-76 (Mandelli). 1 specimen L. A. Waddell and a2
23-10-70. Senchal 8,000’, (Blanford).
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF THE SIKKIM HIMALAYAS. 1029
164. The Golden headed Warbler. Phyllergates coronatus
(Jerd, & Blyth).
Recorded for Sikkim. Probably confined to the base of the hills and the
-valleys of the interior at low elevations. There is a specimen dated February
1873, Mangpu and many others from Sikkim.
165. The Rufous-capped Bush-Warbler. Horeites brunni-
frons (Hodgs.).
A cold-season visitor to the Rungbong Valley descending to 3,600’ and possibly
much lower, ascending to 10,000’ and over on the Singile La Ridge, at and about
-which elevation it breeds. Obtained around Mangpu at elevations of 3,600’-3,900’
during the cold-weather, (G. E. Shaw). Gopaldhara, 4.000’, 28-1-19.* 6,000’,
26-12-20. Mai Valley, East Nepal, 8,000’ and upwards, 2 18-3-12. 928-3-12.
34-12, evidently on the upward migration, extending up the valley with the
advent of warm weather. Kalo Pokhari, 10,160’, & ¢ 12-4-12; 3 16-4-12; $ 25-4-1%¢
3 12-5-12; $22-5-12; males much in evidence. During the first weeks in April
it utters a loud, sweet, if short song. Nests composed of grass and bents with an
interior lining of feathers; clutch, usually four, on one occasion five eggs.
Blanford records it from the Lachung Valley at 10.G00’-12,000’ (September).
Nine specimens examined :
S Wing 45-49, av. 46°9; Q 44-47, av. 45-4.
The measurement of the bill varies little in either sex being 8-8°5.
Soft parts: Iris hazel; bill dark horny, basal half of lower mandible pale
-yellowish-horny, darkening towards the tip; tarsus pale brownish-horny.
166. The Brown Hill-Warbler. Suya crinigera crinigera
Hodgs.
Recorded as occurring upto 6,000’ in the Himalayas. I have failed to obtain
it on the Western side of the District of Darjeeling. It has some status to the
East, where it has been obtained in the Tista Valley at elevations of from 2,800’-
3,900’ around Mangpu by Mr. G. E. Shaw. This species is well represented in
the B. M. Collection from the Sikkim Himalaya and a number have reference
to the lower hills around the Tista River, where Gammie stated it bred up to
3,500."
167. The Black-throated Hill-Warbler. Suya atrogularis
Moore.
‘¢ Chiboorchay ” Paharia
Gammie is mentioned as having found this species breeding around Mangpu,
but so far Mr. G. E. Shaw has not obtained it from this same locality. There
may be some error in reference to its nidification in this area,
I could find none of Gammie’s specimens in the B. M. Collection. It
occurs commonly both in Hast Nepal, in the Mai Valley up to 7,000’ and
numerous as a resident, breeding species in the Rungbong Valley of the Sikkim
Himalaya at elevations of from 3,400’-6,500’, at all events. I found the nest on
the Semana-Mirik Ridge, containing the full complement of four eggs, at an
elevation of about 6,700’, 6-5-23. Mr. C. M. Inglis has obtained it in summer ak
Jore Pokhari 7,400’ and at Rinchenpong 6,000’. Oates doubts Hodgson’»
specimens as having come from Nepal. I have no knowledge of its western
‘dimits beyond where it was obtained.
1030 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXLX,
168. The Ashy Wren-Warbler. Prinia socialis socialis
Sykes, |
Recorded for the Lower Ranges of the Himalayas upto 4,000’. This species:
is well represented inthe B.M. Collection by numerous specimens from the
Bhotan Dooars collected by Mandelli, and othersin the Seebohm Collection:
evidently Mandelli’s skins also, with no definite data excepting the locality
Sikkim. Its exact status in the valleys of the interior is obscure.
( To be continued. )
L081
REVIEWS.
ButterFty Lore. py H. Eitrincuam, D.Sc., M.A., F.Z.S., F.E.S.,
CLARENDON PRESS, OXFORD. PRICE s. 4-6,
(180 pp., 1 coloured plate, 52 text figures, 5x73).
The title of this book is somewhat misleading. It deals equally with Butter-
flies and Moths: it is not concerned with descriptions or classification ; it does
not teach the reader how to catch butterflies or how to preserve them. The
object of the book is to set forth in simple language certain interesting details.
of insect life. The life history is described in detail, chapters being devoted
to the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and perfect insect. Then follow descriptions
of the senses, scents, methods of concealment, mimicry and polymorphism. The
yeological record in respect ot butterflies is lightly touched upon and there is a
chapter dealing with the relations between butterflies and ants.
The subject is treated in a light vein and there are no technical terms or
intricate scientific descriptions. The whole book is absorbingly interesting
from start to finish and one is amazed at the revelations obtained by the use
of a high power microscope. The most interesting chapters are perhaps those
on mimicry and on the senses of butterflies and moths. The various artifices
that insects employ in order to keep their place in the acute struggle for exis-
tence are simply marvellous. Most people are aware that many butterflies mimic
others that are distasteful to enemies and that many again are coloured so as to
resemble their surroundings, but it will be news to many of us that there are
caterpillars provided with poisonous hypedermic syringes, others with fiendish-
ly shaped poisoned spikes, and so on. It is shown that butterflies and moths
have but poor eyesight, though the structure of the eye is extraordinary and
entirely different to that of a mammal’s. The sense of hearing is doubtiul
though, as in a few exceptional cases the insects can make a noise, it is
reasonable te assume that their mates can hearthem; in some moths there
appears to be a well developed ear on either side ofthe body. The senses of
touch and taste are undoubtedly more or less developed. But it is the sense
of smell that in certain.instances is so extraordinary, while a very large number
of the insects are provided with a wonderful scent preducing apparatus. In
addition it is suspected that insects have a sixth sense that we do not possess
and can only imagine with difficulty ; that is sense of what may be called grav-
ity, which permits a butterfly to sweep through dense forest at great speed
without touching a twig in spite of its poor eyesight. The microscopic examina.
‘tion of a butterfly’s feelers or antenne reveal the presence of four distinct types:
of organs, the uses of which are little known ; additional organs are contained
in the palpi, which are appendages in front of the face on either side between
the eyes.
The ordinary reader will find the book full of interest while for the expert
naturalist there is a great deal of matter that he will find new to him, that has
been gained from recent experiments and discoveries.
We EE BV ANS,
A BreviocRaPHy oF FisHes. By Basurorp Dean and others. 3 volumes.
(Vol. I, 1916 ; Vol. IT, 1917 ; Vol. ILI, 1923: New York). Published
by the American Museum of Natural History in the Science
Education Series.
-Ichthyologists and naturalists in general owe a deep debt of gratitude to the
American Museum of Natural History, and to Professor Bashford Dean and his
colleagues Messrs. C. R. Eastman, EK. W. Gudger and A.W. Henn, for their Biblio-
graphy of Fishes, the third and last volume of which has just appeared. Each
volume consists of over 700 pages of close print. The first two’ contain a
1032 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL AIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
catalogue of all papers on recent and fossil fishes published from the year 1758
the items arranged alphabetically under the author’s names ; while the third
contains a subject index and much miscellaneous information such as
“* Titles of Pre-Linnean Publications,” ‘‘ List of Periodicals relating to Fish and
Fisheries’, etc. The subject index is arranged in three main sections, (a) Mor-
phological and general section, (6) Systematic section and (c) “ Finding
index.”
The value of bibliographical work on so comprehensive a scale can hardly be
xaggerated at the present day, when biological investigations of all kinds
are hampered by the publication of an enormous mass of uncorrelated details.
So far as we have been able to test the volumes published by the American
Museum of Natural History the work has been done with the greatest possible
care and extremely few references have escaped the notice of its authors. We
congratulate them on the completion of an unusually important, laborious
and careful investigation, which is of infinitely greater value to the cause of
science than much so called original research.
N. ANNANDALE.
S. L. HORA.
WILD ANIMALS IN CENTRAL InpIA. By A. A. DUNBARBRANDER, F.Z.S.,
F.R.G.S., Conservator of Forests. London, 1923; Edward Arnold ; pp.
xxii+296, 19 plates ; price 18 Shillings, nett).
It has often been remarked that the writing of books on “ Shikar’”’ in India
has been overdone, and this, in respect to some previous publications, has been
said with some justification.
The book under review Wild animals in Ceniral India by Mr. A. A. Dunbar
Brander comes under a very different category, and will be welcomed by
sportsmen and field naturalists as an interesting and accurate work, useful to
those with experience and invaluable to novices. It is the result of diaries
and notes kept during twenty-one years passed in the Forest Service, and
shows that the author has indeed learnt *‘to grow wise in more than wood-
lore alone.” :
Mr. Dunbar Brander tells us that during about six of his twenty-one years he
practically ceased to shoot, and says, “It is to this period that Iam chiefly
indebted ; one can see so much more of an animal, and under such _ different
circumstances, if one is intent on not killing it.” How very true this is all
sportsmen know.
The object of the book is described by the author to be to supply information
to the field naturalist and sportsman who takes an intelligent: interest in the
animal he is hunting. It does not claim to be a guide to the hunting and kill-
ing cf the various animals dealt with. To the reader of experience, however, it
will be abundantly evident that the volume is a guide both to sportsmen and
field naturalists ; and the author can be assured that all who read his book will
derive both pleasure and profit from its perusal.
The arrangement of the book is good, and the writer expresses his meaning in
a clear and attractive manner. One wishes that the index had been more full.
and that there could have been more than the nineteen illustrations from photo-
graphs ; some of which might have been better, that of the two wild bears in
particular.
Twenty-four pages, full cf incident and interest, are given to the habits of the
sloth bear, to which animal the author accords pride of place, in matter of inte'-
ligence, over a!l the beasts in the jungle, the Primates excepted; and in the
reasons given for this view he takes the reader with him. In addition to telling
us all there is to know concerning the sloth bear, Mr. Dunbar Brander breaks
new ground as to his habits and character; and also sets out to lay at rest certain
errors which, he considers, have been handed down from the earliest writers.
REVIEWS. 1033
As to the known fact that the sloth bear has a_ very strong sense of smell, as
far as his food is concerned, and the anomaly that this animal is certainly not
difficult to approach when stalked or hunted, the authcr propounds the theory
that this bear is ‘‘ short-scented ” and fully explains what is meant by this term.
‘The theory is probably correct : and sportsmen will be interested in confirming
it by taking particular notice of the direction of the wind, in their future pur-
suits of ‘“ bruin’’ and so ascertaining whether, and at what distance, an adverse
wind affects the hunter’s approach. |
In regard to the manner of attack on human beings, our author is still on con-
‘troversial ground. He says he has never known bears, in seizing their enemy;
to stand upon their hind legs or attempt to hug: and that their usual method
is to knock the man over and burrow off his face and scalp with their fore
paws, adding that on occasions they will bite, but that they chiefly rely on their
fore-paws as their chief weapons of oftence. A sloth bear certainly does not hug
his enemy. That is a popular legend not founded on fact. But it cannot be
said that it is unusual for an attacking bear to stand up on his hind legs ; or that
the fore-paws are the chief weapons of offence. Your reviewer's experience is
to the contrary ; and in no case have wounds inflicted by sloth bears on human
beings been found to be from claws. The question could be satisfactorily settled
by medical reports from an area where injury by bears is of frequent occurrence.
Other habits also are discussed and the character of the beast illustrated by
amusing anecdotes. All who know * bruin” will agree that his manners are
uncouth, his character uncertain, and that he is a very real danger in the forests
tc unarmed people. Regarding the wild dog, a photograph of which would have
been a welcome addition to the illustrations, the author has much to say, a good
deal being new and interesting matter. The species is unpleasantly common
‘in the jungles of Central India and we are told how to destroy these pests by
‘means of an emulsion of strychnine, the strength of which is wisely not given,
but is known to those properly interested in the matter. Their manner of hunt-
ing and killing is described; the story that they are in the habit of emasculat-
‘ing the animals they attack being discredited from personal observation. This.
is only one of a number of such observances by which the value of this work is
enhanced, The chapter is full of interest. |
In respect of tigers and their ways our author writes in the light of a wide
experience and intimate knowledge, having shot, and seen shot, upwards of two
hundred tigers ; besides having to his credit the years of observation, without
‘shooting, which have already been mentioned. The subject is dealt with in
two chapters entitled ‘‘ Distribution—Size and Habits” and “ Tiger Hunting. ’’
The question of the twelve-foot tiger is sufficiently discussed, and some
authoritative weights and measurements of exceptionally large animals are given.
‘The reader will find much regarding the habits of the tiger that is of great inter-
ests. Mr. Dunbar Brander is able, from personal observation, to give a detailed
description of methods of killing, as against the conjectured accounts of so many
other writers. It is satisfactory to read that our author wholly discounts the
story for it is nothing else—that tigers and panthers suck the blood of the neck.
Because, from time immemorial, a bear has been said to hug his enemy, there-
fore he must do so: because a tiger is a blood thirsty animal, therefore he sucks
the blood of his victim. These are popular beliefs and difficult to dispel. And
in regard to the latter which is so deep-rooted among jungle people and Indian
shikaries as to be practically ineradicable, the sportsman will be wise to allow
‘the harmless legend to continue and so avoid being held to be an ignorant person.
All readers with experience will agree that the tiger hunts wholly by means of
sight and hearing, ana has very little sense of smell. This, and the marvellous
sense of localitv—shared by tigers and panthers alike—is illustrated from
observations of a tame tiger which the author once possessed.
24
1034 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXLX.
To extract more than this from the book would be unfair to the author : suffice
it to say that even the most experienced will find something that is new to them,
and any future writers will find it difficult to add to the wealth of information
furnished by Mr. Dunbar Brander.
Of ‘‘ tiger-hunting,”’ as carried out and suitable to the jungles of Central India.,.
the author gives us much thatis sound and sensible. Stalking on foot and shooting
the animal on his kill: hunting with dogs and shooting the bayed tiger on foot :
accompanying village cattle to graze and shooting the marauder while its vigi-
lance is lostin the ecstasy of killing : sitting up over the kill: and, lastly, beating.
All these methods are discussed and dealt with, the last named being that most
strongly advocated, a conclusion with which all willagree. Mr. Dunbar Brander
bars the use of the electric lamp for night shooting, considering that it does not °
give the tiger a fair chance, and pertinently asks “if we once admit the electric
lamp where are we to stop?” The practice of shooting tigers with aid of arti-
ficial light has been officially prohibited in the Forests of the United Provinces :
and most sportsmen will agree with the author that, except to get rid of a pest,
or, it may be added, in such dense jungles as absolutely prohibit any other method,,.
the use of electric torches oversteps the mark of what should be held to be sport-
ing.
Some twenty-five years ago the late Mr. Reginald Gilbert contributed to-
the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society an article designed to reduce
the number of casualties to sportsmen by telling them what to do and what
precautions to take when following up a wounded tiger: and our author tells
us that in 1916 the number of casualties which took place induced him to draw
up a fewsimplerules witha similar object. These are reproduced in the present
volume and it would be an excellent thing if this summary of ‘‘rules and precau-
tions to be taken so as to reduce risks in tiger shooting’’ were printed and
issued with all shooting passes.
Very excellent advice as to what description of weapon to useis given, as also:
an instance of the uselessness of firing at a tiger with a high velocity small bore..
Some instances of failure of even the heaviest weapons are recited: To all the
author has to say, one thing, obvious though it is, may be added, and that is:
‘itis the first shot that counts the most and that shot should be taken with all’
possible care so that the bullet will strike or reach a vital spot. An initial shot,
fired with insufficient deliberation, may have disastrous results.” .
Of leopards or panthers there is a somewhat less full account than of the tiger :
but practically all is said that the subject requires. The question as to whether
the tiger or the panther is the more dangerous, from the sportsman’s point of
view, is discussed ; and some weights and measurements are given. Habits and
character are illustrated by suitable incidents and the chapter generally gives:
a sufficiently full account of the panther and his ways. The author rightly
rejects the contentions of some former writers who have tried to divide Felis
pardus into two, and even three, species, based on size or number of caudal
vertebrae, etc., and tells us that throughout the length and breadth of the land
there is but one Felis pardus: a beast of great variability in size and colouring,
these being more or less occasioned by food supply, habitat, etc., etc. As to
shooting of panthers by aid of artificial] light we are told “as leopards can be
considered vermin pure and simple, the ethics of how they are killed does not
arise.” May sportsmen trap or poison them ? Wild dogs may be poisoned, so
why not panthers! We think that Felis pardus, indomitable beast that he is*
when wounded, and no mean antagonist at any time, deserves a higher status
than that assigned to him.
Gaur and buffalo are dealt with in one chapter, the former animal being better
known to our author than the latter. That bison are dangerous animals to hunt:
is shown to be a common error, with which conclusion those who have the neces-
sary experience wili be in fullagreement. This noble denizen of our Indian:
REVIEWS. . 1035.
jungles is fully and accurately described, some measurements are given, the
weight of one animal is recorded, and instances in illustration of their poor sight.
but excellent sense of smell are related. There is no finer sport to be had than
bison shooting with the aid of trackers. The author touches upon this and other
methods of hunting this animal. Your reviewer would put the case against
driving of bison stronger than does the author, and for a different reason, and bar
it altogether as ‘“‘ overstepping the mark.’’ Measurements to indicate the huge
dimensions attained by the Indian wild buffalo are given and some recorded
weights and measurements are referred to. Buffalo in Central India, and adja-
cent parts of the country, are now so diminished in numbers, that butfew of the
future generation of sportsmen will be able to include among their trophies the
imposing horns of this animal from anywhere outside Assam and Bengal. The
tracking of buffalo is a sport equal to that obtained in pursuit of the bison, with a
more exciting element in it, as this animal is undoubtedly more dangerous to
deal with, when wounded, than is the bison ; though it is to be doubted whether
he is so invariably dangerous as is popularly supposed : at least that is the
opinion of the present writer based on experience including the following on
foot of two wounded bulls.
The largest of the deer tribe in India—the Sambur—is dealt with in fullest
detail, and we are told all there is to know about the species ; indeed it may be
said that the most experienced sportsman could add nothing to the information
given. Samburin Central India run larger, bothin horn and body measurement,
than those from the Terai, Southern India, and other parts of the country. The
largest and heaviest stag measured by the author was five inches less in height.
than the 64 inches to which Lydekker states the species attains. A sambur
measuring 64 inches at the shoulder could certainly not be found outside Central
India. The oft repeated story that old sambur stags do not shed their horns:
annually is rejected with sensible remarks to the effect that when a sambur in
full horn can be shown to have been shotin August or September then the story
may be worthy of further investigation. In this chapter, as elsewhere in the
book, one meets with remarks and advice which should be borne in mind by alk
true sportsmen. The swamp deer, or “ barasingha,” of the Central Provinces,
is less well known to sportsmen in general than either the sambur or chital, the
extensive information given in the present volume being therefore all the more
welcome. Illustrations from photographs of the horns of both this deer and of
sambur show the more usual of the various types which are met with. The
author says that swamp deer are far more immune, and suffer less casualties,
from rinderpest and foot and mouth disease, than do sambur and bison. It
would be interesting to learn why this should be the case. Marked differences:
between the swamp deer of the Central Provinces and those of the Terai are
brought to notice and commented upon, so giving rise to conjecture as to which
of these areas was the originai habitat of the species. Our retiring littlefriend the
barking deer : muntjac : rib-faced deer : kakur, etc., as this widely known animal
is variously designated,is the smallest of the deer tribe to be found in the Central
Provinces. The several peculiar characteristics of this interesting animal are
discussed. Concerning the much debated point as to how the “‘ castanet’”’
noise is made by these.deer, the author concludes that it is merely a modified
. form of the usual cry of alarm, the sound being jerked out while the animal is:
in motion at the time. That itis a voice cry is probably correct, and confirms
tho conjecture of the present writer. Why should the kakur, when slightly
alarmed, make noises with its feet, or its teeth, ifindeedit can make such
noises !—when the natural mode of expression would. be the voice. Your
reviewer has heard this noise made by a female kakur which has not got canine
teeth. Instances of injury caused by the peculiar canine teeth of the male of this:
deer are recounted. Your reviewer once saw a case of a cow buffalo receiving a
cut, nearly eleven inches long, by which it was in danger of being disembowelled,.
1036 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
from amale kakur which got among the herd and became frightened. The
‘wound was sewn up and the buffalo recovered. It was not possible to say
whether the injury was caused by the canine tooth, or the sharp edge of a
chipped horn—most likely the latter. The cut was a clean one.
The antelopes are dealt with under one chapter, the nilgae or blue bull, the
blackbuck, the chinkara, and the four-horned antelope being all described,
habits discussed, and weights and measurements given. As might be expected
the author is not able to tell us much that is new in regard to these well known
animals. The elaborate arrangement of hairs inside the ears of chinkara, design-
ed by Nature to protect them from flies and insects, is remarked upon. Black
buck are similarly protected but in a lesser degree and camels have a very effi-
cient ‘ hair entanglement ” of the same description. On the Indian wild pig
we have a chapter entirely readable and infcrming, which, while not aspiring to
deal with the pig except from a sportsman-naturalist’s point of view, yet gives
the novice an insight into the art of pig sticking. The ‘‘ maxims for the novice’”’
are amusing, and probably wholly effective in guiding those for whom they
are intended. The field naturalist will find ample material upon which to re-
flect : and several things which he may not have himself observed. The conclud-
ing chapter deals with other jungle animals, the bats and rats being excluded,
those only which are likely to interest the average sportsman are selected. And
as regards these the author endeavours to confine his remarks to matters of
special interest. Hyaena, wolf, jackal, fox, caracal orlynx, hunting leopard,
wild cats, civets, mungooses, the Indian ratel, otters, squirrels, the mouse
deer, crocodiles, python ; all these are discoursed upon, and the reader will
learn much that he did not know before. We are not told that the hyaena will
attack and kill human beings; that has been known near Nowgong in Central
India. Of the wolf the author has had little personal knowledge, so also in res-
pect to the caracal, commonly misnamed lynx, and the hunting leopard, all of
which are rare animals in Central India. About the ratel there is much said
that is not generally known. The animal is very seldom met with. Natives
hold them in great dread. Weare told how to trap crocodiles, and how to shoot
them, with much else besides. The last paragraph of this informing volume
relates a remarkable instance of display of what appears incredible forethought
and reason on part of a python. This however is the experience of a friend of
the authors and not from his personal observations.
And so the pleasurable task of reviewing this excellent book comes to an end,
with the closing advice, from your reviewer, to both the experienced and the
inexperienced to take it with them into the Forests of Central India, and else-
where, and add, if they can, observations of their own on the various animals so
ably dealt with by Mr. Dunbar Brander.
R. B.
HIMALAYAN AND Kasumiri Brrps. By Dovertas Dewar, I.C.S.
(London 1923; John Lane: The Bodley Head Ltd.; pp. 200 ;
price 7 Shillings and 6 pence nett).
We have received for review a copy of Mr. Dewar’s latest book ‘‘ Himalayan
and Kashmiri Birds ’’ which is intended to be a companion and complementary
volume to his earlier ‘‘Indian Birds,” so that the two books between them cover
almost the whole of the Indian Empire, exclusive of Burma and Baluchistan.
As in the first work, the present volume is intended solely for the amateur
ignorant even of the names of the commonest birds that he meets with in his
rambles. Its scope is limited to the birds of Kashmere and the Himalayan Hill
Stations ordinarily met within the zone between 5,000—7,000 feet above sea-
level* and that in summer ; a total of 179 species have been selected as fulfilling
these conditions, and the number has been designedly kept as low as possible
in the effort to avoid distracting the beginner by an ‘‘ embaras de richesse.”’
a
REVIEWS. 1637
The book is divided into two parts. Of these the second part is the more
important and may be considered the main body of the work. It is a descrip-
tive list of the 179 species under consideration, comprising their names. descrip-
tions, habits and distribution, with their reference numbers in the “ Fauna
British India, Birds’ and Jerdon’s ‘“‘ Birds of India.”
The first part of the book is intended to be a key to the second part, guiding
the novice to identification of a bird by means of its salient characteristics in
life. The key is divided into three sections. Jn the first of these the birds are
classified by their structural peculiarities, such as bill, crest, tail and sexual
dimorphism in so far as these points catch the eye of an observer in the field ; in
the second the classification is by salient points of colour ; in the third stress is:
laid on habits and habitat.
The success of such a key of course depends on the closeness with which
the author succeeds in estimating the points that strike the average observer.
We have tested the key from that point of view and have found it work very
satisfactorily.
The descriptive list is somewhat harder to estimate. Opinions may differ as
to what species should have been included or omitted but on the whole the selec-
tion has been most judicious, except perhaps under the heading of ‘‘ Warblers’”
a group with which Mr. Dewar is but slightly acquainted, as appears from the
evidence of his previous books. The descriptions of plumage and habits are as
clear and succinct as possible, with the limits imposed, but there is a good deal
that is misleading in respect to distribution. It is a pity that Mr. Dewar did
not have his proofs read by others acquainted with the Hill Stations which he
has not visited personally.
We are glad to see that the book is free from the attacks on the scientific
student that disfigure so many of Mr. Dewar’s writings. But if Mr. Dewar
desires to continue as an instructor of the public mind he must bring his work.
more up to date.
Here as elsewhere the reference numbers of the various species in Jerdon and
Blanford and Oates are appended. Jerdon is worthy of all honour both as a
pioneer and as a very fine field naturalist and descriptive writer ; but to refer
the novice to a work hard to obtain and whose classification and nomenclature
are obsolete is of little value.
The references to the Fauna are important and should be cited. But the first:
edition of the Fauna to which all references are given is both out of date and out
of print. One volume of the new edition ha» appeared, another is in the press,
and the changes as a whole have been foreshadowed in the “‘ Hand list of Indian
Birds, which the author of the new edition has contributed to the Bombay
Natural History Society’s Journal. The binomial system has given place to the
trinomial, and many old names have been disturbed in the revolution of
nomenclature. Surely it would have been kinder to introduce the novice to the
names which his generation will use and not to the names current when Mr.
Dewar was himself a beginner. We may deprecate the changes but they are
necessary whether we like them or not, and all change is not necessarily for the
worse: to cite a case in point :—
Years ago the writer on his first visit to the Hills secured a lovely blue thrush
which appeared to be common enough ; yet search as he would he could not
identify it in Volume IT of the Fauna amongst the Jurdid@ to which it most:
obviously belonged. Some forgotten chance revealed the bird as Myiopho-
nens temmincki No. 187 in Volume I. The beginner’s instinctive recognition
of the species as a thrush has since been confirmed by the scientific world. Yet
true to his text Mr. Dewar continues to show the bird as a Babbler, doubtless to:
the confusion of many another beginner. Here is a change that he might admit,
and there are others that cannot reasonably be resisted. Growth and change
area feature of every healthy organism and to stand stillis to admit defeat,
H, W.
1038
EDITORIAL,
The maxims of Wilkins Micawber do not find a place in the statement of
accounts published on page 1067 of this number. Yet, in the manner of that well-
meaning though much-embarrassed financier, our Honorary Treasurer might
well have indicated the disastrous consequences which must inevitably result from
pursuing a policy which produced such a decidedly unfavourable balance sheet.
“Our receipts (other than what should be treated as capital and amounts
received on account of Game Books, etc.), as compared with expenditure,
appear to show a deficit on the year of very nearly Rs. 10,000.”
The causes leading to this gloomy result are indicated— .
‘a decrease in subscription apparently due to the fact that twice as
many members resigned from various causes as joined the Society.”
‘So much as regards decrease in our revenue, similarly on the expenditure
side we appear to entertain our very especial “‘ Ruhr ”’ problem :—the cost of
the Journal
‘‘ which shows a further increase of nearly Rs. 15,000 over last year, and
now costs Ks. 11,400 more to print than it did three years ago, an
increase of nearly 100 per cent. over 1920 printing charges.”
‘“* Expenditure under all other heads shows a decrease,”’
The source of our trouble stands revealed, namely—our anxiety to provide the
‘members of this Society with a Journal which would make its arrival an event to
‘be looked forward to ; this has been our undoing, but appreciation of our
efforts has not been wanting, witness the letter from a member, now retired from
this country, who writes that he has changed his mind about discontinuing his
membership, because he finds the Journal so interesting. An old Life Member,
one of that fortunate class who camein when the Life subscription stood
at Rs. 200 makes open confession :—
‘* After considerable thought I have come to the conclusion that I am
obtaining too great value for the Rs. 200 Life subscription, when the
cost of printing and prices in general are taken into consideration.”
Obviously in casting our bread plentifully upon the water we looked for some
such response as this: we looked to a wider circulation, to an increased member-
ship roll. But the harvest has been disappointing. Why have we failed ?
Is it possible that it is due to the lack of a keen interest and active co-operation
on the part of members of this Society ? May we, in return for our efforts to
produce a good Journal, appeal to members for a fuller recognition of those
responsibilities which make for more active membership ? It has been suggested
that the work of the Society is insufficiently advertised. ‘If you want a
thing well known—speak about it to your friends”, thus Lord Leverhulme
explains his phenomenal success as a salesman. A member writing from London
advises us that he has bought a complete set of the Journal down to the end of
the last volume, all being bound except the Jast volume, for £32. He adds
“There have been quite a number of sets, but mostly incomplete, offered in
London during the past twelve months and up to £40 has been asked. J think
if the Journal were better known over here that you would obtain a number of
subscribers. Certainly there is not in my opinion any Journal like it, and there
are always interesting articles on Sport and Natural History in all its branches.”’
Will members personally assist during the present year in making the Society
better known among their friends and help to further their own interests by adding
at least one new name to the membership roll? Another two hundred members
would place our finances on a sounder basis and.a guarantee would be afforded
for the continuance of the policy which endeavours to keep our publication at
its present standard. We must all agree with the Finance Member of the
Viceroy’s Council that we must cover our deficit and if we cannot cover it by
means of increased revenue we must use the Geddes and Inchcape Axe and cut
down the Journal, including therein the Editorial.
EDITORIAL. 1039
The presen year will probably write Finis to the work of the Society’s Mamma!
Survey of India, as it is unlikely that fresh funds will be forthcoming for the
continuance of this enterprise. Of the value of the work that the Survey has ac-
complished it is unnecessary to comment—before long we hope to see the results
of this unique endeavour epitomised in a new volume on the Mammals of India
in the Fauna of British India Series. Two of the Society’s collectors are still at
work. One of them is now negotiating the Pindari Glacier under the guidance of
Col. R. W. Burton, to whom our thanks are due for his continued assistance in
obtaining material for the Survey and the Prince of Wales’ Museum. To Major
C. H. Stockley we are in like manner indebted not only for his interesting narrative
of a ‘ Journey to Siam and Back,’ but also for many valued contributions to the
Society’s Museum. The subject of the Survey brings us to mention that very
interesting expedition which left England last February for Polynesia, via
Madeira: and the Panama Canal, on the Steam Yacht “‘ St. George’ chartered by
the Expeditionary Research Association with the object of carrying out scienti-
fic research in various parts of the globe. The scientific director of the
expedition is a member of this Society, Mr. James Hornell, late Director of
Fisheries, Madras. Mr. Hornell will take charge of the Ethnological work,
Dr. C. Crossley of Marine Zoology, and among others the party includes an
Ornithologist, an Entomologist, a Botanist and a Geologist. We wish the Expedi-
tionary Research Association every success in the enterprise and are gratified
to know that a member of this Society is serving it in so honoured a capacity.
Before leaving India, Mr. Hornell sang his nunc dimittis in his administration
report of the Madras Fisheries Department for the year 1922-23. In the report
we find the results of his years of endeavour to place this department on a satis-
factory basis. He writes, “In several respects the past year has proved a
record ; all the important Revenue sections have prospered exceedingly and I can
leave the department with the knowledge that it has successfully turned the
corner of adversity caused by the aftermath of the Great War. My successor
will find the department fully reorganized and the lines of further progress
definitely marked out so soon as the finances of the country justify renewed
expansion.”’ It must have afforded Mr. Hornell particular gratification to be
able to round off his fifteen years’ work in Madras with so highly satisfactory an
account of the result of his stewardship. One of the last acts of Mr. Hornell
was to secure for publication in the pages of this Journal a series of papers on
Indian Marine fish by Dr. H. W. Fowler of the Academy of Sciences, Philadelphia.
The urgent need for a revision of our knowledge on this subject has been apparent
for some considerable time—the works of Francis Day are now obsolete, and the
nomenclature is out of date and in many instances erroneous. Dr. Hora of the
Indian Museum has for sometime been engaged in the study of fresh water fish,
but the marine forms have been hitherto practically neglected, and Dr. Fowler
will be doing for us a long expected and much needed work. The Society pro-
poses to assist him with material collected in this country, and we appeal to
members to help in the work. Specimens should be pickled in spirits or formaline.
Particulars will be supplied to all those who signify their intention to further this
project.
- How long will it be before we have established here in Bombay a Department
of Fisheries which is doing work parallel to that which is being done in Madras?
At some future date, possibly after further costly and abortive attempts to
improve our fish supplies, tle urgent need for a scientific survey of the marine
fauna of the western Coast will be realised. Money spent in investigations which
do not immediately yield results in hard cash cause grievous heart-burning in a
commercially minded ‘community, yet times out of number investigations of
this nature have formed the essential basis upon which many a remunerative
and revenue earning industry has been built.
Speaking of revenue brings us to the subject of “ revenue and_ pigs,” as
the Department of Agriculture, Bombay, has recently published a record
1040 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX7X.
of evil doing on the part of that marauding desperado Sus cristatu s’
the Indian Wild Boar. Few people are aware of the extent of the havoc
wrought to agriculture in this country by wild pigs. That the grievance
is acute and calls for immediate remedy is apparent from the amazing statistics:
provided by the Department. In certain districts the pigs,are actually ousting
the villagers from their homes, and turning fertile fields into barren wastes.
Figures provided by the Department give the best indication of the appalling
conditions that obtain in certain areas. Witness the following tabulation of
annual damage to crops :—
Konkan : a 54 -. 8 to 10 lakhs of rupees.
Thana District ah Ke se) Oto 10 do.
Surat? .. aa a: ee 1) do.
Deccan Canal eee is eye a 13 do.
Gujerat 30 per cent. of the crop.
The direct damage 4g the ‘Presidency i is Wconccmraniele estimated at 70 lakhs,
whilst the indirect loss runs into crores of rupees. In most districts sugar cane
suffers to the extent of 50 per cent. of the crop, ground-nuts 25 per cent., rice 10°
per cent. The Department of Agriculture is devising ways and means to cope
with the menace. A war of extermination on a species which is among the most
prolific of hoofed animals would be worse than useless. Attention must therefore:
be directed to the saving of the crops. This is the thorny problem with which the
department is now wrestling. Fencing-in of large areas would necessarily be:
an exceedingly costly process, and would be impossible without liberal Govern--
ment support. Suggestions which would tend in any way towards the solu-
tion of the problem would be welcome.
In connection with the slaving of the mighty boar we have to record
with gratitude, that the Society has just received, on deposit, a collection of
manuscripts relating to the doingsof pigstickers, these being the Records:
of the Ahmedabad Tent Club, dating as far back as 1858. The
entries include such names as “ Roberts,’ believed to be the late Field
Marshall, and the manuscript is illustrated with many spirited drawings and
sketches. A perusal of these records will we are certain appeal not only to the
ardent pigsticker but will also interest a much wider field. They are records:
of more spacious days when the earning of one’s bread by the sweat of one’s
brow did not apply with such special force as it does to-day. The leisure of the
past filled the columns of those now defunct Journals the ‘ Asian” and the
‘‘ Oriental Sporting Magazine” with lively records and observations on Sport
and Natural History by a host of enthusiastic amateurs. To this Society has
fallen the privilege of carrying on work which has given joy and inspiration
to all who seek and ‘find solace within that fane which is—
‘* Nature’s Cathedral, boundless as our wonder,
Whose quenchless lamps the sun and moon supply,
Its choir the winds and waves, its organ thunder
Its dome the sky.”
It is with deep regret that we record the death at Calcutta of Dr. T..
N. Annandale, F.R.S., C.LE., D.Sc., late Director of the Zoological Survey of
India and Superintendent of the Indian Museum, Calcutta. Dr. Annandaie’s
contribution to the cause of Scientific Progress in India is appreciated by all who
are conversant with his work in this country.
His early demise has deprived the Zoological Survey of India, not only of its:
founder but also of a distinguished and capable leader.
Dr. 8S. W. Kemp, the Superintendent of the Zoological Survey of
India, writes us; —
‘¢T shall be obliged if you will convey to the Committee and Members:
of the Bombay Natural History Society the sincere thanks of myself
i ad
EDITORIAL. ; 1041
and my colleagues for yeur Jetter of condolence in the loss we have
sustained by the sudden death of our Director Dr. N. Annandale.
By his death we are deprived of a chief who had endeared himself to all
his staff by his never-failing generosity and consideration for others.
It is only a few years since he succeeded in placing this department
ona satisfactory footing and we feel that the loss of his high
scientific ability and long administrative experience is an irreparable
disaster.” :
Dr. Annandale recently consented to serve on the Managing Committee of
the Society and his loss has deprived us of the benefit of his mature experience
and advice. .
Our sincerest condolences are offered to the members of his family.
We hope in the next issue to have the privilege of publishing appreciation
~ and record of Dr. Annandale’s work in India.
FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA.
In the ‘‘ FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA” Series the further volumes which
the Editor, Sir Arthur E. Shipley, with the assistance of Dr. Hugh Scott. and with
the sanction of the Secretary of State for India, has arranged tor, are :—
Volumes on Butterflies (Lycenide and Hesperiide) by Mr, N. D. Riley:
on the /xodide and Arvgaside by Professor G. H. F. Nuttall and Mr. C. War-
burton : on Leeches by Mr. W. A. Harding and Prof. J. Percy Moore: on the
Curculionide by Dr. G. A. K. Marshall: on the Carabideé by Mr. H. E.
Andrewes:on the Meloide by Mr. K.G. Blair: on the Evotylide and Endo-
mychide by Mr. G. J. Arrow: on the Culicide by Capt. P. J. Barraud, Lt.-Col.
S. R. Christophers, and Mr. F. W, Edwards : 01 the Chrysomelide (subfamilies
Chrysomeline and Halticine) by Mr. S. Maulik : on the Scolytide and Platypodide
by Lt.-Col. Winn Sampson : together with a revised edition of Mammalia by
Mr, Martin A.C. Hinton and Mr. R.I, Pocock and of Birds (6 vols.) by Mr. E. C.
Stuart Baker,
26 Nov, 192}.
25
1042
OBITUARY.
CoLONEL CHARLES SwinHOE, M.A. (Oxon.), F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S.
There passed away on December 2nd last year one of the eight original mem-
bers of our Society. The late Col. Swinhoe was born on August 29th, 1836 and
at the age of 19 entered the Army as an Ensign in the 56th Regiment of Foot.
He reached India just after the Mutiny and joined the Bombay Staff Corps,
with which Corps he served until his retirement from the Army 30 years ago.
He went through the Afghan War and was with Lord Roberts in Kandahar.
On his retirement from the Army he settled down at Oxford, but later on moved
to London, where he died.
Colonel Swinhoe was a man of many parts. A keen shikari of the old school,
who had accounted for between 50 and 60 tigers; devoted to most outdoor
games and sports ; interested in birds and amember of the British Ornithologists
Union ; but it is as an Entomologist that he has attained fame and for many
years he has been regarded as an expert on Lepidoptera. During his time in
India he was an indefatigable collectcr, working chiefly in the Bombay, Poona,
Mhow, and Karachi Districts and many contributions from his pen are to be
found in the earlier numbers of the Journal. After his retirement he devoted
the remainder of his life entirely to the study of Lepidoptera and contributed
freely to the Annals and Magazine of Natural History. On the death of Freder-
ick Moore, Col. Swinhoe was entrusted with the completion of that magnificent
work on Indian Butterflies, Lepidoptera Indica; the portions dealing with the
Lycenide (Blues), Hesperide (Skippers) and a part of the Pieridae, (Whites)
were compiled entirely by him. The Heterocera or Moths was, however, the
section of the Lepidoptera wherein Col. Swinhoe excelled; of these he had
amassed a collection containing 40,000 specimens, comprising 7,600 different
species and including over 400 types of new species described by him. He
remained active up to the commencement of his 87th year, just prior to which
he had completed “‘ A revision of the genera of the family Liparidae,” cover-
ing no fewer than 1,130 detailed entries.
He was well known as a lecturer on such subjects as Mimicry and was ac-
knowledged as an expert on all matters connected with Lepidoptera by investi-
gators of many countries. For his services to Entomology the University of
Oxford conferred upon him the honorary degree of Master of Arts, and the Ento-
mological Society of France appointed him an Honorary Member. But until
some future generation throws into the scrap heap our present system of nomen-
clature, Col. Swinhoe’s name will be preserved as the describer of many new
butterflies and moths, while many others have been named after him by authors,
who have wished to honcur a name, that has been pre-eminent among Ento-
mologists for many years.
1043
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.
No. —READER’S COMMENTS ON PREVIOUS NOTES
ARTICLES.
PRoTrEcTIVE COLOURATION IN WiLp ANIMALS.
(Vol. XXIX, No. 2, p. 469)
T read with considerable interest the article under the above title by B. P.
Tailyour in the August Number of the Journal. The principle of ‘ Counter-
shading’ to which he has been led by his observations and experiments is very
little different from what the American Artist-Naturalist Abbot H. Thayer
discovered in 1896. He called it the Neutralisation of Shadow. Poulton several
years before him had recognised the importance of this factor for purposes
of concealment in regard to two insects but for the wider generalisation credit
is due to Thayer. He published a book on ‘Concealing Colouration in the
Animal Kingdom’ (New York, 1910). I have not read this book but there are
copious references in Poulton’s papers from one of which the following may be
extracted.
“*The colours of large numbers of animals are darkest on the back, becoming
gradually lighter on the sides, and passing into white on the belly. Abbot H.
Thayer has suggested that this gradation obliterates the appearance of solidity,
which is due to shadow. A colour-harmony, which is also essential to con-
cealment, is produced because the back is of the same tint as the environment
(viz., earth), bathed in the cold blue-white of the sky, while the belly, being cold
blue-white bathed in shadow and yellow earth reflections, produces the
same effect. Thayer has made and presented models to the Natural History
Museums of Oxford, Cambridge, and London, which support his interpretation
in a very convincing manner.
‘* Special resemblances to twigs, upright stems, &c., are, Mr. Thayer considers,
represented upon a background in which the shadow is neutralized as described
above. Hence the background. 2z., the animal’s body, disappears, while the
markings upon it are alone distinctly seen.
«« For ages the artist has known how to produce the appearance of solid objects
standing out on his canvas, by painting in the likeness of the shadows. It has
remained for this great artist-naturalist to realize the logical antithesis, and
show how solid objects may be made to fade away and become ghost-like or
even invisible, by painting out the shadows.’’
I saw the models referred to in the Entrance Hall of the Museum of Natural
History, London. They were of ducks against a common back ground. One
coloured as the back ground uniformly throughout and the other asin a normal
bird and at a certain distance the latter one became invisible while the other was
conspicuous.
It will be seen that the principle thus described and illustrated by Thayer
is much the same as the one now enunciated by Mr. Tailyour. Mr. Thayer was
led to this interesting generalisation from his training and experience as an
artist. The credit is, therefore, all the greater to Mr. Tailyour for having arrived
independently though much later at practically the same conclusion without
any such training to guide him,
Dept. or AGRICULTURE, K. KUNHI KANNAN, M.A.,, Ph. D.
BANGALORE,
18th October 1923.
1044 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
““StrRANGE’’ BEHAVIOUR OF A PANTHER.
(Vol. XXIX, No. 2, p. 549)
The behaviour of a panther, referred toas ‘strange’? by Mr. Hanhartin his
notein the Journal of 25th August last (Vol. X XIX, No. 2), is easily accounted
for, and is, I think, not unusual. The animal was merely trying to avoid
observation. It was aware that by moving it would at once attract
attention, and by remaining motionless hoped to escape being seen.
As we all know, it is movement in nature that attracts observation
and nullifies the advantages of protective colouration, which is only
protective in a state of immobility. I think the behaviour of the panther
in question was not strange, but normal. No doubt many animals do
escape observation by this means. I saw the same thing in a hen pheasant a
few days ago, which was moving in an open stubble field. When it saw me ata
distance, the bird squatted with neck extended and head flat on the ground,
and did not move until I walked up to within five yards, when evidently realising
that it was observed, it took to flight. While still, it was quite invisible.
An experience very similar to that related by Mr. Hanhart occurred to me
some ten years ago. I was encamped in a country infested by panthers, when
some Brinjaras came with news that they had marked one down, and left some
of their people to watch it. I rode out to the spot, and found a grassy nullah
with few bushes ; the panther was said to be lying under a small bush about
forty yards off. From the top of the hill above, the men said they could see
the animal, and attempted to pointit out to me, but I could not make it out.
During this time, the men continued talking, and a dog with them barked at
times. I remonstrated with them, telling them not to talk or they would drive
the panther away. But one of them explained to me that, on the contrary, if
they ceased talking the panther would think they had gone, and would get up
and make off. So long as it was made aware of their presence, it would not
move, hoping thus to escape observation. It was with some difficulty and
after some shouting and throwing of stones that the beast was made to break
cover, and was shot.
It is for the same reason that it is advisable, when one is going to sit over a
kill or a tethered goat in wait for a panther, to cause one’s attendants to move
off talking after the arrangements have been made, leaving one in silence and
in ambush on the spot. The panther thus supposing that all the people have
gone and that the coast is clear will issue forth boldly as soon as the noise has
passed out of hearing.
R. G. BURTON,
Brigr.-General.
BaFFORD GRANGE, CHARLTON KINGs,
8th October 1923.
No. IlL—LARGE TUSKS OF INDIAN ELEPHANT (EZ. MAXIMUS),
With a Photo,
I enclose herewith two photos of a pair of elephant tusks which were found
in the Coimbatore jungles, as I think they must nearly constitute a record fo
India, taking all their measurements together with their weight. The,tusks wer-
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1045
dry, and had evidently been lying in the jungle for at least a year, and, as I under-
stand ivory loses 5 per cent., the weight must have been very considerably
more when the elephant died. The measurements and weights were most
carefully taken, and were checked by two other European planters here.
Right Tusk .. Length. 7 ft. 8 inches. Girth ..183 Weight, 792 lbs.
Left Tusk .. Do. 7 ft: 10 inches. Do. ..194 Do. 822 lbs.
Total weight 162 lbs.
Weights and measurements carefully checked by the following—
E. W. Simcock.
C. L. Napier.
C. R. T. Congreve.
c. R. T. CONGREVE,
VALPARAI, COIMBATORE,
18th December 1923.
1046 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1IX.
No. III—IN THE HAUNTS OF THE RED INDIAN WILD DOG
(CUON DUKHUNENSIS).
As the dawn breaks over an Indian jungle, the glistening whiteness of a small
encampment is revealed beneath the fruit-laden trees of a shady mango tope.
Near by is a small village containing about a dozen huts of very flimsy con-
struction and principally built of bamboo. All round are parched fields which
spring into life on the advent of the monsoon, and from which the villagers
obtain their annual stock of rice. ,
This tiny hamlet, situated in the eastern corner of the Central Provinces,
almost on the borders of Bastar State, isinhabited by a very uncivilised,
aboriginal tribe known as the ‘“‘ Mariahs’”’ or ‘‘ Marie Gouds,”’ whose intellect
is akin to their dress in scantiness.
They are, however, a very willing and friendly folk, and are hard to surpass
in jungle craft : the way thirty or forty of them will drive game, and parti-
cularly tiger, through difficult and broken country, up to some fixed point is
quite marvellous ; besides which they are gifted with extraordinary powers of
tracking.
It was in this tiny camp that I found myself in May 1913, and from the look
of the surrounding jungles I seemed to have found a good spot.
Also, on my way there,three miles along the road, between two nullahs which
it crossed, were the going and returning “ pugs” of a huge tiger, who killed one
of my “‘baits’’ a few hours after my arrival, but as thereby hangs a tale and this
story does not concern him, I must leave him for a while.
These jungles are situated in very broken and hilly country, full of rock-
strewn, bamboo-covered ridges of granitoid gneiss, the haunts of countless
spur-fowl, sloth bear, sambhur and panther.
Between the hill ranges were expansive valleys—thinly treed, and clothed
with a garment of tall jungle grass, in which roamed herds of bison, swamp deer,
and pig, with occasionally herds of the mighty wild buffaloes ; these valleys
were intersected here and there by sandy water-courses and nullahs, the haunt
of tiger. Water was scarce. Here and there in the nullahs one would find a pool,
and from the countless tracks around it one quickly realized how much it was
frequented by all kinds of game. The surrounding country was destitute of
villages, the nearest being eight miles to the south west, after which one
could go some twelve miles or morein any direction without coming across any
human habitation.
As the incidents I am about to relate are connected with one of the watering
places near the village, a brief description of it is necessary.
A few hundred yards to the west of the village was a small sandy water
course, which turned sharply to the south, and then ran parallel with a
jungle road.
About half-a-mile from the village and alongside this road there still re-
mained in the nullah a broad, shallow pool, used daily for watering the small
herd of village cattle, and which at night was frequented by some half dozen
panthers and various other wild animals. In addition to this, in the vicinity of
the village, there were many small pools of water which had been obtained by
digging deeply into the sand, and wild animals, if disturbed at the large pool
on their nightly visits, would often go elsewhere in this nullah for water.
Previous to this I had often seen wild dogs without getting a shot at them,
and my Punjabi Mussulman orderly knew these red brutes well by sight.
Consequently, one morning, I had no doubts about his story when he arrived
breathless while I was breakfasting and told me that as he had been washing
his clothes at the large pool, a pack of about twenty-five wild dogs had trotted
down, and, without paying the slightest attention to him, had first of all
slaked their thirst, and then had all lain down in the water with just their heads
showing.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1047
Any idea of tackling the rest of my breakfast was quickly dispensed with,
and I was soon—shot gun in hand—doubling after my orderly who was carrying
my spare weapon—a ‘256 Mannlicher. ‘‘S. G.’’ and “ B. B.” were the sizes of
the shot I took with me, but I was greatly handicapped by a broken gear-
spring in the mechanism of the action of the left trigger, which prevented
me from using the left barrel.
On arriving at the pool, which was not more than 60 feet by 30 feet in size,
not a sign of a “‘ cuon ”’ was to be seen, and _ bitterly disappointed, I was about
to turn away, when my orderly suggested having a look further in the jungle
round the nullah.
I had hardly taken a pace forward into the scrub when tawny forms rose
up from the shade of bushes and tussocks of grass, and the whole place
seemed alive with wild dogs.
Having read a great deal about the shyness of these animals, I hastily fired
a charge of ‘‘S.G.” at the largest one, but the range was too far to use such
pellets with effect which only scattered and did no damage.
Quickly reloading, a second shot was more successful, and bowled over a
fair-sized bitch.
Upon this second discharge a huge beast jumped out of the nullah and
passing close by me as I crammed in a fresh cartridge, halted a few yards
distant presenting an easy target.
Unfortunately I had loaded with lethal bullet, and a snapshot at him
proved in vain, for in my eagerness I jerked the trigger and caused the muzzle
of the gun to bob down, with the result that the bullet struck the ground
beneath the animal’s stomach. |
It was then that I noticed the curious whistling noise that these animals
make when alarmed, and I could hear it all around me in the jungle and on
the slopes of an adjacent hill.
Besides this I was rather surprised at the boldness of these ‘“‘ Red Dog ”
which, even after three shots, showed no inclination to hurry their departure
or move very far away.
Consequently, I sent my orderly to round them up and drive them back
again towards me from the hill where they had taken refuge.
This manceuvre was very nearly successful, but the “‘cuons ’’ had just enough
start to get ahead of me and making a detour they passed across the road at
the village end of the pool and began making their way up the slopes of another
scrub-covered hill.
Meanwhile I had noticed three ‘‘ Red Dog”’ lying in the pool, and missed
one badly with a snapshot from the Mannlicher. Then as the dogs were climb-
ing the northern slopes of the hill, I ran up from the south side, and on ascend-
ing a ridge near the top and looking over, I found myself face to face with a
large dog which I dropped, and which curiously enough turned out to be in
miserable condition. He had a mangy coat, was thin and emaciated in
form, and had diseased teeth. Why he had been allowed to live, let alone
remain in the pack, I cannot imagine, and I was sorry I had destroyed him, as he
might have spread his ailments through the pack with fatal consequences,
By this time it must have been 10-30 and as 1 did not feel inclined to resume
the chase over the hills at that hour, when the heat was distinctly un-
pleasant, I gave orders to the forest guard to make arrangements for the erection
of a well-screened machan in a low bushy tree growing at the edge of the water.
In about two hours time it was ready, and in the meantime I had returned
to camp.
When my orderly came to call me, he said that the parties of wild dogs had
been down to drink and bathe while they were at work.
Consequently, I was hardly surprised on arriving at the pool to see three
tawny heads sticking out of the water behind a rock at the farther end.
1048 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX,
A charge of “‘ B. B.”’ beyond peppering them did little damage, but I managed -
by running to cut off one from the hillit was making for, and bowled it over —
with a lucky shot—not quite good enough however—as he got up and limped off
on three legs in absolute ignorance of the direction of his aggressor.
Unfortunately, he saw me a few minutes later, and in spite of his wound was
off at a great pace and soon was lost to sightin the tall jungle grass and thick
serub. ;
After this disappointment and _ strenuous chase, I returned—hot and
exhausted—to the machan, but for a long time there were no further signs of
the ‘‘ cuons.”’
About 3-45 however, a movement to one side attracted my attention, and I
observed five reddish forms stealing along over the slippery, black rocks at the
north end of the pool. But what a change from the bold, devil-may-care-atti-
tude previously adopted by these animals. Now they come slinking cautiously
along, ears pricked up and attentive for the least sound, eyes searching in every
direction, now and then a pause, and last of alla careful look round as they reached
the edge of the inviting pool. I looked again, this time along the sights of my
gun ; all I could see were five tawny heads grouped close together sticking out
of the water. Bang! Five writhing forms are down in the shallow pool, but such
a bag is too good to be true, especially with a single barrel; and almost immediate-
ly, two of them, only slightly peppered, jump up and scamper away, whilea
third, in spite of a broken shoulder, makes off at a great pace.
The remaining two, however, are powerless to get away, and a couple of bullets
from a ‘22 bore rifle speedily put an end to their sufferings. Not so bad
after all, but what a triumph it would have been if I had had a second barrel to
follow up my first shot.
After this, I left the pool alone for the day and early next morning, as usual,
went for a long ramble in the jungle, but I had left a watcher at the pool, who,
on my return reported that he had seen three wild dogs. Accordingly, later
on in the day I again took up my position in the hide, and about midday the
member of the luckless party of five of the previous day, who had retired
with a broken shoulder came limping along and crept towards the pool
with the utmost wariness.
Although he did not detect me, he was very suspicious. As he paused at
the edge of the pool, he was struck by a charge of “ B.B.” and rolled over into
the water, out of which he scrambled on to the hill side, and fell dead after
going twenty paces.
The same evening I was sitting over a goat for a panther when two wild dogs
came down to drink at dusk. I had a shot at them, but both got away without
serious injury, although knocked over and well peppered by the charge.
The last glimpse I had of the remnants of the pack was on the following morning
as I passed the pool shortly after dawn. For I observed half-a-dozen reddish
hued forms stealing away ' through the clumps of bamboos which grew in
profusion on the slopes of the hill to the east of the watering place.
In passing from this subject I can only add my regrets that I had not doubled
or even trebled my bag as the red dogs are an absolute curse in the jungle, and
they are the most ruthless destroyers of game that exist. So bad are they
that in the Central Provinces a reward of Rs. 15 each is given for wild dog,
while in the United Provinces, both the Civil and Forest authorities give rewards
’ for their destruction.
One rarely gets such opportunities with a pack of “‘cuons’ and if only I ‘could
have followed up every shot with a second barrel, I would nae inflicted in-
finitely more damage on the pack.
G, R, S. PITMAN.
Kenya Cotony, East Aneaeae
12th September 1923.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, 1049
No. IV.—A NOVEL METHOD OF SHOOTING BLACK BEAR
IN THE “ GALIS’’.
Finding myself at Nathia Galiin the Murree Hills at the end of June 1912 with
a few days to spare on my hands, I looked about for something to shoot. Having
ascertained that at Dunga Gali, 24 miles away, there was a shikari of sorts, I
sent for him and discussed the prospects of bagging a bear within the next week
or so.
I was shown a long and well-wooded nullah which ran down some thousands
of feet to the Jhelum River, and was told that bear would certainly be found there,
but were not likely to be obtained unless I cared to kill an ox and leave the carcase
in a certain favourable spot, known to the shikari, some way down the khud.
Having purchased the bullock, I left the whole of the bandobast in the hands
of the shikari who proceeded to tell me that Major ;
last year had managed to bag no less than four bears over oxen . he had
killed, and placed in the same spot where mine would be.
Pleased at the prospect of a new form of shikar I returned to my headquarters
and waited fornews. On June 24th the carcase was placed in the forest, and
that night a bear came round and inspected it ;butdidnotsummon up enough
courage to tackle it until the night of 26th June.
Being informed of this, I determined to sit up over the carcase the next night.
T arrived at the spot about 6 p.m. and saw that the head and one of the shoulders
had disappeared and that a large portion of the neck had been eaten.
At that time there was a bright moon and at 9 o’clock I heard a bear below
on the khud side but he had evidently got hold of a shoulder or the head for I
was entertained for a long time with the sounds of crunching and cracking of
bones, and then when he did start off for the carcase he must have winded us from
the slight breeze which was blowing, and moved off again without showing him-
self. Later, I heard another bear moving about, accompanied by a couple of
cubs, but they also eventually went off down the nullah.
The next night saw me again in the machan and on my way to it I came across
the fresh and unmistaken traces of a panther.
He had evidently inspected the carcase that evening, but as he was not likely
to touch the putrid remains unless very hard pressed for a meal, I was rather anxi-
ous to see if he would turn up that night.
And turn up he did, for at 8-30 that evening I detected a slight movement, and
heard the snapping of a few twigs as he took up his position beneath an adjacent
bush, and broke the stillness of the night from time to time with an occasional
rasping sigh,
I wondered what he intended. Was he wanting a meal, and having winded
us, Was awaiting further developments, or did he think that the old bear with
cubs would come along, and that while she was busily engaged at her nasty feed
he might have a chance of abducting one of the plump little youngsters ?
At any rate there he sat and about an hour later an old bear came bustling
down the hill from above me straight towards the carcase.
But no! he winds the panther and witha frightened * ‘woof ” crashes away
down into the rocky nullah. Soon afterwards ‘‘ Spots” tires of his task and
silently wends his way up the hill, and another profitless vigil ends with the chilly
dawn.
I told the shikari that I should not sit up that night, but to cut up the remains
and strew the surrounding forest with tempting morsels.
This apparently had the desired effect for the next day I heard that nearly the
whole of the ox had been eaten and that the panther had again been in the
vicinity. The moon was now rising later and later and, on arriving at the machan
that night, I quickly realised that it would probably be my last chance.
‘ Soon after I took up my position on the springy platform of fir branches I
heard a couple of martens fighting in a blasted pine which towered above me.
26
1050 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
As I waited and watched, I pondered over the chances of getting a shot that
night, and as the hours sped by I began to give up all hope.
But it was still early and at 10-30 I heard the welcome shuffling sound close by
and below me.
Holding my breath I waited ; I dare not raise my hand to keep off the myriads
of mosquitoes which took this opportunity of launching a determined attack on
me.
A branch cracked, some leaves rustled, and my aching limbs had to be eased :
the shikari scowled at me, but to no purpose: I had to move, but still the bear
shuffled on. A sound of bones being cracked showed me that he was for the
time being occupied with morsels previously dragged away from the carcase.
When he had been shuffling around for nearly an hour, he suddenly bestirred
himself, and with the utmost caution approached the open space where lay the
few remaining pieces of bullock.
A final crash as he burst through the thick bushes, and I perceived a blackform
waddle towards the carcase and sniff it.
Unlike the semi-blind and almost deaf Sloth Bear of the Indian Peninsula,
these Himalayan Bears are possessed of all their faculties.
Consequently I drew a bead on him at once, and waited till he should offer a
broadside shot.
As I watched, he turned towards meand presented quite a good target and the
contents of my first barrel, loaded with lethal bullet caught him in the shoulder,
and bowled him over. The second barrel unfortunately was not so successful
as he lay kicking on his back, and before I could reload, he had picked himself
up and flung himself over the steep khud, where I heard him crashing down
through the bushes and undergrowth into the nullah below.
It was impossible to follow him up at once, and I had to content myself till
dawn with the thought that he was badly wounded and could not go far.
But all kinds of bear are possessed of wonderful vitality and I was doomed to
disappointment.
When light came the trail was quickly picked up and from the marks and blood
it was at once evident that a badly smashed shoulder was the damage.
For over two miles we followed these tracks, and then found ourselves utterly
at fault when we arrived at a small mountain torrent.
Casting round in circles was of no avail, for the luckless bear had made good his
escape.
Trail probability he had washed his wound in the water, staunched the flow of
blood, and then plastered it with leaves and mud, and so got clear away, without
leaving a trace behind him.
C. R. S. PITMAN,
Kenya Cotony, East AFrica,
14th November 1923.
No. V.—BLACK-BUCK AND JACKAL,
An incident of interest which I saw a short while ago, was as follows :—I
was after Black Buck in fairly open country near Nabha when I saw a buck being |
chased by a single jackal. The buck must have had something the matter with
its leg, although it ran very fast, for the jackal succeeded in catching it up and
pulled it down three times single handed. It always went for the back part of
the stomach and eventually disabled it. I went up and shot the jackal which
was quite a small one, and finished off the buck which could not move. I could
not find any visible signs of any previous injury on the Black Buck which would
account for its lameness.
L. G. W. HAMBER, Capt.,
NasHa State, PunsAB, 1/1st K. G. O. Gurkha Rifles.
26th November 1923.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES, ) 1051
No. VI—MALFORMED HORNS IN THE CHEETAL (AXIS AXIS).
(With a photo.)
No. 2. No. 1. No. 2. No. 3.
No. 1. Malformed horns of the cheetal (A. avis).
No. 2. 2. Picked up antlers of the same animal shed in the preceding year.
No. 3. Normal horns of the cheetal for comparison.
I send you for publication, a photograph of a freak of nature in the way of a
pair of Cheetal (Spotted Deer) horns.
I first observed the stag carrying these about the end of April 1921 when I was
shooting in little visited shrub jungle in the hope of securing one of the good
heads I knew were there.
I shot a stag in very open jungle and the report of my rifle put up 7 hinds
and a stag (this freak). The stag ran to my left and stood on a ridge barely
100 yards away and I could not but immediately notice the extraordinary horns.
He gave me a splendid shot (broad-side), but I missed him and later discovered
that the second leaf of the backsight wasup. I promptly followed the herd and
saw them crossing a piece of open for another patch of jungle and emptied my
magazine on the stag but with no result. I continued following and came across
the stag who had his horns badly entangledina big ‘‘ Karonda’’ bush and was
making frantic efforts to get loose, but before I could get round for a shot he
disentangled himself and disappeared, and though I searched the jungle tho-
roughly in a scorching sun all day, I did not see him again on this occasion.
On another visit to the same jungle I did not come across this stag but ona
third occasion I saw him again and this at the end of the day when I had given up
all hopes as I had worked hard in a thorough search of the surrounding jungles.
I was returning to my Headquarters through the jungle, when I saw a couple
of hinds with a good stag looking at me and shot the stag, and when they made
off I discovered to my chagrin that the object of my search wasin the herd. I
took a running snap shot but another Cheetal (female) intercepted and so I again
1052. JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Volt, XXIX,
lost the trophy ; the possession of which had now become an ambition if not
an obsession. Unfortunately, I did not get an opportunity to go out again.
In August I sent my Shikari out to see if the stag was still there and report on
the condition of his horns and he brought in the horns numbered (2) the photo-
graph of which I send, ‘picked up by a grazier not far apart.
From then onward I had him very closely watched to see if he would grow —
freak horns again which he did and in April 1922, having been informed that his
horns were no longer in velvet, I went out and shot him with the horns
numbered (1).
Quite apart from being an abnormal freak, it clearly establishes that freak
horns are permanent and not only confined to one set. I may mention here that
beyond this freak, the stag had no other visible defect about him which I could
detect.
The horns numbered (3) are those of a natural head, (362”) in order to show the
vast contrast.
B. A. PARR,
HosHANGABAD, C.P., Inspector of Police.
November 1922.
No. VII.—SOUTHERN RANGE OF THE MALLARD (ANAS BOSCAS).
A Mallard was shot by Mr. Borrisow near Taluja (Panwell, Bombay) on Novem-
ber 17th. It was a male bird but the curl of the tail feathers was only just
beginning. The bird seemed in good condition but allowed us to get very close
before rising, which was all the more surprising because we had been shooting
snipe within 50 yards of the bunch of reeds from which we flushed him. Mr,
Borrisow shot the same ground a week later and saw another Mallard. |
J. R. ABERCROMBIE.
BomBay, 8th January 1924.
A drake Mallard, a solitary bird, was shot on Xmas day at Palam tank, about
5 miles from Bulsar. This I believe is further south than Stuart Baker records
its occurrence.
I obtained a solitary drake Mallard about a week earlier at Maroli, 30
miles from here, on the same tank where Mr. Ball of the B. B. & C. I. Railway
shot one a year ago. hbase
T. F. G. SHEPHARD.
BULSAR,
B. B. & C. I. Ratwway,
27th December 1923.
Stuart Baker’s book on Indian Birds does not record the ‘‘ Mallard Duck’’ in
this part of the world. I shot one at Pali (35 miles from Jodhpur) on Sunday,
the 16th instant. It may be of interest.
Masor-GenLt. H. D. WATSON.
J ODHPUR,
18th December 1923.
No. VILL—NEST OF MRS. GOULD’S YELLOW-BACKED SUNBIRD
(ETHOPYGA GOULDI 4).
I obtained the nest and eggs of this bird in April 1923 and later in the year I
showed the eggs to Mr. Stuart Baker who kindly fixed their identity forme. As
I was unable to find any description of the nest one may perhaps be useful. On
my describing it, Mr. Stuart Baker showed me a painting which left no doubt
about it. 7
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1053
The nest is pear-shaped and was suspended from the end of a stem of wild
raspberry and beneath the two last leaves onthestem. It was composed entirely
of cotton silk or vegetable down. The whiteness of this material showing above
this stem would attract attention and to conceal it the bird had fixed green creep-
ing moss over it of the same shade as the raspberry leaf. This green creeping
moss was also used like filigree work over the body of the nest to keep it together.
There was only a suggestion of a porch over the entrance hole which was 3rds
of the way up. The material being so flimsy the bird had herring-boned the
lower edge of the entrance hole with the same green moss doubling it over the
edge so as to form a sharp firm edge. The eggs were typical Hthopyga,
spotted with greeny brown principally at the larger end where they formed a
thick circle, they measured °65 by -48 mm.
| S. M. ROBINSON, M.B.O.U.
No. [X.—NESTING OF WALDEN’S YELLOW-BACKED SUNBIRD
(4THOPYGA SANGUINIPECT A).
On seeing Mr. Stuart Baker at home I told him I had obtained this bird and
its nest and eggs at Thandaung in the Karen Hills east of Toungoo. He said
the nest and eggs had never previously been obtained and I apologize for not
having sent in a description before. I obtained them on 20th April 1923.
Nest.—Pear-shaped entrance 3rds of the way up with only a bare suggestion
of a porch, It was composed of dried grass stems lined heavily with silky white
grass down and decorated outside all over with chips of dealwood, bits of dead
bamboo and bamboo leaf. It was suspended from the end of a wild raspberzy
stem. The eggs are dull white spotted all over with greeny brown spots which
are thickest at the larger end where they run into each other and form a circle.
The eggs measure *69 by ‘48 mm.
S. M. ROBINSON, M.B.O.U.
January 1924.
No. X.—NIDIFICATION OF THE WESTERN SPOTTED
BABBLER. (P. RUFICEPS JONEST)
In the Fauna of British India—Birds—Vol. I (second edition) at page 242
under Pellorneum ruficeps jonesi (the Western Spotted Babbler) the note occurs
*- Nidification unknown.”’ As I have found several nests of this babbler in the
Dehra Dun, where it is a common bird, I write to record the fact.
This Babbler is found throughout the better wooded portions of the Dun. It
is specially numerous in the wooded ravines and in the tea gardens close to
Dehra itself. The male bird has a very pretty short song of six clear notes,
frequently repeated which may be musically represented as follows :—
The birds are shy and spend most of their time moving gently about among
dead leaves on the ground. They occur singly or in pairs and are not gregarious.
Nidification commences early in April.
On April 19th, 1916, I found a nest at the foot of a tea bush (Kowlagarh Tea
Estate) close to Dehra. It contained 4 incubated eggs.
On April 24th of the same year I observed a pair of birds building their nest on
the steep bank of a ravine. The nest was on the grounds, well concealed
among dead leaves.
1054 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX-
The same day in another ravine I came on a brood of young birds which had
only recently left the nest. The mother bird appeared on the scene and came
within two or three feet of me as I sat near the nest with one young bird in my
hand. She moved round me almost like a mouse, but with wings expanded and
feigning a wound. |
Nests were all very loosely constructed and domed with a large lateral entrance.
The nests, as well as the eggs, much resemble those of P. ruficeps ruficeps
subsequently found by me near Pachmarhi in the Central Provinces. Unfortu-
nately I cannot give detailed descriptions of the eggs with measurements as I
have not got the eggs by me.
RAwALPINDI, B. B. OSMASTON, I.F.S.
3rd February 1924.
No. XL—MIGRATION OF EAGLES.
On the 9th of November 1923 I was at a place called Jathingri in the Mandi
State, about 70 miles east of Dharmsala, and witnessed what could only be a
regular migration of eagles. At about 3 p.m. I noticed four birds passing over
the State bungalow at intervals of about a minute or two each. Later on I
went down the spur in an easterly direction and again noticed birds passing
in the same direction at short intervals. All camefrom the same direction and
followed exactly the same line of flight. I went along the ridge for a couple
of miles or so and took up a position on a point where the spur was quite open
and overlooked a small village and fields, and watched very carefully:each bird
as it passed me. Occasionally two came very close together but for the most
part they followed each other at intervals varying from one to four or five minutes.
Each succeeding one followed its predecessor on practically an exact alignment.
Each passed me on a line about 15 yards to my right as Isatand some 100 yards
above me. Every bird flew with wings about quarter flexed as though breast-
ing a strong wind and with tail widely spread. I had shot a Kalij pheasant
and a chikor on my way down and tied each at the end of a long string and
threw them out in opposite directions, and while well concealed myself kept
on tugging at the strings and moving the two birds asI saw an eagle approach.
They took not the slightest notice though they could not have helped seeing
them. A sparrow hawk came down and bound to the chikor and I felt certain
that she would attract an eagle, as any smaller bird of prey with a bird in its
talons has an irresistible attraction for any of the eagle tribe. Two passed
overhead while the sparrow hawk struggled with the chikor which was being
pulled over rough ground at the time. The first took no notice whatever. but
the second showed a small amount of interest, as I distinctly saw the head turn
and it keptits eye on the hawk and the chukor, even’after it had passed well over
them, but it did not check its flight in the smallest degree and followed steadily
in the wake of the others.
I did not count them but quite 40 birds must have gone over from the time
I left the bungalow until nearly sunset.
With but two or three exceptions every bird appeared to be very dark in colour,
and the only one that came directly over me was quite black and might have
been taken for a Black Eagle (I. malayensis) except for the typical short tail of
the true Aquila and the heavier flight with wings held in a line with the body.
The two or three light coloured birds I at once put down as young Imperial
(A. heliaca) in the lineated plumage but the dark birds defeated me entirely.
Unfortunately they passed between the sun and me so just when I could have seen
them best the underside of the plumage was in deep shadow.
I looked hard for any sign of white on the head or the tail bar of the typical
Imperial but could not definitely make it out, owing perhaps to the position
of the sun. The flight looked very much that of the Spotted Eagle (A. maculata),
especially on account of the wide spread tail, a characteristic of the latter.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1055
but in that case the Jight coloured wing patch would have been in evidence in
at least some of the birds. Not one of them came within even a very long shot
or I should have tried to shoot it and make sure of the species.
The following morning I left Jathingri for Dharmsala and kept an eye open
for some sign of the birds I had seen the day before but only met with two during
the whole day and both of these were typical Steppe Eagles (A. bifasciaia).
The birds must have been the Imperial (A. heliaca)though I could not be sure
of the fact. That they were true Aguila I have not the smallest doubt and the
very dark colouring at once eliminates all the species of that genus save chry-
saétus, helaca and maculata. The flight and longer tail of the former at once
puts him out of count and leaves us with the two latter. As maculata is not a
migrant and distinctly uncommon in the hills, I cannot help thinking it was a
migration flight of the Imperial (A. heliaca) that Iwitnessed. Of course the
evidence is not good enough for a definite record, but is certainly in favour of
the last named species.
I had seen one or two Imperials around the station previous to that date and
I have not seen very many more since, perhaps a dozen in all, though Steppe
Eagles are now fairly numerous.
Humein his Rough Notes (p. 146) quotes, Capt. Hutton assaying thathe has
witnessed great flocks of A. bifasciata passing Mussoorie during their autumn
migration and if any of our members, who have seen similar sights, would
be so good as to send in a record for the Journal some very interesting data
might be collected. The direction of flight was approximately E. N. E. to
Wanise WV.
‘DHARMSALA CANTT. C. H. DONALD, F.Z.S., M.B.0.U.
Kanora District, PUNJAB.
November 20th, 1923.
No. XIIL—WIRE NESTS.
Dove’s NEST MADE OF WIRE.
1056 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
During the Great War a number of Germans were interned in the Wellesley
Barracks (Old British Infantry Lines) at Ahmednagar.
The Barracks were then surrounded by the usual high barbed wire fence.
In'1921 this fence was dismantled and the materials sent to Bellary for the
Moplah Prisoners Camp there. The small fragments of binding wire were left
lying on the ground. )
In the Autumn of 1923, during the Military reliefs, owing to the incoming regi-
ment arriving some months before the departure of the outgoing one, the
Wellesley Barracks had to be temporarily occupied, and when they were being
repaired, it was found that the local doves had been making their nests of the
wire cuttings. The nest is usually very well and closely woven with considerable
ingenuity, and the birds must have amazing strength of beak to bend the wire.
There is usually a very thin filling of dry grass and down on the inside.
‘Sixty-seven of these nests were taken out of one Barrack alone.
W. P. PAKENHAM WALSH,
Poona, _ Magsor, R. E.,
10th November 1923. Asstt. Commanding Royal Engineer, Poona.
Wire is often used in nest construction by crows and kites. There is
the classic instance of a pair of crows who built up a home with gold and
silver spectacle rims, stolen from a local firm of occulists.—EDS.
No. XIII—THE INCUBATION PERIOD OF BULBUL’S EGGS.
There is hardly any definite record regarding the period of incubation for
Bulbul’s eggs. Field observation in this respect does not exist. Oates, in
Hume’s “‘ Nests and Eggs”’ makes no mention of it. Two contributions, however,
one by Mr. Teschemaker and the other by Dr. Amsler, in the Avicultural
Magazine (third series, Vols. I and II,) supply us with aviary notes on this point.
But the conclusions therein. seem to be vitiated by imperfect records and
defective calculation, and I should like to examine the two notes before I put
down my own observations.
To fix the incubation period of eggs correctly we should first of all remember
one thing. There are some birds—game birds and domestic fowls for example—
that lay the full complement of eggs before they begin to sit. But the majority
of birds begin to sit as soon as the first egg islaid. Itmay bethat many donot
sit as closely on one or two eggs as when the full clutch has been laid. Even in
that case some amount of incubation occurs and this has to be taken count of
in determining the period of incubation. Those who keep canaries know full
well that these birds begin to sit as soon as the first egg islaid. So that those
who want to ensure simultaneous birth usually employ dummy eggs until the
full clutch is complete.
Two eggs are not laid simultaneously. When one is laid some time must
elapse before another appears. If the intervening period be 24 hours, then the
incubation of the first egg begins so much earlier. The result naturally is that the
first egg hatches out one day ahead of the second and so on, All the chicks do
not appear simultaneously ; they cannot, simply because their incubation does
not begin together. Sometimes, of course, two chicks may be found to have been |
hatched out on the same day. But in such cases also, there is always a differ-
ence of a few hours in their birth which escapes our notice. In determining the |
period of incubation, one has to count from the date when an egg is laid to the
date when that particular oneis hatched. Both Dr. Amsler and Mr. Teschemaker
suppose that Bulbuls begin incubation with three eggs, as if the birds think one
or two eggs too small a number for such an important task !
MISCELLANEOUS ‘NOTES. 1057
Of the tive broods raised by his Bulbuls (Otocompsa emeria), Mr. Teschemaker
kept record of one case only. Even in this one case the eggs hatched out—to
quote his own words—“‘in the unusually short period of nine days.” He says,
** Once more three es were laid and incubation commenced on the 14th July.
Two young hatched out on the 23rd.” It may
be asked, when were ‘the three eggs laid—how long before “‘ incubation commenc-
ed on the 23rd 2”? Without the dates when each egg was laid, we cannot fix the
period of incubation. We do not believe that the eggs hatched out after nine days’
incubation. .Even during a heat-wave in India, the eggs of Bulbuls require more:
than nine days’ incubation. Mr. Teschemaker evidently made some mistake.
Dr. Amsler’s records are more numerous but they are alike inconclusive. JIis
pair of Bulbuls—they too were Otocompsa emeria—raised four broods in one season...
The periods of incubation were, “‘ fourteen days in the case of the first and last,
and ten days in the case of the second and third nests.’ From this record we
cannot say what is the ‘normal’ period of incubation for Bulbuls’ eggs. Let us.
examine his records, The very first case would show that his method of calcu-
lation was wrong.
‘* The hen laid her first egg on the 25th (May). She started sitting on three
eggs and laid a fourth egg on the 28th. She hatched out her first and only chick
on the 9th June. One egg had disappeared, one turned out to be clear and the
fourth a dead chick.”
The above statement shows that the bird does not wait for the completion of ©
a clutch before she decides to brood. Dr. Amsler might have noticed it to sit.
closely on three eggs but it is possible—and natural—that the bird commenced
sitting even on the 25th when the first egg was laid. Of this case Dr. Amsler says:
that the period of incubation was fourteen days. But how does he calculate it ?
We may assume from his account that the bird laid one egg each day onthe |
25th, 26th and 27th and that she began sitting on the 27th. Hesays the chick
appeared on the 9th June, Leaving out the 9th June, the period of incubation,
we get, is—from the 27th May to 8th June—thirteen days and not fourteen.
Even this period cannot be definitely stated to be the incubation period for
the egg that hatched out. Which egg was it that hatched out on the 9th June ?
Between 25th and 28th May four eggs were laid. The doctor does not appear
to have marked the eggs as each was laid, which alone would have ensured
accurate calculation. Who can say that the chick in the above case did not
come out of the fourth egg which was laid on the 28th? In that case the
period of incubation would become twelve days.
Let us now consider one of those cases in which the period of incubation was
ten days according to Dr. Amsler. That was the period for the second and third
nests. This is what hesays of the third nest. ‘‘ On July 31st, the hen was again
sitting on three eggs, which all hatched out on August 11th and 12th.’ The very
fact that they were hatched out on different dates shows that their incubation
also began on different days. otherwise they would have come out on the same
day. This point escaped his notice. In the above case, evidently he counts the
first ten days of August and puts that period down as the incubation period. But
why should he leave out the 31st July when, he says, the bird began to sit? Does
not incubation begin as soon as the bird begins sitting ? And why should he leave
out of count the 11th of August for the eggs from which the chick appeared on
the 12th. The young which was hatched out on the 12th was incubated upto the
llth. From the 31st July to the 11th August it is twelve days. The eggs that
were hatched on the 11th were incubated upto the 10th; the period would be,
from the 3lst July, eleven days. Yet Dr. Amsler makes it out to be 10 days! Cere
tainly, this sort of calculation is defective, if not arbitary.
T shall now give my own observations. A pair of White-eared Bulbuls
Molpastes leucotis), in my aviary, nested four times. Their first clutch consisted
of three eggs on which the hen sat and sat for three weeks when Iremoved them
37
1058 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL Hi8sT. SOCIETY, Vol. X XIX.
and found them to be clear ones. Immediately after, they built another nest in
quite a large basket, full of straw which I had hung up for the use of a pair of
White Doves. In this straw the Bulbuls inserted a very neat and compact
cup of coir-fibres. I might mention, en.passant, that they were not at all shy at
this time and quite frequently came close to me to take the coir-fibres which I
would throw to them, sometimes even accepting them from my hands. Between
the 18th and 20th April the hen laid three eggs, one oneachday. On the 30th
April, I looked in but found no young. On the lst May I could not inspect the
aviary. On the 2nd I discovered two chicks. The egg laid on the 18th proved
to be clear. The egg laid on the 19th probably hatched out on the Ist May—
the day when I failed to look in, and the egg laid on the 20th hatched out on the
2nd. This makes the period of incubation 12 days. That this is the period of
incubation is more convincingly proved by the more accurately kept records
of the subsequent two nests which I give below. Of the next two nests I kept
exact records, and the reader will find a remarkable coincidence in their dates.
I should mention here that I missed the nestlings of the second nest a few days
after their birth.
After repairing the same nest, the hen again laid an egg on the 17th June. On the
18th there was another and on the 19th yet another. No more eggs were laid.
On the 29th June the first young hatched. Another young came out on the
next day and the third egg became addled. Here the period of incubation was
exactly twelve days. Going into the aviary one morning, I found a cock Dhayal
most enthusiastically trying to breakfast on a young Bulbul. My entrance
drove him off and I took up the half-dead thing to restore it to its nest, which I
found to be empty. On looking round I discovered the other chick in a corner,
pecked out of life. The cause of the disappearance of the first batch of Bulbul
nestlings now became apparent tome and I removed the Dhayals to another
compartment. It was well that I did so, for the next batch of nestlings lived
and throve and are now quite a healthy and lively pair of inmates of my
aviary.
After the above disaster, the Bulbuls left the basket and built a nestin a German
Roller Canary cage. On the 17th July, the first egg of the fourth clutch was laid.
On the 18th there was a second and on the 19th a third. Again on the 29th the
first egg hatched out. Two other nestlings followed consecutively on the next
two days. A comparison of the dates of the last nest and this one reveals a remark-
able coincidence. The third and the fourth nest, therefore, definitely settle for
us the period of incubation. According to Dr. Amsler the period was 14 days in
two instances and 10 in the other two of the four nests made by the same _ pair of
birds. In the case of my birds I found no variation on three successive occasions.
Dr. Amsler’s bird laid four eggs on three occasions and three on one. But my
bird kept on to three eggs every time.
Now I shall cite an example from Nature. In my country-house at Agarpara
seven miles from Calcutta, I discovered, ina bush, a nest of the Bengal Red-
Whiskered Bulbul (Otocompsa emeria) on the 15th April last, with one egg in it.
On the 17th, there were three eggs in it. On the 28th April there were three
nestlings init. Counting from the date the last egg was laid—the 17th—to the
date when the last young appeared (the 28th) the period of incubation is eleven
days, a day less than the time required by the birdsin my aviary. But I must
mention that at this time a heat-wave was passing over the country, the maxi-
mum temperature recorded in the shade having been 106°F. The normal period,
of incubation for the eggs of Bulbulsis, according to my observations, twelve _
days.
SATYA CHURN LAW,
M, A., F.Z.S., M.B,O.U.
CaLoutta, 5th January 1924,
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1059
Mo, XIV.—A NOTE ON THE WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE
(HALIAETUS LEUCOGASTER).
In the Fauna of British India (Vol. III, p. 368), Blanford quotes Legge and
says of Haliaetus leucogaster, *“‘ legs and feet whitish.”” Jerdon describes them
as ‘‘dirty white.”’ During my stay at Vizagapatam last year, I had, for over
two months, a pair of the White-bellied Sea-Eagles under observation. I noticed
that the legs and feet were of a pale brick-red colour ; even the feathers on the
upper tarsus were tinged with the same colour. The Calcutta Museum possesses
two specimens of these birds one of which has its legs of a reddish colour. Legge
says that the legs and feet of the unfledged nestling are fleshy white but the
yearling has its legs as in old birds. That neither of the two birds I saw was
very young is indicated by their tails which were black at the base and white
at the terminal, the position of the tail colours being the reverse in young birds.
Tt would be interesting to know whether young birds have, at any stage of their
life, reddish legs and feet which gradually change into dirty white.
One evening in October, the peculiar clanging call of the birds attracted my
attention. I traced them to a tree—a stone’s throw from my bungalow—that
towered over its neighbours. In the very topmost branch—a dry, leafless
one—the birds were sitting, occasionally shifting their position and uttering their
joud, far-reaching cry. Evidently, they were retiring for the night. Every
evening I used to notice them there and at roosting time they would become
very noisy.
In the morning the birds would leave the shore and sweep far out over the sea,
occasionally making a straight dive downwards with lightning rapidity to bear
away, from the surface of the blue water below, a fish or a sea-snake. Snakes
seem to be a very favourite food with them and they have a special knack of
fishing up these reptiles from the troubled billows. Towards mid-day, they would
return inland and, rising to an enormous height, soar majestically in circles with
motionless wings. Looked at from beneath, their white belly contrasted well
with the black of the wings and tail, the black of each appearing to run into
the other. In this position they might easily be mistaken for vultures, but for
their call which were frequently indulged in. Another pair of the same species
used to join them at such times. This pair, I discovered, had their home in the
hills that enclose the Valley Gardens behind the Dolphin’s Nose. The four of
them used to be very noisy. Their quang quang quang-a-quang notes coming, as
they did, from a height of at least eight or nine hundred feet, would recall to
one the collective voice of a flock of geese. Atnoon I invariably found the pair
near my residence silently perched on the top of some giant tree, lost in a mid-
day siesta. But when the sun had crossed the meridian, they would
become active again. I did not find them to be very shy ; they allowed me not
only to approach up to the tree on which they were sitting, but gave me consi-
derable time to scan them well with my field-glass.
S. C. LAW, M.A,, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.
CaLcutta, 6th February, 1924.
No. XV.—FLIGHTING ON A DELHI JHEEI.
This is one of a series of incidents that occurred to me at Xmas 1923 and is
presented simply with the object of obtaining the solution to a problem of duck
movement of some interest to those who shoot discriminately, and whose larder
is designed to receive only the best that nature can provide. It concerns pri-
marily the Pintail and unavoidably a variety of other duck which crossed the
sunset to their undoing.
My venue was a jheel ; let that be sufficient—else may the place next year be
a seething mass of sportsmen of keenness unqualified and precocity outrageous.
1060 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX
It lay North and South, in length 600 yards, in breadth 100 yards, in depth 6
inches shelving gradually to 2 feet in the centre where the sedge and grasses
yielded to disclose two handsome stretches of open water. It is on one side of
these stretches that the guns are finally posted to await the duck which aim for .
and settle in the open before paddling silently to the shallower feeding stretches
at the edge. The jheel was surrounded by a fringe of full grown sugar-cane.
Follow then the attention of the guns as they watch the last rim of the sun
disappear beneath the horizon and as they regard the clouds collected at its
point of departure with considerable disfavour. They value each precious:
minute of the time during which the duck will come and they grudge even the -
clouds their marvellous colourations and conformations when such may seem
likely to curtailit. Within a few minutes the ball opens with a battue at flights
of Brahminy quartering the ray-striped sky with their discordant notes in search
offood and safety. They flew too high even for No.2 shotand passed apparently
unscathed through patterns of S. G.
It was decided now that the guns should move out from the sheltering cane to
patches of dry land at the sides of the open water furthest from the sunset to
await the flighting. In due course the duck came in their whistling tumble
from the sky and the night rang with the sound of repeated shots. Alternate
explosions and the scutter of rising duck, which had flown in unseen, inter-
mingled with the whistle of newcomers and the occasional splash of a dropped
bird is the best description I can give of moments which remain a confused tur-
moil in my memory. One was continually whirling round to a new sound,
straining one’s eyes to an object that defeated them, and finally—silence. Night
had fallen, the duck had settled and there remained only the collection and classi-
fication of the bag ; this latter was achieved by the light of motor lamps and it
is herein lies the problem. Fifty per cent. of the bag was composed of that delect-
able duck the Pintail. On the particular occasicn of which I write the remainder
were :—I shoveller, 2 widgeon, 1 common pochard, 1 female of the red-crested
pochard. On subsequent occasions also Pintail formed the greater proportion
of the total, whereas on other jheels under same conditions not a Pintail was
obtained. Do the different species of duck utilize certain water as of habit
developed immediately upon arrival and carried through either until the food
supply ceases, or the water becomes unsafe and unsatisfactory ° Or does the
explanation of this curious segregation of species lie in the fact that the different
ducks require different food and conditions of enjoying it? As an instance
of the poetic influence of Xmas fare, I venture to reproduce with the author's
permission his description of the same incident—
A FANTASY FOUNDED ON FACT,
This is the tale of a darkling jheel,
Where pintail, pochard, mallard and teal,
Brahminy, widgeon, shoveller feeds,
Holding high revel among the reeds.
The sun has set in an angry West;
The snipe have flown to a fitful rest.
In the deep cane-coverts that flank the edge
Of their feeding grounds in the grass and sedge.
Slowly the flame-light Westward cools ;
On cane-brake covert and glassy pools.
The night flings wide her shadowy cape ;
Grass-banks fade to an uncouth shape,
And the mottled waters shiver and gleam,
In the Star of the Evening’s dim white beam,
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. 1061
Silence is fallen on field and furrow ;
The fowl at his roost, the hare in his burrow.
Lie in the arms of night caress’d,
But life on the jheel is never at rest.
A myriad crickets, the banks along,
Up lift to Heaven their whispered song ;
A myriad frogs in throaty choir,
Sing a last long dirge to the Sun’s dead fire.
The quick bats flicker and swerve in flight,
From the hungry rush of the swooping kite ;
And Sarus summons his wayward spouse,
With cry discordant, to join carouse.
But hark! a new sound thrills the sky
Like the rush of the wind in an ecstasy,
Or of cloth-yard shafts, as of yore they flew,
True sped from the cord of the six foot yew.
Nigher it comes, and yet more nigh,
A swirl of shadows o’ercasts the sky.
They’re here! They’ ve gone! slow dies the sound.
As the duck wing South to their feeding ground.
Again that whistle, again the throb,
Of the swift-driven wings of that ordered mob,
Again the shadows of duck in flight,
Glimpsed in the gloom of the gathering night.
Gun leaps to shoulder from muzzle a roar—
The silence is riven—
The duck fear-driven
Swing from the flash and skyward soar.
But one breaks rank in that rocketing wheel,
And swift glissades to the waiting jheel,
Hit, hard hit; the air he thrashes, ©
With strengthless wings—and then he splashes!
The splash betrays him—he’s gathered in,
Or ever to deep reed-haven he win.
Again and again is borne on the breeze
The whistle and rush of those shadowy V’s ;
Again, as gun-flash shatters the gloom,
The duck wheel up or fall to their doom.
And birds, that have settled unseen, take flight
On swift-driven pinions into the night.
Then follows of wings a drumming more measured,
The pace is swift, tho’ the wing-beats leisured.
The shadows loom larger; the ‘‘ honks”’ betray,
The grey-goose to water winging their way,
The flight is checked as the grey-goose wheel,
Choosing their spot on the well-stocked jheel.
A shot roars out, another one,
And a grey goose drops to a well-held gun,
ROSTAND,
No. XVI—A MUGGER SHOOTING EXPERIENCE,
Some yearsago Ihad an experience when mugger shooting on the River
Jumna in the Delhi district, and although I have spoken to many shikaris
with regard to this I have never heard from any of a similar one. The facts
were as follows: We came across a mugger basking in the sun on a bank at a
place where the river was about 150 yards wide, I fired at his neck and hit bim,
1062 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XXIX.
but just too low to be immediately fatal. The bullet was a 303 soft nosed split
and we found afterwards had opened out and caused a large wound in its exit.
The mugger rushed in the river and disappeared. A little while afterwards he
appeared in the centre of the river at short intervals raising his head and neck
out of the water and going down again. My shikari explained that the reason
for this was that fishes were nipping at the wound in his neck and his pushing
his neck out of the water was to get away from them. The shikari said the fish
would probably drive him out of the water sooner or later, so we left the river
for over an hour in the hope that this would happen. On returning, however,
we found the mugger doing exactly the same thing, so I decided to fire, which
Idid. I hit him on the head, the bullet glancing off. The mugger made a great
swish of water and almost Jumped out. Then he lay down on the top of the
water and made straight for me. I waited till he was about 3 yards from the
bank and then fired between his shoulders. This instantly paralysed him and
we dragged him out by the tail. We found even then he was not dead as he held
on with his teeth firmly to a lathi and it took a 303 through his brain to finish.
him. He was a mugger about 13 feet long.
I have never heard of a mugger after being wounded going for the firer, and
should be interested to know of any one, having a similar experience.
L. STANSFIELD.
19th February 1924.
No. XVIJT.—A NOTE ON THE HABITS OF THE LARGE-SCALED
EARTH SNAKE SILYBURA MACROLEPIS.
This little Earth Snake is very common in Mahableshwar during the rains. It
is found chiefly in the rubbish heaps, drains and in the humus of the forest—-
more commonly at dusk, from which one gathers that it is probably crepuscular
or nocturnal in habits, though I have captured one or two during the day. These
snakes are most numerous after a shower of rain, which appears to draw them
out of their burrows on to the roads and path ways. When alarmed or dis-
turbed in exposed positions these snakes adopt an attitude common more or
less to many snakes—they lie perfectly still with the body flattened out to the
utmost extent, the object being presumably to escape detection.
The principal food of this earth snake consists of earth worms and small
insects, though the former make up the bulk of its diet.
On a walk one evening I picked up one of these snakes and took it along
with me. Though extremely slow in movement when on the ground, when
picked up it struggled very vigerously. [saw an earth worm on the ground
and put the snake down next to the worm to see whether it would attack it.
To my satisfaction as soon as the snake noticed the worm it bit it, relaxing its
hold immediately afterwards; as the worm continued to wriggle the snake
bit it again, whereupon the worm ceased its struggles and lay quite still appar-
ently paralyzed. It might be mentioned here that Revd. Father Caius, 8. J.,
a bio-chemist, who is devoting a considerable amount cf attention to the study
of snake venoms, informs me that many of the Silyburidae secrete ‘a quantity
of venom in the parotid glands, which mixing with the saliva, possess sufficient
virulence to enable these reptiles to easily overcome their prey. To continue
with my experiment, after the worm ceased its struggles the snake commenced
swallowing the worm head first. In about two minutes the whole process
was complete, a great quantity of earth was forced out of the worm in the act
of swallowing, much of which adhered to the mouth of the snake. This the
reptile got rid of by rubbing its mouth this way and that on the ground. [
picked it up after it had finished its meal, took it home and discovered later
that a further quantity of mud had been ejected by the snake after I had put
it away,
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. : ~ 1063.
The natives are extremely afraid of these snakes and as usual have associated
it with legendary beliefs of a most alarming character ; a woman who saw me.
pick one up was horror stricken at the sight and gave vent to screams which
promptly brought a crowd around all shouting and gesticulating. On asking
what ailed them I was told that the snake would make a knot round my hand
and that I would never he able to get out of it.!
When the soil becomes dry these earth snakes burrow down into it. I am
inclined to believe that they use their abbreviated tails as stoppers to close the-
upper ends of their burrows. The burrow it: may be explained is not vertical bus
runs an olique course into the ground. The tail of a Silybura also ends obliquely
and when the snake is buried in its burrow the upper surface of the end of the:
tail lies flush with the ground and thus forms an excellent stopper.
Ace
SS
Aes re
mY
‘x, wt
ay oi
5
cp
sp
|
Fig 18—Diagram to illustrate methed of closing burrow. The oblique end
of the tail lies level with the surface of the ground.
J found one of these snakes in exactly this position and was at once struck
with the possibility, that this was an explanation to the abrupt and oblique
termination of the tail, which is a characteristic feature in snakes of
this family. Further may it not be possible that the rough papillie
with which the ends of the tail of the Silvburids are covered, giving
them a rasp like appearance, are of a sensory nature and would
therefore be in the nature of an additional safeguard warning the reptile
against possible intruders ? Further the end of the tail is tough and coarse-—
quite different to the smooth and tender texture of the rest of the body. So
tender is the texture of the epidermis that these snakes appear to be unable to
stand strong direct sunlight for very long. Numbers of them dug up by the
voad menders become scorched and perish a short time after exposure, hence
the toughening of the epidermis at the end of the tail, which while the snake
lies in its burrow remains continuously exposed at the surface.
In captivity they should be kept moist with damp earth and fed on earth
werms, under these conditions they survive for a long period.
BomBay Natura History Soctrety,
CHARLES McCANN,
Janusry 1924,
1064 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol, XX1X.
No XVIII.—FURTHER NOTES ON THE BREEDING HABITS
OF THE PEARL SPOT FISH (ETROPLUS SURATENSIS).
In my notes on the Cichlid Fishes of Malabar (Madras Fisheries Bulletin,
Vol. XII, No. 5,1920) I have stated that the Fish breeds twice a year. Experi-
ments were afterwards conducted to find out whether the fish could be made to
breed more often. The results of these experiments undoubtedly answer the
question in the affirmative. A pair of breeders was singled out and kept in
an aquarium tank. The record of the successive spawnings is given below :—
9-11-22 .. The pair spawned for the first time and the young were allowed
to be cared for about 3 months until they left the parental
care.
fh. Me Spawned the second time and the larve hatched out were removed
on 12th April 1923.
6- 5-23 .. Spawned the third time. The larve removed on 10th May 1923.
17- 5-23 .. Spawned thefourth time. The larve removed on 21st May 1923.
4. 6-23 .. Spawned the fifth time. The spawn removed on the same day.
27- 6-23. .. Spawned the sixth time and the spawn removed.
14- 7-23. .. Spawned the seventh time and the spawn removed.
21- 7-23 ., The pair died on account of the washing in of lime into the tank.
The fish is admirably adapted for pond life and is found to thrive well under
novel conditions in the irrigation tanks of Shencottah where they have been
introduced. The greatest difficulty is now being experienced in acclimatising
the fish taken from saline and brackish waters to fresh water conditions and in
transporting them to long distances. The larve, before the absorption of the
yolk sac, can be kept quite safely in small earthern vessels for 7 days and can be
conveniently transported in numbers to very distant places. If the attempt to
feed and preserve a reasonable number of larve far beyond the critical period
after the resorption of the yolk until they attain the proper size for stocking
is successful most of the difficulties can be said to have been overcome, as 2 .
single pair of breeders can be utilised to raise large quantities of larve.
QUILON, N. P. PANIKKAR, B.A., F.L.S.,
A9th January 1924. Fishery Inspector.
1065
PROCEEDINGS
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING HELD OWN 131H
NOVEMBER. 1928.
A meeting of the members of the Bombay Natural History Society and their
friends was held in the Prince of Wales’ Museum, Bombay, on Tuesday, the
13th November 1923 at 6-30 p.m.
The following 22 new members were elected since the last meeting :—Miss C.
G. Kershaw, Ceylon ; Capt. J. H. Hislop, M.C., I.M.S., Tibet ; Lt. S. F. H. Wil-
liams, Bombay ; Capt. R. Hay, I.M.S., Nasirabad ; Mr. H. M. Glover, Rawal-
pindi ; Mr. J. I. Alfrey, Bombay ; Mr. C. E. D. Mears, Indore, C. I. ; Commander
George Wilson, R.N., East’ Indies Station ; Major R. H. Macdonald, Bombay ;
Mr. V. Aquino, Bombay; Lt. J. A. Theobalds, Rawalpindi; Mr. F. W.
Withers, I.F.S., Rangoon ; Mr. L. A. McCoard, Burma; Mr. K. Ringger, Bom-
bay ; Capt. 8. N. Hayes, I.M.S., Dera Ghazi Khan; Major H. G. Martin, Simla ;
Mr. V. G. Bell, England ; Lt.-Col. B: L. Cole, Jhansi; Major J. C. Tate, I.A.,
Chhota Udepur; Mr. A. P. F. Hamilton, LF.S., Sultanpur; Capt. C. Cardew,
R.E., Aden ; Miss N. F. Loch, Hyderabad, Deccan.
Mr. R. A. Spence, the Honorary Secretary, reported that 22 new members
had joined the Society since the last meeting held a month ago. This increase
in membership was very encouraging and was an acknowledgment of the value
of the work that the Society was doing ; he wished at the same time to thank
those members who had made a special effort to bring in new members on our
roll and he asked those present to help the Society in the same manner. Since
the Society had lost the grant, it used to receive for its ordinary work, from Gov-
ernment; it had become more dependent than ever on the individual efforts of
its members. It had been lis policy to popularise the work of the Society parti-
cularly in regard to the Journal by the inclusion of illustrated articles and
papers which would interest the lay reader, and the Journals issued during the
current year were proof of what had been accomplished in this way. The
number now in the Press contained several interesting articles. Among them
one on “ Animal Life in the Ganges” by Dr. Annandale which formed the
subject of a lecture delivered at the Indian Museum sometime ago, and Capt.
Hingston’s very interesting serial on ‘““The Red Ant.’? He was glad to say
that. the Society’s monthly meetings at the Prince of Wales’ Museum were
becoming more and more popular. Members were always welcome to bring
their friends to these meetings and he hoped that by their doing so they would
make the Society better known. Though the Society was known as the
Bombay Natural History Society the list of local members was comparatively
small and he was certain that if those present made up their minds to help,
this defect would soon be remedied.
THE EXHIPITS.
Mr. S. H. Prater, the Curator, exhibited some mounted birds and casts of fish
that had recently been prepared for the Museum in the Society’s work rooms.
It was his intention to prepare a series of mounted birds illustrating the Game
Birds of India and, as a result of appeals sent out, the Society had recently
received a handsome pair of Monal and Koklass Pheasants from Mr. Whistler,
while further additions to this series had been promised. He asked those present
who had the opportunity of shooting during the coming cold weather to
remember that the Society would be glad to receive specimens of any Game
Birds obtained by them that would be suitable for this purpose.
As regards Mammals the Society had recently received a complete skin of a
Kashmir Barasingh (C. cashmiriensis) for mounting from Col. Burton, who
had also promised to send a pair of Corial, Major C. H. Stockley, who was at pre-
28
1066 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST, SOCIETY, Vol. XXIX.
sent collecting for the Vernay expedition had also obtained a number of speci-
mens for us, and Major Bailey had secured a complete skin of a Great Tibetan
Sheep (O. ammon hodgsont). All these specimens would, he hoped, adorn the
Mammal Gallery in the near future. He reminded those present and the
public in general that the exhibits at present arranged in the Mammal Gallery
were of a purely temporary nature; as fresh specimens were mounted the flat
skins would gradually be withdrawn. It meant either having a temporary ~
exhibition of this nature or closing the Gallery to the Public until it was
ready. The cases for the bird gallery were now ready and the work of
preparing the mounted specimens was being pushed on but the whole matter
was a question of time and money.
ILLUSTRATED LANTERN LECTURE.
Mr. J. Addyman, M.L.C., gave those present the benefit of his long experience
in a lecture on the Culture and Life of the Honey Bee. Mr. Addyman’s lecture
was suitably illustrated by his excellent series of lantern slides. The lecturer was
heartily thanked by those present.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 61a APRIL 1924.
The aunual general meeting of the members of the Bombay Natural
History Society was held inthe Board Room of the Prince of Wales’
Museum on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. The Rev. E. Blatter, S. J.,
presiding.
The following 29 new members were elected since the last meeting :—
Mr. Radhakant Malaviya, M.A., LL.B., Bombay ; Mr. G. D. Sutherland,
Bombay ; Lt. K. L. Bodenham, Delhi; Mr. H. H. Sawyer, Bombay ; Capt.
M. R. Metcalfe, I. A., Deoli ; Kumar Shri Nutversinhji of Gondal, Jetalsar,
Kathiawar ; Capt. D. Moncrief Wright, Quetta ; Mr. A. H. Berriff, Simla ;
Mr. H. F. Mooney, I.F.S., Sambalpur, B.—N. Ry.; Mr. W. J. Barron,
Tavoy ; Maharaj Kumar Fattehsingh of Ali Rajpur State, Dohad, RB. B.
& C. I. Ry.; Mr. E. V. D. Chislett, Sion, Bombay ; Mr. W. N. R. Kemp,
Champaran ; Mr. E. J. A. Swan, Papun, Burma ; Mr. G. T. Burrows, Papun,
Burma; Mr. R. W. H. Davies, I.C.S., Karachi ; Mr. D. E. Reuben, I.C.S.,
Cuttack; Mr. J. W. Rowland, Karachi; Mr. N. K. B. Kurupp, B.A.,
M.Sc., Quilon ; Mr. A. W. J. Symes, Sabarmati; The Right Hon’ble Sir
Leslie Wilson, P. C., G.C.I.E., C.M.G., D.S.0., Bombay ; Mr. Alwyn Ezra,
Bombay ; Capt. P. R. H. Skrine, Jhansi; Mr. C. C. Demetriadi, Karachi ;
Mr. W. H. Workman, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., Ireland ; Mr Hamid Khan, M.Sc.,
Lahore ; Mr. Geo. B. Morton, Calcutta; Mr. Stephen Calvocoressi, Bom-
bay; Mr. A. McLean, Pyinmana, Burma. The appointment of officers for
the ensuing year was as follows :—
Patron:—H. R. H. The Prince of Waies.
Vice Patron :—H. H. The Maharao of Cutch.
- President :—H. E. Sir Leslie Wilson.
Vice-Presidents :—Sir Norman Macleod, the Manharao of Cutch, and
the Rev. E. Blatter.
Managing Committee :—Mr. T. Bainbrigge Fletcher, F.E.S., Pusa ;
Mr. T. R. Bell, C.LE., LF.S. (Retd.), Karwar ; Mr. R. D. Bell, C.LE., I.C.8.,
Bombay ; Mr. J. P. Bradshaw, Bombay ; Lt.-Col. W. H. Evans, R. E., Sim-
la ; Major F. C. Fraser, I.M.S., Mercara; Dr. N. Annandale, Calcutta ;
Dr. Gravely, Madras; Mr. J. E. B. Hotson, I.C.S., Bombay ; Prof.
V. N. Hate, M.A., Bombay ; Mr. C. M. Inglis, Darjeeling ; Mr. H. F.
Lodge, Bombay; Mr. R. C. Lowndes, Bombay; Mr. F. Ludlow
M.A., M.B.O.U., L.E.S., Tibet ; Sir Henry Macnaghten, Kt., M.A., M.L.C.
Bombay ; Mr. J. G. Ridland, Bombay ; Mr. P. M. D. Sanderson, Bombay ;
Major C. H. Stockley D.S.O ; Dr. D. A. Turkhud, Bombay ; Major J. Taylor,
PROCEEDINGS. 1067
I.M.S., Rangoon ; Mr. H. Whistler, F.Z.S., M.B.0.U., C.F.A.0.U., Punjab ;
Mr. W. D. Cumming, Quetta ; and Col. F. Wall, |1.M.S., Coonoor.
Honorary Treasurer :—Mr. T. A. M. Hill.
Flonorary Secretary .—Mr. R. A. Spence. F.Z.S.:
ACCOUNTS FOR 1923.
The Honorary Treasurer, Mr. T. A. M. Hill, who had been on leave
for a few months was welcomed back by the members. Mr. R, C.
Lowndes who had been acting for him placed betore the meeting the
audited Statement of accounts for the year 1923 and stated that at the
close of the year 1923 the number of members on the books were :—
Life Members 155 avd Ordinary Members 1,181. During 1923, 186
Members resigned, 93 Members joined and 2 rejoined.
An examination of the Receipts of the Society during the year 1923
shows that subscriptions were approximately Rs. 1,000 less than in 1922,
whereas the number of entrance fees shows a small increase over those
received last year. The decrease in the subscriptions is apparently due
to the fact that twice as many Members resigned from various causes
as joined the Society during the year. The number of members who
availed themselves of the privilege of becoming Life Members of the
Society has still further decreased this year and the receipts on this
account are some Rs. 1,250 less than in 1922. The increased subscription
has evidently had a deleterious effect upon the membership of the Society,
though it is hoped that this is only temporary and it may be mentioned
that the number of members who have joined the Society has shown an
increase during the last 6 months.
Tarning to the expenditure account the most important item of
expenditure is the cost of printing the Journal which shews a further
increase of nearly Rs. 1,500 over last year, and now costs Rs. 11,400
more to print than it did three years ago, an increase of more than 100
per cent. over 1920 printing charges. The Honorary Secretary has
already taken this matter up with the Publishers and it is hoped to
obtain some reduction in this item during the current year.
The Prince of Wales’ Museum continue to pay 50 per cent. of the
salaries of certain of the staffemployed by the Society but the salaries have
increased during the year by Rs. 3,200 which is due to the gratuity and
half pay given to Mr. Ellison on his relinquishing his appointment as
curator of the Society on account of ill health. This item will, therefore,
not recur in 1924.
Expenditure under practically all other heads shows a decrease and
the Honorary Secretary is to be congratulated on the economies he has
been able to effect in this respect.
A summary, however, of the receipts other than what should be treat-
ed as Capital, and amounts received on account of Game Books, etc., as
compared with the Revenue expenditure of the Society, appears to show
a deficit on the year of very nearly Rs. 10,000. This can only be improved
by an increase of the membership of the Society, and a reduction in the
expenditure, principally in the cost of printing the Journal.
With regard to the sale of books, charts, etc., most of the accounts
appear satisfactory with the possible exception of the sale of Game
Bird Books. There is for this still an amount of Rs. 16,199-1-0 due to
publishers, and jn addition the Society appears to be out of pocket by a
further sum of Rs. 15,946-2-0 at the end of last year. Very little more
than half the bound copies have as yet been sold, which accounts for the
1068 JOURNAL, BOMBAY NATURAL HIST. SOCIETY, Vol. XX1X.
above position, butif these and the unbound copies can be sold the
Society will not only cover out of pocket expenses, but will make quite.
a reasonable profit. Recent sales have, however, not been as promising
as were originally hoped.
MAMMAL FUND,
The fund opened with the balance of Rs. 21,745-15-9, but Rs. 2,922-11-7
only having been received during the year it closed with a balance of
only just over Rs. 10,000. Salaries will again be less this year, but I can-
not add to what was said last year, namely, that as it is unlikely that
fresh funds will be forthcoming it will be necessary to rely in future
principally on work being done for us by honorary workers.
The formal business having been concluded the members adjourned
to the Natural History Section of the Museum. Considerable interest
was shewn in the many recent additions mounted by the Curator and
his | Staff,
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