LIBRARY OF
1885-1056
The Natural History
OF
Sokotra and Abd=el=Kuri.
1 I
^wjO?*'*'^
THE NATURAL HISTORY
OK
SOKOTRA AND ABDELKURl
Being' the Report upon the Results of the Conjoint Expedition to these Islands in 1898-9, by Mr. W. R. OQILVIE-QRANT, of the British Museum, and Dr. H. O. FORBES, of the Liverpool Museums, together with information from other available sources
FORMING
A Monograph of the Islands
EDITED I'.V
HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D.
DIRFrTO:^ OF THE 1,!\ }..<P001. MUSEUMS; AUTHOR OK "A NATURALIST'S W ANUERlNi'.S IN THE EASTERN ARC H 1 1'Kl. \( ;o," ETC.
L I >/ER POO L T H E F R E E 1' U H L I C M U S E U AI S
HEXRV YOUNG & SONS, 12 South Castle Street AND 23 Parker Street
LO N DON : R. H. PO RTER 1903
THIS \'OLUME IS ISSUED AS A
SPECIAL BULLETIN
OF THE
LIVERPOOL ^I U S E U M S.
LIST OF AUTHORS,
List of Authors.
I. B. BALFOUR, F.R.S,, l!i-(jiiis Prof<'s><or of lloiaiDj in t/ir Uniirr.vfi/ i,f Kdinhiinjli : Kiinjs Jlofunist fur Scothiml.
Q. A. BOULENQER, F.R.S., Zoological Drpurfmnif, Urifi.^h }fiisrin)i.
MALCOLM BURR, F.L.S., V.E.S., Ihiinan^ I'lirk, Ead Grindeud.
OTTO V. DARBISHIRE, Ph.D., Ourm College, Manchester.
W. E. DE WINTON, F.Z.5., F.L.S., Ariiug JHreetor of f/w Zoological Ganlni.'^, Loud on.
HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D. {YAWtov), IHrechr of MnmDas to the Corpora- tion of fjcci-jiool : Mcnihrr of ttte E.xpedifioii.
C. J. QAHAN, M.A., Zoological Deparfmcnf Brilidi Museum.
Lieutenant = Colonel H. H. GODWIN = AUSTEN, F.R.5., Norc, (roddlmiin/.
W. R. OQILVIE=QRANT, Zoological Drparl went, Brilidi Mnxnun : Mewhtr
id tlic E.rpcitlfidn .
J. W. GREGORY, D.Sc, F.R.S., Professor of Geology, University of Mel- Ixairnc.
Sir GEORGE HAMPSON, Bart., M.A., Zoological Departmenf, British Muscmn.
E. M. HOLMES, F.L.S., Curator of the Musenat <f the Pharmaceutical Society, Ijindon.
W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S., Zoological Department, BrUish Museum.
G. W. KIRKALDY, F.E.S., Wimhledon.
R. M'LACHLAN, F.R.S. , Treasurer, Entomological SociHy, London.
R. L POCOCK, Zoological Department, British j\[useum.
GERTRUDE RICARDO, 12 Cottesmore Gardens, Kensington, London, W.
E. A. SMITH, F.Z.S., Zoological I)epartmenf, British Museum.
A. SCOTT, A.L.S., Uesident Fisheries Assistant, Piel Hatchery, Lancashire.
P. V. THEOBALD, M.A., F.E.S., Zoologid to tlic South-Eastern Jgricul- tund Cnllcge.
A. O. WALKER, F.L.S., Uhmhe Place, Maidstone.
Rt. Hon. Lord WALSINGHAM, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., Trudee of the British Mu.<eum ; Merlon H(dl, Thetford.
I'REFACE.
PREFACE.
This volunu' contains the results of a conjoint Expedition undeitaken in the winter of 1898-9 l)y rej)irsentatives of the British and Liverpool Museums, for (chiefly) the Zoological exploration of Sokotra. By incorpoi'ating the I'esnlts of 2)revious oi' (whei'e availal)le) contemporaneous explorations, the woi-k forms practically a Monograph of the islands visited.
The cost of the Ivxpedition was borne by votes from the Government Grant of the Royal Society of London and the Museums Committee of the Liverpool City Council, supplemented l)y sulisidies from the Councils of the Royal Geographical Society of London (in addition to a loan of instru- ments) and the British Association for the Advancement of .Science."^
This volume is issued, in accordance with a mutual agreement under the authority, and at the expense, of the above named Committee of the Corporation of Liverpool, as a special BuUctin of flie Liverpool Museums, its otHcial publication.
The Committee desires to thank very heartily the vai'ious distinguished specialists who have contributed sections on the flifferent groups on which they are authorities, to whom the Editor would l)eg to add his acknowledge- ments of their forbearance oxev the delay in the publication of the work, which he deei:)ly regrets, l)ut which is due to circumstances (juite l;)eyond his control.
The grateful thanks of the two Institutions interested in the Expedition are due to the Government of India for so generously granting the service of the despatch boat Elpliiiistonc, of the Indian Marine at Aden, for the con- Acyance of its members to and from their destination ; for the loan of tents and for the protection, while on the islands, of a military guard consisting of a native sub-officer and a Sikh, as also for the use of camels in their excursions in Arabia : to General O'MooRE Creagh, V.C, Political Resident at Aden, for the fullest official aid, and, together with Mrs. Ci'eagh, for much private kindness : to Captain Jacom, First Political Assistant, from whom they re- ceived constant and xaluable advice and ready assistance, besides his own and Mrs. Jacob's hospitality in their delightfully-situated residence, on their return from Sokotra : to Captain MAt'AHTlirR and the officers of the Elphinstone, who did everything possi]>le for their comfort and assistance while on board : and, finally, but not less sincerely, to D. MacKinnon, p]sq., and the British India S.S. Company, for generous concessions and privileges in the matter
"• The British Association Committee consisted of Dr. J. Scott-Keltie ; Dr. H. O. Forbe.-; Dr. W. T. Blanfoid, F.K.S. ; and Professor Weldou, F.R.S.
Vlll THE NATFRAI, HISTORY <»F SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KIRI.
of fares and l)aggage on the voyages to and from Aden, on their ships Manora and G/ioorkJm.
I am under special ol (ligations to my friends .lohnston Watson, Ksq., M.A., and S. W. Lam1)ert, Es(|., of the Middle Temple, for their kindness in obtaining foi- the ?L\:pedition from the Eastern Telegraph ("(mipany the use, fi'ee of charge, of the cable from Aden. This privilege was most highly appreciated by Mr. (Irant and myself, as, in possessing it, not only was telegraphic communication with Bombay and London (necessitated during the pei'iod of an.xious delay referred to in the Xarrafirr) expedited, and at a great saving to the resources of the Expedition, but also our families were able to lie informed frequently of our welfare.
The Narrative, of the Jonninj, by the Editor, as oi'iginally written, dealt at considerable length with observations made on the history, anthropology and ethnology of the Sokotran Archipelago, besides treating of subjects the interest and importance of which oidy became apparent on in\ estigation after the return of the Expedition, such as, among others, the origin of the domestic cattle found on Sokotra ; the marriage customs of the ancient Sokotri ; and the ([uestion of the distril)ntion of land and water in the Indian Ocean as indicated l>y a stvidy (jf the fauna and Hora of the islands. It was found, however, that the incorporation of this material would have bi'ought the cost of publication beyond the sum provided therefor, and would have l)esides renderetl the .size of the volume inconveniently large, so that this section has had to T)e reduced to little more than a mere itinerary. These subjects, together with, it is hoped, the results of the topographical observations, will form a separate publication.
HENKY O. FORBES,
Director oj ilutitumft. The Museums, Liverpool, April, 1903.
CONTENTS. IX
CONTENTS.
PAliE
Preface '^'''
Narrative of the Journey, by HENRY 0. FORBES, LL.l) xv
Zoology of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri : l-^*-*
Mammalia, by \V. E. l)E WINTON ; KENRY 0. FORBES, LL.l). :
W. H. OGILVIE-(iRANT 3
Aves, by W. R. 0(;iLVIE-(4RANT ; HENRY O. FORBES, LL.l). 19
Reptilia, by (4. A. BOULENGER, F.R.S 73
Batrachia ; Pisces, Note by HENRY O. FORBES, LL 1) 105
Gastropoda, by El Hi AR A. SMITH, F.Z.S 109
Morphological observations on genera of the Families of Cyclos- tomidseandHelicidffi, byLt.-Col. H. H. GODWIN- AUSTEN,
F.R.S 159
Arachnida, by R. I. POCOCK 175
Crustacea, by R. I. POCOCK ; A. 0. WALKER, F.L.S. ; ANDREW
SCOTT, A.L.S "-^Og
Insecta: 233-426
Hymenoptera, by W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S 233
Coleoptera, by C. J. GAHAN, M.A 261
Lepidoptera I.-Rhopalocera, l>y ^V. R. OGILVIE -GRANT 293
Lepidoptera II. Phalaenae. by Sir (i. HAMPSON, Bart 319
Lepidoptera III.- Pterophoridse and Tineina,by the Right
Hon. Lord WALSIN(;HAM, M.A., LL.l)., F.R.S. ... 3-11 Diptera, by GERTRUDE RICARDO ; F. V. THEOBALD,
M.A. 357
Hemiptera, by G. W. KIRKALDY 379
Neuroptera: 379-408
Pseudo Neuroptera, Note by HENRY 0. FORBES, LL.l). Neuroptera Amphibiotica, by R. McLACHLAN, F.R.S. Neuroptera Planipennia, by W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S. Orthoptera, by MALCOLM BURR, F.L.S 409
Myriapoda, by R. I. POCOCK 427
Hirudinea : Chsetopoda, Note by HENRY o. FORBES, LL.D. 441
X THK NATt |;AI. IIISTOKY (JF SOKOTKA AND AliD-KL-KlKI.
Botany of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri :
Angiospermse, l)yPiof. I. B. BALFOUR, F.R.S
Pteridophsrta, l)y Prof. T. B. BALFOUR, F.R.S
Thallophyta :
Fungi, Characese, Algae, Diatomaceae, ";""' BALFOUR,
" Botany of Socotra." Lichenes, by OTTO V. DARBISHIRE, Ph.D. Algae, ('.'• Ab(l-el-Kuri) l)y E. :\r. HOLMES, F.L.S.
Geology of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri :
Note on the Geology, by Prof. J. w. <;rE(!ORV, F.R.S
Index
p.\(;k. 445-570
447
535 543
571
573 5S.S
List of Plates.
I.
lA. II. III. IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XL
XII. XIII.
XIIlA.
XIV.
XI Va.
XIVb.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
Sokotra Pottery ... ... ... . . to face
Sketch Map of S(jkotra, showing route ... ,,
Wild Ass of Sokotra
(1) FiingiUiuia surutraiui ; (2) F. iiisiilaris ...
Capriinnhjii^ joncd
Scops socofniiiiis
I'hdhirrorora.i: nigroijaldiis
(1) Piixscr lu'iiiiJciirns : (i*) Mofacilhi forVHiodl
I'lnjUoildiiijlus riehcckii
(1) PJiijUodadijlns trarhi/rhinus ; {2) Hi'Dihlnrtijlus furbcsii
{\) Hcmidadylas puiiiilio : (2) H. o.njrJdnus ; (3) H. granti
(1) Parachtilrides sorofnnius .- (2) Glanronin filifnrmis : (3)
iiMcruni ... Mollu.sca from Sokotra and Abfl-el-Kuri ...
5, ,1 ,1 ,, ,1 • • .
Moi'phology of (litiUdiiiw and Lithidiau Spiders from Sokotra and A1)d-el-Kuii Crustaceans from Abd-el-Kuri
ll 1) •!■> • • • ■ ■ ■
Bees from Sokotra and Abd-el-Kui'i
)) )' 1' ') " • • •
Beetles from Sokoti'a and Al)d-el-Kui'i ChardJX'ti (vlit.r Butterflies fiom Sokotra Moths from Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri Micros from Sokoti-a and Alxl-el-Kuri Flies fi'om Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri Hemii)tei'a from Sokoti'a
title page, page XV.
18 (U 66 6S 70 72 <J8 100 102
104 156 158 174 206 230 232 258 260 292 316 318 340 356 378 394
I.isr OF 1I,U SI'ltATIONS IN ['HE TEXT.
XXIV. l)rai;()iiHi('s from Sokotru XXIVa. XX\'. Orthoptcra from Sokotrji XX\ 1. ("cutipeilcs and Spiders from Sokotru XXVI A. E.nniiiik Forbesii
XXVIi;. .Hue Fnrhrsi;
XXN'll. Lichens from Sokutru and Abd-el-Kuri
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Illustrators: P. Smit, H. Oronvold, F. O. Pickard=Cambrid8:e, J. Green, H. Knisfht, Mrs. I. B. Balfour, M. Horman = Fisher, T. Latham, and others.
List of Illustrations in the Text.
i'A(;i:.
Sketch Map showing position of Sokotran Archipehigo, ... ... xvii
Sultan's Cxuest H(»use at Laliej, fnnii n iihoffKjrfiji/i In/ flic Ed/fi)); xxii
Nati\es of Abd-el-Kuri,... ... ... ,, .\xi\-
Native of Abd-el-Kuri, ... ... ... „ .xxv
Nose Pincers used by Abd-el-Kuri Divers, „ xxv
View of the 'Strath' and Native Dwellings, Abd-el-Kuri, ,, xxvi
Nati\e Dwellings, Abd-el-Kuri, ... ,, xxviii
View of Southern Face of Gebel Saleh, Abd-el-Kuri, ,, xxx View of Hadil^u and the Haghier Mountains from Tamarida Bay,
frmii (I iiliiitnijrapli In/ flic Edifar, xxxii
View in Goahal Gorge, Sok<;)tra, ... ,, xxxix
Dragon's l)lood Tree, ... ... ... „ xl
Cucunil)er Tree, ... ... ... ... „ xli
Frankincense and Aihniiiiin Trees, ,, xli
Camp at Adho Dimellu.s, ... ... „ xliii
Sokotiun Cattle, ... ... ... ,, xli\-
View of Gebel Dryat from Adho Dimellus Pass, ,, xh i
Head, wing, and leg of young llJujiirJimhiitliui^ sorofruniis, from Proc.Z.S., 2(5
H^iest oi Fnngilldtic insiilKrisj ... ... ... ... ... ... 31
Hend oi Lanias iinriiiiiJus, horn Vrcn:. Z.i^., ... ... ... ... .'?S
^est oi Cixfirola iunniii, ... ... ... ... ... ... 40
Head-shields of /'(/("////m/fn/z^.v /^rriv'.s, from Proc. Z.S., ... ... 83
Head-shields of Ditiumphis civax, from Proc. Z.S., ... ... ... 90
Enitea ci/lmdrira, from a drawing l)y Mi'. E. A. Smith, ... ... Ill
HitUmitius jxismmuianits, horn Fvoc. Z.ii. ... ... ... ... 113
Bulimiiiu.^ hcnfii, fj-om a drawing by Mr. P]. A. Smith, ... ... 114
,, hdijici, from Proc. Z.S., ... ... ... ... ... 115
,, exdiluiL, ,, ... ... ... ... ... ... 117
,, soa/torensis, ,, ... ... ... ... ... ... 117
hadibiicnsis, ,, ... ... ... ... ... ... 119
Xll
THK NATIKAI, HISTOIIV Dl' S( )K( )I1;A ANI» A liD-KL-K T IM.
Iliiliii/iiiiis iiiisfiis^ tVoni I'loc. /.S., ... . . ,, htiljuuri, ,, ,, (/(lUonsircnsis, ,, „ limgifarviix, ,,
%''?X „
,, '.chriiniA, „
,, .•<f'miaisfaiirii.<,
,, innorciiK, hum ;i (liawing Ity Mr. K. A. Smith,
,, nddiiciisis, from I'roc. Z.S., ...
,, fnitjiUs, ,,
,, /iclicijonin's, ,,
Sf(')i()(/ip'(i s(//:()f()niiiii, ,,
,, (/oJloiisiiy'iisis, ,,
,, <i(}o)trnsis, ,,
,, modis, ,,
,, imrulpta, „ ■■■
,, (irgut<(, ,,
OfiijtiniKi naficoidcs, ,,
,, balfouri, ,,
„ romplanatuni, „
„ socoframim, „
,, roninim, ,,
,, fiirhiiiafnm, ,,
Cydotnpdx onuita^ ,,
Tropidojfhora sorotrana, „
„ balfoifri, „ ... ...
Litlndion lit hid ion, ,,
,, ii^/(7M, from a drawing Ijy Mr. E. A. Smith,...
Auriaila sarofretisi^ ,, ,,
Radula of Lithidion lUliidioii, from a (Irawiiig l>y Col. Oodwi ,, /y. soulri//'H(iiiu>ii,
,, 0. iKifiofidrs, ,,
,, Trnpidnphorn (?) iniifaxriafa, ,,
,, ,, b/'fsileueiids, ,,
,, (riiillainia [/rata, „
,, Biilmiinis }i(dfoiin, „
(Tcnitalia of ,, xtxritorciixix, ,,
lialjniiri. Palpus of Araiiciis hnjilo])h<dliis, from a drawing l)y Mr. K. 1.
„ Sccliddiimcluifi f^orofrdiiii^t, ,, ,,
Foknmm sondrnisis, ,, ,,
Nest of BdouHjasfir stinssirrri, drawn from original l>y Smit, Hisferomorphm pUcatip('nim,irom. Proc. Z.S., ... Em<iintcUia Jntlfiiuri, ,,
(jhdjrn, ,,
Adt'losfdiiid h/rar/tnifam, „
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I.ISI' OF ll.l.rSTIJATIOXS 1\ TIIK TKXT.
Xlll
from a (li'awiiii;' l)y Mf. K. I
OjKtfnnn ci).<lifrriim, tVoiu Proc. Z,S., Mouth organs of A [litlufiix, Apitliedii ohcsa, ,,
MaUodon amhkmu, „
Copulatory organ of Fdntnrinp^ih forhrm
Pocock, ... liiglit t'opulatory organ of . I iifjitn/iiinis gninti, fi'oni a drawing l»y Mi
R. I. Pocoek
Seedling of }>osurJl/a Anh'tro, from a di'awing l»y Mrs. I. B. Balfonr,
„ Tlfix snbaphyUii, „ „
Young Cucumber Trees, ,,
Voung Flowers and Fruit of Dcmlni.'iicijos socofraint, „ Cohfdlnihis (intiili, from a photograph, EiijJtarhia Ahi/rlLiiri, from a photograph, Geological Sketch Map of S(jkotra, from the "Geological Magazine,"
p.\(:k. 278 L'79 281 284
436
437 461 464 473
474 524
528
578
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AIVD-EL-XriU.
ERRATA.
Oti page 50, /w Qubbat 5hoab, mul Ghubbet Shoab.
,, <)2, /'// CEgiaiitis, retal /Egialitis.
„ '112, far Potamon Socotrensis, reail Potamon socotrensis.
„ 241, nftrr Harpactopus, ///»'// Smith.
„ 278, inulrr njiprr p'(jiiir, iitseii tith' Adelostoma bicarinatum.
„ 289, after Melyris, /«.sr/7 Fabr.
„ 329, for Choerocampa, rem/ Chasrocampa.
„ 333, after Eremocossus, insert Hamps.
„ 375, after Anthrax, insert Scop.
„ 385, transfer Aspilocoryphus to line lielnv Lygaeidae, auctt.
,, 406, /r^/ Trithernis arteriosa, /v'^7 Trlthemis arteriosa.
,, 415, on lines Ki, 15, 11, \() from hi)ltian <f paije, far Periplanata, read
Periplaneta.
„ 430, for The Centipedes of Sokotra, read The Centipedes and
Millepedes of Sokotra.
„ 441, under Hirudinea, read Chastopoda in same ti/pe as Hirndinea.
„ 472, after Momordica, {n.-^ert Linn.
,, 505, after Securinega, insert Juss.
„ 506, after Ricinus, insert Linn.
„ 507, after Angrascum, insert Borg.
„ 531, after Heterochloa, insert Desv.
JL.
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Narrative
of the
Journey.
//// HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D.
PLATES I., I A.
NAKRATIVK OV T1[E JOriJNEY.
Narrative of the Journey.
I.
Aden. Sheikh Othman. Lahej.
Sokotra is the lai'gest and most easterly islaiul of a small archipelago lying some 120 miles tVom the coast of Africa, nearly opposite its great Eastern Horn which terminates in the Cape of Guardafui, under the r2th parallel of N. latitude. Its other members are The Brothers —frequently called The Sisters by the oldei' navigators — (two minute islets, Semha and Darzi), slightly to the southward, and Abd-el-Kuri, the second in size and the nearest to the continent. The Brothers as well as Abd-el- 'ui-i ai'e surrounded by baidvs covered oidy by 10 to 30 fathoms of water. The foi'mer bank is united to that on which Sokotra stands ; l»ut from Abd-el-Kuri it is sepai'ated by a valley of 100 fathoms, while Abd-el-Kuri is cut off from the extensive projecting shelf of Guardafui by a narrow but deep trough of several hundred fathoms in depth. The
Sketch Map Showinc Position of Sokotran Ar('hipei.A(;(i with Referen'ck
TO Africa.
summits, of the larger, at all events, of these islands are' now known to be among the land surfaces of the glolie that have longest, if not always, held their heads above the sea, their sculptured peaks and pinnacles attesting to the waste and wear they have so long endured. They have been mute witnesses probably since earliest Palaeozoic times to the drowning of many
XVlll TIIK NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
lands around them, and to the uplifting from the ocean of mighty ranges on the two continents towards which they now look, and of which at one time or another in their wonderful ^■icissitudes they have formed a part.
Few islands are better known by name to eastei-n travellei-s than Sokotra. It was a very usual course for ships, in the days of the early Indian voyages, to make the island after rounding the Cape befoi'e " laying "' l>efore the monsoon for the coasts of Malabar, and now every funnel that comes through the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb, wherever bound, sights its cloud-belted rocks. Nevertheless, it has been little visited by p]uropeans, by reason of the great difficulty of reaching it, for, on account of its harljoui'less shores, it is not a port-of-call except for vessels specially chartei-ed, or for native baghlahs never savoury or very safe.
Unless for surveying purposes, no scientific investigator had visited the island, and none had devoted any attention, save for a few desultory observa- tions, to the biological problems that this insular group presents, till the year' 1879-80, when, as the result of the efforts of a committee of the Bi'itish Association, the exploration of Sokotra was entrusted to Professor I. B. Balfour, of Edinburgh, then in the Chair of Botany in Glasgow University, a naturalist already distinguished for similar investigations as a mem])er of the Royal Society's Transit of Venus Expedition to the Mascai'ene Islands in 1874-5. Accompanied l)y Lieut. Cockburn, Mr. Leech and Mr. Scott, Prof. Balfour devoted two months' hard labour to his task, and returned with large collections of very exceptional interest.
The following year (1881) two Grermans, Dr. Sehweinfurth and Dr. Riebeck (accompanied by Drs. Mantay and Rosset), both well known as accomplislied scientific men, quite unaware of Professor Balfour's Expe- dition, had, while in Arabia, their attention directed towards this isolated speck of land, and together made their way to Sokotra in a nati^'e baghlah, and further contributed to our knowledge of the island by their exploration, which lasted some six weeks.
After an interval of seventeen years Sokotra was again re- visited by the late Mr. Theodore Bent, an erudite ti'aveller, well known for his archaeological investigations in many countries. He was accompanied by Mrs. Bent and Mr. E. N. Bennett, of Hertford College, Oxford.
The first two expeditions — Professor Balfour's and Dr. Schweinfurth's — ■ were, from the eminence of their leaders in that science, specially botanical ; while of Mr. Bent's the main object was the search for traces of the Him- yaritic civilisation of Arabia. Although Dr. Balfour and the members of Dr. Schweinfurth's Expedition interested themselves also in the people and their language, and made collections in several groups of zoology, as did Mr. Bennett of Mr. Bent's party, as well as a few of the naval and military officers who at various times had been officially engaged in the Arabian seas, no expedi- tion had visited the islands with the special object of investigating their fauna. Considering that the Report of the British Association Committee of 1880 concluded with the statement that " the Committee feel no doubt that in every I>ranch of science considerable results are yet to be obtained b}^ further
NARRATIVE OF THR .loritXKY. XIX
iin-ostigations in Sokotra," it was tliought l)y us that tlie region might with profit l»e more thoroughly investigated zoologically. It was accordingly an-auged that the exploration should l>e undertaken dui'ing the winter of lcS9S-99 l)y Ml-. Grant and myself.
Having purchased tents and camping eciuipment and laid in the necessary stores, baiter, and medicines, we sailed from the Thames for Aden on the morning of the 2<Sth October, 1898, on board the British India Company's s.s. Mdiiont, under the al)le commandership of Captain Henderson, so well known in the service for his kindness, consideration and geniality.
Among our fellow passengers we had not only the pleasuie 1)ut were for- tunate in making the ac([uaintance of Captain Jacob, who was on his way l)ack to Aden to assume the duties of First Political Assistant. He was returniu": from furlough, after having fulfilled a period of arduous service in Somaliland. This Protectorate, howevei', had a month before been transferred from the charge of the Indian Government to the Foreign Office, and over it Col. Hayes Sadler, then First Political Assistant at Aden, who had been making the preliminary arrangements for our Expedition, had just been appointed Consul-(4eneral, and to whom Captain Jacob was then succeeding. Mrs. Jacob, we were interested to find, was a daughter of the late Major Hunter, formerly Assistant Political liesident at Aden, whose name had become well known to us, while consulting the literature on Sokotra, as one who had visited and written several \aluable reports on the island, and had also been a memlter of the Sokotra Committee appointed by the British Association for the exploration which was carried out l)y Professor Balfour. To both of them we were later greatly indebted for much assistance and hospitality in Aden, which we reached shortly after noon on the 17th November.
Going ashore in the Pesidency boat, in which Captain Jacob kindly invited us to take a place, we passed the despatch boat Elphinaionc, of the Indian Marine, Avhich was waiting to convey us to Sokotra, and, lying higher up the harl)our, there was pointed out to us the steam yacht (Tottfried, having on board an Expedition, for the investigation of the Himyaritic inscriptions of Southern Arabia, sent l:>y the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Vieinia, of which Hofrath Professor David Mliller, the distinguished Aral)ic scholar and authority, was a member. Landijig at the Prince of Wales Quay, we fixed our (juarters in the Hotel de I'Europe, where in the evening Captain Lloyd-Jones, of the Array Medical Service, called upon us to very courteously offer any assist- ance he could, and to inform us that the honorary membei'ship of the Club had lieen extended to us. From him, however, we learned, in the course of conversation, the rather disciuieting news that difficulties of a political character — of which he was not fulh^ acquainted — had arisen between the Government of India and the Sultan of Sokotra which might possi]:>ly inter- fere with the Expedition's proceeding to its destination. It was with some anxiety, therefore, that we drove to the Residency next morning to rejjort our arri\al to General Creagh, by whom we were received in the kindest possible manner. He expressed the fullest sympathy with the ol»jects of our Exjjedition, but regretted he had to convej^ to us the disappointing informa-
XX THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD EL-KURI.
tion that the relations between the Indian (xovernment and the Arabian Sultan of Crishin, who is also Sultan of Sokotra, were at the moment consider- ably strained, owing to His Highness having entirely ignored the various letters of complaint addressed to him by the Government of India in regard to numerous acts of piracy which he had l)een permitting in Sokotra since the wieck of the P. and 0. steamer Aden on its eastern point. The General, therefore, greatly to his regret, was unable to give us reconnnendatory letters to the Sultan, or rather Governor, of the island — who, though oulv Viceroy on his uncle of Gishin's behalf, also generally I'eceives the style and title of Sultan. A\'ith()ut these letters our reception on the island might be unfriendly, and such olistaeles to moving alwut placed in our way as to make our visit of little profit ; while if we were the l)earers of an official rec(jmmendation disregarded l)y the Sultan, the Govenunent of India would be placed in an unpleasant position. This situation had been communicated by General Creagh to the India Office before our departure from liondon, with a recommenda- tion that we should Ije advised to postpone our Expedition for a season. He was, therefore, much surprised when he heard that we had actually arrived in Aden. Strangely enough, although we were in comnumication with the India Office, and had a few days before we sailed received a telegram through it from the Government of India granting us the loan of tents from the Service stores at Aden for use on the Plxpedition, no hint of this communica- tion had l)een conveyed to us. Now that we had arrived, the Kesident, sympathising with our disappointment, most considei'ately volunteered to re-examine the question at once, in the hope of being able to suggest some arrangement to the Ijidian Government under which the Expedition might, with as little delay as possible, lie allowed to proceed. As some few days would necessarily have to elapse before a reply could be received, he very amialily placed at our disposal for the interval, should we care to go there, his bungalow at Sheikh Othman, on the northern shore of the bay forming the harbour of Aden, where it was cooler, and whei'e at least some little vegetation and more animal life was to be found than in the Settle- ment— an ()i\hv we cordially accepted.
Matters connected with the landing and arrangement of our baggage detained us for two days, during which we had the pleasure of exchanging visits with the members of the Austrian Expedition to South-Arabia on the Gottfried. Count Lamberg, Plenipotentiary of the Imperial Academy of Sciences, we were unfortunate enough to miss on our reciprocal visits ; but our intercourse then with Dr. David A. Midler, Dr. Kossmat, Professor Simony, Dr. Paulay and Mr. Bury is a pleasant recollection, while our relations at a later date, as will appear beloAv, placed us under deep ol)ligation for kindness of no ordinary kind during a period of gi'ave sickness.
On the 20th, we were at last able to take advantage of the Resident's permission to occupy his Innigalow at Sheikh Othman, some ten miles to the north. In the cool of a delightful morning we set out in a couple of gharries, accompanied by our taxidermist Cutmore and a Somali butler Jamah. We reached Sheikh Othman before eight o'clock, and found there a very comfort-
NAKKATIVE OF TTIE .TOT^RNKY. XXI
al)le, airy, eiiropeanised oriental bungalow of stone, standing in a large walled-in shady compound, abundantly planted with palms, acacias, almond trees, jasmine, hibiscus, and other Howering shrubs.
Here we spent a couple of most pleasant days — all we dared arrange for, as we were in hourly expectation of news fi'om the (Tovernment of India in regard to our journey to Sokotra — and obtained a glimpse of the fauna of the desert. Life was practically confined to the walhid-in, well watered gardens surrounding the various bungalows there, and consisted chiefly of insects, lizards, and birds. Considering the encompassing desert, the numb(>r of species we obtained was remarkable.
We were greatly disappointed to learn on our return to Aden on the 23rd that no reply had arrived from the Government of India to General Creagh's telegram. It was indeed possible, we now learned, that some con- siderable time might elapse before a reply could be received. Considering, therefore, that the season and our leave were rapidly and fruitlessly passing away, and that the probability was great that, if permission were given to proceed to Sokotra, it would have to he preceded by preliminary political negotiations with the Sultan at Gishin, which would still further consume our time, we decided, if no repl}^ should reach Aden within the next few days, to abandon altogether our Sokotra journey, and proceed into the little known mountainous Al)dali country of South Arabia under the Sultan of Lahej, between whom and the English Goverinnent the most friendly relations have now for a long time existed.
The Resident, who, in an interview he had with the Sultan the day after our return, had taken the opportunity to warmly commend our Expedition to his assistance and protection, should we proceed into the interior, had received from His Highness a cordial invitation for us to visit him at Lahej, with the assurance of a safe escort and the promise that everything in his power would be done for the comfort and success of our mission among the hills.
Several days ha\ing passed without news from India, we agreed that by accepting the Sultan's invitation to Lahej we might employ our time to more advantage there than in Aden. For our stay in the interior General Creagh Avas good enough to place at our service from the Boml)ay troop at Khor Muksor, an Arab jemadar (or sub-officer) and a Sikh sowar as guard, and for our transport, the necessar}^ riding and baggage camels. We decided to travel as lightly equipped as possible, arranging for the bulk of our baggage and the requisite servants to be sent on to us, if no authority for our visit to Sokotra should arrive by the date we had given ourselves as the latest we could afford to wait. After that date we agreed, as our best course, to undertake an investigation of the little known hills in the north of the Sultan's dominions. In addition to our excellent butler -lamah, a reliable interpreter was all we needed to complete our retinue, and him we found in Gulaid Elmi, a Somali. This man's linguistic attainments were really remai'kable. Arabic and Somali were his mother tongues. He spoke Hindustani excellently, French by no means badly, and P^nglish with
XXll THE NATrit.Vr, insToiiY OF SOKOTltA AXI» ABD-EL-KriM.
wonderful accuracy aud with a good accent. Moreo\'er, he could write each of these languages in its own script. His countenance being open and pleasing, we engaged him on ti'ial as interpreter foi' our Lahej excursion. I may say here that he pro\ed most satisfactory in e\ery way. I learned from him subsequently that, as a boy, he had come under the notice of, and been sent to a good school in Aden by that humanitarian and talented officer Major Hunter. He had served as clerk in vaiious English business houses, and had been employed later as a secret ser\ice agent of the Govern- mt-nt in, among other places, the French possessions on the Ked Sea.
Accompanied, therefore, by our two Somali ser\ants, we left Aden late in the afternoonof the 25th November to pass the night at Sheikh Othman, whence the folloAving morning, the I'fith, on l)eing joined by our troopers and camels, we set out across the Tehamah. In the afternoon we reached Lahej, and put up at the Sultan s guest-house. Next morning to our dismay we discovered that small-pox was very prevalent in the town, and had carried off one of the Sultan's daughters the previous day. Considering the disastrous plight we should l)e in if any of us should be smitten with the disease, which might well happen exposed as we were to constant contact with servants from the palace, and the guards and comers and goers generally, we decided to move without delay away towards the mountains. The necessary airangements had hardly been completed, however, when
Sultan's (it^EST House at Lahkj. a courier arriAed from Aden bringing a letter from Captain Jacob, with the welcome intelligence that the Resident had been authorised to arrange for our visit to Sokoti-a, and that the El/ihinsfaii'' was under orders to sail as soon as we returned. The 27th was spent in making arrangements for the journey l)ack, and on the evening of the 28th we were in our old quarters in Aden.
The following morning on calling at the Residency, General Creagh gave us the gratifying news that by the arrangements he had made we should be able without further delay to proceed to Sokotra, where also he expected we should find no difficulties placed in our way. Staying with the General we found Lord Lovat and Mr. Weld-Blundell who had just arrived thus far
NAKKATIVK OF THE .TOriiXKY. XXlll
on their exploratory journey to Abyssinia and Khai'touni, which they carried through with such great success.
The following two days were fully occupied in oui' final pi'eparations foi- eniliai'kation. In the selection and engagement of servants Grulaid Elmi, our interpreter, in whom we now conjoined the responsibilities of headman, ])ro\ed himself specially efficient, l)usiness-like and trustworthy. In addition to those already employed by us, we added a cook, an assistant cook and two gun cai-riers. In the discussion of terms neither the amount of the monthly wage noi' th(>- aiimn or present ad\;inee seemed to any of them half as important a consideration as the jjromise of a liberal Itukshish to lie settled at the end of the engagement if their service proved satisfactory. In addition to these, by General Ci-eagh's kind permission, the jemadar, Saleh Abdullah, who had attended us to Lahej, and a Sikh sowar of his troop, accompanied us as personal guard. Our party, therefore, numbered eleven, for eight of whom there had to be provided special rations uncontaminated by swine's lard or H(tlal-ed flesh, uncursed in the letting of its l)lood. In this matter Gulaid, who (having himself few sanctified prejudices) was reckoned by these men a true l)eliever, in possessing no l)igotry as to the Kattirism of his masters, could l)e trusted to satisfy both sides. So handing him the requisite sovereigns, I despatched him to the bazaar to provender the camp. He returned a few hours later with the detailed reckoning of the furniture of a kitchen — pots, kettles, and saucepans — and three months' supplies, among which ghi, chutney, onions, b'shrc or cotiee liean husks and dates figured largely, besides mttssuks, or goat-skin water liottles, lilankets, l)eads, Manchester cottons and trinkets for barter. The whole assortment was packed, paid foi-, and delivered by him at the wharf liefore midday with perfect accuracy, and at half the price we should have had to give at any of the large Parsee stores on Steamer Point.
By the Resident we were furnished with an official letter to the Sultan of Sokotra, explaining the ol)ject of our visit and intimating what would be expected of him towards the Expedition. Mohammed Jaffier, the adviser in native affairs, in whose office the official Arabic transcript of the Resident's native letters is registered, was also good enough to hand me, as the result of personal amenities between us, a private letter to the Sultan, an old and intimate friend of his, which would secure for us favour and assistance even if strained relations should continue with the Government. He was obliging enough also to offer to select for me bukshish for the Sultan — that "unearned increment" which every Aral), high and low, looks for and loves more than gain — such as he knew would be appreciated by one passing s^o isolated a life as the Sokotran Governor, consisting of a vial of otto of roses — the pure, unadulterated (so rare to obtain) Persian oil —and various richly-patterned turbans in cloth of gold, for himself, with a large gaiish ormolu English-made circular mirror having a trio of carved candleholders projecting from it, intended for his harem.
Finally, to complete our arrangements came our banker, Cowasjee, with the all-important treasury of the correct medium of exchange on Sokoti'a, as
XXIV TI[E XATT'RAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AF.D-EI,-KrRI.
we were assured, in the shape of about half a hundredweight of Maria Theresa doUars, the true .ll»i itokaf, or "Father of dots," shewing the orthodox seven stars on Her Majesty's tiara— all very sticky and highly odorous, tied up in a rough gunny bag for purse.
Al)out hve o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th Noveml)er we enil)ai'ked on board the ElphinMiHw, whose genial commandei', C'ai)taiii Maeaithur, at once put to sea.
II.
Abd-el-Kuri.
On clearing the harbour, a course was laid foi- Abd-el-Kuri, the western- niost member of the Sokotran archipelago, where we had the Resident's permission, if we should find the island interesting enough, to detain the EJphinstoiii' for a week before proceeding to Sokotra.
At daylight of the 3rd December we descried this little visited island breaking our eastern horizon as a low Imr of laud with two (loul:)le-peake(l heights in the centre. As we approached from the west, steering for an anchorage on the southern and at that season the lee shore, the island resolved itself into a lower western and a higher eastern end. Coasting along we eagerly scanned its surface for some indication of its promise to a naturalist ; l)ut its general aspect from the sea was quite disappointing, for it appeared to be composed of absolutely bare rock, devoid even of a vestige of vegeta- tion and, notwithstanding the curious legends of the old na\igators and historians about its people, to be entirely uninhabited.
The Elpliindone sloAvly felt her way to an anchorage in a little l)ay with a sandy beach about the middle of the south coast — the Bandar Saleh of the charts — at the only place where a break in the rocks occiu's.
At first not a native showed himself, and not a sign of habitation was visil)le fi-om our deck. By the time, however, that we had finally come to anchor, at nine o'clock, a small groujD of spectators had gathered on the shore anxiously watching our operations. On landing we found them a rather timid, poor, and ill-nourished compan}^ They spoke l)oth Arabic and Sokotri, and we learned through our interpreter that they had no objections to offer to our going anj'where on the island we pleased ; Init no one seemed to have greater authority than another, and they referred to no superior. The men were tall, rich coppery brown in colour, while the children were
consideral)ly darker ; Init there was no admixture of negro blood among those we encountered, such as Duarte Barbosa makes mention of among those he saw on the island.
A rise of a few feet from the water's edge
over a drifted sand-barrier facing the shore,
brought us to the le\'el of a plateau or wide
>,'atjvks ok Ahu kl-Kuri. strath which .stretched right across the island
XAUKATIXK OK THE .lOl'lIXKY,
Nativk ok Ai!i>-i';i,-Kri;i.
from sea to sea, and separated the higher limestone-capped range on the east from the lower l)lack archa>an hills on the west. This strath, whieh had a low water parting rnnning athwart it, was floored with the detritus from the hills on hoth Hanks. Al)Out a mile to the noith-west, we could descry under and In'hiiid tlie slu'lter of the l(jw hills which concealed it from the sea, a- single small house-cluster, about which a few women and children were moving.
Our collecting party, augmented to clcxcii hy a ])arty of oflicei's from the ElpliiiisfoiH', separated and skirmished over seNci'al miles of dry wady and I'oeky i'i<lge. Although oidy the nicicst sheen of a'reeii was visible from our anchorage, the dry, hard foreshore was found to our surprise carpeted ovei' (especially where the ground showed signs of being more or less inundated during tlu; wet season) with, liesides a sparse covering of low shrubs, munerous lowl}' and, in many instances, mere threadlike herl)S, rising little a1)0ve the surface of the; soil, but pi'oducing disproportionately conspicuous Howei-s. Except for a single well, howe\"er, we saw no water anywhere.
Birds were disappointingly few, but of the species we obtained, two proved to l)e new to science, a sparrow {Passer hcmih'iinis, Plate vii. fig. 1) and a wagtail {Mofdrilhi fonroodi, Plate vii. fig. '!). Two species of lizard of the genus Heiuiihuiylus were also found to be new. Laud shells were abundant under stones and upon the Intshes, and of these four are unknown elsewhere. Insect life was scantily represented, very few butterflies — only three all told, — beetles, or 1)ees lieing observed ; but of the two latter groups all the species turned out to be undescribed, while one of the beetles forms the type of a new genus. Over many of the shrul)S a handsome spider {Argyope chirkii, Plate xiv., fig. 3) had stretched its web of such strong threads that with a steady pull one could snap oft' the stoutish branches to which they were attached without breaking the silk. Scorpions abounded under e^ery stone, and two i-epresentatives of a new endemic genus {Hctcnntcho) were collected.
Til the afternoon several of the inhabitants came off in the launch, bringing lizards, fishes, turtle-shell, and muscovite to exchange for rice, "Indian
Nose Pincers used by Abd-el-Ktri Divers.
tobacco," and lead for sinkers for their seines. I oliserved that they flid some line fishing also, for I saw a solitary individual angling astride a poor
XXVI
THE NATTltAL HISTOllY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
NAi;i;Ari\K of tiik .loritXKY. xxvii
catamaran of three iiarTow logs of wood laslied together, with his legs dangling in the water, by which to paddle himself al)ont the l)ay. It seems that the chief employnicnl of the people is as dixci's foi' peai'l-shell on the Hacchns Bank to the north-east of the island, on the boats of shellers who come probably from Zanzibar, Ai'abia, or India. The diver descends to the sea floor holding to a line weighted by a hea\'y stone on whicli lu? stands, his nostrils being dosed liy a small wooden s])ring-clanip oi' pincers. At the end of his 'turn ' he diops the stone and is pulled to the surface.
Next day we explored to the left of the anehoi'age, ))aying a visit to the only native hamlet, so far as we could learn, on the island. The dwellings were extremely poor. All were more or less circular in shape — the simplest form and the easiest to construct —three to four yai'ds in diameter, and composed of unhewn l)locks of coral and rough conglomerate stone piled one upon the other A longer stone for lintel carried the superstructure over the single small squared orifice which served foi' door, which, with the interstices in the wall, took the place also of cliinnicy and windows. The I'oof was flat and composed of brusliAvood, ovei' which was laid a layer of clay, oi' occasionally a covering of mats or skins. The approach to the doiu' was ])i'otect(Ml by a double rlicrul (h' /rise of thoi'ny bi'ushwood four to fi\e yards in length. The door- way of most of the huts faced south-east toward the hills, which would pro- tect them from the dri\ing rains of the west monsoon. The door itself was a mere wicker-woi'k hurdle. Some of the dwellings contained several women and children, of whom, while the older ladies were indiiferent to the prying eyes of the Feringhee, the younger hastily and with some alarm cb'awing a garment over the lower part of the face, retreated into the obsciuity of their al)ode as I peeped within the door. Round every hut lay numbers of large turtle carapaces (each with an ol)long hole in the middle of its back, for what purpose cut I do not know), from which the ' shell ' had l)een stripped. Near many of the huts also lay l)askets full of daik coloured nuiscovite, in large crystals, fiut for what use it was collected I could not disco\er.
The dress of these people, who can hardly lunnbei' more than two or three score souls all told, consisted, among the men, of the ordinary tui'l)an round the head from the forehead to the nape of the neck ; a loose cotton jacket l)uttoned down the front, and a cotton cloth, gii't about the loins, hanging down to the ankles from a supporting belt ; over the shoulder they carried an extra cotton cloth, whose fashionable pattern was red and white check. Of the women we got only a glimpse, l)tit their principal garment was the long fhohf, worn slightly open at the throat, reaching down to the ankles. Some of the men wore sandals, but the majority went al)OUt l)arefooted.
Scattered over the stony strath and everywhere all around the base, and on the lower slopes of the arch;ean hills in the interioi' up to aliout 60 or 7U feet, I observed much marine detritus, consisting of pieces of sponge, coral fragments and fields of dead mollusca — the most conspicuous and al)undant being a large species of limpet with perforated apex {Fisaurella) — as if an enormous wave had swept over the lowei- part of the island at no distant period and left this jetsam behind. A reef-limestone of Pleistocene
XXviii THE XATlM'vAL HISTOISY OF SOKOTRA ANT) ABD-EL-Kl'UI.
age, coiitainiiig Gonvisineih refifor/nis, is deposited in neai'ly horizontal strata up to about 40 feet above sea-level upon the arehccan rocks west of the anchoiage.
Nativk ])\\ kllincs, ABD-Ei^-Kna.
On the 5th December, soon after sunrise, we started for a long day on Gebel Saleh, the highest peak on the island. Proceeding northward along the strath over sand and shingle for al)Out tAvo miles, we found a con- venient spur on the north-west face leading moi'C or less directly to the summit. From this aspect, which is entirely hidden from the anchorage, the mountain appeared quite clothed with dark green \egetation. Partly on the spur and partly in a neighbouring mdlah we scrambled upward with nuich eflfort, seeking out our way over the roughest of gi'ound. Huge blocks, themselves little hills in size, with perpendicular escarpments 50 to GO feet in height dislodged from the limestone strata above, constantly barred our way and necessitated lengthened detours to circumvent them. Between the elevations of 500 and 600 feet, the vegetation, which below that had l)een
NAItn.ATIN'K OF THH .KtrilXKV. XXIX
composed of numerous low bushes not exceeding two to three feet, hecame more ahundant, in some phices even dense, with trees seven to eight feet high. Among them, up fiom about 'M)0 feet to nearly the summit, T gathered a small and very elegant asclepiad, a species of Cochlanthus (C. sorofnuiiis), and noted the remarkable Euphoi'bia described as E. Abdclkari by Professor Balfoni- on page oi'O, and tigurcd on the page opposite. The strong vellow \\ebs of the large beautifully marked spider referred to a])ove {Anjiiopr rjiidii) were met with all up the mountain side, ver}' aggravatingly moored across the open passages 1)etween the trees. Several other inconspicuous arachiu'ds were also collected, of which a full account by Mr. Pocock is to be found in a subsequent section. Under nearly every stone, and often seveial inches deep in the soil beneath them, in the crevices of the rocks and on the twigs of the shrubs we found numerous land-shells, assign- al)le in all to nine species belonging to the genera Bidiminus, Trnpkhphora and LUhklioii. On the summit the rock crannies were tenanted by crowds of a specially charming though miiuite form LithUlion (jratuiii, its coral-red interior conspicuous against the white limestone. Of these nine species four have pro\'ed new to science. Three or four species of scorpion, one centipede and the gigantic Scolopenilni hulfonii, Plate xxvi. (which was found first in Sokotra by Balfour), together with a few beetles, indicate the chief invertebrates taken by us on Gel^el Saleh. Within a few feet of the summit I found two rare ferns : Schweinfurth's Asplenium, and in faultless condition Balfour's beautiful Maiden-hair {Jdiaiitiuii Ikdfoniii). A diminutive linear-leaved purple Iris (liotmdm edidis), a dwarf Asphodel {Aqdiodelas temufoHn><), and a slendei' ground-orchid {Hahniana sorotrana), together with a long spiked Orobanche {0. abi/miiica) hidden away in a deep recess under a cliff, flourished well on the scanty soil. The limestone is first seen resting on the granitoid and gneissic rocks at an elevation of about 700 to 800 feet. The uppermost limestone strata seemed to me to repose on a lower unconformable series, inclined to them at a considerable angle, as seen in the accompanying view of Gebel 8aleh (p. xxx.) photographed from the shore.
On the shore near oui' landing place I picked up several nodules of a water-worn, amber-like gum or resin, which certainly was not an obvious product of the island, foi' no gum-producing trees, save euphorbias, were anywhere seen by us. These fragments were most prol:)ably, therefore, washed out of the soil or sea-borne to Abd-el-Kuri. I had expected them to prove to l)e a copal, drifted, perhaps, from the Copal Coast, l)ut from an analysis which has lieen made, it seems to be neither true copal nor true aml)er l)ut to possess some of the characters of l)oth. Its true origin and haltitat must for the present remain an open question. The " amber of good (piality," which Duarte Barljosa mentions as found in this island, refers with little doubt to the ambergris, or " grey ambei' " ()l)tained from the Sperm- whale.
The natives complained that they suffered gi'catly from fever, induration of the liver, and, especially their children, from dysentery, and begged for medicine. I administered quinine and ipecacuanha to several of those who
XXX THE NATITIJAL HISTOIiY OF SOKOTRA ANT) ARD-EL-KIRl.
were suffering most, l.)ut some of the children seemed hopelessly ill. The duration of our -sisit was too short to enahle me to ti-eat these pooi' people with much hope of l)ciictit. Dysentery among the children is prohaltly due to bad and scanty food. The islanders must subsist almost exclusively on fish, molluscs, and turtle — on the latter so abundantly that they may truly be called cIirlund/JiiK/i. The extivnie ai'idity of the island has been remarked upon, and where the mos({uitos which showed themselves in oui' cabins on board at night — with, however, little inconvenience to us — were T)red,is difficult to imagine.
Nowhere dui'iuii; our excursions did we see the slio-htest vestia'O of (•ulti\'a-
X*-
View of Southern Face of Geeel Sai.eh, Ar.D-Ei.-KrRi.
tiori of any sort. AVith the exception of a few goats there were no domestic animals, nor an}' indications of the pi'esence of any other mammal on the island. The statement, therefore, of r)'Albucpier([ue, who \isited the island in 1507, that there were, in his day, large flocks and herds, is very remark- able, considering the vegetation that the soil now produces.
At 5"30 on the morning of the 6th December, the Kljiliinsttnic weighed anchor, and stood away for Sokotra. Proceeding eastward for some houi'S close under the shore as far as the south-east cape, her coui'se was laid north-east by east for Kallansiya. In several places as we passed along, I could plainly observe patches of limestone alaitting with a sharply defined line of demarcation against the low iiranitoid hills facing the sea and at a
NARRATIN'K OK TJFK .loritN'KV. XXXl
lower elevation than anywhere else on the island, indicating very distinct lines of fault. These patches looked as if they had been morticed into gaps in the graiu'toid rocks, and lay inclined at an angle of 35° to 40° to the horizoti. Neither on oui- passage along the south-western part of the coast, iioi' on oiu- excursions on shore, or oui' view of the island from the top of Gebel Saleh did we note a single deposit of limestone upon the archican rocks to the westward of the depression running athwart the island.
III.
Sokotra: Hadibu.
In the afternoon of the 7th I)eceml)er, the El/tli/iisfi)iie, passing under Ras Shoal), the westernmost point of Sokotra, into the hay of the same name, cast anchor at the mooring spot indicated on the Admiralty chart. Here our captain thought it might he possil)le to land the Expedition in this less surf-lieaten Imy more safely than at the town of Kallansiya, a little to the north, where at that season the sea rolls in with great violence on the beach, rendering a landing difficult and liable to accidents. The spot looked for- liidding and desolate, and without sign of habitation. As chance would have it, however, we found a baghlah at anchor, from which some information could we hoped be olitained as to the locality. On landing, which hatl to Ije accomplished hy wading from the launch through a lireast-high surf, we found a venerable Arab — the naghoda of the boat, which, it turned out, lielonged to the Sultan, and had just arrived from Bombay — sitting on the beach, who assured us that if we landed there it would be extremely difficult to obtain food or porterage, and impossible to get camels to the spot. On this information we deemed it unwise to risk landing there, although so near to a region of the island we specially desired to visit. Captain MacArthur, therefore, decided to run as far east, in the morning, as Ras Haulaf, a pro- jecting headland near to Hadilni, the capital of the island, under which we might expect to find a sheltered anchorage and landing place.
It was only much later that we knew how great a risk we had run in landing in Cxhul^bet Shoal) to make inquiries from the Sultan's baghlah. She was lying in voluntary quarantine with a large iuniil)er of her crew down with small-pox ! Indeed, I l)elieved I had fi'om our deck seen them carrying ott' one of their dead ; but the naghoda stoutly denied they had any sickness when I asked if they had not just been burying one of their number 1
Leaving Ghubbet Shoab at 2 a.m. of the 7th, we steamed slowly along the northern coast of the island with a brilliant moon overhead. In passing through Tamarida Bay we had a splendid view, against the clear sky of the opening day, of the towering pyramids and needles of the Haghier range, which here enclose a wide and deep amphitheatre in which lie embowered among palms the white houses of Hadibu. Ras Haulaf promontory under which we anchored forms the eastern arm of this Bay. Facing us a few yards from the shore stood a fair-sized square white-washed edifice, with close by what looked like a mosque and other low buildings.
xxxii THE NATrRAI, MISToltY OF SoKoTltA AND AJiD-FL-KriU.
while a short distance further off hvy a ehister of iiiisei'al)le huts. Soon after we had anchored, a half-white half-red pennon appeared over the square white edifice, whicli we learned later was the residence of the Uovernor ; hut it had not fluttered loni< before it was hurriedly replaced by a Union Jack. Presently a canoe came off with two men, who informed us that they were of the household of the Sultan, who had that morning left for a residence he had several hours flistant in the interior. To one of these men we entrusted a letter to be despatched at once informing His Highness of our arrival, and the ol)ject of our visit, and that we had brought for him letters from the Government in Aden which we desii'cd to present as soon as he could honour us with an inter\ie\v.
View of Hadhu' ani> thk Haohiek M(it^ntains fiklm Tamaktda Bay.
Late the same evening our messenger returned on l)oai-d to infoi-m us that the Sultan, who had arranged to return over night, would receive us next morning. Accordingly after breakfast the following day. Captain MacArthui- and I with Gulaid our interpreter, proceeded on shore, where an aged sheikh was waiting to conduct us, between the ranks of a l)ai-l)aric guard of honour, to the Sultan's audience chamber in a low unfloored shed a little distance from his "palace." Sultan Selim received us at first veiy coldly and suspiciously ; l)ut when he had perused General Creagh's comnnniication, and the letter from Mohammed .jathesr, and heard we had come on a scientific mission only and not on a retributory visit, he mellowed considerably, and through our interpreter returned his thanks for the letter we had l)i'()ught from the Resi- dent of Aden. He accorded us pei'mission to visit any part of the island we desired. Our present he accepted with little (!tt"usion, and by a gesture con- signed it to one of his relations near him, as if the receiving of " Inikshish '" was too common an occurrence to necessitate his even touching or looking at it. Mrs. Theodore Bent had advised us to obtain as guides two Sokotri, Amr and Ali, who had accompanied her husl);iii(l and herself and been very useful to them during their visit to Sokoti'a. On making a request for their services from the Sultan, both men, strange to say, were standing close by me among
NAIIKATIVE OF THE .TorRNKV. XWIU
tlie throiiu; that had followed us into the reception I'ooin, and were forthwith tohl oti' to attend us and see to our re(|uirements at a charge to us of one and a quai'ter rupees per (hiy. If these men had proved faithful and helpful to the Bents, they had been much spoiled hy them, or had vastly deteriorated in character since their visit. They had bled these travelleis very freely, we gathered, and we soon found out for ourselves that unless we were prepared to pay the Bent tarifi, we should meet with opposition everywhere. Both men were entirely subservient to the Sultan — Ali, indeed, was his slave, and half of Amr's and all Ali's pay would go into His Highness's pocket. A very short term of probation served to show them in their true characters, and had we not put our foot down and dismissed them after about a fortnight's employment, we should have experienced more trouble and greater delays than we did. Their successors, chosen by ourselves, turned out more faithful, honest and helpful. After the conclusion of our intei-view, no time was lost in making arrange- ments with Amr for the transportation by l)aghlah of our baggage and servants from the Elphinstone to the mouth of the Hanefu, distant a few miles west, close to the town of Hadibu near which we proposed to camp. By evening everything was transhipped and transported. This was excellent 'business,' and for Orientals expedition itself. Had we landed at Ghubbet Shoab or Kallansiya it would have taken at least a fortnight to have com- municated and secured an interview with the Sultan, without which we could not have begun operations.
On the morning of the 9th we took leave of the Elphinsfone, and landing at Haulaf proceeded on foot along the shore towaixls Hadibu or Tamarida? as it is also named. When we readied the Hanefu estuary, wliere the landing of our Imggage through the surf was pi'oceeding rapidly and safely, we turned due south and lit upon a pleasant spot for our camp about a mile inland, close by a palm grove at a pretty bend of the river where the baidv looked down from a slight elevation upon tlie wimpling water. Before sunset we were estal)lished under canvas and fairly comfortal^le. The crowds of insects attracted to the lights of our tents demanding to be captured, made a good l)eginning to our Sokotra collections.
The Plain of Hadibu, two to three miles deep and four to five w4de, in which we stayed from the 7th to the 18th of the month, forms, from a geological point of view, one of the very interesting features of the island. It has the semblance of a vast quarry with an open front to the sea, walled in elsewhere l:>y appaiently insmmounta1)le pinnacled and extremely picturesque cliffs, 2000 to 3000 feet in lieight, worked out of the solid granite core of the island. Except for a gateway along the sea margin round the shoulder of its east and west arms, the amphitheatre looked entirely land-locked. Investiga- tion, however, showed that the three nearly equidistant streams which crossed the Plain were fed from as many ravines, deep cut in the central granite mass. The undulating floor of this vast excavation was, with the exception of a few sandy swarded patches, entirely overspread with shingle and lai'ge boulders, some of which Avere hundreds of tons in weight, bespeaking vast transportation power and an enormous amount of deinidation, whose manner
XXXIV THE NATFRAL HfSTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
of action ill forniiug the amphitheatre, however, seems (to me at least) not at all easy to explain.
The roughness of the ground was concealed in the general view by a thick low covering of scrul), consisting chiefly of Dirichletid, Enpliorhia, Jatropha, and conspicuous among the others from their bizzare hal)it, Adeniitm and the remarkable indigenous Cucuml)er-tree, Dendrosicyos.
In the town of Hadibu the houses were of the square flat-roofed form so common in Aralna (such as one sees at Ma'ala, near Aden), set in narrow winding streets overshadowed l)y Date palms. From the sea, or at some distance off on the plain, these whitewashed dwellings glinting from amid the palm fronds presented a l)eauty and picturesqueness which were sadly discounted 1)y the dirt and odours revealed by a stroll through its streets. On the plain the hamlets showed a \ery different style of architec- ture. There the huts were circular in form. The walls, from 10-12 feet in diameter, were ])uilt in the cyclopean manner of unhewn cul)es of stone piled up in rough unbonded courses to a height of seven or eight feet, the chinks between the stones serving for windows and chimney. The roof was formed of palm branches laid upon rafters stretching from rim to rim plastered over with clay and often green with grass. In the larger huts the rafters were further supported on pillai'like piles of stone or on Date stems rising from the floor. The dotjrway, a low square orifice, was closed ])y a rough hurdle of palm leaf mid-ril)S. A few skins, a very primitive loom, a quern for milling grain, an assortment of earthenware pots and a few skin bottles for holding ghi, comprised the fui'iiiture of the best appointed of these dwellings.
The people are entirely pastoral, possessing lai-ge flocks of sheep, goats, and cattle. The latter l)elong to a very small, shorthorned, deep dewlapped, unhumped breed, diftering entirely fi'om the cattle of Ai'abia, India, and Africa, the lands nearest to Sokotra. The people cultivate occasionally a few patches of millet (Son/hum vulguri'), tobacco and cotton. The one-humped camel is their ])east of burden, a surer-footed and sti'onger l)ree(l than the Arabian.
Ghi, a clarified ])utter made from the milk of cattle and goats, is the chief export of Sokotra. In former days the island was celebrated as a market of Aloes and Dragoii's-l)lood — ^indeed, the name Sokotra is believed to be merely a corruption of Sukkatira, suk, the Arabic for " market," and katir, " Dragon's-blood " ; but only a small ([uantity of either is now prepared or exported.
In Hadibu and the hamlets of the plain, pottery was extensively manu- factured, but in a very primitive fashion notwithstanding the long inter- course which has existed between Sokotra and countries producing high-class earthenware. It was entirely hand-made, the potter's wheel being quite unknown. The women were the fabricators, and their clay was collected from pockets in the limestone rocks, where a bright red deposit is left by the rains, and from the bases of the central cliffs and in some of the streams, where a greyish yellow, more unctutnis sort resulting from the waste of the granite, accumulates in considerable quantities. The two kinds were
XAHUATIVK OF TlIK .TorHXKY. XXXV
levigated together, witli the addition of tinely powdered limestone iiod- ides. Out of a single lump of this paste small pots and dishes were modelled l)y tlie fingers and a smooth stone ; larger vessels were built up from a liase, ring by ring, to their desired size and shape, smoothed ai\d fashioned inside and out by the thumbs, the {)alm of the hand and a smooth pel)l)le constantly dipped in water. A small curved disk of coeoainit shell — an import into the island, whose flora does not contain this palm, singularly enough — or the half of a bivalve shell, served to sci'apc^ the vessel to a uniform thickness. After being (exposed in the air till diy, the pots were baked in the open in the centre of a hre of wood faggots. When thoroughly fired theii' ware is of a l)right led coloui', with black patches here and there where incompletely exposed to the action of the heat through contact with the cishes. Many of the smaller pots, which they constantly used to hold milk, were entirely of a dark manganese colour, as if during their firing the air had been excluded fi'om contact with the entire sui'face. The art of glazing was apparently unknown. Ornamentation was generally omitted ; where it existed, however, it was never scored or impressed, but invariably streaked upon the vessels from a motive which I have l)een unable to reconstruct. The pigment employed was maiidy Dragon's-blood resin, Init whether compounded with other ingredients and how ap[)lied I had no op|)ortunity of observing. The manufacture of pottery was e\idently not confined to particular families ; each household, so far as I could learn, made its own. I did not observe a trade mark upon any of the pieces I examined, and none of it was apparently made for export. IMate i., forming the frontispiece, shows the forms most generally fabricated. Figures 1 (designated Sahiut), 4 and 5 were used for con- taining milk, ghi, or aloes juice, 4 and 5 especially for cooking or for heating milk in ; figures 6, 7, 8 and 10 represent water vessels : G being specially employed to contain water for religious ablution — of which oidy a few drops appeared to be necessary at a time, 7 (designated S<irlahii), 8 and 10 served as water receptacles for domestic purposes, and 3 and 9 as food holders. Figure 2 (named ]\[akorseich) was hung on the walls for ornamental purposes — like plates on. our drawing-room walls — when not in use for burning incense on. As most of the dwellings had earth floors, few of these utensils were provided with bases, it being necessary for their upright position only to press them into the grojnd.
Having arranged as the general plan of our movements to visit on leaving the plain the higher regions of the Haghier mountains, then the eastern plateau, and finally the little-known south-western valley of the island, we decided to break up our Hadilni camp on the 18th. It looked, however, for a time as if the region of the Haghier we were to visit was hardly to be left to our selection, for Amr, Ali and the camel men had determined to have a say in the matter. It was impossilde to name a place out of the plains to which the paths were not, according to them, dangerous or impassable for loaded camels ; and whither camels, the only means of transport on the island, could not he taken it would be useless for us to go, as without our supplies and our apparatus we could accomplish little or nothing. Long and weary were the discussions
XXXVl THK NATrUAI. IIIST()i;V OF SOKOTltA AND ABK-Kr^-KlKr.
conducted witli thoiu tlu-ough our ititerpretei-, and endless the maps traced on the ground l>y us and them to show the possil)le routes, before it became evident that Mrs. Bent's recommendees were simply deceiving us. As soon as this became apparent, we made our own selection of our next camping station and the route to it, and issued orders for the necessary camels to be brought in. Tliese arrived on the 17th to the number of 1^2, and on the 18th, after the lengthy and rather trying experience, to which we were new, of arranging associated requirements on eveidy-balanced packages for accom- modation on the same camel, we started towards mid-day for Dahamis on the eastern slopes of the Haghier mountains. Crossing the plain eastward we ascended by the short, narrc^w gorge of the Lahas river to the Addah Pass separating the amphitheatre of Hadilni from the Plain of Kam, where we bivoviacked for the night, and on tui'uing in were soothed to sleep by the ' song of the setting sun,' from an owl of a species at that date, but we hoped not for long to be, unknown to the fauna of Sokotra — Scojt-^ nocofniuns.
IV.
Dahamis. Kamahanu. Jena=a§:ahan.
On the morning of the 19th December our kafila got away early in charge of Gulaid, our headman, while Grant and I, accompanied by Cutmore, followed behind on foot collecting as we ^^'ent. AVending our way southward through the Plain of Kam we emeiged l)y a narrow gateway into the northern end of the more extensive Garieh Plain, when we veered west to enter the contracted defile by which the Nehashir, a tributary of the Motaha, tlrains into that plain seaward the waters of the great Dahamis Glen. In a nook just within the gateway we found, on our arrival in the late afternoon, our tents already pitched by Gulaid on a grassy plateau, 750 feet above the sea. During this march the first indications of malarial infection presented them- selves in our taxidermist, in fatigue, headache and prostration, which developed within twenty -four hours into a malignant attack of it'stivo- autumnal fever. He was followed on the sick list in rapid succession, within the next three days, by both of us and by a number of our Aden servants. The fact of these men being attacked would tend to show that we possibly escaped infection in Arabia, and were probably first inoculated in Sokotra, notwithstanding that the period of incubation was shorter than the 18 to 22 days which has generally l)een my own experience. In Abd-el-Kuri mosquitos were not malignant, nor were they numerous, for the islet contained abso- lutely no water except, so far as we could discover, in a single brackish well 15 to 20 feet deep. Still, malaria did exist there, as the inhabitants told me, and I saw some cases of it. Mosc|uitos were abundant at Hadibu, and there, no doubt, the disease was mainly contracted. Under the belief then, however, that the locality, the character of the drinking water, or miasmata were the causes of fever, we decided to get without delay away from Dahamis to some more open spot over which the wind could freely play ; for though the night temperature was 66^ ¥., during the day the heat, direct and
NARRATIVE OF THE .lorUXEY. XXWll
reflected from the hills around us, was generally over 100° F. To Gulaid, ac- cordingly, the only fe\er-free mcmlier of our company, we were compelled, on the 2.'^r(l, to onti'ust the search for a new camping site, which he was instructed to select as high as attainable with camels, and open to the hreeze from the sea. On his I'ctui'n he reported having found such a spot as we desired on a liciglit iiaiiifd Kanialianu, less than a days journey distant.
No opportunities in the intei'vals of fever were lost of collecting in and investigating the Dahamis (tIcii which ascended in front of us westward to a Pass some 1*000 feet high, while the peaks of its northern and southern arms overshadowed us l»y another thousand. While there was little or no dirt'erence in the fauna from that met with in the plains, we encountered here for the first time many of those peculiar plants which characterise the flora of the Haghier Alps.
On Christmas Day we struck our ramp at l>ahaniis, and set out for our new and, we trusted, more healthy quarters. AVe presetited a sorry spectacle, for we were all either actually suftering from fever, or weak and dispirited from an attack recently passed. On emerging on the (xarieh Plain, Kama- haiui was pointed out to us as a hill, isolated in the centre of the plain, I'ising only some GOO or 700 feet above its level. On the slope of this hill had been chosen our camping ground, to our disappointment (piite away from the high range, though open to the sea bi-eeze.
When the last of our followers with the l)aggage arriAcd at Kamahatui it was (juite dark, and as most of our party had liecome incapacitated 1)}' fever duiing the maich, the baggage had to lie as it was dropjjcd from the camels' backs. Next morning things were e\en worse, as all l)ut three out of our compan}' of eleven were on the sick list, and within twenty-four hours these three also. In my own case the paroxysms were less severe and prolonged than in the case of the others, so that I was al)le to administer the necessary medicines, and, with the aid of Jamah, our butler, avIio, ill though he was, bravely kept the kitchen going, to have prepared such food as they could take.
From the camp I could clearly make out with a glass a village situated high up on one of the north-eastern buttresses of the granite viassif of the Haghier, and aliove it a flat grassy plateau, which, as there was clearly a path to the village, ought to be easily reached from it by camels. To this spot we determined to move as soon as the health of the camp permitted. This was not till the morning of the 30th, when, after a great eff"ort in loading the tents and baggage upon the camels, we were able to set out for Jena-agahan, or Thlutid, as our destination was \ariously destignated. The ascent was very laborious, but the site when attained pioved an excellent choice. The altitude was nearly 1600 feet, the air delightfully fresh, and the view of mountain, plain and sea commanded fi'om it charming and exhilarating. Milk and fresh meat were alnuidant, and the health of our party, except in the taxidermist's case, rapidly improved. The severity and intractability of the fever in his case, complicated as it was with ha'moglobinuria, caused us great anxiety, so much so that we had decided on the 13th, if there were no amelioration next day, to l)reak up the Expedition, hire a baghlah from the
XXXviii THK NATUUAL HISTORY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD-KL-Kl'lU.
SultcUi and i-etuni to Aden. By great good fortinie, a few hours later a messenger sent hy the Sultan arrived from Kallansiya — 70 miles distant — with a letter from Dr. Mliller informing us of his arrival there on the Gottfried, along with the members of the Austrian Plxpedition, and of his haviu'' hrouirht a mail for us. As there was a medical officer in their party, we dispatched our Aral) jemadar the same aftei'uoon on camel-back with a history of Cutmore's case, and a reipiest for advice under the circumstances.
Many interesting additions were made to our collections during the the seventeen days we camped at Jena-agahan — minerals, plants, insects, reptiles, and mammals. Among the latter were examples of the wild Ass (Plate ii.), which was among the most important of our zoological ac(|uisi- tions. These herds which roam the Garieh Plain are, in my belief, the survivors of Nuliian ancestors brought from the Red Sea coast by, probably, the ancient Egyptian incense collectors. When closely examined they are seen to differ in colour and in many other points from the common donkey, with some few individuals of which I had an opportunity of comparing them side by side in Hadiliu. The Sokotraii Ass differs entirely also from the Somaliland species, A\hich wants the shoulder an<l dorsal stripes.
Numerous house-clumps dotted the iicighl)ouring spurs of the mountains, inhabited by sheep- and cattle-heixls whose chief occupation was milking the cows and goats for the preparation of glii. This was collected from them l»y traders from Zanzibar in Africa and Male alia in Arabia, who gave rice, calicoes, African slaves (in large transactions), am1)er or Maria Theresa dollars and two-anna pieces of the Indian mint in exchange. These coins were, however, looked oii everywhere (except perhaps in Haflibu and by the Sultan, who was the chief trader of the island), more as l)arter than triw currency. They would pass from the recipients directly to the silver workers in Hadibu or Kallansiya, to be made into ornaments for themselves or their womankind. Among them- selves coins were rarely used. In their commercial transactions, the barter was cattle, glii, hides, dates, pottery, or cakes. Pottery was not an article of export, but appeared to be an instrument of currency in the island, tw^o pots having the value, as I learned after much questioning, of one cake — probably a luxury not always obtainable — baked of Jowari meal, pure or mixed with dates, of which 25 were equivalent to one Maria Theresa dollar. Thus 500 pots, 250 cakes, 10 sheep, 5 goats, 1 cow, 15 fraselas (about 4S 11 )s.) of Dragon's-blood resin, and 10 Maria Theresa dollars would all be of alxnit equal value.
V.
Homhil.
The taxidermist's fever having at last given way to aconite, ar.senic and quinine, we were able to arrange to leave our pleasant tented field at Jena-agahan on the 16th for Homhil on the plateau overlooking the eastern side of the Garieh Plain. With a caravan of over a score of camels the rate of march could lie no faster than the speed of the slowest of them, so that we
NARRATIVE OV THE .TOT'RNEY. XXxix
had to bivouac for a night on the way in the; l)ecl of the nearly dry Dimichiro river, which skirts the eastern side of the phiin, whence on the l7th we continued oui- jouincy south-eastwaix]. Throughout these two days, which were of exceptional clearness, the beauty of the view presented by the Haghier slopes and summits, it would be difficult to exaggerate. From no other part of the island can the majestic outlines of the crests, crags and
View in Guahal (turue, Sokotra.
aiguUes of this most picturesquely sculptured granite core of the island be so well seen as from the Garieh Plain. Our route to the plateaii ascended steeply for 1500 feet up the gorge of the Goahal, which flowed strong and noisily, like a Scotch burn, over its shingly bed, meandering from its upper and precipitous reaches down through palm-dotted gulches and over several
xl
THE NATLTRAL HISTORY OP SOKOTRA AND AF.D-EL-Kritl.
charming waterfalls. The Homhil Plain we found to be another of those remarkable geologic features of the island, similar to but somewhat smaller than the Hadibu amphitheatre — ^a vast excavation deiuided out of what was once an unbroken plateau of limestone a thousand feet higher than its present floor, and 2000 to 3000 feet a1>ove the level of the Uarieh Plain.
On the 20th, the jemadar returned from Kallansiya bringing our first mail since November, and kind letters from Professor Midler (who was now in charge of the Vieima Hxpedition), and from Dr. Stefan Paiilay, with medicines and advice as to the treatment of our sick, luckily by that time less needed. Oiu' Austrian friends sent not advice only, but a
Dr.\(;un's-Bl()oi) Tree.
largesse of two camel loads of 'medical comforts,' consisting of a lai'ge supply of aerated mineral water, a few bottles of wine, some fresh l)i-ead which was a gi'cat luxury, and a (juantity of biscuits our supply of which was ruiuiing low. Of all these the mineral water proved the chief boon in acting as an alterative probably. Certain it is that after a short use of it the improvement in our general health was very marked and continued. How deep our gratitude for this most generous and thoughtful kindness was and is can only be appreciated by those who have had to camp for lengthened periods far
NARRATIVE OF THK .loniNEY,
xli
from the " resources of civilisation," and ai'c respoiisi])l(' for the health and lives of others.
The geological sti'ucture of .lena-agahan and the surrounding region was entii'i'ly granite. The Hondiil Plain, on the other hand, was sui'i'oundt'd hy limestone escarp- ments, and although the altitudes of our camp at l)oth places varied little, the vege- tation was markedly in contrast. At the former station that curious and ancient tree, one of the chief botanical charac- teristics of the island, the Dragon's-blood {Dranenu) could be seen only on the highest tops far above us, while at the latter it sui'rounded our camp as a pre<lominant feature of the flora, along with Fraidv- incense trees and with Adciiiniii, Ihn (lrns/ri/i).-<, and Dorsfcn/d, an interesting triad whose swollen stems suggested their being- affected with elephantiasis.
We stayed here till the 27th of Jan- uary, and had a very successful and delightful sojourn, adding largely both of the Hora and fauna to our collections, as well as to our topographical and geological observations. Here also we came more in contact with the people than at any former station, and I was successful in obtaining .some interesting notes on their customs, manners, games and industries. It was
CrcuMBKR Trek (Deudro-sici/osJ.
Frankixcknse and Adeniu.m Trees. anti(|uity for the advent of the Sokotri to their present home
impossi1)le, however, owang to the religious sci'uples of the Sokotri, to induce them to submit to be photo- graphed, or to have their physical dimensions taken. Nevertheless I obtained surreptitiously a few like- nesses. These notes, however, ex- tending as they do to a considerable length, must be reserved for some other place, the space at my disposal hei'e l)eing limited. I may merely mention the fact that these oliser- vations, taken along with the tradi tions I'ecorded by ancient writers on Sokotra, seem to point to a veiy remote
xlll THE NATURAL IFISTOKY OF SOKOTKA AND AP.D-EL-KIItl.
The climate on the Homhil Plain was delightful. The temperature during the day rarely exceeded 78° to 79^ F. — on one occasion only reaching 90° — while during the night from 62° to 65° F. was the usual i-eading of the thermometer.
From Homhil it was our intention to reach Adho Dimellus, situated amid the highest peaks of the Haghier, by one or other of the two deep central valleys that open on the Nugget Plain, which stretches along the southern coast, and thereafter, if possiljle, proceed to the south-western district. No persuasion, however, could induce our camel men to take the southern route. They resolutely refused to retreat from the declaration they had made that camels could not ascend from that side, but only from the Hadibu Plain. Without more certain knowledge of the country than we possessed we were compelled to adopt the latter route ; and it was only when we reached our desired destination that we discovered how deliberately they had misled us. The path was probal)ly somewhat more difficult, l)Ut the numl)er of loaded camels tliat came up these very valleys and passed our camp on their way to Khadoop proved that had we insisted on our orders iK'ing carried out, we should have encountered no insurmountable difficulties. Unfortunately we had no time to risk in proving hy actual ti'aAcrse that our surmise was right and the camel men were wrong.
VI.
Elhe. Adho=DimelIus. Hadibu. Bandar Saleh (Abd=el = Kuri).
On the 27th of January we broke camp at Homhil, unwillingly retracing our steps down the Goahal gorge and north-westwards across the Garieh Plain, till reaching the Wady Jubher, in which we bi^•ouacked for the night, not far from our former camp, of unhappy memory, at Kamahanu. Next morn- ing we continued our journey, and crossing the Addah Pass reached Hadibu Plain, where, turning southwards, we pitched our tents late in the afternoon at Elhe, a hamlet not far from where the Dinehan — the deep glen by which we purposed to ascend to the heart of the Haghier — flows out through its iron gates into the plain on its way to the sea. Here we spent two days preparing for the journey before us by selecting fresh camels in place of those that seemed unfit, and reducing and re-arranging the loads for distribution among an increased number of animals. We had also oiu- collections to pack in ])Oxes and Wardian cases for storage in Hadilni, and to replenish our stock of preservatives, ammunition and food-supplies from the stores left in that toAvn in December. Collecting was not neglected in the intervals of this work. Mr. Grant secured some excellent specimens of the endemic Grosl)eak and other l)iiTls, and made many additions to his stock of the new Chiraxes Vf'lo.r (Plate xviii.), as well as captui'ing numerous Hymenoptera, Neuroptera and other insects.
It may be mentioned as an examjjle of the permanency of the effect of the sun's rays upon the skin that, having on the 30th Jaiuiary omitted to put
NARRATIVE OF THK .loi'RNKY.
xliii
Oil one of my i;-aitcr.s, a f.'w inclies of the nake.l .skin of tliat leg was left exposed l)elow the edge of my kiiickerl)Ocker and severely Imnied. The ex- posure lasted l(>.ss than two hours, l)Ut so scorched was the part that I was quite crippled for scNcral dars. The skin in the ordinary course gradually turned hrowii. aiul although it was continuously afterwards covered by a
Our ( ' \\m' \r Aiiiin-|)i \ii,i
l.andage, and later l.y my ordinary dress, the l)rowne(l Ik'U on my leg was conspicuous in the middle of 1902, and was still traceable in January, 1903, three years after the occurrence.
On the 31st of January, we resumed our march to Adho Dimellus, taking our wav up the Dinchan Valley. As the ascent is very steep, and the path in many places narrowed to a few feet, great care was re.pured
xliv
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
ill directing the camels, and conseciuently progress was slow. The climb, however, displayed the splendid character of the Sokotran dromedary, its sure-footedness, the wisdom with which it picks its steps in dangerous places, its docility and its endurance. In mid-afternoon we bivouacked on a recessed corner in the glen, some 2000 feet above the sea. Next morning contiiuiing our ascent, we reached Adho Dimellus Pass, the highest plateau on the island, and the water parting between the two coasts, at an altitude of 3000 feet. From this point we obtained a magnificent view, on the one hand, to the north, down the steep valley up which we had climlied and out to the sea horizon beyond ; on the other hand, southwards, over wilder and even more picturesque glens to the gate-like clefts which their rivers have cut through the limestone cliffs that barred their way to the sandy Nugget Plain and the sea. Out of this plateau rises a forest of majestic peaks, of which Gebel Dryat, the loftiest summit in Sokotra, rears its twin spires nearly 5000 feet into the clouds. Descending a little way on the southern side of this Pass, we pitched our camp under the shadow of two lofty pillars
Sokotran Cattle.
of granite, in a corner in the midst of a wilderness of lioulders half Inu'ied amid a shrubbery of St. John's- Wort (Hupericvm mysorcnf'e and //. sropulonnn), and hedged round l>y an impenetrable thicket of the remarkable Cocraltis Balfotirii — a site which for picturesqueness could with diflficulty l)e e(iualled.
Here we remained till the 17th of February, for we had decid(Mi to abandon our visit to the south-western valley, as after spending a week or ten days at Adho Dimellus it was evident it would have taken all the avail- able time we had before the 20th (when the Elphimfone was due to return for us), even to reach that district. This elevated camp, at all events, stood in the midst of the peculiar flora of the island, and in a locality where we found much to afld to our zoological collections as well. The roof of So- kotra, as we may call this district, was formed of a series of Ijay-like meadows, cut off" from each other by buttresses of the peaks. They were clad with a luxuriant ankle-deep sward of succulent herbage on which grazed fiocks of sheep and goats and large herds of the extremely beautiful dwarf cattle of which I have already spoken. It is one of our chief regrets that we Inought Itack
N'Ai;itAl"l\K (»F TIIK .loritNKV. xlv
Avith us no speciiiu'ii of thoir skins or skeletons for home examination. It never striiek me till our return that they wei'e not an intioduction l)v the Portuguese, since they were so European in form, and differed altogether from the races found in India, Aral)ia or Africa, the countries nearest to Sokotra. That cattle occupied the island for many centuries prior to the advent of that nation, I have discovered evidence since my return which I ha\ 0 not the space here to discuss. Nor can I enter into a description of the icinai'kable remains that cover the ground on the more westerly of these water-parting plateaux.
The climate at this altitude was simply superb, and if a good path were constructed from the Hadibu Plain — an engineering undertaking of absolutely no difficulty — a delightful sanatorium for our Aden ti'oops might with very little cost be erected a short day's march only distant from the coast, where fresh meat (beef, mutton, and kid) and milk could be al)undantly obtained, while fruit and vegetables of every sort could be grown, and fish procured with the greatest ease.
On the 13th we had the great pleasure of welcoming in our camj^ and entertaining for a night Dr. Miiller and the members of the Austrian Expedi- tion, whose yacht, the Gottfried, had come round to Haulaf. We had thus the opportunity of personally expressing to them our thanks for their kind- ness to us in our sickness. Dr. Kossmat and Professor Simony had hoped to make the ascent of Glebel Dryat, but the extremely wet weather that came on — almost the only truly heavy rains we experienced while on the island — and lasted incessantly for three days, frustrated their plans for that occasion.
On the 18th we packed up our camp and belongings and set out for Hadibu to await the return of the EJpldnstone. We arri\'cd the same evening, and pitched our tents a little nearer the shore than the site of our first encampment. We could not but be struck with the difference of the plain in the interval. Every sign of grass had disappeared, and a brown stony desert lay before us. The few cattle and sheep which had not been drafted to the uplands wandered disconsolately and thin o^'er it searching for food, and finding it almost entirely on the leaves and twigs of the shrubs. The next two days were occupied in packing up our collections and baggage for embarkation, and in paying oft" our camel drivers and bukshish-ing those who had assisted us.
On the morning of the 21st the Elphinstone anchored off the town. The transfer of our belongings on board began at once, and was completed in the afternoon. After paying a farewell visit to the Sultan, who was then resid- ing in Hadibu, to thank him for the unfettered way we had been permitted to rove aliout the island, for the use of his camels (for which we had paid him well), and to recei\e from him his reply to the communication brought by us from General Creagh, Mr. Grant and I proceeded on board, when the Elphinstoni' got promptl}' under weigh for Aden via Abd-el-Kuri, on which we desired to have one more hasty run.
Early on the 22n(l we found ourselves at our old anchorage in Bandar Saleh, where we remained till the next evening. During our stay Grant was
xlvi THE NATURAL HISTOItV OF SOKOTRA AM) AHD-ET^-KURI.
fortunate in obtaiiiiiii^ a second pair of the Piisscr heinileiirn^; the endemic sparrow of the island (Plate \ii.), additional specimens of the fine cormorant fii;in'Cfl on Plate vi., and a single individual of the starling which had eluded us on our former visit, and which, on proving to he distinct from the
GeREL DrYAT (seen from ADJIO DIMKLLUS PASS).
Sokotran sj)ecies, we havt; named J iii//i/riis rrciu/lii, in honour of the Kesident of Aden, to whom we owed so much during our stay there. The remark al)le Euphorbia, which I had observed on our first visit as covering the mountain side like a plantation of verdant processional candles, I was success ful in rooting up, getting safely al)oard with -Famah's aid, and in eventually transmitting in excellent condition to Edinlmrgh, where it still thrives.
NARRATIVE (>F THE .lOl'RNEY. xlvii
What struck us very forcil)ly, after having seen the Hora of Sokotra, was the absence here of so many of the characteristic plants of that island. Draffon's-blood, Fi'aiikincense, Mvrrh, and Cucumber trees, Adcnium, Aloe,
C> ' t ' 7 7 7
Date-palms, E.nicum, Dorsfcniu, Ili/pcrinnn, and many others were conspicuous l)y their absence.
On the evtiuing of the :^;5rd of February we left for Aden, where we anchored late on the l^oth. Two homeward-bound .steamers, a P. iSc O. and a British India, were due within the next few days. By dint of incessant work our collections were packed, and all our arrangements made for departure by the "iSth. The British India steamer Ghoorkha, luckily for us once more, arriving first of the two, on the morning of March 1st, we took passage by her. The P. & 0. boat, which reached Aden a few hours later, to oui' chagrin passed us in the Ked Ssa the same evening travelling at a high speed. When we reached Suez, however, some days later, we left our rival behind us in strict quaran- tine with plague on l)oai'd, lamenting, while we proceeded happily on our way to Marseilles, whence Mr. Urant and I travelled overland to London, leaving our taxidei'mist, Cutmore, to contiiuie the voyage by the (rhoorkha to the Thames, in charge of the collections and baggage, which all came .safely to the end of their peregrinations.
Zoology
of
Sokotra
and
Abd=el = Kuri
CHORDATA.
VERTEBRATA,
Mammalia.
By W. E. De WINTON, F.Z.5. HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D. W. R. OQILVIE = QRANT.
PLATE 11.
MAIMMALS OF SOKOTRA.
Mammals.
The Mammalian Fauna of Sokotra had been very cursorily examined by former expeditions, and, with the exception of a Bat, all the Mammals hitherto recorded were such as had undoubtedly been introduced by man. It was therefore thought that some species truly indigenous might be dis- covered ; for it seemed to many highly improbable that an island in such a position could have been so long separated from the mainland of both Africa and Asia as would be suggested by the absence of all Mammals,
The present Expedition has failed in adding to the list, so it may now be said, with a fair amount of certainty, that Sokotra has no indigenous Mammals, and that with the exception of one or two Eats, which may occasionally iind their way from the mainland, all the Mammals living on the island have been introduced by man.
The first list of the Mammals of Sokotra of modern times was given by Heuglin in Petermann's Miffhcihou/en, 1861, p. 149, in a general descrip- tion of the island and its products. Camels, goats, wild or feral asses, and civets are mentioned as those most worthy of record, while jackals and gazelles are said to be found in the middle of the island. The two latter may now l)e disregarded, as no explorer has been able to find either on the island.
The small Mammals were first noticed in a report on Dr. E. Riebeck's collection by Dr. 0. Taschenberg in the Zeifschrift far Nafurwissenschdfkn, Halle, 1883, Vol. Ivi. p. 160. In this list the Free-tailed Bat (L'hiiioiMiia microphi/Uuin) is recorded with a rat {Mus alMjjes), and a mouse {Mas gc/ifilis).
The following notes on the Mammals obtained by the present Expedition suggest themselves to me ; the full list, with field notes, I leave in the hands of the collectors.
The Rasse {Viverricula malaccensu) is of the form common to Java and Madagascar, distinguished under the subspecific name of F. malacccnsis rasse, Horsf. (see J. L. Bonhote, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., Ser. VII., Vol. i., 1898, p. 119). This animal is now found almost everywhere in the islands of the Indian Ocean and Malayan seas, being carried in ships and dhows for the sake of the civet which it yields.
The Rat {Mus rattxs), of which a large series was obtained, varies in the shade of colour between the two forms found in India, Mus Jtavescens of Elliott
6 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
and M. rufesccns of Gray. This is no doubt the Mm alhipes of Dr. O. Taschenberg's list.
The House Mouse may have found its way on to the island, but it is just possible that young specimens of the last mentioned species were taken by Dr. Taschenberg for Mm gentilk, the pale form of ^l//^^• mnscidiis found on the borders of the Ked Sea.
The African Ass (Eqxus a.^inus) was found in a perfectly wild state, and probably has lived thus for some thonsands of years. Failiug wild killed specimens of the true wild Ass from Africa, it is impossible to say whether the Sokotran animal has undergone any modification from the ancestral form.
The Mammalian Fauna of Sokotra, so far as known, comprises eleven species.
I.— Mammals of Sokotra.
CHIROPTERA. EMBALLONURID^.
Rhinopoma, Geoffr.
1. Rhinopoma microphyllum, Gfoffr.
Rhinopoma mkrophyllum, Taschenb. Zeit. Nat. Wissenscli. (4) ii. p. 169 (1883).
[Riebeck's Collection contained numerous examples of this species captured in the neighbourhood of Tamarida (or Hadibu). We did not meet with the species ; and though constantly on the look-out for Bats, only once during the months we remained on Sokotra were we rewarded with a sight of one.
One night at Adho Dimellus (3,500 feet), while going round the sugared posts in search of moths, a small Bat flew several times across the front of the lantern within a few yards of me. It was not flying very fast and 1 saw it very clearly, but, of course, can only hazard a guess as to the species. By the time I had returned to the spot with a collecting gun the Bat was nowhere to be seen ; and, even if I had succeeded in shooting it, it would probably have been lost among the grass and stones. It resembled and may possibly have belonged to the sj^ecies Hipposiderm tridens, which is common in South Arahia.—JF.ROJl]
CARNIVORA. FELIDiE.
Felis, Linn.
2. Felis maniculata, Cretzschm.
[We never succeeded in procuring or even seeing an example of the Wild Cat, though they were said to be fairly common in some of the rocky
MAMMALS OF SOKOTRA. 7
valleys of the interior, and do considerable damage among the flocks, killing numbers of lambs and kids. An intelligent native, living in a valley to the south of Adho Dimellus, gave me a detailed descrip- tion of the animal, which he said was fairly numerous in the neigh- bourhood. It a})parently varies greatly in colour, some examples being striped or spotted like the Wild Cat, while others are mostly black. I gathered from what he said that all are feral descendants of tfime eats which have been introduced into the island. There are a few domestic cats in Hadibu, and no doubt these, from time to time, have taken to the woods and gradually established a wild breed. Tiiough not very large, they are said to be very strong and fierce, and are extremely difficult to trap. One which was actually captured in one of our native-made traps unfortunately managed to escape. — JJ'.n.OJL'] [There are no House- or Sheep-DogS in Sokotra at the present day, and in neither the earliest nor subsequent accounts of the island is any mention made of their presence. This is rather remarkable, seeing that dogs are found in India, Egypt, Arabia, and Somaliland — the countries with which Sokotra has chieflj^ had intercourse, — and that by the Arabs they are employed in the herding of their flocks. — H.O.F.]
VIVERRID^.
Viverricula, Hodgs.
3. Viverricula malaccensis, F. Cuv.
[The Lesser Indian Civet Cat, which, like the other Mammalia in Sokotra, has been introduced, is fairly common in the mountains, though not very often seen. At most of our camps a few were in the habit of visiting our kitchen at night in search of bones and scraps, and our Somali cook, an enthusiastic sportsman, used to sit up for hours waiting for the chance of a shot. At Homhil he succeeded in killing a fine male, and we trapped two more. During our stay a couple were brought in by natives. The Arabs extract the civet secreted in the glands below the tail, and greatly esteem it as a jjerfume. When a cat has been caught, one man slips a string noose round its neck and pulls the head tight up against the wooden bars of the trap ; a second man then pulls up the dropping door of the oblong cage, and, seizing the cat by the tail and hind legs, draws it out backwards, the man at its head paying out the refjuired amount of line. The civet is then squeezed from the glands, between the man's finger and thumb, collected on the blade of a knife, and transferred to his naked forearm. After this operation is complete, the poor cat is allowed to escape, and the precious oil is carefully scraped up and placed in a small flat wooden box. Just before we left the island, one of our camel-boys came to my tent and wished to present me with a box of
8 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD EL-KURI.
civet. I declined it with thanks, and, though I promptly dismissed him, the strong musky smell remained in the tent for the rest of the day. The following are the measurements of a pair : — Adult male — Head and body, 22 inches ; tail, 13-75 ; hind foot, 3-75 ; ear, 1-7 ; weight, 7|- lb. Adult female — Head and body, 19 inches; tail, 14; hind foot, 3-2; ear, IS.—Jr.B.O.G.]
RODENTIA. MURIDiE.
MUS, Linn.
4. Mus rattus, Linn, subsp. rufescens, Gmi/.
Mas rufesceiis, Gray, Charlesw. Mag. N. H. (U.S.) i. p. 585 (1837). Mus flavescens, Elliott, Maclr. Journ. Lit. Sci. x. p. 214 (1839). Musalbipes, Taschenb. Zeit. Nat. Wissensch. (4) ii. p. 160 (1883).
[We found the Indian Tree-Rat common on all parts of Sokotra visited, from sea-level to an elevation of nearly 4000 feet. During the months we spent on the island they were decidedly more numerous among the hills than on the plains, and most common among the boulders on rocky hill sides. While at Dahamis, some natives informed me that one or two unoccupied huts were tenanted by rats, and I incautiously crawled in to set some traps. Though the business certainly did not occupy more than a few minutes, I found myself on emerging literally crawling with fleas ! jMy traps in the huts produced nothing, though I caught plenty of rats among some neighbouring rocks.
These rats are evidently in the habit of climbing trees, for though we never actually saw them among the branches, they constantly visited live- traps set for birds on the tops of high bushes. This was clearly seen by their droppings. The traps being made of string netting they easily ate their way out.
The following measurements, all taken in the Hesh from six adult speci- mens, may jjrove of interest : —
Males. Females.
Head and Body, 146, 166, 172 mm. Head and Body, 155, 145, 143 mm.
Tail, 188,205,190 „ Tail, 218,208,205 „
Ear, 22, 23, 23 „ Ear, 22, 22,21-5 „
Hind foot (with- Hind foot (with- out nail), 32, 30, 33 „ out nail), 30, 30, 31 „
—W.IlO.Ci.].
[The variety, or subspecies, rufescens of the Common Black-Rat — the House- and Tree-Rat found over all India, and extending southward into the Malay Peninsula — occurs also in Arabia. Mi-. O. Thomas, in his Mammals from Oman {P.Z.S., 1894, p. 450), remarks that the
MAMMALS OK SOKOTIIA. 3
Tree-Eats, obtained by Dv. Jayakar at the foot of Jebel Akhdar, "seem to closely correspond with the Indian M. rattus rufe.icem, Gray." Some of these specimens were " bright rufous," and others " brown ;" but all had " pure white bellies." Our specimens would seem to resemble more closely this brown form. In his well-known paper On the Indian species of Mus {P.Z.S., 1881, p. 534), Mr. Thomas gives in his varietal characters of 3£u>; rnfesreiis the length of the body " just over 5 inches " ; but it will be seen from the measurements of the six specimens set out above that two c? and one $ are over six inches long, while none of them are under 5^ inches. The occurrence of Mas rnfesanis in Sokotra is but a slight extension of its distribution, and is what might be expected, considering the continuous intercourse which from ancient times has subsisted between India, Arabia and Sokotra. — H.O.F.]
5. Mus musculus, Linn.
Mus!/eii/ih's, Taschenl). Zeit. Nat. Wissensch. (4) ii. p. 1(50(1883). Riebeck procured the Common Mouse at Hadibu, and Professor Balfour records its occurrence, but we did not meet with it.
UNGULATA. EQUID^.
EquUS, Linn.
6. — Equus asinus, Linn., subsp. africanus, Fit. (Plate ii.).
Eqidis africanus, Fitz., Sitzungsb. K. Akacl. Wien. liv. p. 588. [Thougli it had long been known that a wild ass inhabited the })lains of Sokotra, no example had ever been brought to Eiu-ope, and it was consequently a matter of considerable interest to obtain specimens and determine the species. It was not until we were traversing the Garieh Plain, a wide stretch of bush -covered country extending from the base of the Haghier i-ange nearly to the north coast, that we came across herds of these animals. We were then marching from our camp at Dahamis to a place called Kamahanu, and all suffering more or less from a severe attack of fever, probably contracted at our first camp on the Hadibu Plain. Towards evening our path led us over several streams, and here we saw quite a number of Wild Asses quench- ing their thirst or feeding in the open grassy glades near the water's edge. As they are never shot at and rarely molested by the natives, they were by no means wild, and allowed us to approach to within 50 yards without displaying alarm. Both Dr. Forbes and I were much struck with their beauty and by the perfect similarity in colour and markings of the large number seen. In all, the nose and a wide ring- round the eye, as well as the chest and belly, were white, the legs nearly so, contrasting strongly witli the mouse-coloured head and back, while the black stripes on the shoulder and down the middle of
10 THK NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AXD ABD-EL KURI.
the back, and a few somewhat irregulai' dusky rings round the legs, were clearly defined.
It was not until we had reached our camp at Jena-agahan, on the eastern slopes of the Haghier range, that we had an opportunity of obtaining specimens. Starting early one morning with two of our Somalis, and a camel to carry in the slain, I reached the plain about 10 o'clock, and, after a somewhat protracted search, discovered three asses having their midday siesta under the shade of some large stones. They proved to l)e an old female and two younger animals. When I got within about 80 yards they became aware of danger, and, jumping up, faced me, the white chest of the largest offering an easy mark. A bullet in the base of the neck dropped her stone dead, and the others at once galloped off, but, after running about 30 yards, suddenly halted and wheeled round. With a similarly placed shot the nearer of the two collapsed without a struggle. The third animal might easily have been bagged, but it Avould have been useless slaughter. After a couple of hours' hard work, we skinned the largest animal, and while thus engaged, Avith difficulty kept off a large number of Egyptian Vultures which had congregated round the other beast. The camel having meanwhile arrived, all hands were ordered to assist in placing the smaller ass on its back, but the camel-man, Mesingis, a half-bred Arab, at first absolutely refused, on religious grounds, to touch the carcase. Eventually his scruples were overcome, and we got back to our camp in the hills just as it was becoming dark. Poor Mesingis had rather a bad time of it with the other camel-men, who, on learning of his share in the day's work, refused to eat with him, and, in Arab fashion, sent him to Coventry !
On subsec|uent expeditions to the plains Dr. Forbes secured an adult male and female, and one of our Somalis shot a male, when the same reli- gious difficulties were again encountered. So altogether we brought away five fine skins and were content, for the amount of labour in preparing tfiese hirge animals is great, ^^■itll a little trouble one might easily have bagged a scoi-e of Wild Asses in a day, for, never having been shot at, they were by no means shy, and it Avas I'ather unpleasant work killing the f'eAv we required as specimens.
Thei'e is certainly a small number of the domestic breed of Ass in Sokotra — Dr. Forbes saw at least a couple in Hadibu ; but the young of the Avild animals are also occasionally captured by the natiA-es, and much esteemed as lieasts of burden. We endeavoured on several occasions to purchase a living example for the Zoological Gardens in London, but none of the oAvners Avere Avilling to sell.
There can be little doubt that the Wild Asses of Sokotra are the feral descendants of animals imported many centuries ago. The natives, Avhen questioned on the subject, stated that they have been there from time immemorial, and the entire absence of colour varieties among the number we saAv leads us to believe that their statement is correct
MAMMALS OF SOKOTRA. 11
They are remarkably sturdy, thick-set little animals, with beautiful, clean legs and remarkably small hoofs. If a number of Australian brood-mares were imported and turned out on the Garieh Plain there can be little doubt that valuable mules miglit be bred to supply the Aden market.
Unfortunately we neglected to take exact measurements in the flesh of all the animals killed. An adult female measured 6 ft. 6 in. from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail (without the hair), and the skins and a mounted example shew that they stand from 9^- to 10 hands at the shon\dGV.~ jr. II.O J ;.]
[In the Proo'i'dings of the Zoological Sodctij of London (for 1884, p. 540, PI. L.), Dr. Sclater gives a description, with a figure (fig. 1), of the Wild Ass which iidiabits Somaliland, under the designation of Eqiiiis (i^(ini(^ sa/aalirii^. He there points out that, in possessing only a slight indication of a dorsal stripe, and in the al)sence of a cross-line on the shoulders, it is easily distinguishable from the species possessing both those characters inhabiting the deserts of Upper Nubia, which he shows ought to be known by Fitzinger's name of Etfins (iximis african>is. From the drawings he gives, and the description in the text, which together perfectly agree with the species seen by us in Sokotra, it is evident that the Wild Ass from both these localities belongs to the same species or subspecies. It is remarkable, therefore, that it is not the species geographically nearest to the island that occurs on Sokotra. When we remember, however, that the great trade route of ancient Egypt, and later of the Romans which started from Bernice, passed down the Red Sea to Arabian and Somaliland ports, this circumstance is less surprising. It is, consequently, by no means improbable that the pro- genitors of the Sokotran Wild Ass may have come actually from a Nubian port to their present home ; and that the introduction of this race into the island may very likely date back to those far distant days. The difference of the Equiis (ifricanus from the common domestic breed strikes one at once. Among the animals employed in conveying our baggage from the shore where it was landed from the baghlah, to our first camp on the Hadibu Plain, was a donkey which at once attracted my attention, not only by the burden so disproportioned to its size Avhieh it carried (apparently without distress), but by its bright and sharply defined markings. It was only later that I recognised it as a tamed Wild Ass. When in Hadibu on January 31st, 1899, I saw my old friend and a couple of domestic 'mokes,' and the great contrast between them was at once strikingly evident. There is nothing of the ' moke ' in the Sokotran Wild Ass.
The only wild species seen by Mr. C. V. Peel in Somaliland (Cf. Soinalihi/iil, 1900, p. 300) was the E. nsinus somalicm of Sclater. Mr. Peel has, however, designated it Eqtms nuhianm somalicm ! — H.O.F.]
12 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUUI.
[Equus caballus, Linn.
There are at the present day no horses in Sokotra, although in the seventeenth century they appear, from the interesting account that Sir Thomas Roe has left us of his visit to the island in 1612, to have formed part of its fauna, for he says : " The Sultan came down to the shore with about 300 men. . . . He was a-horseback, as well as two of his chief servants." — H.O.F.]
BOYWM.
Bos, Linn.
7. [Bos taurus, Linn.
The domestic cattle of Sokotra do not belong, as might have been expected, to the breed of the Zebu, or humped cattle of India {Bos indicus), nor to that of the broad-horned, heavy dew-lapped Gayal (Bos frontalis), another Indian breed, also humped, but doubtfully domesticated. They closely resemble in appearance European domestic oxen, except for their diminutive size. They are more like very small Alderneys than any other race, with perhaps a somewhat less developed dew-lap. The bulls are fuller in the head, broader in the forehead, and have a thicker neck than the cows. In colour they vary nearly as much as our home herds do ; they may be fawn, red, or these colours dappled with white, but they are more rarely dun or black. All their four legs below the knee are not infrequently white. The cows have small udders, with very short teats. Considerable variability exists in the form and dimen- sions of their horns, which are not, in proportion to the size of the animal, longer than those of the common mixed breed of cattle of European farmyards. They curve either forwards and outwards, or forwards and inwards. It is difficult to conjecture by whom and fiom what country these pretty cattle can have been brought to Sokotra, seeing that in none of the adjacent countries is a similar breed now found or known to have existed. It is probable they were already inhabitants of the island in the thirteenth century, for Marco Polo observes that the people of Sokotra lived on " flesh and milk," which may, of course, apply to goats and camels as well as to cattle. The island, however, abounded in cattle in the middle of the sixteenth century, as Francis Xavier records.
Some further remarks on the origin of the Sokotran cattle, with illustrations of them, will be found in the Narnifive.
It should be noted also that Sir Thomas Roe, in describing: his visit to Sokotra in 1612, besides mentioning Bi-cvca, remarks that he saw "the savage peo})le .... the ancientest natives of the place, riding about on Buffaloes," l)ut of what species they were, or from what country, Africa or India, they came, he is, unfortunately, silent. — H.O.F.]
MAMMALS OF SOK(rrRA. 13
Capra, Linn.
8. Capra hircus, Li mi.
[The Wild Goat of Sokotra, mentioned by the late Mr. Theodore Bent and Mr. Bennett, proved to be a chimaera, for we ascertained beyond doubt that the otdy wild animals are feral examples of the domestic breed so common on the island. From what we had heard and read, we had been led to suppose that a really wild animal existed, and had fondly pictured a new species of Thar allied to that recently discovered in the mountains of Arabia. We were told by the natives that wild goats were only to be met with in the highest and most inaccessible parts of the Haghier range, and that when we i-eached our camp at Adlio Dimellus, under the great granite peaks, there would be no great difficulty in procuring specimens. AVe saw plenty of goats in that neighbourhood ; some our local guide forl)ade us to shoot at because they were tame, while others, obviously not his property, were pointed out as being undoubtedly wild. The tame and wild animals were quite alike, and every individual varied in colour and markings. Our guide having informed us that all the goats across a certain valley opposite our camp were wild, I acted on the information and took an early opportunity of shooting one. But the owner of the dead goat promptly appeared and made a terrible outcry, demanding ten dollars to square matters. Eventually, for the sake of quiet, he received three dollars, but after that goat shooting was voted an unprofitable amusement and a waste of time ! We had with us, however, an Indian Sowar from the Aden troop, whose greatest pleasure was to take his rifle and start off for a long day in the hills. Twice he came back staggering under the remains of what was supposed to be an undoubted wild 'billy,' but, as on each occasion one or more owners shortly appeared and demanded pay- ment, we were obliged to curb his love of sport by requesting him in future to leave his rifle at home. The only specimen preserved was a quite young female which we purchased from a native at Homhil before we had ascertained that the wild goat was a myth. — Ji'.Ii.OJJ.] [The Domestic Goat of the Sokotri, of which the Sultan, the chiefs, and many of the Bedawin possess very large flocks —larger indeed than of sheep^is a much smaller breed than the European. It has rather long hair, which, as mentioned above by Mr. Grant, is of many colours. Many of them have remarkably large and long udders. The horns vary considerably in shape, size, and direction, but, not- withstanding the alluring descriptions of their great length and ornate form given us by more than one Bedawin, only here and there did we see a patriarch (generally stalking proudly in advance of a long file of his harem) with what might be termed a " noble " head. The introduction of the goat into Sokotra must date back to a period at least considerably anterior to the beginning of the
14 THE NATURAL inSTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD EL-KURI.
thirteenth century, a time at which the flocks of the Sokotri were al ready lai'ge. — //. 0. F. ]
Ovis, Linn.
[9, Ovis aries, Lliin.
The domestic sheep of Sokotra, of which extensive flocks are possessed by the islanders, especially by the mountain Bedawin, are a degenerated stock. Though quite European in general aspect, they are all small, Avith thin legs, and bearing, it seemed to me, by no means an abund- ant fleece. Their wool is also poor and rather hair-like, the result perhaps of their long tropical residence and want of cultivation. With few exceptions all are black, and they reminded nie very much of black sheep from the Scottish Highlands which had become dwarfed and wasted in body and face. Certaitdy, all the specimens we were able to buy for the table were small boned, and lean to a degree besides which did little credit to their pastures. Although in the Garieh Plain and on the high plateaiix near Adho Dimellus I saw a good many sheep that had been shorn, wool appears not to l)e an article of export. We noted, as other visitors to Sokotra have done, the absence of the fat-tailed Ethiopian breed abundant in Africa, of which lai'ge numbers are annually imported into Aden, often by native craft, which occasionally call at Sokotra on the way. The Oman sheep, according to Wellsted, though small and black, have the tail larger than that of the European, but less than that of the Ethiopian breed. "The sheep of Arabia," Palgrave remarks, "are all more or less broad-tailed." The tail in the Sokotran breed is quite small. This is an additional instance of a member of the Mammalian fauna of the island not being represented by the species or race found in the nearest continental land. — H.O.F.^
CAMELIDiE.
Camelus, Linn.
[10. Camelus dromedarius, Linn.
The Camel of Sokotra is the same, single-humped, species which is found in Arabia — whence it has been introduced — only of a some- what stouter build. The physical characters of its new home difter considerably from those of its old. Here, instead of even sandy deserts, the "plains " that exist are invariably the roughest and most boulder-dotted tracts of country that can well be imagined ; while nearly all the island paths, for they cannot be called roads, eventually rise over sharp rock-set or slippery precipitous ascents. To these altered conditions the habits of the camel have become perfectly adapted. Upon such diflicult and dangerous ways, the goat-like agility and sure footedness of the beast claimed our
MAMMALS OF SOKOTRA. 15
admiration from tlie first day we travelled with it, and the care- fidness and sagacity with which it would pick its steps at all doul)tful and awkward turnings, tended to raise its down-trodden character in our estimation. Although little of the country lends itself to a pace faster than a trot, yet over a clear stretch the .Sokotran Dromedary seems as fleet as his Arabian l)rother. ^//. (^./\]
CETACEA.
PHYSETERID^.
Physeter, Linn.
[11. Physeter macrocephalus, Liim.
The Sperm Whale appears to have been a very frecpient visitor to the neighbourhood of Sokotra, as "black ambergris" was one of the exports for which the ships of the East India Company traded there in the seventeenth century. Even as early as the thirteenth century the island produced " a great deal of ambergris." This whale is not now so frequently met with in these seas as it was even half a century ago, when it abounded on the Arabian coasts, as did also " myriads of cuttle-fish and cephalopods of all kinds on which it fed." Sir Henry Yule in his " Marco Polo " quotes the following extract from Mas'udi — a traveller and historian of the tenth century — as to the curious ideas of the Arabs in reference to this substance : — " The best ambergris is found on the islands and coasts of the Sea of Zinj [as the Arabs still call Zanzibar] ; it is round, of a pale blue, and
sometimes as big as an ostrich egg These are morsels
which have been swallowed by the fish called Awal. When the sea is much agitated it casts up fragments of amber almost like lumps of rock, and the fish swallowing these is choked thereby, and floats on the surface. The men of Zinj, or wherever it be, then come in their canoes and fall on the creature with harpoons and cables, draw it ashore, cut it up, and extract the ambergris." — II.O.F.]
16 THE NATURAL HrSTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
II.— Mammals of Abd=el=Kuri.
"With the exception of a few small flocks of GoatS, no mammals were found by us on Abd-el Kuri ; yet it is possible that some species may nevertheless exist there, for we had time to do little more than examine the plain betAveen the two seas and part of the mountain range at the eastern extremity of the island. If it be the case that the "vermin" reported on Kahl Far'un by Captain Haines be rats, murine species may not improbably yet be found on Abd-el-Kuri, which is so close to it. Barbosa, writing in the sixteenth century, makes this remarkable statement: — "Near to this island of
8okotra there are two other islands In these two islands
much amber of good quality is found, and many shells of the valuable and })recious kind in the mine, and much Dragon's-blood and Aloes of Sokotra, and there are large flocks of sheep and oxen." '1 he "two other islands" above mentioned evidently refer to Abd el-Kuri and probably Samneli, the larger of the group known as " The Brothers," Init while there still exists in the former a fishery for pearl shells of " the valuable and precious kind," neither Dragon's-blood trees nor Aloes, so far as we saw, grow upon it, and but little vegetation to support even small flocks of any sort. In explanation, we must suppose that Barbosa was writing from second-hand information, rather than believe that so great a change has come over the islands since his day as would be indicated by the disappearance of the long-lived, alpine, inedible, rock-loving Draccena, and the vegetation necessary to support many oxen. The remaining islets of the 8okotran Archipelago are even more barren than Abd-el-Kuri. — H.O.F.]
18 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KITJ.
PLATE II. WILD ASS OF SOKOTRA, p. p-
^
I
^
■I
wm^r<9^-^'''miT^" "f"^'"'"- '^^Vnf^V^IPf^f^^'^^^''^TWWW^' " ■' ' ' —wi" ■ i^'^wf^y;^
i
\BD-EL-KT
'LATH
1
^
f**^
f^
h
I
1
t
Aves.
CHORDATA.
VERTEBRATA,
Bij W. R. OGILVIE = QRANT. HENRY O. F0RBE5, LL.D.
PLATES III., IV., v., VI., VII.
BIRDS OF SOKOTKA. 21
Birds.
The results of the ornithological work done by us in Sokotra and Al)d-el-Kuri may he summed up as follows : —
The number of birds collected by the Expedition was 437. Of these 41 specimens were obtained in the latter island during our two short visits, and 396 in the former. The species represented in the collection number in all 50, 10 fi'om Al)d-el-Kuri and 40 from Sokotra. Previous investigators of the larger island have recorded 20 species which were not secured by us, and none of which, save three, did we see ; but, on the other hand, we discovered eight species new to science, viz. : —
From fSokotra, Fringillaria insularis, [ = Emberiza septemstriata
(Scl. & Hartl.)]. Fringillaria socotrana, Cap-imulgus jonesi, Scops socotranits. From Abd-el-Kuri, Aniydrus creaghi, Passer hemileucus, Motacilla fonvoodi. From both islands, Phalaavcarax nigrogidaris.
Moreover, the following nine species Avhich had not previously been met with in the group were obtained by the Expedition, viz. : — In Sokotra, Cotile obsoleta,
Buteo desertorum, Ardea cinerea, Totatms calidris, Tringa temmincki, Scolopax stenura. In Abd-el-Kuri, Coracias 1 ahyssinicns (skeleton),
Sida sula. In both islands, Pandion halia'fm.
In addition to these, the following species unrecorded by other observers were seen ; but we were unable, for various reasons, to add them to our collection, viz. : —
In Sokotra, Cypselas muriims,
Ujnqja epops (j^robably), Syrnium sp.,
22 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Falco feldeggii,
Chenalapex cegyptiacus (probably),
Anovs stolidus. In Abd-el-Kuri, Falco harhartis (probably).
Larus fmciis. In both islands, Sula piscatrix.
The female of Auujdrm f rater, hitherto unknown, was obtained ; while lUiynchostruthns riebr-d'i was proved certainly to be the adult of B. socotranus, thus fully confirming the determination of their identity made in 1888 by Dr. Bowdler Sharpe, in the Catalogue of Bird >i in the British Museuin, Vol. XIl. p. 282.
I. — The Birds of Sokotra.
PASSERES. CORVIDJE.
CorvUS, Lmn.
1. Corvus umbrinus, Hcdmh.
Corni.s ,nnl»-iiui.-<, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., ISSl, p. 172; Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 955.
The Sokotri name is ' Aiiireb ', for one, ' Aitiroop ', for a Hock of, Coriit-'f. 'Aadip', (/. B. Balfour). This Raven is not very numerous, and in no part of the island did we find it abundant. A])out all our camps a few were seen from time to time, almost always in pairs, and at Homhil, where we obtained most of our specimens, it was, perhaps, commonest. As a rule, it was by no means wild, and when such savoury food as the body of a dead donkey or goat w^as to be had, a pair or two would soon put ill an appearance, driving off the vultures till they had finished their meal. At Adho Dimellus a small Hock of seven visited the neighbourhood of our camp on two successive days, attracted by the carcase of a dead goat. The harsh croak of this species is much like that of the Common Kaven, but not so
deep.— ^r.y^aG.
STURNIDiE.
Amydrus, Gab.
2. Amydrus blythi, Ilcugl.
Amydrm hli/fhi, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 171 ; Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881,
p. 1)55. The Sokotri name is ' Shelhe '. ' Shilhay ', (/. B. Balfour). ' Arooab ',
( Wl'llstMl).
This handsome .Starling was common on all parts of the island visited by us. On the Hadibu Plain it was constantly to be seen in pairs and in
BIRDS OF SOKOTPvA. 23
small flocks, but on the granite mountains surrounding our highest camp, at Adho Dimellus (3,r)00 ft.), it was perhaps most numennis. During the daytime the birds might be met with in all sorts of places, on the plains, and patches of open grass, as well as on the bush-clad hill-sides, but just before sunset they all retired to the neighbouring precipices, and might then be seen far overhead in pairs and flocks on their way to roost. At Jena-agahan, one of our camps in the Haghier range, small flocks were constantly to be seen just l)efore sunset, circling i-ound above the granite peaks, much after the fashion of the Common Starling, and uttering their shrill, rather tliscordant cry, as they flew. Their food is very varied, consisting of grasshoppers and other insects, as well as fruits of all kinds, especially figs, and the berry of the Dragon's-blood tree. Compared with the allied J. frafer, birds of this species are wild and much more difficult to approach. They are, moreover, remarkably tenacious of life, and I generally found a t\\-elve-bore more effective for procuring specimens than the small collecting gun. AVhen feeding in pairs, or small flocks, one bird, as a rule a male, is generally on the watch for danger, and keeps a sharp lookout from some bush or rock, while the rest are engaged in gol>l)ling large grasshoppers or other delicate morsels. On the high grass-flats round Adho Dimellus there were some fine cattle, and every evening the herd might be seen accompanied by numbers of this Starling, either following them as they fed, or perched on their backs, busily engaged in searching for vermin. The actions of this bird, both on the ground and in trees, are like those of a Blackbird ; it does not walk like the Common Starling, but hops, and when jumping from branch to branch the carriage of the long tail increases the resemblance. The nesting season was apparently over when we reached Sokotra early in December, for though we saw a number of old birds accompanied by young, none seemed to be nesting. Probably one egg is the full clutch, for we never saw the parent birds with more than one young l)ird. Several of the latter were secured, and an interesting point with regard to their plumage is that the young female has the head and neck l)lack like those of the male parent, the grey plumage of the adult female being subsequently assumed. The call-note of this species Chee- dice- chf'e, - die- who dp,
iciJ
^ T T r "^
Chee - chee - chee - che - whoiip.
Uttered loud and quick, is much harsher, and quite diflerent from that of A. frater. The female, when suddenly alarmed, emits a curious, harsh " scraich/' not unlike that made by the Jay.
24 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The natives do not distinguish this species from A. f rater, the Sokotri name for both being the same. — W.li.O.G.
Dr. Blanford mentions in his Geology and Zoology of Abyssinia that Amydrus blyfhi was met with between 3000 and 4000 feet, while the temperate regions, from 7000 to 8000 feet, were occupied by Amydrus albirostris (Filorhinus albirostris, Cabanis). In Sokotra Ave obtained A. blyfhi quite abundantly from sea level to 4200 feet, and Mr. Lort Phillips records (Ibis, 1898, p. 395) that (in 1897) he found a flock of this species "in the gardens at the Dobar springs, eight miles inland from Berbera," although he had previously noticed them " only on the upper ledges " of the Goolis Mountains in Somaliland. — H. 0. F.
3. Amydrus frater, Sclat. d- Hartl.
Amydrus f rater, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 171; Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881,
p. 955. The Sokotri name is ' Shelhe.'
As only a single male of this Socotran species had been discovered during Professor Balfour's visit in 1881, we were naturally anxious to obtain examples of l)oth sexes, and ascertain whether the plumage of the female dift'ered from that of the male. It subsequently transpired that this was not the case — l)oth sexes being similar in appearance. During our stay in the neighliourhood of Hadibu, I never came across the species, but may possil^ly have overlooked it among the numliers of A. blythi that daily frequented the plain. This is, however, unlikely, for both species were almost always in pairs or small flocks, and the grey-headed females of A. blythi were conspicuous at a long distance. After a brief acquaintance with the two species, one never had any difficulty in distinguishing between them. A pair of entirely l)lack- plumaged stai'lings might safely lie put down as A. frater, and if one wanted further evidence, the much larger bill and shorter tail — a character specially conspicuous in flight — afforded ample proof. The call note,
€
i
•/
pee - he
is a clear, soft, liell-like sound, easily distinguished from that of A. blythi, but, like that species, the female utters a harsh. Jay-like " scraich " when wounded or suddeidy alarmed. The behaviour of the present species is, moi'eover, very different from that of Blyth's Starling. It is much tamer, and allows one to approach quite close without dis23laying any trace of alarm. The two species may occasionally, perhaps accidentally, be found associating with one another, while feeding, but, as a rule, they are met with separately. The first example Ave olitained Avas a male shot at Jena-agahan, on the
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. 25
lower slopes of the Hagliier range. A pair of l)laek-hea(le(l 1)ir(ls, conspicuously different from Blyth's Starling, with which I was already well acquainted, lit on a tree close hy, and my attention was at once attracted by the diflerent note. Unfoi'tunately, I only had time to secure one — the male — and it was not until we reached Homhil, at the east end of the island, that female examples were procured. Both there and at our highest camp, Adho Dimellus, this l)ird was fairly common. A few pairs were met with, accompanied in every case l)y only one young bird, and it may thus be assumed that only one egg is laid at a sitting. — JV.Il.OJJ.
FRINGILLID^.
Passer, Briss.
4. Passer insularis, Sch.if. <& Hartl.
Pa.sser iusidaris, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 169, pi. xvi. The Sokotri name is ' Esefero' or ' E.seviio.'
The Sokotran Sparrow is hy far the most al)undant species on the island, lieing extremely common and very tame on all parts visited, and equally numerous from sea level to an elevation of 4000 feet. AVhen we got to Sokotra on the 8th December the nesting season was practi- cally over. Many pairs, accompanied by young broods of fully- fledged birds were to be seen on the Hadibu Plain, especially among the Date-palm groves liordering the rivers at Hadibu and other villages near the coast.
On Gebel Raggit to the south-\\-est of the plain, several pairs were seen flying in and out of their nests situated in the fissures of a huge perpen- dicular rock, and were evidently engaged in feeding their young. The only occupied nest examined was one placed in a narrow slit in a rocky place above our camp at Adho Dimellus. It was made of dead grass, lined with a quantity of feathers, and perfectly similar to that of the Common Sparrow. It contained three naked young, about five days old, and these were apparently a very late l^rood, for wherever one went numbers of full-fledged young, often accompanied by their parents, were to be found. I examined a number of other nests at various places, but invariably found them empty, and one's trouble was never rewarded by so much as an addled egg. The habits of this bird and its mode of life do not seem to differ from those of the Common Sparrow. The notes, too, are much the same, but the " chirp " is decidedly sharper. On one occasion at Jena-agahan I was stalking the female of a magnificent butterfly (Hypolimnas jaciiifha) among the huge boulders of a dry watercourse. When almost within striking distance a cock Sparrow began to mol) me, and so determined and noisy was his attack that I looked up, missed my footing, and lost the chance of taking one of the rarest insects in Sokoti'a. Greatly incensed by such an unprovoked assault, I got my collecting gun, and
26 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ATJD-El^-KrRI.
shot the offending l)ii'(l. T was hickv enough to capture the Imtterfly next day, within a few yards of the same spot. — IF. 11. (J. G. Both sexes have the ii'is l)rown, the l)ill hhxck and the legs and feet ffesliy hoi'n-colour.
Rhynchostruthus, Sclai & Hartl. 5. Rhynchostruthus socotranus, Sdat. <(• llditl.
A'hyitrhoftnif/nis soro/raniis, Sclat. & Haiti. P.Z.S., 18S1, p. 170, pi. wii.
and woodcut. Ehiliichoxtnithih-^ ridx'cki, Hartl. P.Z.8., 18S1, p. !).")4, pi. Ixxii. The Sokotri name is ' Dehaudfiri.'
Fi(i. 1.
Hk.M), WiNIi, AND LE(i OF THE YOUNG OF RHYNCHOSTKtITHUS SOCOTRANUS. (From the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.)
I had long suspected that the description of this species had heen drawn up from skins of immature hirds, and that the second species {li rirhecki), subsequently descri])ed hy Dr. Hartlaub, was merely the fully adult bird of L'. soeofrninis. Our ol)servations in Sokotra, and the fine series of adult and immatui'e birds ol)tained there, pvoxe beyond doul)t that this is the case.* We first met with the tSokotran Grosbeak on the 18th Decemljer in the Addah valley, to the east of the Hadilju Plain, where our taxidermist, Mr. Cutmore, secured an immature bird in the striped plumage of I', somtranvx. At the same time I o))ser\'ed an adult l)ird with the black and white head
cf. Sharpe, Cat. Birds, Brit. Mus., xii p. 282.
BIltDS OF SOKOTKA.
27
{R. ri^bccki) in the ad of feeding a second immature l.ii^d in striped plumage similar to the one already shot. Tn attempting to kill l.oth these with one shot, I unfortunately secured neither, and they dis- appeared into the thick jungle, where it was hoi^eless to follow them up. This tii'st meeting clearly showed the birds' I'clationship to each other. No further specimens were obtained till the Uth January, when Dr. Foi-bes shot on Gebel Bitzobur a specimen in the transition stage, M-ith some striped feathers and a ]>lack throat, which was final proof of the identity of the two forms. The clear ringing Avhistle of the adult male, \\z. :_
uttered at short intervals, can ])e heard at a consideral)le distance, and IS oiie of the most pleasing of the many bird-\()ices to lie heard among the hills in the early morning. Another vai'iety of the song,
'^-
4a-
Z£
^
1
is not infrequently uttered by the male, while feeding during the afternoon, but I never heard it in the morning. Just "after sunrise numbers commence to sing, luit as the sun gets high, and the l)irds scatter over the jungie-co\ered hill-sides to feed, the concert gradually dwindles. About mid-clay, when the birds have fed, the male may often lie found resting in some thick bush, singing quietly to himself—the song uttered at this time being a prolonged twittering, very agreealile to listen to, and much like that of the Common Goldfinch. Both adult and innnature males sino- in this fashion while resting. The old male when 'tuning up,' or flirting with the female, makes a piping sound.
^
S
Pee - youp.
much like the Bullfinch, and, at the same time, puts his tail on one side and puffs out the feathers of his sides and flanks. The call-note when feeding or alarmed,
Teet teet te-te teet.
Te - te teet.
28 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
is uttered by l)uth male and fonude, and another note is a rather harsh SparroAvdike chiriJ.
This bird was fairly common in the Addah \'alley, to the east of the Hadil)u Plain, and I never A'isited this spot without obtaining specimens. It was, however, quite exceptional to meet with indiAiduals in fulh' adult plumage, and though adults of both sexes were occasionally shot at this place, the great majoritv were immature birds with striped breasts, in various stages of plumage. On the Garieh Plain, and in the Goahal Gorge, at Homhil, Jena-agahan, and in the Dinehan Valley, adults were equally scarce. On the other hand, at our highest camp at Adho Diniellus, adults were numerous, but I only on one occasion came across an immature bird in their company at an elevation of al)out 4500 feet. It would thus seem that most of the adult birds frequent the high ground, while the majority of immature l)irds are met with in the middle and lower Aalleys. They were generally found feeding in small lots of one to three, and sometimes in larger companies, often associating, Init never mixing with the flocks of Sparrows {Passer insidaris). I had exceptional opportunities of studying the haliits of this sj^ecies at Adho Dimellus. Large numl)ers came in every night to roost in the dense Inish covering the sides of the valley below our camp. Dining the day they Avere scattered all over the hillsides and valleys of the surrounding country, and generally met with singly or in pairs, though occasionally in small flocks. The loud ringing song of the male, l)eing audil»le at a long distance, made it no \ery difficult matter to fall in with him, but the female was much more difficult to obtain. The male generally feeds and sings on the higher branches of the bushes, but the female frequents the lower and thicker parts of the jungle, and is generally silent, though she occasionally utters a call-note, Te-te-teef. It is generally easy to shoot the male, though they are by no means very tame, but the female beats a hasty retreat, never waiting to see what has l)efallen her mate, and the best jilan of obtaining the pair is to wait till one has an opportunity of shooting the female first, the male being then easily secured.
The nesting season of this species was evidently over, for the youngest birds shot were fully feathered, and all the females examined had the ovaries small, and were evidently not breeding. The food consists chiefly of seeds and small fruits; those of a Crofon, and the small red berries of an abundant laureldike tree l)eing their favourite food. On one occasion I came across four old birds feeding in some thick jungle on the high ground to the north-east of Adho Dimellus. After watching their movements for some time, one of the party (a male) took wing and passed over my head with a curious fluttering flight, uttering as he flew the twittering Goldfinch-like song. He flew so slowly that he almost seemed to be hovering in the air, and presently settling on a dead Dragon's-blood tree, fell a victim to science. The
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. 29
female, startled by the shot, Imt uiiaUle to localise the danger, instead of beating a hasty retreat, lit on the same tree, and joined her mate. The other pair were also collected. I hoped that the first pair might be breeding, but a careful seai-ch for the nest proved fruitless, and sul)sequent dissection showed that neither of the females were breed- ing birds. About 5 o'clock in the e\cning the birds began to return to their roosting place in the \'alley below our camp, and an hour later the co\-ert was full of them, 'i'hey came in with a swift, direct flight, occasionally uttei'ing their call note as they flew. Being very anxious to secure this bii'd alive, we tried to catch them with small " clap-net " traps, baited with seed, and placed on the top of the bushes Avhere they came daily to feed ; l>ut the only ^"isitors were rats, which sprung the traps and escaped. ^ //'.//. (^.G^. Drs. Sclater and Hartlaul*, in their paper on the birds collected l)y Prof. I. B. Balfour in Sokotra, remarked that it was their impression that Jihi/iichosfrufJiiis would eventually be "found on Cape Guaixlafui." Mr. Lort Phillips has since then recorded a closely allied, l)ut smaller species, E. louisiv, from Somaliland, with a less powerful bill and with- out a white cheek-spot. — H.O.F.
Fringillaria, Sw. 6. Fringillaria insularis, Gnmf d- Forhes. (Plate III. fig. 2, S 9).
Emhcriza sepfemMriafn, Sclat. & Hartl. (nee Riipp. ) P.Z.S., 1881, p. 171 :
Haiti. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 955. FruKjillaria insularis, Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss. II. p. 2 (1899). The Sokotri name is ' Thlafhan. '
Adult male : — Most nearly allied to 7^. tahapisi, from which it differs in having the inner margin of the secondaries devoid of rufous, and the general coloui- of the chest and rest of the under parts pale brick colour, instead of dull rufous chestnut. Iris brown ; culmen blackish horn ; cutting edges of the upper and the whole of the lower mandible orange yellow; tarsi and feet flesh-colour; claws lilackish horn. Total length (mea.sured in the flesh), 5-2 inches ; culmen, 0'38 ; wing, 2'9 : tail, 2-2 ; tarsus, 0-6.
Adult female : — Similar to the female of F. fdJuijiisi, Init the iiuier margins of the secondaries are devoid of rufous, and the chest and rest of under pai'ts are pale brick-colour. Total length (measured in the flesh), .5-2 inches ; culmen, 0'4 ; wing, 2"8 ; tail, 2-2.5 ; tarsus, 0'62.
This Bunting was common on all parts of the island visited l)y us, being numerous on the plains at sea level, and met with, though in decreas- ing numbers, up to an elevation of at least 4,000 feet, where its place is taken hy the next species, F. socotrana. The females are nnich less frequently seen than the males, and are much wilder and more difficult to obtain. The food consists chiefly of fine grass seeds and the seeds of various ])ushes. Many pairs were met with on the
30 THE XAXniAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl^RT.
Hadi]>u Plain in the liegiiining of December, hut I had not the good fortune to find a nest till later. The first nest I found was at Homhil on the 20th of January. It was situated close to the side of a goat track in thin Boxwood jungle interspersed with large Dragon's-l)lood trees, and consisted of a slight structure of twigs and grass stems, lined with finer grass, partially hidden by a small Boxwood l)usli at the root of which it was placed. The three small eggs had the ground colour greyish-white, very thickly spotted, especially toAvards the larger end, with chocolate-brown. Being uncertain whether three was the full complement of eggs, I determined to leave the nest until the next day, Init when I went to inspect it early the following morn- ing, I found to my disgust that one of the eggs had hatched. A\'hile Dr. Forbes was engaged in photographing the nest, I olitained l)0th the old birds. On the 24th of Jaiuiary I was fortunate enough to find two more nests of this species. The fii'st, containing three very slightly incul)ated eggs, Avas placed beneath a granite l)oulder (Fig. 2) on a rather bare and open hillside dotted with Cucumber-tree. In the second nest there were two well-feathered young birds and one perfedJy fresli eyg. In both cases the parent birds were shot for identification. In the second week of February several pairs were met with at Adho Dimellus, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, and were generally accompanied by three young l)irds. There can be no doubt that three is the full number of eggs laid at a sitting. The male has a sharp metallic call — for it can scarcely be called a song — not unlike that of the Yellow Hammer (Emheriza citrinella)
u
Chink-chink elienk-cbenk. Chink-chink-chink chenk.
which is uttered frequently and at short intervals from trees and stones, or from the ground Avhilst feeding. A peculiar crooning alarm note
^^^ S^S
Tweedle - deelie.
commonly uttered by the female, and sometimes also hy the male, may l)e imitated Aery fairly by pi'oducing the sound nasally. — IF.R.O.G. Drs. Sclater and Hartlaub identified {F.Z.S., 18S1, p. 171) the FriiigiUaria o1)tained by Prof. Balfour in Sokotra as F. sqdeiitstnafd, of Kiippell, and Sharpe in the Xllth volume of the Cahdogne of Birds, after further comparison referred it to F. tohnpid, but it now proves to be a distinct species. F. fdhapiai, Avhich extends froni Ei[uatorial Africa to
I!I1!1)S OV SOKOriJA.
31
32 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KL'RT.
the Cape, has l)een discovered in Somalilaiid hy Mr. Lort Phillips, so that the nearest ally to the Sokotran species is also its near geogra- phical neighl)oui' (cf. (Irant, This, 1900, p. 137). — H.O.F.
7. Fringillaria socotrana, (''ranf d- Forbes. (Plate III. fig. 1.)
Ffiii(/i/luriu fiocofraiin, Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss. II. )). 2 (1899).
Adult male: — A very distinct species, most nearly allied to the male of F. iimahiris, from which it differs in having the rump feathers tipped with white forming a conspicuous white patch. The wing-coverts and basal half of the outer edge of the secondaries dull rufous chestiuit ; the chin and throat white ; the chest and upper breast dull rufous chestnut ; the lower l)reast, l)elly, and under tail-coverts whitish. Iris dark bi'own ; culmen blackish horn ; cutting edges of the upper and the whole of the lower mandil)le orange yellow ; tarsi yellowish tiesh ; toes dusky ; claws blackish horn. Total length (measured in the flesh), 5-25 inches ; culmen, 0-38 ; wing, 2-75 ; tail, 2-2 ; tarsus, 0-65.
Adult female : — Similar to the male. Total length (measured in the flesh), 5*0 inches ; culmen, 0-38 ; wing, 2-6 ; tail, 2-2 ; tarsus, 0-65.
Though I believe I saw this Sokotran Bunting on the top of one of the high limestone hills above our camp at Homhil, it was not until we reached Adho Dimellus, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet, that I obtained a specimen. At the latter place I soon became aware of the presence of a strange bird, being attracted by its ringing and somewhat metallic notes, which floated across the valley to our camp from the distant ledges of the opposite precipice. It was, however, some days before I obtained the fii-st specimen. The l)ird appears to feed entirely on the fine grass seeds growing on the almost inaccessible ledges of the highest granite peaks, and, for this reason, is extremely diflicult to obtain. On the 6th of Feljruary, I had gone up to a big granite peak above our camp in pursuit of Papilio hcmietti. While waiting for an opportunity to catch this most evasive butterfly, I saw what at first sight appeared to be a male of F. ivsularis. The Tiird was quietly feeding on tiny gi'ass seeds on a nai'row ledge a1)ove me. All of a sudden it flew on to another ledge, and as it did so gave vent to the song I had so often heard from the inaccessible precipice opposite our camp. The bird then disappeared into a little recess in the rock, and taking the collecting gun from my lioy, I made the best of my way to a ledge above the place where I had seen it disappear. AYhen it flew out, I shot it, and foiind to my great delight that it was apparently a new species of Friiu/illdria. It was disappointing not to find a nest, but the bird was evidently merely feeding. Being naturally anxious to obtain further specimens of so fine a bird, and also to shoot the hen, the first specimen j^roving to be a male, I lost no oppor- tunity of hunting foi' it during the remainder of our stay. The following morning I heard another male, and after following miles over the tops, finally shot it on a very steep face over a deep valley ;
r,TRT)S OF SOKOTRA. 33
it dropped on to a ledge, whence it Avas quite impossible to retrieve it, but returning later witli one of our caniel-nicn, he succeeded in secur- ing it after several attempts. On the 10th, T again heard a male on the high ground to the north of our camp, and after a two hours' chase over rocks and tln-ough thick bush, secured it. This bird, when shot, was sitting on a small tree uttering its I'inging metallic notes at short intervals. From the 12th to the 14th heavy and continuous rain kept us all in camiD, l)ut early on the morning of the 15th of Februaiy, the weather having cleared, I was pleased to hear this bii-d singing im some ledges not far from our camp. Following up the soundj I soon had the luck to fall in with a pair, and to secui-e both. The female ex- actly resembled the male in plumage, but had the abdomen entirely l)are ; she had evidently nested, and, judging from the condition of the ovary, would have laid again in aliout three weeks.* 8he uttered no note of any sort while I watched her. The song (jf the male
J
Hue - he hu - hey (whistled).
is singulai'ly like that of JUu/iicJiosfrut/ms socotranus, and may at first l)e mistaken for it. It is, however, more metallic, and one was soon able to distinguish between the two at almost any distance.— //://.0.C/.
PLOCEID^.
Professor Balfour, in the very interesting " Introductory Chapter " to his Bofimy of Sokofra, makes the remark : " All over the island Weaver Bn-ds, Chats . . . abound." No species of Hyphantomis or other member of the family came under our notice, however, in Sokotra or Abd-el-Kuri. One is rather surprised not to find them there, as Weaver Birds are plentiful in S. Arabia and Somaliland, and are good flyers. In the Cocos-Keeling Islands in the Indian Ocean I found nests of Floceus (ifrir/ahi which from time to time (as Mr. Eoss, the proprietor of the islands, informed me), visited the atoll and bred there. They must have come from Java or Sumatra, which is a much greater distance than that of Sokotra from Africa or Arahia.—H.O.F.
ALAUDID.^.
Pyrrhulauda, Smith.
8. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen, Cab.
J'yrrJndaiula hidaimuchen, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 172: Hartl
P.Z.S. 1881, p. 95.1 The Sokotri name is ' Keufia.'
We met with few examples of this Finch-Lark on Abd-cl-Kuri, and found
The body was preserved in spirits.
34 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KIRT.
them shy and difficult to approach, but on the plains and low valleys of Sokotra they were extremely numerous and ver}' tame. The melancholy wailing note is almost the first sound one hears in the early morning before sunrise, and the last at night. AVhen we first arriAed in Sokotra the birds had apparently not l)egun to l)i'eed, the ovaries of the females shot being but little developed, but diu-ing January and the early part of Felii'uar)', while we were on the higher ground, they must have nested, for on our return to Hadibu on the 18th February, Ave obtained very small nestlings, and numbers of recently fledged young were to be seen with their parents feeding on the stony plain. Two is apparently the full clutch in each nest, for though no eggs were found, we obtained several nests, each containing a pair of nestlings, and the same number of young were noted among family parties already on the wing. The black-lireasted males are remarkal)ly handsome l)irds, and may constantly be seen on the wing, mounting into the air in witle circles like our Sky-lark, but seldom attaining any great height from the ground. Their hoAcring, floating flight is often remark ably bat-like, and this resemblance is intensified by the black colouring of their underparts. The song is varied and very pleasant, but never long sustained, the birds after a few minutes descending to the ground or settling on the top of one of the low l)ushes. On the Hadilni Plain they were so tame that they -would often allow one to pass within a few Awards of them without mo\ing. Just before leaving the island I shot a female in very curious plumage. I observed what I took to l)e an old male accompanied l)y tln-cc fully- fledged young — a male and two females. Being struck V)y the un- usual numl)er, and in want of immature specimens, I shot all four, and then turned my attention to look for the female, but she was nowhere to be seen. Subsequently, when skinning these l)irds in camp, our taxidermist, Mr. Cutmore, called my attention to the fact that the bird I had taken for a young male was in reality the female parent. Her breast was strongly mottled with black feathers like those of the male, but the ovary was normal and in no Avay diseased. — W.B.O.G.
MOTAOILLID^.
Anthus, Bechsi. 9. Anthus sordidus, TH'ipi).
Anthn.s sordidus, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 167. The Sokotri name is ' Degasagus.'
This large Pipit was very common on all parts of Sokotra visited, lieing almost as numerous at an elevation of 4000 feet as it was on the plains and low ground near the sea. It was perhaps the tamest bird on the island, generally allowing one to pass within a yard or two without showing the slighest trace of alarm. When we arrived the l)reeding season had already commenced, for on the 11th of December, with the
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. ' 35
aid of my butterfly net, I caught young birds just able to fly, and on the lOth of the same month found a nest containing four slightly iiiculiated eggs. The nest, a slight structure of fine dry grass, was placed at the foot of a thick plant of bush-grass, and so well hidden that it would certaiidy have passed uinioticed had not the female left her eggs.
At Adho Dimellus, 3500 feet, I found another nest with three perfectly fresh eggs on the Sth of Fel)ruary. Observing a pair of Pi]>its show- ing signs of unusual anxiety at my pi'csence, it seemed woitli while to hide and watch them, and after waiting for some time the female went to the nest. On this occasion it was placed under a tuft of coarse grass in a glade between some thick bush, and probably the full com- plement of eggs had not been laid. The male bird sings a sweet song perched on the toj) of a bush or rock, and, like other members of the genus, frequently arises with ([uivering wings to a considerable height in the air, singing as he flies, and descending after some minutes to his former perch.
At Jena-agahan, one of our camps in the Haghier range, there was a delightful male Pipit which used constantly to sing on a rock just in front of my tent, and his proximity afforded me great pleasure during a slight attack of fever. On coming back one evening I missed him, and found with regret that his skin had been added to our collection. The habits of this species are much like those of the Common Meadow- Pipit, but its actions, especially when feeding on the ground, are heavier and slower. During our stay on the island Pipits were generally met with in pairs, and on the more open paits of the country the males might often be seen chasing the females in and out among the lioulders and patches of l)ush, and flying at a great pace. — JJ\Ii.O.G.
Iris lirown ; bill l)lackish horn except the basal part of the lower mandil)le, which is whitish horn ; legs and feet fleshy horn colour.
Motacilla, Linn
10. Motacilla alba, Linn.
MotacUIa aJha, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., ISSl, j). 167.
This Wagtail was fairly common in Sokotra, lioth on the Hadibu Plain and about the Dimichiro Valley. A few were also met with on the higher ground at Homhil.
11. Motacilla flava, Linn.
Budytt-sflaru^i, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., ISSl, \). IfiS.
AVe did not observe this species in Sokotra. — Jr.ll.O.G.
Professor Balfour obtained three skins of the Blue-headed Wajitail :
but he saw it oidy on the mud flats extending inland a shoi't distance
from the head of Khor Garieh.
30 THE XATT'RAL inSTORY OF SOKOTPvA AND ABD-EL-Kl^RI.
NECTARINIID^.
Cinnyris, Cuv- 12. Cinnyris balfouri, Sdat. d- Hdiil
Cinnjins ha/Jour{, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 169, pi. xv. fig. 2. Nectarluia La/fouri, Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 954. The Sokotri name i.s ' Deg;isagus.'
The Sokotran Sun-ltinl is faiily common in all the Imsh-elad Aalleys and on the slopes of the hills from nearly sea-level to an elevation of at least 4000 feet. Being an extremely noisy and vivacious little bird, constantly on the move in search of insects, it can scarcely escape notice. During our Htay on the island this species was generally met with in pairs, and though some must have been nesting (for towards the end of our stay Ave shot more than one female evidently on the point of laying), the majority had apparently not commeuced to breed. Though I was constantly on the look-out for nests, and, with this end in view, spent a good deal of time watching the movements of various couples, I only found one nest on the 10th Fel)ruary from which the young had already flown. This was of the usual bag-shaped type, exactly like the one found hy Professor Balfour, and figured in the P.Z.S., 1881, pi. XV. It was suspended among thick bush and creepers, and very difficult to see. On the 5th February, in the low l)ush-jun'gle above Adho Dimellus, at an elevation of at least 4000 feet, I came aci'oss a family party of 8un-l)irds, including two or three young, which, though well-grown and alile to fly, were still being tended by their parents. The latter were extremely solicitous for the safety of their offspring, and at once hurried them oft' into the thickest covert, the male appearing on the tops of the bushes from time to time, and uttering shrill, rather hoarse alarm notes. The song of this bird is wonderfully loud and varied, and it would be a hopeless task to convey any idea of its many changes by notes of music. To appreciate it one must see the beautiful little male with his grey and white plumage, ornamented with yellow side-tufts, perched on the highest twig of some bush, pouring forth his whole heart in a sustained flow of melodious sound. It took me a long time to master most of the call-notes, and even when one thought one had learned all, some new sound would often cause a weary climb only to find some little rascal of a Sun-liird. In addition to his endless repertoire, this l)ird is a capital mimic, imitating the calls of some of his neighbours with great accuracy, especially that of Cisticola incana. The males might constantly be seen chasing one another, or the females, up and down the hill sides, their flight on these occasions being rapid in the extreme, and the pace at which they can wheel and turn incredible. The sound produced l)y theii' wings when fljnng is loud, and quite unlike that of an)' other bird on the island, and one soon got to know the peculiar " thi'ip, thrip " of a passing sun-l>ird. We never obtained any birds in immature plumage, and all those
JUr.DS OF SOIvOTRA. 37
collected appeared to l)e perfectly adult, so I conclude that the young attain the adult plumage at the first moult. — JJ^.U.OJl. Iris reddish brown ; bill and legs black. Total length (measured in the tlesh) r)-5 inches.
ZOSTEROPID^.
Zosterops, i/. & H.
13. Zosterops abyssinica, JIcikjI.
Zosterops Imhijminka, Sclat. and Haiti. P.Z.S., ISSl, p. KkS : Haiti.
P.Z.S., 1881, p. 954. The Sokotri name is ' Degirikum.'
The Abyssinian Siher-eye was fairl\' plentiful on all parts of Sokotra, being equally common in the low bush-clad valleys near the sea, and at an elevation of at least 4,500 feet, where the l)ush ceases. It was generally met with in small parties of two or more, and in its habits reminds one strongly of the Cole-Tit. Its call-note, uttered when feeding and on the wing, is, moreover, so exactly like that of the latter l)ird that, when first heard on Gebel Kaggit, to the west of the Hadibu Plain, imagination pictured some unknown species of Tit. It is an active, lively little bird, seldom still for a minute, and constantly searching for small insects among the branches of the bushes and trees. The nesting season must have been practically over when we arrived on the 9th December. On the 17th of that month I fell in with a family party of fi^■e, including three young l)irds. Though alile to fly well, they were still being fed by their parents, and it was a pretty sight to watch, these beautiful little ])irds portioning out the dainties they collected with such amazing rapidity. They were so tame that one could observe them from a distance of a few yards witliout disturl>ing them. At Jena-agahan, on the 1st Jaiuiary, I again saw and ol)tained a female feeding two young l)irds just able to fly. Though constantly on the look-out for a nest of this species, I never succeeded in flnding one. On the high ground at Adho Dimellus, I feel sure a pair had a nest, probal)ly containing young, for they displayed quite unusual agitation, and continued to mob me while I unsuccessfully searched the neighbouring bush. When alarmed the}^ keep up a constant scolding note, " Chu-e, chu-e, chu-e,"
i
MA
Chu
bustling about among the bushes, and are often exti^emely annoying to the naturalist, for they give the alarm to all the neighbourhood, sometimes spoiling one's chance of appi-oaching other desirable l)irds. Generally speaking, however, when moving quietly about among the
38 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AKD-EL-KURI.
bush, they take very littk' notice of one, and are so tame that they may often be seen feeding in a Inish not a yard distant. The Silver- eye is certainly one of the most beautiful little birds on the island, and it is delightful to watch its graceful mo\ements, as. Tit-like, it climbs al)out among the l)ushes, examining every Ijud in search of ioo&.^JF.lLOM.
LANIID^.
Lanius, Linn.
14. Lanius uncinatus, Schd. d: Haiti.
Laniiis iincinatu-'i, Sclat. & Haiti. P.Z.S., 1881, p. KiS ; Hartl. P.Z.S.,
1881, p. 954. The Sokotri name is ' Dehavifi.' ' Taviti ' (/. B. Baljoxr).
Fig. 3.
Head of Lanius uncinatus. (From the Pioceertings of the Zoological Society of London.)
AYe met with the Sokotran Shrike on all parts of the island visited, and finding it as a rule extremely tame, had no difficulty in obtaining as many specimens as we wanted. It was common among the Date- palm groves and Acacia trees round the Hadibu Plain singly or in pairs, and at Homhil we found it abundant, the open grass country with scattered bushes being specially suited to its habits. At Adho Dimellus, our highest camp, at an elevation of 3500 feet, this species Avas seldom seen, and, in fact, during three weeks spent there I only saw it twice. When we got to Sokotra the breeding season Avas evidently over, and though on December 16, and many subsequent occasions during our stay, I had opportunities of AA'atching the old birds feeding fully-fledged young, no eggs were obtained.
At Homhil 1 found a nest in a Boswellia tree contoining cjuite young birds, but probably this Avas an exceptionally late brood, as it was the only nest Ave found occupied. The general habits do not seem to differ perceptibly from those of the Common Red-backed Shrike. On one occasion our taxidermist, Mr. Cutmore, having shot a Dove {Turtar senegaloisis), and failed to find it, visited the same place next morning. He found his bird transfixed on an Acacia thorn and a Shrike (which he shot) sitting Ix'side it. One curious habit of this bird Avas its custom of feeding late in the evening. When AA^atching for the little
I'.lltDS OF SOKOTltA. 39
Scops Owl at dusk, r often saw it l.iisily engaged in catching beetles among the neighbouring bushes. The male has a harsh, rather mournful song, impossible to reproduce, and the usual call-note, fre- (juently uttered from the tops of bushes, sounds like "cliidv clink "—
iv.n.u.G.
SYLVIID^.
Cisticola, Kaufj. 15. Cisticola incana, Sdat. (!• Hnrti.
CUn-o/a htcanu, Sclat. & Hartl. ]\Z.S., 1S81, p. 166 pi xv fi<r l . Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 954. ' "' '
The Sokotri name is ' Degasao-us.'
Tills small Fan-tailed Warbler was common in almost all bush-clad parts of the island from nearly sea level to an elevation of at least 4.500 feet. It was numerous in tlie neigh])ourhood of Elhe, on the east of the Hadibu Plain, and equally abundant at Adho Dimellus, in the heart of the Haghier range. Of a noisy, fussy disposition, it may constantly be heard and seen, and is generally easily secured. Its ordinary call- note is a scolding sound, chip, chip, cJiip, chip, chip-it, chip-it, chip-it, chip-It, and it may be exactly reproduced by striking a flint and steel together rather quickly. This may constantly be heard when the bu'ds are moving from bush to bush in search of food, or playing with one another, and to hear it one would imagine that family disputes were everlastingly taking place. The male has a pretty little song, something like that of the Stonechat, and though not very ofte°i heard, there could be no doubt about the songster, for I shot a male in the act of singing. On the lower parts of the island, though this species was generally met with in pairs in the end of December and January, the breeding season had hardly commenced. At Jena- agahan, on the 7th January, I came across a pair of old birds with three young, just able to fly, but these were apparently an early brood. Towards the end of January a good many birds were seen with nest- ing materials in their bills, and several of the females shot were evidently about to lay. Many of the pairs near our camp at Adho Dmiellus had selected some patch of bush, where they were constantly to be met with, but though we carefully refrained from shooting any of these, and spent many hours searching for their nests, it was not till the 12th of February that I succeeded in finding one. The beautifid dome-shaped structure, with an entrance at the side (Fig. 4), Avas built of fine grass, ornamented with patches of orange lichen, ;uid placed in a thick bush about three feet from the ground. AVhen found it contained no eggs, and by an unlucky accident the birds belonging to it were shot. AYhen hopping about the bush these birds generally carry the tail in a semi-erect position. They are extra- ordinarily lively little creatures, constantly chattering and scolding.
40
THE NATURAI. HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Fig. 4.
Nest of Cisticola ixcaxa.
r.TRDS OF SOKOTltA. 41
;ind c'liasing one another up and down the hillsides. If only winged
they are almost always lost, for they run like mice among the thick
bush and rocks, and are out of sight in a moment. — ir.Il.O.Cr. Iris orange brown, upper mandible dark horn, lower fleshy horn, tarsus
flesh horn colour ; claws dusky. Total length (measured in the flesh)
4 "5 inches. Professor Balfour found this AVarbler " on the higher grassy i)lains," and
he records that its note was a sharp " tit." Dr. Riebeck obtained it
on Gebel Fieri.
16. Cisticola haesitata {Sdaf. <(• ILuiL).
DrynuL'ca lui'sitata, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., ISSl, p. ItiCi. The Sokotri name is ' Uegasagus. '
This species was only met with on the southern part of the Hadibu Plain, l)etween the Hauefu river and the base of the Haghier range, where the stony ground is almost entirely covered with thick bush-like grass about two feet high, interspersed here and there with larger bushes. The males are most consjncuous in the early morning, when their shav}) note
m***^^
J
Teat, Test, Teat, Taet, te te te te te ta.
may be heard in different directions. The song, if such it can be called, is wonderfully loud for so small a bird, and generally uttered on the wing, the bird flying along at some height from the ground in a wide segment of a circle with an undulating flight, the notes becoming shorter and quicker as he descends once more to the covert. When the male is singing at the top of a bush, as he sometimes does, he looks just like the Common AVren with an abnormally long tail, which is held over his back in a semi-erect position. The male is much less ditticult to obtain than the female, for he not infre([uentl3' perches and remains for some moments on the tops of the grass or bushes, but the female spends must of her time busily feeding in the thick of the co^•ert, only momentarily appearing from time to time. These l)irds, if only winged, are almost impossible to catch, for they nui like mice, and disappear directly. They were generally found in pairs, each of which seemed to occupy an acre or two of ground of their own, for when a strange male inadvertently lit within his neigh- l)Our's holding he was promptly attacked and chased off" by the lawful owner. Adult males have the inside of the mouth bluish black, while in the female this part is flesh-coloured. A young male had the gape flesh-coloured, with a black spot at the base of the tongue. This species did not appear to be breeding, and though I searched carefully for the nest, I never succeeded in finding even an old one. — jr.ll.O.G.
42 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Iris pale straw brown, culnieu dusky, cutting;- edge of upper and lower mandible pale horn ; legs and feet flesh colour ; claws dusky.
TURDID^.
Saxicola, Bechst.
17. Saxicola isabellina Crekschm.
Sn.fko/a Isaliolliua, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 167.
This large Chat Avas not obtained by us in Sokotra, but Professor Balfour met with the species in the Feregeh Valley and on the Plain of Nuget, on the south coast of Sokotra.
18. Saxicola montana, Gduhl.
Saxiro/(( montana, Sclat, & Hartl. P.Z.S., 18S1, p. 167. The Sokotri name is ' Degiriboop."
This Chat was numerous on the low open flats near the sea, especially on the Hadibu Plain, but on the higher ground it was rarely met with, only a few being seen on the open grass country roixnd Homhil (1500-2500 feet), and at Adho Dimellus (3500 feet) it was equally scarce. Here again most of the males were in full breeding plumage but no nests were found.
The habits of this species are just like those of the Common AMieatear. When not engaged in searching for small beetles and insects on the ground, they are generally to be seen perched on some low bush or stone, and are not as a ri;le very timid. The males are constantly playing or sparring with one another, and it is very pretty to see two or more rise into the air and flutter opposite one another with fully extended wings and tail displaying their handsome black and white quills. I shot what was undoubtedly a female at Adho Dimellus in somewhat remarkable plumage, the feathers of the throat being black, narrowly fringed with isabelline brown, and C[uite similar to those of the male before attaining the full breeding dress. — W.ll.O.G.
HIRUNDINIDJE.
Cotile, Boie.
19. Ootile obsoleta, CaJ).
Cotile oh>:o/efa, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. x. p. Ill (1885). The Sokotri name is ' Goab. '
A few pairs of the Pale Kock-Martin were seen about the rucks in different parts of the Haghier range and about the limestone clitfs at Homhil. They were first observed at Jena-agahan hawking insects round a granite peak at an elevation of 1500 feet. 1 subsecjuently shot a pair on the top of Homhil at about 2500 feet, and again obtained one of a pair seen at Adho Dimellus, 3500 feet. None of the pairs seen appeared to be nesting. — W.ll.O.G.
This species had not previously been met with in Sokotra.
r.lKDS OK SOKOTKA. 43
CORACI^. CAPRIMULGID^.
Caprimulgus, Linn.
20. Caprimulgus jonesi, dmnt ^0 Forbes. (Phiti' iv.)
CaprhnuhjHsjoiu'si, (Jnint and Forbes, Bull. Livei[). Muss. ii. p. 3 (1S99).
AduU Male : -l<^GSivest to C. nuhicus from Arabia, Palestine, and North- East Africa, but at once (listinguished by having the ground colour of the upper parts clear gre}^ instead of sandy brown, and the markings on the top of the head and on the scapulars rufous and buff instead of whitish buff. Tiie whole of the black markings on the upper parts are, moreover, much coarser. Total length (measured in the flesh), 9 inches; culuien, 0-4 ; wing, 6-1 ; tail, 4-2 ; tarsus. Own.
The only example of the Sokotran Nightjar was shot in the Dimichiro Valley in the Garieh Plain, East Sokotra. It was found squatting on the ground among the stones close to our rest-camp in the Valley (January 16th, 1899). We never came across the species on any other occasion. — 1J\11.0.G.
We have named this species in honour of Morris P. Jones, Esq., of the Liverpool City Council, and Chairman of the Museums Sub-Com- mittee, wdio interested himself greatly in the fitting out of the Expedition.
CYPSELID^.
Cypselus, linger.
21. Cypselus (?) murimis, i?/vV;//?.
3lk'ropu.s murinus, Hartert, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xvi., p. 446 (1892). Several large Swifts, Avhich I have no doubt belonged to this species, passed over our camp on the Hadibu Plain on the evening of the 12th of December. They w^ere flying in -wide circles and travelling in a south-easterly direction. When first seen by Dr. Forbes they were close at hand, but by the time I had got a gun from my tent they had gone on their way. — ir.Il.O G.
UPUPID^.
UpUpa, Linn.
22. Upupa (?) epops, Linn.
A species of Hoopoe w^as seen on the wing both between Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri, and between the latter island and Aden. — H.O.F.
COCCYGES. CUCULID^.
Centropus, linger.
23. Centropus superciliosus, Heinp}-. d: Ehr.
C/i/rojxi.s ^iipcirilio.'^Ks, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S. 18S1, p. 172: Hartl. P.Z.S.
1881, p. 955. The Sokotri name is ' Mishigiro-giro. '
44
THE XATlItAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
We first met with this Cuckoo in the tluck bush covering the steep slopes of Gel)el Kaggit, one of the outer hills of the Haghier range. It has two peculiar calls which at once attract attention : a bubbling cry, repeated a dozen or more times in rapid succession, audible at a consideral)le distance, and a " chucking "' note which exactly resembles the sound made by a driver encouraging his horse to trot. The former note is generally a monotone.
U) J J J J ^
ft-- fe » ^
Bub, bull, bub, bub, bub, bub, bub, bub.
but occasionally, especially in the early hours of the morning, when these birds are most noisy, one hears variations of the " song," if such it can be called, ascending and descending the scale for about five notes,
Bui >,l>uli,bnb.liub, bill), bub, bub, bub, bub, bub, bul), bub, bub, bub, bub. bub. bub.
The second cry, consisting of three long, and six or more short, quickly uttered syllables, cannot be reproduced in writing, but may be easily imitated by putting the tongue against the roof of the mouth and making a sound like ftlh; tak, trd; tnh, tfili, fi)l; //)/.', tlik, tiik. When we reached Sokotra in the beginning of December, the nesting season was apparently over, for we secured nearl}^ fall-grown young birds with the barred wing-coverts denoting imm.aturity. Though nowhere common, this species was thinly scattered over all parts of the island visited. It was occasionally met with in the Date palm groves bordering the rivers on the Hadibu plain, and in the neigh- bourhood of Homhil a few examples were obtained, while at Adho Dimellus, our highest camp in the heart of the Haghier range, it was most numerous. Here, in the early morning, a good many birds might be heard " bubbling " on the hill sides. It is always a difficult bird to secure, frequenting the denser parts of the bush- jungle, where it is moi-e often heard than seen. Its nature is somewhat inquisitive, and to ascertain the cause of any unwonted sound it will occasionally mount to the tops of bushes or trees. This is the best chance of shooting it : we found it almost hopeless to secure specimens by following up their cry in the dense bush. If only winged, this cuckoo is almost certain to esca})e, its long legs enabling it to run almost as fast as a partridge. On the wing its flight resembles that of the Magpie, but is feebler and seldom long
BIRDS OF SOKOTPvA. 45
sustiiiuefl. The birds examined contained grasshoppers and other insect food. — JV.ll.O.G.
STRIGES. Scops, Brunn.
24. Scops SOCOtranuS, Urant tC- Forbes (Plate v.).
^'t•o/;•^■ socotruiui-i, Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss. ii. p. 2 (1S99).
The Sokotri name is ' Shio;idahan.' JdiiU male: — Most nearly allied to S. giu, but paler and greyer, the occiput and nape whitish, with fine transverse mottlings of brownish black ; primary coverts mostly rufous, forming a rather conspicuous patch ; the tips of the primary quills mostly pale rufous, instead of brownish grey ; belly white, with very few black arrow-head mark- ings. The feathering on the tarsus less extended, and terminating 0-2 inch from the basal joints of the toes. Iris yellow ; bill blackish horn-colour. Total length (measured in the flesh), T'O inches ; wing, 5-0 ; tail, 2-2 ; tarsus, 1-20. AVhen moving to our second camp at Dahamis we spent a night in the Addah Valley to the east of the Hadibu plain, and it was there that we first heard the cry of this new species, and knew that there was a small Owl to be got. Both at Dahamis and Jena-agahan its peculiar cr}', ku — kurud, repeated many times in succession, might be heard every evening, but it was not till we reached the latter place that examples were procured. The rough nature of the ground surround- ing these camps, strewn with granite boulders and covered with thick bush and scattered trees, made it impossible to get about at night. Each Owl apparently had its own hunting ground and special trees on which it perched and uttered its cry, for the sounds always came from the same direction. Observing these facts, we attempted unsuccessfully to catch them by setting pole traps, but on the loth of January a number of natives arrived with two Owls which they had caught among the rocks. These proved to be full-grown young in nearly adult plumage. In his anxiety to see this latest addition to our collection, our interpreter allowed one of the birds to escape from Dr. Forbes's sextant box, in which they had, for want of a cage, been temporarily placed. The whole camp turned out in pursuit, and when we had almost given it up for lost, it was fortunately found, just before dusk, among the scrub, and I shot it. When we arrived in the open country at Homhil the prospects of obtain- ing specimens were greatly improved, for one could move about at night without the risk of breaking one's neck. Several of these little Owls were heard about our camp, and we found their castings full of beetle remains under some of the neighbouring BosxccUia trees. I spent a week in attempting to shoot an individual that frec^uented a
46 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AM) AP-D-EL-KFRI.
patch of neighbouring bush. Every evening at dusk and in the early morning 1 lay in wait for him, but in vain. The first night I had an easy chance of shooting him on a Boswellia tree, but having unfor- tunately taken out a 12-bore, which would have blown him to pieces I resisted the temptation to shoot, thinking another similar chance would occur, but it never did. Having fed largely on beetles in the neighbouring bush, the bird Avould almost invariably perch on a particular dead branch to crow and digest his food, and the ground beneath was strewn with pellets. He seldom arrived till the light had almost gone, and it Avas next to impossible to see him. The only cover within shot Avas a thin bush, and on the slightest movement the Sco])s was gone like a flash before one had time to shoot. Patience Avas not rcAvarded. At this time our taxidermist, Mr. Cutmore, had the good fortune to chance on one roosting in a BoxAvood (Bu.nis Hildehrandti) thicket, into Avhich he had gone in search of a Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisficola inmna). He Avas obliged to shoot it at close quarters, and somewhat damaged it as a specimen, but it proved a valuable addition to our collection, being the one fully adult bird Ave procured. It is only by the merest chance that this bird is met AAdth during the day time. It no doubt roosts among the rocks or in the thick l)ush. At night it is very timid and Avatchful, and is off on the slightest alarm. The food appears to consist almost entirely of beetles, Avhich it captures on the ground. — JF.E.O.G.
Syrnium, Savign 25. Syrnium, sp. incert.
Though Ave failed to secure a specimen, there can be no doul)t that a large Owl occurs in Sokotra. We first 1)ecame aAvare of its presence Avhen camped at Dahamis, on the loAver slopes of the Haghier range. From the rocky sides of Dimimi, a hill to the south of our camp, it Avas heard hooting at night on several occasions. The crA' closely resembled that of the common BroAvn OavI (*S'. aluco). We made careful enquiries among the Sokotri herdsmen in the neighbourhood, and found that the bird Avas Avell-knoAvn to them, but ofi'ers of backsheesh failed to produce a specimen.
On the rocks above Adho Dimellus the Inrd Avas actually seen by one of our men, who, accompanied by a Sokotri lad, had gone out in search of Avild goats. The bird was so close Avhen first seen that the native struck it Avith a stone, but failed to kill it, and it disappeared into the thick bush, We naturally asked our man Avhy, Avhen armed Avith a rifle, he had missed such a golden opportunity, but Avere told that he Avas afraid of disturbing the goats ! So far as Ave are aAvare, this is the one of the few Sokotran species of liird of Avhich no example has been procured. — ir.ll.O.G.
HTltDS OF SOKOTRA. 47
PANDIONES.
Pandion, Savign.
26. Pandion haliaetus {Linn).
Pxiididii ha/i(tr/us, Shaipe, Cat. B. Brit. Mas. i. p. 449 (I.S74). A couple^ of Ospreys Avere olj.sei'N'cd off tho west end of .Sokolru.
ACCIPITRES.
FALCONID-S.
Falco, Linn.
27. Falco communis, dmrl.
FaU:o pt-nyrinn.s, Sclat. & Hnrtl. P.Z.S., 1881, \). IT'i.
We observed on several occasions a large Falcon which was probably the Common Peregrine, but never had an opportunity of procuring one. A specimen was collected in the hills above Hadibu by Professor Bay ley Balfour. — W. U. 0. G.
28. Falco feldeggii, Schl
Falco fiikh<jijil, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 389 (1874).
I saw a pair of Falcons, apparently Lanners, on the slopes of Diniinii, a mountain in the Haghier range to the southward of our camp at Dahamis. They circled round within easy shot, but I had no gun, and was obliged to content myself with watching them. On the following day they were not to be found.
A second pair were seen on the wing in the Dimichiro Valley, but these kept at a safe distance. — W.li.O.G.
Cerchneis, Boie.
29. Cerchneis tinnunculus {Linn.).
TiiuuiHcuhts alaudarius, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173. The Sokotri name is ' Kash-feno.'
We saw a good many pairs of Kestrels about the Hadibu plain, and found them so tame that there was no difficulty in shooting as many as we wanted with the small collecting gun. They were generally to be seen either on the wing or more often perched on a bush, gorged with lizards, locusts, and other smaller grasshoppers, which form their principal food. In other parts of the island visited they were scarce. I once saw^ one on Homhil at an elevation of about 2500 feet, and there were one or two in the neighbourhood of Adlio Dimellus, where a fine male was obtained. This species did not appear to be nesting. ^JF.RO.G.
In comparing our Sokotran Kestrels in the Liverpool Museums, I find that they agree very closely indeed with two specimens in the Tristram Collection — ^with one from Teneritie and one from the Gran Canary.
48 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI.
The latter is the bird described {Ihis, 1889, p. 17) by Canon Tristram as darker in colour and smaller than Indian and European examples. In size and colour these Sokotra and Canary Island Kestrels agree exactly.— if. 0./'. A specimen was shot by Professor Balfoiu''s expedition on the Shoab Plain.
Buteo, Cuv.
30. Buteo desertorum, DoikI.
Buteo ch-itrtorum, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 170 (1S74). The Sokotri name is ' Neheeme. '
^Ye saw the African Buzzard in all parts of the island visited. On the lower gi'ound they were not very common, though sometimes seen sitting near the toj) of some high Date-palm or soaring round above the plain, but the greater number were met -with in the Haghier range, and about the limestone mountains round Homhil. A good many pairs were nesting, and their young might be heard screaming in the steep and almost inaccessible faces of the rocks. We obtained a pair of young birds from a nest at Homhil, the female being nearly twice as large as the male. The old birds were, generally speaking, wild and difficult to apjiroach, and I only once succeeded in shooting a fully adult bird, but sometimes, as is so often the case when one has no gun, easy chances would occur. This species has not previously been recorded from Sokotra. — Jf^.li O.G.
VULTURID^.
Neophron, Savign.
31. Neophron percnopterus {Linn.).
Ncop/iron percnojjfenis, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 172.
The Sokotri name is ' Sau-eido ' for one, ' Sau-eid " for a flock of Neophrons.
Egyptian Vultures were very common at all our camps, and so tame and fearless that they would hardly take the trouble to get out of one's way. They would wait outside the tent, where animals and birds Avere being skinned, ready to pounce on any scraps of flesh thrown out, and squealing and fighting with one another over the bodies. They were so bold that we were often afraid they would come inside the tent and help themselves to more than we intended, but they never did any harm, and were most useful in ridding the camp of all sorts of refuse. The only time when they proved distinctly a nuisance was when I was setting the ' Schuyler ' rat-traps. They would wait about, and dir-ectly one had gone, try and lemove the bait. Sometimes they got caught by the head, but more often they managed to spring the traps and take the meat, a feat which seemed almost impossible. One morning one of the boys brought in a trap in which a Neophron had just been caught by the head. The bird was not quite dead, so
UlltDS OF SOKOTUA. 49
I took it out and laid it on the ground, and in a few minutes it flew away apparently none the worse. A Neophron's neck must be tougher than most, for the fall of this trap is sufficient to smash one's finger to pieces. This species did not appear to be breeding, but we saw many young birds in their dark first plumage, and apparently only a few months old. — ir.li.O.G.
STEGANOPODES. PHALACROCORACID^.
Phalacrocorax, BHsson.
32. Phalacrocorax lucidus, UrJit.
Phalacrocorax luckliiK, Haiti. P.Z.S., 18S1, p. 957. Dr. Hartlaub records an adult female of this species obtained by Riebeck at Tamarida [Hadibu]. Though constantly on the look-out for Cormorants, the only species observed was P. nigrogularis, the young of Avhich somewhat resembles P. lucidus in having the under parts white. We have been unable to examine Kiebeck's bird, but would suggest the possibility that a mistake may have been made in identify- ing it with the above.
33. Phalacrocorax nigrognlaris, errant d- Forbes. (Plate vi )
PJialacrocorax nigrogularis, Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss. ii. p. 3( 1S99).
A very distinct species belonging to the group with fourteen tail feathers, and with the culmen exceeding TS inch in length from the feathers on the forehead to the tip of the bill.
Adult male (fig. a) : — General colour above and below black with a slight gloss, the wing-coverts and scapulars tinged with bronze and with a black spot at the extremity. The throat and hind neck ornamented with minute scattered white plumes, indicating full breeding plumage. Iris dark emerald green ; pouch and naked skin in front of and surrounding the eye dirty black ; bill greyish black, paler horn-colour towards the tip and on the terminal half of the latericorn ; a greenish band along the basal half of the mandible ; legs and feet black, webs browner. Total length (measured in the flesh), 30-5 inches ; culmen, 3'0 ; wing, 11 "5 ; tail, 4"3 ; tarsus, 2"o5.
Birds apparently in the second year's plumage (fig. b), have the general colour of the head and upper parts brownish black, the new feathers being ornamented with a black spot at the extremity ; the plumage is much mixed with very worn feathers — almost brownish white at the extremity ; the chest and rest of the under parts are whitish brown, mottled with pale brown, an effect produced by the worn feathers, which are brown at the base and whitish at the extremity. Iris steel gray ; naked skin on gape and in front of eye dull yellow ; legs and feet dusky horn ; toes and adjacent part of webs blackish. A speci-
50 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
men in the first year's plumage (fig. c) has the feathers of the head and upper parts dark brown ; the mantle, wing coverts and scapulars more pointed than in older examples, and with pale whitish margins ; the feathers bordering the naked throat and the chest and rest of the underparts white ; the pale brown bases to the feathers of the breast j)roducing a slightly mottled appearance. On the 7th December, when the ' Elphinstone ' anchored oft' the west- end of Sokotra, in Gubbat Shoab, below Eas Baduwa, we saw a number of Cormorants swimming in the bay, some being entirely black and diff"erent from any Ave had seen. Captain MacArthur at once ordered the dingy to be got ready, and Ave started off in pursuit. There was a rough choppy sea in the bay, Avhich made shooting rather difficult, and for some time Ave were unable to get Avithin shot of any of the birds. At last Ave neai-ed a pair, and as they rose I dropped them both, but, to my disgust, saAv that both heads Avere still up. Fortune Avas, however, kind, for they Avere so bewildered that they forgot to dive, and swam toAvards one another. As the boat rose again on the crest of a Avave, a lucky snap Avith No. 4 shot settled the business satisfactorily. I Avas highly pleased to find that these Cormorants, both adult birds in full breeding plumage, l^elonged to a new species. It Avas not until (jur return to Abd-el-Kuri at the end of February that Ave had an opportunity of obtaining additional speci- mens. Again aided by Captain MacArthur and his launch, Ave steamed up to the east-end of the island and met Avith several small lots of Cormorants coming to their roosting place. On this occasion we eacli got two immature birds in the brown or second year's plumage. Two adult black birds were also dropped, but neither being quite dead, both Avere lost among the rocks and surf, Avhere Ave dared not follow in the launch. In habits this species resembles the rest of its kind, but Ave found them distinctly wild, and the fcAv Ave got gaA-e us considerable trouble to collect. — IF.li.O.G.
SULIDiE.
Sula, Brisson. 34. Sula piscatrix {Linn.).
Stiia pi.'icafor, Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvi. p. 4.32 (1898).
On the afternoon of the 7tli December, 1898, Avhile Ave Avere lying off Haulaf waiting for the arrival of the Sultan from his inland residence, we had the gratification of witnessing close to the ship a splendid spectacle, lasting nearly half an hour. An immense fiock of Gannets and Terns {Sterna hergii) were preying on a horde of minute fishes, thousands of Avhich Avere leaping out of the Avater in broad glittering masses in their hot haste to escape being devoured by a great shoal of mackerel, whose ravenous pursuit of them churned up the sea as if it were agitated by a brisk wind. The Terns as a rule swooped into
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. 51
the silvery passing cloud iuul snapped up their victims while in the air. The Gannets, on the other hand, dived down from a great altitude, cleaving the water with a big splash, and disappearing beneath the surface oidy to presently emerge again, each with its prey in its beak. The whole flock — Gannets and Terns — in following up the rapidly advancing shoal beneath them, were madly wheeling about, ascending and descending in inextricable confusion, all the while screaming in the wildest excitement. — H.O.F.
ANSERES. ANATID^.
Chenalopex, Sieph.
35. Chenalopex segyptiacus ? {Linn.).
Chenalopex (V(jyptiacH!i, Salvad., Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 167 (1895).
On our way down from Homhil to Adho Dimellus, when our far-extended kafila (or camel-cade, as one may be allowed to call it) had reached the plain between Matagoti and Hamaderu, which the Goahal stream traverses before joining the "Wadi Dimichiro, a flock of what at first sight appeared, from their general colour, to be Egyptian Vultures {Neophron jjercnopterus), I'ose in the air, in front of the leading camel, out of the bed of the stream which formed our roadway. Their long necks and manner of flight, however, in a moment showed them to be geese. Their dark backs and wings, in marked contrast to the white or lighter colour of the body and neck, renders it highly probable that the species was the Egyptian Goose. I was riding in the centre of the line, and the guns were far behind, so that it was impossible to secure a specimen. In the air they wheeled several times, rising higher and higher, and then took their flight in a north-easterly direction. — H.O.F.
Anas, Linn.
36. Anas boscas, Linn.
Ami.s hoscas, Tristram, Ibis, 1898, p. 248.
Mr. Bennett collected the Mallard in Sokotra ; but we did not meet with it.
Chaulelasmus, G.R.Gr.
37. Chaulelasmus streperus {Linn.).
Chau/tlasniws streptrus, Tristram, Ibis, 1898, p. 248.
The Gadwall was fairly common on the brackish estuaries of the rivers traversing the Hadibu plain — JF B.O.G. — and in the swamps near Khor Garieh.— //.O.i^.
52 THE NATURAL inSTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Mareca, Sieph.
38. Mareca penelope {Linn.).
Mareca penelope, Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mus. xxvii. p. 227 (1895). We found the Wigeon fairly common about the mouths of the rivers near Hadiliu, and met with large flocks in a patch of marshy ground bordering the Dimichiro river, near its entrance into Khor Garieh.
Nettion, Kaup.
39. Nettion crecca {Linn.).
Querquedula crecco, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173. We did not meet with the Teal, but it was obtained by Professor Balfour and Mr. Bennett.
Fuligula, Sfeph.
40. Fuligula nyroca {(luhJ.).
Fullyula lujrora, Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 956.
Nyroca africana, Salvad. Cat. B. Brit. Mui?., xxvii. p. 345 (1895).
As we were marching from Eas Haulaf to Hadibu on the morning of our landing on Sokotra, we came on a small flock of Ferruginous Ducks swimming in the brackish estuary of the Wadi Dinehan. They were very tame, and allowed us to approach within a short distance, and did not even then take wing. Having no gun, I obtained no specimen, and never came across the species again. The female recorded by Hartlaub was .shot at Kallansiya. — JF.Ii.O.G.
PHffiNICOPTERID^.
Phoenicopterus, Linn.
41. Phoenicopterus roseus, Pall.
Phctnicopterus roseus, Tristram, Ibis 1898, p. 248.
Obtained by Mr. Bennett ; but not by us.
Mrs. Bent observes in the Sokotran chapter to her Southrrn. Arabia that
at Khadoop " there were c[uantities of Flamingoes on the beach." —
H.O.F.
PLATALEID^.
Platalea, Linn.
42. Platalea leucorodia, L^inn.
Platalea leucerodia, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173.
Professor Balfour found the Spoonbill on the margins of stagnant pools near the villages on the north coast. We did not meet with it, but no time was devoted to making a collection of the shore birds.
BIRDS OF SOKOTUA. 53
HERODIONES. ARDEID^.
Lepterodius, Heine & Reichen.
43. Lepterodius gularis, Bosc
Ardta ijularis, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173. Only the wings of the specimen procured by Professor Bayley Balfour were brought home. The eastern form, L. asha, is the species found at Aden, so it may be that a mistake has been made in the identiii- cation of the Sokotran bird.
Ardea, L/nn.
44. Ardea cinerea, {Lian.).
Ardta ciufrea, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Miis., xxvi. p. 7-4(1898). The Sokotri name is ' Ko-eita.'
The Heron is fairly common on the rivers and pools near the coast — W.B.O.G.
45. Ardea purpurea, Linn.
Ardea pur purta, Hartl. P.Z.S., 1S81, p. 956. The Purple Heron is sometimes met with near the coast. One immature bird was shot near Hadibu. — JF.llJKd.
LIMICOL^. CURSORIID^.
Cursorius, Laih.
46. Cursorius gallicus, Gmel
Curxorius gallic us, Sclat. & Hartl, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173. We did not meet with the Cream-coloured Courser. Professor Balfour obtained one out of a lot of three seen near Khadoop on the north coast.
CHARADRIID^.
Arenaria, Briss.
47. Arenaria interpres {Linn.).
Strtp.sila.'i inttrpres, Tristram, Ibis, 1898, p. 248. Obtained by Mr. Bennett ; but not by us.
^gialitis, Boie.
48. ^gialitis dubia (Scop.).
^Eijialiliii curonica, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174. The Sokotri name is 'Degargori.'
The Little Ringed Dotterel was fairly common on the rivers near the sea and about stagnant patches of water on the Hadibu plain.
54 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
49. ^gialitis alexandrina {Linn.).
^Eijialitis ruutiuna, Selat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174. A few Kentish Plover were seen feeding with .i^. duhlu, and one was procured.- -7r.7.'. a G.
Totanus, Bechst.
50. Totanus nebularius {Gunn).
Totanus aiuesctns, Sclat. & Haiti. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174. The Grreenshank is common at the mouths of the rivers traversing the Hadibu Plain.
51. Totanus calidris (Litui.).
Totanus calidris, Shaipe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus., xxiv. p. 414 (1896). The Redshank is common on the rivers near Hadibu. — JV.Il.O.Cr.
52. Totanus glareola {Linn.).
Totanus glareola, Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 956. The Wood-sandpiper was collected by Riebeck at Kallansiya.
Tringa, Linn.
53. Tringa temmincki {Lnskr).
Limonites femniiucki, Sharjoe, Gat. B. Brit. Miis. , xxiv. p. .505, 1896. I found a small flock of Temminck's Stints feeding in the bed of the Hanefu river on the 20th February, and shot one to identify the species. — JF.Il.O.G.
Tringoides, Bonap.
54. Tringoides hypoleucus {Linn.}.
Trinyoides hypoleucus, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174 : Hartl. P.Z.S.,
1881, p. 956. The Sokotri name is ' Diriheutan. '
The Common Sandpiper was fairly numerous on many of the rivers near the sea.
Calidris, liiiger.
55. Calidris arenaria {Linn.).
Calidris artnaria, Tristram, Ibis 1898, p. 248. The Sanderling was obtained by Mr. Bennett ; but not by us.
QaliinagO, Leach.
56. Gallinago gallinago {Linn.).
Gallinago (jallinayo, Selat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, \\ 174. The Sokotri name is ' Ko-eito.'
The Common Snipe was fairly common in suitable places. A few were seen on the rivers near the coast, and numbers in a large marshy
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. 55
patch of ground bordering the Dimichiro River. It was common in the rushy edges of the stream below our camp at Homhil, and proved a welcome addition to our bill of fare. — JF.R.O.G.
57. Gallinago stenura, r>(iiiiii>.
Gallinayo .tteniini, Sliarpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mas., xxiv. p. Oil) (1S96). The Sokotii name is ' Ko-elto.'
Two examples of the Indian Pin-tailed Snipe were shot at Homhil among a number of the common species. I was much surprised at meeting with this bird in Sokotra ; and so far as I am aware it has never beeu procured west of the Indian peninsula. —IF.R.OXt.
Captain Hunter notes that he observed " on the streams, Snippets, and a bird resembling the Painted Snipe of India," Eosfraiula rivpcmis, Lmn.—H.O.F.
DROMADID^.
Dromas, Poyk.
58. Dromas ardeola, Payk
Dromas ardeoln, Sclat. & Hartl. F.Z.S., ISSl, p. 174.
Professor Balfour found the Crab-plover common at Kallansiya at the west end of the island, but we did not come across it.
GAVI^. LARIDiE.
Sterna, Linn.
59. Sterna bergii, Lkht.
Sterna hergli, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174. Common along the coasts of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri.
Anous, Sieph
60. Anous stolidus (Lum.).
Anous stolidus, Saunder.s, Cat. B. Brit. Mus., xxv. p. 136 (1896).
The Noddy was observed in company with Sterna bergii, close to the shore near the foot of Gebel Bitzobur, January 14th, 1899. This bird has not been previously recorded from Sokotra. — H.O.F-
Larus, Linn.
61. Larus affinis, Beinh.
Larus affinis, Sclat. and Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 174. Common along the coasts of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri,
56 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
FULICARI^. RALLID^.
Porzana, yieiii.
62. Porzana porzana (Lhni.).
Porzana inaruetta, Tristram, Ibis. 1898, p. 248. The Spotted Crake was collected by Mr. Bennett, but not by our expedition.
Gallinula, BHss.
63. Gallinula chloropus (Linn.).
Gal/liui/arh/oropi(.% Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 957. Riebeck procured five examples of the Water-Hen, but the exact locality is not stated.
COLUMB^. TRERONID^.
Vinag^o, Cuv.
64. Vinago waalia (GmrL).
Trvvon iraa/ia, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 173; Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881,
p. 956. The Sokotri name is ' Demiicha-birhar.' ' Maliabidat,' (I.B. Balfour).
This species was far from common in the parts of the island visited, being thinly scattered over the high ground in small flocks of five or six individuals. The first we saw was shot by one of our men with a rifle in the neighbourhood of Aduna, and too much injiu^ed to be worth preserving. We subsequently came across two small flocks during our stay at Homhil, and from the first lot seen in some fig trees below our camp at an elevation of about 1700 feet I shot an immature bird. The second lot were also found feeding in the fig trees just below the limestone caves on Matagoti at about 2500 feet, but a bird shot with the collecting gun was lost among the dense bush and undergrowth. We again saw a small flock in the Dinehan Valley opposite Alilo (1500 feet) on our ^ay to Adho Dimellus, but the birds were very wild, and the flight as usual strong and swift in the extreme.
As there was no particular interest attaching to this well-known African Pigeon, I never took the necessary trouble to ol)tain more specimens, which would have entailed constantly carrying about a 12-bore gun. — JF.ILO.G.
PERISTERID^.
Turtur, Se/by.
65. Turtur senegalensis {Linn.).
Turtur seniijalcisis, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, [). 173: Hartl. P.Z.S.,
1881, p. 956. The Sokotri name is ' Uif^ego ' or ' Digigo.'
Sokotran examples of the Senegal Turtle-Dove have the forehead, chin.
BIRDS OF SOKOTRA. OY
and throat, and sometimes also the lower breast distinctly paler than Arabian examples of this species.
On all parts of the island visited by us, from sea level to an elevation of about 4500 feet, where the l)ush-jungle ceases, we found this Dove more or less numerous. In the Date palm groves along the rivers running to the north coast it positively swarms, and on the stony bush-clad plains of Hadibu and Garieh it is very abundant, while on the loAver and middle slopes of the hills many are met with, their numbers gradually decreasing as the highest parts of the Haghier range are reached. In the neighbourhood of Adho Dimellus, our highest camp, Doves were, comparatively speaking, scarce. They feed almost, if not entirely, on the ground, and are mostly found in pairs or sometimes in small flocks. When flushed they fly up into the nearest bush or tree, whence they "take stock" of the intruder, generally allowing one to approach within a short distance before they again take wing. Many pairs were breeding Avhen we reached Sokotra, and I found a number of nests, each containing two eggs, some quite fresh, others on the point of hatching. Young were also met with in every stage of development, from nestlings to fully fledged birds. The nest, a very slight structure of thin twigs, is generally placed in an Acacia or on the branch of a Date-palm, in many instances oidy a few feet above the ground, but sometimes at a height of at least 20 or 30 feet.
This species is remarkably tame, and often when sitting under a bush pinning out insects, or watching for some small Warbler, a Dove would settle on a branch within a few yards of one, and begin to " coo " or quietly preen its feathers, and with the brilliant sunlight shining on its plumage, it would be difficult to imagine a more pleasing piece of coloiunng. There was never any difficulty in making a large bag of these birds, but they were hardly worth a shot, for when cooked there is almost nothing to eat on their bones. — ir.K.O.G.
CEna, Selby.
66. (Ena capensis (Linn.).
(IJua capensis, Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 956. fiiebeck obtained the Cape Dove at Kallansiya ; but it was not seen by us.
Coturnix, MoehHng.
67. Coturnix coturnix {Linn.).
Coturnix communis, Sclat. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881. j). 173. I twice came across the Common Quail in Sokotra, once at Homhil, and
once on a grassy plain a few miles to the south. On both occasions
I was without a gun, but there could be no doubt about the identity
of the species.— ?r.B.O.G. [Mr. E. N. Beiniet mentions Sand-GrOUSe {PterorJcs lirhfcn.'ifciiii '/) among
the birds ob.served by him on Sokotra. — H.O.F.]
58 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA ANT) ABD-EL-KURI.
II.— Birds of Abd=el=Kuri.
PASSERES.
STURNID-ffi.
Amydrus, Cab.
1. Amydrus creaghi, q>.ii.
Adult male : — Allied to J. hli/fhi, but at once distinguished by having the crown, throat, and rest of the under parts oil-green (exactly like those of A. fndtr) instead of purplish blue. Total length (tail imperfect) about 125 inches ; culmen, 1"25 ; wing, 6 9 ; tail (only the two outer tail feathers present), 5 8*; tarsus, 1-5.
Adult fcmalf : — Resembles the female of A. hli/fhi, having the head and neck grey, but no specimen was obtained.
From the first we were rather sceptical aljout the identity of the Abd-el- Kuri Starling with A. bli/tlti from Sokotra, and a careful comparison of the two clearly shows that the former belongs to a dift'erent species. A few small flocks frequented the highest parts of the rugged hills bordering the coast, but were so extremely shy that it was only after great exertions that a single specimen was shot. The flocks were composed of about half a dozen individuals, the females being con- spicuous 1)y their grey heads. The cry closely resembles that of A. hlythi, but the birds were far wilder, and more difficult to approach. — JF.B.O.G.
We have named this species in honour of General O'Moore Creagh, Y.C., in remembrance of the great kindness and assistance we received at his hands during our stay in Aden.
FRINGILLID^.
Passer, BHss.
2. Passer hemileucus, (rrant & Forbes (Plate vii. fig. i. ^ and ? .).
Pas-'icr hemileitrii.s, Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 3, 1899. Adult male : — Mostly nearly allied to P. iitsiilaris, but much smaller and very much paler, especially on the under parts, which are nearly pure white. The black patch on the throat is much reduced in size, as in P. jii/rrhonotus, which species it closely resembles in plumage, l)ut from this latter it may at once be distinguished by the much longer and stouter black bill. Iris brown ; bill black ; legs and feet fleshy horn- colour. Total length (measured in the flesh), 5-4 inches; culmen, 0*45 ; wing, 2'9 ; tail, 2-2 ; tarsus, Ow.
* Total length probably 6*5.
P.TRDS OF AI'.D-EL-KriU. 59
Adult female : — Most nearly allied to the female of 7'. insularis, but much smaller and very much paler, the under paits being nearly pure white and the dusky patch down the middle of the throat absent. Total length (measured in the flesh), 54 inches; culmen, 0-48; wing, 2'8; tail, 2"1 ; tarsus^ 0'7.
This sparrow was certainly one of the most interesting birds met with on Abd-el-Kuri. It was never seen in the neighbourhood of the native village, but appeared to be confined to the bush-clad slopes of one of the highest points, where enormous limestone blocks which have fallen away from the summit lie scattered over the hillside. Here it makes its home, and we found it l)y no means an ea.sy task to secure specimens, for they are very shy and not very numerous. The extremely rough nature of the ground makes progress very slow, and consefjuently it was by no means easy to follow up the note quickly. During our first visit to the island. Dr. Forbes and 1 each obtained a male, and on our return I secured a pair, the only ones seen during a whole day. — W.Ii.OJL A small Hock, however, kept flitting about near me on the stems of the bizarre Milk-bushes {Eu]>horl)in Ahdelknri) growing about the middle of the mountain, while I was engaged in digging up the fine specimen of this new plant, which eventually reached home alive — H.O.F.
SYLVIID^.
Sylvia, Scop.
3. Sylvia cinerea, Btckst.
Sylria cinerta, Seebohm, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 8 (1881). A female Whitethroat was shot by Mr. Cutmore on the 4tli December among the stunted bushes on the central plain.
Phylloscopus, Boie.
4. Phylloscopus rufus {Bechsf.}.
Phylloscopus riifuii, Seebohin, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. v. p. 60 (1881). On our second visit to Abd-el-Kuri I secured a solitary example of the Chiff-chaff, which was feeding amongst the bushes near the top of the highest point in the island. — JV.ILO.G.
TURDID^.
Saxicoia, Bechsi.
5. Saxicoia isabellina, Cretr.schm.
Sa.cico/a isahdlina, Sckt. & Hartl. P.Z.S., 1881, p. 167. A male of this Chat was shot on the 23rd February.
6. Saxicoia montana, Gouhl
Saxico/n montana, Sclat. & Hartl., P.Z.S. 1881, p. 167. This handsome Chat was the commonest species met with on Abd-el-Kuri. It was abundant on the low stony plain between the hills, the only
60 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KFRI.
vegetation consisting of dwarfed shnilis scattered here and there over the barren ground. Some hirds were also met with on the higher ground at an elevation of nearly 1700 feet, where many curious and interesting bushes and plants grow in considerable luxuriance among enormous Ijlocks of limestone, which have fallen from the crest of the hill above. Though many of the males were in full l)reeding dress, with jet l)lack throats, none appeared to be nesting, and the ovaries of such females as we examined ^\-eie undeveloped, liut our stay on the island was so short that, common as the bird was, nests might easily have been overlooked. — Jr.B.O.G.
ALAUDID^.
Pyrrhulauda, Smiih.
7. Pyrrhulauda melanauchen, Cab.
(See the notes on this species on p. 33.)
MOTACILLIDJE.
Anthus, Bechst
8. Anthus campestris {Linn ).
Anthits campeatris, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. , x. p. 569 (1SS5). This species was only met with on Alxl-el-Kuri, where a pair were seen during our second visit to the island on the 23rd February. They were extremely wary, but after some trouble the male was secured. — IF.B.O.G.
Motacilla, L
inn.
Motacilla forwoodi, Grant a; Forbes. (Plate vii. fig. 2.)
Motacilla foriroodi. Grant & Forbes, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 3, 1899.
Adult female in winter plumage : — Most neaidy allied to M. alba in full summer plumage, the top of the head and the entire chin, throat, and foreneck being deep black, but the forehead is dark grei/ like the back and rest of the upper parts, instead of pure white. Iris dark brown ; bill and legs black. Total length, 7 inches ; culmen, 0"45 ; wing, 3*3 ; tail, 3*4 ; tarsus, 0"85.
Forwood's Wagtail was only met with on the island of Abd-el-Kuri, Avhere it Avas common enough on the stony plain outside the native village. Unfortunately we did not at the time distinguish it from M. alba, and only secured two examples, an adult and an immature female. — fF.R.O.G.
We have named this species in honour of Sir William B. Forwood, Chairman of the Lil)rary and Museums Committee of the Liverpool Corporation, who in the City Council warmly supported the proposal that the Municipal Museum should co-operate with the British Museum in exploring the Natural History of Sokotra.
JUi;i)S OF ARD-EL-Kirur Gl
UPUP^. UPUPID^.
Upupa, Linn.
10. Upupa ? epops, Linn.
(See the note on this species on p. 43.)
CORACI^. CORACIID^.
Coracias, Linn.
11. Coracias? abyssinicus, Bo(j,l
Cor(«-ia.'< (iln/sKuiicus, Sliari)e, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. , x\'ii. j). 19 (1S92).
I picked up on Abd-el-Kuri a skeleton of a Coracias, of which I brought away the skull, which, on comparing it with a specimen in the British Museum, agreed exactly with this species.
The members of this genus which occur in Somaliland, however, belong to the species C. lorfi, Shelley, and C. na'vius, Daud. — H.O.F.
ACCIPITRES.
PANDIONES.
Pandion, Savig.
12. Pandion haliaetus, Linn.
Paitiliou ha/iaetHS, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus., i. p. 449 (187-4).
A good many Ospreys frequented the east end of Abd-el-Kuri, where a pair of very old birds was shot.
FALCONID^.
FalcO, Linn.
13. Falco ? barbarus, Linn.
Fako barbarus, Sharpe, Cat. B. Brit. Mus. i. p. 386 (1874). A small Falcon, Avhich there is little doubt belonged to this species, was seen.—JF.ILO.G.
STEGANOPODES. PHALACROCORACIDiE.
Phalacrocorax, Brisson.
14. Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, Grant a- Forbes. (See p. 49 and Plate vi.)
The Black-throated Cormorant was seen in considerable numbers near our anchorage at Bander Saleh, and a (juite young male specimen
62 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
was, on the morning of the 2nd December, 1898, shot by Captain MacArthur as it was flying over the ' Elphinstone ' when in the Gulf of Aden, in 49° 30' E. long., and 12° 20' N. lat., or about 100 miles W. of Cape Guardafiii, and about 150 from Abd-el-Kuri. — H.O.F.
SULID^.
Sula, Brisson.
15. Sula piscatrix {Linn.).
Sula piscator, Orant, Cat. B. Brit. Mus., xxvi. p. 432 (1898). I observed a .small flock of the White Booby in one of the baylets to the west of our anchorage in Bander Saleh, February 23, 1899. Gannets abound, according to Captain Haines, in the serrated islets, known as Kahl Far'un, that lie in view from Abd-el-Kuri, a short way off the north coast. These rocks glisten white in the sun from being covered with the excrement of the birds that breed there. — H.O.F.
16. Sula sula {Linn.).
Sulci m/a, Grant, Cat. B. Brit. Mu.s., xxvi. p. 436 (1898). I shot a couple of the Common Booliy from a small flock near the east end of Al)d-el-Kuri. On lifting them into the launch several specimens of a curious parasitic fly (Olfersia ? qnnifrm) were immediately observed to leave their l)odies and fly overboard. Two were, however, secured by tying up the dead birds in a cushion-cover, and afterwai'ds chloro- forming the bundle in a zinc-lined l»ox. — JV.R.O.G.
LIMICOL^. CHARADRIIDiE.
CEgialitis, Boie.
17. (Egialitis? dubia {Sroii.). Seen but not obtained.
Tringoides, Bonup.
18. Tringoides ? hypoleucus {Linn.). Seen l)ut not ol)tained.
GAVI^. LARID-a:.
Sterna Linn.
19. Sterna bergii, Llrht.
Common along the coast.
Larus Linn
20. Larus affinis, Ikinh. Common along the coast.
BIRDS OF ABD-EL-Kri:i. 63
21. Lams fuscus, Linn.
Lui-Ks fiifiCHs, S;iuiKler,s, Cat. B. Brit. Miis. xxv. p. '2.")0 (1896). The Lesser Black-backed Gull was observed along Avith Sala piscatrix in one of the baylets to the west of our anchoi'age in the Bander Saleh, February 23, 1899.— //.(A/'.
Coturnix, Moehring.
22. Coturnix coturnix (Linn.).
Only one example was seen on a small grassy plateau near the top of the mountain overlooking our anchorage. I ought to have seciu^ed it Avith the -410 gun, but failed. There could be no doubt about the identity of this .species. — W.ILO.G.
As the above lists show, the avifauna of the little Archipelago, of which Sokotra is the largest island, comprises, so far as ascertained, 77 species, of Avhich 15 are endemic, 11 species being confined to Sokotra and 3 to Abd-el- Kuri. The Black-throated Cormorant (P. jiigroguldri^), Avhich is common to both islands, although first described from our collections as neAv, will, as might be expected, most likely prove to be a more widely distributed species already known but unnamed, as Mr. Grant has suggested in a recent number of A\ivifafe.'> ZooJixjirce (vii. p. 264, 1900). I am inclined to agree Avith his opinion that the " Phalacrocorax, sp. incert.," recorded by Colonel Yerbury and the late Lieutenant Barnes from Aden, will turn out to be conspecific Avith the Sokotran form.
The total bird-fauna of Sokotra comprises 67 species, and of Abd-el-Kuri 22 species. Kahl Far'un is frequented by large numbers of sea-foAvl ; Ijut of the birds inhabiting Saboynea and the remaining tAvo members of The Brothers group (Samneh and Darzi) nothing is yet known. — H.O.F.
G4 THE XATl^RAL HISTORY OK SOKOTRA AND AHD-EL KUUI.
PLATE III.
Fig. I. FRINQILLARIA SOCOTRANA, Grant tC Forh'x, p. 32. Fig. 2. FRINQILLARIA INSULARIS, Grant d: Forl>es, p. 29
^Sl-RL
Ml, p, 32,
f«fH p, 25
s^^y:
^
'^m^«;
■ViliHHHil
3
k
i
4^
m^
-fi
•^
Liverp.Mus-Rep. Sokotra Exped.
PUII.
2
IFRINGILLARIA S0C0TRANA.2 F. INSULARIS.
Bale fr. Danifelsson Ltd. Chromo.
66 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE IV.
CAPRIMULQUS JONESI, Chant d' Fm-h's, p. 43.
H-tti,.
?•«■
I
IF
f
Is
t-
/
^^.
60
CAI
JONB>
^
68 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF .SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE V.
SCOPS SOCOTRANUS, (rrant d- Forhrs, p. 45.
l-tTEL
>* ^.
f-
'h
\'
I
4^
H
110'
LLverp.Mus.;Rep. SokotrcL Expedy.
PLV
SCOPS SOCOTRANUS,
Bale & DaiueLsson Ltd.Chromo.
70 THE XATIKAL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-Kl'KI.
PLATE VI.
PHALACROCORAX NIQR0QULARI5, Granf d' Forbes, p. 49.
Fig. a. A(hilt Mule.
Fig. b. Bird in Second Fear's Flumage (prohdilii).
Fig. c. Bird in First Year's Flumage.
Sl-tl-p,
Sokotii
: ■/ \'i
i
::sw<^
^•,
''■'. ?• 49.
hv
Liverp.Mus.:Rep. Sokotra^ £ rped.
PLVl
PHALACROCORAX NIGROGULARIS .
Bale •?<- Daniels son Ltd.i'hrom-O.
72 TlIK NATl'KAL HISTORY OF SOKOTltA AND ABD-EI.-KIRI.
PLATE VII.
Fig-. I. PASSER HEMILEUCUS, Gntuf a- Forlw^, p. 58. Fig. 2. MOTACILLA FORWOODI, Gniut a Forhrs, p. 60.
^•KITII.
ra Expffh
II
?f^-
f
\K
I
I
if
J^^
110
I
i
Fig. I. V
IPA
Liverp.Mus-Rep. Sokotm. Exped..
PLVU.
1 PASSER HEMILEIJCUS. 2 MOTACILLA FORWOODi
Bale !-.DanielsaoR Ltd.Chromo.
CHORDATA.
VERTEBRATA,
Reptilia.
By Q. A. BOULENQER, F.R.5.
PLATES VIII., IX., X., XL
REPTILES OF S0K0T1{A.
Reptiles.
The collection of Reptiles brought home hy Mr. Ogilvie-Grant and Dr. H. 0. Forl^es usefully supplements those previously made l)y Professor I. B. Balfour and Dr. Riebeck, the former of which was reported upon by Drs. Gunther and Blanford, the latter by the late Professor Peters. It shows that the field was still far from being exhausted, when six species, one of which proves to l)e referal)le t(j a new genus, could be described as new.
The present account is divided into two chapters, the first dealing with >Sokotra, the second with Abd-el-Kuri, a small island Ijetween Cape Guardafui and Sokotra, the fauna of which had not previously been explored.
The vicinity of .Sokotra to both Somaliland and Southern Aral)ia Avould, n priori, imply a close affinity with the faunas of l)Oth these countries, so similar to each other. This, however, is not the case, and although the Sokotran reptiles show, of course, an entirely Africo- Arabian general character, it is surprising to find the great majority of the species, and as many as three genera out of thirteen, to l)e endemic. This, together with the absence of many a species common to both neighljouring coasts (Pristurus crucifer, P, flavijmncfafus, Acatifhodacfi/lus boskiaims, Chakide^ ocdlalug, Zamenis rhodorharhis, <S:c.), which cannot l:)e accounted for hy the physical conditions of the island, clearly proves Sokotra to have been isolated for a very long period.
The complete absence, so far as we know, of Batrachians is another remarkable feature which this island shares with many others.
On Abd-el-Kuri, besides marine Chelonians, only three species — Geckos — were discovered ; two of these belong to undescribed species, whilst the third is common to Sokotra and Ai'abia.
1.— The Reptiles of Sokotra.
SQUAMATA.
LACERT ILIA GEOKONID-ffi.
Pristurus, Rupp.
1. Pristurus insignis, Blanford.
rrls/ui-K.-^ in-sl(jni.-i, Blanford, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1881, p. 466, pi. xlii. Hg. 1 Bouleng. Cat. Liz. i. p. 53 (lS8o). Habit slender, very similar to that of the Iguanoid lizards of the genus
76 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
AnoUs. Head short and deep : snout subacumiiiate, longer than the distance lietween the eye and the ear-opening, once and one third to once and a half the diameter of the orliit ; forehead feel)ly concave ; ear-opening large, OAal, ^■ertical, one third to nearly one half the diameter of the orl)it. Limbs ■\ery long, the hind liml) when stretched forwards reaching between the ear and the eye ; digits very long and slender ; 25 to 28 lamellse under the fourth toe. Snout covered with large granules or polygonal convex scales ; the remaining portion of the head, as well as the upper parts of the body, limbs, and tail, covered with minute granules. Rostral subquadi'angular, at least twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above ; nostril pierced between the rostral and two to four scales ; 6 to 9 upper and 5 or 6 lower labials ; symphysial extremely large, rounded or truncate behind and in contact with 3 to 5 small chin-shields. Ventral scales granular, a little lai'ger than the dorsals. Tail much longer than head and liody, slender, more or less strongly compressed and keeled al)Ove, but without even the slightest rudiment of a crest. Grey or brown above, with darker and lighter spots, and usually with more or less distinct dark bars across the back and tail ; small l)rick-red sjDots or dots, or vermicular lines on the sides ; belly liright yellow ; throat white or bluish, mottled or marbled with grey or brown, these marl dings sometimes extending on to the l)reast.
^ ?
Total length 160 niillim. 1 24 millim.
Head 15 „ U „
Width of head 10 „ 8 „
Body 43 „ 38 „
Fore limb 31 „ 26
Hind limb 41 „ 35 ,,
Tail 102 „ 72 „
This fine species, one of the largest of the genus, was discovered by Prof. Balfour, but only two specimens were pi^ocured by him, from which Dr. Blanford drew up his excellent description The above description, on the contrary, is based on a large number of examples obtained by Mr. Grant and Dr. Forbes at Jena-agahan, Homhil, and Adho Dimellus.
2. Pristurus rupestris, Blanford.
l-')-itttnrw< nipe.sf7-is, Blanf., Ann. & Mag. N. H. (4)xiii. , 1874, p. 454; Zool. E. Pers. p. 350, pi. xxiii. fig. 1, and Proc. Zool. Soc, 1881, p. 465; Murray, Zool. Sind, p. 365, j)l. — , Hg. 1 (18S4) ; Bouleng. , Cat. Liz. i. p. 53 (1885), and Faun. Ind., Kept. p. 72 (1890) ; Anders. Herp. Arab, p. -23 (1895).
Habit not quite so slender as in the preceding species. Head longer, more depressed ; snout more or less acuminate, once and two fifths to once and a half the diameter of the ()rl)it ; forehead scarcely concave ; ear-opening roundish or oval and obli(pie, one fourth to one third the
RKPTILKS OV SOKOTRA. 77
(li.iiiu'tcr of tlic (ii-I)it. Liiiil)s loiii;-, the liiiid linil) wIumi .stretched forwards reueliiiii;- the eai' or between tlie shoulder and the ear; disj-its loui;' and sleiuU'i' ; '2'-) to '2i') lamella' under the fourth toe. Snout co\('red with ratliei' lai'i;c polygonal convex scales, the remaindei' of the head, the hody, and the limhs with \ eiy small i;ranules; the granules on the helly longei- than those on the liack, hut snialh'r than the scales on the snout. Kostial at least twice as liroad as dee]), with median cleft above ; nostril piei'ced between the rostral and two or three .scales ; G to S upper and 4 to G lower labials ; syniphysial very large, very variable in shape, I'ounded or truncate behind, with straight, convex, or conca^'e sides, its posterior border in contact with 2 to 5 scales. Tail longer than head and body, slender, compressed, keeled above and beneath ; in adult males with intact tails, both keels denticulate, the upper even forming a veritable crest, which, how- e\er, never extends to the l»ody ; in females, as well as in some males in which the tail has been regenerated, the cre.st is very feeble. Coloration extremely variable ; upper parts greyish, Ijrownish, or reddish, with lighter and darker markings ; the light markings usually in the form of small round spots, the dark ones disposed as transverse spots, longitudinal stripes, or in elegant network ; a dark streak on the side of the head, passing through the eye, is constantly present ; a yellow or orange vertebral stripe, which is absent or but feebly marked in the Arabian and Abd-el-Kuri specimens, is usually sharply defined ; a whitish lateral streak is frequently present, extending from the upper lip to above the hind limb. Lower parts white, gulai- region often spotted or reticulated with blackish ; brick-red dots sometimes present on the belly and sides.
c? ?
Total length 98 millim. 71) millim.
Head 12 „ 10 „
Width of head 7 „ 6 „
Body 28 „ 24 „
Fore limb 18 „ 15 „
Hind liml) 2G „ 20 „
Tail 58 „ 45 „
This little Gecko has a rather wide distrilmtion, lieing known from the island of Karrack, near Bushire, in the Persian Gulf, from Muscat and the Hadramaut in Arabia, and from Sokotra. .1. A. Murray also records it from Sind. On Sokotra it occurs everywhere in great abundance, and inimerous specimens were collected on Hadibu Plain at Dahamis, Jena-agahan, Homhil, and Adho Dimellus, thus from sea level to an altitude of 4500 feet. The coloui* Aariations to which I have alluded above are in no way dependent on the localities. The specimens brought home l)y Professoi- Balfour were likewise very A^ariable in this respect.
78 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Dr. Andei'son, whose dcatli, as tliese pages are passing through the press, is so great a loss to zoological science, has pointed out that the lizards from Sokotra (and, I may add, from Ahd-el-Kui'i) have the snout longer and moi-e pointed than the types. This is, howevei-, not al)so- lutely constant, as the sei-ies l»efoi'e me now shoAvs, and I therefore do not think anything would 1)6 gained, in the way of taxonomic accuracy, by raising the Sokotran specimens to the lank of a sul)- species. The name of the species, coupled with an indication of the locality, is amply sufficient foi' all purposes.
[The habits of both Pridurns inminU and P. rupestris are so similar that the same remarks apply to both. They were generally found among the larger rocks on the hill sides or on the large l)ouldei's in the dry beds of watei'-courses, and seemed especially fond of the cracks and fissui-es in the perpendicular faces of the cliffs where they might freipiently be seen sunning themselves. Extremely swift in their mo\ements and constantly on the alert for danger, they were much the most difficult lizai'ds to catch without injury. If pounced on with the hand, one was almost in\arial)ly too late, and only a struggling tail remained, the rest of the Gecko disappearing like a flash into some neighl touring crack. Fai' the best mode of capture is to shoot them with a saloon pistol and a few pellets of dust shot, or, at close quarters, sand may 1)e used with excellent results. By this means eight perfect specimens were collected one morning at Adho Dimellus in a very short time, thi-ee being killed at one shot. — jr.Jl.O.G.]
Phyllodactylus, Gray. 3. Phyllodactylus riebeckii, (iW^/.s). (Plate viii.).
Diplodactylux ritheckii, Peters, Sitzb. Ges. naturf. Freunde Bail., 1882,
p. 43. Phyllodactylus rieherhii, Bouleng., Cat. Liz. i., p. 04 (1885).
Head large, Avith strongly swollen cheeks; snout short, not or l)ut slightly longer than the oi'bit, rounded; forehead deeply concave; ear-opening oval, obli((ue, its greatest diameter about half that of the eye; its distance from the latter ecfual to the length of the snout. Limits strong ; digits I'ather shoit, depressed, with large subtriangulai' distal expansions and a regular sei-ies of lamelhie under the non-dilated por- tion ; 5 or 6 lamella; under the iinier digit, 7 or 8 mider the fourth. Scales on the head finely granulai', more coarsely on the snout at the sides of the frontal concavity ; rostral twice as broad as deejj, Avithout median cleft ; nostril in the centre of a slight SAvelling, l)ordei'ed l)y the rostral, the first upper laliial, and three nasals ; the iinier nasals separated from each other, above the I'ostral, by one or tAvo small scales ; 10 to 12 upper and 9 to 11 lower lal)ials ; symphysial penta- gonal, a little larger than the adjacent lal)ials ; a regular series of 6 or 8 chin-shields, the median paii- as long as the symphysial, Avith which
REPTILES OF SOKOTRA. 79
they are in coiitaet. Body eovei'ed, al)()ve and heluw, with unifoim, flat, smooth, jn.vtaposed i^i'aiiules, as hu'ge as oi' a little larger- than the largec granides on the snout. Tail cylindi'ieal, tapering to an ohtuse point, slightly pi'iihensile, co\ered with unifonn Hat granules arranged in I'ings. (Irey-hi'own alxne, with small dark bi'own maikings usually disposed in j)airs oi- forming narrow cross-bai's on the back ; roundish white spots, which form i-egular cross-bars in the young, are sometimes preserved in the adult ; a dark streak from behind the (sye to above the ear ; intact tail with pale ci'oss-bars, reprcxluced tail streaked with dark bi'own ; lowei' parts white, throat sometimes spotted with lirown.
Total length l^5^) miHim. Fore limb 4S millim.
Head :U „ Hind limb 67
Width of head... -28 „ Tail I'M)
Body 91
This species, the largest known in the geiuis Phi/Uodarfi/ltis, was discovered ni Sokotra by Dr. E. Riebeck. Several specimens were obtained by Mr. Grant and Dr. Forbes at Homhil and Adho Dimellus.
[Most of the specimens 1)rought home were captured in holes in the partially decayed stems of large trees (mostly Boswellia). One individual was found under a large stone in the bed of the river to the south of Adho Dimellus. These large Geckos are very muscular and extremely tenacious of life. ^Xhon placed in the strongest Spii'it of Wine they continued to struggle violently for fully a quarter of an hour, and it was painful to watch their efforts to escape. The species was only met with between about 2000 and 4000 feet.— //'./v'.6'.6'.]
4. Phyllodactylus trachyrhinus, Boulmtj. (Plate ix. fig. 1).
I'lii/llodactylustrarhyrhinun, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii., 1899, p. 4. Snout short, broadly rounded, covered with large suli-conical tubercles adherent to the skull ; forehead convex ; ear-opening small, round, its distance from the eye equal to the length of the snout. Limljs rather short ; digits short, depressed, with well developed distal expansions, and a series of transversely enlarged lamellar scales on the lower surface. Scales on the head much larger than on the body, gradually decreasing in size on the occiput ; rostral completely divided into two shields, which are not larger than the adjacent labials ; nostril between the first labial and two small nasals ; S to 10 upper and 9 lower lal)ials ; symphysial small, trapezoid, not larger than the adjacent labials ; a series of small shields bordering the symphysial and the anterior lower labials. Body covered, above and below, with uniform, fiat, smooth, juxtaposed granules, smallest on the sides. Tail thick, cylindi-ical, prehensile, coA^ered with uniform flat graiudes arranged in rings. Pale l)rownish above, with blackish marblings ; a black streak on each side of the head, passing through the eve ; white Ijeneath.
80 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EF^-KURI.
Total length 1)5 niillini. Fore liiiil) 13 niillini.
Head 13 ,, Hind linil. IS
^A'idth of head ... 9 „ Tail 4U „
Body 32
Described from two specimens from .lena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.) and Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
Hemidactylus, Cuv.
5. Hemidactylus homceolepis, Blanfonl.
Hemidarfylus (Liunis) honut^olcpit, Blanf., Proe. Zool. Soc. , 1881, p. 464,
pi. xlii. fig. 2. Hemi(lact!/lu'< honwoh'iiix, Bouleng., Cat. Liz. i., p. 117 (lS8.j).
Snout ol:)tusely pointed, longer than the distance between the eye and the ear-opening, once and one-third the diameter of the orbit ; fore- head scarcely concave ; ear-opening small, oval, oblique. Body and limbs moderate. Digits moderately dilated, free, with rather short distal joints ; 5 or G lamella? undei' the thumb, 7 or 8 under the fourth finger, 4 or 5 luider the hallux, S or 10 under the fourth toe. Head covered with small comex granules, largest on the snout ; I'ostral not twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above ; nostril pierced between the rosti'al, the first uppei' labial, and 5 na.sals : 8 or 9 upper and 7 or 8 lower lal>ials ; symphysial huge, triangular, more than twice as long as the adjacent laliials ; foui' chin-shields, median pair largest and in contact behind the symphy.sial. Back covered with flat, subiml)ricate, smooth, round scales, largest on the sides ; ventral scales small, imbricate, scarely larger than the dorsals. Male with 4 prffianal pores. Tail cylindrical, tapering, covered above with uniform, small, smooth, sul )imbricate, flat scales, beneath with a median series of transversely dilated plates, commencing some dis- tance behind the vent. Grey or fawn above, spotted with l^rown ; a dark streak on the side of the head, passing through the eye ; tail with blackish annuli ; lower parts white.
Total length 77 millim. Fore limb 10-5 millim.
Head 10 „ Hind bmb 13-5 „
Width of head ... 6 „ Tail 40
Body 27 „
This small Gecko, discovered in Sokotra l)y Professor Balfour, has been obtained on Hadibu Plain, at Dahamis, Jena-agahan, Homhil, and Adho Dimellus by Messrs. Grant and Forbes. In giving an account of the Reptiles collected by Dr. Rielieck, the late Professor Peters, (I.e., p. 43), adds some remarks on H. hnmceolepis, which tend to show that he has confounded H. flaiiviridis ( = rochei) Avith this species. Professor Brettger's //. hormcolqns {Zoal. Anz., 1893, p. 114) from tSomaliland is a distinct, though closely allied species, which I have
REPTILES OF SOKOTRA. 81
descril)e(l as H. isolcpis (Proc. Znol. Soc, 1895, p. 531, pi. xxix., fig. 1). [Fairly coiunion, fnuud uii<ler I'ocks and stones generally in the dry Ijcds of the streams. — J}\11.0.(1.^
6. Hemidactylus pumilio, iiom. nor. (Plate x. fig. 1).
Hemidactylns pintii/u-s (non Hallow.), Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. , 1899, p. G.*
Head elongate, nearly twice as long as hroad ; snout rounded, longer than the distance between the eye and the ear-opening, once and a half the diameter of the orbit ; forehead slightly concave ; ear- opening small, oval. Body and limbs moderate. Digits short, free, with very short distal joint, moderately dilated ; inner digit with sessile claw : 4 lamelhe under the inner digit, 6 under the fourth fingei; 7 or 8 under the fourth toe. Head covered with uniform granules, which are larger on the snout ; rostral tetragonal, nearly twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above ; nostril pierced between the rostral and 4 small scales ; 8 or 9 upper and 6 to 8 lower labials ; symphysial triangular, twice as long as the adjacent labials ; 4 chin-shields, inner pair largest and foi-ming a suture behind the symphysial. Body covered above with fine granules intermixed with small round or oval feebly keeled tubercles disposed irregularly. Ventral scales small, cycloid, imbricate, smooth. Male with an angular series of 5 or 6 pra;anal pores. Tail cylindrical, tapering, covered with small flat scales, above with transverse series of pointed tubercles ; no transversely enlarged scales below. Pale brown or l)uft" above, with oi' without small l)ro\vn spots ; a dark brown streak on each side of the head, passing through the eye ; white l)eneath.
Total length 5-3 millim. Fore liml > 7 millim.
Head 8 „ Hind limb 11 ,,
Widthof head ... 4-5 „ Tail 27 „
Body 18 „
Several specimens from Dahamis (350 ft.) and Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
[This little Gecko was only met with on the lower and middle slopes of the Haghier range. The specimens collected were all found under the boulders and stones in or near the dry beds of streams. — If^.B.O.G.]
7. Hemidactylus granti, Bouleng. (Plate x. fig. 3).
Hemidactylus grant i, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii., 1899, p. 4. Closely allied to H. mahnia, Mor. Head regularly oviform ; snout longer than the distance between the eye and the ear-opening, once and a half the diameter of the orbit ; forehead concave ; ear-opening
* In describing this species I overlooked H. pumilus, Hallowell, 1860, a probable synonym of H. frenatuft. D. & B. I have therefore changed the name to H. pumilio.
6
82 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
large, oval, oblique. Body and limbs moderate. Digits moderately dilated, free ; 7 or 8 lamellae under the thumb, 8 or 9 under the fourth finger, 6 or 7 under the hallux, 9 to 11 mider the fourth toe. Head covered with uniform granules, which are much larger on the snout than on the occiput ; rostral subquadrangular, not twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above ; nostril pierced IjetM-een the rostral, the first upper lal)ial, and three small scales ; 8 to 10 upiK^r and 7 to 9 lower lal)ials ; symphysial large, triangular or pentagonal, twice as long as the adjacent labials ; four chin-shields, median pair largest and in contact with the symphysial. Back covered with very small granules intermixed with numerous small, round, feelily keeled or sul)Conieal tubercles disposed irregularly; ventral scales small, cycloid, smooth, feebly imlwicate. Male with an angular series of 8 to 12 prjeanal pores. Tail feebly depressed, tapering to a fine point, covered with graiuilar scales intermixed with enlarged pointed tubercles forming regular trans^'erse series ; a series of transversely enlarged plates inferiorly. Greyish or l)rownish above, with dai'k irregular marblings or dark l)lack-edged wavy cross-l)ars, 4 in number, on the nape and back ; a dark streak on each side of the head, passing through the eye ; tail with regular dark cross-bars ; lower parts whitish.
Total length ]72millim. Fore limb 26 millim.
Head 22 „ Hind limb .33
Width of head... 16 „ Tail 94 „
Body 56 ,,
Numerous specimens from Adho Dimellus, Sokoti'a (3.'300-4500 ft.). [Common on the high ground round Adho Dimellus, the highest pass in the central Haghier range ; found Ijelow stones on the hill sides. — ir.ILO.f}.]
8. Hemidactylus turcicus, Linn.
Hemklacfylu.s furricus, Bouleng., Cat. Liz. i., p. 126 (1885).
This widely-distributed Gecko, the range of which extends from the borders of the Mediterranean to N. W. India, has not been recorded from 8okotra before. Specimens were obtained on Hadibu Plain and at Homhil.
9. Hemidactylus flaviviridis, Ritpp.
Hemidactylus cocttci, Dum. & Bibr. iii. , p. 365 (1836).
Htinklactylm ho7)um/epis, Peters, Sitzb. Ge.s. naturf. Freunde, Berl., 1882, p. 43.
Another widely-distributed Gecko, ranging from the borders of the Red Sea to the Malay Peninsula. It was first obtained in Sokotra by Dr. Riebeck, but the specimen brought home by him was recorded under H. lioma'nlqns. Mr. Grant and Dr. Forbes collected a single specimen on Hadibu Plain. The British Museum possesses specimens from Suez,
RKPTILES OK S(^K()TRA. 83
Snakiii, Aden, Muscat, Hadi'junaut, Fao (Persian (Julf), .Jask (Persia), Benares, Patna, Kllore, Bombay, Calcutta, Penaiig. The family Ai/anwla' ajjpcars to be unrepresented in Sokotra. I strongly suspect UwiiMsti.r orcUafiift mentioned b\' Peters (Op. cit., p. 45) to have been olitaiiuMl in Ai-abia I)y Or. riiel)eck on his way to Sokotra, together with the Chaiiiif'lroit. cali/jdnilun, Peters ncc A. Duni. {~ 0. calairlfcr), recorded by the same author (p. 43).
[VARANID^.
AItli(»ui;h we neither saw nor heard of the presence of Monitors in Sokotra, 3'et the ol)servation l)y the author of The Peripliis of the Eri/thnean Sea that the island of Dioscorides had ..." lizards of enormous size, of which the flesh serves for food, while the grease is melted down and used as a substitute for oil," can hardly apply to any other than a species of Varanm. I have seen the Malayan Monitors applied by the natives to both the uses here stated. A widespread belief exists in the efficacy of their fat when rubbed over the body as a curative remedy in all sorts of illness. The species would probably be either the Varanus griseus (Daud.), which is distributed over Northern Africa, South- West Asia, from Arabia to the Caspian Sea and North-West India, or V. niloticns (Linn.), Its extinction in Sokotra may be due to the fact of its being used as food and medicine in an island where both are scarce. — H.O.F.]
AMPHISB^NID-ffi.
Pachycalamus, Gunih.
Parhyra/amii.-^, Giinth., Proc. Zool. Soc, 18S1, p. 4(51 (figs, in text) ; Peters, Sit/.li. Bed. Ac., 18S2, p. .583; Bouleng., Cat. Liz. ii., p. 4(J1 (188.5).
Acrodont. Nostril inferior, between two small nasals, on the side of the large rostral ; three large upper head-shields. No limbs. A ventral line, no vertebral or lateral lines. Tail depressed, obtusely pointed. Pra3anal pores.
Head-Shields of Pachycalamus brevis. (P'roni the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.)
This genus is, like Panichalcide.^ peculiar to Sokotra. Although first descril)ed by Cllinther, from Professor -Balfour's collection, its correct systematic position was not ascertained until .specimens, obtained by Dr. Riebeck, fell into the hands of Peters, wdio showed it to belong to the Acrodont section of the family, and to be allied to the North African Trogonojihis and the Somali Agamodon.
84 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
10. Pachycalamus brevis, (Tiinth.
Pachi/ralamufi hrerl.'<, Giinth., loc. cit. ; Bouleng. , loc. eit.
Prsemaxillary teeth 3 ; inaxillaries 3-3 ; mandibulars 6-6. Head depressed, with truncate projecting snout. Kostral large, trapezoid, its posterior border largest, straight, in contact with a pair of large praifrontals ; a large frontal, angular anteriorly, nearly as long as broad, sometimes with more or less distinct traces of median division ; eye slightly distinct through the ocular, which is sometimes in coiitact with the fourth upper lal)ial; a large prteocular; a subocular (rarely divided into two); 5 upper lalnals, first very small, fourth and fifth largest. Symphysial narrow, elongate, a little broader anteriorly ; chin-shields very small, median hexagonal; 3 lower labials, second largest. Body short. 164 to 173 annuH on the body, and 16 to 20 on the tail ; in the middle of the body an annulus contains 48 to 50 segments. Anal segments narrow, 6 to 10. 4 prieanal pores. Brown or dark purplish above ; head and lower sui'faces yellowish white.
Length to vent, 198 millim. ; tail, 15 ; diameter of body, 9*5.
Discovered, in numerous specimens, by Professor Balfour. Further examples were obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant on Hadilni Plain, at Dahamis, Jena-agahan, and Homhil.
[This Amphisbtenid is common from sea-level to an elevation of about 2000 ft. It is found below stones and is easily captured. — Jr.BJJ.G.]
LACERTID^.
Eremias, Wiegm.
11. Eremias guttulata, Liehf.
Eremias {Memlina) hal/ouri, Blanf., Pi-oc. Zool. Soc, 1881, p. 467, fig. 2 p. 468.
Sokotran examples of this widely distril)uted (Morocco to 8ind) and highly variable species have been described in detail by Mr. Blanford, and copious notes on the variations in scaling are to l)e found in the late Di'. John Anderson's beautiful work on the licpfiles of Egi/pt, p. 174. I will therefore content myself with recordiiig the numbers of scales and pores in the specimens collected on the recent expedition.
Scales Transverse rows Femoral
round body. of ventrals.
(? Hadibu Plain
„ Hadibu Plain
,, Hadibu Plain
,, Dahamis
,, Homhil
,, Jena-agahan
,, Jena-agahan
|
id body. |
ot ventrals. |
pores. |
|
50 |
26 |
13—12 |
|
50 |
28 |
14—14 |
|
52 |
27 |
14-15 |
|
48 |
28 |
14—14 |
|
50 |
27 |
13—12 |
|
47 |
26 |
12—13 |
|
52 |
26 |
14—15 |
REPTILES OF SOKOTRA. 85
Scales Transverse rows Femoral
rouiul body. of ventrals. pores.
Hadilm Plain 48 ' 30 14—14
Hadilm Plain 49 30 13-13
Hadilm Plain 51 30 12-12
Homhil 47 29 15—14
.Jeiia-agahan 50 30 11—11
.)ona-agahaii 4S 30 13—13
The nnniber of scales I'onnd the body includes the ventrals, which are
constantly in 10 longitudinal series.
[Common from sea level to an elevation of a1)out 2000 feet. Generally seen basking on the ground or on small stones, it is more a lizard of the stony plain than of the rocks. — JF.ILOJt.']
SCINCID^.
Mabuia, Fiiz.
12. Mabuia socotrana, (Pcfers).
Eaprcpci ptrrotteti, var., Blanf. , Proc. Zool. Soc. , 1S81, p. Hid.
Eaprepes -socotranus, Peters, Sifczb. Ges. naturf. Fr Berl., 1882, p. 45.
Mahuia socctraiia, Bouleng., Cat. Liz. iii. p. 168 (1887). Snout moderate, obtuse. Lower eyelid with a transparent disk. Nostril just above or behind the suture between the rostral and the first laliial ; a postnasal ; anterioi' loreal usually in contact with the hrst labial : supranasals in contact behind the rostral ; frontonasal l)roader than long, sometimes in contact with the frontal ; latter as long as the frontoparietals and interparietal together, in contact with the second, or second and third supraoculars ; four supra- oculars, second largest and usually touching the prtefrontal ; four supraciliaries, second longest ; frontoparietals distinct, smaller than the interparietal ; parietals entirely separated ; a pair of nuchals ; subocular between the fourth and fifth upper labials, nearly twice as long as these shields, not narrowed inferiorly. Ear-opening oval- sul)triangular, not quite so large as the eye-opening, with three or four long pointed lobules anteriorly. Dorsal scales mostly tricarinate, sometimes quinque-or septemcarinate ; nuchal and lateral scales feebly keeled ; 30 to 34 scales round the middle of the l)ody. The hind limb reaches the wrist of the adpressed fore limli, or a little beyond. Sub- digital lamellffi smooth. Tail about once and a half as long as head and body. LTniform oIi\e, or with two to six rather indistinct darker longitudinal stripes, head rufous brown ; lower parts yellowish white, throat sometimes spotted with black. Young black above, with six white longitudinal lines.
Total length 218 millim. Fore limb 27 millim.
Head 19 ,, Hind limb 38 „
Width of head... 13 „ Tail 125 „
Bodv 74 ,,
86 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Numerous specimens from Ha(lil)U Plain, Daliamis, Jena-agahan, Homhil,
and Adho Dimellus. [Very common. Freijuents the stony plains, and open places and paths
on the higher ground. — IT. 11. (>.(<.]
Parachalcides, Bouleng.
PararhaJrides, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Mu.ss. ii., 1S99, p. (5.
Allied to ChiiJdde.% Laur., and Sepainn, Bocage. Palatine l)ones not meeting on the middle line of the palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids developed. Ear distinct. Nostril pierced in the rostral, l)ordered l)y a supranasal and the first lal)ial ; pnefrontals and frontoparietals absent. Body much elongate : liml)S short.
13. Parachalcides socotranus, BouJemj. (Plate xi. hg. 1).
Paracha/cide.s socotraiiiLs, Bouleng., loc. cit.
Snout short, obtuse, not projecting ])eyond the lahial margin ; eye moderate ; lower eyelid with a transparent disk ; ear-opening small. Frontal more than twice as long as the frontonasal, longer than hroad, brownish behind, angularly notched on each side T)y the supraocular ; interparietal nearly as long as the frontonasal ; 5 supraoculars, second largest ; no postnasal ; first upper lal)ial nearly as deep as the rostral ; fourth upper labial entering the orbit. 24 smooth scales round the middle of the body, sul>equal in size. Limbs short, pentadactyle ; the fore limb, stretched forwards, does not ([uite reach the ear ; hind limb a little longer than the head ; third finger longest ; fourth toe a little longer than third. Tail thick, cylindrical. Reddish brown above, each scale with a black spot ; sides blackish, or closely spotted and dotted with black ; yellowish white beneath, uniform or dotted with black.
Total length US millim. Fore limb 7 millim.
Head 10 „ Hind limb 11
Width of head... 6 „ Tail 58 „
Body 50 „
Numerous specimens from Dahamis (.350-1000 ft.), Jena-agahan (1200-
2500 ft.), Homhil (1500-2500 ft.), Adho Dimellus (3500-4000 ft.). [This interesting new Skink was met with on the granite from the lower slopes of the Haghier range, to an elevation of altont 4000 ft. It was also fairly common in the limestone ranges round Homhil, at the east end of the island. In spite of its short legs it is extremely active and rather difficult to catch, without injuring the tail. It was never seen moving about in the daytime, unless disturlied from lieneath stones, and it may therefore be concluded that, like the various species of Gecko, Hcmiilitdi/lm and Phijlloi/adi/lus, its haljits are noc- turnal.—/F.//. (9. f/.]
REPTILES OF SOKOTRA. 87
RHIPTOGLOSSA. CHAM^LEONTID^.
Chamaeleon, Laur. 14. Chamaeleon monachus, dmii.
Chani'i'leoii tiioiuichua, Gray, Proc. Zool. Soc. , 1864, p. 470, pi. xxxi. ; Blauf., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1881, p. 464; Bouleng., Cat. Liz. iii., p. 451
(1887).
Casque moderately raised posteriorly ; a sti'Oiig parietal crest ; the distance l)etweeii the commissure of the mouth and the extremity of the casijue e(|uals or slightly exceeds the length of the mouth ; no rostral appendages ; lateral crest strong, not extending to the occiput ; occipital loljes very large, united behind the extremity of the casque, cox'ered with large, flat, roundish tubercles separated by fine granula- tion. Body and throat covered with small granules intermixed with strongly enlarged, round, flat or suljconical, equidistant tubercles ; large conical tubercles form a distinct crest along the vertebral line ; a crest of long pointed tubercles along the throat ; a series of slightly enlarged granules along the ventral line, not forming a crest. Male with a tarsal process or spur. Tail as long as or a little longer than head and l)ody. Gular-ventral line white ; many of the tuliercles of the dorsal crest white ; mouth margined with white ; sides with white spots or marblings.
6 ?
Total length .352 millim. 289 millim.
From end of snout to extremity
of mandible 37 ,, 34 ,,
From end of snout to extremity
of casque 52 ,, 46 ,,
Greatest width l)etween latei'al
cranial crests 20 ,, 16 ,,
I)epthofskull(mandil)leincluded) 37 „ 33 ,,
Width of head 27 „ 21
Body 137 „ 110 „
Tibia 32 „ 29
Tail 178 „ 145
Numerous specimens were obtained hy Professor Balfour, and by Mr. Grant and Dr. Forbes in the following localities : Hadibu Plain, Dahamis, Homhil, Adho Dimellus.
[The Chameleon was fairly common on all parts of the island visited, ranging from sea-level to the highest ground. One finds it walking slowly and sedately al)out among the ,l)ranches of the low bushes or perched motionless lazily enjoying the hot sunshine, its goggling eyes
88 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
fixed apparently on space, and with an air of sleepy indifference to the world in general. It ahva3^s cost one a pang to have to put this delightful reptile in spirits, for it makes no attempt to escape, and is apparently dcAoid of all fear. Oiu^ hrought off alive to the ' Elphinstone ' lived happily in a cabin for some days till a wretched cabin-boy knocked it on the head and threw it out of the port. —
OPHIDIA. TYPHLOPID^.
Typhlops, Schn.
15. Typhlops socotranus, Bouleng.
Ti/ph/ops socofraiius, Bouleng., (Jat. Snakes, i., p. 21, pi. ii., fig. 2 (1893).
Snout rounded, very prominent ; nostrils lateral. Kostral al)OUt one-third the width of the head, not extending to the le\'el of the eyes ; nasal incompletely di^'ided, the cleft proceeding from the second labial ; pneocular present, broader than the nasal or the ocular, in contact with the second and third labials ; eyes distinct ; upper head-scales slightly enlarged ; 4 upper laliials. Diameter of l)ody 31 to 50 times in the total length; tail as long as broad, ending in a spine. 24 or 26 scales round the body. Yellowish white, with 1)rown or black lines running l)etween the dorsal series of scales.
Total length, 260 millim.
The types of this burrowing snake were obtained by Professor Balfour. A larger specimen, from Dahamis, forms part of Messrs. Grant and Forbes's collection.
GLAUCONIIDJE.
Glauconia, Gray.
16. Glauconia filiformis, Buuleng. (Plate xi. fig. 2).
tjlauro>tia_fi/i/ormis, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii., 1899, p. 7.
Very closely allied to G. macrorhynchus, Jan, with which it agrees in the very prominent, hooked snout, the number and arrangement of the head shields, and the extremely slender form. It differs in the more pointed snout, and in the rostral shield not extending so far back as the level of the eyes. 14 scales round the body. Diameter of body, 100 to 140 times in the total length, length of tail 13 times. Caudal spine small. Flesh-coloured, each dorsal scale with a pale l)rown spot.
Total length, 155 millim.
Four specimens from Dahamis (350 ft.), Jena-agahaii (1200-2500 ft.), and Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
REPTILKS OF SOKOTKA. 89
[This curious species, met with on the lower and middle zones of the granite and limestone hills, was either vei'V I'are or ditticult to find, for after catching the first at Dahamis, we made exery eflibrt to obtain more, hut without nuich result. It lives in holes in the ground below stones, and when one has l)een lucky enough to turn up the right one, a portion of the worm-like body may 1)e seen protruding from the bui-row. The movements are fairly swift, and, when once exposed to the light, the body, unless promptly seized, is quickly withdrawn.— // '. R. 0. G.]
17. Glauconia macrura, //"///. inn: (Plate xi. fig. 3).
(Ihiuconia loiujirduda (non Peters), Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii., 1899, p. 7.
Snout pointetl, strongly projecting, slightly hooked ; supraocular present ; rostral moderately large, not extending to the level of the eyes, its upper portion a little longer than broad ; nasal completely divided into two, the lower part very small ; ocular covering the lip, between two labials, the anterior of which is very small ; five lower labials, 14 scales round the body. Diameter of body 40 to 48 times in the total length ; length of tail 5 to 7 times. Caudal spine strong. Brown aboA'e, white beneath. Total length 170 millim.
Numerous specimens from Dahamis, 350 feet ; Jena-agahan, 1200-2500 feet ; aiid Honihil, 1500-2500 feet.
In describing this snake for the first time I overlooked the fact that the name longicaiida had already been l>estowed on a species of the genus Glauconia.
[The range and hal)its of this reptile are similar to those of the last, but it was much more abundant. — JF.E.O.G.]
COLUBRID-ffi.
Zamenis, Wag/.
18. Zamenis socotrae, Giiufh.
Zanieni'i nocotni', Giinth., Proc. Zool. Soc, 1881, p. 463, pi. xli. ; Boulencr., Cat. Snakes i. p 408 (1893).
Snout feebly projecting, obtuse. Kostral once and one third to once and a half as broad as deep, the portion visible from above measuring one fourth to one third its distance from the prisfrontals ; frontal much wider than the supraocular, once and a half to once and two thirds as long as broad, longer than its distance from the end of the snout, as long as or a little shorter than the parietals ; loreal nearly twice as long as deep ; two pra:?oculars, separated from the frontal, with a subocular below them ; two postoculars, and a subocular separat- ing the e3'e from the sixth and seventh labials ; temporals 3 -f- 3
90 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
or 2 + 3 ; 10 upper lahials, fifth entei'iiit;; the eye ; 4 or 5 lower lal)ial.s ill contact with the anterior chin-shields ; posterior chin-shields longer than the anterior, but extremely narrow and separated from each other by two or three series of scales. Scales smooth, in 23 rows. Ventrals obtusely angulate laterally, 219-228; anal divided; sul)- caudals 107-123. Head olive above ; body with olive, sometimes black-edged transverse bands, separated by narrower salmon-red inter- spaces ; belly yellowish or pale olive.
Total length 860 millini. ; tail 225.
This beautiful snake is only known from Sokotra, three specimens having been Ijrought home by Professor Balfour. The present expedition yielded but a single specimen from Hadibu Plain, a female with 227 ventral shields and 123 pairs of caudals.
[Only once seen, the day we landed on Sokotra, by the side of a path near the se&.—JF.ILO.(l]
Ditypophis, Gunfh.
Ditypophis, Giinth., Proc. Zool. 8oc. , ISSI, p. 462 ; Bouleng., Cat. Snakes, iii , p. 46 (1S96).
Maxillary teeth 8 or 9, strongly increasing in length to the last but one, followed, after an interspace, by a large, grooved fang; second to fifth mandibular teeth strongly enlarged, fang-like. Head distinct from neck ; eye moderate, with vertically elliptic pupil. Body short, cylindrical; scales smooth, with apical jiits, in 21 or 23 rows; ventrals rounded. Tail short ; subcaudals single. Hypapophyses developed throughout the vertebral column.
Like Pachycalam.us and Farachalcides, this genus is represented by a single species peculiar to Sokotra.
19. Ditypophis vivax, (/dnfh.
Ditypoiihis rirax, Giintli., loc. cit. pi. xl. ; Bouleng., loc. cit., fig. 3.
Head-shields of Ditypoi-his vivax. (From the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.)
Snout short, broad, truncate, with distinct canthus and feeljly grooved'
REPriLES OF SOKOTRA. 91
lorcal i't'ii,i()ii : lostial iiiorc than twice as lu'oad as deep, scarcely visil)le from al)ovc' ; iiitcniasals as long as l)road, or a little longer than broad, as long as or longer than the pi';efrontals ; frontal not l)i-oa<I('i- than tlie supraocnhir, once and two-thirds to twice as long as broad, as h>ng as its distance from the end of the suout, shorter than the parietals ; nosti'il pierced in the upper part of an uu- di\i(K'd nasal : loi'eai a little longer than deep ; one pneocular, forming a suture with the frontal ; a subocuhir below the pr'seocular ; two postoculars ; temporals small, scale-like, 2 x 3 or 4 ; S upper labials, fourth and fifth entering the eye ; 4 or 5 lower labials in contact with the interior chin-shields, Avhich are nearly as long as the posterior. Scah's in 21 (rarely 23) rows. Ventrals 142-154 ; anal (?ntn-e ; subcaudals 34-44. Keddish, sandy, or orange-red above, uniform, or with indistinct darker cloudy spots on the back, and a dark streak on each side of the head, passing through the eye ; grey or grey-brown with black spots disposed alternately, with tAvo })rincipal series along the back, a l)lack streak on the side of the head, and black vei'tical bars on the lips ; lowei' parts white.
Total length, 440 millim. ; tail, 60.
This remarkable snake, of \iperiue aspect due to its short l)0(ly and vertical pupil, was known from a single specimen in Professor Balfour's collection. The present collection contains 8 specimens, one of which (from Hadibu Plain) is remarkal)le for its uniform orange-red coloration and the presence of 23 series of scales instead of 21. The numl)ers of Aentral and caudal shields are as follows : —
? Hadibu Plain v. 152 c. 37
S Aclho Dimellus 150 42
3 „ 146 42
? „ 154 36
$ „ 154 34
Hgr. Jena-agahan 142 44
„ Homhil 153 35
Yg. „ 148 41
[Apparently most immerous ou the higher hills of the Haghier range where most of the specimens were secured. — Jr.lLO.G.^
VIPERID^.
Echis, Merr.
20. Echis coloratus, Gtinth.
One specimen of this species, which inha1)its Palestine, Egypt, and Arabia, was found by Professor Balf(jur. It is the only 8okotra Reptile which was not re-discovered by Mr. Urant and Dr. Forbes.
[The Periflus of the Erythnru ii, Sea (a.d. 100) mentions the presence of "a great many vipers in Sokotra," a note which may refer to the very viper-like JHfi/pojihi.-^ vivax. — H.O.F.]
92 THE NATURAL HISTuRY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
CHELONIA. [TESTUDINID^.
Among the products of the Island of Dioscorides mentioned by the author of the Periplus, liesides turtle-shell of the largest size and l^est kind, are also tortoises, " the genuine land, white and mountain sort, with shells of extraordinary size," "the lower shell of a ruddy yellow and too hard to he cut." Considering that the investigation of the Flora of Sokotra unquestionably indicates that in former times there existed between Sokotra and the Mascarene Group, if not an actual union (which is highly probable), at least a near approximation of the latter to the lai-ger Africa of which .Sokotra then formed a part, this observa- tion appears to me to be peculiarly suggestive. Could this mountain tortoise really be a Tesfudo related to those of the Seychelles, Aldabra, and others of the Mascarene archipelago? I think it highly probable. I regret that I did not sufficiently note this passage in the Feriplua before setting out for Sokotra, and so made no enquiries as to the remains of such a tortoise now in any of the limestone caves or sequestered valley-heads of the Haghier range. Were any survivor of those giant reptiles still to be found, I think we could hardly have failed to hear of it, for I was constantly making enquiries of the natives about bone-deposits and all the products of the island through our most intelligent interpreter ; l)ut it would be specially interesting and important to discover if any traditions of their former presence be still lingering among the people. I trust that some future visitoi' to Sokotra may try and obtain information on this subject. None of the limestone caves I examined contained osseous remains of any Vmd.—H.O.F.]
CHELONID^.
Chelone, Bmngn.
21. Chelone imbricata l{Li)in.).
Chelone imbricata, Bouleng., Cat. Chelon., j). 183 (1889).
The Hawk's-l)ill Turtle, we learned, frequents the south coast of Sokotra, l)ut in former times it appears to have been captured more abundantly than now. We did not see it on the north coast, and its shell was not, so far as I could learn, much collected as an aiticle of commerce. It would seem to have been far more so eighteen centuries ago, when the merchants of Mooza [on the Arabian shore of the Red Sea] and Barugaza [in the Gulf of Caml)ay] visited the island and received in exchange for their Indian and Arabian wares " as fresh cargo, great (juantities of turtle shell."
[Although we did not hear or see any evidences of the presence of Cheluae mydas, there can be no doubt it also occurs in Sokotra. — H.O.F.]
REPTILES OF SOKOTRA. 93
EMYDOSAURIA.
[We are again indebted to the Pcriplus of tlw Erijtlurun Sen for the record that ill the first century of our era Crocodiles were included in the fauna of Sokotra, which has " rivers and crocodiles and a great many vipers and lizards of enormous size ..." They have now, however, gone the way of, no doul^t, many another species, and we did not even hear of their former existence. The species one would expect to have found would l)e Crocodilus niloticus. — H.O.F.]
94 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
II. — Reptiles of Abd=el=Kuri.
Examples of three species of Geckos are all that was collected in the way of Reptiles on this small island. Imt two of them constitute very well marke<l new species.
LACERTILIA. GECKONID-a:.
Pristurus, Hupp.
1. Pristurus rupestris, BJanf.
See remarks above, p. 66.
The few specimens collected do not show the stripes which are so well dcfinefl in many of the Sokotra examples. In this respect they are quite similar to the types from Aral)ia and the Persian Gulf.
Hemidactylus, Cuv.
2. Hemidactylus oxyrhinus, BuuJeng. (Plate x. fig. 2).
Heinidartylwi oxyrhinux, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii., 1899, p. 5.
Snout pointed, slightly longer than the distance hetween the eye and the ear-opening, which equals the diameter of the orbit ; forehead slightly concave ; ear-opening small, oval, oblique. Body and limbs moderate. Digits moderately dilated, free ; 7 or 8 lamelhe under the thumb, (S or 9 under the fourth finger, 6 or 7 under the hallux, 11 or 12 under the fourth toe. Head covered with small convex granules increasing in size posteriorly ; rostral subquadrangular, not twice as broad as deep, with median cleft above ; nostril pierced between the rostral, the first upper labial, and 3 small scales ; 8 to 1 0 upper and 7 or 8 lower labials ; symphysial large, triangular, more than twice as long as the adjacent labials ; four chin-shields, median pair largest and in contact behind the symphysial. Back covered with equal or subequal, rather large, obtusely keeled, juxtaposed tubercles ; ventral scales much smaller, cycloid, smooth, sul)im1>ricate. Male with two pneanal pores. Tail cylindrical, tapering, covered with uniform small smooth scales, with a median series of transversely enlarged plates inferiorly. Pale buff' or greyish brown, with more or less distinct darker markings in the form of 4 wavy cross-bars on the nape and back and annuli on the
REPTILES OF ABD-EL-KURI. ^95
tail; the caudal aimuli l)lack in tlic youiig, separated l)y white inter- spaces; a (hii'k streak on each side of tlie liead, passing through the eye.
Total length K-") niilliin. Fore linih.... 15 niillini.
Head 1:5 „ Hind liiub :>() „
AVidth of head....lO „ Tail Trl
Body .SO
The largest specimen, with reproduced tail, measures 50 nnllini. from
snout to vent. Several specimens wei'e ol>taiiied l)y the Expedition.
[Not very common. — ir.Ii.O.G.] 3. Hemidactylus forbesii, Bouleng. (Plate ix. fig. 2).
Ihmidactylus forbesii, Bouleng., Bull. Liverp. ISIuss. , ii., 1899, p. 5. Closely allied to H. flaviviridis, Riipp. {cocttei, D. and B.). Snout ol^tusely pointed, longer than the distance between the eye and the ear-opening, once and one-third the diameter of the orbit ; forehead concave ; ear- opening large, oval, oblique. Body and liml)s moderate. Digits moderately dilated, less than in H. flavmridis, free ; 11 or 12 lamelhe under the thumb, 11 or 12 under the fourth fingei-, 10 or 11 under the hallux, 14 or 15 under the fourth toe. Head covered with uniform granules, largest on the sides of the snout ; rostral not twice as l)road as deep, notched and cleft above ; nostril pierced between the rostral and 3 small scales ; first uijper labials sometimes enterino- the nostril; 10 or 11 uppei- and 8 or 9 lower labials; sym- physial large, triangular, at least twice as long as the adjacent labials ; a pair of large chin-shields, forming a suture behind the symphysial, usually flanked l)y a pair of much smaller shields. Back covered with minute granular scales, among which slightlv enlarged, round tubercles may l)e irregularly scattered ; ^■entral scales slightly larger, much smaller than in // Jfuvitindis, juxtaposed or sul)imbricate. No prteanal or femoral pores. Tail moderately depressed, tapering to a fine point, covered very small smooth scales, and a few scattered pointed tubercles on its basal part ; no regular series of transversely enlarged, lamellar plates on the lower surface. Pale greyish above, with rather indistinct brown spots and marblings on the head and body and cross-bars on the tail ; white lieneath.
Total length 19S millim. Fore liml) .'36 millim.
Head 24 „ Hind limb 45
Width of head.... 17 „ Tail 115 „
Body 59
Numerous specimens were collected. [Very common below stones. — ■IFJiOJ!.']
96 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
CHELONIA. [CHELONIDiE.
Chelone, Brongn.
4. Chelone mydas {Linn.).
Clu'Ione myda.^, Bouleng., Cat. Chelon., p. 180 (18S9).
I saw fragments of carapaces of the Green Turtle in the neighbourhood of the hut-cluster inland from our anchorage at Abd-el-Kuri. — H.O.F.
5. Chelone imbricata {Linn.).
Chelone. imbricata, Bouleng., loc. cit., p. 183.
Round the huts of the natives were scattered great numliers of the entire but stripped carapaces of the Hawk's-bill Turtle, showing that they collect the shell in considerable quantity This small island, with its numerous sandy beaches, is quite a tempting place for these reptiles to deposit their eggs upon. I purchased a small quantity of shell of excellent quality. — H.O.F.
Thalassochelys, Fitzing. [6. Thalassochelys caretta {Linn.).
Tha/a.'isocheli/s caretta, Bouleng., loc. cit., p. 184.
I found on the beach at Bander Saleh the ])ones of the Loggerhead Turtle in great numljers. The length of a femur, which seemed to me to be unusually large, measured 17 "5 centimetres; the mandil)le, of appar- ently the same skeleton, was 18 centimetres long. — H.O.F.^
98 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 80K0TRA AND ABI)-EL-KURI.
PLATE VIII. PHYLL0DACTYLU5 RIEBECKII, 7.7//., p. 78.
Lwerp. Mus.i Rep.SchctrcLEocpecL.
n.vm.
^
;> 4 «f .v^,(#*
>. %'-^
■<i^ ^.
^*^, I
1?.
-MSv
\'t#
^'
J. Green. deLetHtK.
PHYLLODACTYLUS RIEBECKII
JfirLteriL Bros . mvp ,
100 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE IX.
Fig. I. PHYLL0DACTYLU5 TRACHYRHINU5, Bhjr., p. 79.
Fig. I a. Labial scales of same.
Pig. lb. Under surface (f foot of sairte.
Fig. 2. HEMIDACTYLUS FORBESII, Bhjr., p. 95.
Fig. 2a. Labial scales of same.
Fig. 2b. Under surface of foot of same.
Liverp. Mas. ; Rep. Sokotrco Eccpedy.
n.jx.
W.
*-€9i^^^^
2b
J.Green del et litK
l.PHYLLODACTYLUS TRACHYRHINUS 2.HEMIDACTYLUS FORBESIl .
MinterrL Bros. imp.
102 THE NATURAL IIISTURY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE X.
Fiff. I. HEMIDACTYLUS PUMILIO, 7^//r., p. 8i.
Fig. I a. Labial scal('i< of same.
Fig. lb. Under surf a re of foot of saiiw.
Pig. 2. HEMIDACTYLUS OXVRHINUS, /%/., p. 94.
Fig. 2a. Labial scales of same.
Fig. 2b. Uviler surfare of foot if some.
Fig. 3. HEMIDACTYLUS QRANTI, Bhjr., p. 81.
Fig. 3a. Labial scales of same.
Fig. 3b. Under surface of foot of same.
Liverp. Mvbs.; Rep. SokotrcuEcxipeci.
Ph.X.
3b
J Qreen delet lifk Mi-Evtei-nBro
l.HEMIDACTYLUS PUMILIO. 2^H,0XYRHINUS.
3. H.GRANT I.
104 THE NATOtAL IlISTOKY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XI.
Fig. I. PARACHALCIDES 50C0TRANUS, Bhjr., p. 86.
Fig. I a. Head of sioiir from above
Fig. lb. Head of ^anv, side view.
Fig. 2. GLAUCOMA FILIFORMIS, Bhjr., p. 88.
Fig. 2a. Head (f same from above.
Fig. 2b. Head rf same, side view.
Fig. 3. QLAUCONIA MACRURA, Bf'jr., p. 89.
Fig. 3a. Head of same from above.
Fig. 3b. Head of same, side view.
Liverp.Mus.; Rep. SohotrouEocped'.
Pl.Xl.
J. Green del et litK.
l.PARACHALCIDES SOCOTRANUS. 2.&LAUC0NIA FILIFORMIS S.G.MACRURA
MiivterixBros imp.
CHORDATA.
VERTEBRATA,
Batrachia. ^^
(I U-,
Pisces. ,j
X<jte hi/ HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D.
BATKACHIANS AND FISHES. 107
Batrachians and Fishes.
The al»seiiee of indigenous Mammals in Sokotra prepares us for the absence of FrogS, Toads, ant! NewtS also from the islands. Neither in Sokoti'a nor in Ahd-el-Kuri did we diseo\er any signs of these forms of life, a fact which indicates a very long sevei'ance of the islands from the nearest continental lands.
As the main object of our expedition was to investigate the Land and Fresh- water Fauna of the islands, little or no attention was paid to their marine zoology. We 1 nought home only, therefore, a few of the more portable specimens of Sea-Fishes, kindly caught for us over the side of the ' Elphinstone ' or in the rock pools on the shore, for the most part by the officers of the ship while she was lying at Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri. These were all well-known species of Serrauus, Lahmj:, Canuu; Prisiipoma, Murcena, Mugil, and Berifx.
As to Fresh-Water Fishes, none exist in Abd-el-Kuri, for the sufficient reason that there are no permanent streams there. AVe saw no running water anywhere during our visit, and no rock pools in the I'avines in which a fish could survive the dry season. Even in the wet season the rains, which must, from the evidences we saw, l^e A'ery heavy, find their way to the sea through a high sand ban-ier which skirts the shores of the island.
In Sokotra the majority of the rivers have also no exit into the sea in the dry season, being lost in the soil before reaching it. In the wet season they must all at times l)e torrents of large size, flowing with great velocity and violence, judging l)y the enormous l)Oulders now lying in their beds which they have transported into the plains. Of those crossing the Hadilni Plain, however, all ha^e estuaries. In a deep pool in the Hanefu river, above the town of Hadil)U, and about a mile and a quarter from the sea, I saw several clark-coloui'cd, trout-like fishes, about 8 to 10 inches in length, in form and action resembling Sahnonida' ; but 1)oth I and several of our servants, who tried to capture specimens, unfortunately failed. It is, consequently, still a question whether they were truly rivei' species or marine forms which had come thus far up from the sea. Al)Ove the estuarine waters
108 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
of rivers reaching the sea, and in all the streams, without exception, in the mountains, everyone of them just such as might be expected to harbour river fishes, not a single specimen was seen. The natives also told us that none existed -Away from the sea. The probability, therefore, is that those seen in the Hanefu were marine species. Captain Hunter, an accurate observer, who, when Political Kesident in Aden, paid a visit to Sokotra in 1876, notes that: — "In the rivers, two kinds of fresh-water fish are to be founcl, l)oth in size about a finger's length, and one kind having a series of concentric, alternately l)lack and yellow, oval rings on the back, making the fish resemble an elongated target. The nati^'cs assert that these fish went down to the sea when they grew larger." From their brilliant colouring, it is likely that these were fry of marine species also.
A couple of specimens brought home hy Professor Balfour irom one of the rivers of Hadibu plain proved to be Knldia tirniuni (Blgr. Cat. Fishes B.M., Vol. i., p. 39), a marine form common to East and South Africa, and the islands of the Indian and tropical Pacific oceans.
MOLLUSCA.
Gastropoda.
Bij EDGAR A. 5MITH, F.Z.S.
PLATES XII., XIII.
THE LAND AND FKESFI-WATEi; SHELLS OK SOKOTRA. Ill
Land and Fresh= Water Shells.
A very complete account of the Molliiscan fauna of Sokotra and Abd-el- Kuri was given by the late M. Crosse in the Jonnitd dr Coiirh/fliolof/ie for 1884, pp. 341-375, in which all the known species were enumerated with synonymy and references. Some remarks upon the cliaracter and relationship of the fauna Avere also appended. Little, therefore, remains to be done, except to bring this Catalogue up to date, and to discuss certain points in synonymy which an examination of many of the types has made necessary. The present writer is fortunate in having the types described by Godwin- Austen available for study, also a fine series of specimens collected by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bent in 1896, besides the collections made by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant.
Forty species of land shells were catalogued by M. Crosse from Sokotra, 28 inoperculated and 12 operculated. Fifteen additional species of the former and one of the latter are now added to the list. Of these it is worthy of notice that only one, the Sarcmea sokotrensis, belongs to a genus previously unknown in Sokotra.
I. — The Land and Fresh =Water Shells of Sokotra.
TESTACELLID^.
Ennea, H. & A. Adams. 1. Ennea cylindracea, snufh.
EiiitiM riiHttdracfd, Smith. Joarii. Alalac, vol. vi. jj. 34, pi. v. fig. 1.
(Enlarged).
* Figures in the text of this paper with an asterisk over them are from drawings most generously made for me by Mr. E. A. Smith ; the others are from the Proceediny.<i of the Zoolofjical Society of London with the kind permission of the Council. — Editor.
112 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AXD ABD-EL-KURI.
Shell small, narrow, cylindrical, imperforate, white, pellucid ; spire elongate, mammillated at the apex : whorls six, slowly increasing, the first globose, the three following somewhat convex, the last and }ienultimate flattish, divided by a deep obli(pie suture, striated with fine lines of growth, the last subasceiiding in front, finely costulate- striated behind ; aperture irregularly subquadrate, small, equalling | the whole length, with a single parietal tooth ; peristome slightly thickened, margins joined with a conspicuous callus, the outer slightly situiated near the suture, the columellar dilated, prominent and sub- plicate within.
Length 7, diameter 2 mm. ; a})erture 1 G long. 1'25 broad.
Sokotra.
[This species was collected by Mrs. Theodore Bent : but not by us ]
[The orcnrrcnre of the foUnH-imj species in Sukotra is ilaiibtfid .■ —
Ennea ovoidea {Bnn/.).
Bnlimiiius oroidens, Bruguit'ie, Encyl. Meth., i. p. 33.5 (1792) ; Crosse, Op. oit. p. 3o7. East Africa.]
SUCOINEID^.
Succinea, Drapamaud.
2. Succinea sokotrensis, sp. «. (Plate xiii. fig. 17.)
Shell small, moderately solid, reddish ; spire moderately elongate, mammil- lated at the apex ; whorls 3i, very convex, rapidly increasing, the last descending in front, striated with fine oblique lines of growth ; aperture small, irregularly ovate, slightly exceeding half the whole length ; peristome slightly thickened, margins joined with a thin callus.
Length 7"5, diameter 4 mm. ; aperture 4 mm. long and 2i broad.
Sokotra (Type collected by Mrs. Bent).
In form somewhat resembling the European <§. obloiu/a.
Some specimens are thinner than others, being perhaps less adult shells. It seems probable that, had they survived longer, they would have become more solid.
[This species, discovered by Mrs. Bent, was not met with by us. — H.O.F.]
PUPID^.
Buliminus Beck.
3. Buliminus (Passamaiella) passamaianus (/v///).
Pupa pamamaiana, Petit, Journ., Conch., 1853, p. 366, pi. xiii. fig's. 7, 8. Btdiminun jm^isamaiamis, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 344 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab.
(Ed. 2), p. 616, pi. xciv. figs. 1-3. EniKi'a pa.'<mmaiaiia, (Todwin-Au.sten, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 8U8, pi. Ixviii. fig. 11.
Till-: LAXl) ANM) FltKSH-WATEi! SKKIJ.S OF SOKOTKA.
113
" Shell shortly coiiiccal, widely uml)ilic;ited, white ; spire suhobttise, whorls 6, somewhat convex, ornamented with oblifjue regular striiie,
Fi(
(Enlaucki). )
Fic. 1).
the last dilated ; aperture contracted, dentate ; columella angulate in the middle, toothed below ; labrum much curved within at the middle, and toothed, scarcely reflexed." "Height 11 mm., diameter 8 mm." — (Translation from Fetif).
Yar. euryomphala, mr. n. (Plate xiii. fig. 3.)
Shell like the Type, but shorter, more widely excavated below, with more convex whorls, and a stronger labral tooth.
A single specimen collected by Mrs Theodore Bent differs from the typical form in the above particulars. It is quite possible that these differences may eventually prove constant when further specimens have been obtained, for, judging from the series of J'((s^(i)iKik'Ua examined, the species do not exhibit much variation.
[This species was not collected by us. — H.O.F.]
4. Buliminus (Passamaiella) isthmodon, Martens.
Btiliiniuus istlnnoilov, Martens, Nachrbl. Deutsch. Malak. (Jes., xiii. p. 136
(1881). Bulimhuin isfhmoilon, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 345 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2),
p. 020, pi. xeiv. tigs. 10, 12.
The following is a translation of the original description of this shell : — ■ Shell conic-globose, arcuate-rimate, costulated, somewhat glossy, uniformly reddish-yellow ; whorls 5, the first papilliform, smooth, the ante- peiuiltimate and penultimate with very oblique riblets, the last globose, with curved costula^, subcompressed at the base ; aperture small, contracted by two coarse sub-bitul)ercular opposite teeth, one external, the other on the columella ; peristome thickened, reflexed, white, the margins subparallel and prolonged downwards, the colu- mellar side incised at the point of insertion. Length 15, diameter \'2h mm. ; aperture, including peristome, 10 long and 7 M'ide.
114 THE NATURAL lllSTOItY OF SOKOTltA AND ABD-KL-Kritl.
Sokotra: Dahumis (350-1000 It.).
[In crevices of the granite rocks ; and under stones in the dry Wadis. — ■ II.IKF.]
5. Buliminus (Passamaiellu) bentii, Smifli.
BhIuiiIiihs (Passaniaiella) htiifii. Smith, Jonrn. Malacol., vol. vi. p. 35, pi. V. fig. 3 ; K()l)elt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. (ilS, pi. xeiv. fig. 5.
(Enlarckd).
The following is the original description of the species :—
Shell irregularly ovate, acuminate above, white [1), or brownish, rimate ; spire convex-conoid, obtusely niammillated at the apex ; whorls 5, somewhat (juickly increasing, the first two convex, smooth ; the two following less convex, very obli(piely striated, the last obliquely descending behind, but close to the lip subascending, deeply impressed behind the middle of the lip and beneath the umbilical chink ; aperture irregular, ol)lique, ear-shapetl, contracted ; peristome slightly incras- sate, narrowly expanded and reHexed, the margins almost united with a conspicuous straight but oblique callus, the outer bituberculated within in the middle, and the columellar with a strong, elongated, obli(pie fold.
"Length 18-5, diameter 10 mm.
" The form of this interesting species is very remarkable, and at once distinguishes it from the other allied species. The great con- traction of the aperture is very peculiar ; it is also remarkable in that the parietal callus does not actually join the extremities of the peristome, but is separated both above and below by a slight notch or channcd."
[Not obtained Ity the present expedition. — H.O.F.]
6. Buliminus (Passamaiella) bayleyi, unm. iiov.
Ennini ha/foiiri, (iodwin-Austen, P.Z.S., ISSl, p. 80!l, pi. Ixviii. tig. 1'2 : Crosse, Op. cit. p. 34(i ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), j)!. xciv. tig 7, erroneously placed as synonym of B, exodou.
TIIK LAND AND FIIKSII-WATKI! SIIKLLS Ol-' SOKOTUA. 115
Col. Godwin- Austen's original description is as follows :—
"Shell elongately fusiform, rather solid; sculpture very regular shallow
J
t'i<- a. (Enlakckd.)
Fk;. 1)
ribbing; colour wax-white, or dull pale umber; spire elongated, sides convex, apex blunt ; suture shallow ; whorls C, tiatly convex ' aperture subvertical, oval, one Hat shaped tooth on body whorl peristome continuous, with a narrow notch on the upper outer margin of the aperture ; columellar margin strong, with a single tooth, and one largely developed triangidar tooth on the outer margin. " Major diameter 6-1, alt. axis 14-5, alt. apert. 6-2 mm." " On the slopes of the ridge bounding the Gollonsir Valley, at an altitude
over 500 feet." — Bulfdur. This species was originally placed in the genus Einwn by Godwin- Austen, and consequently he was justified in employing the specific name halfnuri which he had already assigned to a species of Bidiminus. As the present species is now considered to belong to the latter genus, it becomes necessary to give it another designation, and I therefore propose to associate it with the christian name of Professor Balfour, who collected it. [This species was not ol)taiiied by us. — H.O.F.]
Buliminus (Passamaiella) mirabilis, Smifh. (Plate xii. fig. 12.)
BuUminus (Passamaiella) mirahUis, Smith, Journ. Malacol., vol. vi. p. 34, pi. V. fig. 2 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 617, pi. xciv. tig. 4.
"Shell subglobose, acuminate above, purplish-brown, rimated, striated with slender oblique lines of growth ; spire conoid, mammillated at the apex ; whorls 5i, the two upper convex, smooth, the succeed- ing ones but very slightly convex, the last large, globose, slightly descending behind, but towards the aperture sub-ascending, showing behnid the lip a deep pit, and being deeply excavated beneath the umbilical cleft; aperture ear-shaped, slightly exceeding half the whole length ; peristome incrassate, expanded, refiexed, livid brown, the margins united by a callus more or less thick, the outer within in the middle furnished with a double white yerj prominent tooth, the columellar armed with a thick white penetrating fold.
"Length 23, diameter IG mm.
116 THE NATURAL MISTOKY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-KL-KUKI.
" Distinguished l)y its globose form, colour, and the characters of the aperture. In form this species bears a striking resemblance to a shell from Fernando Noronhn, described by the author under the name of JJiiJ/i/nis {7\nii/(/rriis) rainiKjci (.Tourn. Liiui. Soc, xx. p. 500, pi. xxx. fig. 8), and the armature of the aperture, although different, is of the same character.
"^. istkmodon, Martens, is smaller, differently coloured, and has a more oblique aperture, and the sculpture appears to be rather coarser."
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4000 ft.).
One of the specimens from the above localit}', in nice fresh condition, is light olivaceous brown, becoming somewhat purplish towards the apex. The suture exhibits a very fine white threaddike line, bordered below with a broader purplish line. The entire surface of the shell also is microscopically spirally closely striated, giving to it a somewhat dull silky a[)pearance.
[Under roots of shrubs, and boulders. — H.O.F.]
8. Buliminus (Passamaiella) rotundus, Siiiifli. (Plate xiii. figs. 1, 4.)
Buliminus (Passamaidla) rotundun, Smith, Jouni. Malacol., vol. vi. p. 35, pi. V. fig. 4 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 619, pi. xciv. fig. 6.
The following is my original description : —
" Shell globose, conoid superiorly, excavated inferiorly, very little rimated, white ; spire shortly conoid, submammillated at the apex ; whorls 5i slowly increasing, joined together by a moderately deep suture, the two upper convex, smooth, the following less convex, obliquely, very finely and closely costulated, the last globose, not descending in front, excavated in the umbilical region, and round the depression in front obtusely carinate, behind the lip deeply scrobiculate ; aperture irregularly ear-shaped, contracted , peristome white, slender, the margins almost united at both ends by a conspicuous callus, the outer within in the middle produced and 1)ideiiticulated, the columel- lar reflexed, furnished with a slender penetrating fold, channelled at the insertion.
"Length 13, diameter 11-5 mm.
"Remarkable for its globular form, the fine costulation being finer than in B. j)fissuiiit(i(iiui.\ the contracted, denticulate a})erture, <Scc. The parietal callus is separated from the extremities of the peristome, both above and below, by a narrow groove or channel."
Sokotra : Homhil, East Sokotra (1500-2500 ft.).
The series of specimens obtained by Dr. Forl>es and Mr. Grant shows that this species, hitherto known from a single specimen only, varies somewhat both in size and form. The largest example is 16 millim. in length, whereas tlie smallest is only 11. The difference in form chiefly relates to the greater elevation and acuteness of the spire. The form of the aperture, and the character of the peristome and the teeth within are very similar in all the specimens.
THE LAND AXI> FHKSII-WATER SHELLS OF SOKOTRA.
11
[Almost all (.I.taiiied on the top of Gebel Matagoti under the roots of phiiits and shi'uhs. -Jl'./,'.! ).(;.]
9. Buliminus (PassHniaiella) exodon, Jlaricus.
/iii/i/iiiiui.'< cxodoii, Martriis. Xachrbl. Deutsch. Malak (;e-; xiii ii ISli
(1S81). J'lipa socofraiia, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., ISSI, p. ,S(I9, pL Iwiii. tj.r. 13.
Crosse, Op. cit. p. 345 ; Kobelt, Concli. Cab. (Ed. 2), pp. (11!) :uu\ (;•_>] ,
1)1. xciv. figs. 8, 9, 13 (lion. fio-. -J = B. bayhyi).
(Enlarged.)
Lietit.-Col. Godwin-Austen's original description is as follows :—
" Shell fusiform, oblate ; sculpture smooth, covered with pale umber epidermis ; spire with slightly convex sides; suture shallow ; whorls 6 ; aperture elongately oval, suljvertical ; peristome moderately thickened,' slightly rimate on the middle of the outer margin, wdiere there is a single rounded solid tooth ; columellar margin strong, perpendicular, with a well developed tooth.
"Major diameter 4-0, alt. axis 8-0, alt. apert. 3-5 mm."
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
[Found under stones.— //.O./'.]
10. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) socotorensis, Ffnffcr.
/Jii/it,iiis (Achatinelloides) ."orofrensi.-i, God win- Austen, P Z S LS81 p 802, pL Lxviii. fig. L •' ' 1 ■
Biillmii.s soroforen-si.^, Pfeifter, Zeitsch. f. Malak., ii. p. 1,57 (1845); Crosse, Op. cit. p. 347 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. (jll, pi. xciii. figs. 5-6.'
Fk;.
Fig. b. (Enlarged.)
Fk;.
118 TJIK XATl'RAL lIlSTOltY OF SOK'OTUA AND AI'.D-KL-KnU.
"Shell dexti'iil, rotuiuLitely oval, very closely lun] nanowly rimate ; sculpture close regular ribbing ; colour white, the last whorl orna- mented with very oblique regular bands of madder-brown crossing the costulation at I'ight angles, becoming broader and more irregular on the apical whorls but still very oblique ; spire conical, apex sub- acuminate ; suture shallow ; whorls 5, rounded ; aperture sub-oblique, oval, angidar above, with a strong callus on the body whorl ; peristome thin ; the columellar margin Hat, with a strong plication.
"Largest specimens : major diameter 7"0, alt. axis 10"1, alt. ap3rt. 6 2 mm.
"Animal. Eye tentacles moderately long, the oral tentacles long and dark ; animal pale coloured, foot pointed." — [GniJunn-Aii^icii.)
Sokotra : J,)ahamis (350-1000 ft.), and Dimichiro Valley.
[^5Estivating in large colonies on the stems of trees and bushes. — H.O.F.]
[This species is very common on trees {('rofim, sp. ind.) on the ])lain of the valle}^ at the mouth of which is the village of (loUonsir. — />. /A]
11. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) dahamisensis, Siaith. (Plate xii. figs.
10, U.)
Bu/imiiuis [Orilld) //((/la/nisriisis, Smith, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. [). 11.
Shell similar to the next species 11. /loin/nlcnsix, but differently coloured, Avhitish or greyish, with oblique brown stripes more or less irregular, which often in the penultimate and ultimate Avhorls are very dark, almost black. Some specimens have very little painting upon the body-whorl, which is of an uniform greyish tint. Having seen a good series of both, it seems to me advisable to consider them dis- tinct species. These specimens in which the markings are very faint are very like the pale variety of Ji IiDiriJiih'ii.^is.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain; Adho Dimellus (3500-4000 ft.); and Dahamis, (350-1000 ft.).
Some very pretty examples obtained by Mrs. Bent are smaller than the type, being only 13-14^ millim. in length instead of 18|.
[-^stivating on stems of shrubs. — HJKF.]
12. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) homhilensis, Smifli. (Plate xii. fig. 13.)
Bi(Ilinliiii!< (Orvlld) lintiilii/eii-sis, Smith, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 11.
Shell narrowlv perforated, ovate acuminate above, (jl)li(piely finely and closely costulated, dirty white or greyish blotched and striped with dark brown, the stripes in the last whorl being interrupted at the periphery, which is generally encircled with a pale zone. Below this the shell is painted with fine irregular lineation and punctulation of a lighter brown colour ; whorls 7, slightly convex, divided l)y an almost horizontal suture ; the two apical are pellucid, smooth, and shining, the last slightly ascending ; aperture inversely ear-shaped, rich brown, often exceeding half the entire length of the shell ; the outer lip is paler than the aperture, slightly thickened and faintly expanded ;
THE LAND ANT) FKESII-WATEU SHELLS OF SOKOTRA.
119
cokunelhi e.\'i)aiide(l and rcHexcd above, white stained with brown,
siibdentate or plicate upon the inner edge. A variet}' is ahnost entirely white, with the exception of a few scattered
l)rown dots and some faint stri})ing upon the upper part of the spire. Length 19i, diameter 11 nun.; aperture 10^ hjng, G broad. A small
specimen is 13 millim. long and 7 in width. Homhil, 1500-2500 feet, and Dimichiro Valley. Allied to //. firlit'cici, Martens, l)ut shortei', more ovate, with a less i)ro-
duced s})ire and a wider and differently shaped mouth. [^.Estivating in colonies on trees and shrubs. — H.O.F.]
13. Buliminus (Achatinclloidcs) laevior, Smlt//. (Plate xii. tig. 8.)
BitHni(iiii.-< (OrvHa) l(i'riot\ Sinitli, Bull. Li\-erp. Muss.,ii. p. 11.
Shell perforate, ovate, white, striped with brown, the longitudinal stripes on the last whorl interrupted in the middle ; below, the shell is orna- mented with narrower oblique brown lines, almost smooth, striated Avith the oblique lines of growth ; Avhorls 6-7, somewhat convex, the two apical pellucid, the last sub ascending ; the aperture inversely ear- shaped, bi'own inside ; the lip is white and not expanded ; the colum- ella white, marked with a brown spot, dilated, reflexed, plicate-dentate.
Length 14'0, diameter 9 6 mm. ; aperture 9-0 mm., 4 broad.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft).
Li form and colour very like B. daJiamisensis, Itdiiiliilnisis, and soroforensis, but wanting the fine costulate sculpture of those species, the surface being almost smooth. The longitudinal colour-markings in the upper whorls are nearly upright, not obli(|ue.
14. Buliminus (Aehatinelloides) hadibuensis, (lodwin-Anden.
BiiUmimis {Achat inc/hides) hadihtteiisis, (4odwin- Austen, P.Z.S. , 1881, p. 803, pi. Ixviii. figs. 3, 3a, 3b ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 350 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. (310, pi. xeiii. figs. 2, 3.
Fi(i. a.
Fl(!. b.
(Enlaroed.
Fk;. c.
120 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTltA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen's original description is as follows : —
" Sbell elongately fusiform, rather broadly rimate in well-grown shells, closer in the younger specimens, coarse but regular costulation ; colour ochraceous -brown Avith streaks of madder-brown running parallel to the costulation, these again overlaid Avith minute specks of black, apex nearly black ; spire elongately pyramidal, slightly convex, sub- acuminate , suture shallow, adpressed ; whorls Q, body whorl the largest, sides very flatly convex ; aperture ovate, more than half the length of the axis ; peristome svith sharp edge, slightly reflected over the rimation, regularly curved on the outer margin ; columelhir margin straight, with a slight sinuation within the ai)erture.
"Longest specimen 10-2, alt. axis 21-7, alt. apert. 12-5 mm. Sliortest specimen 9 0, alt. axis 19-7, alt. apert. ] 1-2 mm.
"This shell is closely allied to B. {Jrhdfiiirlhni/rs) halfoan, Godwin Austen ; but it may be known at once by its more elongate form, coarser sculp- ture, and elaborate ornamentation."
[" Most abundant on the trees upon the plain in the vicinity of Hadilni, on a Croton, l)eing the commonest under-shi'ul»." — 11. B.]
Sokotra: Dahamis (SoO-lOOO ft.).
The varieties (Vars. nlhn et minor) mentioned by God win- Austen are, in my opinion, specifically distinct, and constitute the next species.
Two specimens of the present form were kept alive for some time. The animals were uniformly pale, excepting the eye stalks. These in one specimen were slender, of a darkish tint, and slightly knobbed at the tips. In the other example they were semi-transparent white, and quite short and stumpy, having a very abnormal look.
[Abundant on trees, a^stivating in immense colonies, strongly adtixed to the bark, often simulating its colour. — H.O.F.
Some of the largest colonies occupied an area of about two square feet, and must have included thousands of individuals of all ages, so closely approximated to one another that the stem of the tree was entirely concealed. — jr. J,'. 0. (J.]
15. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) mistUS, sji. n. (IMate xii. fig. 9.)
BuUmiiiwi {Achat iiielioides) ha<libutnsi.-<, \av». alba tf minor, Godwin- Austen, P. Z..S., ISSl, p. 804, pi. Ixviii. tio;. 4.
THE LAND AND FrvKSlI-WATKi; SlIKLLS OF SOKOTUA. 121
Shell elongate-ovate, pointed ;il)ove, riraiite, pale brownish, with longi- tudinal white streaks, which are interrupted at the periphery in the last whorl, obli(piely hnely costulate ; whorls 7, legularly slowly increasing, the two uppermost smooth, convex, brownish, the rest slightly convex, with a somewhat ol^liiiue suture, the last slowly descending, roundly crested around the rimation ; aperture inversely auriform, a little less than half the entire length, brownish within ; })eristome white, a triHe thickened, expanded, the margins joined by a thin callus, the columellar twisted or plicate within, and forming an obtuse angle with the basal edge.
Length IT'O, diameter 8'0 mm. ; aperture 8-.') long, O'O broad.
Sokotra. —{Ildlfmir.)
Quite distinct from li. iKnIilitwiisis. The form is different, the aperture being shorter in proportion to the whole length of the shell. The costuhitions are finer, sharper, and more numerous, the style of colouring is different, and the peristome, besides being white, is more expanded.
The shell upon which Godwin-Austen founded his var. uIIik of i>. liddibu,- I'lids is merely a sun-bleached specimen of the present species. It is 4 millim. longer than the fresher specimen, which has 1)een regarded as the Type.
16. Buliminus (Achatiuelluides) densicostulatus, sp. h. (Plate xiii. tig. 10.)
Shell ovate-fusiform, rimate, white, with slightly oblicpie, very close-set, ver}' fine, elevated striie ; spire conical, with straight sides; whorls 7-8 slowly enlarging, separated by a nearly horizontal suture, the first two corneous, rounded, the rest flat, the last slightly angled at the middle, the angle gradually disappearing in front, not descending ; aperture small, light brownish, inversely ear-shajDed, less than half the entire length ; peristome white at the edge, slightly thickened and brown within, the right margin not expanded, the columellar reHexed, in the middle conspicuously uniplicate within.
Length 18'0, diam. 9-0 mm. ; aperture 8-0 long, 4'0 broad.
Sokotra. — (d/y-s. Bcnf.)
Two specimens collected by Mrs. Bent. Very distinct on account of the conical spire, flat whorls, small aperture, and the excessively fine crowded costulations.
[This species was not obtained by us. — H.(>.F.'\
17. Buliminus (Achatiuelluides) balfouri, (!nila-ia-Aiistni.
Bulimunis {Acliafiiie/Zoidc-i) haljoitri, Godwin-Au^^ten, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 804,
pi. Ixviii. lig. 5, oa. Ore//a riebecH, Martens (part.), Kobelt, (.'onch. Cab. (Ed. 2), [). 612, pi. xciii.
tijf. 7.
122 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen gives the following dcsci'iption of the type : — "Shell narrowly ;uul deeply riniate. ovately fusiform, solid; sculpture
^.
I
Fic. ;i. (Enlar(;ed. ) Fic. 1>.
regular close oblique costulation ; colour generally white, Avith a few dark distant longitudinal splashes on the four apical whorls ; spire elongately conoid, sides convex, a})ex moderately sharp, sutui'e shallow; whorls 7, last the largest, sides convex ; aperture elongatel}' ovate, nearly half the length of the shell, witli a strong callus on the body whorl in many specimens ; peristome sharp, straight on the outer margin ; columellar margin straight, reflected over the rimation, with a well-marked internal fold.
"Size : Longest specimen — major diameter 10"0, alt. axis 21-5, alt. apert. lO'O mm. Shortest specimen — major diameter 9'5, alt. axis 17'8, alt. a])ert. i>"5 mm.
" Animal pale ochraceous with minute speckling of bi'own ; tentacles pale, elongate, attenuate, pointed. In some the head is mottled dark olivaceous ; no i)allial line."
[Not obtained l)y us. — H.U.F.]
Var. elongata, car. n. (Plate xii. fig. 11.)
Biilimlnuf' (OreUn) flieoilora-, Smith, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. No. 1, p. 12.
Shell fusiform -ovate, umbilicate, obliquely costulate-striated, white, painted with brown stripes and irregular spots ; the stripes in the last whorl interrupted in the middle ; adorned below with fine oblique brown lines ; whorls 8 slowly increasing, somewhat con^'ex, the two upper smooth, dirty white, the last slightly ascending in front ; aperture narrow, deep brown, equalling half of the entire length of the shell ; lip pale, hardly expanded ; columellar white, tinged with brown inside, dentate-plicate, and reflexed.
Length 25-5, diameter 11 -0 mm.; aperture 12-0 mm. long and 50 broad.
This form is allied to B. riehcdi, Martens, but is more elongate, wuth higher whorls and a somewhat differently shaped aperture. The body whorl also is somewhat saccate.
Since the pul)lication of the original description of Jl theodora' (Op. cit.) further study of the shells induces me to consider them merely as an elongate form of this species, which at present I am unable to unite with //. rieht'di, as has been done by Martens and Crosse. la the
TUK LAND ANT) FTiKSH-WATKI! STIKIJ.S OF SOKOTRA. 123
description the term " grossiuscule costulata " does not apply to />'. balfoaii, but would be applicable to B. hadihucnxis. Can B. richedi be a pale variety of that species ? The figure given by Martens is certainly more like //'((liliiir)isis than the present species, and the des- cription of the style of coloration, " maculis parvis ferrui^ineis vel griseis adspersa," agrees better with the former.
Tlie animal of the var. dongata was of a dirty white colour, finely marbled with grey, darker above the head in front of the eye- tentacles, with a black streak extending l)ack\vards from each.
[This species was not obt;uned l»y us. — JfJKF.]
18. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) riebecki, Marfnis.
Jiii/iminu-s riehi'cici, Martens, Nachr])!. Deutseli. Malak. Ges., xiii. p. I.37 (1881) ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. .34!) ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. "2), p. (i]2, pi. xciii. fig.s. 12, 13.
The original description may thus lie translated : —
Shell o^'ate-oblong, rimate, rather coarsely costulated, whitish, with scattered small reddish or greyish spots ; whoi-ls 7, regularly in- creasing, with a moderately impressed suture, the first smooth, small, the last attenuate below the middle ; the aperture occupying half the shell, narrowly ovate ; peristome thickened, outer margin much curved al)o\e, then straight, the l)asal somewhat expanded, sharplv curved, the columellar dilated abo^■e.
Length 19, diametei' 10 mm. ; aperture 10 long, "r.") l)road.
Sokotra : Wadi Kischen (at 1000 metres). — (Maiirns.)
Not obtained by :\lr. Grant and Dr. Forbes, unless this species proves to be a form of B. luuJihnmsis. Distinct from B. {Admtindloidcs) haJfouri of Godwin-Austen.
19. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) gollonsirensis, Godwin- Austen.
BiiUminus yollondrends, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 805, pi. Ixix. fig. 10 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 350 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 609, pi. xcdii. fig. 1.
(Enlarged.
124 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The following is Lieut. Col. (Todwin-Austen's original description : —
" Shell ovately fusiform, narrowly rimate, solid ; sculpture regular, rather pronounced costulation ; colour white or pale butf, minutely mottled with ])rown, with very irregular, jaggy, transverse, short streaks or patches of darker brown, slightly ol)li(|ue to the costulation, which do not reach to the suture above ; spire elongately pyramidal, sides flatly convex, apex subaciiminate, suture shallow ; whorls 7, sides flat ; aperture ovate, considerably more than one-third the length of the axis ; peristome sharp, flatly convex on the outer margin and rounded below ; columellar margin reflected, nearly covering the rimation, with an internal fold.
"Longest specimen — major diameter 7"3, alt. axis 1 6'8, alt. apert. 8"0 mm. Shortest specimen — major diameter 5-5, alt. axis L3"0, alt. apert. 6"8 mm."
[" On trees, ]iot unccmimou on hill slopes, these are from those l)0undiiig the Gollonsir Valley."— i)'.i>'.j
[This species was not obtained by ixs. — H.O.F.]
20. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) longiformis, diKhrin-Juxtru.
BuNiiuiins {Arhatindloidts) /oiii/i/onni--<, (Joclwin- Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 806, pi. Ixviii. fig. 8 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 351; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 614, pi. xciii. fig. 10.
(Enlahoed.)
The following is the original description of the species given by Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen : —
" Shell very narrowly rimate, polished, solid, very elongately fusiform ; sculpture indistinct transverse stripe ; colour white, with elongate more or less dark-brown streaks of colour extending to apex, less defined on basal end ; spire elongately pyramidal, sides flatly convex ; suture shallow ; whorls 7, sides flat ; aperture ovate, rather more than half the length of the axis ; peristome sharp on the outer margin which is slightly convex ; columellar margin rather thickened, almost concealing the rimation, with an internal fold.
" Longest specimen — major diameter 72, alt. axis 19"5, alt. apert. &'0 mm. Medium specimen — major diameter 6 '9, alt. axis 17'0, alt. apert. 7*5 mm."
TIIK LAM) AM) FKKSll-WATKR SIIKI.LS OF SOKOTItA. 125
Sokotra: Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
Thi.s .111(1 the i)rece(ling species are veiy closely i-elated, dift'ering only in
colour markings. /*'. hnii/iforiiiis varies in size, some specimens being
20 millim. long, whilst others, e(iually adnlt, are only 14. The
number of the whorls ranges from 6}, to S.V. [In the crevices of the limestone rocks, and under stones and the roots of
plants on the top of Matagoti. — H.O.F.]
21. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) tigris, (lu(lwin-A)txfni.
Ihiliminm (Achat inelloiik-s) thjns, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S. ISSl, p. SO."), pi. Ixviii. tijf. (5 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. ;U.S ; Kobelt, Coneh. C;il>. (Ed. 2). p. 611, {)1. xciii. tig. 4.
(Enlarged.)
Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen gives the following description of the type :
" Shell rimate, ovately fusiform, solid, smooth and polished ; sculpture, lines of striae discernible under lens ; colour white and buff-brown, streaked diagonally below with narrow Ijands of brown ; al)ove, each whorl ornamented with jagged regularly disposed transverse bands of the same colour ; spire elongately pyramidal, sides slightly convex ; suture shallow ; whorls 6, sides slightly convex ; aperture oval, sub- vertical ; peristome thick, regularly convex on the outer margin ; columellar margin with a strong plication, very little reflected. "Longest specimen— major diameter 6-0, alt. axis 12 5, alt. apert. 5 7 mm. Shortest specimen— major diameter 5-5, alt. axis 10-8, alt. apert. 45 mm."
[Taken on stems of iJraca'ua on limestone at altitudes of 2000 feet. —
RB.] Very near B. loiu/ifonnis and f/oUmt.vrensis, but shorter, with slightly moi'e
rounded whorls, and a more open umbilical fissure. [This species was not met with by us. — H.O.F.]
22. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) zebrinus, (uH/iri,i-Aiisfe)i.
Biiliniinus (Oretla) zehrmu.-<, (jiodvvin-Austen, P.Z.S,, 1881, p. 806, pi. Ixviii. fig. 7 ; Crosse, Oj). cit. p. 348.
126 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Lieut.-Col. Gochviii-Austen thus describes the type specimen of this
sjiccies : — " Shell rimate, elongately fusiform, polished, solid ; sculpture indistinct
(Enlarged. )
transverse strite under lens ; colour milky white, with fine well- defined spiral bands of madder-broAvn on the last whorl, wdiich near the suture turn sharply and change to a dark ochre tint ; the dark bands are more irregular and jagged toAvards the apex ; spire elongately pyramidal, very slightly convex ; suture shallow ; whorls 6|, sides somewhat flattened : aperture subvertical ; peristome thickened ; columellar margin with a slight fold.
" Longest specimen -major diameter 5-0, alt. axis 10-8, alt. apert. 5-2 mm. Shortest specimen — major diameter 4-0, alt. axis 9-4, alt. apert. 4-0 mm."
[On the stems of Drdi-irmj on limestone at over 2000 feet with li. ti//ns. — B.R]
A smooth species, with veiy remarkable coloiu' mai'kiiigs, of a perfectly different foi'm to B. socaforensis, with whicli it is compared by M. Crosse.
[This species was not oljserved ])y us. — H.O.F.]
23. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) acutUS, Sjiiif//. (Plate xii. fig. 7.)
Ihili minus (Orella) acutua, Smith, Journ. ^lalacol. , vol. vi. p. 36, \)l. v. fi^. 5 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 614, j)!. xciii. fig. 9.
Shell ovately fusiform, narrowly perforate, shining, black and lirown horn-colour, ornamented with white longitudinal, narrow, irregular stripes which, below the middle of the last whorl are oblicpie, sculptured with scarcely perceptil)le lines of growth ; spire elongately pyramidal, obtuse at the ai)ex ; whorls 7 slowly increasing, the two superior yellowish, convex, the rest rather flat, the last not descending, subacuminate in front ; aperture narrowly oval, deep brown inside, a little over one-third of the entire length of the shell ; peristome yellowish, somewhat thin, with the external margin not expanded, the columellar narrowly reflexed, white at the insertion, .slenderly uniplicate in the middle within.
Length 13 0, diameter 5-4 mm. ; aperture 5-0 mm. long, 2-5 broad.
Sokotra -^(Jllrs. Benf.)
TIIK l.AXK AM) FUKSll-WATKI! SIIKIJ.S OF SOKOTRA. 127
The acuminute spire, Hatteiicd whorls, and style of colouring are the distinguishing features of this pretty species. The ground colour of the last whorl is lighter than that of the two preceding whorls, and, besides the irregular white lines and stripes, a few white dots are scattered irregularly over the surface. The shell is very smooth and glossy, and the embryonic shell consists of two convex whorls of a yellowish horn colour. Allied to />. loin/iforiiiis, Godwin-Austen, but smaller, with a more acuminate spire, and with slightly more convex whorls, a larger umbilical perforation and o])li(|ue basal coloui'- markings.
[This species was not obtained l)y us. — J/JKF.] 24. Buliminus (Achatinclloides) semicastaneus, Hoiliriu-Anxfnt.
BidiminHs {Arlin/iitrJ/oif/e.s) seiuica.f/niti'us, Godwin -Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 807, 1.1. Ixviii. figs. 9, 10 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. ,349 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), ].. (il.3. \A. xciii. fig. S.
^^"■- a. (Em..vk<;ed). Fig. h—Var. Alba, O.A.
Col. Godwin- Austen gives the following description of the Type : —
Shell rimate, solid, fusiform ; sculpture tine oblirjue striation, to the naked eye i)olished ; colour milky white on last two whorls, chestnut or sienna-brown on the tive apical ; spire elongately i^yraniidal, becoming rapidly extenuate at the ai)ex, sides convex ; suture rather shallow ; whorls 7, body-whorl tumid, side convex ; aperture ovate, sub- oblique ; peristome continuous as a strong callus on the body-whorl, rather flattened on the outer margin ; columellar margin with well- marked fold, oblique, somewhat thickened and angulate near the upper inner margin.
" Longest specimen — major diameter 5-5, alt. apert. 5-5, alt axis 10 0 mm. Shortest specimen— major diameter 5-5, alt. apert. Tr."), ult. axis 9'.5 mm."
[South side of the island on limestone rocks, nearly 1000 feet. Nine specimens were found. — />./>.]
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
I do not feel at all convinced that the shells, considered by Godwin- Austen as B. {ArIi(ifiiii'Uni(li'fi) iieinirasfiinriis, var. (ilbii, really belong to this species. They have flatter whorls, and consequently a less impressed suture, and the labrum appears to l)e less thickened.
lL>S
TIIK XATIP.AL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KnU.
The two specimens in the British Museum — one of them (see fig. 1)., p. 127), that figured by Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, pi. Ixviii. fig. 10 — are both dead bleached shells.
The single si)ecimen obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant at the above locality is uniformly l^rown, and has a slightly thinner outer lip than the type, and seems to have relationship to I>. ((donfusis.
25. Buliminus (Achatiuelloides) innocens, Smif/i.
Baliminuft (Orel/a) miioreu-s, Smith, Journ. Malacol., vol. vi. p. .SG, pi. v. fi^. 6 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 615, pi. xciii. n^r. 1 1.
(Enlakokd.)
Shell small, narrow, ovately fusiform, rimated, white ; whorls 7, gently- increasing, the two apical smooth, convex, the rest flattish, striated with oblique and closely set costulee, separated by a slightly olilique, distinct, suture, the last not descending ; aperture small, narrow, a little exceeding one-third the whole length of the shell, white ; peristome thin, the outer margin hardly expanded, the columellar slightly I'eflexed, furnished within with a slender oblique fold.
Length 12-0, diameter 4-0 mm. ; apert. 4-0 mm. long, 2-0 broad.
Two dead specimens collected l;)y Mrs. Bent are all that are known of this species, which may be recognised by its slender form, and very fine, close-set costulpe.
26. Buliminus (Achatiuelloides) adonensis, (fOf/iriii-Aiisfnt. (Plate xiii. fig. 11.)
BuJIiniuus {Parhuodus) atlonetisis, (iodwin & Austen, P.Z.H., 1881, p. 808, pi. Ixix. tigs. 9, Oa ; Kobelt., Coneh. Cab. (Ed. 2), ji. ()41, i)l. xcvii. fig. 13.
(Enlarged.)
THK LAND AND KKKSll-WATKl! SIIKI,LS OK SOKOIKA. 129
Lieut.-Col. (loilwiii-Austeii nave tlic followiiii;- dosciiptioii of the Type : —
"Shell (lextral, o\ately fusiform, thin, semi-traiispareiit : sculpture under high powei', epideiinis rough with a few iiregular transverse ridges ; coloui- oli\ ('-l)i()\vn ; s})ire elongate, sides flatly convex ; apex hlunt, suture well marked ; whorls (5, sides rather Hat ; apc^i'ture oval, ol)li(iue ; peristome thin ; collumellar margin flat, ti'iangular, with a slight ciu-ve or twist.
"Size — major dianu^ter 9-5, alt. axis S-.") mm." [From under granite Ixtuldcrs, hills al)o\e Adouna, over 2000 feet.— /A/A]
The above description has, however, 1)een founded upon immature speci- mens. An adult shell collected by Mrs. Bent shows that the species is closely related to //. sfininisfnii/'oiis. It is a very small form, consisting of six slightly convex (not "rather flat") whorls, narrowly marginate beneath the suture. The apertiu'e is inversely auriform, the j)eristome thin, but a little expanded, the columella maigin being l)roadly dilated, with a prominent fold on the inner edge.
[This species was not obtained by us, — H.O.F.]
27. Buliminus (Pachnodus) fragilis, (lodinn-Aubfen. (Plate xiii. fig. 1.3.)
Biiliiniims (Pachnodm) Jrayiliti, fiodwin-Austen, P.Z.S., ISSl, p. SOS, pi. Ixix. fig. 8 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 640, pi. xcvii. fig. 11.
(Enlarged. )
Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen gives the following description of the Type : — " Shell dextral, narrowly rimate, obtusely pyriform, very thin ; scul])ture fine irregular transverse lines of growth ; colour olive-green ; spire pyramidal, sides flat, apex shar]), tapering rapidly, suture moderate ; whorls 5, sides flat, last whorl large ; aperture oblique, ovate ; peristome thin ; columellar margin straight, thin and reflexed. " Major diameter 4-7, alt. axis 7 "5, alt. apert. 3 '2 mm. " [From under granite boulders, hills above Adouna, o^■er 2000 feet. — l>.i>.] Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
A single specimen was obtained at this locality, and is now in the Lord Derby Museum, Liverpool. Some examples received from Mrs. Bent are much larger than the Type, which is merely a half-grown shell.
130 THE NATURAL HFSTOKY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI,
The}' have an additional whorl, and are 11 millim. in length. The whorls, although described as Hat, are in reality slightly convex, as shown in the figure above from the P.Z.S., 188], pi. Ixix. fig. 8.
28. Buliminus (Pachnodus) heliciformis, Goilwin-Aiixtm.
BuHmlnus heliciformis, Godwin-Au.sten, P.Z.S., 1881, p. SU7, pi. Ixix. ligs. 7, 7a ; Cro.sse, p. .Sol : Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 640, })1. xcvii. ti(^. 12.
(EXLARUED.)
The single specimen upon which this species was founded is evidently only the young state of a shell, which may not even belong to the genus BuJiiniitHS.
[The ocnirrence of the folloniii;/ spmes in Sokofni requires confrmafion : —
(a) Buliminus candidus (Lamur/-).
Pkjxi Candida, Lmnarck ; Anim. S. Vert., vi. part 2, p. 106 (1822); Cros.se, Op. cit. p. 352. Aral)ia.
(b) Buliminus labiosus {M tiller).
Ilrlix hiliio.sus, Miiller, Venn. Hi.st., ii. p. 96 (1774) ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 353. Arabia. (Kiister and Brit. Mus.) Reported also from C. Guardafui.
(c) Buliminus prochilus, Bonrg.
Bulimus jirochiius, Bourguignat, in Revoil, Voy. Comalis, ^loU. , p. IS, pi. ii. fig. 21 (1882) ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 353."^ Probal)ly Arabian,
(d) Buliminus albatus, Perm.
JliJix a/ha/a, Furussac. Mss. Pfeiffer, Symbobe, ii. p. 42. Bulimns hicinctus, R(3cluz., Revue Zool., 1843, p. 4.
Bulimus candidi.isimus, Pfr., Malak. Bl., v. p. 239 (1858) ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 352 ; Kobelt, Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 615, pi. xciii. figs. 14, 15. Arabia.
i). hicinctus and B. candidissimus were both described as Sokotran species. The latter was founded upon young specimens of the unhanded vai'ietv of B. albafus.
TTIK I.AM) AND FKKSH-WATKl! SirKI.LS OF SOKoTUA. 131
(e) Buliminus contiguus, i:enr.
Bulimus roiifiijuus, Reeve, Coneh. Icon. v. IhillmiiM, r)82 (1849) ; Crosse, Oj). cit. p. 353.
Abd-el-Kuri.
(f) Buliminus artufelianus, .hireij. (Pkte xiii. fig. 19.)
BnHmiiiii.-< artiifalianus, Aiicey, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 348. Altliough the locality of this species is not known with certainty, there seems a strong probability that it is either Sokotra or Abdel-Kuri, judgnig from the great resemblance the shell bears to certain forms from these islands. It is not at all related to B. socoforensis, to which species ]\I. Crosse relegated it. as a variety. It is mnch more nearly allied to 11. fiisro-ajjicafa, Smith, from Abd-el-Knri. In coloration it is almost identical, bnt differs in general form, in having more convex whorls, and in being much more finely striated. I am enabled to note these diflferences through a comparison of the uni(^ue type kindly lent me by Mons. Ancey.]
STENOGYRID^.
Stenogyra, Shuitleworth.
29. Stenog^yra (Kiebeckia) SOkotorana {Martms). (Plate xiii, fig. 15— a young shell.)
Stenogyra fumifimta, Codwin- Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 810, pi. Ixix. tigs 2,
2a ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 354. Achnfiua sol-oforana. Martens, Nachr. Mai. (ies., xiii. p. 135 (1881).
Fig. u.
Fio. b.
132 THE XATUltAL HISTORY OF SOKOTllA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Lieut.-Col. (Todwiii-Au.sten i^ivcs the following (lesci'iptiou of the Type of S. fiiiiufirafa, obtained liy Professor Balfoni' : —
" .Shell dextral, eloiigately turreted, solid, not riniate ; sculpture iiTegular- sized fine transverse lines of growth crossed hy spiral lines, giving a cloth-like appearance ; colour ruddy ochre : spii'c elongate, sides convex ; apex contracting rather rapidly at the sixth whorl, rounded ; suture shallow, but well marked; whorls 11, regular, flat-sided ; aperture semiovate, angular above, rounded 1)elow, nearly vertical ; peristome thin, columellar margin strong, simple, slightly curved inwards at base.
'SSize : major diameter 18-5, alt. apert. 17*5, alt. axis, 59-0 mm."
[Common on limestone at east end of island. This shell is used often by the natives for a pipe l)0wl. — B.Il.]
"This is a I'omarkable form, also with characters somewhat like BnciUinii, and may eventually be placed in a sul)-genus of its own next it and
P/Us'O/W/.S."
Sokotra : Dahaniis.
In this species the apex is large, and the suture, especially in the upper
whorls, is distinctly channelled. [In the ground (often deeply buried), almost always dead, in enormous
numbers together, under ledges of rock.- —H.(>.F.^^
30. Stenogyra (Kiebeckia) decipiens, SmUJi. (Plate xiii. tig. 14 — a young
shell.)
Sfeiio(jt/m (Rithecl'ia) decipieus. Smith, Jouiii. Malaccil., vol. vi. p. 37.
"Shell similar to that of S .^okoforanti, but more attenuated at the apex ; suture not channelled ; sculpture finer and not cancellated.
"Length, 88*0, diameter 30"0 mm. ; apert. 27-0 mm. long.
"Length 78-0, diameter 25'Omm. ; apert. 22'0 nun. long."
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4000 ft).
Larger than S. sokotorann. " Although quite similar in general api^ear- ance," as I have stated in the Joirnial of Malacology (loc. cit.), " this species is certainly distinct from S. »okotoraiia. The top of the spire is more slender, the suture is not deeply cut or channelled, and the sculpture is much finer, consisting of fine lines of growth and exces- sively fine spiral strife. It is possible that some of the shells figured by Martens (Cottrh. Mittlwih vol. ii. pi. xxix.) may Ijelong to this species, figs. 7a, 71), and 8 especially having a very striking resemblance to it."
[Under ground at the base of high granite clifls. — H.O.F.^
31. Stenogyra (Riebeckia) gollonsirensis, <!ohdn- Austen. (Plate xiii.
fig. 12.)
Sfcuoiji/rK (loUon^ireim.s, (iodwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 18S1, p. S09, \A. Ixix. fi'j'. 1 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3.5.5.
TIIK I.AXl) AN'l) Fltl-'.SK-WATKI! SHELLS OF SOKOTRA.
133
Lieut.-Col. Godwiii-Austcii ^ivcs tlic followiii^u- (Icsciiptioii of the Type specinuMi, collcfttMl hy Professor Balfour : -
" Shell (Icxtral, clonuatfly turrctcd : sculpture smooth, with shalhm- lines
^^teftf--
of growth ; colour dull white ; spire turreted, apex I'oiuided, .solid ; suture moderatel}' impressed ; whorls 12, sides very slightly convex; aperture fusiform ; peristome thin ; columellav margin solid, straight and scarcely reflected.
'Size: major diameter 18-2, alt. axis 61-8, diameter apert. 9-2, alt. apert. 14 -3 mm."
[On limestone at an altitude of 1000 feet on the top of the ridge over- looking Gollonsii- villasje, and on the south-west of it : not al»un<laiit in this locality. — JJ.B.]
"In the form of its aperture this shell approaches the sub-genus BacUhiiii of Theobald from p]astern India."
Sokotra : Homhil (150U-2500 ft.).
This species is about the same size as *S'. soLvforaiin, but (lifters in form and scul})ture. The body whorl is very much shorter and the other whorls higher than in that species. In fresh specimens the sculpture consists of fine lines of growth, crossed by excessively fine crowded spiral striae, giving the surface a subgranular textured appearance. The epidermis is yellowish olive, interrupted at the middle of the body-whorl, so that the lower half is whitish. Here and there occur a few brown streaks in the direction of the lines of growth. The
134 THE XATritAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Type of the species is a dead bleached shell which has lost most of the surface sculpture through exposure to the weather.
[Under roots of bushes on the top of Hamaderu. — H.O.F.] 32. Stenogyra (llicbeckia) adonensis, (roiIivin-Aiisfru.
Sttnoyyra wloiieiisis, Godwin Austen, P.Z.S., ISSl, p SlO, pi. Ixix. figs. 4,
4a ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 356. Stenonym ■socofonnin, Martens, Conch. Mittheil. Vol. II. p. 149, pi. xxviii.
fi£js. 14, 16.
y
Fu..
(Enl.\K(;ed.)
Fi<i. b.
Lieut.-Col. Godwin-Austen gives the following description of the Type of the species : —
" Shell not rimate, dextral, elongately turreted, glassy, polished ; a few faint longitudinal shallow lines of growth ; colour very pale ochra- ceous ; spire high, sides slightly convex ; apex l)lunt, rounded and rather rapidly tapering at the fifth whorl ; suture shallow, adpressed : whorls 10, somewhat convex ; aperture elongately o\al, subvertical : peristome thin, columellar margin thin, straight.
" Size : major diameter S-5, alt. axis 24-8, alt. apert. 7"0 mm."
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.) ; also Homhil (1500-500 ft.).
This species varies considerably in stoutness, some examples being much more slender than others. The type is 25 millim. long and 8| broad. A narrower specimen is 26 long and 7h broad, whereas the broadest example is 23.^ long and 9 in diameter. Although the extreme forms have a very dissimilar look, they appear to be connected by the intermediate links occurring in the series of the specimens examined.
THE LAM) AND FRESII-M'ATER SHELLS OF SOKOTRA. 135
A comparison of u typical specimen of S. sokoforaiKi kindly snbmittcd by Professor K. von Martens, proves that that species is identical with the present and not with *S'. enoiUs^ as he originally supposed. The latter, the Type of which was a very young shell, is a very much more slender form altogether, and of a pellucid white colour, the pre- sent species being greenish yellow.
33. Stenogyra (liiebeckia) enodis, (luihrin-Ansfni. (IMate xiii. fig. IG.)
Stenoijiii-K (Siiliiiliiia ?) ciioilis, (Jodwin-Au.steii, P.Z.S., LSSl, p. Sll, pL Ixix. ti'i'. .") ; C'ro.-^.se, [). 3o.").
(EXLAKCEU. )
The following is the original description of this species given liy Lieut.-Col. Godwin- Austen : —
" Shell dextral, elongately tuneted, not rimate, very thin, glassy, diaphanous ; no sculpture ; colour milky-white ; spire long, apex blunt and I'ounded, suture moderately deep ; whoi'ls 9, sides convex, regularly increasing ; aperture quadrate, subvertical (not fully formed) ; peristome thin ; columellar margin straight, Aertical.
"Size: majoi' diameter 4-0, alt. axis 13'0, alt. apert. 2 '8 mm."
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
The unique type, l)eiiig a very young shell, gives only a poor idea of this interesting species. The largest specimen examined consists of 15 whorls, and is 37 millim. in length and 8 in diameter. The aperture is inversely auriform, and the columella a little thickened and arcuate, and exhibits a slight anterior truncation. The last whorl is rounded at the periphery.
[Under stones on Gebel Fedehen. — H.O.F.]
13G THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EI.-KURI.
34. Stenogyra (Riebeckia) insculpta, Smifh.
Ste)io(/i/ra inscii/pfa, Smith, Jouin. Malacol., vi. p. 37, pi. v. fig. 7.
(EXLAKCED.)
"Shell subulate, imperforate, white; whoi'ls 15, ver}' gently increasing, separated hy a deep oblique suture, the two apical smooth, convex, tabu- late above, forming an obtuse apex, the following 5-G .somewhat convex, the rest less convex, flattish, sculptured with slightly oblique striae, close and peculiarly crenulated, the last angulated at the periphery, not descending ; aperture angularly oval ; peristome slender, simple ; columellar margin narrowly rcHexed.
" Length 37 '0, diameter (vO mm. ; aperture 5-0 mm. long and 3 broad.
" This species is remarkal)le for the peculiar sculpture, consisting of close- set slightly oblique raised lines of growth, which being crossed 1)y numerous transverse impressed stride, have a prettily festooned or crenulated appearance. It differs from .S'. anjitfa, Martens, in sculp- ture, in the angulation of the Ixxly-whorl and more tapering form."
Collected by Mr.s. Bent, but not found l)y Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant. 35. Stenogyra (Riebeckia) arguta, Marfms.
Steiioijyra arytita, Martens, Naclubl. Deutscli. jNlalak. (ies. , xiii. p. 138
(1881).
Steiio(ji/>-aJe.ssira, (Jodwin-Austen, P.Z.8., 18S1, p. 810, pi. Ixix. fig. 3. Sftno(/!/ra {Opens:-') /lir-'^iifiis, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, ]). 811, pl. Ixix. figs. (5, 6a ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 356.
THE LAND AND FItESH-AVATKI! SHELLS OF SOKOTllA. 1.37
The following is the description gi\('n hy ({odwin-An.sten of the typical specimen of Sfeiiof/i/nt Iiirsiifu.'^ : —
"8hell (lextral, elongately turvetcd, scarcely riniate, covei'cd with a thick
t:':
j^:.:
Fio. b. (S. HiKsuTUs, G.-A.) Fig. a. (S. Jessica, (t'.-.4.) Fig. c.
(ENLARGKn.)
epidermis: sculptui'e a rough surface with regularly disposed longi- tudinal lines of fine hairs (Fig. c) ; colour dull ochre ; spire elongate, sides flat, apex blunt, suture well impressed ; whorls 11, sides slightly convex ; aperture oval, oblique ; peristome thin ; columellar margin thin, slightly reflected.
"Size : major diamatei' •"l-O, alt. axis 1 1 '0, alt. apei't. 2'0 nun."
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain; Adho Dimellus (3.5004500 ft.),; Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
After carefully examining the Types of >S'. Jessica and S. ]rir!<afiis, and the series of specimens obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant, I feel convinced that only one species is represented. The types of S. Jessica are worn bleached shells which have lost the " hairs " retained by S. hirsutiis, the unique type of which is merely a very young shell, but in fre.sh condition. This was commented upon by Martens when describing his S. arr/ufa. .Specimens vary somewhat in form, some being longer and more slender than others. The largest specimen examined is 23 millim. long and 6 broad. A shorter example is 17 in length and 5^ in diameter. One of the specimens from Homhil is
138 THE NATrn.VL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-KFRI.
in perfect condition, being clothed Avith a beautiful hairy periostracum, the "hairs" being arranged in rows upon the lines of growth, and longer than in the Type.
POMATIID^.
Otopoma, Gray.
36. Otopoma naticoides {Hrrln:).
Cyclo)<totna naticoidts, Recluz, Rev. Zool., 1843, p. 3.
Otopoma naticoides, Godwin-Austen, P. Z. S., 1881, [>. •2.52. \A. xxvii. figs, 1, la, lb : Crosse, Op. cit. p. 361 ; Godwin-Austen, Moll. India, vol. ii. p. 29, pi. Ixvii. figs. 1, oa (anatomj- and radida).
Georgia austeni, Boui-guignat, in Rc-voil's Voy. pays CJomalis, Moll., p. 68 (1882).
Si
Fic. a.
Fig. b.
Fig. c.
Col. Godwin-Austen thus describes a specinicu olitained by Professor Balfour : —
" Shell gloljosely turljinate, Aery solid ; sculpture well marked transverse irregular lines of growth crossed liy distant indistinct spiral sulcation ; colour Avhite, fine orange within tlu^ aperture ; spire i-ather high, the extreme ajaex generally decollate ; Avhorls 5, well rounded ; aperture
THE LAND AND FKKSH-WATKI! SHELLS OF SOKOTRA.
139
u1)li([ucly and Uroadly nxatc, angular alioxc, suli(»lili(|U(' ; pcristDinc thick and solid, particuhirly on coluiucUar maigin, where it s])iea(ls ont and completely conceals ti\e uiul)ilicu.s ; this is a greater develop- ment and exaggeration of the angnlate notch which is to be seen in (). hdlfoiir/ ((t.-A.) and (I. riniiiildiKitiini. (Ct.-A.) ; opercnlum (fig. c) ; sitnated well within the apt'rtnrc, flatly conca\e in front, shelly, smooth, of al)out '^l whorls, luielens sul)eentral.
"Size of largest specimen : majoi' diameter 51J'5, alt. axis31'5." [Balfoin', Kiel)eck, and tSchweinfurth oljtainetl this species.]
37. Otopoma balfouri, diiilu-'ni-Ansfrii.
Otoitoma haJ/ouri, (Jodwiii-Austen, P.Z.S., 18S1, p. 2^)'^, pi. xxvii. tif^s. 2,'2a ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 'S&2.
.#'
si^"
^ii^.^r
Fig. a.
Fig. b.
Godwin-Ansten has given the following description of the Type : —
"Shell globosely tnrbinate, solid, veiy openly umbilieated, rilibed regnlarly and spirally throughont ; bnt the rilil)iiig does not extend within the nml)ilicus ; colonr M'hite ; spire pyramidal, decollate nsnally for Ih whorls ; sntnre well impressed ; whorls 4, well I'onnded ; apertnre snlivertical, ovoid, angnlar above ; peristome contimions, solid, and reflected slightly on the onter margin, less solid on the colnmellar side, which presents a slight dentation with angnlarity just below the npper inner margin, well rounded below.
"Size : major diameter 55*0, minor diameter -tO'O, alt. axis 22-0 mm.
"Dwarf variety — major diameter 32-8, minor diameter 26"5, alt. axis U-0 mm."
[Common on the land towards the east end of the island : this portion is elevated o\er TOO feet, and is of limestone. — Jl.IJ.]
[This species was not met with by us. — U.O.F.\
140 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
38. Otopoma COmplanatum, (huhrin-Ansicn. (Plate xii. figs 4, 5.)
Otopoma co)i)p/niiatum, Godwin- Austen, P.Z.S. ISSl, p. 'i.li, pi. xxvii. fit?s. 3, 3a ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3(52.
Fic. a.
Lieut. -Col. CT(xl\\iii-Au.steii gi\"e.s the following description of the Type : — "Shell turl)iiiate, openly umbilicated, fine .spiral I'ihhing, eros.sed hy trans\erse finer ribbing, smooth on l»ase : colour white : spire pyramidal ; \h whorls at the apex smooth ; suture impressed : whorls 5, sides well rounded; aperture ovate, sub-oblique, angular above; peristome continuou.s, thickened and scarcely reflected on the outer margin, which is well rounded ; columellar margin oblique to axis, thin, with a well marked submedian angulation near the uml)ilicus. l)Ut with no tendency to an expansion in that dii'ection. "Size : major diameter 36"8, minor diameter 29"5, alt. axis 16'S mm." Sokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft.); Jenaagahan (1200-2500 ft.): and Hadibu Plain. The Types described, being devoid of colour, give no idea of the ornament- ation of this fine species, nor do they show the great variation in size which it exhibits. The largest example from Jena-agahan (fig. 5) is 43 mm. in its greatest width, whereas the smallest and equally adult specimen from Dahamis is only 25. The prevailing colour is purplish, with uumerous spiral dai'k zones and lines, exce])t at the lower surface, "which is paler and unhanded. A light zone almost invariably marks the periphery. One specimen (fig. 4) is of a uniform bright reddish tint aboA'e, a little paler beneath, and without any spiral lineation whatever. Another example, of the same tint, has a single blackish line around the l)ody-whorl, a little above the middle. The sculpture of this species is also somewhat variable. In some specimens the decussated sculpture of the spire is continued upon the body-whorl, whilst in others this volution is smoother. Some examples also show more raalleation than others, and this feature, although not referred to by Godwin-Au.sten, is })resent in both specimens which he examined. The interior of the aperture in coloured specimens exhibits the external coloration, but intensified. A distinguishing feature of this species, besides the open pei'spective umbilicus, is the short dentiform prominence upon the columellar margin reflexed
TIIK LAN'D ANlt FltKSll-WATKi; SllKLLS OV SOKOTUA.
141
towards the lunbilicn.s. The thickened pciistonie is gencndly whitish or cream-coloured, but in some very dark examples it is orange. [I'lider Imshes. -//.r.A/'.]
39. Otopoma socotranum, rxmniiiiiin'ii. (Plato xii. fig. fi.)
OtopoiiKt sdi-dl niiiiiiii. Hourg-ui;j;iuit, Ivi'voir.s Voy. pay.s Conialis, Moll., ]). (i-t (1SS2).
Oti)poin(( (■/((//inifii/inii. vav. socol iydiii, (Jodwiii-Austen. P.Z.S., ISSl. p. 2;)4, pi. XNvii. 4, 4a : Crosse, Op. eit. p. .3()o.
f
Fic. a.
Fk;.
The following is Col. (Todwin-Austen's description : —
"Shell vei-y globosely turbinate, closely umbilicated, spiral rib1)ing on the apical whorls crossed by transverse striation, becoming smoother on the body whorl, which only shows the latter ; coloui' white, also pale pui'ple, stronger on the apex ; l)ordering the suture in one specimen numerous pale purple bands of colour occur, showing darkish al)Ove the periphery (fig. 4a) ; spire pyramidal ; suture impressed ; whorls 4, well rounded ; aperture subvertical, oval, angulate alio\e ; peristome continuous, almost separated from the penultimate whorl, l)ut reflected, thickened on the outer margin ; columellar margin sub-ol)licpie, nearly straight with only a very slight tendency to angulation : operculum shelly, situated close to the peristome, pauci- spiral, of three whorls rapidly increasing, nucleus subcentral, flat in front.
" Size : major diameter 2S-.j, minor diameter 22-G, alt. axis 13-.5. '
This species is much more closely related to 0. comphniafiim than to (iathratulitm, as Godwin-Austen considered, and seems to be rather ■ distinct. It has a more contracted umbilicus than comjilaiiafinn, through the body-whorl being more tightly coiled, and more raised spire, and none of the four specimens examined exhibit the short dentiform prominence upon the columellar margin which occurs in that species. The body-whorl is almost smooth anteriorly. The two specimens wliich were described by Godwin-Austen were both more or less faded. Four fresh examples, obtained by Mrs. Bent, exhibit a style of coloi'ation similar to that of the lineated forms of 0. comjilanafum.
142 THE NATl'IlAL HISTOKY OF SOKOTIIA AND ABD-EL-KUIU.
The species was founded by Bourguignat, only upon Godwin-Austen's description uud figuves, and not upon an actual examination of specimens.
40. Otopoma clathratulum, liMir..
Otojioinn clntludtiiUim, Recluz, Rev. Zool. Soc. Cuv., p. 3(1843); Reeve, Conch. Icon , pi. xviii. fig. ll(5b; Crosse, Op. cit. ji. 363; Godwin- Austen, Moll. India, vol. ii. p. 30.
Otopoma (■/(i/lint/uln/n, var. minor, (iodwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 250.
" Shell orl)iculate-conical, yellowish-orange ; whorls 5, convex, flattish at the sutiu'c, transversely, regularly, and finely sulcated, very closely clathrated liy tine longitudinal stiia', with more or less brownish transverse l)an(ls ; uppermost whorls with a l)lack zone at the base ; the last banded with pale orange at the middle, the l)and being bordered with bi'own, smooth beneath ; aperture orange within, banded with i'cddish-l»rown, acute at the margin : umbilicus deep, pervious.
"Length, 22 mm. ; diameter of last whorl, 23'5 ; height of spire, 11 "3." {Translation from Petit.)
Sokotra : Dimichiro Valley, East Sokotra.
The var. minor of Godwin-Austen differs only from the typical form in the absence of the spiral colour-lines, the form and sculpture being almost identical. The size quoted by the author (major diameter 18 millim.) is altogether misleading, as the largest of the specimens placed by him as this variety is 25 millim., the normal size of the species. All the examples have the dark purplish zone a1)ove the suture upon the up})er part of the spire.
This variation in size is of no importance whatever in a varietal point of view, for all sizes of the typical form were collected by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Gi'ant, ranging from 25 to 15 millim. in the greatest diameter, the smallest, judging from the thickened peristome, being as adult as the largest.
The var. socotrana (Godwin-Austen) appears to be very distinct from this, and has, in my opinion, been rightly raised to specific rank by M. Bourgnignat.
[Under bushes in the damp sand of the dry river bed ; on the foliage of the bushes also. — JIJKF.]
41. Otopoma COnicum, (roJirin-Jnsfen.
Otojjoma coiiirum, (4od\vin-Austen, I'.Z.S., 1881," p. 25."), \>\. xxviii. fig. 1,
lb ; Crosse, Oj). cit. p. 364. Bochehriinia ronica, Bourguignat, Voy. pays Comalis, Moll., p. 84 (1882).
Col. Godwin-Austen has gi\en the following desci'iption of the Type : — " Shell conoid, closely umbilicated, solid ; sculpture fine, I'egularly dis- posed spiral ril)bing crossed by fine costulation, contiiuied to well within the umbilical region ; colour white ; spire conic, sides rather flat, apex suliacute ; suture, I'ather shallow ; whorls 5, the last well
THK LAM) AM) FKI'.Sl l-WATKi; SllKLLS OF SOKOTIJA.
143
rounded, sli^litly (U'scciidiui;' ; aijci'turc circular, suli(jl)li([ue ; peristome very thin ; coluiuellar margin simple, but I'eHected ; operculum .shelly, solid, paucispiral, of 3 whorls, smooth suhcentral luiclcus depressed, coiicax'e Ix'hiud.
Fig a.
Fk;. c.
(ENLAR(iED.)
Fi(i. 1).
"Size : major diameter ll-O, minor diameter 10"0, alt. axis 7"0 mm." The types of this species appear to be bleached shells, for a careful examination of them reveals faded colour markings upon the upper . surface.
[This species was not obtained by us. — IIJJ.F.]
42. Otopoma (?) radiolatum (Martens).
CycJoitoma radiolatain. Martens ; Nachrbl. Deutsch. Malak. Ge.«., xiii. p. 135 (1S81); Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3(36.
The following is a translation of the original description : — " Shell subdepressed-turbinate, moderately uml)ilicated, sculptured with rather close spiral costa?, 7-8 in the penultimate whorl, pale cinnamon colour, with radiating straight or flexuous yellow-white lines above ; whorls 4i, the first papillifoi-m smooth, the last rounded, with the l)asal costiB more distant ; aperture circular, peristome thin, scarcely expanded, pale.
" Greater diameter, 13 mm. ; minor diameter, 10-5; height, 11 ; aperture,
6 wide." The generic position of this species is at present uncertain, the operculum
being unknown. It seems, however, rather closely related both to the
preceding and following species.
[This species was collected by Drs. Riebeck and Schweinfurth near Hadibu, and on the Wadi Kischen (1000 ft.).]
144 THE NATURAL HISTORY (JF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
43. Otopoma turbinatum, Goihi-in-Anstni. (Piute xiii. figs. 7-9.)
Ofopoma turJiludtum, (iochvin-Austeii, P.Z.S., 18SI, p. 25.5, pi. xxviii. fior. 2 ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3(J4.
Rochehrunia fnrbiiiata, Bourguignat, Voy. pays Comalis, Moll., p. 84 (1882).
4$b'
(Enlarcei). )
The following is the descriptiou of the Type specimen : —
" Shell tnrl)inate, nmhilicated : scnlptuve regular, fine, equally distributed, spiral ribbing smooth on the last whoi'l near the umbilicus ; apex smooth ; colour white ; spire pyiamidal ; suture impressed ; whorls 4|, well rounded ; aperture nearly circular, slightly angular aboxe ; peristome thin, much curved on the columellar margin.
" Size : majoi' diameter S-S, minoi- diameter 7"9, alt. axis b'O mm." (Godwin- Au»tcn.)
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (.3500 4000 ft.).
The type is a dead bleached shell, and consequently Avas described as " white." Traces of colour are, however, observable, and it seems probable that its style of coloration was similar to that of 0. mdidhitinn, Cj/dotopsu onmfa, and the following variety.
Var. Shell very similar to those from Adho Dimellus, but a little more coarsely costulate below, and smooth within the umbilicus (fig. 9).
Sokotra : Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
The operculum is very similar to that of Cydofnpm ornata, but the outer whorl is larger in proportion, and the spire is more rapidly coiled. It is, in fact, a link between that of a typical Otopoma and that of Cyclotojms.
Fresh specimens are very prettily banded with brown, with a pale zone at the peri])hery, and rayed and dotted with white above, the lower surface usually being destitute of markings and traiislucid dirty whitish.
THK l,AXI) A\l» FIIKSH-WATKK SIIKIJ.S oK SOKoTKA.
145
Cyclotopsis, Blanford. 44. Cyclotopsis ornata, (loihrin-Ausicn.
Ct/lotop.sis ornatux, (Jochvin-Austen, T.Z.S., ISSl, p. 2.", pi. xxviii. tig. 5, oa ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 'Mil
Fig. a.
(Enlar(;kd.)
Fin. b.
The following is the description of the Type : —
" Shell openly umbilicated, depressedly conoid, thin ; sculptnre spiral, sulcation, every other rib being more strongly developed, crossed traiis\ersly by fine costnlation ; colour pale sienna with a pale ochre Ijand on the periphery and with zig-zag markings of the same colour on the second whorl, this colouration only seen well on young shells ; spire somewhat low, apex smooth : whoi'ls 4, well rounded, the last very slightly descending : aperture circular, oblique ; peristome thin, scarcely reflected on the iinier margin ; operculum shelly, concentric, of 4 whorls ; the margin well I'eflected outwards, its edge foi'ming a contiiUTous raised smooth spiral rib.
" Size : major diameter 8-2, minor diameter 6'8, alt. axis 3"8 mm."
[This species was obtained by Professor Balfour on the slopes of Aduna (at al)out 2000 ft.) ; lint not l)y ws.^ILO.F.]
Tropidophora, Troschei. 45. Tropidophora socotrana, LloiJa-in-Ausicn. (Plate xiii. figs. 5, 6.)
Tropiilojjhora xocotrana, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 255, pi. xxviii. fio;.?. 3-3b ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. .365.
■#
Fu;. a.
Fk;. c.
(ENL.\R(iED.)
Fiu. b.
146 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The following is Godwin-Austen's original description : —
" Shell trochiform, umhilicated, rather solid ; sculpture three strong longitudinal ribs on the periphery with a fine intermediate one, and two above near the suture, crossed by strong lateral close ribbing or lines of growth ; similar longitudinal sulcation on the base, smooth on the apex ; colour white, ruddy within the aperture ; spire jDyramidal, sides flat ; suture shallow ; whorls 5i, convex, the last slightly descending near the aperture ; this is circular and obli([ue ; peristome I'ather thin ; operculum subtestaceous, paueispiral, rapidly increasing, nucleus subcentral.
"Size : major diameter 10-0, minor diameter 9-2, alt. axis 6-4, total alt. 9-0 mm."
Sokotra : Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
Very variable in size and form, the largest specimen (fig. 6) from the above locality, 14 millim. in diameter, being much more depressed than the type, acutely keeled at the periphery and much more openly umbilicated. Other specimens, however, in the collection form con- necting links between this depressed form and the type. Some fresh examples collected by Mrs. Bent (fig. 5) are pale cinereous, rayed and spotted above with a darkish tint, the aperture being deep brown or orange within, but pale at the peristome.
46. Tropidophora balfouri, GotJuiu-Aii><fen.
Trop'ulophora hu/J'otiri, Godwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 2.'>6, pi. xxviii. fig. 4 ; Crosse, Op. Cit. p. 365.
(Enlarged.)
"Shell elongately pyramidal, umbilicated, keeled, solid; first two apical whorls smooth, rest of shell riblied spirally and on the base; seven ribs on each whorl, crossed l>y well-developed transverse ribl)ing ; colour marbly white, ruddy brown or orange within ; spire pyramidal acuminate, sides fiat ; suture shallow ; whorls 6, sides convex, the last descending very slightly near the peristome ; aperture l)roadly ovate ; peristome rather thin, continuous.
"Size: major diameter 7*5, minor diameter 7-0, alt. axis 6-3, total height 8-7 mm."
[Professor Balfour found this species on the top of the limestone ridge to the S. W. of Gollonsir ; but we did not find it at the east end of the Mand --H.O.F.]
THE LAND AND F RESH-WATKi: S]ir:LLS OF SOKOTRA. U7
Lithidion, Gray 47. Lithidion lithidion (Smvn-hi/).
Q/r/o*-/o«(a /M/,;;o«, SowL'i-by, Thesaurus Concli., vol i i, Ml ,,] vwi i\<^. 2(52. ' ' '
Llthi<ram .sulratum. Gray, Cat. Cyclophoridie, Brit. Mus. p. .-il Lifhiiiiou marmoroAinn, (iodwin-Ansten, P.Z.S., ISS], p. 2.')() pi x.- •■• lig'. G-6c ; Crcsse, Op. cit. p. .SO.l.
Fk;. a.
Fig. b. (Enlarged.) Fig. d.
Fig. c.
s In r f" r ; ,"■';'''-'■ ™'' °P'"'-^- »»''i«-tecl, .sharpiv keeled : scupuue strongly ,,|,,,ed longitudinally, u-ith 6 snlcation.s lielow and
stri i^, 'tr"" ' n""f ■°"' "■"^«' ''^ ™'-y «"« '■^'-»' ■-8»'» ,oMe .\? ' r," ■■ "■'"'' ^ ^P"''"'--'"-^ depressed, apex papillate, h ax ;r: 7 ■''"'"°T ■ "''""■'' •'■ --"'"-"y -0™^ »* the apex vhorT F,>rf 7 ""' '*'"« P-P«"dic„lar to the planes of the Lt
Ironll Z: I ■ 'Pu''""" "'■"'''"■' "'''■''"•'^ P""^'"'"" ■■«fl<'«te<i.
Z o rr; °'\"'' »'"■>«"- margin; operculum shelly, con!
TJr """"'' '''''™'''"' ^■'' ""• ""' •^■2-"-(«rf«»-
Sokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; also Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft ) Th,s speces, which was first described as fron, "Yemen, Arabia,»is very yinable in size, also in form, some specimens being much more depressed than others and more widely umbilieated. Those from Jena- agahan are remarkably Bat and strongly carinate, only the apex of hsprebemg above the level of the body-whorl, and with the line
men "„ w'-'™, "":/'™"=""' "■"" """" '^' «"<= ^'^-'i^- »f «l«ci- Zes r;"T Z^r'- ^""' "'■■ ^°'*^^' ^"d Mr. Grant, clearly proves tha L. UM,,,„ an<l L. „n„-moromm are one and the same n«cies ; indeed the locality, " Yemen, Arabia," assigned to the former
148 THE XATUUAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-PX-Kl'ltl.
has yet to be confirmed. To show the variation in size, the measure- ments of two extreme but equally adult examples are given : —
Major diameter 12 millim., minor 10.
Godwin-Austen notes that '• the animal is })ale ash-grey ; tentacle.s black ; foot divided longitudinally, proboscis long, bilubed."
48. Lithidion bentii, ^mUh.
Lithidion hentii. Smith, Journ. Malacol. , vol. vi. p. 38, pi. v. tit(. 9, 9b. * * *
Fic. a.
Fk;. b.
(EnLAR(!ED. )
Fkj. c.
Shell discoid, very opeidy uml)ilicate, shai'ply cai-inate, white or pale rufescent above, slightly shining ; spire flat ; whorls 5, the two apical whorls (protoconch) smooth, very convex, the rest with four slender spiral lira> abo\e, slightly comex, here and thei-e radiately subplicate, the last ornamented with a sharp compressed peripheral keel, reddish beneath, having four or five concentric lira? ; aperture rounded inside ; peristome white, the margins joined l)y a callus, the upper margin dilated above, the lower thickened, scarcely reflexed.
Size : major diameter 13-0 mm., minor diameter ll'O, height 3-0.
Very depressed, with an acute peripheral keel, a small aperture, and almost smooth within the umbilicus, which is shallower than that of L. lithidion, and the whorls within it are also less convex.
[Thf orrurrenre of fhp follomiKj sjjeries in Sohotra mpiiirs ronfiiiniiion : — Lithidion desciscens (I'fcilf'cr).
Cyclosioma descm-ens, Vh\, P.Z.S., Lond., 1851, p. 24.3; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 366.
Cyclodoma desciscens, the type of which is in the British Museum, is identical in every respect AA-ith Li f hid ion sotdcijetianam from Abd-el- Kuri.]
THE LAM) AND FliKSlI-WATKi; SIIKFJ.S OF SOKOTHA. 149
MELANIID^.
Melania, Lamarck.
49. Melania scabra {Mnlin-).
litiri-iniiiii sralinuii, Miiller, Verm., rv29, p. l;j(i (177;')).
Mditiiiti '<rnlini. (Jodwin-Austen, I'.Z.S., Lontl., lss;j, p. .■) pi. ii. tigs. 1,
la, 2, 3 ; et var. pi. ii. fig. 2 ; var. pi. ii. tig. 3. Melania pagoda, Godwin-Austen, Op. cit. p. 7 pi. ii. tig. lU ; et var. pi. ii.
%. 9. Melania ■•icahra, (>iosse, Op. cit. p. .3.19.
Most of the .specimens from Sokotra l)elong to the form flq/Kris^ Benson, which apparently is specifically inseparable from the present species. A few shorter e.vamples, however, with longer and more pronounced spines, have been met with. These are figured by Clod win- Austen as M. piujoila of Lea. It seems impossible to draw any line of separation between this species, ^[. yaijoda, M. dcnticulata, Lea, ^1/. datum, Dohrn, and some other form.s.
50. Melania tuberculata {Midler).
Nerifa tiilnirulafev, Miiller, Verm., 378, p. 191 (177")).
{?) Mel ania formosensis. Smith, P.Z.S., 1878, p. 728 pi. xlvi. tig. 4.
Melania ^H/«rfH/ato, Godwin-Austen, P.Z. S., 1883, p. ."> j)l. ii. tigs, .land
6 ; and smooth var. fig. 4. Melania sclaferi, God win- Austen, Op. cit. p. 7 pi. ii. tig. 8. Melania tuberculata, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 359. Melania tuherciilata, var. »iihl<t'vi>f, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3.19.
Typical specimens of this species occur in >Sokotra. besides several varieties. A smooth form (var. ^- suhkevis, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 359) figured by Godwin-Austen (P.Z.S., 1883, p. 5. pi. ii. fig. 1), has only faint traces of longitudinal costulations, and the spiral sulci are also rather feeble. The " milky white " aperture is merely occasioned by a chalky deposit, which disappears on being wetted, revealing the usual colour markings Other examples, collected by Mrs. Bent and Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant at Jena-agahan, are scarcely separable from M. fo'nnosensis, Smith, {P.Z.S., 1878, p. 728, pi. xlvi. fig. 4), also probably merely a smooth variety of this polymorphous and widely distributed species, which also occurs in Formosa in its normal form.
M. srhtferi, Godwin-Austen, founded on fragments and very young shells, is a banded form, of which two specimens, 17 and 25 millim. in length respectively, were collected l)y Mrs. Bent. The larger one, however, has red spots in place of the infrasutural band. Although not mentioned by Godwin-Austen, distinct traces of longitudinal i)lications occur on the spire of the type, which are well developed in Mrs. Bent's specimens.
An example from Hadibu Plain, obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant, has the two last a\ liorls black, excepting a pale zone beneath the suture, and the white columella. The upper part of the spire, how- ever, is paler, and streaked with red upon the granose costulations.
150 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain ; Jena-agahan.
This species has heen recorded from Madagascar, Mauritius, India, Ceylon, Syria, Persia, Arabia, Java, Siam.
AURICULID^.
Auricula, Lamarck.
51. Auricula socotrensis, Sndih
Anrirula ><orotriin4s, Smith, Journ. Malacol. , vol. vi. p. 37, pi. v. figs. 8, 8a.
(ExhARCKD. )
Shell elongate-ovate, imperforate, olive-l)rown, smooth, striated with fine lines of growth ; spire short, convexly conoid, mammillated at the apex ; whorls 7, the first convex, the rest scarcely convex, sometimes more or less spirally punctate, the last elongate, with the sides slightly convex ; aperture inversely elongately ear-shaped ; labrum thin, very slightly thickened within ; columella with foiirfolds, the two upper subjoined, the lower ones stronger.
Length 9, diameter 4 mm., aperture 7 long.
Allied to A. jnisiUa, H. & A. Adams, A. nevillii and (/((saiesi of Morelet, and a few other species, but quite distinct.
Sokotra.
[This species, the Type of which was collected by Mrs. Bent, was not found by us. — H.O.F.]
LIMN^ID^.
Pianorbis, Gueftard.
52. Pianorbis exustus, Ik'shai/es.
Ptanoris exustm, Deshayes, Voy. Belanger, p. 417, pi. i. figs. 11, 1.3 (18,54). PlanorUs exnMiii<,\av. mncuhitus, (Todwiii- Austen, P.Z.S., 1S83, p. 3, i)l. i.
figs. 1, la, lb. Pianorbis axustus, Crosse, Op. cit, p. 358.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain.
[Under and on Inishes. — //.O./".]
Riebeck, Schweinfurth, and Balfour all found this species.
An Indian species.
THE LAND AND FItESH-WATER SHELLS OF SOKOTllA. 151
53. Planorbis socotrensis, Gdihrin-Jmfcn.
Plauorhis socofrensi't, Clodwin-Austen, P.Z. S., 1883, p. 3 pL i. figs. 8, 3.a, 3b, 3c ; Crosse, Op. cit. [). 358.
The following is the description of the Type : —
"Shell mimite, discoid, apicul and l)asal sides e([ually concave ; scnlpture, ol)li(|nely striate with lines of growth, otherwise smooth with very niinnte pitting oi- nialleation ; colonr pale ochraceous ; suture well impressed ; whorls 3, flat on the ])ei'iphery, angular above and l)elow, side subvertical ; aperture rlionil)oidal, rather wider than high; ])eristome thin, continues as a thin callus on the body whoi'l, arched above, straight lu'low.
'' Size : major diameter, 3'4- ; alt. axis, 0'5 mm." — {Godwin- Austen.).
Sokotra. — {Balfour.)
54. Planorbis cockburni, Godtdn-Amfcii.
Plaiioi-I'i" roclliariii, (4odwin-Austen, P.Z.S., 1S83, i). 4, pL i. ligs. 2, '2a., '2b ; Cro.sse, O}). cit. p. 358.
The Type was described by Godwin-Austeii as follows : —
" Shell discoid, diaphanous ; sculpture, fine ol)lique striation, almost
costulation, on the first whorls ; colour pale horny-l)r()wn ; suture
impressed ; whorls 2h ; aperture l)roadly ovate. " Size : major diameter, i'^ ; alt. axis, 1"1 mm." Sokotra. — ( Ha Ifou r. )
PALUDESTRINID^.
Paludestrina, d'Orbigny.
55. Paludestrina balfouri {Godmn-Aaden).
Hydrohla' /^aZ/bitr/, Godwin-Austen, P.Z. S., 1883, p. 4 pi. i. figs. 4,5; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 359.
Col. Godwin-Austen descrilies the Type as follows : —
" Shell elongately oval ; sculpture, quite smooth, a few eroded patches on the apical whorls ; colour white, another (smaller) specimen ash- brown ; spire high, somewhat attenuate ; whorls 5, penultimiate the largest, its sides convex ; aperture subvertical, l)roadly ovate or neax'ly cii'cular ; peristome thin, well-rounded below ; operculum not seen.
"Size: major diameter, 1"3 ; alt. apert., 0-9; alt. axis, 2"1 mm."
152 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
II.— Land Shells of Abd=el=Kuri.
The known Land Shells of this island, with the exception of Tropido- phora mode^fa, are all very small forms in comparison with those from Sokotra, and do not r-ange outside the island, Nine species, belonging to the genera B!ilimiiui><, Tropidoplioni and Lithidion, are now known As all were obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant during their two short visits of three or four days only, it seems probable that much still remains to be done in the investigation of the fauna, and doubtless other forms will eventually l)e discovered by future collectors. No fresh-water forms have j^et been noticed, and possibly they do not occur, there being no water on the island except during the wet season.
PUPID^.
Buliminus, Beck.
1. Buliminus (Chondrula) granti, Snuf/i. (LMatexiii. tig. 2.)
/ju/iminus {ChoiidrHia) yraii/i, Smith, Bull. Liver. Muss., ii. p. I'i.
.Shell ovate, acuminate above, rimate, subpellucid, pale brownish horn- colour, smooth ; whorls 5^, somewhat convex, sculptured with ol)li(pie very fine lines of growth, margined below the suture with a pellucid line, the last slightly obliquely descending behind, but slightly ascending at the labrum ; aperture inversely auriform, with two teeth ; peristome thickened, white, the margins almost joined by a slender callus, the right scarcely reflexed, with a prominent tubercle within in the middle, columellar unidentate above, expanded and reflexed.
Length 11, diameter 5| mm. ; aperture i long, 3 broad.
Abd-el-Kuri.
The parietal callus does not quite join the upper end of the labrum, so that a narrow sinus or slit is formed at this place.
2. Buliminus (Mastus) contiguus, {Ilccir).
Bu/imuii coutiyims, Reeve, Conch. Icon. v. linlimiix, titr. olS2 (1849) ;
Crosse, Op. cit. p. 367. Bu/imu.s ttret:, Pfr., Zeitschr. Malak., 1S49, p. 9I».
"Shell elongately cyliiHlrical, not uml)ilicated, whorls nine in luuiilier, flatly couA'ex, smooth, polished, faintly impressly crenulated at the sutures, columella l)road, vertical ; aperture miiuite, margins thick- ened, reflected, joined above l)y a callosity ; ivory white." — {Reeve.)
Length 12, diameter 3 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
[Under stones on siile of the high peak Gebel Saleh, overlooking our . anchorage at Bandar Saleh.- -//.(A/l]
THH LAND SIIKLLS OF A I'.D-KL-KURI. 153
3. Buliminus (Achatinclloidcs) guillaini, I'rtn. (I*latc xii. figs. 15-17.)
Ihiliminus {On/hi) yuillaini, Petit, Jouni. Coiicliyl., i. p. 77 pi. iv. f\^<-^. 4, ") (ISilO) ; Cros.se, Op. cit. p. 86S.
"Shell ol.loiii;-, cvlindiifal, thickish, iiiipeifoiatc, Itiowiii.sli, vai-iei'ated with white, sometimes suhl)aiuled, whoi-ls ^-\)^ flatly coinex, ol)li(|uely and closely striated ; columella very much cur\'ed, suhplicate below ; aperture ovate ; labrum acute, suljrefiexed ; labium consolidated in adult specimens." — {I'cfif. )
Length () mm.
Abd-el-Kuri (1600-1750 ft.).
Very variable in colour. Most of the specimens are broAvii, mottled with creamy white, and often banded at the periphery Avith brown or white. Some examples arc rich brown, with a white zone at the suture and round the middle of the body-whorl. Others are pellucid white, with opacpie white mottling.
[On the upper regions of Gebel Saleh (1750 ft.), overlooking our anchorage in Bandar Saleh, filling the crevices of the limestone rocks in immense numbers -7/.r>./'. ,- and iii numbers under loose stones below the crest of the \\'\\\. — Jr.ll.().(:.]
4. Buliminus (Achatinelloides) fuscoapicatUS, Smifli. (Plate xiii. fig. 20.)
Ihih' minus [Ortlla) fuscoapicata, Smith, Bull. Liverpool Muss., ii. p. 18.
Shell ovate, acuminate above, scarcely rimate, pale grey, brown at the apex, obliquely very finely costulated ; spire conical ; whorls 6, two uppermost brown, globose, smooth, the rest somewhat convex, the last subglobose ; aperture broadly ear-shaped, brown within ; labrum thickened, not expanded or reflexeJ externally, whitish, the coluraellar margin being dilated and reflexed.
Length ^, diameter 6 mm. ; aperture 4 long, 3 broad.
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
A few darkish dots are generally scattered over the grey surface.
5 Buliminus (Achatinelloides) pauxiUus, Sinitli. (Plate xiii. fig. 18.) Buliminus [Orel/a) pauxillus, Smith, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 12.
Shell small, ovate-conical, rimate, grey, striped with brown, generally with a white band at the periphery, brownish at the obtuse apex ; spire conoid ; whorls 5, two uppermost convex, smooth, brown, the rest convexish, obliquely finely costulated ; aperture brown ; peristome pale, slightly thickened, the margins almost joined by a slender callus, the external not expanded, the columellar dilated and refiexed.
Length 6, diameter 4 mm. ; aperture 3 long, 24 broad.
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
Smaller than B. fuscoajnnifa, more strongly costulate and difterently coloured. The body-whorl often has a somewhat shouldered appear-
154 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
POMATIID^.
Tropidophora, Troschel.
6. Tropidophora modesta {I'rtii).
Cyrloftfomn moib xtum, Petit. Journ. Conchyl., i. p. ,50 pi. iv. tig. 2 (1850) ; Crosse, Op. cit. p. 36S.
" Shell orbicvtlately depressed, widely umbilicated, very pale brown, spirally strongly sulcated subtricarinate, trans\ersely, finely, and closely striated ; whorls 5, depressed-con\ex. divided l)y a deep suture ; aperture suborbicular, oblique : labrum refiexed, anteriorly subquad- rangular, the median angles the lai-gest.
"Diameter 26, height 12 mm." — (Fefit).
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
Dead shells only and without opercula.
[Found abundantly under stones and roots of grass on the upper slopes of the mountain over against our anchorage. — H.O.F.]
Lithidion, Gray.
7. Lithidion souleyetianum (/v///). (Plate xii. fig 2.)
Cyclostoma souleyetianum, Petit, Journ. Conchyl., i. p. r)2 pi. iii. fig. 6(1850). Lithidion. souleyetianum, Cros.se, Op. cit. p. 369.
Cyrhsfoma disciscenx, Pfr. , P. Z.S. , Lond., 1851, p. 293; Conch. Cab. (Ed. 2), p. 262, pi. XXXV. figs. 25, 26.
" Shell orbicular, conic-depressed, deeply uml)ilicated, fleshy-l)rownish, or tinted with rose ; whorls 5, spirally sulcate, transversely subcan- cellated, the last smooth beneath, shining ; aperture ol)lique, semilunate, yellowash ; labrum white, scarcely reflexed ; labium callous.
"Diameter 8-10, height 3-5 mm." — {Translation from Petit).
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
A few specimens exhibit two narrow spiral brown bands upon the last whorl, one above and one below the periphery. Others are uniformly white.
8. Lithidion forbesianum, Smith. (Plate xii. fig. 3.)
Lithidion Jorhesiaiium, Smith, Bull. Liver. ^lus. , ii. p. 12.
Shell depressed, orl)icular, widely umbilicated, spirally costulated, sub- clathrate with conspicuotis oblique lines of growth, above pale or dark brown, paler below ; spire short ; Avhorls 5, convex, separated by a deepish suture, two uppermost smooth, the last descending in front, with the lira? less conspicuous below than above, smoother ; aperture almost circular, brown Avithin ; peristome white, with the margins joined by a thin callus, almost continuous, the outer slightly expanded, the columellar thickened, less reflexed.
Greater diameter 8, lesser diameter 6i mm., height 5.
Abd-el-Kuri (800-1500 ft.).
THE LAND SHELLS OF ABD-EL-KURI. 155
Quite distinct, although very closely allied to L. ffonJi'i/efianum, hut differ- ing chiefly in the form of the aperture and the operculum, which is more concave externally. It is extremely variable in size, ranging from 10 to 7 millim. in diameter.
9. Lithidion gratum, (/v///). (Plate xii. fig. 1.)
Ci/c/ostoma gratum, Petit, Journ. ConcliyL, i. p. .l.S pi. iii. fig. 10 (1850). (rui/iaiiiia grata, Crosse, Op. cit. p. 3/0.
"Shell conic, pale rose ; whorls o-fi, rounded, spirally finely sulcate, trans- versely very finely cancellated ; suture distinct ; apex brownish ; aperture rounderl, l)right red within ; labrum single ; umbilicus bordered by au angle.
"Diameter 5, height 6 mm." — (Traitdafion from Petri).
Abd-el-Kuri (1750 ft.).
The operculum of this species, which was unknown to M. Crosse when he described the genus GuiUaiiiia, is almost precisely similar to that of L. souleyetianum. The elevation of the spire and the keel around the umbilicus are specific rather than generic characters, and the form of the aperture and peristome is almost identical with that of L. farbesianuin. There seems, therefore, no reason foi- the employment of the so called genus (TuiUainia for this species. Some specimens have a bright red zone below the middle of the body-whorl. Con- siderable variation occurs, both as regards the height of the spire and the coarseness or fineness of the spiral sculpture.
Two dead specimens, apparently belonging to this species, are remarkable for their size, the larger being 11 millim. long and 6| bi'oad. This specimen has a very narrow umbilicus, the f^iint keel or angle which usually surrounds it is wanting. There is a faint trace of it in the second smaller example.
[Many living specimens were found among the crevices of the rocks on the summit of Geliel Saleh, the highest point on the island.]
yriie orntrrnice of the folloicin;/ fiperies in Ahd-el-Kuri requires confiniuifion. : —
Otopoma naticoides, lurluz.
Cyr/ostoma naticoides, Rucluz., Rev. Zool. Soc. Cuv., p. 3(1843); Crosse, Op. cit. p. 369.
This species is probably restricted to Sokotra.]
156 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI.
PLATE XII.
Fig. I LITHIDION QRATUM, p. 155.
Fig. 2 ,, SOULEYETIANUM, p. 154.
Fig. 3 „ F0RBE5IANUM, p. 154.
Figs. 4, 5 OTOPOMA COMPLANATUM, p. 140.
Fig. 6 „ SOCOTRANUM, p. 141.
Fig. 7 BULIMINUS (ACHAT1NELL0IDE5) ACUTU5,
p. 126.
Fig. 8 ,, ( ., ) L/EVIOR, p. 119.
Fig. 9 „ ( .. ) MISTUS, p. 120.
Figs. 10, 14. .. „ ( M ) DAHAMISENSIS,
p. 118.
Fig. II »» ( .. ) BALFOURI, var.
ELONGATA, p. 122.
Fig. 12 ,, (PASSAMAIELLA) MIRAB1LI5,
p. 115.
Fig. 13 „ (ACHATINELLOIDES) HOMHIL-
EN5IS, p. 118.
Figs. 15, 16, 17. „ ( ,, ) GUILLAINI, p. 153.
Liver/!
^ckctra Eorped .
^Hb
4
..;^:^.
-■.^TipSifli..
■'■i^.f.-
16
ifi'i
4 f
jtivterr. i+ros -r-i-omo
FROM" SOKOTRA <kABD-EL-KURI
^
ir.h
roKY OF SOKOTIU AN'D ABD-I
\
Fig. f>. Fig.
Fiv i
ISf. I V.
^ h;s. 15, !?>.
PLATE. XII.
ORATUM, p. 155. SOULEYETIANUAl, p. 154. F0RBE5IANUM, p. 154. •PLANATUM, p. 140. \NUM, p. 141.
J.LOIDES) ACl
p. 126.
iA, p. i^j-
l> A S N A MAI ELLA ) MIR ABI LIS,
p. IIS-
ACHATINELLOIDES) HOMHIL-
ENSIS, p. 118.
) GUILLAINL D. 'i^x.
Liverp.Miis.; Rep.SckotraEocpecL.
Pl.XU,
m
13
I
I
\
14
17
J.GrecTv del.et litK
Mmterii Bros- Cliromo .
MOLLUSCA FROM SOKOTRA &cABD-EL-KURI .
158 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA ANT) ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XIII.
Figs. I, 4 BULIMINUS (PA5SAMAIELLA) ROTUNDUS,
p. ii6.
Fig. 2. ,, (CHONDRULA) QRANTI, p. 152.
Fig. 3 ,, (PASSAMAIELLA) PASSAMAIANU5,
var. EURYOMPHALA, p. 113.
Figs. 5, 6 TROPIDOPHORA 50C0TRANA, p. 145-
Figs. 7, 8, 9. OTOPOMA TURBINATUM, p. 144.
Fig. lOo BULIMINUS (ACHATINELLOIDE5) DENSI =
COSTULATUS, p. 121.
Fig. II „ ( „ ) ADONENSIS, p. 128.
Fig. 12 STENOGYRA QOLLONSIRENSIS, p. 132.
Fig. 13 BULIMINUS (PACHNODUS) FRAQILIS, p. 129.
Fig. 14 STENOGYRA (RIEBECKIA) DECIPIENS (top of
spire), p. 132.
Fig. 15 ,, ( „ ) SOKOTORANA (top of
spire), p. 131.
Fig. 16 „ ( „ ) ENODIS, p. 135.
Fig. 17 SUCCINEA SOKOTRENSIS, p. 112.
Fig. 18 BULIMINUS (ACHATINELLOIDES) PAUXILLUS,
P- ^53-
Fig. 19 ,, ARTUFELIANUS, p. 131.
Fig. 20 „ (ACHATINELLOIDES) FUSCOAPN
CATUS, p. 153.
L werp. Mils. ; Rep . Schotrw Eocpedy.
pi.xm.
17
i2
9
20
J Gi-een. del. et lit-K .
/[OLLUSCA FROM SOKOTRA&cABD-EL-KURI
Mirvt em Br o s . ijoap .
Morphologicai Observations
On Genera of the Families.
Cy c I ostomidae and Helicidae.
Bij Lieut. =Colonel
H. H. QODWIN = AUSTEN, F.R.5.
PLATE XIII A.
M()i;rii(>i.<)(;i('Ai, ()I!si.;i!\ai'|()\s. 161
Morphological observations on species belonging to the Families Cyclostomidas and Helicidse.
Tlie late expedition to the islands of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kui-i, so succcss- fnlly carried out l)y Dr. H. 0. Forbes and Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, has I)rought l)ack even among the MoUusca some valuable material. After the fine series collected by Professor Bayley Balfour in 1880, and the interesting shells obtained by Mi", and Mrs. Theodore Bent during the short time they spent on the island in 1897, it was not to be expected many new species would be found, and such is the case among the operculated land shells. We are en- liehed, howe\er, l)y examples of species preserved in spirit, and, among them, genei'a of much interest, Otopoma, BuUminus, and Lithidion, the animal of the latter not having l)een examined as to its internal anatomy. Another geiuis is GuiUaiidd, of the animal of which nothing was known. These forms I now describe, with a few remarks on the distril)utiou of some of these Sokotran Ci/closfoini(/(e ; and I have to thank Mr. P]dgar Smith for supplying me with some of the specimens which the above-named naturalists had placed in his hands. I shall n(jt I'efer in any way to the shells, Mr. Smith ha\'ing, on pages 109-15.5, given a complete account of the whole collection.
Otopoma, Gray.
Animal with a short, o^al, divided foot. Mantle maigin free in front.
The muzzle divided into two lobes.
Eyes prominent on the outer side of the tentacula near the l)ase.
The male organ is exophalliate, situated close to and just al>ove the
rectum at the right posterior side of the l)ranchial chaml)er. The teeth of the radiila are narrow and elongate, with minute serration
arranged 3-1-3. No Iniccal plates. Two species have been examined 0. iinficdidcn, Recluz, and 0. rhdlmdaJa,
Kecluz, var. minor, G.-A.
Otopoma naticoides, Iledn.:.
I have descrilied this species in Tlw Lund (iiul Fn'slt-Jridrr MoUiisra of India, p. 30, pi. Ixvii. figs. 1-G as follows : —
" The animal is very pale ochie-coloured, with a short, bi-oadly oval, divided foot ; the muzzle is transvei'sely striated. The penis is large, broadly thickened, and tongue-like, diminishing rapidly at the free end into a sharp point ; the seminal duct apjjears to run down the side of the muscular sheath, and the seminal orifice is situated on
1G2 THE NATIKAL HlSTOltY OF SOKOTUA AXi:) ABD-EL-KURI.
the flat uuder.side, a very short distance fi'oni the pointed end. The rectum is situated immediately to the right, and runs as a tube attached to the side of the l)ranchial chaml)er for some distance, and then has a short free end at the anal orifice. In the female the rectum is not so long, and the female orifice is just above it. " The centre tooth of the radula (fig. d. p. 165) is straight-sided, gradually narrowing from the base, elongate, bearing fi^•e miiuite cusps on a slightly cur\ed edge. The first side-tooth is very long, gradually witlening from the base, and curving over and inwards at the cutting- edge, with about six or more small teeth. The second and third are almost similar in form, narrowly elongate, sides parallel, with eight or ten minute serrations like the blunted teeth of a saw. On the luiderside of the buccal mass a congeries of fine convoluted tul)es was seen, representing the salivary glands."
Otopoma clathratula, Ik'chr:.
A spirit-specimen of Otoconia rhit/n'dfitia, var. minor, G.-A., the shell of which was described by me in the P.Z.8., 1881, p. 255, was also examined. The male organ is in the same position, Init has a more elongated form and of the same diameter throughout. The radula is precisely like that of 0. nafiroidcs.
Lithidion, Gray.
This genus is represented Ijoth in Sokotra and on the neighbouring island of Alxl-el-Kuri.
Lithidion lithidion, Suurrh//. (Plate xiii a hgs. 3, 3a.)
L. iiiarmoroAuiii, G.-A., was discovered on Sokotra by Professor Bayley Balfour, and its shell described in the P.Z.S., 1881, p. 256, pi. xxviii. figs. 6, 6c (see above, p. 147). Of this, one fine specimen reached this country aliA-e, and lived through the summer. It was very sluggish, and did not shew itself often. It was eventually put into alcohol, and, being a typical specimen, I did not then like to break the shell to extract the animal, for very few^ specimens occurred in the collection. I have now done so, as Ave have examples of the genus in another species from Abd-el-Kuri, and a comparison of the two cannot fail to be of interest, and, combined, will give a better knowledge of its characters.
Original description of the animal from life : —
" Animal pale ash-grey ; tentacles black ; foot divided longitudinally ; proboscis long, bilobed"; and Balfour records it as "very common everywhere on the ground." Forlies and Grant ol)tained a fine series of this species. The specimen now examined shows the divi- sion of the foot well (pi. xiii A. fig. 3). The tentacitht are broad at the base, and of dark colour together with the top of the head. This specimen is a male, and shows that the genus is exophalliate. The penis is \cvy long and pointed, and its l)ase is situated close to the
Ai(ii;niiti,()(;i('Ai, ()iisKi;\A'i'i()NS.
163
anal ajx'i-tiiic. In the di-awiiii;' tlic luoncln'al wall has heen slit and tuiiic'd liack. 'I'lic ojicicnhnii (})1. xiii A. tig. ."Ja) is S2)iial, of 3 whorls, iei;'n]ai'ly inci'oasing, bonndod hy a thin raised rib : it is shelly, with a thin transpairnt bordei' on the l)asal side. The radula is a beautiful structure (tii;-. a) with a f<irnuila.
31.3 2 1 c 1 2 3.31
15-.S 5 5 7 0 5 8-15
he central tooth ((') rathei' broad, and rounded at the cutting edge, long, and gradually widening at th(! base; the 1st tooth is narrower', and widens more rapidly ; the 2nd has nearly parallel sides with a curved edge and well-developed cusps ; the 3rd is distinctly divided into two sepai'ate parts, denoted ])y a longer or shorter cleft, and the greater size of the eight small cusps upon the inner side of the large broad plate. Those who have attentively examined such raduhe as these under a high power know how the curvature of the cutting edges alters their outline, as they are viewed from different points. I give a sketch of the centre and outer teeth to show their curvature.
Fk;. a.
x36S
Radula of Lithidiox ltthidiox.
Lithidion souleyetianum, Pefif. (Plate xiii a. figs. 2-2e.)
This species inhabits the island of Abd-el-Kuri, and was collected there by Messrs. Forbes and Grant. The shell differs in form from the species previously descril)ed. The whole animal is very pale in colour. On removing the shell, the shell muscle is conspicuous, rolled at the end by the action of the spirit in which it was pi'eserved, pointing to a
1G4
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AXI) ARD-EL-KURI.
lengthened 8[)ir;il form (pi. xiii A. fig. 2;i). The tentacula are short, eye at ba.se on a slight swelling on the lower postei-ior side. The pulmonary veins are well seen, from being margined with l)lack and cross the wall of the respiratory cavity transversely to join the main siinis on the i-ight hand margin of the visceral sac (pi. xiii A. figs. 2 and -])). The operenlum is shelly, with a plane surface in front, spii-al in structure, with al)out three broad whorls (pi. xiii A. fig. 2e). The rdduhi-iovinuhi is this : —
3'
1
1
.3.3'
8-1-5 5 4 f) 4 5 5-l-<S
The centime tooth has a long bi'oad plate, wider below than at the toothed edge. The 1st and 2nd teeth are very similar in foi'm, the iiniei- ha\-ing a wider basal plate. They both ha\-e nearly parallel sides, and are very long. The third tooth on the outside appears a compound of two originally distinct teeth merged into one broad jilate. The cusps on the inner portion are larger than those on the outer, and there is a single distinct cusp between the two sides, viilr figs, b and c, 3, 3'. I have not l)een fortunate in getting a male specimen, but it is no doulit similar to L. Uthiilioii. ( = L. mannorosiirn) in being exophalliate, nor have I Ijeen able with the 3 specimens I have examined to give satisfactory drawings of the (jeitifxlid. They are not likely, however, to present any remarkal>le variation from the usual type.
Fi(i. b.
/ / X 568 j^y I
^^
Radula of L. soulkyktianum.
Comparing these together, the most striking vai-iation is found in the operculum. That of L. liihidum (pi. xiii A. fig. 3a) is exactly like that of Cydutopsis onuiia, G.-A., of Sokotra, fig. .5a on pi. xxviii., P.Z.8., 18S1 (see p. 145 above), while the smooth operculum of L. soule^etianum (pi. xiii A. fig. 2e) is nearer to that of Tropidophom socotrana, G.-A., 3b of above plate (p. 145), but is not so distinctly paucispiral. This last species was placed by me in the above genus on shell-characters alone.
MORPHOLOGICAL OBSEIIVATIONS.
165
It is quite apparent these radidce are of the same type, with only that extent of variation we might expect to find in two distinct species from islands h)ng separated l)y a deep sea. It is of great interest to find this type of radnht in these Sokotran molluscs, for it leaves no doubt as to their true relationship, not by shell alone, to the genus
Fui. c.
m X196
Raduj.a of L. souleyetianum on a moke kkduceu scaee.
I'nipidoplitmi, the heaihiuarters of which is Madagascar. Neither of these species liear comparison with (Hopdiini. The radnia of 0. nati- roides, the Sokotran species which I descrilied and figured in Part VII., Land and F re ■>h- J fitter Molhisca of India, p. 30, pi. Ixvii. fig. 4, is repro- duced below (fig. d), and both 0. naficoides and 0. rhiiliratiihi have a similar odontophorc with this formula,
3 2 1 c 1 2 3
8 10 6 5 6
the two outer teeth l)eing of similar form.
Fi(i. d.
10
^le
oC^rvC
X163
RaUUEA of 0. NATICOIDES.
166 THE XATTRAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
At the time I was working at Otopoma I was led to look for operculated land shells from South Africa, iXrc, preser^-ed in spirit in the Natural History Collection of the British Museum. The only one to l)e found was a single specimen of Tropidnphora hctsilcornd^, E. Smith, which he kindly allowed me to examine. It was described and figured {iip. cit. p. 32), and I cannot do better than copy what I then wrote : —
" It is a female specimen, and was very difficult to extract without break- ing the shell, which I refrained from doing, as the animal was too hard to do much witli. The radula proved most interesting, and it differs altogether from that of Otopoma, even in the formula, Avhich is
(3MV)
1
1
(3.3')
Before receiving this, Mr. AV. Moss very kindly forwarded me some Avell-mounted examples of radtihe, among them one labelled OtopoiiKt vnifasriafa, Mauritius. Nevill, in his ' Amended Hand-List,' records two specimens of this species in the Indian Museum, received from the collection of Dr. Dohrn, l)Ut stated to be from Madagascar. "Whether the species is found in both these islands is therefore doubtful. The raduhi of this species (fig. e, p. 166) differs remarkably from that of true Ofopoina, and is altogether a beautiful
Fio. e.
RaDTLA of TrOPIDOPHOKA ? UNIFASCIATA.
object. It indicates so consideral)le a diwrgence from Ofojiomn that when tlic animal conies to be examined and descril)ed, it may give it a A'ery distinctiA-e position among the C'l/closfomida'. The centre tooth is broad, sides sloping inwards from the l)ase, with a large centre cusp, and three smaller on each side of it ; the first side-tooth has similar sloping sides, roundetl above, with four cusps ; the second side-tooth has parallel sides, and is five-cuspid ; instead of the usual third side-tooth there are, to all appearance, four, the outer- most being broad, like a rake in form, with very fine narrow sharp-pointed teethlets, set close together, about 1 4 in number ; the next oi- ti'ue thii'd side-tooth is narrower, with five cusps, much larger and more rounded in form, contrasting strongly with those on the outermost tooth ; it is also apparent that this outer tooth can fold
MOKPHOLOCilCAL OBSKKVATIONS. 167
almost upon itself, the inside margins being attached The formula is therefore : —
3'.3 2 1 c 1 2 3.3'
5 6-U
6-U
4
The niiluJii of the TropdopJiont (tig. f) in the Bi'itish Museum, un- (loul)te(lly from Madagascar, was equally interesting, as it is of the Type just descril)ed, not that of OfojianKL
Fiu. f.
,(j(>
"1/^%^
RaDULA of TROPinUPUORA BETSILEOKNSIS.
The centre tooth is rounded above, with straight sides sloping outwai'ds to the broad base, tricuspid, but on some the large side cusp is replaced by two smaller ones ; the second tooth has nearly parallel sides, sharply bent over on the cuspid edge, with four sharp narrow cusps ; the third is made up of two very distinct portions, the inner one having 6-8 sharp-pointed teeth on a curved edge ; then intervenes a long slit, and the next and outermost part is a curved edge, set with about twelve very fine saw-like cusps. In every respect it is like imifaseiaia, except that the outermost tooth is not so decidedly divided into two, the formula being : —
3^3 2 1 c 1 2 3.3'
12-8
8-12
Dr. F. H. Troschel, in his excellent work />(^^• (kinss dcr Srhneckcn, which contains such a mass of valual)le detail, figures on fig. 11a row of teeth of C. Jiijufii^, from the Cape of Good Hope. In this species, which is said to ha Mauritian, it is interesting to find the outermost tooth corresponding with those T descrilie in the Madagascar shell. In ('. Uiiiitii.-^ the cuspid edge of the last tooth is divided into nearly three ecjual curved sections, that on the inner having larger teethlets than the middle section. In fig. 12 Dr. Troschel gives a ndlula of Leonid iiPunmiUifrix, an African (Oran.) genus and species. In this species the outermost tooth shows also three distinct and ditterently
168 THE NATUltAL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI.
cuspid divisions on curved edges. The West Indian species {riilc Troschel, from figs. 13-26 of Chondropuiim) have a type of their own, very different from the European genus Cydodoiim, and depart in a greater degree from Ufojioina on the one hand and Trojiii/ojihum on the other.
Guillainia? grata, I'rtif. (Plate xiii a. figs, l-lc.)
Lifhidion (jratiim, Smith, see above, p. 155.
This species was ol)tained in the island of Abd-el-Kuri. The shell differs often in its sculpture and in the height of spire. These variations are not numerous when compared with the numher of usual size and form. The animal is very pale in colour, with no markings of any kind. Foot divided, see pi. xiii A. fig. 11). Tcntacula are ap- parently rather short; eyes at the posterior lower base. The operculum (pi. xiii A. fig. Ic) is shelly, thin, with al)out 3^ turns, smooth and concave in front. The two specimens examined are apparently females. There is every reason for supposing the genus to l)e exophalliate, like Lifhidion and Oiopoiivi, the animals in general form l)eing so much alike.
The mdulu presents the following formula : —
3^3 2 1 c ' 1 2 3.3'
10-4 7 5 7 5 7 4-10
It is, howevei', somewhat difficult to arri\e at the exact number of the minuter denticles, as they are seldom all in focus, and not invarialily
Fig. g.
Radula of Guillainia grata.
the same. The central teeth appear generally as shewn in hg. g. Looking at it more from aljove (C) the cusps are lietter br.ought into view, and the central one is long and pointed, longer, in fact, than in
MORPIIOLO(;i("AL OBSERVATIONS. 169
any other species from this part of tlie woi'ld whicli I have examined. C" is a di-awing as viewed from the side. The first tooth is the largest, witli five large cusps, tui'iied over sharply ; the second is much smallei', narrow, with seven minute cusps ; the third is very l)road, slightly cur\ed on the cutting margin. This tooth has an inner narrow portion (;5X) shewn in profile, slightly separated from a wider one bearing minute cusps -4 and 10 respectively. It can be seen at once that this nulnhi assimilates more to that of Lithidion. than it does to OtdjKiiiKt iKifiniidrs, which I haA-e referred to above, its 3rd tooth being a composite one. Monsieur J. R. IJourguignat in Mol- liisquf's frm'sfrcs ct Jl avid files <h(iis Ic p,ii/s ifrs Cinniilix Mi'djoviiin (IS.S]), placecl this species under the name of friroloi; ?fr., p. 8.3, in his sul)g(^nus lldrhrJininin of OtojioiiiK on shell-charactei's, the Tvpe bein-' 11. ohfiisa, Pfr., from Zanzibar and the Somali country. The shell of obtnsa, figured by Bourguignat on pi. i\-. fig. 60 to 64, pi'csents the same high kind of spire as in (jrafo, but the operculum of ohfiim is not quite the same. Under whatever generic title the species ;/rafa may be known, it must be considered a sul)-geiuis of Tivpidoj>/iorn, not of Otopoma.
Without going beyond the species of the Ci/rlosfomidir. inhal)iting Sokotra and its outlying islands, there is much in the matter of distribution to attract attention. Their extension north, east, and west, is circum- scribed, and, Avhen found at all, they are sparsely represented. They are thus, as it were, isolated here, represented by a greater number of forms, the relationship of the majority being in the direction of a very characteristic fauna in the south.
Commencing with Ufopoma, excluding mere varieties and including Georgia, a subgenus of Bourguignat, in Peninsular India Ave have only one species, 0. hiiuhwnun, W. T. Blf. The animal has never been examined, and when it is, it will be interesting to see how far it will agree with those of Hokotra. On the East African and Somali coast Otopoma is represented by two species: we do not know Avhether it is a coastal form or how far it may inhabit the country toAvards the Avest. From Arabia tAA^o species are recorded. In Sokotnx we haAe the greatest inmil)er, viz., eight, and the finest forms.
GuiWiiim. has not yet occurred in either India oi- Aral)ia or the African coast near Guardafui, which has been explored. JMirhnmia, in which i/rafa is included by Monsieur Bourguignat, Avould appear to be a sul)genus of Ofopoma, the Type being ohtmi, Pfr., fi'om Zanzibar and south of Cape Guardafui. The operculum as figured is cpiite like that of Otopaiiw. The perforation in the centre is not important ; Ml-. Bourguignat shows this also in the operculum of Ofojjoma (Georgia) iKtiiropsis. It represents the softer portion attaching it to the foot, torn out after the animal has dried up. Neither can I), foninnii ov 0. Iiirldnainiii be placed in lli>rhehnima—^\({e hy side with forms like mpmndiaimin, Petit, of Madagascar, for this shell has no
170 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
trace of spiral liration ; on the contrary, the sculpture is strongly transverse. It is narrowly um]>ilicated with a high, well-pointed spire. Most of the shells included in Rorhebninia are of this type. R. phiUppiau'i, of Madagascar, is also closely umbilicate, not rilibed and Ijanded with colour. The species coqmiiuliKnum has been considered an Otopom'i : but nothing but an examination of the animal can settle this. I have shown how very different the radula of (Hopoiivi is from that of Tropidophnra and Fyotiiti, an African geinis ; and it seems prolialjle that the animals of all the C[i/ch>sf(iiiuil"' of this vast African area, with its islands, will fall into one or other of these two groups, which may even now be marked off as the Ofop-miinc and the Tropidoplioriiue respectively, while shell character may allow them to be ultimately sub-divided into genera and sul)-genera.
Lithidion of typical form is represented on Sokotra and Al)d-el-Kuri l)y four species, two in each island. As Mr. Edgar Smith points out, it is very doubtful whether L. lifhiilion has been found in Arabia ; it has not occurred in the latest collections from that side ; nor has it been found in Africa or India. On looking over the shells of this group in the Natural History Collection, there is a Lifhidioit niveum, Petit, from Madagascar. If we include shells departing more or less from the typical form, there is Tropidop)hora modesfa, Petit, of Al)d-el- Kuri, which is a Lithidion of a large tumid shape, and even Tropi- dophura snmfnina shows a clear approach in its style of sculpture, open uml)ilication and high spire. Then Mr. Smith places GidUtiinia grata in Lifhidiun, although in this shell the wide umbilicus is no longer a character. I consider, in spite of the similarity of the animals, the form of the shell is sufficient to keep it separate sul)generically.
Ci/dotopsis is an Indian genus, represented there by only two species, siibdiscoideum, Sowerby, from Orissa ; and semistriatum, Sowerby, in Peninsular India. C. conoideum, of the Mauritius, has been put into this genus, and Morelet has described fiUnnn and ncrilli from Anjouan, one of the Comoro Islands. I descril)ed ornatus from Sokotra. I may mention that the animals of all the above species are unknown, and until they are examined we cainiot feel quite sure they will all he generically alike. The operculum of C. oniofns is similar to Lifhidian lithidion ; Ci/rlofo])ds may, therefore, turn out to lie very near Tropi- dopliora. Sokotra on the north is at present the limit of the genus.
Buliminus, Beck. Sub=gen. Achatinelloides, Nevill.*
The Type of Achatinelloides is B. mcotorensis, Pfr. The original descrip- tion of the sub-genus is as follows : — " I suggest the above name for the curious Jrhatinrlhi-Ukc form, distinguished from liliiiclti^ hy the
* Hand List of Mollusca in the Indian Museum, Calcutta, p. 131.
MOUlMIOI.OGirAL OBSERVATIONS. 171
remarkable distinct fold on the columella, and by its more solid texture ; the oblique raided and regular sculpture is also unusual in the genus." The dissections of species in this sub-genus were made many years ago from specimens brought home ali\e by Professor Bay ley Balfour, and have been waiting publication in LkikI hihJ Firs/i-jrafrr MoJhi^ni of India, together with dissections made of Indian species of the geiuis, such as B. (Patraeus) (jrifjifliii, fi'om the Kuram Valley, North-West Frontier of India. As an opportunity now occurs of adding to what is known of the land shells of Sokotra, I give the results here.
Buliminus (Achatinelloides) balfouri, <1.-A. (Figs, h, j.)
Buliminus (Achatinelloides) socotorensis. (Fig. i.)
The generative organs are in every respect similar to a typical Buliminus, for instance that of B. (Napa?us) iitonfdnus, Drap., of the European area (see fig. 659 in Monoijniph af Lund a ml Fresh-IFater MoUusca of fhe Brifish Isles, by Mr. John W. Taylor, p. 361), the most striking chai'acter l)eing the long thin flagellate appendix rising from a long, thickened, and distinct base, opening into the common atrium close alongside that of the penis, from Avhich it seems quite distinct. Its function, whatever it may be, is associated with this organ, indicated by the retractor muscle being common to Itoth, that is, it bifurcates as
Fi(i. h.
t-J^A ^:
RaIU'LA of BuIjIMINTS (achatinelloides) r.ALFOURI.
is shewn liy Mr. Taylor in B. iivnifdiiiis and as I ol)served in both B. balfouri and B. tjrijfitliii of the Pan jab. In this Sokotran species the flagellate appendix is l)asal with regard to the penis sheath ; in the Indian species a1>ove-mentioned it is a diverticellum on the side of the penis sheath, given oft' about half-way between the generative orifice and the penis papilla. Mr. Taylor says " it would appear not improb- able that the appendix to the penis sheath of certain Gastropods is homologous with this organ," and it is appai'ent that if the forkerl retractor nniscles were brought together into one, and the basal tu])e of the flagellum laid alongside to coalesce with that of the penis so
172
THE NATl'KAL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
completely as to become a single tube, we should l)e presented with the normal form of the flagellate penis in so many genera of the
Fig,
aL g:d.
... r. ni.fl. ap.
v.d.
e.t.
sper.
b. fl ap.
gen. ap.
(JkNIT.\L1.\ ok B. (ACHATINELLDIDKs) SOCOTOKE.N'SIS.
hd., hermaphrodite duct ; al. gd., allniinen gland ; ov., oviduct ; sp., spermatheca ; fl., flageUum ; v.d., ran deferens ; sper., spermatophore ; to. fl. ap., base of flagellate appendix ; r. m. fl. ap., retractor muscle of flagellate appendix ; gen. ap., generative aperture ; e. t., eye tentacle.
Helirida'. The (jciiifalin of the genus I'liini is said by Mr. Taylor to l)e similar to that of Bnlimiiuia monUoia. I have not myself examined a sufficiently large numl)er of species in these elongate, close and many whorled genera, to know if there is any indication towards such a course of evolution in the relative closer position to each other of the flagellate appendix and penis ; it would be of interest to find such.
A spermatophore is developed, and in the generative organs of B. halfoini one may be seen in process of formation {qwr. fig. i).
In BnliininuH halfoiiH, the odontophore formula (fig. h) is : —
21 12 1 12 21
33 1 33
with 111 I'ows of teeth. The central tooth is tiicuspid, short, the point well behnv the anterior edge of the basal plate ; the admedian teeth are bicuspid, with the points also short, this may be due to
MoKI'HOl.OlilCAr. or.SKIIVATIONS.
173
weal', ior in //. (Acliatiiiclloidcs) suroidrciisiK, PtV., tlujy arc much lunger, longer excn tlian tl\e l)asal plate. 'I'lie latei'al teeth ai'c unevenly bicuspid with anothei' smaller eus}) on the exterior side. In B. soroforeiisifi, there is generally one long tooth with two smaller on the exterior base. The plates ar-e narrow. The dental formula of this last is : —
18 10 1 10 18
28
98 rows were counted.
1
Fi(i. i.
28
al. gd.
sp.
GkNITALIA of B. (ACIIATINELLOIDES) BALFOIIRI.
al. gd., albumen gland ; sp., spennatheca ; v. d., raf< deferen.t ; fl., flagflhun ; gen. ap., generative aperture ; p., penis ; r. m. fl. ap., retractor muscle of flagellate appendix.
In my paper on the Land Shells of Sokotra, collected Iw Professor B. Balfour, I made a few remarks on the past coiniection of Sokotra with some former and very diflferent distrilmtion of Laufl and AVater in this part of the world. It is not for me to enter on this subject here. It is one which can only be properly treated by those who have seen the country, and on a review of the whole collection.
I would, however, again refer to one point in the generic distribution of the Land Mollusca. Although .since 1880 further collections have been made, increasing the numl)er of known species, the remarkable absence of Helix still remains true.
174 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-KL-KURI.
PLATE XIII A.
Pig. I. GUILLAINIA GRATA, J'rfif. Animal, n<jhf side, x 12.
Fig. I a. The saute, Aniiintl, left side, x 12.
Pig. lb. The same, Animal from ahore, showiiKj divided foot, X 12.
Pig. ic. The Slime, Opercnhim, x 12.
Fig. 2. LITHIDION 50ULEYETIANUM. ? Animal from riejht side, x 8.
Fig. 2a. The same. Shell muscle.
Pig. 2b. The same, Animal from above.
Pig. 2C. The same, slumimj anal aperture, X 8.
Fig. 2d. The same, from rigid side, x 8.
Fig. 2e. The same, Opercidum, x 12.
Fig. 3. LITHIDION LITHIDION, G.-A. S Animal from ahore, x 8, with the icall (f jmlmonarji sac ml apen and thrown hack, showine/ anal orifice and exojjhalliate male on/an.
Fig. 3a. The same, (JperculiDH, X 12.
Liverp. Mus.; Rep. Sckvb^a Eccped.
pi.niiA.
Ic
3a,
H H-GodwiTv-Aiasteii. del.
" % a t^>j*iS5
^'h
c^* ,g
!■*
mJ ' ss*-
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Minte-nnBros K-th
MORPHOLOGY OF GUILLAINIA AND LiTHlDION
ARTHROPODA.
Arachnida.
Bij R. I. POCOCK, F.Z.S.
PLATES XIV., XXVI.
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA.
Scorpions and spiders.
The litoi'iitnre of 8okotran Arachnida is at pi-eseiit scanty and scattered. A complete list of the papers that have been wi'itten and of the species that have been recorded from the islands of Sokotra and Al)d-el-Kni'i are given at the end of this report.
The fanna is a mixtni'C of elements showing affinities both with the fanna of the Ethiopian and the Meditei'ranean areas, the Mediterranean elements on the whole predominating. The 8corj)ions — a group which furnishes valuable evidence for the determination of geographical areas — are distinctly more Mediterranean than Ethiopian. Henmcorpim and Bufhcolns have their head- quarters in the desert countries of South-AVestern Asia. The one species of Buthus, too, belongs to a section of the genus which is represented by several forms in these same countries, has penetrated Africa as far south as the Zambesi, and has reached Cape Comorin in India, though its absence from Ceylon and Burma points to it as a late immigrant into Hindostan. The two Scorpions from Abcl-el-Kuri attest the same fact, both being related to the Arabian and Syrian genus A^jo, and occupying an intermediate stage between the latter and its only other known ally, the Central American Diplorenirns. The one Solpugid met with in Sokotra also belongs to a genus known hitherto from Asia Minor, Aral)ia, and North India. Argi/njM' rladii is another Mediter- ranean form. On the other hand, the Mygaloid Spider Monoceniropuii, although peculiar to Sokotra, forms a unit of the sul>family Eamenophoiina', which is confined to tropical Africa and Madagascar. Nephila hi/menmt, too, and the one single known (rdsfcrarantha are certainly African and not Mediterranean elements. The same may be said of the two forms of Jj(froih'rf)is and of the one genus of Zodariidse, Caplieris. The remaining species of Spiders do not supply very satisfactory evidence either in favour of an Ethiopian or Mediterranean origin of the fauna.
On the negative side it is interesting to note the apparent absence from Sokotra of such forms as the Spiders Hdcropoda miafarid, Aiicma atlanfa, and the Scorpion hoincfrm eurojxeiis ( = indcuhdiis), which have been artificially introduced by human agency into all tropical and subti'opical countries to which commerce has extended.
17S THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The Scorpions and Spiders of Sokotra.
SCORPIONES.
BUTHID^.
Buthus, Leach. 1. Buthus socotrensis, Pomd:
Prlonuruti hotti'iitolfus, Fabr. ; Tascheiiberg;, Zeits. Naturwiss. (4), ii. p.
173 (1883). Buthus socotrntsis, Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), iii. p. 337, pi. xv.
fig. 3 (1889) ; Kraepelin, Das. Tierr. Scorp., etc., p. 20 (1899).
My original description of the Type, with a few ementUitions, is as follows : —
" Colour very characteristic. The whole l)ody, above and helow, with palpi, legs, tail, and cephalothorax uniformly ochraceous, testaceous, or a coml)ination of the two ; the distal end of the cheliceric, the area of the lateral and median eyes and of the anterior cephalothoracic keels, black.
" The specirs bears considerable resemblance to B. hottentotta and B. tainidus, and undoubtedly appertains to that section of the genus of which hotteidoUa may l)e regarded as the type.
" Cephalothorax. — Much the same shape as in B. liofteiduttn, but the median eyes are larger and considerably more widely separated ; anterior keels not smooth between the eyes, diverging normally in front and joining each other in the middle line of the front edge of the cephalo- thorax ; the area between them almost smooth. The posterior keels almost parallel, joining, and l^eing in almost the same straight line with the internal median keels, which are consequently themselves nearly parallel, the two on each side constituting only a slightly sinuous line ; the external median keel not prominent and not united by a transverse line of tubercles with the anterior end of the posterior keel, as it is in B. europmis. The rest of the cephalothorax sparsely granular.
" Ten/itcs. — The first six marked with three keels, although the lateral keels of the first may be represented by a single large granule only ; these keels granular and becoming progressively more expressed from before backwards, the lateral diverging in front, but none of the keels are conspicuous on account of their being of the same colour as the rest of the segment ; keels of the seventh segment like those of, e.g., B. hottentotta.
THE S(_H)1!1M()NS AND Sl'IDEKS OK SOKOTRA. 179
'Sfcrnitcs as in />'. /loffni/o/la, except tliat tlie foui' ke(>ls of the fifth are of tlie same colour as the rest of the segment.
' 'j\,li — Slightly narrowed fi'om l)ase to apex, coiisidei'ahly moi'e shallowly excavated alcove than in J>. hiltnifoffit, B. fannihis, and B. jadaicus ; upper surface of the fifth segment with a shallow depression in its posterior half. The first four segments pi-ovided each with ten keels, for the most part feel >ly granular ; the infei'ioi' keels, almost smooth in fi'ont, lieconie moi-e granulai' behind ; the supei'ior keels, on the other hand,l)ecomc less granular hehind ; the inferior intercarinal spaces smooth behind, and l)ecoming more granular in hout ; the superior in- tercarinal spaces sparsely granular behind, more thickly so in front ; on the fourth segment the granules of the upper surface are ari'anged in a detinite longitudinal series, and constitute a distinct keel; consequently this segment, having a complete though feelile median lateral keel, is supplied with twelve keels. Fifth segment much like that of B. liiitfvnfuftii, but less narrowed l)ehin(l and less excavated above ; superior keels absent, the segment ])eing merely granular above at the sides ; inferior and lateral keels evenly granular throughout and nowhere denticulate ; the granules of the inferior intercarinal spaces are arranged on each side in a definite series, thus constituting a keel, so that when viewed from below this segment appears to be furnished with h\'e keels.
" J\'ddr large, dilated, its height being as great as, or greater than, its width, and as great as, or a little greater than, the width of the anterior and of the fifth caudal segment ; granular beneath ; aculeus sharply curved l)ackwards, consideral)ly, or a little shorter than the vesicle; together the two are about as long as the fifth caudal segment.
'■'Palp. — Humerus almost as in B. ItotteidoWi, except that the granules are finer ; l)rachium not costate behind ; superior keels very finely granular ; anterior keels more coarsely granular. Manus not costate ; a little narrower than the brachium and shorter than the dactyli ; dactyli long, slender, incurved ; the movaljle dactylus in one specimen about twice the length of the ' hand-back,' in the others considerably less so ; the moval)le dactylus furnished with a small basal lobe. External surface of femora of legs granular.
" Fediiies (exclusive of the teeth) shorter than the cephalothorax ; number of teeth 24-25 ( $ ), in one specimen 28-29 ( c? ). All the appendages are hairy, mostly sparsely so, but on the maims and dactyli the haii-s are very short, and close-set ; the anterior margin of cephalothorax is furnished with a row of haii's, and on the under surface of the tail the hairs are few but symmetrically arranged.
" Measurements in millimetres of largest specimen : — Total length 76, of tail 44, of cephalothorax 9 ; width 10; first tail-segment, length 51 width 5i, height 4| ; fifth tail-segment, length 91, width 4f , height 41 ; visicle, length 6|, width 4^, height 4^, ; palp, length of
180 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
humerus 7, of brachium 8| ; width of latter 4 ; width of hand 3| ; length of 'hand-back' 5|, of movable finger 10.| ; length of pecten 11"
In the length of the fingers and slenderness of the hand this species somewhat calls to mind the female of B. tarimlus ; but the movable dactylus is furnished with a much more conspicuous basal lobe than in the female of that species. It differs from ])oth B. hottcnfotta and B. fdinnhis in its larger and more widely separated median eyes, in its more widely separated and more parallel posterior cephalothoracic cariiuB, in its larger vesicle, and, above all, by the additional twelfth row of granules on the superior surface of the fourth caudal segment ; this last is, in fact, a characteristic by which it may be separated from, I lielieve, all the species of ButJins that have been hitherto described, although it is at the same time a characteristic which is faintly fore- shadowed in the reduplication of the series of granules which con- stitute the superior keels of the fourth and fifth caudal segments in some of the species allied to Barahuflnis liosorm.
This Scorpion is extremely a1)undant in the island. Large numbers wei'c procured liy Messrs. Grant and Forl:»es.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.); Homliil (1500-2500 ft.); and Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
Under stones ; rarer in tents.
Butheolus, Simon. 2. Butheolus insularis, Bocock.
Biitheolux insularis. Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 8 (1899).
CoJour. — Tail and upper side of trunk olive-l)lack, appendages rather paler ; digits, distal end of legs, and ventral surface, olive-yellow.
Carapace granulai', its ante-ocular jiortion sloped ; terga graiuilai', especi- ally along the posterior margin ; terga 3-G tricostate. Tail incrassate to middle of fourth segment, infcrioi' surface of segments 1-4 graiuilar and furnished with four strong and granular keels ; inferior surface of fourth and fifth smooth, impressed with large but shallow pinictures, the former with very short granular keels in front, the latter graiuilar posterioi'ly, its lateral keels only obsolete in front, upper surface of segments smooth ; the first normally keeled, the second with weaker and smoother keels, third, fourth, and fifth punctured at the sides, the two former with scarcely a trace of lateral keels ; vesicle punctured ; not geniculate beneath the aculeus. L'hcJiv with humerus granular and granularly crested al)ove, brachium smooth, with smooth crests ; hand smooth, scarcely crested ; digits short, the moval)le l)eing twice the length of the hand-back, shorter than the carapace, furnished with eight rows of teeth. Movable and immovable digits of mandibles furnished with two inferior teeth. Coxae of legs granular ; external surface of legs granular and carinate. Pectinal teeth, 17. Total length, 22 mm.
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA. 181
Sokotra : Gebel Raggit (700 ft.). — A single specimen.
Found under a stone in the dry upper parts of the Ijed of the Hanefu
River. Recognisable at once fi'om the Arabian and Persian B. inrhnnruf; by the
smoothness of the upper caudal crests, iK:c.
ISCHNURID^.
Hemiscorpius, Peiers.
3. Hemiscorpius socotranus, PiXDck.
lIciniscorjiin-< xorctranus. Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 8 (1899). $ Colour. — 01i\e-l)rown above ; chehe ferruginous, with crests and digits infuscate ; legs oli\'e-yellow.
Canqhicf and tergal plates densely punctured ; ^ery finely and closely granular laterally and in the median depression; coxae and sterna finely punctured. Tail about four times as long as the carapace ; superior and inferior lateral keels strong and granular on all the segments ; median lateral keel al)sent on first and all the following segments, except the fifth, where it is posteriorly abljre\"iated ; inferior lateral keels distinct on all segments, but weakly granular on the anterior ; inferior median keel al)sent on segment 1, present in the posterior half of segment 2, developed on segments .3-5 ; intercarinal spaces finely graiudar ; vesicle finely and coarsely punctured, finely granular. Chela', very finely and closely punctured ; hand nearly flat above, with smooth external finger keel and median longitudinal keel. Legs punctured and finely granular. Giniital opercnluai broadly cordate, without median suture, except in front. Pedinal teeth 10.
6 Differing from $ in its more slender build, longer tail, and much more strongly granular upper surface of body and chelee. Carapace as long as first and half the second caudal segments. Tail about five times as long as carapace, its fifth segment much longer than carapace ; vesicle more elongate than in $ . Pectinal teeth 12-13.
Measurements in millimetres — ? Total length 38, length of tail 19-5, of carapace 5, fifth segment of tail 4-5. S Total length 38, length of tail 22, of carapace 4*2, fifth segment of tail 5-2.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain; Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.) ; Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
Under stones.
Recognisable from the Arabian //. le/ifenis hy the obsoletoiess of the median inferior keel on the first and second caudal segments, etc.
SOLIFUGiE. SOLPUGID^.
Qluviopsis, Knaep.
4. Gluviopsis balfouri, I'ocod:
Pariirholils hiilj'ouri, Pocock, Ann. .Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), p. 95 (189.5). ? Colour entirely pale yellow, with the exception of the l)lack ocular
182 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
tubercle, lilack mandil)ular fangs, and a liroad Ijlack band round the
distal half of the til)ia of the palp ; distal extremity of the tarsus
pale. Carapufc with its anterior l)order lightly convex ; tubercle with a series
of hairs surrounding the eyes on the inner- side and a cluster in front,
of which two are stronger than the rest; space between the eyesa])Out
equal to a diameter. Mandibles with long, sharply defined, stridulating ridges ; the lower jaw
dentate, somewhat as in /'. Jorsdlix, but in the upper the anterior two
teeth are large and sub-eqvial, as large, in fact, as the fourth — the
third, fifth, and following ones being small. Falj) with its til)ia studded below with two series of longish spines. Measurements in millimetres. — Total length, 16; width of head 4, length
3 ; length of mandil)le 5-3, of palp 12, its protarsus and tarsus 4, of
fourth leg IS. Sokotra. — (/. JJ. Bulfinir.)
ARANE^.
MYGALOMORPH/E. THERAPHOSID^.
EUMENOPHORIN/E.
Monocentropus, Pocock.
Monoceiifropiis, Pocock, Proc. Zool. Soc. , 1897, p. 758.
Carapace oval, longer than wide ; fovea shallow, transverse, wider than ocular tubercle ; tubercle small, subcircular ; eyes of anterior row somewhat strongly procurved, of posterior row recurved ; clypeus very narrow.
ManfJi/ih's Avithout external scopula ; a single row of teeth below ; the posterior portion of the lower surface weakly graiuilar.
Ldhinrii a little wider than long ; its Iwrder granular like the iinier angle of the maxilla.
Sfenium oval, longer than wide ; the posterior sigilla distinctly removed from the margin.
Lt'l/s : tarsal scopuhe entire ; protarsal scopuhe also undivided, except partially so on the fourth ; on the first and second legs, extending practically to the l)ase of the segment ; covering about two-thirds of the segment on the third leg and half on the fourth ; legs unarmed, except for a pair of spines at the tips of the til)ice and protarsi beneath ; length 4, 1, 2, 3 ; patella and tibia of fourth about equal to those of the first ; claws unarmed. Spinners considerably more than half the length of the carapace.
T/ltia. of (farmed with a single spine-tipped tul)erculiform process.
THE SrORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA. 183
5. Monocentropus balfouri, Pomd: (Plate xiv. fig. 1.)
MoHoctntropv.v balfoiiri, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1S97, p. 758, pi. xli. figs. 1, la.
Colour. — Carapace covered with olive-yellow puhescence, showing pinkish tinge towards the margin ; legs covered Avith olive-l)rown hairs ; the base of the femora and upperside of the trochanters greyish-Avhite ; the lower side of the femora clothed with whitish or yellowish-white hairs and contrasting very forcibly in colour with the chocolate-brown tint of the coxjb and of the segments on the distal side of the femora ; alxlomen furnished with long greyish-red hairs at the side, black beneath.
Carnpiirr moderately convex, its cephalic area not strongly elevated ; a little longer than the fourth protarsus, shoi'ter than patella and tibia of fourth leg.
Eij('>> not very uiie([ual in size ; the anterior medians if anything the smallest, distinctly smaller than the anterior laterals, and separated by a space that al)out ecjuals theii' diameter, a little nearer to the anterior laterals ; a straight line touching their front liorders cutting near the centres of the laterals ; posterior median about as large as the posterior lateral and closer to it than to the median.
Tibia of S armed with a low tul)erculiform process beset with two tufts of rigid lanceolate spines ; the lower surface of the anterior two pairs of femora as well as the femur of the palp furnished externally with long thickly-set hairs, tibia of palp also thickly hairy below ; tarsus of palp apically thickly scopulate ; the bulb globular, the lightly arcuate spine rising abruptly from its posterior portion.
Measurements in millimetres. — Total length 34; length of carapace 16, width 13 ; length of first leg 50, of second -1:7, of third 45, of fourth 53; patella and tilua of first 18-8, of second 16-5, of third 15, of fourth 18.
Sokotra: Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; and Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.). Collected also by Prof. Balfour and Mrs. Bent.
All the known specimens of this spider, the largest found in Sokotra, are males that haA-e l)een met with wandering about after dark in search of females. The latter, no doubt, live in burrows, and have on that account eluded up to the pi'csent time the search of collectors. The example captured by Mrs. Bent was caught in the tent at night. One of the other specimens was met walking along a steep path in the bush at about 5-30 p.m. Instead of attempting to escape by flight, it im- mediately rose up in an attitude of defence, showing fight in the manner depicted on the Plate referred to above.
BARYCHELID^.
Atrophothele, gen. nov.
Conijunr low; eyes aggregated on a tubercle; the ocular area a little wider than long and a little narrowed anteriorly ; anterior medians
184 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AP.D-EL-KURI.
close to edge of clypeus sul)equally separated from each other and from the posterior laterals, the spaces between them slightly exceeding the long diameter of an anterior latei'al eye ; posterior laterals and posterioi- medians snl>e(|ual, much smaller than the remaining eyes ; anterior medians a little more than a I'adius apart and a little less than a diameter from the anterior laterals. RusteUum scarcely developed, merely represented by about a dozen irregularly arranged long, curved, stout, but apically filiform bristles. Labium wider than long, with a row of altout six cusps along its border; iniixillce studded basally with cusps, about twenty in number, arranged anteriorly in about three rows. Ij'f/s slender, anterior pairs and palpi scantily spined ; posterior pairs more strongly spined ; scopuhe scanty. Anterior .•^pinners very small, ([uite short and slender, set close together in the middle line.
Type A. sokofnina.
In the small size of its anterior spinners this geiuis lies midway between DijiJoUich' and the rest of the genera of the family Bnri/chclida'. Other distinguishing features are the weak I'astellum, the straight thoracic fovea, cuspulate mouthparts, and small posterior lateral eye.
6. Atrophothele socotrana, sji. n. '
Culoiir : carapace deep ruddy-l>rown, scantily clothed with silky -yellow hairs ; legs pale orange yellow ; al:»domen pale olive grey.
Cardpacc al)out one-fourth longer than wide, its length about equal to patella and til)ia of fourth leg, longer than patella and tibia of first leg. Palpi with tibia armed internally with about three .spines. Leys : first leg unspiiied, except for two spines at the base of the protarsus, and a few stout l)ristles on the underside of the tibia ; second leg armed like the first, but the bristles on the tibia shorter, one of them being spiniform ; third leg al)sent ; fourth leg with about half a dozen spines on the underside of the tibia, three lieing apical ; one posterior spine on the patella, and many strong spines and spiniform bristles on the protarsus ; scopula^ scanty ; protarsal scopula of first leg scarcely reaching, that of second not reaching, Imse of segment ; absent on fourth leg ; tarsal scopula^ divided by liand of sette, the divisional line indistinct mesially on the tarsus of the palp and first leg, distinct throughout on the second leg, and so broad on the fourth leg as to occupy the whole of the lower surface of the segment, the scopula l)eing I'epresented l)y only a few hairs at the sides of the segment ; claws armed with from one to two teeth placed near the middle of their length.
Measurements in mm. : — Total length 14, cai'apace 5*5, first leg 13, second 11, fourth 17.
Sokotra : Jena-agahaii (1200-2500 ft.). A single female specimen found under a stone in dry bed of torrent below the camp.
THE SCORPION'S AXD Sl'IDKRS OF SOKOTUA. 185
ARACHNOMORPH/E. THERIDIID^.
Latrodectus, Walck.
7. Latrodectus geometricus, ('. Kurli.
Lalrodectm (/eonietricits, C. Koch, Die Arachniden, viii. p 117, fig. 684 (1841); Simon, Ann. Soc. Ent. France (6), x. ]>. !)!) (1890); id. Hist. Nat. Araign, i. p. 569 (1894).
Sokotra: Dimichiro Valley ; Homhil (1500-2500 ft.). This species occurs in the trojiics of America and Africa, in Arabia, and as far cast as Karachi, on the border of Hindostan.
8. Latrodectus tredecem-guttatus, JiO.^si.
Araiiea tredecem-giittata, Rossi, Fauna Etrusc, ii. p. 136, pi. ix. fig. 10 (1790) ; Thorell, Synonyms of European Spiders, p. 508 (1873) (for synononiy).
Specimens of the black variety of this species (var. evchm) were taken. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain.
Argyrodes, Simon.
9. Argyrodes argyrodes {JFakk.).
Liiii/lihia (inji/rodes, Walck., Ins. Apt., ii. p. 282 (1837). Ar</>/rodes anjyrode^, Simon, Arachn. de France, v. p. 16 (1881). Sokotra: Dahamis (350-1000 ft.); Homhil (1500-2500 ft.); Adho
Dimelhis (3500-4500 ft.). Widely distributed in the tropics, where it follows the distribution of Ci/riopJiom citricolu, with which (according to Simon) it lives com- mensally.
ARGYOPID^.
Tetragnatha, Latr.
10. Tetragnatha boydi, o.r. Cmnhr.
TetrcKjnafha hoydi, O.P. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., 1898, p. 389, pi. xxxi. fig. 4.
Adult female, length 4 lines ; length of cephalothorax 2 lines ; length of falces 2 1 lines nearly.
Cq)h((Iofhorii.r olilong-oval, truncated at each extremity, and widest near the middle ; length double its breadth ; lateral marginal impressions of caput very slight ; caput and margins of thorax darker than the rest ; yellow-brown, Init in the dry specimen the colour is unreliable.
Eyes of posterior row eii[ually separated ; in a very slightly curved line, the convexity of the curve directed forwards ; anterior row much more strongly curved, but with the same direction of the curve ; central quadrangle slightly broader than long, and the fore side distinctly shorter than the hinder one ; the fore-central pair of eyes longest, and seated on a strongish rounded tubercular prominence ;
1S6 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURl.
each of the hiteral eyes also on a tulicrcle. The eyes of each lateral pair are much iieai'cr to each other than the fore-central pair are to the hiiid-ceutrals. Cljipen^ rather less in height than half the facial space.
Falcrs very long and projecting forwards, slightly longer than the cephalothor'ax ; considerably divergent ; slightly curved, rather con- stricted at the fore extremity. Fang more than three-fourths the length of the falx, strong, abruptly bent at the base where it is some- what enlai'ged, and there is another somewhat shallow dentiform enlai-gement towards the middle on the iniici' side ; and each of the falces is armed with a strong, somewhat curved, pointefl tooth at its extremity, just below tlie outer side close to the insertion of the fang ; also on the iinier side nearly beneath the base of the fang is another strong shai'p-pointed tooth ; l)esides these teeth each falx has a dou])le loui-itudinal row of other's along the underside ; those on the outside are most lumierous (lO*?) and more equally separated, the inner ones (7 or SI) strongest and more confined to the posterior portion of the falx, those of l)Oth rows diminishing in strength as they run back- wards.
Legs very slender; 1, 2, -t, 3, very little dirterence between 2 and 4; furnished with hairs and a few short slender spines.
Maxilhe, lal)ium, and sternum normal.
The abdomen was so shrivelled and de\oid of colour that nothing can be said as to its colours or markings, which, however, are most probably distinctive of the species.
This Spider is nearly allied to TtiragiKitlid fai/lori, Caml)r. (South Africa), l)ut the relati\'e position of the eyes is different, as well as the form of the fang and the denticulation of the falces.
Sokotra.— (i;. //: Bennett.)
11. Tetragnatha granti, sp. n.
Colour : carapace, legs, and mouth parts ochraceous, clouded with black ; carapace with two broad submedian fuscous bands and with stripes radiating from the fovea to the fuscous lateral ])order ; mandible with broad external fuscous stripe ; legs banded and spotted ; maxilla3 banded ; steriuim and labium l)lackish, border of the former pale and clear ; abdomen oHa'C grey studded with silvery spots, the upper side furnished with two rows of spots and lines forming an irregular interrupted lateral band, the ventral surface adorned with three — a median and two lateral — dark bands, separated l)y two narrower silver- spotted stripes, which start — one on each side — from the pale pul- monary opercula, the lateral dark bands extending on to the sides of the abdomen, with external liorder sinuous.
Carapace a])0ut half the length of the femur of first leg, less than half but more than oiie-thii'd the length of patella and til)ia, almost as long as tibia of fourth, and as patella, tibia, and half the protarsus of the third.
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA. 187
Ejicx of postcfior line sulxMnial, sulxMnially spaced, slightly recurved, about two diameters apart ; ocular (juadi-angle very slightly wider liehind than in front, about as wide as long ; anterior median eves larger than posterior medians, about a diameter apart and above the clypeus, considerably more than a diameter from the laterals, which are much smaller and stand higher, their upper edges in a line with those of the medians, their lower edges in a line with the centres of the latter ; hence the eyes of the anterior line which is as wide as the posterior are recurved, the two lateral eyes on each side about as far apart from each other as are the auteiior and posterior medians.
MandiUrs short, fusiform, about half the length of the carapace ; armed below with two rows of nine teeth each, the teeth stait at the articular socket of the fang and extend about half wav up the jaw, decreasing in size proximally, the teeth of the anterioi' (upper or outer) row extending farther than the others owing to the wider-spacing of the distal teeth. Fang short, unmodified, extending, when closed, barely half way back along the liasal segment. Ma.rilhr about three times as long as the labium, and rathei' more than twice as long as their distal width.
L('[/s 1, 2, 4, .3 (rf. measurements) ; sparsely and weakly aculeate.
Abdomen su])cylindrical, higher anteriorly than posteriorly, a little narrowed posteriorly, ending in a bluntly rounded supra-anal pro- minence ; genital orifice more than one-third but less than one-half way along the ventral surface of the abdomen, and nearly as far from pulmonary stigmata as the latter are fi'om the anterior end of the abdomen.
Measurements in mm.— Total length 11, carapace 4, first leg 24, second 15,
third 6.5, fourth 1-3. Sokotra: Dahamis (350-1000 ft.).
By the arrangement of its eyes, this species apparently falls into section c
of Simon's division of THnKjuidhn, but diflfers from the rest of the
species in having the legs sparsely and weakly spinose, as in section a.
{Hist. Nat Araign. I., p. 723, 1894).
This specimen was taken while sitting with legs extended in its wel)
made over a running stream. Two known 8okotran species of this genus, of which only the females have been described, may be diagnosed as follows :— ((/) Basal segment of mandible longer than carapace (21 : 2), toothed nearly to the l)ase along the posterior border of the fang groove, the teeth of this row widely spaced distally, the distal tooth of each row much larger than the rest and projecting above and below the l^ase of the fang ; fang about three-(|uarters the length of the l)asal segment, siiuious, al)ruptly bent at the base, and with an anguliform tooth near the middle of its biting edge . . boijdi.
188 THE XAXritAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
(h) Basal segment of mandible about half the length of the carapace ; toothed in the proximal half, the teeth of the posterior row evenly and closely set starting from socket of fang ; distal teeth of each row only a little larger than the rest ; fang short, a])out half the length of the basal segment, evenly curved, unarmed ffranti.
Argyope, Aud.
12. Argyope clarkii, Jlhtdic. (Plate xiv. figs. 3, 3a, 31), 3c.)
i^'Aranea ■■^extor, Forskal, Icones rerum nat., &c., p. 85, pl.x xv. fig. c
(1775). Artjiojoe clarkii, Blackw., Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3), xvi. p. 98 (1865). Aryiope sericea var. cahovtrdiana, Brit. Capello Jorn. Ac. Sc. Lisbon, i.
p. 82, pi. ii. fig. If (1868). Aryiope lordii, O.V. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1870, p. 820, pi. 1. fig. 1. Aryiope Jisdloba, L. Koch, .Egj'pt, Abyssin., Arachn., p. 15, pi. ii. fig. 1
" (1875). Not Aryiop(f vhirki, Simon, Ann. Soc. Ent. France (6), x. p. 101 (1890).
This si^ecies has a wide range throughout the southern half of the Mediterranean area, extending from the Cape Verde Islands, whence the type of A. clarkii was collected, to Abyssinia {A. kmlii and A. Jissiloha), thence into Arabia, Sokotra, and as far east as Bushire on the Persian Gulf. The female may be at once recognised from the females of the rest of the species forming the group of which A. sericea is the type, by the form of the vulva (PI. xiv. fig. 3b), in which the ' carina' and the two cavities, when viewed from below, are completely roofed over and overlapped posteriorly by a rugose convex plate, of which the posterior border is smooth, thickened and notched in the middle, the thickening of the border being emphasised by a pair of deep submarginal grooves which sometimes extend so as to circumscribe a median eminence situated at the apex of the posterior notch. Both the eminence and the notch vary consideral)ly in degree of develop- ment in specimens from the same locality.
The Types of both A. clarkii and A. hjrdii are in the possession of the Rev. 0. P. Cambridge, and I am indebted to Mr. F. Caml)ridge for an examination of the vulvie of the two which confirmed their specific identity — a conclusion of which I had already surmised the accuracy from examining a large series of the species from the Cape Verde Islands, Arabia, and Persia. The species identified by Simon as A. clarkii is evidently not the same form since he compares it with A. niyro-viUata of Thorell. According to Simon A. sector of Forskal is identical with his clarkii. A. sector may, however, be equally well identical with the true A. clarkii.
The male and female of this species, which is very abundant in Sokotra are figured side by side on the abo^'e-(|uoted plate.
THE SCORPIONS AxND Sl'IDEltS OF SOKOTRA. 189
The m.'ilc is much smaller than the female. The carapace has a median pale l)aii<l covered with silvery haii-, and a pale mai'gin, the rest of its area heint;- I)i()\vn ; upper side of abdomen covered with an olive brown field with a sinuous lilack external border and a median pale l)and adorned with silvery haii' ; the sides of the abdomen arc yellowish above, deep brown below, the two colours sharply contrasted ; the outer surface has a silvery white l)and on each side, separated by a median deep brown stripe bordered externally with black ; sternum black with median silvery l)aiid ; legs yellow spotted with black. Abdomen at least twice as long as wide, without latei'al lobes, but with a longish conical caudal process.
Total length — ^9 mm., $ up to about 25 mm.
Hokotra.— (Balfour). Gebel Raggit (600 ft. ) ; Jena-agahan ( 1 200-2500 ft. ) ; Hadibu Plain; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; and Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; also Al)(l-el-Kuri.
Nephiia, Leach.
13. Nephiia SUmptUOSa, Ger.^f. (Plate xiv. figs. 2, 2a, 21).)
Xcphila .•oimpfnom, Gerstiicker, in Von der Decken's Reisen in Ost.
Afrika, iii., 2, p. 501, pi. xviii. lig. 12 (187.3) : Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat.
Hist. (6), xviii. p. 182 (1896). Ni'phila hoinu'tli, O.P. Caml)ridge, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 387, pi. xxxi. fig. 2.
Sokotra.—(7jV //;>»/• and Beiuwit). Homhil (1500-2.")00 ft.); Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; and Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
This species is not uncommon in Sokotra. It was collected in consider- able quantities both hy Professor Balfour and by Messrs. Gi'ant and Forbes. Mr. Bennett also procured a specimen which served as the type of Nejyhila ht'iuuiti, O.P. Camliridge.
Although A^. sniiipttioKH is an extremely abundant species in East Africa, extending from Somaliland to Natal, and was recorded from the island of Sokotra in 1896, Mr. Cambridge unfortunately makes no comparison between this species and the Sokotran form he named henncUi. There appears, however, to be no justification for regarding the latter even as a distinct subspecies.
The material collected by Messrs. Grant and Forbes contains both males and females. A specimen of the female has been figured (PL xiv. fig. 2) to illustrate a very conspicuous element in the Sokotran fauna. The diminutive male which has, I believe, never been described, is also figured for comparison with the female. Its essential structural features may l)e diagnosed as follows : —
S ■ Prevailing colour yellow, clouded with black. Leijx armed with long spines, the tarsi, protarsi, and underside of tibiae clothed with short, close-set stif?" hairs.
Ocular quadrangh about as wide as long, the anterior median eyes much larger than posterior medians, less than a diameter apart, posterioi'
190 THE NATUUAL HISTtiKV OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI.
medians little more than a diameter, much nearer to each othei' than to the laterals ; eyes <jf posterior line sti-aight ; laterals smaller than medians ; eyes of anterior line strongly recurved. Palp with patella glolnilar, armed above with a long bristle ; tibia about as long as the patella, wider than long, the bulb black, glol)ulai-, the spine long, unjointed and sinuous.
Total length 8 mm.
[This handsome species was particularly luuuerous lielow our camp at Homhil, the ])ushes bordering the reedy bed of the stream being covered with its great wel)s. These are of so strong a texture that when one accidentally walks through a w^el) suspended between two bushes one can feel and hear the net tear as one passes thi'ough it. — W.E.O.G.]
Araneus, Clerck. 14. Araneus hoplophallus, Poaid:
Araneus hoplophall ns, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 40 (1899). ^. Colour: Carapace and legs yellowish-red, the latter marked with deep l)rown transverse bands and armed with spines, mostly white with Ijlack tips, except those on the front of the til)ia of the second leg, which are nearly l)lack throughout ; upper side of abdomen mottled with olive Itlack spots and marks on a greyish ground ; the anterior area 1)etween and in front of the shoulder points marked mesially with an olive lilack stripe which behind is continuous with a trans- verse, slightly pi'ocurved band of the same colour extending between the shoulder points ; no pair of circular white marks on this area ; the rest of the dorsal surface marked with narrow transverse olive- black lines, with their extremities curved for- w^ard and bordered }>ehind by a paler line. Structurally the type of this species is very closely allied to the males of A. sirepiocrro^, Poc, from Rhodesia and Nyassaland (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), ii. p. 436, 189cS), and to A q/rfomipKs, Poc, from Natal (Aim. Mag. Nat. Hist. (7), ii. p. 206, 1898), but ditters from Palvus (magnified) of them in the structure of its palpal oi'gans, as
Araneus hoplophallus. j^^ shown in the accompanying illustratioiL Total length 1 1 mm. ; length of carapace 6. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.). A single male example.
This species w^as T)ased upon a single male example. Since describing it, I have seen a specimen from Al)ian in S. Arabia, collected by Mr. A. B. Percival, and one from Berbera in North Western Somaliland, collected by Mr. C. V. A. Peel (see F.Z.S., 1900, p. 52). These dis- coveries lend considerable probaliility to the view that A. hojilophallus is founded on the hitherto unknown male of A. suedicola--a species originally recorded by Simon from Aden (Ann. Soc. Eat. Fr., 1890,
THE SCOltlMONS AND Sl'lDKItS OF SOKOTKA. 191
p. 10."}) ; and .siilis('([ueiitly tVom Sonialiland liy l'a\e.si (Jnii. Miis. Genmnt, xxxv. p. 49(S, 1895).
15. Araneus cardioceros, I'ovnd-. (Plate xiv. % 4.)
Antiiciis can/ loci- ros, Poeook, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 40(1S99).
9. Cnhmr : carapace yellow, with a black clypeal hand, and an ()l)li(iuelv
longitudinal arched stripe on each side of the head ; niandihles yelhnv,
clouded with l>lack in fi'ont ; palpi and legs yellow, clothed with white
hairs, armed with black spines, and l)anded with black ; sternum
bordei'ed with l)lack ; abdomen greyish white al)ove, marked with
distinct olive green "folium"; ventral surface with two whitish bands,
separated l)y a narrower dai'k interspace, extending from the epigastric
fold to the spinnei's, which are blackish.
Canijiiiir al)out as long as til)ia of first leg; moderately high, its uppei-
surface from the oculai' ai-ea to the apex of the fovea nearly fiat
longitudinally ; median quadrangle of the ei/cs consideral)ly wider in
front than l)ehind, the antei'ior medians perhaps a little larger than
posterior medians, the lattei' aljout a diameter and a half apart;
anterioi- medians about two diameters apart, about a diameter aljove
the clypeus, more than twice as far from the laterals as from each
other ; eyes of the anterior line distinctly though not \'ery strongly
procurved ; the two laterals not quite in contact. Legs spined ;
abdomen heart-shaped, a little longer than wide, convexly I'ounded in
front, with prominent but obtuse shoulder points from which the two
sides of the anterior margin are inclined forwaixl and inwards at a
right angle ; posterior extremity not produced. Jldm consisting of
a vertically directed heart-shaped tubercle, without any distinct scape.
Total length 7 mm. ; carapace less than 3; width of al)domen 4, length 4-5.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.) ; Jena-agahan (ll'00-2500 ft.) ;
and in Abd-el-Kuri Island.
Cyrtophora, Sim. 16. Cyrtophora citricola (Ford:).
Aranea citricola, Forskal, Icones. rerun), nat. , &c., p. 86(1775). Epe.ira opnntin', Dufour, &c.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; Dimichiro Valley, in the Garieh Plain.
[This species, which is by no means common in Sokotra, makes a curious circular concave web very different from that of any other species I have ol)seived. In the Dimichiro valley I came across several webs placed in thick '-yew-like" bushes, and apparently occupied by onlv one individual ; but at Homhil a web in a l)Oxwood bush contained, so far as I recollect, at least eight examples of various sizes. — JF.H.O.G.]
This species is of common occurrence throughout Africa, the Mascarene Islands, and the Oriental Region. It also extends into Arabia and S. Europe.
192 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Qasteracantha, Sund. 17. Gasteracantha sodalis, o. P. Camln-Uhjc.
/ Oast<r(ir(iiith(( Itjndii, O. P. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., ISTO,
p. 821, pi. 1. fig. 2; L. Koch, ^Egypt. Abyssin. Arachn., ]>. 11, pi. i.
fig. 4 (1875) ; Simon, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr. (6), x. p. 100 (1890). Gasteracantha sodalis, O. P. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1898
p. S88, pi. xxxi. fig. 3 ( = G. lepidu, Taschenberg Zeit. Naturwiss. (4),
ii. p. 17.3(1883).
I have reserved for the Sokotran species of (rasteramnilid the name given to it Iw Mr. Cambridge in 1898, although Sokotran examples were identified as G. Jepida, Cambr., by Taschenberg, in 1883. Taschen- berg's identification is, I think, prol)al)ly correct ; but I have no genuine specimens of (i. Jepida availal)le for comparison with the Sokotran material. There are, moreover, certain discrepancies between the figure and description of (1. Icpidu, which make it impossible to determine with certainty the characters of the species. Both description and figure cannot be correct ; either may Ije, or neither may l»e. (i. Ic-pidu was recoi'ded originally from Massowah, and subsequently 1)y L. Koch and Simon from the neighbouring island of Cheikh-, Schech-, or Saik-Said. The figure of the species given by L. Koch, I'epresents an animal resembling the typical form of L. sodalis in colour, but the spines are longer, and the interval between the anterior and median spines much greater. According to Simon, howe\'er, this inter^■al is much smaller than it is represented to be by Koch. Unfoi-tunately Mr. Caml)ridge, who possesses the types of the two forms under consideration, makes no comparison between them in his description of L. sinhdis, l)ut compares the latter to L. ma dago sraric lids, Vinson.
The typical form of the Sokotran species has the abdomen yellow above, and l)anded with deep red transAerse stripes, the underside being l»lack and thickly marked with large yellow spots which often anastomose. Of almost equally common occurrence, however, is a second type, in which the upper side of the alxlomen is of a tolei'al)ly uniform dark red or nearly black colour-, without trace of l)an(ls, the underside being almost black and unspotted. The two foi'ms occur together in the same locality, l»ut do not appear to diifer in any structural points. The species is evidently common in the island. Messrs. Grant and Forl)es secured specimens.
Sokotra: Dahamis (3.50-1000 ft.) ; Homhil (1500-2.500 ft.) ; Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.) ; and Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
[A common species on most of the higher bush-clad ground. No two individuals appear to be exactly alike, and every intermediate type was observed Ijetween the barred form and those Avith the abdomen uniform dark crimson or l)lackish. The avcIj is almost always placed in bushes aljout 4 or 5 feet from the ground. — Jf^lt.O.G.]
TIIK SCOItlMONS AM) SIMDKltS OK SUKOTUA. 19;3
AGELENIDiE.
Ag^elena, Waick
18. Ag-elena pusilla, !<p. n.
Vohnir : iiitc<;inn('iit of cai'upucc yellow with radijiting Iilack lines and patches; steiiuini lilaek ; palpi yellow with black wings; legs mostly l>lacl< vaiic(| with yellow rings or patches; tarsi wholly yellow and yellow i)iriloniiiiating on the coxie ; alxlomen with a median dorsal pale hand l)oi(lere(l with l»lack ; spotted and lined with black on the sides ; ventral surface clouded with black and marked with two black lines extending backwards from the genital fold, hairy coating of carapace forming a median and on each side a lateral white band, the legs and alidomen also varied with white plumose hairs.
Ocnhr qiunlriDujh' oblong, nearly pai'allel-sided, the anterior median eyes larger than postei'ioi' medians, less than a radius apart ; posterior medians more than a radius apart. MaiuUhlc armed with two teeth on the posterior border of the fang groove. Area of rnha boirlered behind by a lightly procurved thick horny transverse l)ar, the exca- \ation undivided, slightly wider than long, slightly wider in front than behind, its margins low and not sharply defined, except aritero- laterally, where they are strongly raised and sharp.
Total length 6 mm.
8okotra: Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
This species, remarkable for its small size, may lie recognised by the form of the vulva.
LYCOSID^.
Pardosa, C. Koch,
19. Pardosa spilota, sjj. n.
? Colour : carapace and sternum l)lackish, scantily dotted with whitish hairs ; legs banded l)lack and yellow ; abdomen black above and laterally, ornamented al)ove with symmetrically disposed yellow spots, which posteriorly unite in the middle line and form transvei-se A-shaped bars ; ventral surface testaceous ; lower surface continu- ously clothed with white hairs, upper surface ornamented with spots of white hairs.
Viilni consisting of a large semi-circular hairy punctured plate, which in its posterior half is marked with a deep excavation broad behind and abruptly narrowed in front ; its edges, which are sinuous, ending behind on each side in a rounded lol)e, the middle of the excavation occupied l)y a large backwardly directed lobe, which is itself impressed l)y a pair of parallel longitudinal pits, separated by a median carina. The median lobe represents the normal hammer- shaped sclerite of the lycosine vulva, with the head of the hammer large and its two halves strongly recurved.
6 smaller than 9 , with the patella, til)ia, and 1)ase of tarsus of palp snow
194 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
white, the rest of the tarsus jet 1)lack. Tarsus of palp long, as loug
as tiljia aud patella and much l^roadei', the tarsus and palpal oi'gan
together elongate aud basally gloljulai'. Measurements. — $, total length 7-5, cai'apacc 3-5, first leg 10-0, fourth
leg 14'0 mm. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain ; Dimichiro Valley, in the Gai'ieh Plain.
PALPIMANIDiE.
Scelidomachus, Pocock
Sci'/idomachiis, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 41 (1890). Genus of the section CheiHmea' with the lateral eyes in contact, and allied to Stenphopns, Boar/nns, and Suntseelis in having the anterior median eyes at least twice as large as the laterals, and the ocular quadrangle nearly parallel-sided ; also fui-ther resembling Steriphopns in having the quadrangle nearly square (in BoKgrius and Sara^celis it is much wider than long), l)ut differing from it in having the eyes of the anterior line straight liy their infei'ioi' borders, not recurved, and the anterior median eyes separated by a space which liarely equals their radius (in Snrascelis the space equals the diameter of the eye).
20. Scelidomachus socotranus, I'orod: (Plate x.wi. fig. 3.)
Scelidomachus ><ocotra}tni, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss, ii., p. 41 (1899). S Colour : carapace and sternum deep red, legs of first pair paler yellowish-red, those of the remaining pairs still paler, abdomen of a uniform reddish-grey or testaceous tint. CaraptuT coriaceous al)ove, closely granular at the sides, its upper sui'face between the eyes and the fovea lightly convex longitudinally, scantily clothed with short black hairs. Legs normal for the family ; femur and patella of first pair sparsely but distinctly granular beneath and on the inner side ; tibia, protarsus, and tarsus normally scopulate on the iiuier side ; the protarsus, which is about as long as the tarsus, armed apically l)eneath with a short downwardly- directed spiniform process ; second, third, and fourth legs unspined, covered Avith greyish-black hairs, the tarsi and pi'otarsi apically scopulate. Sternum granular ; al)domen thickly covered with a coating of short olive- grey hairs. Polpiis (see accompanying figure) with femur slender; patella short, sul)globular ; tibia much larger than patella, twice its length, and neai'ly or (juite three times its height, also sul)globular ; tarsus almost as long as jiatella and til)ia taken together, slender and cylindrical distally ; the palpal organ ruiniing out into a forwardly-directed process with a dilated tridentate Palpus of extremity : a membraneous lobe at its base, and a sub-
SCELIDOMArHUS ■ n • n i . • .
socoTKANu.s. Spirally twisted shorter piece on its inner side. (Uiffhh, mwjnifini.) Xotal length 6 mm.
Sokotra: Dahamis (350-1000 ft., Type); Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
TTFE SrORPIONS AND SriPERS OF SOKOTHA. 195
ZODARIID^.
Capheris, Simon,
21. Capheris insularis, Pomd: (Plate xwi. figs. 4, 4a.)
Cfipheri.s iiisii/ar!--<, Pocock, Bull. Liver[). Muss., ii., No. 2, p. 41 (1899). 9 . Cohiiir : carapace deep castaneous ; legs iiifu.scate, banded and mottled with paler niai'kings ; pi'otarsi and tarsi yellowish; altdonicn deep greyish-black above and at the sides, and variegated with pale yellow spots, which posteriorly and laterally arrange themselves in definite transverse and vertical stripes ; lower side yellowish-white, with two black stripes running longitudinally from the epigastric fold and dividing the pale field up into three broad yellow bands ; area in front of sterinun black.
Carapace high, higher in front of the fovea than on the ocular area. Eyes apparently arranged and practically of the same relative size ajid distance apart as in the only other species of the genus, the South African Capheris crassimaniis, Sim. (see Simon, Hist. Nat. Araignees, Vol. I., p. 417 figs. 383 and 384). Legs longish and rather slender; first and second pairs unarmed, except for a single apical spine on the lower side of the second protarsus ; third and fourth pairs with patella, tibia, and protarsi strongly spined, the patella with one pair of spines only, the tibia and protarsi with many. Paljuis with the tarsus strongly spined inside and l)eneath, very slightly longer, or, at all events, not shorter than the til)ia, and not conically acuminate. (In cras.-<iiii((itus the tarsus is shorter than the tibia, and acuminate). Vulva consisting of a large, hairy, horny plate, with a pair of impres- sions in front, and a smooth, transversely semi-circular, or subquadrate lobe projecting from its posterior bordei'.
Total length 11 mm.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500-2500 ft., Tiipe) ; I)imichir(j Valley, in tlie (larieh Plain. — An adult $ and an immature $ .
CLUBIONID^.
Chiracanthium, Koch.
22. Chiracanthium socotrense, sy^. n.
S Culoiir : cephalothorax and limljs a rich yellowish ; abdomen olive- yellow ; both clothed with greyish- white hairs; mouth-parts rather darker than carapace. Carapace al>out as long as tibia of fourth leg. Ejies of posterior line very slightly procurvefl, sul)equal in size and sul)- e([ually spaced, the medians only a little closer to each other than to the laterals, barely two diameters from the laterals ; ocular (juad- rangle a little wider than long, a little narrowed in front ; anterior median eyes the largest of the eight, not quite a diameter apart, about a diameter from the laterals. Legs long {cf. measurement), patellae un- spined; tibiae armed beneath with 8-10 spines arranged on the anterior legs iri'egularly in pairs, and long ; protai-si of first and second legs
196 THE NATUKAL HISTORY OF SOKOTllA AND ABD-EL-KUKI.
armed with ;i pair of long l)asal spines beneath, a shoi't sub-median pair, and an inferior apical. F<dpi unspined ; patella 1)arel y half the length of the til)ia, the two together scarcely as long as the femur ; til)ia sub- cylindrical, a little more than twice as long as high, the apophysis consisting of a pair of short suliequal processes with obliquely truncate extremities, directed oltlicpiely outwards and forwards, the upper side of the superior of the two is lightly emarginate and bears a small basal prominence ; tarsus long, longer than tibia and patella, con- stricted at the base, and furnished with a short external, slight^ sinuous process, which is stout at the base, pointed at the apex, and directed obliquely outwards and backwards, and resting upon the emarginate upper edge of the superior process of the ti1)ial apophysis ; tarsus very wide in the middle, its external border produced into a large flap-like lolie, which anteriorly projects almost at right angles to the subcylindrical terminal portion of the palp.
Measurements in mm. — Total length, 11"0; carapace, o"0 ; first leg, 25"0; second leg, 20-0 ; fourth leg, 25-0 mm.
Sokotra : Hadil)u Plain.
Recognisal)le liy the two short subequal external tibial apophysis.
Sparassus, Walck. 23. Sparassus socotranus, »p. n.
$ Colour of integument mostly uniformly pale on body, mouth-parts, and lim1)S ; hairy clothing silky white, intei'mixed with bhxckish ln'istles on the head legs and upper side of abdomen; spines black; upper side of abdomen irregularly spotted with small dark patches, which in the middle line form a long but rather indistinct Y-shaped stripe, the area between the arms of the Y ])eino- elongate and fusiform or subelliptical. Canijxirp heart-shaped, about as wide as long, al)out as long as til)ia of first leg, a little shorter than that of second, shorter than patella and tibia of third. Eyes of posterior line straight, sub- ec{ual, and sul)e(|ually spaced al)out three diameters apart; eyes of anterior line nearly straight by their centres, the medians larger than the laterals, about a diameter and a half apart and a diameter from the laterals. Mandible armed below with four posterior and two anterior teeth ; beneath the fang arise four long ' gusatory ' l)ristles. Mti.rilhv short, convex, not emarginate externally ; labium very short, about twice as wide as long. Legs 2, 1 , 4-.S in length (rf. measurements), the tibite and protasi with two pairs of inferior spines, no apical spines at extremity of tibiie below. Vulva large, impressed with a deep, median, somewhat T-shaped groove, of which the crossbar is lightly recurved, while the stem dips down between the two lobes or sclerites ; each lobe consists of two sclerites — one that is uppermost and lies hori- zontally when the organ is viewed from below, and is pale coloured ; the other, being undermost, thickly chitinised dark coloured, placed
THE sroitiMOXs and simoeiis of sokotka. 197
verticallv, its posterior sui-face foriniii"- a smooth wall at I'iii'ht aiwles
to the pale sclerite. Measureiiu'iits in mm. — Total length 1 1, length of carapace i'o, of hrst leg
IS, second leg (to end of tihia) lo, third leg 14, foui'th leg 17. Sokotra : liomhil (loOU-L'oOU ft.).— A single adult female. This species appears to belong either to the Olios or Midamm section of tlu^
^(iWW^Spamssm, and in the foi-m of its vulva approaches certain Oriental
species, e.ij., Midanni^ lu/isi-cns, Thoi'ell, from Burma.
Selenops, Latr. 24. Selenops radiatus, hifr.
Sc/eiiopx raiUatns, LatreiUe, Nouv. Diet. Hist. Nat., xxx. |i. .17!* (1.S19.) Se/enops o/n'tlosnin, L. Dufour, Ann. Sci. Plij's., iv. \>. 7, 1)1. Ixix. tig. 4
(1820). Stlenopx a'ijyptiaai, Ami. in Savigny, Egypt, Arachn., p. llj'i, pi. vi. tig. 6
(1829). Selenops aniiu/ljM's, Walek., Ins. Ajjt., i. p. 5-46 (1837). Sdeiwpx pcregr'uiator, id. loc. cit.
Stitnops dufoHvi, Vinson, Araign. , Rt-union, etc., \i. 79, pi. iii. fig. 1 (18(54). Selenops madaf/a-ica)-ieu.s/s, id. torn, cit., j). 83, pi. iii. tig. 3. Selenops alacer, Blackwall, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (3), xvi. ]). 85 (18(j5). Selenops sansiharica, (jrerstiicker, in Von der Decken's Reisen in Ost
Africa, p. 479 (1873). Selenops /at reil lei, Simon, Arachn. de France, ii. p. 346 (1875). Selenops malabariensis, Simon, Act. Soc. L. Bord., xxxiv. p. 234(1881). Selenops birmanicus, Thorell, Spiders gf Burma, p. 261 (1895). Selenops diver sus, O. P. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1898, p. 390, pi. xxxi.
fig. 1.
Most of the above-given synonymy is cited on the authority of Mons. Simon, who has had the opportunity of studying either the actual specimens described by Latreille, Walckenaer, Dufour, Vinson and Andouin, or topotypical examples of their species. Moreover, I have myself examined specimens from various localities ranging from the Cape Verde Islands to the Zambesi and Burma, without discovering any reasons for dissenting from Simon's conclusions. The species also occurs in Madagascar and lu' union. It commonly comes to hand with almost every collection made within the limits of its range, and hence is alnnidantly represented in all collections with any pretensions to be extensive.
Considering its wide distrilnition, its occurrence in Sokotra is not a matter foi- surprise. It was first procured in this island by Mr. Bennett, whose specimen served as the type of <S^. dioers^t.-i of Mr. Cambridge. A second example was collected l\v Messrs. Grant and For1)es on the Hadibu Plain. This specimen and the figure of the type of »S'. dunsns leave no room for doul)t that the latter must be added to the already long list of synonyms of S. nididfiis, Latreille.
[This lai'ge Lycosa-like species was caught among the stones in a dry backwater of the Hanefu River, Hadil)u Plain. It was remarkably
198 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KIRI.
active, esca2:)iiig in a momt'iit every time it was uncovered, and in at last securing it some of the legs were luifortunately injured. —
ir.n.n.G.]
THOMISID^.
Thomisus, Walck.
25. Thomisus spinifer, o. I'. Cambridge.
Thoiitisiis .^2>i II >'/<-'>■, V.Z.H., 1S72, p. :^()>S, pi. xiv. fig. 14. Sukotra : Hadibu Plain.
This species ranges from Somaliland into l^gypt and Syria, thence east- wards to Bomliay.
Bassaniodes, gen. nov.
Onihir-qiuuIniiKjlr wider l>ehind than in front, and about one-fourth wider than long, di.stance l)etween anterior median eyes greater than between anterior and posterior medians on each side, and a little greater than that l)etween anterior medians and anterior laterals ; eyes of anterior line recurved, inferior edge of laterals on a level with centres of medians, the laterals about twice the diameter of the medians ; eyes of posterior line strongly recurAed, widely separated, the medians a little nearer to each other than to the laterals. Canqxice evenly convex, not compressed, and not flattened in the region of the fovea.
Femur of first leg with three superior spines ; tibia with four pairs of inferior spines, and no lateral spines ; protarsus with four pairs of in- ferior spines and three lateral in front and two lateral behind ; second leg armed like the first, but with one spine on the upper side of the femur, the proximal posterior spine on the tibiae and protarsi some- times obsolete. Tibia or protarsus of first and second legs shorter than carapace.
Type B. socotrensu.
This genus differs from Bamada, Xi/.^firii.^, and O.njpiih in the spine arma- ture of the anterior legs and the disposition of the eyes.
26. Bassaniodes socotrensis, .s^;. n. (Plate xxvi. fig. 2.)
Colour : carapace dark l)rown with jjaler spots ; sternum and legs chalky greyish-yellow, with dark brown or blackish markings, femora nearly black abo\e, upper side of remaining segments longitudinally banded ; abdomen chalky giey, spotted and mottled with brown or black and Avith indistinct transverse bands on the upper side. Infcf/iiiiiciif studded with short stiff" seta? ; subgranular o)i the carapace and legs. Fulva as in fig. 2. pi. xxvi., the shaded A-shaped portion repre- senting a horny plate of that form overhanging a median narrow^ l)ristly cavity bordered on each side l)y a smooth horny sclerite represented by the unshaded area on each side of the A-shaped piece.
Total length 7-0, carapace 2.5 mm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (.3500-4500 ft.).
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA. 199
DimiZOnopS, gen. nov.
Ei/rs of po.stciior line suliequally spaced, very strongly recurved, the medians \ciy small, ()-7 diameters apart ; the laterals lai'ge, nearly four times the diameter of the medians. Median quadrangle much wider than long, naiiowcr in front, its anterior width much greater than the length ; anterior median eyes about twice the diameter of the posterior medians, about three diameters apart, and slightly farther from each other than from the laterals ; laterals enormous, considerably less than their own diameter al)o\-(^ the edge of the clypeus, about three times the diameter of the anterior medians, their centres almost on a level with the upper edge of the laterals ; clypeus vertical, low, al)out one- third of the length of th.e ocular quadrangle, and twice the diameter of the anterior median eyes.
Carapace longer than til)ite or protarsi of anterior legs. Femora of first and second legs with many spines al)ove, til)i;e with six pairs of inferior spines and three anterior and three postei'ior s})ines ; protarsi with five pairs of inferior spines, three anterior, three posterior, and one superior basal spine.
Allied to Finiiiciix, Simon (Hist. Nat. Araign. i. p. 10.3G), but with the femora and tibia? of the anterior legs not compressed, and apparently differing also hy the very great disparity in size between the median and the lateral eyes of each row.
27. Dimizonops insularis, xp. n. (Plate xxvi. figs. 1, la, Hi.)
Colour : carapace yellowish-red, infuscate laterally and on the head ; legs yellowish-red, with apex of til)ia and protarsus of first and second pairs black ; alidomen testaceous, l)lac]\ish at the sides, ornamented abo^"e with dark trans^'erse bands and spots, set oft' with chalky-white patches as in Sijiierna diana, ventral surface with a pair of ill-dehned converging fuscous bands.
Vulva consisting of a transversely oval plate, shallowly impressed in its anterior half, and with its posterior border semicirculai'ly emarginate in the middle.
Total length 7'0, carapace 3-0, first leg 10'5 mm.
Hokotra : Hadilju Plain ; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.).
Tibellus, Simon.
28. Tibellus, q>. (?)•
A single immature female ^■ery like the P]uropean species, T. (ihh»iiju.<,
Walck., in colour. Hokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft.).
Thanatus, c. Koch.
29. Thanatus forbesii, xp. u.
$ Colour : integument of carapace yellow, marked with three black bands, one median, wider in the middle, passing from a point liehind
200 THE XATFRAL HISTOllY OF SOKOTKA AND ARD-EL-KFRI.
the posterior median eyes on to the posterior slope, and one on each side, which, meeting its felloAv of the opposite side in the middle of the clypeus, passes l)ack\vards, imohiiig the anterior median, anterior lateral, and posterior latcrul eyes ; mandible with a large hlack patch on the upper half in fiont ; pal})! transversely banded ; legs mottled with l)lack, blackish l)eneath and in front, especially on the femora ; upper side of al)domen ornamented with a liroad, posteriorly narrow- ing dark ])and on each side, lateral surface clouded with black, ventral surface marked with three black stripes ; integument sparsely covered with shortish, thick, white plumose hairs, with some yellow hairs of the same kind on the carapace, the superior abdominal bands thickly covered with deep brown hair.
t'iinipacr scarcely or only a little longer than til)ia of fourth leg. Eijcti of postei'ior line very strongly recurved, the distance between the medians al)Out two-thirds of the distance between the median and lateral on each side, posteriors lying so far back that a straight line joining their anterior edges would lie about three diameters liehind the posterior median eye ; upper edge of anterior medians higher than lower edge of anterior laterals. Height of clypeus less than length of ocular-quad- rangle, which is about as wide as long. Area of vulva, with its posterior border emarginate, marked with a pair of pits set tolerably widely apart, with sharply defined edges, angular in front and I'ounded behind, each pit about as long as wide, the partition between them hairy, and much wider in front than behind ; beneath the integument of the smooth area of the vulva are to be seen two conspicuous dark bi^own piriform patches, broader in front than l)ehind, and con^■erging posteriorly.
Total length 10 mm., carapace 4.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
A single female specimen.
OPILIONES.
BIANTID^.
Biantes, Simon. 30. Biantes flaviventris, ^jk n.
Culoar : dorsal surface of aljdomen lirown, becoming paler, almost reddish- yellow on the cephalic area, eyes black, coxte and anterior abdominal sterna l)right reddish-yellow ; mandil)les fiavous, legs flavous at the base, inf uscate distally. JJorsuI surface of body, coxa^ and sterna of abdomen densely and coarsely granular. Cephalic plate unarmed, its anterior border with a low, wide, bluntly-rounded median elevation. The third and fourth al)dominal fen/a armed with a pair of sharp up- standing tul)ercl('s on each side of the middle line, sometimes a trace of these is visi1)le also on the second, and on the third and fourth there are sometimes additional enlarged tuberculiform granules ; fifth,
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF SOKOTRA. 201
isixtli, and seventh tei-i;a with a transverse row of sharp tul)ercles eighth with two or more rows of tnljerclos.
ManiUblc^ i'ol)Ust, unarmed, except for a pair of tulx'rcles above at the base. Palpi a little longer than the Ixxly, the coxa unarmed externally, trochanter unarmed, femur k)nt;- and sk'iider, (jvei lapping the femui' of the first, but shorter than it : patella piriform, elongate, l)asally attenuate and bent, unarmed, about half the length of the femur ; tibia a little longer than patella, twice as thick, piriform, distally attenuate, normally armed ; tarsus of the same form as the tibia l)ut thicker, normally spined. Leijs with cox;e and trochanters graiudar ; coxa of the first with a pair of longer hair-tipped tubercles in front below.
Total length \-T) mm.
Sokotra : Homhil ( 1 SOO-i>.-)UU ft.) ; Jena-agahan (li'OO-i'oOO ft.).
[These phalangids, like those recorded below from Alxl-el-Kuri (p. 204), were found uiuler stones, often in colonies. There movements are very slow and deliberate, and resemble those of mites rather than
spiders.— /r./.'. a r/.]
This species differs fr<om B. ciftatm, 8im., from Madagascar, and B. loHijimanus, Sim., from S. India {Bull Soc. Zool. Fr., 18.S.5, p. 25), in the absence of a long conical tubercle on the coxa of the palp and of spine on its patella. From B. ledflwd,'^, Thorell {Ann. Mus. Geneva, xxvii. p. G71), from Burma, and B.vifeUinm (id. op. cit., xxx. p. 727), from Sumatra, by the shortness of the patella of the palp and the absence of the spine.
[ACARIDA.
Occasionally I found on the paths frequented by camels and cattle a large pale blue tick, in size about | inch long by i inch wide. Our inter- preter informed me they greatly infested the camQh.—H.O.F.]
202 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
II. — Scorpions and Spiders of Abd=el=Kuri.
SCORPIONES. DIPLOCENTRID-ffi.
Heteronebo, Pocock.
Heteroiieho, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Mu.ss., ii. p. 7 (1899).
Genus of the DipJocenlrini, with the ocnlar-inhcrdc shallowly sulcate or entire. Hand flat above, with strong external keel, or convex al)ove and ol)soIetely keeled. Tard not di.stally lol)ate, the inferior angle nearly rectangular (about 85°). Tail without dehnite half-moon shajDcd area at the posterior extremity of the lower surface.
Type of genus, //. t/iviifi.
Intermediate in character lietween the Arabian genus Xrho, and tlie Central American and Antillean genus IHplurcidrn^. Resembling the former in the conformation of the fifth caudal segment ; the latter, in the structure of its tarsi and ocular-tuliercle.
1. Heteronebo granti, I'ucuck.
JJtttroiii'ho i/ntii/i, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. {). 7 (1899).
9 Colour : dorsal integument of body yellowish-oliAe brown ; legs clearer reddish-yellow, paler distally, tail deep olive brown, nearly black posteriorly ; chels darker than trunk, deep reddish-brown with blackish crests and fingers.
Carapace very finely and closely granular at the sides, punctured ; ocular tubercle not sulcate. Terga punctured, very finely granular laterally and in the central depression ; the last more granular than the others, with tAvo short gi'aiudar crests on each side. Sterna smooth, punctured, the last obsoletely crested. Tail aliout four times as long as carapace, which about eiiuals its first and second segments taken together in length, the first segment with eight keels, the inferior median obsolete, second keeled like the fii'st with median lateral weaker, third and fourth like the second, l)ut median lateral still weaker, practically ol:)selete on the fourth, the keels of these segments only crenulatc or ol)Soletely granular, the superior crests high, angled behind, inferior lateral strong on all the segments, the superior and lateral inter- carinal spaces lightly concave ; fifth segment with strong keels, the three inferior being coarsely granular ; A'esicle granular below, with small tooth. Chelce : humerus with its upper side coarsely graiuilar in front, without definite crest, bounded behind by a granular crest ;
THE SnOPvPTONS AND SPIDKPS OF AliD-EL-KURI. 203
no distinct antcro-inferior crest, the anterior surface being merely coarsely graiuilar below ; 1)rachium nearly smooth, its upper side with two crests, the anterior of which is the sti'oiii^ei', fui'iiishtnl with liasal angular prominence ; hand Hattish al)ove, with strong smooth external tiiigei'-keel and weaker median finger-keel, the innei' surface weakly graiuilar in front. Lctis nearly smooth, tarsi without latei'al lobes, armed with six pairs of spines. Pcrfiiial fccfli 8.
Measurements in mm. — Total length 48, carapace 5*5, tail 22.
Abd-el-Kuri, (;el)el Saleh (800-1500 ft.).
2, Heteronebo forbesii, Pomd:
//i/trojidio forbt-^il, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss, ii., p. S (1899). $ Very distinct from the foregoing.
Colour more uniformly ochre-yellow, the tips of the mandibles, the fingers of the chehc, the ocular region of the carapace, and the posterior end of the third, fourth, and fifth caudal segments infuscate. Upper side of fniitk very finely graiudar. Ocular tvhcrdc distinctly sulcate. Crests on the last abdominal tergitc weaker than in H. granti, but sfernifr with four crenulate keels. Diil with the median lateral crest obsolete even on tlu^ first segment ; first and second caudal segments with strong, smooth, inferior keels, these keels obsolete on the third and fourth segments, the remaining crests weaker than in H. f/mnfi, the superior not angulai' posteriorly, the lateral intercarinal spaces lightly convex ; vesicle wider as compared with its length than in H. f/ranfi, with the tubercle distinctly larger. Chrliv with hand very different from that of //. tjranfi, being evenly convex alwve from the keel of the hand back to the inner edge, without distinct finger keels. Fectiues and tarsal spine-armature as in H. (jratifi.
Total length 42 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri, Gebel Saleh (800-1500 ft.).
[Both this and the preceding species were found under stones on Gebel Saleh at an elevation of aliout 1000 ft. Both were apparently rare, as during several days' search only two examj)les of each species were met Avith. — JF.Ii.O.G.]
These two species may be liriefly diagnosed as follows : — •
(a) Median keels on last abdominal sternite and first and
second caudal segments obsolete ; hand with strong
external and weaker median finger keel . . . r/ranti.
(b) Median keels on last abdominal sternite and first and
second caudal segments strong ; hand con\ex above,
practically keelless ....... forhcdi.
ARANE^.. ARGIOPID^.
3. Argyope clarkii, Bhidn-.
[Very common on the low l)ushes near the sea. — Jf'.L'.OJr.] See page 188.
204 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
4. Araneus cardioceros, rorork.
Arruieiis cardioceros, Pocock, Bull. Liveq). Must?., ii. p. 40 (1899). See page 191.
OPILIONES. BIANTID^.
5. Biantes bicolor, sp. n.
Closely resenil)ling the Sokotnin species B.Jldvivcidrix, p. 200, in structural features, but differing entirely in colour. The whole body above and below, with the coxa? of the legs, jet black; mandibles and palpi entirely flavous ; first and second legs yellowish-white, with the tibiie and protarsi ])lack ; third and fourth legs entirely yellowish- white, with the trochanters and basal half of fenun- black.
Total length 3 "5 mm.
Literature regarding the Arachnida of Sokotra and Abd=el = Kuri.
Taschenberg, Zeits. Naturwiss. (4), ii. p. 173 (1883), records the fol- lowing forms as collected by Kiebeck : —
(a) Acarina. — Some specimens of Ixodidce off Corvus umbrinus.
(b) Araneida. — Gastemcantha kpida, 0. P. Cambr. (r) Scorpionida. — Prionums hattenfoftus, Fabr.
R. I. Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), iii. p. 337, pi. xv. fig. 3 (1S89). Bntlius socotrensis, sp. n.
R. I. Pocock, oj). cif. (6), xvi. p. 98 (1895). Paradeobis halfouri, sp. n.
( = Gbfviopsis haJfomi.)
R. I. Pocock, iiL op. cif.
Ni'phila hi/mena'a, Gerst.
R. I. Pocock, Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., 1897, p. 758, pi. xli. Monocentrojms baJfouri, gen. et. sp. n.
0. p. Cambridge, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1898, pp. 387-391, pi. xxxi. XepliUa bennetti, sp. n., p. 387 fig. 2.
( = Nephila Jti/mencea, Gerst.). Selenops divemns, sp. n., p. 390 fig. 1.
( = Selenops radiatus, Latr.). Gasteracantlia salalis, sp. n., p. 388 fig. 3.
( ^ 1 GiistemmnVia lepida, O. P. Caiul)r.). letraijiiofhd hoijdi, sp. n., p. 389 fig. 4.
THE SCORPIONS AND SPIDERS OF ABD-EL-KURI. 205
R. I. Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. (1899).
Scorpiones. — Hekroncho, (jraidi and forht'sii, geii. et. spp. uov., pp. 7-8. Hemiscorpim socofranus, sp. u., p. 8. BufhcuhiK iiisulari.% i<p. ii., p. 8.
Aranese. — Araneus hopIophaUus, sp. n., p. 40. Arancus cardioceros, sp. u., p. 40. Scelidamachits fiorofnaius, p. 41. Caphens insuhn-i.-i, p. 41.
20G
THE NATUrxAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XIV.
Fig. I. MONOCENTROPUS BALFOURI, For. L, an atfitwle of
(li-fciirr, p. 183.
Fig. 2. NEPHILA SUMPTUOSA, Gcrd. Fnmilr, p. ,89.
Fig. 2a. Fhr ^mur, Male.
Fig. 2b. llir siime, Palpal Fnlh of Male.
Fig. 3. ARQYOPE CLARKII, IHarkw. Fnaal,, p. ,88.
Fig. 3a. The saiiw, Male.
Fig. 3b. The same, riilra of Feaiale.
Fig. 3c. The same, Palpal Piilb of Mide.
Fig. 4. ARANEUS CARDIOCEROS, Pen: Shon-imj ndva of
Female, p. 191.
*n
T
Hfi^r p. ,8,
\
5"b
4 f
r^
SOKOTRA&cABD
Mitvt env Bt-o •
BL>-EL-Kri
l0f-
-^1-^
iiejcwr, p. 183.
p. 191.
Liyerp. Mus.; RepSckctrw Eocped.
Ph. XIV.
FOPicka^d-Ca-mWioLge deletHtK. MinteT-T^Bros.iTrxp .
SPIDERS FROM SOKOTRA&cABD-EL-KURI.
208 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUPJ.
PLATE XXVI.
Fig. I. DIMIZONOPS INSULARIS, Foe. Feimtk, Eyc^ from ahnvr,
Fig". la. Tlie aii/jir, Eijci^ firiiti in frrnif. Fig. lb. The sii/iic, Till I'd (if FciiKilc
Fig. 2. BASSANIODES SOCOTRENSIS, /v. Fulni of FrmaJr,
p. 198.
Fig. 3. SCELIDOMACHUS SOCOTRANUS, Pw. Fi/rs from i,i fnmf,
p. 194.
Fig. 4. CAPHERIS INSULARIS, For. Falpus of Fcimik, profile view,
p. 195- Fig. 4a. The some, J vim.
Fig. 5. SCOLOPENDRA BALFOURI, For., p. 431.
%,L
^>'*M4
p. 4 P.%
PI XXVI
4
f
li 1
■^
v
4a
.«^'
Caoivbndge de
GENT
orlDERS FROM SOKOTRA
»i
I
XXVI,
iilw of /
Eir<fr<.
ill'''''
'Jr, jmifile vim:, p. 195-
Liverp. Mils. ; Rep.Sclictra Ej^pexJL.
Pl.XXYI.
F 0 .PickaLT-d-Cajiabridge del etlatk MiTttern Bros inxp
CENTIPEDES ^ SPIDERS PROM SOKOTRA ,
ARTHROPODA.
Crustacea :
Malacostraca.
>
r
Btj R. I. POCOCK.
\A. O. WALKER, F.L.S [ANDREW SCOTT.
PLATES XIVA, XIVB.
CRi;STACKAN.S FROM SORoTltA. 211
Crustaceans.
It is hardly iiecessaiy to say much Ijy way of introduction t(j this short chapter on the Malacostraca of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri. With exception of the strictly fluvatile species Potamon socotrensis, which, so far as is at present known, is confined to the island whose name it bears, and the littoral species, Uca inversa and Ocypode cer/i/ptiara, all the forms recorded l)elow enjoy a wide distril)ution in the Indian and AVestern Pacific Oceans.* Hence, apart from the fact that, excepting Cardisoma carnifex, they have never Ijefore been collected actually in the islands now under discussion, their occurrence, which might have been confidently predicted, is a matter of no very special interest.
Taschenl:)erg's summary of the Sokotran fauna contains only two species of Crabs, namely, Cardisoma carnifex and rotamon socotrensis, the latter heing then for the first time described hy Hilgendorf. In fairness to Professor Balfour, however, it should be explained that he brought back large numbers of this species before Dr. Riebeck made his visit to the island. Unfortunately, the specimens, together with the rest of his Crustaceans, fell into wrong hands, and were never systematically worked out.
As may be seen from the subjoined list, all the species here recorded from Sokotra form part of Professor Balfour's collection.* Mr. Ogilvie-Grant and Dr. Forbes, wisely confining their attention to the investigation of the land- fauna, only brought home, so far as Crabs are concerned, the strictly fresh- water Potamon, which was rightly considered likely to ^^rove of great faunistic importance.
The determination of most of the species was a matter of little difficulty. The Potamon and Uca, however, about which I was in doubt, I sent to Dr. de Man for examination, and he, with his customary courtesy, kindly furnished me with their names, synonymy, and bibliography
* This observation does not apply to the small collection from rock-pools at Abd-el-Kuri described below by Mr. A. 0. Walker and Mr. A. Scott, subsequent to the penning of Mr. Pocock's remarks. — H.O.F.
212
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUUI.
I.— The Decapods of Sokotra.
DECAPODA.
BRACHYURA.
Scylla, de Haan.
PORTUNID^
1. Scylla serrata, Forsk.
Scylla wrrata, A. Milne-Edwards, Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. Paris, x. p. 349 (1861). Sokotra. — ( B(( If our. )
Raiififing over the whole of the Indian Ocean from the Red Sea and the East Coast of Africa into the Pacific Ocean.
POTAMIDiE.
Potamon, Leach.
Telphufta, Auct. plurim.
2. Potamon socotrensis, Hilg.
Telphum ■•<oro/n'ii.-:ts, Hilgendorf, Zeits. Nat. Wissen., Ivi. p. 171 (1883) ;
A. Milne-Edwards, Ann. Sci. Nat. (7), iv. p. 133 (1887) ; also in Bibl.
hautes Etudes, xxxiii. No. 4, p. 13 (1887). Telphnsa granom, Koelbel, SB. Ak. Wiss., Wien., xc. pt. i., p. 321, pi.
i. fig. 6 (1885).
Potamon Socotrensis 9 . a Carapace from above, h Carapace from before, c External niaxillipede. d Abdomen.
The following is a translation of the description which Mr. A. Milne- Edwards gives of this crab : —
CRUSTACEANS FROM SOKOTRA. 213
" Carapace flattened, but little widened, the front but little advanced, slopiui;-, with straight edge ; eyes large. No postpontal crest. Anterior portion of the shell lightly wrinkled. Antero-lateral l)order 1)ut little arched, and bearing a very small and sharp epibronchial touth. Interregional grooves scarcely distinct, except in the central portion of the carapace. Chclue weak, with fingers not separated, and with the surface a little wrinkled. Legs long and compressed."
Length of carapace 21 mm., width 27 nun.
This interesting species has been described at length in the works cited abo\e. It would l)e superfluous, therefore, to re-describe it in mere detail on the present occasion. At Dr. de Man's suggestion, how- ever, the accompanying figures have been prepared to illustrate the principal systematic features of the species.
Sokotra : Dahamis (500 ft.) ; Goahal Gorge, near Homhil (900 ft.).
Prof. Balfour and Dr. Rielieck 1)oth obtained this species.
[This species was very common in all the streams from sea-Ie\'el to an elevation of about 1500 feet. At Homhil they inhabited rat-like holes in the banks of the stream. Schuyler traps l)aited with potato and set for what I at first supposed to be Water-rats, produced several mutilated crabs. — ir.Ii.O.CT.]
GRAPSID^.
GrapSUS, Lamarck.
3. Grapsus strigosus, Jlerbst.
Grapsus sfrigosii.'^, Ortmann, Zool. Jtihrb. Syst. , vii. p. 705 (1894) (for synonym}').
Sokotra. — (Balfour.)
Widely distributed along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
[This species was not collected l)y the expedition.]
GECARCINID^.
Cardisoma, Latr.
4. Cardisoma carnifex, Ilerbsf.
Cardisoma carnifex, H. Milne-Edwarrls, Hist. Nat. Crust, ii. p. 23 (1837). CardiHoma gnanhumi, var. carnifex, Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Sj'st. , vii. p. 735 (1894).
Sokotra. — {liichecJ:.) Tamarida (= Hadibu). — {Balfour.) Disti'il)ution. — -Indian and Pacific Oceans.
OCYPODIDiE.
Uca, Latr.
5. Uca inversa, Ilojfiu.
(lihtsiiiuix inrvraiis, Hoffmann, Crust, de Madagascar et de Tile de la Reunion, p. I'.t, pi. iv. Hg.s. 23-'26 (1874); De Man, Notes Leyden Mus., xiii. p. 44, pi. iv. Hg. 12 (1891).
Gelasimiis chlorophthalinu.% Hilgendorf, Mon. Ak. Wiss. Berlin, 1878, p. 803.
Sokotra. — {Balfour. )
214 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Previously known, according to De Man, from Nossi-Faly, Natal, Moz- ambique, Lindi, and Dar-es-Salaam. Up to the present time Sokotra is the most northerly point known in the I'ange of this species.
[Abundant on the shore at Hadibu and Haulaf. — H.O.FJ]
Ocypode, Fa.br.
6. Ocypode aegyptiaca, Gerst.
Ocypode ri'(/i/pfiaca, Gerstiicker, Arch. Naturg. , xxii. p. 134(1856) ; Heller, SB., xliii. (1) p. 361 (1861); Hoffmann, Recherches Fauna Madag., etc., Crust., p. 11 (1874) ; Miers Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5) ii. p. 409 (1878) ; Id. Op. cit. (o), x. !>. 381, pi. xvii. fig. 3, 3a (1882) ; De Man, Notes Leyden Mus., iii. p. 247 (1881).
Sokotra. — ( Balfoxr.)
Common on the shores of the Eed Sea, and also recorded from the island of Nossi-Faly, near Madagascar.
MACRURA. CCENOBITID^.
Coenobita, Latr.
7. Ccenobita rugosa, MUnr-Eilw.
C(£nohifa rinjom, H, Milne-Edwards, Hist. Nat. Crust., ii. p. 241 (1837). Sokotra. — {Balfour.) According to Ortmann this hermit Crab ranges from Japan and Sydney in
the Pacific Ocean over the whole of the coast of the Indian Ocean as
far as the Eed Sea and Natal. [Common on the beach at Haulaf. — H.O.F.]
PALINURID^.
Palinurus, Gray.
8. Palinurus dasypus, LatreiUe.
Palinurus dasypux, Latreille, H. jSIilne-Edwards, Hist. Nat. Crust., ii. p. 300 (1837).
Senex dasypus, Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Syst., vi. pp. 23 and 32 (1892).
{?) Palinurus hiirgeri, de Haan, Fauna Japonica, p. 159, pi. xliii. (1859).
(?) Senex biirgeri, Ortmann, Zool. Jahrb. Syst., vi. pp. 22 and 32 (1892). Sokotra. — ( BaJfour. )
The specimen here referred to P. (ha^i/jms, Latr., as well as one in the British Museum from Muscat, pai'take of the characters both of F. dasypus and P. h'dryeri as descril)ed by Dr. Ortmaiui, the tergal grooves of the abdomen being uniformly deep and uninterrupted, as in F. Ulrgerl, and the sul)ordinate spines on the anteinial segment small, as in F. dasijpus. In his synopsis of the species of the genus, Ortmann relies upon the completeness of the tergal grooves as the chief feature to distinguish F. hurgcri ; nevertheless the statement in his descriptive part, that these grooves in F. dasi/pus show a tendency to become obliterated, suggests that their depth and completeness are subject to
CRUSTACEANS FROM SOKOTRA. 215
vai-iatioii. /'. hiin/rn appears to be a little-kuoAvn Japanese form. /'. <I<u^i/piis, oil the contrary, has been recorded l)oth from Ceylon and Madras, and the Britisli Museum possesses a specimen from the ktter kicality— a specimen which, in conjunction with the example from Muscat mentioned above, was identified by Mr. Miers as /'. spinosiis, Edw. Although apparently erroneous, this determination by an experienced carcinologist is interesting as demonstrating his opinion that the two specimens are conspecific in spite of the dorsal inter- ruption of some of the tergal grooves in the Madras specimen and the unbroken continuity of all of them in the other. In fact the evidence supplied l)y these two specimens, which are to all intents and purposes alike in other particulars, seems to show that the interruption of the tergal grooves is, at all events in /'. dasi/2m.<<, a feature scarcely of specific value. P. Imrgeri is unknown to me. Hence I have not ventured to do more than suggest in the al)Ove-given synonymy the possibility of its being merely a variety or sul)species of P. dasjipn.'i.
216 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
II.— Decapod and Sessile=eyed Crustaceans from Abd=el=Kuri.
DECAPODA.
BRACHYURA OCYPODID^.
Uca, Latr.
1. Uca inversa, Hoffm.
(Ichinimus invermx, Hoffman. See p. 213. A])d-el-Kuri. [Observed in abundance on the shores. — H.O.F.]
Ocypode, Fabr.
2. Ocypode kuhlii, De Haan.
Ocypoda kuhlii, De Haan, Fauna Japonica, Crust., p. 58 (1859); De Man, Notes Leyden Mus., iii. p. 250 (1881); Miers, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (5), X. p. 384, pi. xvii. figs. S, 8b (1882).
Abd-el-Kuri.
Distribution. — Ranging, according to Miers, from Japan, Torres Strait,
and Java as far as Madagascar.
li. I. POCOCK.
MACRURA.
[Amid a few handfuls of Seaweeds hastily collected by me from rock- pools, on our second visit to Abd-el-Kuri, a number of minute Crustaceans and Zoophytes were found included. From among the former Mr. Alfred 0. Walker and Mr. Andrew Scott were good enough to separate out for identi- fication the forms to which they have devoted special study, and now contri- l:)ute the remainder of this memoir. The figures are all from the accurate pencil of Mr. Scott.— F.O.i^.]
The small collection, which forms the subject of the following memoir, was picked out of the residue from a collection of Alg;\3. It was gathered hy Dr. Forbes at low water at Abd-el-Kuri, in Feljruary, 1899, from rocks and tidal pools, and the Crustaceans were apparently only accidentally present among the weeds. It is instructive, as showing hovv small is our knowledge of the Edriophthalma in tropical seas, that of the 13 species of this sub-class in the collection 6. at least, are new to science, two of them requiring the formation of new genera for their reception. One of these genera ( Kuria) cannot be re- ferred to any of the recognised families of Amphipoda.
CRITSTACEANS FROM ABD-EL-KURI.
217
The following list shows approximately the geographical (listril)ution of the old species and the nearest allies of the new : —
llippohjie Icpfdccrus, (Heller) Sphceroma (jnatfii, n. sp.
Edotiti, sp.
Hijale nilssonil (Kathke)
Lysianax nrodus, n. sjj.
Mediterranean.
Genus probably cosmopolitan between the
SOtli parallels of N. and S. latitude. South Africa, if ]^. Idrtipcs. Norway, British Seas, Mediterranean, Azores. Near L. cinghaleiisis, Stebbing, Ceylon. raraiiihasiafurhesii, n. gen. and Near Amhasia intef/ricauda, Stebbing, from
Kerguelen Island. Genus cosmopolitan.
The other pulDlished species of this genus are all from the temperate regions of the southern hemisphere. Near E. insignis, Chevreux, Seychelles Islands ; E. suhcarinata (Haswell), Aus- tralia, and E. rapax, Costa, Europe. Seychelles Islands.
Mediterranean, with a clearly allied species (P. thainsoni, Stebbing) in Australia. Kuria longinuuius, n. gen. and Nearest ally Bircenna fulvit-s, Chilton, New
sp. Zealand.
Cerapus flindersi, Stebbing, Torres Straits, Port Jackson.
sp. Ampclkca, sp. Ati/lopsis latipalpus, n. sp.
Elasmopus sokotrie, n. sp.
Audidla rhel/fera, Chevreux,* Pereionofus testudo (Montagu)
[C(ENOBITID^.
Coenobita, Latr.
1. Coenobita rugosa, Jlilne-Ed.
Cinnohita ruyosa, H. Milne-Ed., Hist. Nat. Crust., ii. p. 2-il (1837).
A])d-el-Kuri. See page 214.
Observed in large numbers near the shore, and also a mile or two from the sea, and at an altitude of a couple of hundred feet. — H.O.F.\
* This memoir was communicated to the Linnean Society' on March 20, 1902. On April 28, 1902, Mr. Walker received, by the kindness of Mons. E. Chevreux, his paper from the Memoires de la Societe Zoo/oyique cle France, Vol. XIV., on the Ampliipod Crustaceans collected by Mons. Ch. AUuaud in the Seychelles Islands. Among these, AuduUa che/ijh-a, n. sp., Chevreux, is certainly identical with a species which had been described in this paper under the name of Gammaropais chelata, n. sp. , and we have accordingly substituted Mons. Chevreux's name. Our E/asmopws sokotra' appears to be almost identical with E. iiisiynis n. sp., Chevreux, but there are slight differences which will be indicated below. Finally, Gruhia micraphthalma, n. sp., Chevreux, is probably the same as we have described as Gruhia longicornis (Kossmann). Mons. Chevreux, however, is quite justified in making a new species of it, the difference between it and Kossmann's description of Amphithoides loiujicornis being, as we had pointed out, considerable. — A. O. W., A. S.
218 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
ALPHEID^.
AlpheUS, Fabr.
2. Alpheus edwardsii, Audoain.
Athaiiasus edicardsii, Aiidouin, Expl. planch, de Savigny, Desci'ipt. de I'Ecryp., pi. X. fig. 1 (1809).
One specimen without chelipedes.
HIPPOLYTID^.
Hippolyte, Leach.
3. Hippolyte leptocerus, Heller.
Virbius leptocerus. Heller, Crust, des siidl. Europa, j). 289, \)\. x. fig. 5, 6.
Three young specimens.
Rostrum very slender, and bent rather downwards, not reaching ])eyond the eyes, with one tooth on the ujDper side and one just beneath the point. In other respects they agree with Heller's description.
Abd-el-Kuri.
EDRIOPHTHALMA.
ISOPODA. SPH^ROMIDiE.
Sphseroma, Lafr.
4. Sphaeroma grantii, ». .^p. (Plate xiv a. figs, l-lc.)
One specimen.
Body rather oblong, widest in front, with prominent tubercles. Head as wide as, and rather longer than, the first segment without the epimeres ; 2 prominent tubercles towards the front, near the median line, and 2 smaller ones between these and the eyes, but rather in front ; 4 more along the hind margin, the two middle the largest. Eyes large and prominent in the posterior angle of the head. Antennules more than half as long as the antenna3, with the basal joint not enlarged.
Mesosome : first segment twice as long as the second ; epimeres, as seen from alw^•e, Avidening posteriorly ; 4 tubercles on the hind margin, the two middle ones the largest. The next 5 segments sub-equal with 6 small tubercles on the elevated hind margin of each. Seventh seg- ment with the hind margin smooth. All the epimeres are much de- flexed. Metasome : first segment smooth, partly concealed l\y the last mesosome segment ; second segment with a large, blunt tooth on each side of the median line, and the hind margin at each side pro- duced into a lobe with the apex sinuate. The remaining segments are coalesced with (1st) 3 large tubercles, and (2nd) 2 i^rominent blunt teeth on each side of a central excavation. The hiiider portion is produced much l^eyond the lU'opods, with a tricuspidate sculjDture on the upper side, near the end. The urojiods have the rami sub-equal, rounded-oblong, with smooth margins ; a few short setie on the iiuier margin of the inner rami.
CRUSTACEANS FROM ARD-EL-KURI. 219
Length 4 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
The single specimen was not dissected, the external characters being in this case of more value than the internal. The palp of the maxilli- pedes has narrow joints. The species is characterised by its prominent tubercles, &c.
IDOTEID^.
Edotia, Guerin-M'enevillG.
5. Edotia ? hirtipes, MUm-Edw. (Plate xi\- a. figs. 2, 2a).
Iifofea hirtipes, Milne-Ed., Hist. N;it. Crus., iii. p. 134 (1840). Two young specimens.
Head as wide as, and ratlier larger than, the 1st segment ; eyes large and prominent. Mesosome : first 4 segments longer and wider than the next 3 * ; no epimeres are visible in a dorsal view. Metasome : first segment indicated, but not separate, the rest coalesced ; the extremity rounded, and the whole fringed with short setse. Antennae : the upper reaching beyond the second joint of the lower ; the one-jointed flagellum as long as the last two joints of the peduncle ; lower antennae reaching to the 4th segment ; the last joint of the peduncle almost as long as the two preceding united ; flagellum longer than the peduncle, the first joint as long as the next three together. Uropods, with the terminal portion obliquely pointed, 2 or 3 setules at the tip ; the proximal part with 2 plumose set* at the outer angle and a few setules on the inner margin.
Length 4 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
The specimens are too young for certain identification, and may, very possibly, be the above S. African species.
AM PH I POD A. ORCHESTIID-ffi.
Hyale, Rafhke.
6. Hyale nilssoni, liafhke, var. PlatexivA. figs. 3a-3e.)
Amjyhithoe nil moid, Rathke, Beitrage Fauna Norweg. Verhaud. der K. Leop. -Carol, dents, ak. Naturf., xx., abb. i., p. 2640 (Bresl. 1843).
Several specimens, male, female, and young.
Body moderately compressed. Segments of mesosome increasing slightly in length from the head. Hind margin of third metasome segment rather convex and crenate ; the posterior angle subacute, and slightly up-turned. Head almost as long as the first two segments together. Lateral angle slightly produced ; subacute. Eyes round-oval ; the vertical diameter rather greater than that of the first joint t of the
'^This means, in all similar cases, longer than the next three united. — A. 0. W. t The lirst joint of upper or lower antenniu means the first exposed — i.e., the antepenultimate-joint. The first joint of a leg is the basipodite, not the coxopodite.
220 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
upper antenn*. Upper antennae about twice as long as the peduncle of the lower ; peduncle about half as long as the eleven-jointed flagellum, the joints of which increase in length distally ; lower antennae in the male more than half the length of the body ; peduncle about one-third of the length of the flagellum; the last joint as long as the two preceding. First gnathopods : side plates oljlong, widening below, with the angles rounded ; first joint as long as the next three ; carpus produced l)ehind in a semi-circular lol^e fringed with seta^ which appear to spring from sockets ; j^i'opodos as long as the two preceding joints, widest a little below the middle ai;d contracted l)elow the palm, below which is a fringe of set^e. Second gnathopods : in the female, like the first gnathopods. In the male the side plates are quadrate, with rounded angles ; the propodos is large, widely ovate, and almost exactly like that of H. nilssoni (Rathke). In the female the inculpatory lamellae are rounded at the distal end, and fringed with lomj hairs. Perajopods as in H. nilssoni, except the first joint of the last two pairs, which are rather deeply crenate, especially the lower half. Uropods : the first extend beyond the second, and these beyond the third ; rami of the first and second longer, of the third shorter, than the peduncles. Telson noi'mal.
Length of adult 6 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
Very near H. nilssoni, but differs in the length and proportions of the antenme ; form of the carpus and side plates of the gnathopods, and of the incubatory lamellne, and in the crenate first joints of the last two pair of peraeopods. We cannot, however, consider it as more than a variety. Specimens of N. nilssoni from N. Wales approach these very closely, especially as regards the antennae.
LYSIANASSID^.
Lysianax, Siebbing.
7. Lysianax urodus,* n. sp. (Plate xiv a. figs. 4-4g.)
Body moderately compressed ; first segment of mesosome rather larger than the rest, which are subequal ; first four side plates consideral)ly deeper than the segments ; third segment of metasome with the hinder angle rounded. The head is as long as the first segment.; the lateral angles rounded. Eyes large, dark, oval, reniform. Upper antennae rather longer than the lower in the female ; the first joint very thick and nearly twice as long as the next two ; flagellum seven-jointed, shorter than the peduncle ; the accessory appendage three-jointed and about two-thirds the length of the flagellum ; the first joint rather longer than the second, the third very small. Lower antennae : in the female the last three joints of the peduncle are as long as the five-jointed flagellum, and are subequal in length and
*rrom oi'pci, tail, 65ovs, tooth, in allusion to the tooth on the third uropods.
CRUSTACEANS FROM ABD-KL-KURI, 221
breadth. First guathopods : the first joint as \oug as the next three ; the front margin of the carpus al)Out two-tliirds tlie length of the propodos, which is not sul (chelate ; (lact\dus short, strong, and curved ; side plate rounded and expanded forward so as partly to cover the head. Peneopods : the last three pair increasing gradually in length postei'ioi'ly : first joint much expanded, with a few shallow teeth on the hind margin. Uropods : the first extend beyond the second, and these beyond the third ; the peduncle of these last is about as long as the I'ami, and has a conspicuous tooth at the extremity of the upper margin ; the rami are subequal, and densely setose in the S ■ The telson is entire, rounded at the apex, with two setse on each side and two pair of setules near the middle. It reaches to al»out the middle of the peduncle of the third uropods.
Length of adult male 5 nnii.
Abd-el-Kuri.
This species is nearly allied to L. cinghalensis (Stebbing), l)ut differs chiefly in the form of the eyes.
Parambasia, gen.
nov.
Hide plates very deep. Mandil)les as in Ainhasia infegricdiida, Stebbing, Imt with a distinct accessory lol)e. Maxillipedes, as in Ambasia integricauda, except the dactylus of the palp which is longer. Upper antenna?, with the first joint overhanging the second, as in Amhasia
daniehsem, Boeck : first joint of the flagellum like the suc- ceeding" joints. First gnathopod not sulx-helate, feeble. Second gnathopod with the propodos short, truncate. Pleopods normal. Uropods slender, with, the inner rami shorter than the outer. Telson entire. The species on which this genus is founded resembles Amhiuia infegricauda, Stebbing ('Challenger' Amphipoda p. 695, pi. xxvi.), in the mandil)les, the first gnathopods and the telson ; but differs in the swollen first joint of the upper antennae, and in having the first pair of pleopods normal. Sars (Amphipoda of Xorwoi/, p. 46) considers that Stel)l)ing's species is wrongly placed in Ainhasin which has in the type species, A. danielsscni, Boeck, normal pleopods and a divided telson : the first joint of the flagellum of the upper antenna? is also that of a typi- cal Lysianassid and quite uidike our species and Stelibing's. From Nannonyx, G. 0. Sars, it differs in the comparatively slender and naked first gnathopod and uropods, in the form of the propodos of the second gnathopod and of the upper antenna?, and in the length of the dactyli of the pera?opods.
8. Parambasia fortaesii, n. sp. (Plate, xiv a. figs. 5-5m.)
One female with ova.
Body compressed : first four side-plates more than twice as deep as the segments, the next three nearly as deep as the segments ; hind
222 THE NAXniAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURT.
margin of tlic third metasome segment slightly concave, posterior angle acute, minutely produced. Head as long as the first segment ; lateral angle rounded. Eyes large, dark, oval. Upper antennae : first joint swollen and overhanging the next, second and third subequal, and like the joints of the flagellum ; flagellum, seven-jointed, the first joint like the remainder but shorter, all furnished with long setae on the lower side ; accessory appendage three-jointed, reaching the end of the second joint of the flagellum. Lower antennie slender, the first joint half as long again as the second and twice as long as the third, flagellum six-jointed. Maxillipedes : ends of the inside plates rather ()l)li(|uely truncate, with a curved spine near the outer angle ; fourth joint of palp rather long and irregularly formed. First gnathopod sparsely setose, not subchelate, the first joint as large as the next four ; the second joint as long as the third and fourth ; third very short ; fourth (wrist) half as long as the hand ; side-j^lates large ; front margin expanded below, so as to cover most of the head. Second gnathopods : the propodos widening distally and abruptly truncate ; the daetylus small and placed low down on the truncate face with a semi-circular row of stiff" hooked seta? directed forward above it. Side-plates ex- panded below. Peraeopods : first and second have the third joint Init little enlarged, daetylus about half as long as the preceding joint, no spines except one at the end of the fifth joint ; the third has the first joint irregularly oval, wider than deep, the third joint enlarged, side-plate about twice as large as the first joint ; the fourth and fifth have the first joint very large, in the fifth larger than the foui'th and expanded downwards, dactyli about half as long as the preceding joint. Uropods : in all, the peduncles are longer than the rami, and the outer ramus than the iimer. Telson semi-oval, with a minute setule on each side of the extremity.
Length 3 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
AMPELISOID^.
Ampelisca, Kroyer.
9. Ampelisca, sp. (Plate xivA. figs. Ga, 6b.)
One specimen : length 2 mm.
This example is too young for determination or description. Its principal characters are the rounded rectangular posterior angle of the third seg- ment of metasome and the broad oval daetylus of the last pair of peraeopods.
ATYLID^.
Atylopsis, Stebbing.
10. Atylopsis latipalpus,"- n. sp. (Plate xiv a. figs. 7-71.)
One female with oxix.
* From the unusuall}^ wide palp of the first maxilla;.
CRUSTACEANS FR0:M ABD-EL-KUKI. 223
The sixtli seunient of the mesosome is the shortest, the seventh the longest : first 4 side-plates about frds of the depth of the segments ; posterior margin of third segment of metasome rounded, with a slight indica- tion of the posterior angle ; segments of urosome distinct. Head longei' than the first segment. Eyes large, oval, dark. Mandibles as in Panifi/his, small : palps lost. First maxilla? : outer plate crowned with rather long denticulate set* ; inner plate small, with three long plumose seta3 on the apex ; palp remarkabl}' broad, much wider than the outer plate ; the inner angle of the second joint cut oft", and the sloping edge with five short teeth ; the top of the joint with three setae. Second maxilla' luirnial. Maxillipedes with the third joint scarcely produced over the base of the fourth, otherwise normal. Upper antenna? grds as long as the lower ; peduncle short, the joints successively decreasing in length and thickness ; flagellum ten-jointed, the first joint the longest. Lower antenn;e : the first joint very short, the second as long as, but thicker than, the third ; ftagellum with about 25 joints. First gnathopods : the first joint almost as long as the next four ; the second and third short : the wrist as long as the hand, the posterior angle prominent ; the hand with parallel margins, the palm oblique, shorter than the posterior margin, slightly convex. Second gnathopods like the first, but rather larger ; the first joint longer and stouter ; the posterior angle of the wrist produced to about Jrd the length of the hand. Perteopods : the first and second have the first joint as long as the next three ; the third and fourth as long as the fifth ; the last pair have the first j(jint rather deeper than wide, the hind margin slightly serrate. All the perteopods have strong curved dactyli, and are more or less spinous. Uropods : the first and second with narrow peduncles and I'ami, the former the longer : inner rami shorter than the outer ; peduncles of the third less than half as long as the rami, which are lanceolate and equal, the inner rather the wider ; both are spinous on both margins, and furnished with plumose setie on the inner. Telson divided to about half its length ; the extremities of the divisions rounded, and without spines.
Length 4- mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
But for the divided telson, this genus would seem to belong rather to Calliopiidir than Af//Ii(he.
GAMMARIDM.
Elasmopus, A. Costa. 11. Elasmopus sokotrse, n. sj). (Plate xivR. figs. 1-li.)
Sixteen specimens — males, females with ova and young.
The first two segments of the mesosome are the shortest, the remaining segments increase in length successively ; the side plates of the first four ai-e not as deep as the segments ; lower .margins rounded ; the
224 THE NATUIUL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
third segment of the metasome has the posterior angle acute, and slightly turned up ; the first segment of the urosome has, in the male, a prominent tooth on each side of the median line. The head is as long as the first two segments. Eyes oval, dark, placed close to the edge of the rounded lateral angle. Upper antennsfi nearly twice as long as the lower ; end of the peduncle in the male reaching to the end of that of the lower antenme ; in the female exceeding it by the last joint ; first joint thick, almost as long as the second : third joint in the male one-third, in the female two-thirds the length of the second ; flagellum rather longer than the peduncle ; accessory appendage (often wanting in the female) of three subequal joints. Lower antennte : Last joint of the peduncle rather shorter than the pre- ceding, the two together rather longer than the flagellum. Mandibles very deep, the palp small, shorter than the upper margin, the first joint the shortest, the remaining two of equal length, without setae, except two at the tip. First gnathopods : the first joint about as long as the next three, propodos oval, as long as the two preceding joints, palm undefined : hind margins of hand and wrist setose ; dactylus about one-third the length of the hand. Second gnathopods : in the male the propodos is very large, oval, very sparsely setose, the palm as long as the posterior margin, and defined by a tubercle and the usual spines ; a lai'ger spinous tubercle near the base of the dactylus, and a smaller one between these two ; dactylus strong ; carpus short, and somewhat produced behind in a very setose lobe. In the female the propodos is much smaller, oval, very setose, the palm not defined ; carpus about half the length of the propodos. Perteopods : the first and second moderately strong, the hind margins of the fourth and fifth joints spinous, and a long spine on the side of the latter towards the distal end. Remaining legs extremely robust, spinous, and setose, the third joint as wide as the expanded first, which is finely serrate on the lower part of the hind margin. The dactjdus in all fi\e pairs has a secondary tooth, and two or three set;e, and is strong and curved. Uropods : first and second with peduncle longer than the rami, the inner of which in l)oth pairs ter- minates in a very long spine ; both pairs reach to the end of the telson ; the third pair are very short, wide, and spinous, the rami equal, rather longer than the peduncle. The telson reaches the end of the peduncle of the third uropods ; it is cleft to the base with three une(iual spines at the extremity of each division.
Length of male, 7 mm. ; female, with ova, 5 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.
This species shows even more than the usual differences of the genera Elasinopus, Maera, and their allies between the sexes, viz., in the upper antennae, the second gnathopods, the presence in the male only of teeth on the urosome, and in the size. It is very near to E. subcarinata (Haswell), as described in the ' Challenger ' Amphipoda, but differs in
(TvUSTACEANS FROM AP.D-KL-Kritl. 225
having u threc-jointt'd aecessoiy uppeiidagc, in tlic approximate equality of the three joints of the mandibular i)al]), and a few other minor particulars. As regards the mandihulai' palp, we prefer Prof. G. 0. 8ars" definition of the genus, whi(;h wisely, in our opinion, makes no mention of this ])art, as IJoeek does. We, tliei'cfoi'e, do not feel called upon to create a new genus (as Mr. Stel)l)ing felt constrained to do in PanIasmoj)a;i), l)ecause the third joint is neither " nuich larger " than the second, nt)r "curved," etc. We venture t(j thiidc that the inti-o- duction of such trivial characters into the definition of a genus only leads to the unnecessary multiplication of genera. It is hardly necessary to say that t'osta, the founder of the genus, says nothing about the mouth organs. As a specific character, the mandibular paljj is often very useful — ('.(/., it would l)e almost impossil)le to dis- tinguish the female of this species from that of E. rapax (Costa) but for the difference between the small naked appendage of the former, which cannot be seen till the mandible is dissected out, and the powerful setose one of the latter, which projects far beyond the mouth. From E. insujtiis (Chevreux) it dift'ers in the sculpture and comparati\-e luiility of the posterior margin of the propodos of the second gnathopod of the male, and in the absence of the teeth on the first urosome segment in the female.
PHOTID^.
AuduUa, Chevreux.
Audulla, Chevreux, Mem. Soc. Zool. de Fr., xiv. p. 3SS (19l>2).
12. Audulla Chelifera, Chevreux. (Plate xiv p.. figs. 2a, 2b.) AuduUa chelifera, Chevreux, loc. supra cit.
Fifteen specimens, male, female, and young.
Body slender ; the two first segments the shortest, the last three of the mesosome the longest ; posterior angle of the thixxl metasome segment acute and upturned ; the first two segments of the urosome are dorsally depressed, with a pair of upright seUe near the hind margin ; side plates small and rounded. Head as long as the two first segments ; latei'al angle acute, the dark, oval eye Ijeing situated in it. Mouth organ normal. Upper antennae : first and third joints subequal in length ; the second considerably longer ; the accessory appendage is five-jointed ; the last joint minute. Lower antenn;e like the upper, except the thinner first joint. First gnathopod like that of Gamirntropsis eri/fhrOfJitlidhniis (Lillje) ; the side plate ol)tusely rhom- l)oidal. Second gnathopod in the male very large; the first joint rather longer than the next thi'ee : carpus short, triangular. Propodos as long as all the preceding joints, oblong, the hinder margin produced to meet the point of the dactylus, so that the liml) is truly chelate; the upper and lower margins with rows of long seta? ; dactylus very short and strong, like a parrot's upper mandible, with a strong tooth
15
226 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
in the middle of the inner margin. In the female the propodos is much smaller, oval, the palm oblique, more than half the length of the posterior margin ; the whole densely setose ; the dactylus is serrate on the distal two-thirds of its length. The perteopods reseml>le those of (t. erythrophthalmus, except that in the last three pairs the first joint is considerably narrower. The first and second uropods have the peduncle about as long as the rami, with a few spines on both ; the outer rami are a little shorter than the inner ; the third are the same, but stouter ; the tips of the rami densely spinous. The telson is of the usual convex, semi-tubular form, but the extremity is hollowed out, so as to present a deep sinus when flattened out. It has a strong spine, terminated by a setule, and a small setule near it at the extremity of each lobe.
Length of male 5 mm. ; the female is rather shorter and stouter.
The males of this species may easily be distinguished by the chelate second gnathopod.
Alxl-el-Kuri.
The above species was described by us as Gammaropsis chelata before M. Chevreux's paper was received. We still consider that the structure of the third uropods places it in the Photidce,, rather than the Ischyrocerida'., to which it is referred l)y Mons. Chevreux.
AMPHITHOID^.
Qrubia, Czerniavski.
13. Grubia longicornis, Kossmann. (Plate xiv b. figs. 3a-3e.)
Amphithoides longkornin, Kossman (?) Zool. Reise Roth. Meeres, 2 Hiilf., 1st Lief., p. 13o, pi. ii. (1880.)
One adult male and two young.
The first two segments of body of equal length, the remainder increasing successively ; side-plates of the first five segments rather deeper than the segments ; the whole body finely but not closely granulate ; branchial vesicles large, broadly oval ; third segment of the metasome with the lower margin convex, the posterior angle slightly upturned. The head is half as long again as the first segment, the lateral angle rounded. Eye rather small, round, red. Mouth organs as in Amjyhithoe (cf. Sars Amphipoda of Norway), l)ut the mandibular palp in a young specimen is relatively smaller, and has only a few seta? at the extreme tip. Upper antennae considerably longer than the lower, the first joint thicker and rather shorter than the second, which is four times as long as the third ; flagellum with 40-50 joints ; accessory appendage one-jointed, half as long as the first joint of the flagellum. Lower anteiniaj : first joint shorter than and about as thick as that of the upper ; second and third subequal and rather longer than the second joint of the upper ; in the adult male the lower margins of the distal third of the second, the whole of the third and the first few joints of the flagellum are densely fringed with plumose setae ;
CRUSTACEANS FROM ARD-EL-KURI. 227
flai^ellum with about thirty joints, the first few ill defined. First giiathopods as in AmphitJiue ruhricdta (Mont.), but the side-plates are expanded below towards the head, and ]ia\e a few setie at the hind corner. Second gnathopods : anterior margin of the wrist aliout two-thirds as long as the hand, which is broadly oA'al ; palm oblique, slightly convex and even, shorter than the posterior margin — these two joints in the adult male are densely clothed on the front side with plumose setae ; side-plates ol)long-oval, with seta? at the hind corner. Perajopods : th(! first and second as in AmphifJuH', the I'emaining pairs wanting in all three specimens. Urojjods : peduncle of the first rather longei-, of the second rather shorter than the rami ; outer rami the shorter ; peduncle of the third more than twice as long as the short, thick rami, of which the outer is the shorter, and furnished with two hooked spines as in Amphifho'e. Telson half as long as the peduncles of the third uropods, like Amphithoe, but rather more rounded.
Length of adult male 1 1 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri,
In spite of considerable discrepancies with Kossmann's description of Ampkithoides luiKjkornis, it is probable that our specimens should be referred to that species. His specimens were only 4 mm. in length — the size of one of our young ones. These had lost all their antennie, but in the adult male the peduncle of the lower antennae is much longer relatively to the upper than in his species. Again, the accessory appendage in his is two-jointed, and the outer ramus of the third uropods is said to have only one hook, while in ours these figures are reversed, but it is very easy to make mistakes in such points. Delia Valle {Gammarini del Gulfo de Neapoli, p. 464) unites this species with G. crassicornis (Costa), but the form of the second gnathopod in the male is quite different.
PHLIADID^.
PereionotUS, Bate & Wesfwood.
14. PereionotUS testudo, Montagu. (Plate xiv B. figs. 4a, 4b.)
Icriilium fiiKCum, Grube, Arch, fiir Naturgesch. (1864), Vol. i., p. 195, Taf. V.
To this species we refer — at all events, provisionally — a single specimen, which agrees with it in every respect, except in the second uropods having two rami instead of one. This is, no doul;)t, the form men- tioned by Mr. Stebbing {Trans. Linn. Soc, (2), vol. vii., p. 41 7). Mons. Chevreux has very kindly sent us a similar specimen, and writes as follows : — " I have found the two forms (with one and two rami) in the same localities, among alga?, on the coast of Provence, as well as of Algeria. They have absolutely the same aspect, and only differ in the character of the uropods. It may be a case of sexual dimorphism, but these animals are rare everywhere and I have not sufficient specimens to be sure upon this point."
228 THE NATURAL HISTOltY OF SOKOTUA AND AP.D-KL-KURI.
FAMILI-ffi INCERT^ SEDIS.
Kuria,'" gen. nov.
Body laterally compressed. Mandibles with dentate primary and secondary cntting edges ; molar tubercle rather large ; palp wanting. Maxilli- pedes with imier and outer plates very small, especially the latter ; palp four-jointed. Anteinue sul)equal ; flagella few jointed ; no accessory appendage. Gnathopods subequal, very long and slender ; propodos in l)0th pairs long and narrow, with a small subchelate palm. Perteopods : last three pair very robust, with the first and third joints greatly developefl. Third uropods with one ramus. Telson divided to the base, consisting oi two sul)triangular plates set on edge.
Abd-el-Kuri.
A very aberrant genus. Its nearest ally seems to be the New Zealand genus Bircenna (Chilton), which Mr. Stebbing has placed in the FhUadidce {Trans. Linn. Soc, 2nd ser., vol. vii., p. 421), where, however, it seems somewhat out of place with genera such as Pereionofiis, Iphinutus, etc. It resemljles Kuria in the characters of the antenna?, gnathopods, mandible, and maxillipedes, and the uni- ramous third uropods, Init differs in having very shallow side plates, and an entire telson.
15. Kuria longimanus, n. sp. (Plate xiv b. tigs. 5-5 n.)
Two females with ova.
Body rather plump ; first and second segments subequal, remaining seg- ments of the mesosome rather longer than these ; first four side-plates deeper than the segments, upper posterior angle of the fourth cut away ; third metasome segment with the hind margin almost straight, with two narrow notches, jDosterior angle su1)acute ; urosome with the three segments coalesced. Head small and partly concealed l)y the first side-plate ; no rostrum. Eyes rather small, oval, dark. Upper antenna? rather shorter than the head, and first segment, first and second joints respectively, about twice as thick, l)ut the same length as the following joint ; flagellum four-jointed, with a rather long seta, and two or three short ones on the lower margin of each joint. Lower antenna? with seven joints in all, the peduncle ap- parently of two joints only, of which the first is very small. In both pairs of antenna? it is difficult to distinguish the peduncle from the flagellum. First gnathopods very long and slender, reaching l)eyond the end of the antennae ; first joint as long as the next three, wrist as wide and almost as long as the hand, which is al)0ut five times as long as wide ; palm very small, ()])li(iue, and defined 1»y a spine ; dactylus projecting beyond the palm by al)out one-fourth of its length ; side-j)lates oblong, the anterior angle rounded, the surface covered
* Derived from Abd-el-Kuri, where tlie specimens were taken.
CRUSTACEANS FltOlNf Anr)-KL-KTn{r. 229
with short sctules. Second gnathopods like the first. Peraeopods : fii'st and second with the fii'st joint narrow and ahout as long as the next three : third joint a litth' expanch'd and pi'oduced downwards to a spine ; fourth joint al)Out one-t'onrth as long as the fifth ; dactylus strong and cur\e(l ; the third have the first joint semi-circular, with the hind margin deeply creiiatt', a foi'ked setule l)et\veen each of the lobes, a strong spine on the anterior margin near the top, and another in a downward prolongation of that margin ; the second joint is small with thi-ee spines on the front maigin ; the third has al)out eight spines on the front, and the hind margin is greatly produced and dilated, crenate, and furnished with forked setules, as in the first joint ; the fifth joint is al)Out as long as the third and fourth, with two or three spines on the front margin ; in the last pair the first joint is much wider, and almost circular, the hind margin rather finely serrate with simple setules in the notches ; the third j(jint is much less produced behind, and has four or five set* in front. The side- plates of all and the fii'st joints of the last three pair of pera^opods are studded with setules, especially tOAvards the hind margin. Uropods : the first and second ha^ e the peduncles rather shorter than the rami, which are equal and similar ; in the third the peduncle is short and thick, -with a strong spine at the outer extremity. The single ramus is about as long as the peduncle, with a large and small spine at the tip. The telson is di\i(led almost to the base, and the two sub- triangular divisions turned up on edge, the lower margin lieing convex and the upper straight, with two or three seta; near the distal end.
Length 2 nnii.
Abd-el-Kuri.
COROPHIID-ffi.
Cerapus, Say.
16. Cerapus flindersi, Stehbing. (Plate xivii. figs. (j-6g.)
Ccrapiisjfi'u'lersi, Stebbing, ' Challenger ' Report, Vol. xxix., p. 11(53, pi. cxxv. (ISSS).
One female. Length 4 mm.
This agrees in all respects with the female descril)ed by Mr. »Stel»l»ing ('Challenger' Ainphipothi), from Flinders I'assage, Torres Straits. The male has l)een described l^y Dr. C. Chilton in the Becords of fhe Audralian Museum, vol. ii., 1892, from Port Jackson.
230 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
PLATE XIV A.
Fig. I. SPH/EROMA QRANTII, n.sp., p. 218.
I a, Side view ; ib, Heatl fwmhcucith ; ic, Tail from hcnenfh.
Fig. 2. EDOTIA, sp., p. 219.
2a, Opi'rnilum.
Fig. 3. HYALE NILSSONI, llathh', rnr., p. 219.
3a, Lower aidcnnii ; 3b, \d fjiudhopod, $: 3c, 2nd do., S; 3d, 2/*'/ do., ?; 3e,
Fig. 4. LYSIANAX URODUS, n.sp., p. 220.
4a, Upper antenna ; 4b, Lower do. ; 4c, l-s/ guaflupod ; 4d, !•>'/ p)era'()pod ; 46, Src^ fZo. ; 4f, 5//i r/o. ; 4g, Telsoii and 3rd
uropod, S .
Fig. 5. PARAMBASIA FORBESII, n.ijen.dqh, p. 221.
5a, Upper anfeiinei ; 5b, Louver do. : 5c, In/ gnjifhopod : 5d, 2/('7 (/o. ; 56, \st pereeopod : 5f, 'Srd do. : 5g, 5fh do. ; gh, 3rd segment of inetasome ; gi, 1st uropod ; 5k, Ind do. ; 5I. 3rd do. ; 5m, Tehon.
Fig. 6. AMPELISCA, s^y., p. 222.
6a, i/i'''/'/ ; 6b, O/// pcrevopod.
Fig. 7. ATYLOPSIS LATIPALPU5, ^.s^., p. 222.
7a, Upper ((niennu ; 7b. Lower do. : 7c, l-s/ ManUo ; jd, 1st (jnathopod ; 76, '2nd. do.; ji, \st pera'opod ; yg, 5th do. ; jh, 3rd sefiment of metasome ; yi, \st uropod ; 7k, 3rd do. ;
7I, Telson (nndformeil).
LivMp.Mu^'.: I\ep. Sckotra Ea'ped.
pi.im.
A. Scott , a-dna-t .delt Ri:.MintemJdth..
CRUSTACEANS FROM ABD-EL-KURI .
Mxrctem Ero s m^ .
232 THE XATlltAI. HISTORY (>F SuKOTUA AND AllD-EL-KrRI.
PLATE XIV B.
Fig, 1. ELASMOPUS SOKOTR^, » y .. p. 223.
la, Minid/lih': ib, Isf gitafhopml, S; IC, 2ii>l do., S •' id, iaddo., $ .• le, \-^t p'Td'opod ; if, 3nZ tin. ; ig, 5^/( do. ; ih, 3/v/ uriipod : li, Ti'hun.
Fig. 2. AUDULLA CHELIFERA, C7/«/v»,. p. 225.
2a, 2//'/ i/ii'ifli>ijioi/, ^ : 2b, 2y("/ do., 9 .
Fig. 3. QRUBIA L0NGIC0RNI5, A'o «»//»«, p. 226.
3a, Ilcitd ; 3b, l-^/ (jiiatlnijiod ; 3c, 2/t'/ ^/t>, ; 3d, 3/y/ uropod : 36, Tchoii.
Fig. 4. PEREIONOTUS TE5TUDO, Mmd., n,r., p. 227.
4a, Uro^oiiif from hi'iwatli ; 4b, ord prrwopod.
Fig. 5. KURIA LONQIMANUS, /( r/cH. f/ s/)., p. 228.
5a, Mondihh' ; 5b, MaxiUepedrs ; 5c, l^/ (jiiathipod : 5d, 2/m/ J^y. ;
56, \st pcra'opod ; 5!, 3/v/ ^A^. .• 5g, .D?*// 'A/..- sh, ord
srpiiH'iif of mctasomi' : si, !>•/ umpad : 5k, 2//^/ 'A^ ; 5I, 3/v/ do. : 5m, Trisoii : 511, '/f^, .svV/r /•?>?('.
Fig. 6. CERAPUS FLINDERSI, >>frhhiiHj, 9, p. 229.
6a, UppiT anfcinia ; 6b, Loarr do. : 6c, \xt ijnotjiopod ; 6d, 2//'/ '/". ; 6e — 6g, 1-s/, 2//'/, <'//'/ 3/v/ uropof/.^.
Ltvprf>.MuH.; Re/). <S'rkri7-a Kvpcd
A-Scatt.a,d nai-.delt
CRUSTACEANS FROM ABD-EL-KURI.
MijrteTmBT^os.iinp .
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Hymenoptera.
Bii W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S.
I'LATES XV., XVI.
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASPS AND BEES OF SOKOTRA. 235
Ichneumons, Wasps and Bees.
As is usually the case with small insular fauna?, the Hynwiioptcm of Sokotra appear to consist chiefly of endemic species, the few which have been identified as previously known being almost all insects of very wide range. It is, however, quite possible that some of the species, here described as new, may ultimately prove to l)e identical with forms already described from other localities. Without an approximately complete named collection from all the neighbouring countries to Sokotra, this cannot always be avoided in the case of so large and difficult an ordei' as the Hymenoptera. No spQcial observation respecting the fauna occurs to me, except that some of the species exhibit an unusually dark colour, as compared with allied species from other localities.
The Expedition collected 44 species of Hipnrnopfriu in all, of which 27 ha^■e proved to lie new. If we deduct 5 species, all new, from the adjacent island of Abd-el-Kuri, we have a total of 39 species from Sokotra itself, of which 24^two of which were previously described (P.Z.S. 1881, p. 649) b}^ myself from the specimens collected by Professor Bayley Balfour, F.R.S.— are belie^'cd to be peculiar to the island.
I have also noticed a species of Harpadopus, Smith {Sphecjidce), as occur- ing in Sokotra {P.Z.S. 1898, p. 386). It was captured by Mr. E. B. Bennett. As the probable number of species of Hymenoptera existing in Sokotra is hardly likely to be less than from 3000 to 4000, at the lowest possil)le estimate, it is evident that we must wait for much larger collections before we can attempt to make any useful generalisations respecting the fauna. In the case of known species I have usually referred to Professor Dalla Torre's Catalogm Hijmcnopterorum, instead of attempting to give the synonymy here in fuli.
236 THE XATI'IJAL IflSTORY OF SOKOTltA AND ABD-EL-Knil.
1. — The Ichneumons, Wasps and Bees of Sokotra.
TEREBRANTIA. CHALCIDID^.
LEUCOSPIDIN/E.
LeUCOSpis, Fabricius.
1. Leucospis insularis, A7/%. (Plate x^■. fig. 1.)
Leiicoi^ptti insidaris, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 13 (1900).
Length of body 12 mm. ; length of anterior wings 9 mm.
Female. Very thickly and coarsely punctured, clothed with a tliin grey pile. Head black, face more finely punctured than the vertex ; antennae, including scape, and mandibles, except at the tips, red ; joints 8 and 9 ])lackish above, and 6 and 7 more slightly. Pronotum red, with a transverse yellow line in front, interrupted in the middle ; behind it are two distinct transverse unicolorous carinte, besides the terminal one. Mesonotum l:)lack, with the sides red, and with two red central l)ands, broadest behind, and not continued forward to the Imse. 8cutellum l)lack, the front angles marked with red, and a yellow transverse sub-terminal line, edged l)chiiid with red. Postscutellum yellow in the middle, and red at the sides. Median segment red. Tegulai and a spot below red. Mesopleura lilack in front, and red behind. Legs red, middle tibiae yellow above, hind femora blackish in the middle, and with a yellow spot at the base outside ; about six moderate-sized black teeth are visible on the outside. Abdomen red, the first and second segments with a sub-terminal transverse yellow line, edged behind with black. Terminal segment not enlarged, ovipositor black, red in the middle, recurved to a little more than the hinder third of the abdomen. Wings smoky hyaline.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 12. L 99); one specimen.
A species very dissimilar to an\' other kno\A'n to me.
BRACONID-ffi.
Iphiaulax, Fbrster.
2. Iphiaulax kersteni, ^V/,^7.
Bracoji ktrdtiii, Gerst. , Arch. f. Naturg. xxxvii. (1) p. 350, n. 59 (1870) ; Von der Decken, Reisen in Ost-Afrika iii. (2) p. 361, pi. xiv. f. VI
(1873). Bracoii kar.stc.iii, I);illa Tone, Cat. Hymenopt. iv. p. 274: (1898).
Sokotra: Moukaradia, ( = Geliel Kaggit) (800 ft., 1(3. XIL 98); one
specimen.
TlIK ICllNKUMONS, WASl'S AND T.KKS OF SOKOTKA. •2:')7
I)cscril)e(l by Gevstacckei' from M()ni1)as;i.
[Til life the bod}' is inucli iiiHatcd, and of an oi'aiigf led colour. — li'.H.OA}.]
ICHNEUMONID^.
Joppa, Fabriciiis.
3. Joppa, i<p.
Sokotra : Hadil)U riaiiu 1"). XIl. *.»(!. : one spociiiieii. [Camp to lii;-ht at iiii;ht. — //;//.^^//.]
CRYPTID^.
Cryptus, Fabricius.
4. Cryptus pulcherrimus, Kirhij. (Plate xvi. fig. 7.)
Cri/jtfiis j/ii/c/u rrhniis, Kiiby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 14 (1900).
(? Length of body 18 mm. ; length of anterior wings 13 mm. ^ Length of ])ody 15-22 mm. ; length with ovipositor 23-32 mm.
Head and thora.x: mahogany lirown, lower parts of face yellowish ; abdomen fulvous, segments after the 3rd mostly blackish ; legs fulvous, hind tibiae yellowish on the inner side in the male, and tipped with blackish in the female ; wings yellowish subhyaline towards the base, and rich iridescent violet towards the margin.s, a trace of which colour is sometimes visible on the hind coxa?. Head and thorax thickly and regularly punctured ; median segment rugose-punctate ; scutellum, postscutellum, and abdomen nearly smooth, the latter clothed with very short hair. Clypeus very long, oblong, the sides depressed, especially in the middle. Basal segment of the abdomen \evy long, slightly expanded lieyond the middle, where the stigmata are placed ; 2nd segment about { shorter than the first, the basal ^ with parallel sides, the rest widening considerably to the extremity in the $ , but very little in the S- ; the remaining joints shorter, closely con- nected, and with nearly parallel sides in the male, and forming a long oval in the female.
Sokotra: Goahal Gorge (16. L 99); Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 15. I. 99); Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 8. 11. 99) ; Dahamis (350 ft., 24. XII. 98) ; six specimens.
Not closely allied to any species in the British Museum.
OPHIONID-a:.
Enicospilus, Stephens.
5. Enicospilus, s/i.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 7. II. 99). A single specimen,
allied to E. mcrdariii^, Grav. [Came to light.— /r./i'.C.(^r'.]
238 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
TUBULIFERA. CHRYSIDID^.
Stilbum, Spinola.
6. Stilbum cyanurum, Furd.
Chnj!<i^ ci/ainira, Forst., Nov. Sjjec. Ins. p. 89 (1770).
Sti/hton ryaniirum, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. vi. p. 37 (1892).
Sokotra : Haclibu Plain (13-15. XII. 98) ; Addah Valley (17-18. XII. 98) ;
Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 14. I. 99) ; nine specimens, all of the deep blue
variety. [Came into tent in bright sunshine. — Jr.L'.O.G.]
ACULEATA.
FOSSORES. SCOLIID^.
Campsomeris, St. Fargeau.
7. Campsomeris socotrana, Kirhy. (Plate xv. fig. 14.)
Campsomerif^ fiorofrana, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 14(1900).
Length of body 17 mm. ; expanse of wings 29 mm.
Female. Black, face, thorax, and basal half of the segments of the abdomen rather thick!}" punctured ; the vertex and middle of the pronotum, and of the scutelhnn and post-scutellum nearly smooth ; face sparingly clothed with fulvous hair, especially round the base of the antenme ; prothorax, ridges of the pleura, and sides of metanotum clothed with fidvous haii'; abdomen with hair on the base and sides of the first segment, and a Ixand of hair at the extremity of the four fol- lowing segments, of the same colour. Legs red, clothed with very long tawny hair ; femora black nearly to the extremity, Avith the cultrate edge beneath the four hind femora bright red. Fore-wings clouded hyaline, yellowish towards the base, and iridescent violet beyond the middle.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft. 18. II. 99) ; two specimens.
Allied to Colpa canescens, Lep., from Senegal, but in that species the legs are black. I see no reason to follow Professor Dalla Torre in referring the latter species to Tiphia colhiris, Fabr.
[Rare ; only met with twice, burrowing in sand ; rather sluggish. — JF.RO.G.]
Tiphia, Fabricius.
8. Tiphia crassinervis, Kirhij. (Plate xv. fig. 10.)
Tiphia cras.siuerris, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 15 (1900). Length of body 14 mm. ; length of anterior wing 9 mm. Female. Black, shining, thickly and closely punctured, abdomen with long, fine, outstanding whitish pubescence ; antennte, and tibi» and
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASPS AND BEES OF SOKOTRA. 239
tarsi red or reddish, wings smoky hyaline, the nervures black, very thick. Median segment with three h)ngitudinal carina?, expandin*-- in front, the space ))etween smooth ; the apex is vertically truncated. Basal segment of the abdomen rounded in front, scarcely constricted behind.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 4-8. 11. 99) ; three specimens ; Homhil, E. Sokotra (1500 ft., 25. I. 99) ; one specimen.
Very distinct from any other species before me, by the incrassation of the nervures.
[Similar in habits to Camjmineris socotrana. — JFJIOJ/.]
POMPILID^.
Salius, Fabricius. 9. Salius extraneus, Kirhy. (Plate xv. fig. 8.)
Mijgaimia extraiiea, Kirby (nee Calkayu.'i extraneus, Lep.) Proc. Zool. Soc.
Lond. 18S1, p. 649. Salim extravagam, Dalla Ton-e, Cat. Hymenopt. viii. p. 223 (1S97).
The following is my description of the Types : —
" Expanse of wings 1 in. 1 line to 2 in. 6 lines ; length of l)ody 1 in. to 1 in. 5 lines.
Allied to M. vinth'.r, Smith, from S. Africa, and M. jri-odigiom, Gerst., from E. Africa.
Male. Head, antenna?, prothorax, and legs reddish ; a very narrow bright red line round the eyes, and the mouth also shading into bright red ; meso-thorax black above, with three carina? in front, and a broad raised ridge behind ; scutellum deeply incised ; meta-thorax oval, truncated behind, and clothed with long hair ; pectus and al)domen clothed with a coppery green pile ; the middle of the pectus with a few long grey hairs. Wings deep purple or violet, with blue and green reflections.
Female. Similar, Imt with the red colouring less marked, especially on the head and pronotum."
Sokotra: Moukaradia ( = Gebel Raggit) (800 ft, IG. XII. 98) ; Homhil (2,500 ft., 19-26. I. 00).
Five specimens were captured by Mr. Grant ; but the figure is taken from one of the types collected by Professor Bay ley Balfour. If the genus Calicagus (which Colonel Bingham treats as a section of Pompilus) is retained, there will be no reason to employ Professor Dalla Torre's name for this species.
[Only on the hills ; commonest on limestone range al»ove Homhil ; makes a great noise flying, and sweeps round in wide circles with legs stretched out behind.— 7/'. A'. 6*. ^'.]
240 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
SPHEGID^.
Sceliphron, Linn.
10. Sceliphron segyptium (/>/////.).
Sphcx (I'f/i/ptiu^ Linn., Syst. Nat. (Ed. x.) i. p. .Idfl n. 4 (17.")S). Pe/op(L'iis agi/pfiii-<, Kirby, Pfoe. Zool. Soc. l.iond., ISSl, p. (;5(». Sceliphron spiriftx (Linn.) var. n-ip/ptiarxm, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. viii. p. 391 (1897).
Sokotra : Hadihu Plain (11. XII. 98.) ; Addah Valley, east of Hadihu Plain (17. XII. 98); and Jena-agalian (1200 ft., 17. I. 99) ; four specimens.
Previously obtained in Sokotra by Professor Bayley Balfour.
[Common ; makes a nest of clay inside hollow trees. One hollow BostrrJI/ii tree near Homhil contained a large colony of nests. — IF.Il.O.G.]
11. Sceliphron violaceum {Fair.).
Sphcv riofactd, Fabr. Syst. Ent. p. .'U6 n. 4 (1775).
Sceliphron riolaceutn, Bingh. Faun. Brit. Ind. Hym. i. p. '240, pi. 1. f. 8
(1897). Pelopreus heiigalensi'i, Dahlb. Hym. Eur., Sphex, p. 433 n. 2 (1845). Sceliphron hengalense e.t ciolacenm, Ualla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. viii. pp.
379, 392 (1897).
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (12. XII. 98.); and one from Goahal Gorge, E. Sokotra (1200 ft., 27. I. 99.) ; fifteen specimens, differing a little in size.
The types of *S'. violacea are said to have come from the Cape of Good Hope. The localities given by Colonel Bingham are Southern and Eastern Europe, North Africa, India, Burma, Tenasserim, Ceylon, China, Japan, and the Mala}'an and Australian sub-regions.
[Met with only on low ground ; fre({uently seen towards evening on the bushes in clusters of hundreds. It does not attempt to sting when disturbed or caught In' the hand. — Jr.Ii'.OJr.]
Sphex, Linn.
12. Sphex erebus, Kirlii/. (Plate xv. hg. 2.)
Sphex erehns, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 15 (1900).
Length of body 20-2-5 mm. ; length of anterior wings 14-17 mm.
Deep lilack ; face, from above the antenn;e to the extremity of the clypeus, clothed with white hair slightly tinged with yellow ; clypeus long, with parallel sides, or, if anything, slightly narrowed at the lower extremit}' ; hair on the head above and behind and on the thorax, petiole and coxie l)lack ; thorax finely and uniformly punctured, scutellum notched in the middle, post-scutellum with two smooth and shining prominences above, with a groove between, median segment transversely striated ; legs black, the middle and hind femora and tibia? more or less red, wings hyaline, black at the l)ase, and dusky at the tips.
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASI'S AND BEES OF SOKOTRA. 241
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (111."). XII. 98); five specimens.
Allied to S. ((/■(jmhi/us, Fahr., hut ditlers in the redder legs, and the black, instead of whitish, hair on the median segment. It would doubtless be considered a mere variety by some Hymenopterists.
According to E. Taschenberg's description of «,S'. meUtUka from Khartoum, the latter has grey hair on the pro- and meso-thorax. 0. Taschenberg, however, identities it with a Hokotran insect, which is doubtless the same as this, and states that it also occurs in Senegal -and Zanzibar.
[This inst't't forms colonies of nests in sandy ground, each nest being occupied hy a single individual. Hiding or walking through such a colon}' is at first somewhat disturbing, as the whole of the wasps career wildly round the head of the passer-by. They are, however, appai-cntly hai'mlcss. IJ'.H.OJl.']
liarpactopus.
13. Harpactopus, sji.
JIar/xuiopus, sp., Kirby, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 386. One specimen collected by Mr.- Bennett in too worn a condition for determination was mentioned by me (lor. cit.) as "allied to H. crudclis, Smith, l)ut larger and with reddish mandibles and tibia?."
Pseudapis, Kirby.
P.^enilajn.^, Kirb3% Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii., p. 15 (1900).
Head as broad as the thorax. Antennce with the 2nd joint transverse, 3rd shorter than the following ones, which are about twice as long as broad till towards the extremity. Eyes con^'erging beneath, ocelli on the vertex, the two hinder ocelli about opposite the hinder part of the eyes, and about as wide apart as each is distant from the eye ; central ocellus placed just in front of the others. Pronotum linear ; median segment short, rounded, slightly depressed in the middle in front. Tegulfe enormous, extending before and behind the bases of the wings. Legs moderately long and slender and clothed with a fine pile ; four front tibia? spined at the extremity ; hind tibia? ending, in the male, in a huge broad cultrate appendage ; in the female, unarmed. Tarsi long and slender, all the joints spined beneath, except, perhaps, the front tarsi in the female ; first joint of tarsi as long as the succeeding ones together, terminal joint of the middle tarsi ending in a hairy pad, somewhat resembling that in some liees, such as Foda- lirms acurvnrum. Wings with one radial and three cubital cells, the radial cell broad, obtuse at the extremity, and not appendiculate ; first radial cell oblong or sub-oval, as long as the third cell in the male, but shorter than in the female ; second cell nearly square, smaller in the male than in the female, third much narrower above than below ; first recurrent nervure received close to the extremity of the second radial cell ; second at about | of the extremity of the third cell.
16
242 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AP.D-EL-KURI.
This is a very strange insect, which has the appearance of a Bee, although the long slender cylindrical tarsi seem to exclude it from the family. I am inclined at present to refer it to the Spheghhe, in which group it may perhaps foi'm the type of a ne\\' sul)-family.
14. Pseudapis anomala, Kirhij. (Plate xv. fig. 7.)
Pseudaph anomahi, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. IG (1900).
Black, face l)elow the antennae, hinder orbits, pectus, hind borders of scutellum, post-scutellum, and abdominal segments, base of abdomen, and legs in front, covered with white pubescence or pile. Antennte, tegula3 and legs rufo-testaceous, femora, more or less of tibiae above, and ter-minal tuft on middle tarsi, black ; antennae thickly and finely punctured ; the body thickly punctured almost everywhere, the front of the abdominal segments less closely than the thorax, because the punctures are much larger; hinder part of the abdominal seg- ments more finely punctured, or smooth.
Sokotra : Moukaradia ( = Gebel Raggit) (600 ft., 15. I. 99) ; two specimens (^; ? ; Homhil (1500 ft., 26. I. 99).
LARRID-Sl.
Astata, Latreille.
15. Astata boops, SrhmuL:
Sphex hoops, Schrank, Enum. Ins. Austr. p. 384 n. 777 (1781). Astata hooiM, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. viii. p. 652 (1S97).
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 18. II. 99) ; one specimen.
A widely distributed species in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
Tachytes, Panzer.
16. Tachytes trivittatus, Kirhtj. (Plate xv. fig. 3.)
Tachytes tririttatm, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 16 (1900).
S Ijcngth of body 10 mm. ; expanse of anterior wings 8 mm. 5 Length of body 15 mm. ; expanse of anterior wings 11 mm. Black, sides of fore and hinder orbits clothed with silvery pile, legs black, • femora and tibiae clothed with very fine whitish pile, tarsi reddish, thorax closely and finely punctured, median segment somewhat more coarsely punctured, bordered with whitish pubescence, first three seg- ments of abdomen with terminal band of pale blue pile. Wings purplish hyaline, darkest on the margins. Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft., 21. I. 99) ; and Addah Valley, East of Hadibu
Plain (29. I. 99) ; three specimens. In the allied species the pale Ijluish white bands oii the abdomen are more numerous.
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASPS AND P.EES OF SOKOTRA. 243
Notogonia, Costa.
17. NotOgOnia bicolor, Kirhij. (IMate xv. fi^;. 9.)
Xufoijonia bicolor, Kiiby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. Ki (1!)00).
Length of l)ody 8 mm. ; length of anterior wings 6 mm.
Fcimdr. Black, tegulae reddish, legs, except the black coxae and trochanters, red ; tarsi a little brownish above. Median segment al)ont as long as the preceding part of the thorax ; dull, thickly punctured, the rest of the body shining. Wings clear hyaline.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 18. II. 99) ; one specimen.
A very distinct species.
Stizus, Latreille.
18. Stizus SCUtellaris, Kirhij. (Plate xv. fig. 4.)
Sti:iis xriifrt/aris, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss,, iii. p. Hi (190U).
Length of body 19 mm. ; length of anterior wings 14 mm.
Femah. Black, varied with yellow, and slightly with red. Head black above the antennie ; back of head, and tips of mandi])les also lilack. Vertex with the inner orbits red, and with two slightly diverging yellow marks between ; hinder orbits yellow, very widely so beneath, but ending in a detached dot above, at the level of the eyes. Antenn;e red, scape l)eneath, and face yellow, the latter clothed with a fine white pile ; labrum somewhat tumid, reddish in the middle, the lower edge concave below. Thorax mostly black, pronotum red in front, and bordered with yellow behind. Mesonotum bordered with red on the sides ; tegula? red ; mesopectus black, clothed with whitish hair, and with two yellow spots, one behind the other, and the first largest, under the base of the fore-wings. Scutellum and post-scutellum, yellow ; behind is a curve, broadest in the middle, on the median segment ; beneath this, on each side, is a moderately short and broad red line. Abdomen with the first segment red above, bordered in front, and more narrowly behind, with black ; a large yellow spot on each side. Segments 2-4 with broad yellow lateral bands, bordered before and behind, and broadly interrupted in the middle, Avith black ; and bordered on the sides below with red ; the median black space on the second segment is also marked with red on the sides and more broadly behind. Terminal segments mostly red above ; fifth seg- ment Avith a large oval yellow spot on each side. Ventral surface red, the segments narrowly edged behind with yellow, segments 3-5 black at the base, and segments 2 and 3 with a large j'ellow spot on each side. Legs reddish ; tibiie and tarsi yellow above. Wings of a slightly yellowish hyaline, the large nervures towards the base and costa reddish, the others l)lack.
Sokotra : Dahamis (19. XII. 98) ; one specimen.
Perhaps a variety or local form of the wide-ranging and \'ariable S, rujiroi'tih, Fabr.
244 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
[This individual belonged to a nest in the gimind. A social species, with the ha])its of a Ve&pa. The species appears to be very rai'e on the island, as the ordy individuals seen were in the immediate neighbour- head of this particular nest. — ir.It.O.G.]
19. Stizus adelphus, A7/A//. (Plate xv. fig. 6.)
Sfiziis adelphus, Kirby, Bull. Liveip. Muss., iii. p. 17 (19U0).
Length of l^ody 16 mm. ; length of anterior wings 14 (?) mm.
Male. Head black above and behind, the rest yellow. Space between the antennae and eyes yellow, ending in a small square semi-detached spot on each side of the frontal ocellus. Inner orbits narrowly yellow, ceasing at the level of the eyes, but connected with each other by a row of 4 small red spots ; a yellow spot near the base of the back of the head. Face yellow, clothed with a very fine whitish pile, tips of mandibles, and the parts behind l)lack. Pro- notum l)lack at the base, red above, and bordered behind by a slender yellow line. Antennte red, four joints l>efore the last two blackish al)ove. Thorax black, with the sides in front of the wings yellow, as well as an adjoining spot on the pleura ; teguhe reddish ; scutellum liroadly reddish behind, post-scutellum bordered behind with yellow ; median segment with a short curved yellow streak marked with reddish behind towards the base on each side. Abdomen yellow, first segment red, bordered behind with black, which extends slightly to the base of the second segment ; second segment broadly Ijordered with black behind ; third segment bordered behind with red, preceded in the middle by black. Legs red, coxae and trochanters black. AVings yellowish hyaline, with reddish nervures, the radial cell clouded.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (14. XIL 99) ; one specimen.
Resembles S. apicalis, Smith, except that the yellow bands are not interrupted in the middle, as is the case in most of the l)lack and yellow species of Stizns. It seems to differ too much from S. srufeUaris to be the male of that species.
[Captured on Wild Thyme ; no other seen. — JV.llJKH.]
StiZOides, Guerin.
20. Stizoides fenestratus, Sinith.
Larra fenestratus. Smith, Cat. Hyni. Ins. iv. p. .*M2 u. 23 (ISaO). Stizufi fenestratus, Handlirsch, Sitz. Akad. Wiss. Wien. ci. (1) p. 108 n. 04 (1892).
Sokotra : AVest of Dahamis (1000 ft., 22. XII. 98) ; one specimen.
The types (males) are from the Congo. Dr. Handlirsch records specimens from Gambia, Zanzibar, and Natal. The wings and abdomen in the single female specimen from Sokotra are somewhat shorter and broader than in the male types. I can detect no other differences, and regard these as probably only sexual.
[No other seen.— ^r./i'.O.r?.]
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASPS AND BEES OF SOKOTllA. 245
RHOPALID^.
Rhopalum, Kirby.
21. Rhopalum quadricolor, Kirhi/. (IMutc x\. tii;-. \-2.)
h>/i(>/>a/iiin <jitiiilrirolor, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss, iii. [>. 17 (1900).
Length of body l'-' niui. ; length of anterior wings S mm.
Fniiak. Dull black; head, clypeus and labrum clothed with l)riglit silvery pile ; back of head more sparingly. Scape of anteiniie yellow ; mandil)li's red. Thorax with the collar, a spot below, and two nearly united spots on the scutellum, yellow ; tegnhe red ; legs red, middle femora with a short ])laek stripe below, followed by a yellow one ; hind femora with a black stripe below ; hind til)itB with a yellow stripe behind. Four front tibite with a small yellow dash at the base. Abdo- men l)lack, the first segment forming a short, broad petiole at the base, and expanded at the extremity, the rest forming a regular oval ; 1st and 2nd segments with short transverse blood-red lateral stripes near the extremity of the first, and the middle of the second connected l^elow ; 3rd with longer ones near the base ; 4th uniform black, the rest reddish, except the upper part of the 5th. Wings brownish hyaline, narrowly infnscated along the costa of the fore- wings.
Sokotra : Dahamis (Xll. 98) ; one specimen.
The blood-red markings on the abdomen of this species are peculiar. Towards the base of the median segment is a cluster of 7 mites, which were probably red when alive.
Cerceris, Lafreille.
22. Cerceris lobaba, Kirhij. (Plate xv. fig. 13.)
( V/vvr/s /ohnhx, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii., p. 18 (1900).
Length of body 10 mm. ; length of anterior wings 7 mm. Female. Head, thorax and abdomen covered with large depressed punctures ; head black, antennae red, blackish al)Ove, mandibles red, yellow at the base, and lilack at the tips ; face clothed with silvery pile ; thorax black, a curved yellow line on the post-scutellum, teguhe and legs red, a ])lack dash on the inner side of the hind femora at the tip ; abdomen red, first segment subquadrate, and only half the width of the second ; incisions, base of 1st segment, and base of 5th blackish ; 2nd segment with a yellow spot on each side before the extremity ; 3rd and 5th with yellow l)ands, that of the former terminal, expanded on the sides, but interrupted in the middle above : that of the latter shorter, sub-terminal narrower, but continuous ; pygidium black, lateral carinte yellow. Wings clouded hyaline, fore-wings infuscated at the tips.
Sokotra: Homhil (1500 ft., 18. 1. 99.); one specimen.
Allied to the Indian C. mastogaster, Smith.
246 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 80K0TRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
DIPLOPTERA. VESPID^.
EUMENIN/E.
Eumenes, Latreille.
23. Eumenes dimidiatipennis, Sams.
Eumenefi dimidiatlpennix, Sauss., Etudes Fam. Vesp. i. p. 51 n. 83 (isr)2) ; Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. ix. p. 22 (1894).
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (11-13. XII. 98.); five specimens oljtaiiied. A widely-distributed species in Asia and Afiica.
[Makes small nests attached to bushes, containing al)out 20 to 30 individuals.— //'.ii'. (9. G^.]
24. Eumenes granti, Kirlni. (Plate xv. fig. .5.)
Eumenes grant i, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 18 (1900).
Length of body 20 mm.
Female. Head black behind, and dark brown above, as far as the anteiuise, which are red, brownish above towards the extremity. Hinder orbits narrowly yellow ; space betwee!i the antennae, sinus in the inner orbits of the eyes, and face below, as far as the extremity of the clypeus, yellow ; lower mouth parts reddish. Clypeus longer than broad, slightly concave at the base, and marked with a black dot below each antenna ; below the eyes, the sides converge obliquely towards the extremity, which is more deeply concave than the base. Pronotum yellow, narrowly and irregularly edged below with reddish ; a red dot in front of the base of the wings. Mesonotum dull black ; tegula? black, bordered below with red ; a short yellow stripe at the base of the wings, edged outside by a short black stripe on the base of the wings themselves, but not extending to the costa. Scutellum yellow, bordered with black, post-scutellum and metanotum yellow, the latter broadly black in the middle, and the suture Avith the post-scutellum narrowly black. Pleura yellow, the sutures very broadly black, slightly bordered with reddish. Legs, including coxai and trochanters, reddish, tibije mostly yellow on the outside. Petiole regularly curved, much broader on its hinder half, with a slight central groove, red, narrowly black at the base, and with a broad black median band, bifid in front, and rather pointed at the extremity, on its hinder half ; on each side of this is a large yellow spot, before the extremity of the petiole. Below, there is a black median stripe, followed by a yellow spot before the extremity. Abdomen yellow above, Avith a longitudinal blackish stripe shading into reddish brown towards the extremity. At the base of the first dorsal segment it is bordered with reddish on both sides, and the middle of the first, the basal half of the second, and the greater part of the fifth dorsal segments are crossed by broad transverse black ])ands. At the end of the fourth segment the median stripe is interrupted, but it is continued
THE ICHNEUMONS, WASPS AND BEES OF SOKOTRA. 247
beyond the djirk base of the fifth segment. Ventral segments yellow, the first reddish nearly to the extremity, and the sutures between the second and i'ourth narrowly black. Fore-wings smoky hyaline, with an iridescence becoming purplish in the radial cell ; hind-wings clear hyaline.
Resembles E. sicJwUi, Sauss., fi-om Albania, but the latter is a more slender insect, with no black markings (except narrow sutural lines) beyond the black transverse band on the middle of the first dorsal segment of the abdomen.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3000 ft, 9. II. 99).
A single specimen only obtained. Mr. (Irant l)elicvos that this species, or one very closely reseml)ling it, occurs in Arabia, but I cannot find that it has been described from that country.
[Apparently very scarce in Sokotra, and ditticult to catch ; always fre- quenting steep clift" sides. Only three or four seen.—JI'.ll.OJr.]
Rhynchium, Spinola. 25. Rhynchium versicolor, Kirhji. (Plate xv. fig. 11.)
Rhyu<:h'uun verskolor, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 19 (1900).
Length of body U mm. ; length of anterior wings 12 mm.
Female. Head and thorax with large depressed punctures, abdomen with small scattered punctures, clypeus convex, almost pear-shaped, pointed below, Avhere it is deeply channelled in the middle, post-scutellum rounded behind, sides of median segment apparently rounded, abdo- men with the basal segment hardly narrower, but scarcely more than half as long as the second. Head black above, as far as the base of the antennjfi ; above them stands a small transveise yellow mark. Head otherwise red, including the hinder orbits, ocular sinus, and anteiuia?. Mesonotum and greater part of the scutellum and meso- pleura black. Pronotum red, with a yellow spot on each side in front. Mesopleura and mesopectus black, with a grey pile in the middle; a large yellow spot, bordered below with red, below the teguhv, and below this is another red mark. Teguhv? red, with a curved yellow spot above. Scutellum black at base, and reddish behind, with a ti-ansverse yellow stripe before the extremity. Post-scutellum yellow, reddish in front, and the suture l)ehind blackish ; sides of median segment yellow above, and red below. Abdomen red, the first and second segments banded behind with yellow ; first segment with a broad black central mark, constricted near the base, and not extending to the yellow band ; second segment with a broader continuous central black band, widest at each extremity ; third and fourth segments transversely blackish at the base. Ventral segments with the ternunal depression of the first segment black, second segment with a black mark on the sides, in front of the end of the yellow band ; third and
248 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
fourth segments blackish at the base and on the sides. Legs entirely
red. Wings clouded hyaline, iridescent. Allied to li. radidh', Sauss., from 8. Africa. Sokotra: Homhil, East Sokotra (1500 ft., 21. I. 99); one specimen.
VESPIN/E.
Belenogaster, Saussure.
26. Belenogaster saussurei, Kiiinj. (IMate xvi. lig. -i.)
U<:l(:HO<i<-i^t<'r sniisxurti, Kirby, Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud., p. 049 (1881); op. cit. ,
1898, p. 386. BeleiiO(ja-sfiir saii-ssurei, Dalla Torre, (y.it. Hymenopt. ix. p. 116 (1894). BelciKxiastfr tricolor, Taschenberg, Zeitschr. f. Natur. Wiss. Ivi. i). 17.")
(1883).
Nest of Belenogaster .saussurei.
The following is the desci-iption I gave {lor. nt.) of the Type : —
"Expanse of wings U- in. ; length of body 11 lines.
Head, antenme, prothorax, scutellum, po.st-scutellum, legs and abdomen of a lively chestnut colour, meso- and metathoi-ax, sides of pectus, and segments 2 and 3 of the abdomen, black. The prothorax is indis- tinctly and narrowly bordered with yellowish ; and the mouth-parts are more or less yellow in the male. The first segment of the
THE 1CHNRITI\[0NS, M'Asrs AND I'.KES OF SOKOTHA. 249
aliilonu'ii is (listiiictly bordered l)eliiiid with yellow, most broadly on the upper part of the sides. The thorax, scntellum, &c., are finely punctured, and thei-e are three very shallow loni;itudiiial grooves on the nu'sothorax, and a more distinct groove in the nu'ddle oi the meta- tliorax. Wings smoky I)rown, with iridescent refiections ; nervures brown oi- I'eddish brown ; yellowish towards the base, and along the costa and iimi'r margin of the fore-wings."
Not closely allied to any known species.
Sokotra : Hadibu i'lain (12-13. XII.) ; Dahamis (lU. XII. DS) ; Homhil (loOO ft., 21 A- 2(j. I. y;)) ; Addali Valley, E. of Hadibu Plain, (28. I. 1)9) ; eight specimens.
The figure of this wasp is taken from one of the original Types, collected by Professor Bayley Balfour. Specimens were also collected in Sokotra by Dr. E. Riebeck, and Mr. E. B. Bennett.
[The habits are similar to those of Enuiencs diiiiiiHatipcinu>^. I was foi'- tunate in obtaining three nests of this species, one of which is figured Sihoye.— jr. I'i.O.a.]
Icaria, Saussure.
27. Icaria grossepunctata, Kirhii. (Plate xvi. fig. o.)
Icaria (jrotis(pinirfata, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 2U(1!»00).
Length of body 9 mm. ; length of anterior wings 5 mm
Female. Upperside evenly covered with large depressed punctures. Head black, antenn;e red, blackish above beyond the middle, scape yellowish beneath in one specimen. Clypeus red, clothed with silvery pile, nan'ow at the upper angles, broader than long at the lateral angles, and oblicpiely sloping below to two well-marked teeth. Pro- thorax wholly red, except a yellow collar in front, mesonotum, meso- pleura, front of metapleura, and middle of upper part of median segment black. Tegula? red, with a yellow spot in front. Hinder part of scutellum yellow on the sides, and red in the middle ; post- scutellum red. Hinder part of thorax, except as already specified, legs, and abdomen red. Median segment short, slightly sloping and rounded behind ; petiole twice as long as broad, blackish at the base and about one-third as broad as the following segment at the extremity. Petiole and following segment with a terminal yellow ring. Wings hyaline, with brown nervures.
Sokotra : Goahal Gorge (16 *V- 26. I. 99) ; two specimens.
Not closely allied to any other species before me.
AMT.T.r.ivTTT.n. ANTHOPHILA.
lialictus, Laireille.
28. Halictus flavovittatus, A7/////. (Plate x\i. fig. G.)
I liiJlrhi.K jiaroriiiKt !!.•<, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. xMuss., iii. p. 20 (1900), Length of body 7 mm. ; length of anterior wiuijs G mm.
250 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Female. Black, vertex and thorax above thickly and finely punctured, the depressed space at the base of the median segment rather less finely. Face rather long, sparingly clothed with greyish hair, as also the pectus and pleura; hind femora beneath with woolly whitish yellow down ; the short hairs of the tarsi inclining to reddish above, and bright fulvous beneath; hind tibia- with tawny hairs on the inside. Abdomen black, shining, with four yellow transverse bands, one nt tlie end of each segment. Terminal segment rufous. AVings iridescent hyaline, clothed with very fine short hairs ; stigma testaceous or brown. In the male, the yellow bands of the abdomen are obsolete, and the legs are nearly black, the tar.-;i only being yellowish beneath.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 3. II. 99) ; three specimens.
The two females are not precisely alike, but can hardly be regarded as representing distinct species.
[Taken flying round St. John's Wovt.—JJ'.li.O.G.].
29. Halictus, q>.
Homhil, E. 8okotra (150O ft., 25. I. 99) ; one specimen.
A single damaged specimen of a species with transverse white l)ands on the abdomen. The punctuation is coarser than in the last species. I do not think it worth while to describe the insect at present.
APID^.
Megachile, Laireille.
30. Megachile argentata, Fahr.
Ai>i'< arijfittuta. Fiibr., Ent. Syst. ii. p. 33« n. 9(i (1793). Meijacliile aryenfafa, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hyinenopt. x. p. 420 (1896).
Sokotra: Jena-agahan, (1200 ft., 11. I.); Homhil (2500 ft., 22. I. 99);
two specimens. A widely distributed species in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
31. Megachile punctatissima, Kirhi/. (Plate x\i. fig. 1.)
Me'jarhile jJiinctatUsitiia, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. '20 (1900).
Length of body 16 mm. ; length of anterior wings 12 mm.
Female. Black ; head and bod}' very thickly and finely punctured, and even the mandibles covered with large depressed punctures. Head, thorax, and first segment of abdomen clothed with white or greyish- Avhite hair ; clypeus and mesonotum denuded. First four segments of the abdomen with long transverse Avhite spots, shortening hind- wards, on each side ; fifth segment with a mere trace of these. Man- dibles, tongue, tegula; and legs more or less rufous ; femora blackish, except at tij) ; pile on undersurface of abdomen yellowish brown. Wings smoky hyaline, costal half of radial cell clouded.
Sokotra : Homhil, E. Sokotra (2500 ft., 22. I. 99) ; one specimen.
Not closely allied to any species in the British Museum.
THE ICHNEUMONS, AVASPS AND liKES OF SOKOTKA. 251
32. Megachile paucipunctulata, Kirhii. (Plate xvi. fig. 3.)
Meijarhih pancipiDictulatu, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 21 (1900).
Length of body 12 mm. : length of anterior wings 9 mm.
Female. Head and thorax thickly punctured, but more coarsely than in M. imndatisaima : hairy clothing similar ; clypeus slightly convex beneath ; labrum set with tawny bristles. Tongue, scape of antenme beneath, tegula3 and legs rufous. Abdomen wnth the first segment concave in front, narrow, l)lack in front, and red behind, sparingly punctured on the sides ; the succeeding segments divided into three sections, most distinctly in the second and third segments ; first basal, black, very thickly punctured ; second black, smooth, and sparingly punctured ; and third red, smooth, sparingly punctured at base. In the following segments this is less obvious, the w^idth of the thick basal punctuation being much reduced ; and the terminal segment is almost wholly black, the punctuation being hidden by short bristles. There are five distinct white bands on each side of the first five segments ; that of the first segment covers the whole Avidth at its base. Undersurface of abdomen dark brown. Wings brownish hyaline, clearer at the base.
Sokotra : Homhil (2500 ft., 22. I. 99) ; one specimen.
Smaller than the last species, which it much resemliles ; but the punctua- tion of the abdomen is so difi^^erent that there can be no (juestion of any specific relationship, though the single specimens of each were taken at the same time and place.
Crocisa, Jurine.
33. Crocisa forbesii, Kirhij. (Plate xvi. fig. 9.)
Crorim/orbesii, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. ]\Iu8.s., iii. p. 21 (1900).
Length of body 10-11 mm. ; length of anterior wings 9 mm.
Female. Black, Avith Avhite pubescence on the head, thorax, and upper part of the femora and front tibia^ ; on the rest of the legs it is reddish. The mesonotum and scutellum, are, however, almost denuded, and may have been spotted. Antenna^ reddish broAvn, scape black. Head sparingly punctured, mesothorax less thickly than the scutel- lum, the hinder part of Avhich has a tuft of Avhite pubescence, and terminates in a plate, concave on each side, and deeply bifid in the mi(idle. Abdomen, Avith each of the first four segments apparently divided in tAvo by a deep suture ; the front half is thickly punctured, and the second half smooth. On each side of the hinder smooth half of these segments is a broad iA'ory-Avhite stripe. The apical segments are strongly punctured, and clothed Avith taAvny hair. Wings iridescent hyaline, clouded at the tijxs and in the ui)per part of the radial cell ; marginal and post-costal nervures dark brown, only separated by a slender hyaline streak.
252 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (IG. XII. 96;; and Homhil, PI Sokotra (1500 ft.,
18-27. I. 99) ; three specimens. Differs from the other species of the genus in having pale bands on only
iowr segments of the alxlomen.
34. Crocisa uniformis, Kirl>i/. (Plate x\i. tig. 10.)
Crocim Kiiiformix, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 21 (1900).
Length of body 10 mm. ; length of anterior wings 9 mm.
Deep inky black, antenniB clothed with fine greyish pile, the teguhe reddish in the middle, and the trochanters, femora, and libije of the four hind legs more or less ferruginous, at least beneath. Wings jnu'plish hyaline, with some subvitreous sj)aces just beyond and around the outer cubital cell of the fore-wings ; hind-wings paler towards the base. Marginal area of all the wings thickly sprinkled Avith brown clots. Clypeus obtusely truncated at the extremity ; a strong median carina between the antennae. Head, thorax, and scutellum thickly punctured ; abdomen more finely, but still more thickly. Scutellum very broad, onl}^ slightly narrowed at the extrem- ity, where it ends in a point on each side, between which is a concavity which is lather obtusely angulatecl than rounded. Between the sides of this angle projects a tuft of rather strong greyish bristles.
Sokotra: Moukaradia ( = Gebel-Raggit) (800 ft., 16. XII. 98) ; Dinehan Valley (3000 ft., 11. I.) ; Adho Dimellus (3000-3500 ft., 3-5-7. II. 99) ; seven specimens.
A very remarkaldc species, al:»undantly distinct from any other.
[Apparently a solitary, ground-frequenting species. Rather sluggish in habits, but stings severely. — lJ'.ll.O.(t.\
Podalirius, Latreille.
35. Podalirius quadrifasciatus, !>< Villcrs.
Apis qnadrifam'iata, De Villers, Linn. Ent. iii. p. 319 n. 90 (1789). Fodaliriiis qnadri/asriatii-s, Ualla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. x. p. 284 (1896). Anthophora quadrifasriata, Bingh. Faun. Brit. Ind. Hym. i. p. 529 n. 930 (1897). Sokotra: Moukaradia ( = debel Kaggit) (600 ft., 15. XII. 98); Homhil (2500 ft., 19 A: 26. I.); Homhil (1500 ft., 21. I.); Dinehan Valley (3000 ft., 1. II.).; Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 5 ^^^ 15. II. ; 4000 ft., 16. II. 99) ; nine specimens. A wide-ranging species found throughout the greater part of P]urope, Asia, and Africa. These Sokotra specimens are finer than any pre- viously in the Natural History Museum Collection, except a pair from the Canaries. [Bv no means common in S(jk(jtia, but most numerous in the limestone district round Homhil, where several were taken in a marsh below our camp. — Jr.L'.OJl.]
THE TCHNEl'MONS, WASI'S AND I'.KES OF SOKOTKA. 2"):}
36. Podalirius fulvitectus, Kirhij. (Plate wi. fi^-. U.)
Podaliriiis/ii/nfcrtKs, Kirhy. Bull. Livcip. Muss., iii. p. -I'l (1900). • Length of body 11-12 mm. ; length of anterior wings 7-9 mm.
Almost the whole insect thickly clothed with fulvous pubescence, the base of the segments of the abdomen and the terminal segment very thiidy. A broad triangular spot above the clypeus, the clypeus, and all the lower mouth-jjarts pale yellow, clypeus with a bi'oad trapezoidal black spot on each side, not extending to the extremity, which is cut oil" straight, and is broader than above ; base of labrum with a black dot at each angle, sometimes connected by a black line. Wings almost hyaline, with brown nervures. Antenna3 rufous.
Sokotra : Moukaradia ( = Gebel Eaggit) (22. XII. 98) ; West of Daliamis (500 ft., 22. XII. 98) ; Jena-agahan (1200ft., 9. 1. 99); Homhil (2500 ft., 22. I. 99) ; Adho Dimellus (35004000 ft., 16-17. II. 99) ; seven speci- mens.
Allied to the 8. European 7'. (jurndax, Rossi : but in that species the antenna^ and the l)ase of the segments of the a])domen are black.
37. Podalirius antennatus, A7/%. (Plate xvi. fig. 11.)
J'oda/iriHs aitttnna/i(s, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss, iii., p. "i-i (1900).
Length of body 1 1 mm. ; length of anterior wings 7 mm.
FeiiKile. Black. Head clothed with greyish white hair, inclining to tawny on the vertex, clypeus black above, and broadly yellow below, with a small triangular projection upwards ; labrum yellow ; clypeus and labrum narrowly edged below with rufous ; mandil>les black. Thorax above with light tawny, and below with grey hair ; legs clothed with grey hair, mixed with tawny ; hind legs almost entirely tawny ; tarsi i-ufous. Antenna^* red, black towards the base, and along the outer side. Abdomen thickly punctured ; first segment clothed with grey hair at the base, and terminating in a very narrow orange, yellow, and white line, the white colour widened behind on the sides over the base of the second segment, which terminates in a narrow orange line. Third segment with a broad Avhite band at the base, and a narrow terminal orange line. Fourth segment with white bands at the base and extremity, beneath which may be seen the terminal orange line. Fifth segment entirely tawny ; sixth black in the mii^-^^l?, and ta«ny on the sides. Wings hvaline, with l)rown ner\'ures. Sokotra : Homhil (2500 ft., 22. I. 99) ; one specimen. A xQvj peculiar species ; it is to l)e regretted that a series was not obtained.
XyioCOpa, Lafreille.
38. Xylocopa sestuans, Liim.
Ajn-i (v-ituans, Linn., Syst. Nat. (Ed. x.) i. p. 577 n. 37 (1758). Xylocopa d't^tuans, Kirby, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. , 1881, p. (i49 ; Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopt. i. p. 540 (1897). Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (12-17. XII. 9S) ; Goahal Gorge (500 ft., 27. I.);
254 THE XATinAL IIlSTDItY OF SOKOTUA AND ABD-EL-KUltl.
Adho Dimclhis (.-^.lOO ft, 7. II. ;- 3000 ft., 9. II. 99): twelve males and .six females. This speeies was previously brought from Sokotra l)y Professor Bayley Balfour. It is widely disti-il)Uted in North Africa, Western Asia, and the Indo-Malayan I'egion generally.
Apis, Linn.
39. Apis fasciata, Latr.
Apis fasciala, Latr. (nee Linn., nee Fabr. ) Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. v. p.
171 n. 5, pb 13. f. 9(1804). Api.'< mellifica, var. /ii/nsfira, SjMn., In.«. Ligur. i. p. 3.") n. 1.'), pi. 1. f. 13
(1806). J^x'x mellifora, varr. fa.^ciata et Uijiis/ira, Dalla Torre, Cat. Hymenopb. x. pp. 608, 609 (1896). Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (1l>-1:3-1G. XII. 9S) ; Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.,
10. II. 99) ; five specimens. This i.s evidently the common Hive-bee of Sokotra.
I cannot distinguish between specimens labelled A. fasciafa and A. Uc/>istica in the Museum ; and both insects are regarded by Smith and Dalla Torre as mere varieties of A. mdlifera, lAnn. A. fasciata and Ugustica may be the same, but I doubt their identity with mdlifera. [Met with occasionally in enormous colonies. One particular colony on the lower slopes of CTel)el Raggit was formed in a hollow in the rock, and must have contained a vast number of individuals, for they streamed in and out of the fissure in endless columns. These colonies are said to be owned by the natives. — Jl'.Il.O.G.^
[FORMICID^.
Lieut. Wellsted noted in 1834 that "Ants are very niuuerous," and when camping on the edge of the Nugget Plain he found the ground so " infested with 8and-Flies and Red Ants that it was almost impossil)le to sleep. The late of one kind," he adds, " is scarcely less painful than the sting of a Wasp." — ll.O.F.]
TlIK WASI'S AND IIF'^ES OF AIID-KL-KUKl. 2o5
II.^The Wasps and Bees of Abd=el=Kuri.
BEMBICID^.
ACULEATA. FOSSORES.
Bembex, FabHcius.
1. Bembex dissimilis, Kirhii. (Plate x^i. fig. 4.)
Bembex dissimilis, Kii'by, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 22 (1900).
Length of body 14-16 mm. ; length of anterior wings 10-11 mm.
Female. Head, thorax and abdomen black above. Head clothed with Avhitish pubescence above, hinder orbits narrowly yellow, clypeus yellow on the lower border, and more narrowly on the sides, proboscis pale yellow on the basal half, and with the apical half reddish. Antennae with the scape yellow beneath, and black above, except at the extremity ; flagellum blackish above, more or less reddish at the joints, and reddish beneath, except for a short longitudinal line at the base. Pronotum thickly and finely punctured, black, clothed with greenish grey hair, which is longer and whiter on the hinder borders. Abdomen more coarsely punctured than the thorax, the pubescence scanty, except at the base. Legs yellow or reddish, the femora above and below, the tibi;^ and the first two joints of the hind tibia? lined above with black. Front tarsi with a row of very long pale yellow bristles, tipped with black. Wings clear hyaline.
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99) ; six specimens.
A very remarkable species, on account of the total absence of yellow markings on the abdomen ; in one specimen only is there a small transverse pale yellow mark on each side of the second segment of the abdomen.
[A solitary ground-frofiuenting species. — JJ^.IiJKG'.]
SPHEGID-ffi.
Sphex, Lmn.
2. Sphex granti, Kirhi/. (Plate xvi. fig. 12.)
Sphex yraHfi, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 23 (1900). (?. Length of body 15 mm. ; length of anterior wings 11 mm. $ . Length of body 22-25 mm. ; length of anterior wings 14 mm. Head, thorax, and petiole ])lack, clothed with long white pubescence, which is silvery white on the clypeus and hinder orbits ; abdomen
256 THE NATURAL HISTOUY OF SOKOTItA AND ABD-EL-KllU.
fulvous, the basal segments and incisions exhibiting a fugitive silvery pile ; segments 3 to 5 with more or less extended transverse black spots over the sutures. Head broader than the thorax, clypeus much widened below the eyes, anterior margin transverse, hardly notched in the middle, thorax punctured, scutellum and post-scutellum with a smooth transverse elevation in the middle, median segment closely and regularly longitudinally striated from side to side, and with a strong conical tooth on each side a little before the middle : abdomen smooth and shining, terminal segments of female rather long. Wings hyaline, slightly darker towards the tips ; nervures piceous.
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99.) ; ten specimens.
This species has a superficial resemblance to the European »S'. //^'riy^'"y////.s, Fabr , but the petiole is longer. It is perhaps nearest allied to »S'. Uiv'oJii, Lcp., from Java, but in the latter species the wings are dusky, and the dark markings of the abdomen are more extensive. *S'. granfi is abundantly distinct from this or any other species at present in the Museum.
[A solitary ground specie.s, generally seen buri'owing, or running about (piickly among the sand and stones. JI'.Ji'.OJi.]
DIPLOPTERA. VESPIDJE.
VESPIN/E.
Icaria, Saussure.
3. Icaria aterrima, Kirh//. (Plate x\i. tig. s.)
Iraria aterrima, Kirby, Bull. Liveip. Muss , iii. p. 23 (1900).
Length of body 7 mm. ; lengtli of anterior wings 5 mm.
Female. Deep black, without a trace of any other colouring ; head and thorax thickly and closely punctured, the mesonotum more finely than the rest ; abdomen more sparingly, especially behind, clypeus longer than broad, strongly bifid at the extremity, median segment furrowed down the middle, and terminating in two small teeth, petiole rounded in front, raised [mvt not longer than l)road. Wings deep purple.
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99) ; two si)ecimens.
Its small size and pei'fectly l)lack colour will easily distinguish it from every other known species.
ANTHOPHILA. ANDRENIDiE.
Colletes, Laireille.
4. Colletes inconspicua, KirJtji. (Plate xvi. fig. 15.)
CoUtttK inroii-ijiicna, Kiil^y, Bull. Livei'p. Muss., iii. p. "23 (1900). ■ Length of body 8 mm. ; length of anterior wings 5 mm.
THE WASPS AND BEES OF ABD-EL-KURI. 257
Female. Black, thickly clothed with yellowish grey hair, except on the uppei' surface of the four front femora, a line down the tibi?e, and three broad and one narrow band on the abdomen. Hair on the underside of the tibii>3 and tarsi golden or rufous ; tongue, terminal joint of anteiniaj, and terminal joint of the tarsi red. Eyes long, inner orbits slightly convex above, and hardly converging below, clypeus truncated at the extremity ; pronotum sparingly, abdomen very finely and thickly, punctured. Tegul;>3 testaceous, wings hyaline, with brown nervures and reddish stigma.
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99) ; two specimens.
Most reseml)les an unnamed species from S. Africa in the British Museum.
[Found flying about bushes.— ^F. 7?. 0.(7.].
APID^.
Podalirius, Laireille.
5. Podalirius pyramidalis, Kirlni. (Plate xvi. fig. 13.)
J'odctlirii(,i pyruinkla/i-s, Kirby, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 24 (1900).
Length of body 9-10 mm. ; length of anterior wings 8-9 mm.
Black, vertex, thorax above, and the front legs and upper and outer side of the four hind femora and tibife clothed with fulvous hair. Inner and hinder orbits and sides of clypeus clothed with white hair. Clypeus arched above and cut off" straight below ; black above, yellow at the extremity, with a p3ramidal spot rising from it to two- thirds of its height. Labrum and lower mouth-parts yellow, labrum with a black dot at the base on each side, sometimes connected by a black line. Antenripe dark reddish brown, almost black. Pleura clothed with greyish hair. Abdomen black, very finely punctured, with four snow-white bands at the extremities of the segments ; terminal segment with greyish white hair on each side at the base. Wings hyaline, with brown nervures.
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99) ; four specimens.
Allied to the widely-distrilnited P. quadrifasciatus, Villers, but smaller and with the face differently marked.
258 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTKA AND Al!I»-KL-Krill
PLATE XV.
Fig. I. LEUC05PIS INSULARI5, p. 236.
Pig. 2. SPHEX EREBUS, p. 240.
Fig. 3. TACHYTES TRIVITTATUS, p. 242.
Fig. 4. STIZUS SCUTELLARIS, p. 243.
Fig. 5. EUMENES QRANTI, p. 246.
Fig. 6. STIZUS ADELPHUS, p. 244.
Fig. 7. P5EUDAPIS ANOMALA, p. 242.
Fig. 8. 5ALIUS EXTRANEUS, p. 239.
Fig. 9. NOTOQONIA BICOLOR, p. 243.
Fig. 10. TIPHIA CRA5SINERVI5, p. 247.
Fig. II. RHYNCHIUM VERSICOLOR, p. 238.
Fig. 12. RHOPALUM QUADRICOLOR, p. 245.
Fig. 13. CERCERIS LOBABA, p. 245.
Fig. 14. CAMPSOMERIS SOCOTRANA, p. 238.
l-Rl.
238.
■*-'*
^^^^ -*;f^*^
,#■'■
WesL . lie w man c>
A SOh
II
l.ARIS, p. 336.
'40.
p. 242,
11
R, p. 238. DRICOLOR, p. J4S.
1 (mARA, p. 245
>u kK- .-'OCOTRANA, p. 238.
Liverp. Mils.; Hep. Sohotra Exped.
Fin
HoraceT&ii^htdel ?i. V\\\\
West.l>rewman lihromo
BEES FROM SOKOTRA
260 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XVI.
Fig. I. MEGACHILE PUNCTATISSIMA, p. 250.
Pig. 2. BELEN0QA5TER SAUSSUREI, p. 248.
Fig. 3. MEGACHILE PAUCIPUNCTULATA, p. 251.
Fig. 4. BEMBEX DIS5IM1LIS, p. 255.
Fig. 5. ICARIA QR055EPUNCTATA, p. 249.
Fig. 6. HALICTUS FLAV0VITTATU5, p. 249.
Fig. 7. CRYPTU5 PULCHERRIMUS, p. 237.
Fig. 8. ICARIA ATERRIMA, p. 256.
Fig. 9. CROCISA FORBESII, p. 251.
Fig. 10. CROCISA UNIFORMIS, p. 252.
Fig. II. PODALIRIUS ANTENNATUS, p. 253.
Fig. 12. 5PHEX GRANTI, p. 255.
Fig. 13. PODALIRIUS PYRAMIDALI5, p. 257.
Fig. 14. PODALIRIUS FULVITECTUS, p. 253.
Fig. 15. COLLETES INCONSPICUA, p. 256.
250.
251.
m
■^
r
I
5'
Liver p. Mils.! Rep. Sokotra Exped .
R.XVI.
-lioj-c^ce tiT.-'giit. del eL iiLh .
West, NewmaTi chromo.
BEES FROM SOKOTRA & ABD-EL-KURl.
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Coleoptera.
By C. J. QAHAN, M.A.
PLATE XVIL
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 263
Beetles.
In tlic I'rorcciUiKjs of flic Zoohii/ical Sociefij of London (for LSSl pp. 4-69- 478), Mr. V. 0. Waterhouse gave an account of the Col/'opfero collected in Sokotra in the previous year by Professor Bayley Balfoiu'. Twenty-four species were enumerated, of which twelve were described as being new. Two years later, Dr. Taschenberg published his Beifragr zar Fauna der lasrl Sokotra in the Zcifsrlinft fur Nat n rwi^^cnschafti'n (Band hi., 1<S83), wherein, from the materials collected l)y Dr. Rielieck, he was enabled to add nine species, including six new, to the list of the Colcoptcra previously recoixled by Waterhouse, thus l)ringing the total number of species known from the Island lip to thirty-three. With the exception of one or two isolated descriptions of species, these two are, so far as I know, the only papei's dealing with the Coli'optera of Sokotra which have appeared up to the present year.
In the following list of the known CoJcoptera of Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri, seA'^enty species in all are recorded : sixty -twp from Sokotra, eight from Al)d- el-Kuri, and one common to both, so that as a result of the recent expedition by Mr. AV. R. Ogilvie-Grant and Dr. H. 0. Forbes no less than thirty-six species have been added to those previously obtained in the Islands. Of these thirty-six species, twenty have been described as new. Nine of the species, collected l)y Professor Balfour in 1880, and six of those collected by Dr. Eiebeck, were not obtained during the recent expedition, the total iuiml)er of species collected by Mr. Grant and Dr. Forl)es being fifty-four.
I. — The Beetles of Sokotra.
CARABID^.
Calosoma, Weber.
1. Calosoma rugosum, l>r ilm:
Cnruhiis ru(/osi(.-<, De (ieer, Insectes, vii. p. 627. Cd/osonia riujosum, Dejean, Species ii. p. '202.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1l»00 ft., I. 99); Homhil (1500-3000 ft,, I. 99);
and Hadibu Plain (XII. 98). This species is widely disti'ilnited in Africa, occurring in Nubia, Abyssinia,
Somaliland, East and South Africa.
264 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Pheropsophus, Solier.
2. Pheropsophus sobrinus, Ik'jmn.
Pheropxophits tiobrinits, Dejean, Species ii. p. 462.
(?) Pheropsophus africamis, Taschenb., Zeit. f. Naturwisseiischai'ten, hi. p. 176 (1883). Sokotra : Hadibu Plain. — {Bieheck.)
Calleida, Dejean.
3. Calleida, .s;5.
►Sokotra : Ha(lil)u Plain.
Tetragonoderus, Dejean.
4. Tetragonoderus flavovittatus, iraterh.
Ti Irdijoiioili rit.< jidi-nrittdtiis, \V;iterh., Pioe. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1881, p. 471 ; Taschenb., Zeit. f. Naturwissenschaften, Ivi. j). 176 (1888).
The following is the description of the Type : —
"Length 3.V lines. Very close to T. quadniin, Oliv., and of the same form and appearance. The head and thorax, however, are black (with the mandibles and the margins of the thorax slightly tinted with pitchy), very smooth, and shining. The eyes are protected posteriorly by the head partly surrounding them there. The thorax has the median channel well marked ; and in the middle of the basal margin there are some longitudinal stria?. The elytra are slightly aeneous, shining, with the stria? well marked, the fourth and fifth stria? rather distinctly punc- tured in their l)asal half ; the interstices are neai'ly flat ; the yellow markings resemble those of T. (juadrti.m, but consist of two patches on each elytron, the basal one occupying the fourth, fifth, and sixth interstices, the second one forming an undulating fascia, commencing on the third interstice and reaching to the eighth ; that portion of it which is on the fifth interstice is more removed from the apex, and nearly joins the other j)atch on the fourth interstice. The legs and antennte are pale j)itchy, the femora dark in the middle." — {JVater- housc.)
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain.
Chlsenius, Bone/ll.
5. Chlsenius conformis, Dejean.
Chhenlax conformw, Dejean, Species v., p. 680. Sokotra: Jena-agahau (1200 ft.).
This species is apparently widely distrilnited throughout Africa, having l)een recoi'ded fi'om Senegal, Nubia, Zanzibar, and Natal.
6. Chlsenius melancholicus, sjn,.
Head, prothorax and elytra of a bluish-black colour, the elytra, as a rule, being less glossy than the pronotum. Anteniue l)lack, with the first
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 265
joint almost entirely, and the second at the apex, testaceous ; fourth and following joints })ubescent. Prothorax widest across the middle, narrowed thence towards the apex and, to a somewhat less extent, towards the l)ase ; its length eipial to about i of its width across the middle ; the disc somewhat thickly but not strongly punctured. Stria? of elytra impunctate, the interstices feebly convex, and very sparsely punctulate. Legs and underside pitchy black, very glossy ; sides of metasternum with some rather large sparsely placed punctures ; rest of underside almost impunctate. Antei'ior femora of the male furnished underneath near the base with a very miiuite tooth, this tooth being in some specimens almost or altogether obsolete.
In genei'al foiin this species resembles C. craralis, Fisch., but has the pro- thorax somewhat less narrowed towards the liase. The presence in some specimens of a miiuite tooth near the base of the anterior femora of the male suggests also that the place for this species is in the group of ('. (i.:iir('iis and cnindL'<. On the other hand, the slender last joint of the palpi, the sparser and finer puncturation of the pronotum, the very sparse puncturation of the elytra, and the almost entire absence of puncturation from the underside are characters which readily dis- tinguish the present species from any in the group of ('. nziireus.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200 ft.); Dahamis (350-1000 ft.), and Hadil)u Plain.
DYTISCID^.
liyphydrus, ///iger.
7. Hyphydrus guineensis, Anln'.
Hyphydnix giiineeiisis, Aube, Species gen. des. Coleopt., vi. p. 455 (1838). Sokotra. — {Balfour.)
Cybister, Curtis.
8. Cybister tripunctatus, o/ir.
Dyti'n'Kx frijiiiiictafiif<, Oliv. , Ent., iii. 4U, [). 14, j)l. iii. tig. 24. Troyus (Ci/hi-sttr) tripuiictatu-s, Taschenb. , Zeit. f. Naturwissenschaften , Ivi. p. 176 (1883).
Sokotra : Hadiliu E*Iain. — One example.
9. Cybister punctipennis, Tasrhmb.
Troi/iis j)iinrfip(fnius, Tasclienberg, Zeit. fur Naturwissenschaften, Ivi. p. 176 (1883).
Black, with the upper side olive green, the mouth, the lateral margins of the prothorax and elytra, the antenn*, and part of the anterior legs, yellowish. Elytra punctate.
Length, 24-27-5 m.m.
Sokotra. — (iJr. liiebeck. )
266 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Kl'RI.
GYRINID^.
Dineutes, MacLeay.
10. Dineutes sereus, Kh((i.
(lyr'niii^d'n'ux. King, in Ehrenberg's Symb. phys. iv. pi. xxxiv. fig. 8 (1834) Dineutes (vrem, Tuschenb. Zeit. f. Naturwissensehaften, Ivi. [). 177 (1S83).
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain. — Several examples.
This species is common and rather widely distributed in East Africa.
Aulonogyrus, Motsch.
11. Aulonogyrus virescens, lu'i/iiiibiui {?).
Aii/oiio</>/ni.i rinsren.-^, Regimb., Aim. Soc. Eiit. de Fiance (6) iii. p. 138 (1883). Sokotra : Hadilm Plain.
I am not certain that this species is correctly determined, as in some niinoi' points it does not agree sufficiently well with Regiml)art's description. It prol)al)ly is the species recorded from Sokotra by Taschenlierg as Gyrinus sp.
HYDROPHILIDiE.
Temnopterus, So/ier.
12. Temnopterus spinipennis, Gnr//.
Hydrophilm spinipennis, Gory, Icon, regne Animal, p. 72, pi. 20 fig. 14. Temnopterus spinipennis, Taschenb., Zeit. f. Naturwissenschaften, Ivi. p. 177(1883).
Sokotra. — {Balfour.) Found also hy Dr. Kiel^eck.
HISTERID^.
Saprinus, Erichson.
13. Saprinus elegans, Paul-.
Hister eleijans, Payk., Monographia Histerorum, p. 7~,, pi. v. fig. 1. Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200ft.).
14. Saprinus splendens, J'<iiil\
Hister splendcns, Payk., Mon. Hist., p. .■j3, pi. iv. fig. 7.
Sokotra. — (/>r. Rieheck. )
DERMESTID^.
Dermestes, Linn.
15. Dermestes vulpinus, Fah.
Ihrmestux rii/jtiinis, Fab., Species Insect., i. p. 64.
Sokotra : Hadilni Plain.
Found also hy Balfour and Kieljeck.
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 267
SCARAB^ID^.
Scarabseus, Linn.
16. Scarabaeus sacer, Uku.
Sc((r(iliii'ii.-< .idcir, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. 2, p. 545. Sokotra. — {Balfour.)
[Seen during our ascent of the Dinegan Valley, among camel dung. — H.O.F.]
Cheironitis, Lansberge.
17. Cheironitis socotranus, diilnut.
C/ieironiti-'< socotruiuis, Gahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. 1900, p. 10.
This species somewhat closely resembles C. mihrosnis, Fal)., in the colour of the upperside, and in the tuherculation of its elytra. The tubercles of the elytra are, however, more elongated, and have a tendency to run together, forming short longitudinal carina3, while there is a contiiuious carina I'unning almost the whole length of each elytron on the first interstice (counting from the suture), and another on the fifth. The liody underneath, except on the sides of the metasternum, is of a dark metallic green colour ; the legs are also metallic green, with the underside of the femoi-a pale testaceous.
In the male each of the anterior femora is armed with a rather long pro- cess, which is directed obliquely so as to form an acute angle with the terminal portion of the femur, and is somewhat l)lunt at its ex- tremity. Each of the middle coxae is armed near its posterior end with two laterally compressed spines, the hinder one l)eing slightly longer than the one in front.
Sokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft., XII. 98).
Aphodius, ///iger.
18. Aphodius, ^7^
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain, Dahamis, and Honihil.
Rhyssemus, Mu/sant.
19. Rhyssemus senegalensis, H((r.
Sokotra : Hadilju Plain and Jena-agahan (li'OO ft.).
Hybosorus, MacLeay.
20. Hybosorus illigeri, Uekhe.
liyl)o>ioru.i illiyeri, Reiche, Ann. Soc. Ent. France, 185.S, p. 88. Sokotra: Hadibu Plain.— One example only of this widely distributed
species was olitained. It has lieen recorded from South Europe, North America, North Africa,
Senegal, East Africa (including Somaliland), and Arabia.
268 thp: naturai. hjstouy of sokotra and abd-el-kuki.
Pachydema, Casiehmu. 21. Pachydema puncticeps, iratcrh.
J\irht/<I<iim jiinirttr( p.s, Watei'h.. I'roc. Zool. Soc, Loud. 1S81, p. 471.
The description of the Type is as follows : —
" Length 10 lines. Very robust, convex, a little flattened on the Ijack of the eylti-a, sultpai'allel at the sides. The head is rather strongly and very thickly punctured, the punctures crowded near the eyes ; the clypeus is concave aljove, sparingly punctured, very slightly siruiate in the middle of the front margin, the margins reflexed. Thorax castaneous, one third l)roader than long, not very closely punctured, the punctuation more distinct above than at the sides ; obliciuely narrowed in fi'oiit of the middle, subparallel l)ehind the middle (viewed from al)Ove), with a very slight sinuosity, finely margined and fringed with long fulvous hairs ; the posterior angles, viewed from above, appear little greater than right angles (slightly rounded), but when viewed laterally they are completely rounded off"; the base is very slightly o])li(|ue on each side. Scutellum sparingly jxnictured on each side. Elytra much palci' in colour than the thorax ; at the l>ase a very little broader than the thorax, a little wider in the middle, obtusely rounded at the apex ; finely ciliated on the margins ; moderately finely and not very closely punctured ; each elytron has four fine, narrow smooth lines (included l)etween lines of close, very fine punctures), the first one very slightly raised. The pygidium is very delicately and rather thickly punctured.' The club of the antenuis is fuscous testaceous, not very long. The tarsi are very long ; the anterioi' have the second, third, and fourth joints modei-ately dilated ; the intermediate pair are only slightly so." — (Jrafcrhonsc.)
Sokotra. — {Balfour. )
Collected also by Dr. Riebeck.
Oryctes, ///iger. 22, Oryctes vicinus, (htkiv.
Orj/ctes rii-'uuis, (luhan, Bull. Liverpool Muss., iii., 19(10, p. 11.
The Type, 32 mm. long, I.'") l)road, is about e(iual in size to small males of Ori/rk'H boas, Fab., and in general form somewhat reseml)les the latter species; biit in structure and in sculptiire it seems to be more nearly allied to 0. 'monoceros, Oliv. The clypeus is Indentate, with the emargination between the teeth I'ather deep, and lined with reddish- tawny bail's ; the cephalic horn in size and shape reseml^les that of (>. monoceros ; the prothorax is relati\ely wider than in C. monoreros, and the disc somewhat more excavate anteriorly ; the elytra are shorter and broader in proportion, the sides more rounded, and the puncturation a little stronger and less dense, than in 0. monoceros ; the propygidium is \eiy finely striate transversely over the median area.
THE BEETLf:s OF SOKOTRA. 269
the stripe appearing to 1)e more regular and coiitiiuious than in 0. monoccros. Sokotra: Hadilm Phiiu (1. XII. 98).— One male example of this species was ol)taiiie(l.
Homothyrea, Kolbe.
23. Homothyrea inornatipennis, n/'.//.
Oxythyna hrhwr, Waterhouse, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 4711.
This species is very closely allied to //. Iielrna', Schaum, and is chiefly to be distinguished from it l)y the complete altsence of white ])ands or other white markings from the elytra, and by the shoitness of the apical sutural process of the I'lytra. One example only was obtained at Hadil)u Plain ; l)ut a specimen agreeing Avith it in all respects was previously collected in Sokotra by Professor Balfour, and has been recoi'ded l)y Waterhouse (P.Z.S., 1S81) as O.ri/flu/rni lu'h'iui', Schaum. The genus Hoinidlnjrca was established by Kolbe in 189-5, to include Lencordis fliontcicd, Schaum., and L. helence, Schaum.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain.
BUPRESTID-ffi.
Julodis, Eschscholtz.
24. Julodis clouei, lUui. (Plate xvii. fig. 6.)
Julodi.'i doiiei, Buq., Rev. Zoologique, 1848, p. 22; Id., Ann. Soc. Ent., France, 1843, pi. iv. fig. 1.
A large series of this species was obtained, showing a great amount of variation. Some specimens resemble the type figured by Buc{uet in A)tii. Soc. Ent. de Francr, 1843, Plate iv. fig. 1, in having short tawny bands of pubescence on the elytra, but with these l^ands more o])lique and less symmetrical. In others the tawny bands are replaced by numer- ous whitish spots, and the pubescence on the thorax is also whitish instead of l)eing tawny, while the elytral derm is somewhat rugosely punctured, has a steel-blue instead of a deep violaceous-blue tint, and shows a coppery tinge in certain lights — one of these specimens is figured on Plate xvii. fig. 6. Between these extremes the various intermediate gradations occiu-.
This species occurs in Abyssinia.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan, Homhil, and Hadibu Plain.
[This handsome Sokotran species, which was also collected by Prof. Balfour, is remarkably variable in colour. It was commonest perhaps on the Hadibu Plain, where a consideral)le numl)er were captured generally at rest on the tufts of bush-grass. The greyish Ijronze form was very rarely met with. During the daytime this beetle may not infrequently be seen on the wing, its handsome tawny wings rendering it a conspicuous object in flight. — JF.B.O.G.]
270 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
ELATERID^.
AlaUS, Eschscholtz.
25. Alaus SulcicoUis, Galmn. (Plate xvii. fig. 1.)
A/kiis .'<iih:ico//is, Gahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 11 (1900).
Covered al)ove with a dense .scaly pubescence which is for the most part whitish in colour, l)ut on the head and the basal declivity of the elytra is of a dingy fuh'ous or l)rownish tint interspersed with small whitish patches ; the pul)esceiice on the underside is fulvous-l)rown, except over the middle of the metasteriumi where it has a whitish colour ; the pronotum is sometimes marked with a few fulvous or brownish patches, and each of the elytra presents one or two olilong fuscous spots near the middle, and a few dark patches along the outer margin. Prothorax with each side slightly rounded anteriorly, and rather strongly sinuate posteriorly, the disc with a median groove extending from a little before the middle almost up to the base. The latter character distinguishes this species from all others belonging to the genus ; for although there is a median groove present on the pronotum in A. cxravafas, Fab., the groove is abruptly limited l^ehind by a triangular ridge or tubercle interposed between it and the median lobe of the basal margin. In the present species there is no such ridge, and the median groove extends downwai'ds behind to the slightly arched middle lol)e of the base.
In both sexes, the last ventral segment is broadly truncate behind. The one male specimen captured is much smaller than either of the two females, and ditiers further in having the elytra marked with a numl)er of fuscous lines.
Dimensions : — S 21 mm. long, 6-75 broad : ? 28 mm. long, 9-50 broad.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (1045. XII. 9<S), c? ?; Homhil (1500-3000 ft., 17-24. I. 99), ? .
[All the examples of this species were taken at light. — W.L'.OJr.]
RHIPICERID^.
Chamserrhipis, Latreille-
26. Chamaerrhipis bifoveolatus, Tctschenbmj.
C'hfdtiii'rrhipis lii/orco/dfiis, Tascheuberg, Zeit. fur Naturwissenschaften, Ivi. p. 177 (1883). Chestnut-lirown, densely covered with an ashy-grey pubescence, lamellae of the tarsi ferruginous ; prothorax with two small pits on the disc ; elytra punctate and quadri-costate. Length, 13-lG mm. Sokotra. — (Dr. Richcrk. )
BOSTRYCHID^.
Phonapate, Lesne.
27. Phonapate nitidipennis, Jl'dtn-h.
Apafe ynfidipeimis, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc, Loud., 1881, p. 47-2. Mr. Waterhouse described the Type as under ; —
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 271
"Length 7i lines. Forehead ch:ithed with fuh ous pih' to rathei'al)o\e the niifldle of the eyes ; without tuhereies ; the vertex fiuel}^ and closely granular, with a fine smooth median line, the sides of the neck closely longitudinally rugulose. Tlie lal>runi is very closely and extremely finely punetni'ed. Clypeus moderately emarginate. Antennte pitchy, tlu' chill clear fulvous. Thorax scarcely narrowei' than the elytra, a trifie hroader than long ; the liasal half closely covered with small depressed granules ; the front is covered with small tubercles with rather larger ones intermixed, these latter becoming more prominent and acute towai-ds the anterior angles ; one at the anterior angles becomes a strong deflexed, recurved tooth, close to the margin. The elytra are 2^ times as long as the thorax, a xevy little wider near the apex than at the l)ase ; the surface even and shining ; the punctures are clear and distinct (distant from each other about twice the diameter of the largci' punctures), they ai'c fine at the liase, and gradually become stronger and a little larger towards the apex, but they are very fine at the sides ; in the apical decli^'ity the punctures are very strong ; on the back there are two jwirs of lines of punctures on each elytron, indicating the dorsal cost;e frequently seen in this genus ; the spaces between them are not at all raised, except at the apical declivity, where they are very slightly inflated, but scarcely projecting ; the incrassated apical margin is closely and finely punctured. The underside is oliscure pitchy, clothed with fine yellowish pu1)escence. The less are also pitchy ; the whole of the iinier side of anterioi' til)i;e is clothed with very pale fulvous pile ; on the outer edge are three or four very small teeth. The intermediate tiliia? have on their outer edge four or five very small sharp teeth : the posterior tibicc are smooth. The alxlomen is- opaque, very closely and extremely finely pvnictnix'd.
"A single example, apparently a female.
" In the Musevnn collection there is a specimen from P]ast Africa which dift'ers from the above in having the elytra a little shorter, the punctuation on them rather stronger, Avith two fine dorsal costa;, and with an indication of a third more lateral one ; the tibia? have more teeth on their outer edge, and the posterior jDair have also a few fine teeth ; the abdomen is less closely punctured ; the labrum is less closely punctured : the clypeus deeply emarginate, <S:c. I have no name for this species, and only mention it that it may not Ije confounded with that from Sokotra.
"Both these species appear to be nearly allied to J. roridfroiiA, Baudi tie Selve {BerJ. Enf. Zeit., 1874, xxviii. p. 834) ; but that species is described as being somewhat pubescent, and the forehead of the female has a longitudinal channel and a fovea on the vertex.
"The fine frontal line in my species can scarcely be descril)ed as a
channel ; and there is no fovea on the vertex." Sokotra : Dahamis.
272 THE XATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The example collected l)y Professor Balfour and described l)v Waterhouse was a male, not a female as he supposed it to ])e. Both sexes are in- cluded among the specimens obtained by Dr. Forbes and Mr. Ogilvie- Grant at Dahamis.
Bostrychus, Geoff roy.
28. Bostrychus, ^p. Sokotra.
RhiZOpertha, Stephens.
29. Rhizopertha pusilla, Fnh.
Synodi'iidron pit.^i/him, Fab., Ent. Syst., SuppL, p. 156 (1798). Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200 ft.). — One example.
TENEBRIONID^.
Zophosis, Lafreille.
30. Zophosis sequalis, irufn-li.
Zopliosis (i-qiia/iK, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1881, p. 473.
The Tyjje of this species was described as follows : —
" Length 3 lines. Oblong-ovate, not very convex ; slightly tinted with ;«neous. Head convex, densely and very finely punctured ; labrum not very closely but extremely delicately punctured. Thorax evenly con- vex, deflexed at the sides, finely margined anteriorly, twice as broad as long, arcuately narrowed anteriorly, very closely and extremely deli- cately punctured. Elytra as broad as the base of the thorax, nearly straight at the sides, arcuately narrowed at the apex, moderately convex ; the punctuation is extremely fine, but rather more distinct than on the thorax, and decidedly less close ; on the margin, near the apex, some of the punctures are longitudinally asperate ; the epipleural line is completely marginal ; the epipleuron has a few short longi- tudinal impressed lines. The antenuiB are 1)lack ; the second and fourth joints are nearly equal, both a trifle shorter than the third. The spurs on the tibite are reddish. The prosternal j^rocess is elongate-ovate, moderately broad, finely margined, extremely deli- cately, and not very thickly punctulate.
"Some of the specimens have the epistoma separated from the forehead by a fine sinuous line, in the middle of which is a shallow fovea ; the epistoma is more strongly punctured ; and the elytra have more asperate punctures along the whole margins. I take these to l)e merely varieties, as they vary somewhat among themselves.
" This species appears, from M. Deyrolle's Monograph, to be nearly allied to Z. elongafa, Deyr. (Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1867, vii. p. 219) ; but that species has evidently much more asperate punctuation on the sides of the elytra, &c." — {JFaterliua^c)
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), Homhil (1500 ft.), and Hadibu Plain.
THE P.EETI-KS OF SOKOTRA. 273
Histeromorphus, Kraatz.
31. Histeromorphus plicatus, Kmat:.
Hisi( riiiiKirjiIiiis iilindiis, Kraatz, Revision Tenebrioniden, p. 1*2.
Several e\ain])]es of this species were ol)tiiined. Those from Hadilni Phiiii are all characterised hy having the elytra very strongly plicate especially towards the sides, much more so indeed than in typical specimens from Abyssinia, so that at first sight they would seem to be specifically distinct. But as the specimens from the other localities named exhibit coiisideral)le variation, some having the elytra almost ijuite smooth, while in others they are almost as strongly plicate as in the examjjles from Hadibu Plain, I am forced to consider all the examples as belonging to one extremely variable species.
Sokotra : .lena-agahan, Homhil, Dahamis, and Hadil)u Plain.
32. Histeromorphus plicatipennis, JTnf >■,■//.
Hi,st(;ro)iiorplui'< jiHrdtipiiiiiii, Waterh., I'roc. Zool. Soc, Lond., ISSl, p. 473, pi. xliii. fig. 1.
HiSTEKDJIORPHUS PLICATIPENNIS. """
Mr. Waterhouse described the Type as follows : —
" Length 4 lines. This species is much smaller than H. plicatus, Kz., but has almost precisely the same form. It is at once distinguished by the remarkable plicate elytra. Each elytron has four zigzag stri;t» (besides a portion of a fifth on the side) ; the space between the first and second striffi is only slightly convex ; the three following interstices are very convex and are zigzag in the same way as the striae, impunctate ; the apex of the elytra is flattened above, l)ut scarcely reflexed."
Sokotra. — {Balfo'ir. )
[We did not meet with this species. — H.O.F.]
Rhytidonota, Eschscholfz. 33. Rhytidonota exigua, iIhIuih.
llhytiilohold i xigna, Gahan, Bull. Liverpool Muss., iii. p. 8 (1900). Head densely punctulate, antennae scarcely reaching beyond the middle of the pronotum, with the third joint about half as long again as the
* All the figures in the text of this paper are from the Proceediiujs of the Zoo- logical Socitty of {jondon, with the kind permission of the Council. — Edifor.
18
274 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
second, the fourth appreciably shorter than the second, the fifth and following joints gradually and but very slightly decreasing in length, and the eleventh narrower than the tenth. Prothorax densely and minutely punetulate, slightly rounded at the sides, widest a little in front of the middle, and thence narrowed to the hase and apex, lieing a little nari-ower across the apex than at the l)ase, where the width is almost equal to the length of the pronotum along the middle. Elytra ovate, al)out two and a half times as long as the pronotum, finely and rather sparsely punetulate, and each impressed along the disc with five or six shallow and nearly obsolete grooves.
Length 7-5-8-5 mm. ; breadth (at mid. of elytra) 3-25-3-5 mm.
Sokotra: Homhil, East Sokotra (1500-3000 ft.).— Eight examples
34. Rhytidonota socia, Gahan.
llhytiduHotd socia, Gahan, Bull. Liverp. Mu.ss. , iii. \). 9 (1900).
This species has the same dull black colour as the preceding species, which it closely resembles also in size and shape. It differs from it as follows : — The antennae are longer, reaching quite to the base of the pronotum, less closely punetulate, and with the second joint relatively shorter, being less in length than the fourth joint and little more than half as long as the third ; the pronotum is more parallel- sided, and its width across the l>ase is a little greater than its length along the middle.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500-4500 ft.).
Eusyntelia, Waterhouse.
Ensi/ii/i/ia, Waterhouse, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 47H.
Mesosternum sloping, more or less concave. Eyes subreniform, not divided l)y a lamina, not prominent laterally. Head below Avith a deep transverse impression, aljove with a ridge over each eye. Epistoma with a somewhat acute projection in the middle of the front margin, the lalnum distinctly A'isible from above. AntenniTe with the third joint scarcely twice as long as the second. Body not very convex, not puViescent. Thorax as Inroad or rather l)roader than long, the sides gently arcuate. The elytra with distinct shoulders, about one third longer than the head and thorax together, margined at the base, somewhat produced at the apex.
"The species upon which I estaV)lish this genus Aery much reseml)les Thalpophila abhreviata, Fal)r., in form, l)ut is shining l)lack or without pubescence. It has, however, the gular line transverse and not ol )lique at the sides, as in Thalpophila. I propose to place it liefore Tcntijria (following Dr. Kraatz in classification), so that it may come in proximity to those genera which have the labrum exposed.
" The second species closely reseml>les the first, but has the throat more approaching that of Anatoliai.
"The third species somewhat resembles a species of Dichomma." — (f rater- house.)
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 275
35. Eusyntelia opacicollis, diiJinii. (Plate xvii. fig. 5.)
llii^ijiiU lid ojtacirull'tx, (ialuiu, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 9 (1900).
Head and {)r()iiotum closely and distinctly punctulate and opa([ue, the })uuetures on the head heing somewhat largei' thaii those on the pronotnin. Pronotum widest between the middle and the anterior margin, its .sides there being distinctly arcuate, while from the middle to the l)ase they are ahnost I'cctilinearly convergent ; its length along the middle a little greater than its width across the base. Elytra rather strongly sulcate, with the interstices convex and somewhat closely punctulate.
Length 12"0-15-0 mm. ; breadth (at mid. of elytra) J:"5-G"0 mm.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.) and Hadibu Plain.
This species is most nearly allied to E. rhenina, Waterh., which it resemV)les in size and form, Init from which it may be distinguished at first sight by the dulness of its whole upper surface, the head and pronotum especially being closely and very distinctly punctulate, while the same parts in E. chcniiui are very sparsely and minutely punctulate and the surface highly polished. In the latter species also the length of the pronotum is only al)Out equal to, or scarcely appreciably greater than its width across the liase, and is, therefore, relatively a trifle shorter than in oparirolli><. Eusyntelia hdlfoiiri, Waterh., differs from l)oth of these species by its shorter antennaj and its broader pronotum, the width of the latter across the base being distinctly greater than its median length ; in the figure of this species (Proc. Zool. Soc, 1881, pi. xliii, fig. 5) the form of the pronotum is inaccurate, and more nearly represents the shape occuii'ing in ehenina and opacicollis.
36. Eusyntelia balfouri, irate rh.
Ei(xyiif<-Ha halfonri, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc. Loud., ISSl, p. 474, 1)1. xliii. ti<r. 5.
EUSY>'TELIA B.\LFOUKI.
276 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The following is the original description of the Type of this species :— "Length 6h-Sk lines. Head finely or moderately thickly punctured, with several irregular longitudinal impressed lines on the forehead, deeply impressed within the ocular ridge ; the clypeus produced in the middle into a point, which is slightly hent down at the apex. Eyes not much convex, slightly reniform, the upper part the larger, not so prominent as the head in front of the eye, supported posteriorly l)y a swelling of the neck. Thorax not ([uite twice as broad as the head, about one lifth broader than long, only gently convex ; finely margined all round, except in the middle of the anterior margin ; arcuately emarginate in front, slightly narrowed in front and behind ; the anterior angles blunt ; the sides gently arcuate ; the posterior angles a little greater than right angles and blunt ; the liase scarcely sinuate on each side, gently loljed in the middle. Scutellum small. Elytra at their liase not broadei' than the l)ase of the thoi'ax, and fitting close to it, gradually and slightly widening to the middle, anfl then again narrowed to the apex, not very convex, rather depressed on the back ; I'ather strongly and obtusely sulcate, the interstices rather convex, extremely delicately and not very closely punctured ; the apex some- what produced and impressed above Antennae as long as the head and half the thorax. Posterior tibia' closely and rather strongly punctured on their upper edge, the punctures almost asperate." Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200 ft.) and Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.).
37. Eusyntelia ebenina, ll'iifn-Ji.
En>iynt(i1ia eheuina, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., ISSl, p. 474.
The folloAving is Mi". Waterhouse's description of the Type : —
"Length 7h lines. This species is very close to the preceding, but is at once distinguished l)y the thorax lieing rather nari'owei', more convex in front, rather more narrowed behind, and the sides, instead of being regularly arcuate, are somewhat rectilinear behind the middle. The antennae ai'e rather longer. The head is more delicately punctured ; and there are no longitudinal impressed lines on the forehead. The thorax is almost entirely smooth, a few excessively fine punctures l)eing visible near the posterior angles. The punctures on the posterior tibia} are finer, and distinctly separated from each other.
" This species so closely resembles S. halfouri in all its general characters and appearance that it occurred to me that the differences might, perhaps, be sexual ; this, however, I have, by dissection, proved not to lie the case."
^okotvA.— {Balfour.)
38. Eusyntelia glabra, iraterh.
EiisyiitHl'iK !//ahr(i, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc, Lond., 1881, p. 475, pi. xliii. fig. 6.
The following is the original description of the Tyj^e : —
"Length 5| lines. Elongate-ovate, moderately convex, glabrous. Anten-
THE 15ERTLES OF SOKOTRA. 277
lut' niodrratcly short, sliiiiiiig, not very thickly l)Ut \ery find}' punctured. Head moderately thickly and very distinctly punctured ; the ()(!ular ridge moderately strong ; the projection in the middle of the margin of the clypeus rather small and acute. Thorax nearly twice as hroad as the head, about one fifth hroader than long, a very little moiv narrowed in front than behind, gently convex ; finely margined all louiid (except, perhaps, in the middle of the anterior margin) ; very finely and rather closely punctured, and evenly so all over ; the anterior angles modei-ately prominent ; the sides moderately and perfectly evenly arcuate ; the posterior angles are rather greater than right angles (about 120°) ; the base is broadly and gently lobed in the
ErSYNTELIA (iLABKA.
middle. P^lytra about one quarter longer than the head and thorax together, rather convex, a little flatter on the back ; at the l)ase a very little broader than the base of the thorax, gradually and evenly enlarged to the middle (where their width is equal to the length of the head and thorax together), then narrowed again to the apex, which is very slightly produced ; each elytron has four or five rather obscure impressed channels (obsolete at the base) ; the second, third, and fourth interstices are very gently convex ; the punctuation, although not sparse, is veiT fine and ol)Scure, and in parts scarcely visil)le." Sokotra: Dahamis "(350 ft.): Jena-agahan (1200 ft.): Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.) ; Homhil (1500 ft.), and Hadil)u Plain.
Adelostoma, Duponchel. 39. Adelostoma bicarinatum, irafn-h.
Aihlo^tonin hirm-lnatiuii, Waterh., P.Z.S. Lond., 1881, p. -iTo, pi. xliii. tig. 3. The Type was descril)ed as follows : —
" Length 2| lines. A short, broad species. Head closely and rugosely punctured, scarcely impressed on each side above, slightly broader posteriorly than in front, nearly straight sided : the median carina is fine, and is continued back to the vertex ; the ocular carina is very short. Thorax very closely and rugosely punctured, at the anterior angles very slightly broader than the head, much broader behind the
278 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
middle, narrowed again at the base, gently reflexed at the sides, with two strong dorsal cost* ; the anterior angles, althoiigh not very acute, are decidedly prominent ; the sides are strongly angular considerably behind the middle ; th(! base is divided into three ei^ual parts by the
points of juncture with the doi'sal cariuce. Elytra one quarter longer than broad, depressed, rather suddenly deHexed at the apex ; each elytron with three well-marked costte, the second distinctly aljbreviated at the base and apex ; the first interstice with two lines, the second and third with three lines of strong deep punctures. Legs obscure pitchy." Sokotra. — {Balfour.)
Ocnera, Fischer.
40. Ocnera setosa, MihuHri/'s.
Ocnera setosa, Menetries, Cat. raisonne, p. 192 (183'2). Sokotra. — {Balfour.)
Opatrum, Fabr.
41. Opatrum costiferum, IJ'atcrh.
opatrum costiferum, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1881, p. 476, pi. xliii. fig. 2.
Opatrum costiferum. The following is the original description of the Type
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 279
"Length 6 lines, In-eadth 4 lines. Head covered with small, round, shining, l)lack graiuiles placed moderately close togethei-. The elypeus has its front margin straight on each side of the deep ti'iaiignlar incision ; at the sides it is suddenly oblicpiely turned liack, so as to foi'm an olituse angle with the antennal orbits. The third joint of the antemicC is at least as long as the three following joints together ; the fourth joint is a tritle longer than 1)road, the fifth to eighth are nearly globular ; the ninth and tenth are distinctly transverse, an<l a little broader than the eighth ; the eleventh is nearly globular, scarcely narrower than the tenth. The thorax is twice as broad as its length in the michlle, deeply emarginate in front for the reception of the head, convex on the disc, impressed at the sides, arcnately narrowed in front of the middle ; the anterior angles are l)lunted right angles ; the sides behind the middle are parallel ; the posterior angles are blunt, and a little greater than right angles ; the l)ase is l)roadly lolied in the middle, the lobe itself straight next the scutellum ; all the disc rather closely covered with depressed conical black tubercles ; there is a fine median impressed line. Elytra at the base scarcely l)roader than the thorax, a trifle broader at the middle, scarcely longer than broad, very convex, descending at the apex, very gently arcuate at the sides ; each elytron has seven slightly raised broad tectiform costse, a line of small round obtuse tubercles being ranged along the summit of each costa. Tarsi short and thick."
"This species has somewhat the appearance of Saragus IcevicoUis, Oliv., and at first sight would scarcely be taken for an Opatrmn."
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.). — One example.
42. Opatrum, sp.
Another example of this genus was obtained. It resembles 0. cod'ifenun, AVaterh., in general form and in having costate elytra, Init it is less than half the size of that species.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft.).
Apithesis, Waterhouse.
Apifhesis, Waterhouse, P.Z.S. Lond., 1881, p. 476, pi. xHii. tig. 4a.
Mouth Organs in Apithesis
280 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
"Mentum transversely trapeziform, narrowest at the T)ase ; lal)ial palpi short and thick, the apical joint large, thick at the base, narrowed to- wards the apex. Iiuier lobe of the maxilla tei'minating in a horny hook ; the palpi moderately large, the apical joint strongly securiform. The mandil)les emarginate at their a})ex. Lalirum transverse, pro- jecting and exposed, entire. Head imbedded in the thorax as far as the eyes : the epistoma separated from the forehead on each side liy a fine line, the fi'ont margin emarginate. Eyes moderately transverse, the canthus half dividing them ; the upper and lower parts nearly e({nal. Anteimaj rather short ; the second joint a little longer than liroad ; the third twice as long as the second ; the fourth a little longer than the second ; the fifth and sixth shorter ; the seventh as long as broad, wry narrow at its l)ase, very broad at the apex ; the eighth nearly an e(|uilateral triangle ; the ninth and tenth very trans- versely cup-shaped ; the eleventh nearly as broad as the tenth joint, fiat, somewhat circular in outline. Thorax as in Alpldtohius, but more convex, and with the lateral margins slightly impressed. Elytra very convex, very little broader than the thorax, veiy little longer than broad, descending at the apex, strongly striated, the epipleural fold rather broad at the base, gradually nai'rowed posteriorly, terminating suddenly a little way from the apex. Legs slightly I'ough and finely pubescent ; the tarsi clothed beneath with close fine hair ; the anterior til)ia3 more linear than in Alp]iitohiu!<. Anterior coxa? slightly trans- verse. Prosternum arched lietween the coxa?, very slightly produced posteriorly. Mesosternum sloping and gently concave. Metasternum short. Body a1)0ve not pubescent. AVings none.
" I have great difficulty in placing this genus ; but, on the whole, it seems best arranged near Alphitobins, although its broader and convex form gives it a different appearance ; the tibiie are more linear than in that genus, and the whole legs more punctured and pu1)eseent. The under flanks of the thorax are concave as in Cri/pliciis qaisqitilius, but it has not the longer slender legs as in that insect. It is apterous ; a character which is hitherto foreign to the UlomiiKr, but which I do not consider a fatal bar to its l)eing placed in that sub-family." — {Waterhamc.)
43. Apithesis obesa, ir<ifrrJi.
Apithesis obesa, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., LS81, p. 477, pi. xliii. fig. 4.
The following is the description of the Type : —
"Length .Si- lines. Head closely and rather strongly punctured ; clypeus A'ery closely and moi'c finely punctured, ol)li(jue at the sides, emarginate in front, the margin pitchy. Thorax con^•ex, twice as Inroad as its length in the middle, gradually arcuately narrowed from the l)ase to the front ; moderately, thickly, evenly, finely, l)ut distinctly punctured ; the sides narrowly impressed al)ove, very delicately margined ; the pos-
THK r>EKTLKS OF SOKOTKA. 281
ti'iior angles slightly acute ; the l)ase rather strongly sinuate on each side, finely margined ; on each side, almost on the margin, is an al>hreviate(l im])icssed line, particularly visible when viewed from l)ehind. Elytra at the base as broad as the thorax, a little wider posteriorly, wliei'<' they are more coiivex, declivous at the apex ; each
Apithesis obksa.
elytron has eight rather strongly impressed, finely and closely punc- tured striaj, the fourth and fifth much shorter than the others, and united posteriorly ; the interstices are slightly convex, opaque, finely and rather thickly punctured." — {IJ^ifrrlnntsc.) Sokotra. — {Balftvir. )
HELOPIN/E.
Deretus, Galmn.
Dervfiis, Gah;ui, Hull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. lu (1900). This o-enus seems to be most nearly allied to Enbo'iis, Boield., from which it diff'ers chiefly in the shape of the pronotum. The pronotum is narrowed at the base, and at the lateral margin on each side between the base and the middle there is a short blunt tooth, behind which the margin is rather deeply sinuate, while between it and the middle there is a feebler siiuiation. The clypeus is l)roadly rounded in front, not ti'uncate nor emarginate as in Eiihcens ; the antennte are a little shortei' and more slender than in the latter genus, and the proximal joints of the hind tarsi somewhat shortei-. In other points of struc- ture the agreement between the two genera is fairly complete.
44. Deretus denticollis, dnhini. (Plate xvii. fig. 9.)
DerctKf! dtnlii-uUlf, Gaban, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 10 (1900). Dark Ijrown and somewhat glossy. Head, and prothorax almost quite black above, both very closely and rather strongly punctured ; lal)rum transverse, thickly punctured, united to the clypeus l)y a narrow and smooth coriaceous band; eyes transversly ovate in form. Antennae of the female less than half as long as the body, with the joints from the fourth to the eleventh sub-equal in length, each lieing about two-
282 THE NATURAL HISTORY oF SOKOTHA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
thirds of the length of the third joint, and the last three or four some- what liroader than the othei's. Posterior margin of pronotum almost straightly transvei\se, the anterior margin slightly cur^-ed forwards towai-ds the outer angles, the latter Iteing somewhat lounded. Elytra each with ten rows (including the A'ery short juxta-sutural row) of punctures, with the intervals hetween the rows slightly convex, and sparsely and feehly punctured. Underside and legs very closely punctured. Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.).
CISTELID^.
Allecula, Fabr.
45. Allecula, sp.
Sokoti'a : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.). — Two examples.
ANTHICID^.
AnthicUS, Paykull.
46. Anthicus floralis {Llini.).
Miloi jionilis, Linn., Fauna Suecica, \\ 228 (1761). Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (.3500 ft.). — One example.
MELOID-S.
Meloe, Linn.
47. Meloe trapeziderus, sp.ii.
This S2)ecies is readily distinguished from others of the geiuis l»y the form of its prothorax. The latter is broadest in front, with its anterior angles acute ; its sides are vertically defiexed, and converge strongly in straight lines from the apex to the Imse ; the disc is almost quite flat, strongly rugose-punctate, and without a groove or impression along the middle. The head and prothorax are purplish-hlue coarsely punctured. The antennae reach but little beyond the base of the elytra ; the joints from the third to the eighth are sub-equal in length and thickness, each being nearly as broad as it is long, the ninth and tenth joints are each a little longer than the eighth, and the eleventh is nearly twice as long as the ninth. The elytra blue, irregularly rugose ; dorsal segments of the al)domen dark ])lue, each having a postero-median semicircular shiny spot.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (2000 ft.).
48. Meloe, sp.
Sokotra : Dahamis {'.V)Q ft.). — One example.
CURCULIONID^.
Piazomias, Schonherr.
49. Piazomias vermiculosus, ll\itn-h.
Piazomias rtnninilusiis, Waterh., Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., (1881), p. 478. The Type was descril)ed by Mr. Waterhouse as under: —
THE BEETLES OF SOKOTRA. 283
" Length 6-7| lines. This species has much the form and general appear- ance of ffcrpi/sfir/iiis ciriiufd. Rostrum nearl}^ parallel, flattened above, longitudinally rugulosc, with a fine impressed median line reaching nearly to the \('i'te\ ; and on each side there is a longitudinal impres- sion. The eyes arc moderately prominent, rathei- h^ss than a semi-circle viewed from above. Thoi'ax a trifle l)roader than long, ti'uiicatc in front and behind, moderately rounded at the sides, broadest rather l)ehind the midille ; slightly depressed on the disc, with a well-marked median channel, which does not reach the front margin ; all the surface (except the anterior border) vermiculose, and divided into rather irregular roujid areas, which have generally one puncture al)Out the middle ; the disc is covered with pale scales, and there are some very pale scales at the sides ; the l)ase is margined. Scutellum very small, shining black. Elyti'a at the margined l>ase a very little wider than the l)ase of the thoi-ax, l)ut immediately l)ecoming wider (without, howe\'er, making any distinct shoulders), ol)long-ovate, convex, sloping down and somewhat acuminate at the apex, strongly striated, the stri* strongly l)ut not closely punctured ; the intei'stices almost flat, covered with sandy grey scales, with small dots of a paler colour at intei'vals on the stria3 ; the scales oil the margin of the elytra and on a spot on the hinder femoi'a are also paler. Tarsi grey."
Sokotra : Jena-agahaii (1200 ft.), and Hadibu Plain.
Systates, Gerstacker. 50. Systates angusticollis, TitsrJinihn-fi.
Systaten angHslico//i--<, Tasehenberg, Zeit. fur Natiirwissenschaften, Ivi. p. 179(18S3).
Black, and somewhat glossy ; with a faint greyish-white pubescence. Antenme filiform, with a whitish pubescence at the apex. Prothorax sulvcyliiidrieal, pitted al:)ove. Elytra somewhat globose, pitted in rows with the interstices raised.
Length 5-5, breadth 3 nun.
Sokotra. — (/-'/■. Uichcck. )
Four species of ('tirciiJiniiiihc, \\\ addition to the one referred to above, were collected by the Expedition. Two (51, 52) of these, belonging to Systates or some closely related genus, were found in Sokotra, the remainiuii' two haviiiij; l)een obtained in the island of Alxl-el-Kuri.
BRENTHID^.
Ceocephalus, Schbnherr.
53. Ceocephalus picipes, oiir.
JJrtii/ii-s picipis, Oliv., Entomologie, v. No. S4, p. 4-42, pi. ii. fig. IS. Ceocephalus pirlpvs, Taschenb. Zeit. f. Natiirwissenschaften, Ivi. p. 179 (1883). Sokotra. — {Dr. liiebecL )
284 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
CERAMBYCID^.
Mallodon, Sen Hie.
54. Mallodon arabicum, lUupid.
Mallodon arahlnnn, Biujuet, Rev. Zoologicjue, 1843, p. 330; Waterhouse, T'roc. Zool. Sue. Lond., 1S81, p. 478. \)\. xliii. fig 7.
MxVLI-ODON ARABICUM.
A series of specimens, inchuliiii;- Itoth sexes, of this species were collected by Mr. Grant and Dr. Forbes. The largest male measnres over 60 mm. in length (mandil)les included), while the smallest is not more than 34 mm. long. The original specimens described by Buquet were, he says, found by M. Cloue, " sur les cutes d'Arabie."
Sokotra : Dahamis (350 ft.) ; Hondiil (1.500 ft.), and Hadibu Plain.
[All the examples of this fine longicorn were found in holes in rotten trees. On one occasion at Homhil I saw the head of a ver}^ large specimen protruding from a hole, and attempted to extract it with the aid of a pair of forceps. The beetle absoluteh' refused to let go its hold, and as force was gradually brought to bear its thorax telescoped to an alarming extent. After several minutes its grasp suddenly relaxed, and I found on extracting the Mallodon that it was perfectly dead. I feel certain that this species was ol)tained by M. Cloui' in 8okoti-a along with Juludu rionei, and does not occur in Arabia. — • J r. J i'. ().(!.]
(Eme, Newman. 55. (Eme fusca, (Tahau. (Plate xvii. tig. 2.)
(/ime fusca, Gahan, Bull. Liverj). Muss., iii. p. 12 (lODO). Dark brown in colour, \arying in parts to l)rownish-testaceous, covered with a faint grevish pul)escence. Antenn.e of the male more than half
THK BEETLKS OF SOKOTRA. 2iS5
as long again as the liody ; those of the female a little longer than the horly ; joints third to fifth sliortly spinose nnderneath. Elytra closely pnnctnred, the disc of caeh niaikcd with two raised lines.
Notwithstanding its habitat, this species seems to he correctly placed in the geinis (June, and to he not very distantly allied to the North- American species CE. linearis from which it is chiefly distinguishable by its darker colour, somewhat liroadci- form, less deeply emai'ginate eyes, less strongly spinose antenna', and shorter abdomen.
Length 1.3-0-1 G-0 mm., breadth I'-li-:')-.") min.
Sokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft., XII. OS).
[All the examples of this species wei'e ol)taiiied from one or two dead trees in the neighbourhood of oui' camp at Dahamis. — JJ'.H.OJl.^
Coptops, Serville (?).
56. Coptops hieroglyphica, Tnsr/ini/iny.
Coptops hiero[f/i/jihica, Taschenberg, Zeit. fur Naturwissenschaften, Ivi. 1.. 179 (18S81.
Vertex of head unarmed ; eyes approximated ; prothorax with three tul)ercles, and with two anterioi- and two postei'ior transverse grooves; elytra rough, fui'uished with two basal teeth and deep punctures, ol)liquely carinate behind ; middle tibi* grooved. Body black, covered with a grey pubescence mixed with rusty-lirown and white ; prothorax with a darker rhomlioidal plaga in the middle, and four white specks in a row near the base ; elytra also with some darker markings.
Length 9-17 mm.
Dr. Taschenberg has referred this species with some doubt to the genus Cnjifojtx : and one of the characters given by him — " tibia medi((. snlrafa " — indicates that the species certainly cannot be a true Coptoiix : but the other characters mentioned do not sufficiently relate to structure to enable me to identify the genus or even the group to which it belongs. The size and coloration of the species suggest that it may find a place in L/tirfiis, and may possil)ly be identical with the following sjDecies.
Sokotra. — (JJr. Uichcd-. )
Idactus, Pascoe.
57. Idactus granti, UhIkih. (IMate xvii. fig. 10.)
Idiietiis ,/rajifl, (iiihiin, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 12 (1900).
Allied to /. maci/Jintniis, Gahan, and differing from it as follows : — Pubescence much paler in colour ; elytra longer and less convex, without tufts of hairs, and with the two tubercles near the base of each much smaller ; pygidium of the female without the two tufts of tawny hairs which are present in the female of maculirornis.
Length 10'0-15"0 mm., breadth 4"6 mm.
286 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Sokotra: Dahamis (350-1000 ft.): Jena-agahaii (1200 ft.): Homhil (blOO
ft.) ; and Hadilni Plain. [Mostly found in dead ti'ees, l)ut a good many were captured at the
lanterns of an evening. — JJ^.L'.OJ'.]
Sybrinus, Gahan.
Si/byiinis, (iahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 12 (1900).
Head slightly trans\-erse in front, feebly concave above between the anteinial tubercles ; eyes coarsely facetted, deeply emarginate with the lower lobes slightly transverse. Antenn* of the male about half as long again as the body, those of the female about reaching to the apex of the elytra, fourth joint e([ual in length to the second and third united, and scarcely longer than the first, fifth shorter than fourth, sixth to eleventh gradually diminishing in length. Prothorax unarmed, and slightly rounded at the sides, its length al)Out equal to its width across the l:>ase. Elytra broader than the prothorax, nearly parallel-sided in their anterior two-thirds, and thence narrowed to the apex. Legs rather short ; with the femora stout and clavate ; tibiae of the middle pair notched on the outside below the middle, those of the hind pair sinuate on the outer border below the middle, and furnished with a row of short stift" set* ; tibia3 of the anterior pair with a finely serrate ridge along the outer border ; claws of the tarsi widely divergent. Prosternal process slightly arched in the middle, rather widely dilated l)ehind the cox«. Mesosternal process with a small angular dilatation on each side near its extremity. Intermediate coxal cavities almost completely closed in externally.
This genus lielongs to the group PirriropHdes, and seems best placed near Si/hra, Pasc, which it approaches in general form and in many of its structural characters, differing chiefly in its more widely divergent tarsal claws, in its relatively longer scape and shorter third joint of the antenn;e, and in the presence of a serrate ridge on the outer border of the anterior til)i».
58. Sybrinus commixtus, (niJum. (Plate xvii. fig. 8.)
St/briiuw comini.r/iis, (4ahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 12 (1900).
Closely covered with a fuhous oi' fulvous-grey pubescence. Disc of prothorax with a liroad sub-glal)rous fuscous band, closely and rather strongly punctured, extending along the middle from the base to the apex. P^lytra with small fuscous spots anteriorly and along the sides, each with a large oblique cinereous patch, followed by a lunate blackish brown spot, placed a little in front of the apex ; the elytra are punc- tured, with the punctures visible only whei'e the pubescence has l)eeu rubbed away, and each shows indications also of three or four slightly raised longitudinal lines.
Length 11 "0 mm., breadth 3 "5 mm.
THE r.KKTI.KS oK SOKOTRA. 287
Sokotra : Adho-Dimellus (3500-4000 ft., II. 99).
[T lu'lieve all the examples of this loiigiconi were taken at light, mostly on our (lining tal.le. -JWIlJi'!.]
59. Sybrinus, >/'.
Very like the preeeding species, of which it may pi'ovc to he a variety, the chief ditierences noticeable being (1) the presence of an elongated dark l)rown patch on the intermediate third of each elytron about mid-way l>etween the suture and the outer margin, and (2) the smaller extent of the cinereous patch on the hinder part of each elytron.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.).— One female example.
60. Sybrinus simonyi, up. n.
In this species the pubescence covering the elytra is of a nearly uniform greyish-tawny colour, this colour l>eing varied only by some small and inconspicuous cinereous specks, arranged somewhat in longitudinal rows. The underside and legs are covered with a pul)escence very similar in colour to that on the uppei'side, l)Ut varied more with small brownish spots.
Length 9-0 mm., breadth 3-0 nnii.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan. — One male example.
This species is dedicated to Prof. Oscar Simony, a well-kn(jwii naturalist and keen entomologist, a member of the Expedition of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Vienna, engaged in the exploration of Sokotra at the same time as Dr. Forbes and Mr. Grant, in remembrance of their pleasant meeting there.
EUMOLPID^.
Eryxia, Ba/y.
61. Eryxia socotrana, sj).n.
Dark metallic green having on the upperside a slight coppery tint ; thinly clothed with a short adpressed grey pubescence. Antenna} ferruginous wdth the last five joints, which are slightly dilated and compressed, more or less infuscate. Head closely and finely punc- tulate ; prothorax transverse, rounded and distinctly marginate at the sides, closely and rather strongly punctulate above ; elytra densely punctulate with the punctures somewhat unequal in size. Intercoxal process of the prosternum very much liroader than in E holoscricea, Klug ( = haildi, Baly), and only slightly convex in the middle ; the intercoxal process of the mesosternum a little narrower than that of the prosternum. Tibi« without trace of emargination on the outer side.
A species from Aden, which I have determined from the description to be the Erijxia graudis of Lefevre, is closely allied to the present one, differing chiefly by its smaller size, and relatfvely shorter and broader
288 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
elyti-a. This species also (litters from E. /loluserimi, King, the type of the genus Eri/.ria, in haA'ing the prosternum very much broader hetweeu the coxfe.
Length 7'5-9-0 mm.
Sokotra : Hadilm Plain.
COCCINELLID^.
Epilachna.
62. Epilachna chrysomelina, nn: reticulata, 01 iv.
Cocciiie/Zfi nticukitd, Oliv., Eiicyl. Meth., vi. p. 06 (1791) ; Epilarhiia rt'cflrii/afa, Miilsant, Species des Col. Trimeres, p. 794.
Hokotra : Homhil (1500 ft.). — One example.
TIFK P.EETLES OF ABD-EL-KURI. 289
H.— The Beetles of Abd=el=Kuri.
MELYRID^. ,, . .
Melyns.
1. Melyris insularis, (luliim. (FMate xvii. fig. 3.)
Mvlyriy uixithtrl.% (lahan, Bull. Liver}). Muss., iii. |). 8 (1900).
This species is chiefly distiuguishal)le hy the form of the j)rothora.x, the sides of which are almost straight, and continuously divergent from the apex to the Imse, Avith the posterior angles slightly acute, and prominent. It is of a metallic-green colour, with the abdomen, the legs, and the last five or seven joints of the antennte, l)lack, and the remaining joints of the antennte, except the first, testaceous.
Abd-el-Kuri.
PTINID^. r^ ...
Paranobium. Gahan.
Pamiiohutm, Guhan, Moiios:r. Christmas Id., p. 104 (1900). The genus raranoUnm was founded for the reception of a species — P. posHcum, Gahan — collected in Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, and figured and descril)ed in the " Monograph " of that island. In this genus the prosternum is not excavated for the reception of the head, aiul extends but a short distance in front of the anterior cox* ; the latter are rather closely approximated to one another, the intercoxal process being short and narrow. Each of these coxte fits behind into an excava- tion formed partly from the mesosternum, and in part from the meso- thoracic episternum, the two excavations in the mesosternum 1)eing separated in front l)y a median vertical lamella. This structure of the sterna is very much the same as occurs in the genus Hedohia ; and in certain other respects Paranobium shows considerable affinity with that genus, but it differs in having a relatively broader prothorax (which approximates more to the form characteristic of Priolmim), and in having the antennae inserted widely apart, and close up to the margin of the eyes, closer even than is the case in the geiuis Priohiinn. From Priohiuin, Paranobium is distinguished hy the structure of the anteniue and of the mesosternum, as well as l)y the absence of a stridulating area from the gular surface of the head, this surface in Paranobium being smooth and nitid and limited on each side l)y a nearly straight sutural line, whereas in Priobiuiti, and in I)ri/oj)hihis also, the luiderside of the head has a transversely oval area, which is striated finely throughout nearly all its extent in * I)ri/oj)hih(s, towards the sides only in Priobium.
"■■ I have so far examined this structure only in one species of DryophUu-i — D. pufiillHs, Germ.
290 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SoKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
2. Paranobium forbesii, qy. n.
Pitchy-l)rowii in colour, the head and prothorax being slightly darker than the elytra ; clothed with a greyish pubescence, Avhich is not sufficiently dense to mask the colour of the derm. Antennse testa- ceous ; the joints fi'om the third to the tenth somewhat triangular in form, and nearly equal to one another in length. Prothorax appear- ing somewhat glol)ular in form when looked at from above, distinctly narrower than the elytra, its upper surface finely and closely granu- late. Elytra densely and rather strongly punctate. The fifth joint of each of the tarsi almost equal in length to the first, this joint lieing about as long as the second and third united.
Length 8-0, lireadth 3-0 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri. — One example.
TENEBRIONID^.
Zophosis, Latreille.
3. Zophosis undulata, Gahan.
ZopJio-^ix Hiidn/ufa, (iahaii, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 8 (1900).
This species is closely allied to Zophosis ceqiuilis, Waterh., but is relatively broader, and is easily distinguished at first sight by the slightly raised and obtuse undulate ridges running along the elytra. It diifers also in having the upper part of the head less closely punctulate, and the pronotum distinctly l)ut rather sparsely piuictulate.
Length 7'0 mm., breadth 3-5 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.— Two examples taken (:22. IL 99).
Histeromorphus, Kraatz.
4. Histeromorphus undatus, GnJtan. (Plate xvii. fig. 7.)
Hl'<t<romorphiix midatufi, Gahan, Bull. Liv^erp. Muss., iii. p. 8 (1900).
Li size and general form this species somewhat closely resembles H. plicatus, Kraatz, l)ut may be easily distinguished from it by the fol- lowing characters. The clypeus is almost straightly truncate or- but very feebly sinuate in front, whereas in H. plicatus it is arcuately emarginate ; the sides of the prothorax have a broader margin, and converge more strongly in a more regular arcuate curve from the base to the apex ; the elytra are more regularly plicate in wavy lines running parallel to one another in a transverse direction.
Length 8-5-11 -0 mm., breadth 6-5-S-O mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.— Ten examples captured 22. XIL 98, and 22. IL 99.
Rhytidonota, Eschsch. (?).
5. Rhytidonota (?) tibialis, (hdum.
Rhytidonota (^) tibial^, Gahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 9 (1900). This species is very distinct from IL exigua and R. soda ; and, in certain of
THE BEETLES OF ABD-EL-KURT. 291
its characters, such as the form of the prosternal process, and the presence of a groove along the outer (or dorsal) face of each of the tibicB, it differs fi'om all other known species of Ithi/fuJniiofd.
Length ll-0-12"0 mm., breadth (at middle of elytra) 4-0-4-2 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri.— Two examples taken (22. 11. 99).
Adelostoma, Duponchel.
6. Adelostoma granti, (hilmu. (Plate xvii. iig. 4.)
A(/(/ostoma gmiifi, (iJahan, Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 10(1900).
Oblong-elliptical, depressed, black ; the head in front arcuately emar- ginate, and furnished above with four small cariniform tubercles. Prothorax greatly and abruptly narrowed slightly in front of the base and furnished above with two longitudinal carint^. Both elyti'a are provided with three carina?, the inner carina widely interrupted towards the middle, and the intermediate one shortened posteriorly.
Length 6, breadth 2 5 mm.
Al)d-el-Kuri (22. XII. 98).
[I met with only one example of this species. — Jr.L'.OJJ.]
CURCULIONID^.
PiaZOmias, Schbnherr.
7. Piazomias, sp.
Abd-el-Kuri.
Systates Gerst (?).
8. (?) Systates, sp.
In addition to the species of Piazomias, a second species of this family
was ol)tained 1)elonging to S'l/sfatrs or some closely related genus. Abd-el-Kuri.
EUMOLPIDiE.
Eryxia, Ba/y.
9. Eryxia socotrana, spji.
For description of this species see p. 287.
The examples of this species taken in the island of Abd-el-Kuri differ slightly from those found in Sokotra, inasmuch as they show no trace of the coppery tint present on the upperside in the latter.
292 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XVII.
Fig. I, ALAUS 5ULCIC0LLI5, Gahan, p. 270.
Fig. 2. (EME FU5CA, Gahtn, p. 284.
Fig. 3. MELYRIS IN5ULARI5, Gahn}}, p. 289.
Fig. 4. ADELOSTOMA GRANTI, Gahan, p. 291.
Fig. 5. EUSYNTELIA 0PACIC0LLI5, Gahan, p. 275,
Fig. 6. JULODIS CLOU EI, /%., p. 269.
Fig. 7. HISTER0M0RPHU5 UNDATUS, Gahan, p. 290.
Fig. 8. 5YBRINUS C0MMIXTU5, Gahan, p. 286.
Fig. 9. DERETUS DENTICOLLIS, Gahan, p. 281.
Fig. 10. IDACTU5 GRANTI, Gahm, p. 285.
Jy/yarfr M'-^^,Iutp. :>(
tXfULl'O r,,fi
nti
*5M^ :
/ \.
ki
iT
r>/'
4 f
waasS^m
r
jd^
^^
r,k'
!,
:»»TRA AN
/,(irrf
II.
i>, 270.
Fig. 10. IDAv
?Oh<iai
Lix'erp. Mu.s.; Rep. SckctrcL Eccped
Pi. xvn.
TSL
FO.PiokaroL-Cam'briage delet litli
MiTitemBros CKra
COLEOPTERA FROM SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURl
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Lepidoptera. I.
Rhopalocera.
Bij W. R. OGILVIE = GRANT.
PLATES XVIII., XIX
THK lirTTEltFLIES OF SOKOTRA. 295
Butterflies.
The collection of Butterflies made by our Expedition raises the total luuiiber of species and varieties found in Sokotra to 28 ; of these 15 had already been recorded by Dr. Butler (P.Z.S., 1881, pp. 175-179 pi. xviii.), and Mr. Dixey (P.Z.S., 1898, pp. 372-382 pi. xxx.). The present list thus adds 13 species or varieties not previously recorded, and includes three species new to science, the most remarkable being a second species of Charaxes [C. velox). We also ol)tained the unknown males of Charaxes haJfouri and Belenois anmiala.
Ten species and one variety are peculiar to Sokotra, the remainder are all widely distrilnited sjiecies, l)elonging for the most part to Africa and Arabia.
The occurrence of the splendid North Indian species HijpoUmnas jacinfha is remarkable : it has prol)al)ly been accidentally imported, and is certainly one of the rarest insects on the island.
On Alxl-el-Kuri Butterflies were very poorly represented, only three very common and widely distrilnited species being met with.
I.^The Butterflies of Sokotra.
RHOPALOCERA. NYMPHALID^.
LIMNAIN/E.
Limnas, Hubn.
1. Limnas chrysippus, Linn.
Pupilio rhryft'tppus^ Linn., Mas. Ulr., p. 2(53 (17lJ4). Danais chryiiippus, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. \liy. Limnas chrymppus, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 373.
On the Hadil)U Plain and on the lower valleys on the north side of Sokotra we found this species fairly connuon but nowhere lumierous. The wild Thyme covering the plain, in full flower in December, proved extremely attractive to insects of all kinds, and it was then that most of our examples were obtained. HiipoUmnas mmpjnis was also fairly
296 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUKI.
common there, and the females of the two species might easily be mistaken for one another at a short distance. The present species was never seen on the more elevated parts of the island. Mr. Bennett remarks that it was " seen only in the hills fl3'ing strongly." This statement does not agree with my observations, and it seems possible that he may ha\'e mistaken Churaxes velox for the present species.
2. Limnas chrysippus, Aar. klugii, JJnfl.
Liiiiiia." kliiii'ii, Butl., P.Z.S., 188.5, p. 758.
3. Limnas chrysippus, \;u. dorippus, Kluii.
Eujjljifci dorippus, Klug., Symb. Pliys., pi. xlviii. figs. 1-5 (1845).
These varieties were both obtained on the Hadibu Plain, but the latter form was only once seen, and apparently very scarce.
In descriljiug a collection of Somaliland Lepidoptera in comparison with a series from Aden, Dr. Butler makes (P.Z.S., 1885, p. 758) the fol- lowing interesting remarks in reference to the distribution of these two varieties (or species as he there reckons them) : — " If my views of the relationship of this species [Liiimas dorippa>i\ to L. clirijsippus and allies is correct, it will prol)aI)ly 1)e found that typical L. dorippus does not range inland to any very great distance from the Somali coast, but that its place is occupied by its Indo- African representative. 8o far the two series before me fulfil my expectations ; that received from Major Yerbury [from Aden] containing one male of each form, whereas that collected by Mr. Thrupp [in Somaliland] contains three pairs of the Indo-African form \_L. /diir/ii] and none of L. dorippns. Mr. E. Lort Phillips assures me, however, that three of the specimens were obtained within 80 miles inland from Berbera. . . . [Limnas Jdu(jii] is clearly the prevalent Limnas in Somaliland ; L. rhrsyippns and L. alcipjms having, apjDarently, entirely disappeared, L. dorippus being scarce and in all probability confined to the eastern coast. ..."
SATYRIN/C.
Mycalesis, Hubn.
4. Mycalesis socotrana, IJufl
Calyd-smt -socotrana, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 175, pi. xviii. tig. 7. Calysisme anynana, Dixey {nee Butl.), P.Z.S., 1898, p. 374.
The following is Dr. Butler's description of the Types : — " Nearest to C. anynana from Johanna (Comoro group). Olive-brown ; wings aboA'e with paler outer border traversed by a wavy submarginal brown line ; a l)lack marginal line ; fringe slightly darker than the outer border : primaries crossed beyond the cell from costa to first median branch by a slightly undulated pale-l)ordered dusky line ; two ocelli of the ordinary type, one towards apex about a quarter the size {i.e., half the diameter) of the other, which is placed on the first median interspace : secondaries with a scarcely perceptible small l)lind ocellus on the first median interspace. Wings below palei-, trans-
THE BI'TTKIM'IJICS OF SoKOTliA. 297
versely striated Avitli darker lines, the disc (particularly in the female) suffused with lilaciue grey, the ocelli with pale zones, and iu the male, with whitish instead of orange irides, those of the primaries situated as on the upper surface, l)Ut the suljapical one, particularly in the female, greatly reduced in size ; the outer border with shai'ply defined zigzag iinier edge towards apex, in the female suffused with ferrugin- ous, the intersecting submarginal line being dark ferruginous ; a broad central belt, the inner edge of which is obsolete in the male l)ut sharply defined by a white-bordered ferruginous line in the female ; the outer edge slightly undulated and angulated on all the wings, dark l)rown with pale border in the male, ferruginous with white border in the female ; secondaries with seven discal ocelli, of which the second, third, and se\-enth are very small, and the fifth the largest. Expanse of wings, 6 1 inch 6 lines, ? 1 inch 9 lines." This was perhaps the commonest luittertiy in Sokotra, l)eing almost equally luuBcrous from sea level to an elevation of nearly 4500 feet. Wherever suitalile bush cover occurs this species is plentiful. It is not met with in the more open country, being always found among the open bush jungle, or along the edges of the tiny grassy glades or dry beds of streams. Its flight is feeble and irregular like that of its allies, and from its bush-frequenting habits individuals are sometimes troublesome to net. We obtained Ijoth the ' wet ' and ' dry ' phases of this species, some examples having the ocelli on the under surface of the hinder wing largely developed, while in a few these markings were nearly ol)solete. At Adho Dimellus, 3500 feet, our highest camp in the central Haghier range, it was particulai'ly abundant, and numbers might be seen during the day time resting on the sugared posts put up for the capture of nocturnal Lepidoptera. It was a constant visitor to our lireakfast table, spread in a shady recess overhung by bushes, often settling on the open pots of jam or tasting the chutnee. One peculiarity of this species is its unusual acti\-ity. It may he seen on the wing from early morning as soon as it is light till late in the evening after the sun has disappeared behind the hills, and even on dull, cloudy days, when other butterflies are seldom seen on the wing, it is constantly flitting about among the bushes.
NYMPHALIN/E.
Charaxes, Ochs.
5. Charaxes velox, Grant. (Plate xviii.).
Charaxes velox. Grant, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. \). 10 (1899). }[ah .-—Upper surface most like that of the male of C. rowan i : under surface like that of the female of C. antambouloa but darker. General colour above of l>oth wings dark chestnut. Primaries with the brownish-black sulmiargiual band narrower, and broken up, between the extremity of the discoidal cell and the ornamental sub-mar'ginal
298 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
row of chestnut spots, by two patches of chestnut relieved by brown- ish-l)lack markings ; the row of chestnut spots hirger and with the margins much less sharply defined. Costal and median nervures pale areen. Secondaries with the l)rownish-black marginal border much narrower, graduated, and terminating in a point al)OAe the first median nervule. The six spots ornamenting this border rounded and pale buff shading into pale cream on the two nearest the anal angle. Anal angle with a well-marked green patch shading into violet internally and ornamented by two rounded black dots, the same green colour strongly indicated between the 1st median and discoidal nervules by three patches. A rufous buff Avedge-shaped mark arising about the middle of the costal and extending towards the apex of the discoidal cell. General colour of the under surface altogether darker and ])rowner than in the female of C. untauihouhu, from which it chiefly differs in the following points : — The darker basal part of the band across the disc of the primary extends to the first disco-cellular nervule ; the submarginal spots next to the posterior angle are larger and l)lackish enclosing a lilac spot. On the secondaries the internal border of the spot at the anal angle, as well as of those along the hind margin, is greyish violet. Expanse, 3-05 inches.
Female : — Upper surface like that of the male, but the spots nearest the costal margin rather larger and more oblong ; general colour of the under surface much greyer than that of the male, but with similar markings. Expanse, 3"35 inches.
Habitat. Sokotra, from nearly sea-level to an elcA'ation of at least 4000 feet, where it becomes scarce.
This splendid new species was our most important addition to the list of the butterflies found in Sokotra. Considering how plentiful it is, and how widely distributed, it seems strange that it should have hitherto escaped capture, but no doubt this is due to its wariness, remai-kably swift flight, and the difficult nature of the ground it genei'ally frequents. The species was first met with on the 15th December, one or two examples being seen in a dry, I'ocky water-course on Gebel Raggit, one of the outer spurs of the Haghier range to the south of our camp on the Hadibu Plain. I failed to secure a specimen, but found a nearly full-grown larva (fig. 3) feeding on a sloe-like Inish (iJirichlefia ohovata, Balf. fil) so common on the lower slopes of the hills. This larva pupated (fig. 4) on the 27th of December, and a male Charaxes hatched on the 8th of January. A second larva was afterwards found and preserved. This butterfly was met with in suitable localities from nearly sea-level to an elevation of at least 4500 feet, but its nnmliers gradually diminished as the higher ranges were reached. It was particularly numerous in the Adda Valley to the east of the Hadil)u Plain, and in the neighbourhood of our camp at Jena-agahan, 1200 feet on the northern slopes of the Haghier range. Its favourite haunts are the steep, dry, Ijoulder-strewn water-courses
THE BUTTEIIFLIES OF SOKOTllA. 299
overhung by bushes and trees. During the hottest part of the day it is verv fond of sunning itself on the limb of some dead tree, or on the tip of an overhanging branch, sailing every few minutes to some fresh point. The flight is extraordinarily swift and strong, very different from that of its ally C. haJfouri. The rough nature of the ground makes it generally impossible to follow it on the wing, and though one occasionally succeeds in netting one as it dashes past, hy far the best mode of capture is to stalk them. As soon as the Charaxes settles, follow liini up, stepping quickly and ([uietly from rock to rock, and when within striking distance a quick sweep of the long-handled kite net is generally successful. A pair of boots with very thick indiarubber soles will be found in^•aluable for such work, for in these one can move over the boulders without making a sound, and with little fear of falling, though it must l)e added that granite rocks soon play havoc Avith even the strongest soles.
On dull, cloudy days, or in the early morning and towards evening, this species may often be found at rest among the branches of the Inish Euphorbias, and may then occasionally be boxed or taken with the finger and thumb. Many of our finest examples were secured in this way, for in the net the long swallow tails often get damaged before the butterfly can be got into the killing bottle.
On the limestone hills round Homhil, at the east end of Sokotra, this species was only rarely met with, while C. halfnuri was comparati\ely common.
6. Charaxes balfouri, Bufl. (Plate xix. figs. 1, \:i6.)
Charaxes ha/jhun, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 176, pi. xviii. tig. 6 ( ? ).
Dr. Butler's description of the Type is as follows :—
"Fnmle: Allied to C. varanes, from which it differs as follows :~The outer
margins of all the wings dentated at the extremities of all the veins, that of the secondaries with two tails of the ordinary type, that at the end of the first median branch being rather short (3 to 4 millimetres), and that at the end of the third branch of about double the length, more slender and gradually tapering towards the point. Wings al)Ove deep mahogany red, rather paler on the Imsal half ; primaries with all the markings as in C. raranes, excepting that the spots beyond the cell are not so black ; secondaries with the rounded black spots only distinct towards the apex ; outer border black with a marginal series of pale blue lunules fringed with snow-white. Body laky brown, prothorax and head olivaceous. Under surface of wings very like C. varanes, l)ut the general colour greener, most like that of the darkest Natal specimens, the black characters on the basal area better marked, the white stripe limiting the liroad l)asal area wider, more diffused externally, and distinctly angulated on all the wings ; the ocelli on the secondaries slightly narrower, and the outer margin of these wings bordered with a series of large black and white lunules. Expanse of wings 3 inches 8 lines.
300 THE NATUR.U. HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
" The allied species C. varanes has hithei'to been referred to the genus Philognoma on account of its only having one peculiarly shaped tail to the secondaries ; hut the arrival of this form from Sokotra necessitates its transfer to Chdruxet;, since we now possess a species with the structure of the latter genus, and the general character of the supposed Fhilognoma"
" M((J(' : — Similar to the female, hut smaller Expanse of wings 2 inches '\0 lines to 3 inches. One exceptionally large male taken at Adho Dimcllus, in Fchruary, differs conspicuously from all others, in wanting the outer row of pale sulnnarginal spots."
It was not initil we I'eached the limestone ranges at Homhil, at the east end of Sokotra, that we met with this splendid butterfly. There, in a small rocky valley, traversed l>y a clear, rushing stream, overgrown with clumps of boxwood bushes and various other shrubs and trees, including fine examples of the Dragons-blood, we fell in with a brood, and secured some splendid examples of both sexes. A large Ijush, l)earing small brownish nuts, appeared to be specially attractive, and some of these l)utterflies, mostly females, were genei-ally to be found hovering round the lower branches, and it may therefore be presumed that this is one of the food plants. . This species, unlike C. velox, is comparatively easy to capture on the wing, the flight being neither so swift nor so strong. It was afterwards met with in the Adda Valley to the east of the Hadibu Plain, and sub- sequently at Adho Dimellus in the Haghier range up to an elevation of at least 4000 feet, but on the granite ranges it appeared to be decidedly rare. At Homhil, where it was fairly numerous, C. velox was but rarely seen. The Charaxes, like all the large strong-flying Ijutterflies, very soon damage their wings, and examples in fine condition, with all four tails complete, are seldom to be caught. Many specimens of C. halfouri were so damaged that it would have been useless to kill them, and out of perhaps 50 netted, only half a dozen or so weie perfect, and perhaps twice that num1)er worth keeping. Only the female of this fine species was pieviously known, a somewhat worn example having Ijeen collected l)y Professor Bayley Balfour, in whose honour it was named.
Hypolimnas, Hubn. 7. Hypolimnas jacintha, Drnnj.
Pupil lo jariutlm, Drury, 111. Exot. Enfc., ii. pi. xxi., tigs. 1, 2 (1773). Papilio aria, Ftibr., Ent. Syst., iii, 1, p. ill (179.3).
The occurrence of this magnificent north Indian species in Sokotra was most unexpected. How it came there no one can tell, but it may have been accidentally introduced. It is certainly the larest butterfly in the island, for during our three months' stay oidy eight weie seen, and three secured. While at Dahamis our taxidermist, Mr. Cutmore,
THE BUTTKRFLIES OF SOKOTRA. 301
reported having seen on the 21st December a very large dark butterfly with white latticed markings on the hind-wings, which was doubtless a female of this species ; but though I carefully searched the neigh- bourhood, nothing more was seen of it. It was not until the 30th of Deceml)er that I saw and caught the first specimen — ^a male in perfect condition. I shall never forget the excitement of that capture, for I fully believed that it wouhl prove to be a new species. After a long tramp up to our new camping ground at Jena-agahan (1200 feet) on the northern slopes of the Haghier range, we were all enjoying a well-earned rest, when suddenly I Ijeheld a magnificent butterfly sunning its wings on a granite rock close l)y, and a few seconds later the prize had l^een securely placed in the largest killing bottle. I caught two othei' specimens near this camp, a male and female, the former having the wings latticed with cream colour like those of the female. I also saw two more which I was unablt; to catch.
One female was seen at Homhil on 25th January by the Somali boy who accompanied me, and lastly a male was seen at Adho Dimellus (4500 feet) on the 15th of February.
It will thus be seen that the species was thinly distril)uted over the greater part of the island visited. The flight is remarkably powerful, and on the wing this insect looks very large, and more like a l)ii(l than a butterfly. At Jena-agahan, the only place where I personally saw the species, four out of the five seen Avere met with in the boulder- strewn l)ed of a dry watercourse. They loved to sun themselves among the granite rocks, where it was extremely diflicult to catch them without tearing one's net to pieces.
8. Hypolimnas misippus, Linn.
Papilio misippHs, Linn., Mus. Ulr. , p. 264 (1764). Hypolimnas mimpjms, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1S98, j). .379.
Tins handsome and widely distiilnited species was met with on the lower grounds of Sokotra bordering the north coast, Init I do not remembei- ever oliserving it at any of our higher camps.
It was most numerous, though not common, on the Thyme-covered Plain of Hadilni in the neighl)ourhood of our first camp on the Hanefu river, where the females were often mistaken at a short distance for Limnas rhn/sippns, Linn., which is fairly common on the same ground. All the females of this species were of the ordinary form, shewino- no tendency towards the var. alcippoiifrs, Butl.
A few examples were met with on the Inish-clad Garieh Plain, l»elow
Jena-agahan, and in the Dimichiro Valley. The flight of the male is very strong, and it is generally a troulilesome
butterfly to net. Mr. Bennett notes that he met with this species
" chiefly in the hills," l)ut my o1)ser\ations, recorded at the time, were
exactlv the reverse.
302 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Pyrameis, Hubn.
9. Pyrameis cardui, Linn.
Papilio cardui, Linn., S.N. , i. pi. ii. p. 774 (1767).
Pyrameis cardui, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 177; Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 379.
The Painted Lady was common on the low ground of Sokotra, the wild Thyme on the Hadiliu Plain proAing especially attractive.
Precis, H bn.
10. Precis clelia, Cramer.
Papilio clelia, Cramer, Pap. Ex., i. pi. ii. E. F. (1775). Junonia clelia, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 379.
Mr. Bennett found this species " very common in the mountains " of Sokotra and collected six examples, two males and four females. Curiously enough, I never came across it, and it was the only l)uttei^- fly previously known that was not procured.
On the other hand, we obtained twenty-three species of butterflies, se\'en of which were new to science or to the island, and among the latter were examples of Pircis cehrcnr not met with by either Professor Bayley Balfour or Mr. Bennett.
11. Precis cebrene, Trimen.
Jinwnia rehrene, Trimen, Tr. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1870, ]). .S.IS. This is another low ground butterfly, and we found it decidedly scarce ; but as most of the specimens seen in the early part of December were faded and damaged, it is quite possilile that earlier in the season the species may be compioner. Almost all the examples captured were taken on the Hadilni Plain in the neighlwurhood of the Hanefu river. The fa^'ourite haunt of this species was a part of the plain covered with clumps of " l)ush grass " and stones on which it loved to settle and display its gorgeously coloured wings. It is a shy Inittei-fly and troublesome to net, its flight being very strong, and, if once missed, it seldom affords a second chance.
Atella, Doub/
12. Atella phalantha, JJriir//.
Papilio jihalrdifha, Driuy, 111. Ex. Ent., pi. xxi. fig. 1, 2 (1773). A locally common species on the middle and higher slopes of the Haghier range from an elevation of about 1000 to 3000 feet. We first met with two examples of this handsome butterfly on Moukaradia (600 feet) hovering over some flowering l)ushes on the sides of a dry torrent bed, and subsequently found it fairly numerous above Dahamis (IGOO feet), on the 21st of December, on one of the small open plateaux covered with spear grass, where numbers were hovering round a large sort of tree-ivy. A few were seen al)0ut our camp
THE BUTTERFLIES OF SOKOTRA. 303
at Jeiia-aghan, and maii^^ on a plateau on the pass below Adho DiniL'llus (3000 feet, 18th of Fel)ruary). The flight is much like that of the Fi-itillarv, which it i'eseml>los in outward appearance, and, generally speaking, it is an easy l)utterfly to net.
Byblia, Hubn. 13. Byblia boydi, IHxey.
I[y/>nnis rora, Butler (uec Feisth.), P.Z.S., 1881, p. 177, pi. xviii. fig. 4. Byblia boydi, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 375, pi. xxx. figs. 1 $ and 2 9. Ml-. Dixey has described the Types as follows : —
" Distinguishable from the ' dry season ' form of B. giitzius Herbst., and B. anvatara, Boisd., l)y the following particulars :—(l) The area of fulvous ground colour lying between the black submarginal l)and and the oblique median black patch on the disc of the fore-wing is in B. hoi/ili divisible into two portions, separated by a pair of black denti- culations, which almost meet one another along the course of the first median l)ranch. Of these two portions, the posterior is conspicuously narrower than the anterior, the narrowing being caused mainly by the encroachment outwards of the ol)li(iue median patch. The outline of this latter patch in the allied forms tends rather sharply inwards between the first median liranch and the dorsal border, but in B. boydi it is continued to the dorsal border at such an angle as to preclude the fulvous area from expanding again posteriorly, as it does in normal B. gdtzius. (2) A chain of small black spots is more or less visible, crossing the fuhous median area of the hind-wing uijperside. These spots, which correspond to a series constantly present in B. ilithjia, Drury, are only rarely indicated in B. gufzius. The above characters appear to be constant and distinctive. One or more of the following features may be found in specimens of B. gdtzius from various localities on the mainland, but they do not occur all together except in B. boydi, where the combination appears to be constant : — (1) The black costal bar of the fore-wing is continued across the wing to meet the submarginal l)lack liand. (2) The fulvous submarginal spots of the hind-wing upperside are large, subconical, and only slightly separated l)y the black-coloured veins. (3) All the black markings of the upperside are highly developed, especially the sub- marginal l)and of the hind-wing, which encroaches considerably inwards. In the presence of the chain of small median dark spots, and in the large size of the fulvous submarginal spots of the hind-wing, B. boydi approaches B. ilithyia ; iii other respects it is much nearer B. gdtzius. The combination of characters above given renders the Sokotran form easily recogiu'zable among its allies, and seems to justify its separation as distinct." This is one of the commonest Initterfiies in Sokotra, and universally distributed from the lower slopes of the hills to an elcAation of at least 4000 feet. Though I never saw it on the wing on the Hadibu
304 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-Knil.
Plain, it must occasionally occur there, for I found the remains of one which had evidently been eaten by some bird close to our first camp. It Avas perhaps most numerous on the higher ground, being especially abundant round Adho Dimellus. There it was to be found in all the glades and openings among the bushes, and splendid freshly hatched examples were constantly to bo met with. It is difficult to imagine a more pleasing contrast in colour than the rich chestnut and black wings of this Initterfly resting on the clusters of pale lilac blue flowers of the Gentians {Exacimi qfjine). We noted nothing A-ery peculiar in its habits ; the flight is not very rapid, and it is easily caught.
Out of a very large number of perfect specimens taken, many of which were preserved, hardly any variety of marking was observed, all being Avonderfully alike, and it may therefore be presumed that the charac- ters of this insular species are constant.
ACR/EIN/E-
Acraea, Fabr. 14. Acraea neobule, Donlil.
Acnta neohu/e, Doubl., Hew. Gen. T). L., pi. xix. fig. 3 (1848). Acrcea neohule, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 177, pi. xviii. fig. 5 ; Dixe.y, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 374.
This lovely butterfly, first met on the lower bush-clad slopes of the Haghier range, was found in gradually increasing numbers up to an elevation of at least 4500 feet. It was equally abundant on the limestone range round Hondiil at the east end of Socotra. On the higher grassy slopes round Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.) it positively swarmed in places, and was to l)e seen in all directions resting on the tall grass stems, slowly moving its wings in the brilliant sunshine and looking like some lovely flower. There can be little doul)t that the l)rilliant scarlet of the wings fades after death. Possibly this may be due to the damping process which is unavoidable when Initterrties have to be relaxed before they are set. Most of the sjiecimens were in such splendid condition that even after a good series of perfect examples had been captured we found it difficidt to refrain from taking just one more.
Though not swift the flight of this insect is A'ery beautiful ; after a few beats of the wings it sails gracefully along over the tops of the bushes for a consideral)le distance, hovering here and there or resting for a few moments on the flowering shrubs and plants. Though easily caught it is veiy tenacious of life, and Ave frequently found it come to life again after a sojourn in the killing bottle calculated to kill any ordinary l)utterfly. The males are apparently very much more numerous than the females.
THE r.UTTKRFTJKS OF SOKOTRA. 305
LYC^NID^.
Tarucus, Moore.
15. Tarucus socotranus, dnnil. (I'hite xix. tigs. 2, ia, 21i).
'J'(tnn-iis .^„n,/raints, (Jiaiit. Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 10(1899).
Male: — Most neai-ly reseinl)l('s the nuvh; of T. pUiiin^^ \ar. /Hilrl/ni, the iil)per surface l)eiiig practically alike in both, but on the under surface the pattern is quite diflerent. The sub-marginal bands across the diseal area of the primaries ai'e continuous and i-uii parallel to the margin. (Jn the hinder wings, this peculiarity is even moi'e marked, the second sulvmaiginal band being uiuisually wide and uninter- rupted, while the dusky band within is ornamented in the middle by a clearly defined long oval spot of blackish girdled with white. P^.x pause 1.2 inch.
Female: — Much like the female of T. teUcamis, liut with the general colour of the upper surface darker sooty brown and more uniform, the lighter pattern above being inconspicuous ; the l)lack spot between the first and second median uervules oblong and margined above and below with white bands ; the under surface like that of the male.
Jfafiifaf. Sokotra.
AVe met with this handsome Blue both on the plains and on the highei' slopes of the hills. It was perhaps most numerous in the pass l)elow Adho Dimellus, at an elevation of about 3000 feet. It is a bush- frequenting species, and M^as invariably to be seen flying round the lai'ger flowering shruljs or at rest on the leaves.
16. Tarucus quadratus, Gmnf. (Plate xix. figs. 3, 3a, 31)).
Tarucut> theophrastus, Dixey {nee Fahr.), P.Z.S., 1898, p. 380. Tarucus quadratus, Grant, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 10 (1899).
Male : — Most nearly allied to the South African form of T. fheojjhrasfiis, the upper surface being very similar, l)ut the black sub-marginal markings on the secondaries are reduced to two well-defined spots, one situated at the anal angle, and the othei' l)etween the first and second median nervules. The under surface of the primaries differs con- spicuously in having a large sul)-quadrate black patch situated between the costal band and the black Ijand crossing the middle of the wing • the patch commences about the middle of the sul>median nervule and extends to the anterior angle of the discoidal cell. Expanse 0 9 inch.
Female : — Most like the female of the South Afi'ican form of T. fheophrasftis, but the row of spots along the hind margin of the secondaries is more widely edged with white ; under surface like that of the male. Expanse, 0*75 inch.
Hahitat. Sokotra.
This beautiful little butterfly, which we knew as the " Zebra-blue " on account of the markings on its under surface, was first seen among the 3'oung date-palm groves on the l)anks of the Hanefu river, and subse- quently met with in the Adda \'alley and Goahal Gorge at elevations
306 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABU-EL-KIHI.
not exceeding 500 feet al)Ove sea level. It was not seen at any of onr higher camps, and is apparently confined to the low gronnd. Like T. socofninus it is a ])iish-fre(|nenting s])ecies, and spen.ds most of its time hovering round tlie smaller trees and Howering shrubs. Though nowhere very connuon, it was fairly plentiful in the (xoahal Valley l)elow Homhil, and in the Adda Valley to the east of the Hadibu Plain.
Cacyreus, But/.
7. Cacyreus lingeus, Cramer.
Papilio liiigeiis, Cramer, Paj). Ex. iv., pi. ccclxxix. F. G. (17S'2). This sj)ecies was met with on the plains and on the lower and middle slopes of the Haghier range up to an elevation of aljout 3.500 feet. The halnts are very similar to those of the two species of Tarunis previously mentioned.
Chilades, Moore.
8. Chilades trochilus, Frri/rr.
Lycii'iia frochilm, Freyer, Neuere Beitr. , v. pi. 440 ficr- 1 (1844). This lovely little Argus Blue was only found in the Goahal Gorge ])elow Homhil.
Zizera, Moore.
9. Zizera knysna, Trimcn.
Lyccena Avn/*H«, Trimen, Trans. Ent. Soc. Loiul. (8), i. }). 2S2 (1S(J2). Zizera hjmnon, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 880.
Veiy ahundant everywhere from sea-level to an elevation of at least 4000 feet. Unlike the other Blues mentioned al)o^•e, this little butterfly is essentially a gronnd species, preferring the stony plains, mountain paths, and similar open spots, where it is always in evidence either sunning its wings on the ground or darting about at a great pace in pursuit of its fellow^s.
As it is always rather a troul)lesome matter to obtain perfect specimens of Lyrceiiida', I should like to draw the attention of field collectors to the following points. All the Blues when placed in a killing bottle have a most perverse habit of dying with the upper surface of their wings exposed. If attended to at once, with the aid of a fine-pointed pair of forceps, which should always l)e carried, the wings can be easily reversed, but if left a minute too long, rigor mortis sets in and it is then impossible to move them. It is of course essential to leave all specimens in the fumes of the cyanide until they are quite dead, so, after attending to the wings, they should be replaced in the killing bottle, for, however carefully the lattei- may he carried, the exposed surface of the wings is sure to become more or less rubl)ed before the butterfly can be safely transferred to the zinc pocket box. If placed in paper envelopes with the upper surface of the wings outer'most
TlIK r.lTTKKFLIES OF SOKOTltA. 307
l)Uttcrtiie.s not only get ruhlied, luit are very niucli more ditHeult to pill and set when relaxed. Tlie.se remarks of course do not refer to such specimens as may lie collected to show the under surface.
PAPILIONID^.
PIERIN/E.
Teracolus, Swains.
20. Teracolus niveus, Ilufl.
Ttraco(u'< ulreus, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 177, pi. xviii. fig. 1; Uixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 380.
The Types have been described by Dr. Butler as follows : —
" S Nearest to T. evagore, demaf/orc, and liagoir, but differing from all in the considerably smaller extent of the orange apical patch on the primaries. Wings above, snow-white ; primaries above with a narrow triangular, orange, apical patch from costa to third median Ijranch, l)ounded externally l)y five hastate black spots, and in front by an aljbrcA'iated black costal line : liody black, thorax clothed with silvery hairs, abdomen cream-coloured at the sides. Under surface white, each wing with a small black dot at the end of the cell, primaries indistinctly showing the orange of the upper surface through their textui'c ; secondaries with a greyish costal spot, and one or two dots of the same colour on the disc beyond the cell, basi-abdominal area slightly speckled with black. Expanse of wings 1 inch 5 lines.
" $ Snow-white, base speckled with l)lackish : primaiies al)Ove with a dot at the end of the cell, four spots in an oblique series, more than half-way between the cell and apex, and four or five squamose mar- ginal spots between the apex and the third median branch, Idack ; secondaries with four decreasing marginal black spots between the apex and the second median branch : l)ody blackish, clothed with white hairs, but rather paler than in the male. Primaries below- white, a black dot at the end of the cell : four brownish spots in an olilique series, limiting the inner edge of the apical area, which is cream-coloured and speckled with grey : secondaries cream-coloured speckled with grey ; a black clot at the end of the cell ; an angulated series of seven more or less distinct brownish spots across the disc : body snow-white. Expanse of wings 1 inch 4 lines."
The Larger Orange-tip was very common on the lower and middle slopes of the Haghier range and at Homhil up to an elevation of about 2000 feet. It frequents the thin jungle and small open spaces along the sides of mountain torrents, and is constantly to be seen Hitting along close to the ground, threading its way among the stems of the bushes. The flight, though much stronger than that of the smaller form T. candidiis, is decidedly slow, and there is never much difficulty in securing any particular individual.
The large series of specimens collected shows considerable variation both ill size and markings. Some males have tlie orange ])atch at the tip
308 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA A\D ABD-EL-KURI.
of the fore-wing, pale in coloni' and much leduced in size ; while in others it is large and shaded internally with vermilion. The ])lack markings in the females vary greatly in intensity. Towards the end of January most of the examples seen were very worn, and duiing our return to the coast in the middle of February hardly any were met with.
21. Teracolus niveus, var. candidus, Bufl.
Terarolii.^ cmuUdiis, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 178, pi. xviii. fior. 2.
The following is the description of the Types : —
"(^Allied to the preceding, but smaller; the primaries with an oltlique suhapical orange patch, five pyriform marginal black spots ; secondaries with two apical marginal black dots : below much as in T. nirem. Expanse of wings 1 inch 2 lines."
" 5 Chiefly differs from the preceding in its smaller size and less pro- iioiuiced markings. Expanse of wings 1 inch 2 lines."
The Smaller Orange-tip, though less plentiful than the larger form, was met with in the same localities, and readily distinguished on the wing l)y its much smaller size and feeble flight. The very small examples which form the l)ulk of the specimens collected look so very different from typical T. niveus, whether male or female, that one is at first dis- posed to believe they must l)elong to distinct species ; but in the large series collected smaller examples of the latter so closely approach larger individuals of T. raii(Hdas that it appears to lie impossible to separate the two forms specifically. I think it is a mistake to suppose that T. niveus is the wet season and T. candidus the dry season form of the same species, for both were plentiful on the wing in December and January, and had almost disappeared by the middle of February.
Catopsilia, H'ubn.
22. Catopsilia florella, Fahr.
PapUioflorella, Fabr., Syst. Ent., p. 479 (1775). Catop>iiliapyrene, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 178. Catopsilia florella, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. .381.
This species was especially common on the Hadil)u Plain in December, when hundreds might be seen on the wing flying in every direction, or hovering over the sweet-scented wild Thyme then in full bloom. It is essentially a l)utterfly of the plains, but was occasionally met with up in the Haghier range on the open grass plots. '
23. Catopsilia florella, var. aleurona, Butl.
Catopsilia alturona, Butler, Ann. and Mag. N.H. (4), xviii. p. 489 (1876).
24. Catopsilia florella, var. pyrene, Suyjins.
Colia.s pj/renf-, .Swains, Zool. 111., i. pi. li. (182()-'21). Besides the typical form these two varieties were obtained on Sokotra. Both were rare, and oidv seen on one or two occasions.
THE IJITTKUFLIKS OF SOKoTRA. 309
Belenois, Hubn. 25. Belenois anomala, llnfl. (Plate xix. fig. \,i.)
Si/iirh/or anomala, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 178, pi. xviii. fig. .3(9). Bek'iiois auomala, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, \). 380.
Dr. Ijiitlcf gives the following description of the Type : —
" Fi'iiKile : — Mo.st \ike Si/ nr/iloc profoi/ire of North America, hut largei' than any species of the group. Wings ahove white, speckled with hlack scales at the base ; primaries with the costal horder to the end of the cell hea\ily hlack-speckled ; a large suhquadrate l)lack spot on the dis- cocellulars ; a \ery iiregular hlack discal hand formed of large ol)long spots alternating with lunules, only separated from a rather broad external horder 1)y a series of six unequal -white spots : this horder is broad at apex, and gradually tapers to the external angle ; secondaries with angular submarginal series of five black spots (the first on costal border large and quadrate), separated from a tapering l^rown border by spots of the ground colour, as in the primaries ; body above blackish, clothed with silky grey hairs ; prothorax clothed in front with short brown hair ; palpi Avhite, with brown edges ; antennae pale brown. Under surface white, liroadly but sparsely speckled with black scales towards the base ; primaries with the discocellular spot, discal band, and dusky basal half of costa as above ; outer border obsolete, this pait of the Aving being, however, appai-ently greyish owing to its semi-transparency, and slightly shot with pink : secondaries with slight pink reflections ; the markings of the upper surface only indistinctly visible through the textiu-e of the wing; body below white. Expanse of wings 2 inches 6 lines." Some of the females we obtained measure 2 inches 9 lines.
Male : — Most nearly resembles the female, l)ut the general colour of the wings is white, and the 1)lack markings are fewer and reduced in size. The irregular Itlack discal l)and on the primaries is broken, the alter- nating lunules being but faintly indicated or al)sent. On the secondaries the submarginal series of l)lack spots is reduced to three. The first and second are well marked and situated as in the female, but the third is placed between the 2nd and 3rd nervules and indis- tinct. The under surface is similar to that of the female.
Expanse of wings 2 inches 8 lines.
We found this handsome Avhite Initterfly thinly distributed from the lower granite slopes of the Haghier range up to an elevation of al)out 4000 feet, and on the limestone ranges about Homhil. It is one of the most difficult of all the Sokotrau butterflies to catch, for it rarely approaches the ground, and generally travels along at a great pace over the tops of the bushes and trees, fifteen or twenty feet from the ground and sometimes much higher. It rarely seems to settle, and then only for a few moments on some inaccessil)le flower.
Though a fair numl)er may be seen daily on suitable ground, it is only now and then that an odd specimen can l)e secured. Individuals may
310 THE NATURAL TIISToKY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD-EL-Kritl.
occasionally l»e found settled on a flower within easy reaeh, l)nt this is quite exceptional, and, as a rule, the nature of the ground renders pursuit impossil)le. Being anxious to ohtain a full series of this Initterfly, I found it necessary to pay sjiecial attention to its hal)its, and l)y doing so eventually secured a uumher of perfect examples of l)oth sexes. By Avatching closely it soon became e\'ident that most of the indi\iduals seen followed much the same line of flight across the tops of the trees, and that every now and then this ti'ack descended from the higher branches and passed over the lower l)ushes, where it was just possil)le to net them. By taking up a suitable position in the line of flight, and waiting patiently, it was possible to secure several in a morning, and on one occasion I managed to net as many as five pei'fect specimens in an hour. Many of the males were in such poor condition that they were not worth keeping, and no doulit in the couT'se of their strong restless flight the wings soon become damaged. On several occasions I was fortunate enough to meet with pairs, but though the females were perfect, the males were nearly always more or less worn. The species was first described from a very worn and ragged female specimen l)rought home by Professor Bayley Balfour in 1881 ; sulisequently a second example of the same sex was collected l)y Mr. Bennett. The male figured in the accompanying plate was not j)reviously known.
Papilio, Linn. 26. Papilio bennetti, himj.
Pa/n/lo benncfti, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 381, })1. xxx. tig. 3. Mr. Dixey describes the Types of the species as follows : — " Two specimens, both probably ^ , but the abdomen of one is imperfect. These resemlile P. (k)noleus, Linn., from the African mainland, but may be distinguished by the following characters : — (1) On the upper surface all the yellow markings are much reduced in size, and the second s2)ot from the dorsal border of the yellow median chain in the fore-wing is more or less Z-shaped, instead of l)eing irregularly rhombic as in P. demoleas. (2) There is a broad l)lack area of almost uniform width between the median and the sulmiai'ginal chains of yellow spots on the fore-wing. The corresponding area in /'. demoleus is comparatively narrow, and conspicuously denticulated in conse- quence of the relatively large size of the median yellow spots. (3) On the under surface the pale sulmiarginal spots of the hind-wing are ({uadrate, or even elo]igated in a direction at right angles to the border of the wing ; whereas in P. demoleus they tend to be oblong, with the long diameter parallel to the hind border. The same applies to the series of rudimentary eye-like marks immediately proximal to the yelloAV submarginal row. Another feature which is probably distinc- tive is the fact that in the e^^e-like mark within the cell on underside
TITK r.UTTKliFLIKS ()F SOKOTRA, 311
of the hind wing tlu' l)liu' (Mli;iii>;' witli its accompanying buff' crescent extends only along the posterior side of the triangular black patch, instead of l)eing continued along two sides, the posterior and the dorsal, as in /'. demokus. An approach to this condition may occasion- ally be seen in the latter species. Many specimens of P. dcmolens from Aden resemble P. hennetti in the narrowness of the pale median band of the hind-wing ; tlu'v (litter, howcNcr, in the other paitieulars." riie Type is in tlie Hope Museum at Oxford.
It was not until we reached our highest camp at Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.) in the Haghiei' range, that we met with this fine l)Utterfly. It was first discoA-ered by Mr. Bennett, whose name it Ijears, near the summit of ({ebel Dryat, a huge granite peak, the highest in Sokotra, rising some miles to the east of our camp. During the first few days of our sta}' none were observed, but on the 3rd of Felwuary I saw one fiying at a great pace along the ])ush-clad hillside near our camp, and Dr. Forbes repoited that he had seen two more, so it was evident that the species had begun to make its appearance. On the 6th of P'ebruary, accom- panied l)y Jama, our excellent Somali butler, I made a special expedi- tion to the top of a high point in the neighbourhood, and on reaching the summit found two fine Papilio on the wing. Their flight was very strong and rapid, and so far as I saw they never settled during the hours we watched them, l)ut continued their mad career up and down the bare granite cliffs, every now and then descending to take a turn over the thick bush surrounding the base. Like many other butter- flies, they seemed to have particular lines of flight, so after watching their manoeuvres we posted ourselves on suitable ledges. But luck was against us, and during three hours patient waiting in the broiling sun we never once got so much as a chance of netting one. One hates being beaten, and as a last resource I determined to try shooting one. Taking most of the No. 12 shot out of a light cartridge for the collecting gun, I waited my chance and made a good shot at one as it crossed the Inishes. The result, though apparently satisfactory, proved disastrous, for almost the whole charge had gone through the wings, and the splendid insect was utterly ruined. Subsequently, however, I was more successful, and with the aid of two of our Somalis, we gradualh^ made uj) a fair series, a good many being in perfect condi- tion. A large number were seen on the highest ground on the 18th of February, and had we been al)le to remain a few days longer, many would certainly ha^•e been added to the collection, l)ut as it was we got sufficient. It is essentially a butterfly of tlie granite peaks, and the few captured lower down about our camp at Adho Dimellus were all males and evidently stragglers in search of a mate. This is a difficult l;)utterfly to follow with the eye, the flight being very rapid while the mottled yellow and l)lack markings of its quickly beating Avings produce an indefinite colour hard to distinguish from the sur- rounding objects at any great distance.
312 THE XATIKAL HlSToHV oF SoKOTRA AND AnD-EL-KlKI.
HESPERIID^.
Qegenes, H'ubn.
27. Gegenes occulta, Triincn.
P<in,pliil<t orriilta, Trimen, P.Z.8., 1S91, p. 1U3. Geijenes nostradamuf, Dixey, P.Z. S. , 1898, p. .3S2.
This small, widely distriliuted Skippei' was far from common in Sokotra, and most of the specimens captured were in more or less worn con- dition. 1 first met with a single example on 17th of December in the hed of theHauefu river close to our camp at Hadilni, and subsequently captured several, both in the (^oahal Gorge (1200 ft.) below Hondiil, and at Adho Dimellus (3501) ft.), the highest pass in the Haghier range. It was also met with at one or two other places, always singly. It appears to lead a somewhat solitary existence, frequenting the dry rocky paths, where it may occasionally be seen liustling along at a great pace, or resting to sun its wings on the ground. The flight, though very rapid, is seldom long sustained, and, as it constantly settles, it may be easily captured if carefully approached.
Rhopalocampta, Wallengr.
28. Rhopalocampta jucunda, Bufl (Plate xix. tigs. 5, 5a, 5b, 5c.)
Henperia JKcunda, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 179, pi. xviii. fig. 8. Bhopafocanipta jncnnda, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, }). 382.
Dr. Butler's description of the Type is as follows : —
"Dull blackish l)rown : primaries shot with shining green and l»r()nzy brown towards the base ; edy:e of costal margin yellow towards the l)ase, but white towards the apex ; fringe of outer margin snow-white : secondaries with costal border and anal angle velvety black ; the hairy clothing of the basal area greenish-grey, of the abdominal fold pale testaceous ; a patch of ochreous hair just above the anal angle ; fringe with an ochreous basal line, externally snow-white to the first median branch, where it changes to bright reddish-orange : head and thorax very dark green ; the palpi (excepting their terminal joint and external margin, which are \elvety black), a spot at the base of each antenna, ;uid the back of the head l:)right reddish-orange ; alxlomen dull black, with greyish hind margins to the segments, anus surrounded l)y reddish-oi-aiige hairs. Wings below greyish-brown : primaries with a large diflused purplish-black basal patch ; costal margin oi-ange towards the base, but afterwards white ; an abbreviated line on the sulimedian vein, a second on the inner margin, and the fringe white : secondaries with the fringe as above ; a triangular spot within the end of the cell, a large elongated patch enclosing a black spot on the interno-median interspace, and an interrupted scpuimose streak running upAvards towards the apex fi-om its external extremity orange ; a circular spot near the outer margin on the interno-median interspace, and a second at anal an>rle confluent with the fringe, reddish-orange :
THE BUTTEHFLIKS oK SOKOTKA. 313
pectus l)kL'ki.sli ; tViiiora and tilnie streaked witli pale luifl'aud clothed with long reddish-oi'ange hairs, venter l)lack at the sides, with two oi- three small orange dots ; a broad ceiiti'al longitudinal reddish-oran<'-e stripe. Expanse of wings r^ 2 inches G lines, $ 2 inches 9 lines. The species conies nearest to 7/. htninis." Tiiis handsome Skipper, first discovered hy Professoi- Biiyley Balfour, is one of the most abundant butterflies in 8okotra, and is nuit with from sea-level to an elevation of at least 4000 feet, where the Inish ceases. Though a few were seen from time to time crossing the Hadibu Plain at a great pace, these were merely stragglers from the hosts that frequent the thick bush that covers the sides of the hills. Here they are constantly to be seen on the wing, moving with heavy flight and quickly Aibi'ating wings among the foliage, or ho\ering ovei' the flowei'ing shrubs and looking more like great dark moths than butterflies. So fai' as I observed, and I must have seen thousands, they ne^-er settle on the ground, but always on the stems of the bushes, where thev may constantly be seen resting; with closerl Avin"-s showing the handsome orange yellow pattern on the under surface. Among the bush they are veiy easy to catch, lieiiig in no way shy, and one has only to wait for a favourable opportunity, which soon presents itself. We found large numbers of the extremely handsome larva (fig. 5a) of this skipper feeding on a shrublty species of Finis, and a number pupated in a breeding cage. The caterpillar spins one or two of the leaves together and forms a shelter, within which the chrysalis (fig. 5c) is suspended. The latter is at first of a l)eautiful pink colour, inclining to crimson in places, l)Ut soon changes to dull yellowish white. The larvae of this skipper remains in the pupa stage for about thirty-four days, for the first which spun up about the 20th of January did not hatch till the 23rd of February, the day we left Sokotra and went on board the ' Elphinstone.' Besides about fifteen pupa and some larva? of this skipper, I took on board numerous chrysalides of other species, including some large hawk moths, pro- bably of the sharp winged species already met with. These came to an untimely end, l)eing all destroyed by thousands of tiny red "ship ants " in a single night. Not one escaped. It was a most unfortunate ending to our otherwise successful expedition, and meant the loss of much time and trouble.
314 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
II.— The Butterflies of Abd=el=Kuri.
NYMPHALID^.
LIMNAIN/E.
Limnas, Hubn.
1. Limnas chrysippus, Linn.
See page 295.
Several examples of this form were captured on Alxl-el-Kuri.
NYMPHALIN/E.
Pyrameis, Hubn.
2. Pyrameis cardui, Linn.
See page 302.
The Painted Lad}^ was common on the northern slopes of the high mountain overlooking our anchorage at Bandar Saleh.
PAPILIONID^.
PIERIN/E.
Catopsilia, Hubn.
3. Catopsilia florella, Fahr. See page 308.
One or two specimens of this species were taken during our fii-st visit to this island in the beginning of December, 1898, and were then in poor condition.
316 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XVIII. CHARAXES VELOX., Gmuf, p. 297.
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We3tJ>Jewinaii dffortio.
BUTTERFLIES FROM SOKOTRA
318 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA ANT) ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XIX.
Fiff. I. CHARAXES BALFOURI, BvtJ., c?, ?//vw .^«?/Wv, p. 299.
Fig". I a. The suuk', nitilrr siirfare.
Fig-. 2. TARUCUS SOCOTRANUS, ^'/v////, ^ , iippn- sarfxrr, p, ^05.
Fig. 2a. The mine, unch'r surface.
Fig. 2b. Tltc siimr. 5 , '>ipp<"t' surface.
Fig. 3. TARUCU5 QUADRATUS, G'niitf, S, upper surface, p. 305.
Fig. 3a. The s(()ric, under surface.
Fig. 3b. T]ie same, 5 , iipjM'r surface.
Fig. 4. BELENOIS ANOMALA, 7>'///., c? . 'W"'/' *•"'/«'■'', P- 309.
Fig. 5. RHOPALOCAMPTA JUCUNDA, 7;^///., »/^(/e^/ .s»//i/rr, p. 312.
Fig. 5a. Larva (f same.
Fig. 5b. Front rmv of Jieud if larva if same.
Fig. 5c. I'lipa of same.
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Ft. XIX
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BUTTERFLIES FROM SOKOTRA.
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Lepidoptera. — II.
Phalsense.
Bii Sir Q. F. HAMPSON, Bart., B.A., F.E.S.
PLATE XX.
'IlIK .MOTHS OF SOICOTUA. 321
Moths. I.
The species of Moths taken in Sokotra and AlMl-el-Kuri l)y Messrs. Forbes and Grant as given in the following list ai-e all typical of the fauna of the more arid districts of E. Africa, Somaliland, Arabia, Persia, and AV. India, and not a single species was taken, the affinities of which are other than might be expected.
The species collected in the former island by Mr. Beiuiett, of which a list was published in the P.Z.S. for 1898, p. 383, by Professor Dixey, were in such bad condition that only approximate identifications were possi1>le, any correc- tions necessary will be foinid lielow.
I.— The Moths of Sokotra.
LEPIDOPTERA PHAL^N^.
ARCTIAD^.
NOLIN/E.
Celama, Wlk.
1. Celama pumila, SiwU.
Xo/apumi/a, Tijd. v. Ent. xvii. p. 68, pi. 6 fig. 4 (1874;. Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 10? : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.), 1 ^ ,
Hadibu Plain, 1 9 . [Taken at Wght.— W.B.O.G.']
LITHOSIAN/E.
Ilema, H'ubn.
2. Ilema sokotrensis, Ihapan.
Ilt/na sokofren-sis, Hmpsn.,Cat. Lep. Phal. B. M. , ii. p. KM), pi. 22 fig-. 26. Ltthomi retiisfa, Dixey, P.Z.S. , 1898, p. 38;i {iier Wlk.).
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3-500 ft.), 3 $ ; Homhil (I'.IOO ft.), 1 ? [Taken at light.— Jr. 11. 0.G.]
21
322 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
ARCTIAN/E.
Utetheisa, H'ubn.
3. Utetheisa pulchella, Linn.
Tinea pulrhdia, Linn., Syst. Nat. 1, ii. p. 884. Ddopda pnlchtlla, Butler, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 179.
Sokotra: Adho Diraellus (3500ft.), 1 (?, 3? ; Jena-agahau \S, 1? ;
Homhil (1500 ft.), 1 c^ , 1 ? ; Hadibu Plain, 1 6 . [Very common among the open patches of .spear grass from sea-level to an
elevation of at least 4000 ieet.—JF.R.O.G.]
NOOTUID^.
CARADRININ/E.
AgTotis, Ochs.
4. Agrotis segetis, SrJiif.
yoctna ■■ie'jetis, Schiff, Wien Verz, p. 202.
Sokotra : Adho Dimelkis (3500 ft.), 3 <?, 2 9 . [Taken at sngar.— //'.//. C.G^.]
5. Agrotis brachypecten, Hmpsn. (Plate xx. fig. 1.)
Aiiroti^ liracltyppcten, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. 2, p. 3.5 (1899). Afiroti>i divim, Dixey. P.Z.S., 1898, p. 383 (nee Wlk.).
S Antennae bipectinate, the branches very short with fasciculate cilia ; reddish brown, mixed with grey ; palpi fuscous at sides ; tegulae Avith blackish lines ; patagia with blackish streak ; abdomen paler, dorsally tinged with fuscous towards base. Fore-wing with subliasal and ante- medial greyish lines defined by fuscous, the former short waved, the latter waved, produced to a rather long angle above inner margin, and with the short l)lackish claviform stigma on its outer edge ; the orbicular greyish defined 1)y fuscous, and either cii-cular or rather elongate and pointed at the ends ; the reniform large with fuscous centre and outline, or entirely suftused with fuscous, and with fuscous suftusion al)ove it on costa ; the postmedial line excurved from below costa to vein 2, and produced to short bhick streaks on the veins ; some fuscous suffusion on terminal area ; a greyish subterminal line expanding into a spot at apex, then dentate inwards to vein 5 and outwards on veins 5 and 4 ; a fine lunulate terminal line. Hind-wing white, the veins and terraen often tinged with fuscous.
9 Fore-wing sometimes suffused with fuscous. Erp. S 32-38, $ 40 mm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), IS, 18? ; Jena-agahan (1400 ft.), 1? ; Hadibu Plain, 5(?.
Extremely like A. ivrticea, Schiff, l)ut with very much shorter branches to the antennte.
[Common at sugar ; also came to light. — JF.E.O.G.]
THK MOTHS OF SoKo'lltA. 323
Hadena, Schrank-
6. Hadena consanguis, Guen.
Had' iia roitsaiKjn'n, (Juen., Noct. , ii. p. 97. Sokotra: Adho Dimollus (3500 ft.), 'IS; Huiuliil (2500 ft.), 1$;
Hadihii IMaiii, 1 S- [Taken at li-ht and at sugar. — /r./.' (KG.]
Leucania, ochs.
7. Leucania scirpi, Ihiji.
Leucania srlr/ji, l)up. , Hist. Nat. Lep. . iii. p. .32. Sokotra : Adho Dimollus (3500 ft.), 1 ? .
Euplexia, Sfeph.
8. Euplexia conducta, //7/.
Caradriiia roHilucta, Wlk., x. p. 296.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 3 (?, 8 ? .
Spodoptera, Gusn.
9. Spodoptera mauritia, Buisd
Hadena mauritia, Boisd., Faun. Ent. Madag., Lej)., p. 92. Sokotra : Adho Diinellus (3500 ft.), 2 S.
Caradrina, Ochs.
10. Caradrina orbicularis, UlL (Plate xx. fig. 26.)
Caradrina orldrn/ari'!, Wlk., x. p. 294.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 it.), 1 6 ■
11. Caradrina exigua, Hiiln,.
yoctiia cxiijua, Hiibii., Samml. Eur. Sclimett. Noct. fig. 362. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 1 ? .
12. Caradrina partita, //7/,\ (Plate xx. fig. 24.)
Caradrina j/arfifa, Wlk., x., p. 294. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 3 ? .
Amyna, Guen.
13. Amyna octo, Gum.
Amyna octo, Guen., Noct. 1, p. 2,3.3. Sokotra: Jena-agahan (2500 ft.), 1 c? ; Dahamis, 1 ?.
14. Amyna selenampha, Gnea.
Amyna sehnampha, (iuen. , Noct. 1, p. 406. Sokotra : Moukaradia ( = Gehel Raggit) (600 ft.), 1 6 ; Hadihu Plain, 1 $ .
324: THE XATL'KAL HISToltV »)F SoKoTUA AND ABD-EL-KUUI.
Callopistria, H'ubn.
15. Callopistria recur vata, Muore. (Plate x\. fig. 8.)
Cnlloi)l-<tria recurrafa, Moore, Lep. Atk. j). 144.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (.3500 ft.), 7 S, •") $ : ,1 eiia-agahau (lUO ft.),
19. [Taken at light, also found common on the damp shady parts of the track below Adho Dimellus at a1)0ut .1000 feet.— /r./,' (Ui ]
ACONTIAN/E.
Megalodes, Guen.
16. Megalodes insocia, //'//.. (Plate x.\. fig. G.)
Acoiitia i/isori<(, Wlk., xii., 7S8. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 1 S •
Tarache, Hubn.
17. Tarache hortensis, Sirink.
Arouflu hortensis, Swinh., P.Z.S., lSS-1, p. .")17, pi. xlvii. fig. 7. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 2 S ■
18. Tarache melaena, Hmj'sn. (Plate xx. figs. 9, 10.)
Tarache niebena, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 36 (1889).
$ Head and abdomen fuscous : thorax l)lack. Fore-wing glossy l)lack- brown ; a white antemedial band with nearly straight, almost erect edges bounded by black lines, the Ixxnd sometimes narrower or not extending below vein 1, or in one specimen reduced to a grey spot on costa ; a triangular postmedial white spot on costa with the minutely dentate postmedial black line arising from it, strongly incurAcd 1)elow vein 3 ; a terminal series of white points usually present, and sometimes some slight sul)terminal marks towards toriuis. Hind-wing dark fuscous. Exp. 20 mm.
Sokotra : Hadilni Plain, 9 ? .
[Taken at light.— //'.//.().(?.]
Acontia, Ochs.
19. Acontia malvae, Eq>.
N(ictit(( inafrii'^ Esp., Schmett., iv., 2, p. 63, pi. cxcv. fig. 4. Sokotra : Hadilju Plain, 1 S •
Metachrostis, Hubn.
20. Metachrostis terminipuncta, Huqmt. (Plate xx. fig. 2.)
Metachro.fti.s lermiiiipuncta, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 36 (1800). $ Head and thorax red-brown ; al)domen fuscous. Fore-wing with the liasal half pale red-l)rown ; two sul)basal black points on costa with short obscure lines from them ; two antemedial waved red-l)rown lines arising from l)lack points on costa ; a waved medial line with the area beyond it deep red-ltrown A\-ith some pale patches : an obli(jue
THE .MOTHS OV SOKoTPvA. 325
(liscoidal luiiuU' with .soiiu' l)lack on its iiiiRT c'(l>;(j ; a l)lackisli mark ill sulmiediau fukl before the doulilc, luinutely dentate, postmedial line whicli is Itent outwaitls l)i't\vecii \eins G and :> ; a sinuous subterminal line witli a proiniiuMit Iilack spot beyon<l it on teiinen above vein 5 ; some slight terminal black lunules. Hind-wing dark fuscous, the underside l)rown, irrorated with fuscous, with dark discoidal point and waved postmedial line. iJ.rp. 2<S mm. Sokotra : Adlio Dimcllns (.-iJOO ft.), 1 6-
21 Metachrostis badia, Sirinh.
^icoiilid h((i/i(i, Swinh., r.Z.S., 1S8(), |). 44").
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (150U ft.), 1 6 ; Hadil)u IMain, 1 S-
22. Metachrostis pulla, Strluh.
Acoiitia pulla,^w'm\\., P.Z.S., 1885, p. 456, pi. xxvii. fig. 15. Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (:5.-)00 ft.), 1 S ■ Jena-agahan (1200ft.), 1 ?.
Eublemma, Hiibn.
23. Eublemma bifasciata, Moore
Tholpocharci hifia^riata, Moore, P.Z.S., 1881, p. 371. Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft.), 1 S ; Hadibu Plain, 2 ? . The ground-colour much darker than in specimens from Aden and India. [Taken at light.— //:/,'.ar?.]
24. Eublemma admota, Fehl
Aroiittu adiiiofn, Feld., Reis. Nov., {)1. cviii. fig. 31. Sokotra : Hadilm Plain, 1 ? .
EUTELIAN/E.
Eutelia, Hubn.
25. Eutelia bowkeri, Fchl.
Kiirliipia hoirkeri, Feld., Reis. Nov., pi. ex. fig. 29. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus, 2 3,2 $ . [Taken at sugav.—JF.RO.G.]
GONOPTERIN/E.
Cosmophila, Bo/sd.
26. Cosmophila erosa, Hiihn.
Xortiiu tro.sii, Hiibn., Zutr. Samml. Exot. Sehmett., ii. I'J, fig.s. 287, 288. Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1 S,l ?.
Earias, Hubn.
27. Earias insulana, Boi^d.
Tortrix iji.si(/aiia, Boisd., Faun. Madag. , p. 121, pi. xvi. fiff. !). Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 2 9 .
326 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD EL-KURI.
28. Earias uninotata, //'//,.
Dl(/ha uniiiofa/a, Wlk.. Joiun. Linn. Soc, vi. ]). lOS. Sokotra: Jena-agaliau (l;WO ft.), 1 $.
NOCTUIN/E.
Cerocala, Boisd.
29, Cerocala socotrensis, Ilmj'sn. (Tlate xx. fig. 27.)
Cerocala .socotrensis, Hmi>sn. , Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 36 (1899). Cerocala rermiculosa, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 383 {wc H.S.).
Head and thorax clothed with grey, fuscous, and brown scales ; palpi white, except at tips, the vertex of head and front of teguhe In'ownish-white : abdomen l)rownish-Mdiite, irrorated with fuscous ; pectus and A'entral sur- face white. Fore-wing with the l)ase, costal area, and termeii grey, irro- rated with fuscous and lirown, the rest of wing fuscous anrl brown, Avith leaden suttusion in parts ; a fine black line from subcostal iiervure before middle curved to al)ove middle of inner margin, defined on outei' side by grey, and followed l)y a broad rufous band ; the orl)icidar small, black-edged, with brownish centre, and eleptical ; the reniform giey, black-edged, somewhat quadrate; the postmedial black line obli(jue from below costa to vein 2, recurved to the inner edge of reniform, then excurved and bounding the rufus band, a large bar- shaped brown-irrorated white patch on its inner side beyond the cell ; a subterminal brown line defined by whitish on inner side, strongly angled inwards in discal fold and slightly in submedian fold, with two l)lack marks on its inner side below the upper angle, and slight marks above and l^elow the lower angle ; the termen suffused with brown ; a crerudate terminal lilack line ; cilia intersected with whitish. Hind-wing with the base and inner area brownish white ; a slight l)lackish streak on inner area ; an obli(|ue l)lackish bar from upper angle of cell to the l)road fuscous subterminal l)and at A'ein 2, and with a whitish patch beyond it, beyond the cell ; two deep black subapical spots on termen ; a large patch at middle extending on to cilia, with a small spot below it with white spot on its inner side ; cilia white. Underside yellowish-white ; fore-wing with oblique black bar from upper angle of cell to the sinuous postmedial line, the area beyond, which is l)rownish, with a large apical black patch ; a white patch l)eyond the cell; hind-wing with small black spot on disco- cellulars and another l)eyond lower angle of cell.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan (2500 ft.), 1 ?; Hadilm Plain, 12 c^, 21 ?.
Closely allied to C. vermiculafa, H.S., from South Africa, l)ut differs in the ol^lique discoidal band of hind-wings and black terminal spots.
[One of the commonest species of moth in Sokotra, coming freely to light. It proved a perfect nuisance at night in the tents, constantly putting out the candle if the lantern was left open for a moment.
THE MOTHS OF SoKOTKA.
;327
It was most coiumou on the plains, and found in numlxM's up to an elevation of al)out l>000 feet. I obtained one worn specimen at Adho Dimellus, but, unfortunately, did not preserve it. — JF.IIO.G.]
Amefrontia, Hmpsn.
A»ir/rniit!,(, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. 2, p. 37 (IS!)!)).
Ti/jH' A purpurea.
Palpi obli([ue, I'eacliing just beyond the large frontal tuft, which has a flattened coi-neous plate below it with rounded edge ; anteinue bipectinate, with moderate branches ; til)ice without spines. Fore-wing with areole ; the costa slightly arched ; the termen obliquely curved : the cilia non-crenulate. Hind-wing with vein 5 from well above angle of cell.
30. Amefrontia purpurea, Jlmpsn. (Plate xx. fig. 11.)
Amefroiifia }mrpurea, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. ^NIuss., ii. p. 37 (1899).
S Head and thorax vinous red ; anteniue black-l>rown with white tips ; leo's brown, the joints ringed with white ; abdomen ochreous-brown. Fore-wing vinous-red : the disc tinged with brown ; the orbicular and reniform ochreous- white with some purplish scales at centre ; an indistinct, dark, waved, antemedial line ; a crenulate, slightly curved postmedial line with short streak beyond it on the veins ; a terminal series of ochreous points. Hind-wing white, tinged with fuscous. Exj). 22 mm.
Sokotra : Hadil)U Plain, 1 6 •
31. Amefrontia albiluna, Hinp><n. (Plate xx. fig. 12.)
Ami-j'routiaalhilioM, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 37 (1899).
$ Head and thorax ochreous brown, mixed with darker scales ; fore tarsi banded with l;)lack ; abdomen ochreous- white, slightly tinged with fuscous. Fore-wing ochreou.s-l:)rown, irrorated with dark Inown ; traces of a sinuous antemedial line with a dark shade on its inner side and some ])lack scales on its outer ; a medial dark shade anL;led at lower angle of cell ; a black discoidal lunule with a white lunule on its outer edge ; the postmedial line double, excurved from costa to vein .3, then incurved, some l)lack p(nnts on its inner side, and fuscous- o-rey suffusion beyond it. Hind-wing whitish, the terminal half suffused with fuscous ; cilia whitish. E.rj'. 20 mm.
Sokoti-a : Hadibu Plain, 2 ? .
[Both this and the previous species were taken at light.— H'.L'.O.G.]
Catephia, Ochs.
32. Catephia linteola, Gtieu.
0(fi'jj/iir( Uiitcola, Guen., Noct., iii. p. 44. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3-500 ft.), 43 c? , 5 $ . [Common at sugar. Only met with at our highest camp. JI'.I^.O.G.]
328 THE NATUIIAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA A\U ABD-EL-KURI.
Ophiusa, Ochs.
33. Ophiusa serva, Fahr.
NortiKi xcrra, Fabr. , Syst. Ent., p. r)98. Sokotra : Adlio Dimellus (;3500 ft.), 'IS, 3 ? . [Taken at sugar.— //'./.'. ^ A 6^.]
34. Ophiusa melicerte, Vrunj.
Noctna ind'uu^rte, Urury, Ills. Exot. Ins., i. p. 4G, pi. xxiii. tig. 1. Sokotra : HadiliU Pkxiu, o $ , 1 $ . [Taken at sugar. — U^.L'.O.Ct.]
35. Ophiusa dianaris, Gnen. (Plate xx. fig. 15.)
Ujjhioi/i:-: dianaris, Guen., Noct., iii. p. 232. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 3 cJ, 2 ? . [Taken at sugar, and once ol)tained during the day. — IF.Il.O.Cr.]
36. Ophiusa tirrhaca, Cmin.
Noctna lii-rhaca, Cram., Pap. Exot., ii., pi. clxxvi, K.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 3 ? .
[Two taken at sugar ; one sijecimen came to light. — ir.ILO.G.]
Baniana w/k.
37. Baniana intorta, Su-in/i. (Plate xx. fig. U.)
Afhyrma intorta, Swinh., Trans. Ent. Soc. , 1891, p. 150. Sokotra: Hadil)U Plain, 2 S ■ [Taken at light.- J r.L'.O.G.]
Acantholipes, Lederer.
38. Acantholipes circumdatus, IJlk.
HydreJiu circnmdata, Wlk., xv. , 1763. Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1? ; Jena-agahan (1140 ft), -IS;
Moukaradia ( = Gebel Kaggit) (600 ft.), 1 6 ; Hadibu Plain, QS, 6 ? . [Taken at MgXit.^ir.lLO.G.']
Calpe, Tr.
39. Calpe emarginata, Ftdn:
XoctiKA I niar(jiju(ta, Fabr., Ent. Sj'st. , iii. 2, p. 82. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 3 ? . [Came to light. — // '. /,'. 0. G.]
Plusia, Ochs.
40. Plusia eriosoma, Duubl.
I'hisia I riomnia, Doubl. , Dieffenbach"s New Zealand, ii. p. 288. Sokotra : Mcjukaradia ( = Gel)el liaggit) ((500 ft.), 3 S . [Captured in the daylight among the grass and undergrowth on the hill ^klQ.—W.lW.G.^
THK MO'l'llS OF S«»K(nM!A. 329
HYPENIN/E.
Simplicia, Guen.
41. Simplicia robustalis, Gum.
Ilcnniiiid rolinstidis^ (Jiiuii., Delt. & Pvf. . l>. -"iS. Sokotni: Adho DimcUus (;5000 ft.), 1 ? .
Hypena, Schrank.
42. Hypena masurialis, (!iir,i.
IhjpoM iii((^i(n')i/i.i, (liieii., Delt. & I'yi'-, |>. •i>'^. Sokotra : Duliamis {')00 ft.), 1 ? ; Hadilm Plain.
43. Hypena lividalis, H^iini.
Pi/ni/i.s /ir/i/a/ls, HiU)u., Sainiul. Eur. Sehinett, Pyi"., tig. 11, lS(i. Si>kotra : .lena-agahaii (2o00 ft.)., 1 c^ , 1 ? ; Dahainis (1000 ft.), 1 ? .
44. Hypena abyssinialis, Gtwn.
Hypena alii/ssiiiia/is, Gueii., Delt. & Pyr., ]). .'^0. Sokotra: Adliu Diniellus (2r)00 ft.), 1 ? .
45. Hypena sinialis, (ruen.
Hijptna filnkdix, Guen., Delt. & Pyr. , p. 30. Sokotra : Adho Uimellus (3500 ft.), 1 c?, 1 ? •
Rhassena, Wlk.
46. Rhaesena transcissa, Jllk.
RJidsriia ^■rt/;.sc/vx«, Wlk., XXXV. 1974. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1 cj.
Galleridia, Hmpsn.
47. Galleridia atrisigna, Hmpsn.
(TiiUeridia i(/>'i-sit/i/ff, Hmpsn., Moths Ind., iv. p. 499. Sokotra: Jeiia-agahau (1200 ft.), 1 ^ ; Hadil)u Plaiii, -"i J.
SPHINGID^.
Choerocampa, Dap.
48. Choerocampa celerio, Llim.
S/i/uii.r rr/crio, Linn., Syst. Nat., i. p. SOi.i. Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft.), 1 ? .
[Taken at light in tent. Other pupte ajapareutly of this species were destroyed l)y small ants on the voyage home. — fF.L'.O.G.]
330 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
GEOMETRID^.
BOARMIAN/E.
Hyperythra, Guen.
49. Hyperythra sediphlebia, Hmpsn. (Plate xx. fig. 21.)
Ih/jx-njilint iii/ijjh/fJtIa, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. .37 (1899). Hyperythra Itirkolor, Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 383 [nee Butl).
$ Fore-wing without fovea ; hind-win i^ with the base of costal vein swollen. Orange-yellow ; antennte with the l)ranches brownish ; palpi at sides and legs thickly irrorated with red-brown ; abdomen slightly irrorated with brown ; wings with fine red-l)rown strife. Fore-wing with indistinct antemedial brown line bent inwards to costa; a similar but more prominent medial line with darker discoidal striga on it ; an oJjlique subterminal l)ar from costa, with traces of a line arising from it, and dark point lieyond it aliove vein -3. Hind-wing with almost medial, slightly oblicjue, lirown line, and curved diffused sul)terminal line. Exp. 28 mm.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 3 S
[Beaten out of a small thorny bush on the plain. — JJ^.li'.O.G.]
Boarmia, Tr.
50. Boarmia acaciaria, Boisd
Boarmia acaciaria, Boisd., Faun. Ent. Madag. , Lep., 110, pi. xvi, fig. 4.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1 cJ, 4 ? . [Taken l)oth at light and at sugar. — JF.lLOJi.]
LARENTIAN/E.
Scotosia, Steph.
51. Scotosia rubritincta, Jlmjisn. (Plate xx. fig. 20.)
Srntnxid nihritiiu'ta, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. jx 38 (1899). Grey and red-l)rown, thickly irrorated and strongly suffused with black ; pectus, underside of legs, and ventral surface of abdomen, whitish ; wings with numerous indistinct waved dark lines. Fore-wing with more distinct subbasal line angled below costa; an antemedial line excurved below costa and angled in submedian interspace, the medial area somewhat darker with dark streaks on the veins and discoidal Imr ; the postmedial line defined by grey, dentate and sti^ongly angled outwards between veins -I- and 2 ; the terminal area darker, with dentate grey suljterminal line. Hind-wing with discoidal point ; a minutely dentate postmedial line defined l\y grey and angled outwards beyond lower angle of cell ; the terminal area darker, with dentate greyish sul)terminal line, both wings with terminal series of pale points and fine black striie. Underside yellowish white, striated Avith fuscous ; black discoidal spots and postmedial line angled beyond
THE INIOTHS OF SoKoTltA.
331
the cell ; the terminal area l)lack with whitish si)<)ts on fore-wing and waved line on hind-wing. Erp. 32-40 mm. Sok.,tra: Adho Dimelhis (3.^)00 ft.), 1 c^ , 1?; Homhil (1500 ft.), 1? ; ,lena-agahan (I'-'OD ft.), :\ 6 , 1 ? ; Hadil.u Plain, 1 c? ; oft" west end of
Sokotra, 1 S ■ One ? of this species was ol)tained in British East Africa by Dr. Cxregory. [Most of the e.xamples were taken at light : the first met with came to
the electric light on hoard the > Elphinstone,' when we were anchored
off the west end of Sokotra. ll'.H.OJr.]
Cidaria, Tr. 52. Cidaria holophaea, //////'.^". (Plate xx. figs. 3, 22).
Culnri,, holoph-m, Hmpsu., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 38 (1899). c^ Dark fuscons brown. Fore-wing with three or four minutely waxed lines on liasal area slightly angled below costa ; two antemedial lines with reddish-brown between them, the inner line waved, the outer slightly angled inwards in submedian fold ; a discoidal point ; two pottmedial lines with red-brown between them, the inner minutely waved and angled below costa, the outer slightly defined l)y grey and strongly angled outwards beyond lower angle of cell, then incurved, and with indistinct waved lines beyond it ; a waved grey subtermhial line with black marks in its curves; a fine black terminal hue. Hind-wing with two medial lines slightly angled at middle, with indistinct\vaved lines between and beyond them, an indistinct waved grey sul)terminal line, and punctiform black terminal Inie. ? Fore-wing with the medial area much darker, and usually strongly defined Iw grey before and l)eyond it ; the subterminal line with the black marks prominent. Exp. 30 mm. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), U (^ , 5 ? .
[Common on the highest part of the Haghier range, at an elevation of about 3000-tOOO feet. In creeping through the thicker parts of the bush one constantly came across these moths at rest on the stems, l)ut they were very easily disturbed and difiicult to box. At night they came freely to light, and numbers might, with the aid of a lantern, be taken resting on the spear grass. — JF.B.O.G.]
ACIDALIAN/E.
Craspedia, Hubn. 53. Craspedia Mvicolor, Hnqm. (Plate xx. fig. 7.)
Cra.pedia fnlncolor, Hmpsu., Bull, Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 38 (1899).
Cra.p,diap^dvero.aria, (^ Dixey, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 383 (uec \Mk.).
Ochreous thickly irrorated with dark red; frons and palpi chestnut;
vertex of head whitish. Fore-wing with antemedial series of three
dark points on the veins angled o.i median nervure ; a dark discoidal
spot with an indistinct, obli.pie, slightly sinuous line just beyond it ;
332 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKoTItA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
a postmedial series of dark points angled outwards at ^'eills 6 and i, and Avith traces of a waved line beyond it; a terminal series of points. Hind-wing with discoidal l)ar-shaped spot; an iiidistinct cur\ed diffused medial line ; a postmedial series of points slightly bent out- wards below costa and excurved at median ner\-ules; traces of a waved sulitenuiiial line ; a terminal series of points. Hind tibi* of male not dilated and without spurs. Ex2). 24-30 mm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 2$; Jena-agahan (1200 ft.), 2 $ ; Kamahanu (500 ft.), 1 ? ; Hadilni Plain, 1 c?, 1 ? •
[Taken at light.— //;/.'. (A ^r'.]
54. Craspedia remotata, 'riirn.
Acidalia remotata, Guen, Phal., i. j). 4.")S.
Cm>*p('(lin ladaria, Dixey, P.Z.S., lSi)S, p. 3S.3 {ime Wlk.).
8ok()tra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 5 c^ , 7 ? ; -lena-agahan (1200 ft.),
1 6 ; Moukaradia ( = (lel)el Kaggit) (GOO ft.), 1 6- [Taken at light. -//'.//. (A r/.]
55. Craspedia actuaria, Ulk.
Acidalia actuaria, Wlk., xxii. T-i^.
Craspedia derasata, Dixey, P.Z.S., ISDS, ji. ;W3 {ii,c Wlk.).
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 2 ? , 2 c? ; Hondiil (1500 ft.), 1 6 \ Jena- agahan (1200 ft.), 2 c? , 4 $ ; Hadibu Plain, 4 cJ , 5 ? . The ground colour varies from pale ochreous to bright iiifous.
56. Craspedia disparata, .%/• (Plate xx. tig. is.)
Cruhtpedid disjiarata, Stgr., ined.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1$; Moukaradia ( = Gebel Kaggit) (600 ft.), 1 ? ; Hadibu Plain, 1 rC, 10 ? .
Exactly agrees with a typical specimen from Mesopotamia, and one from -lunuood, N.W. India ; it also occurs at Aden.
Acidalia, Tr.
57. Acidalia testacea, Swink.
Eiipnthecia tcsfacca, Swinh. , P.Z.S. , 188."), [>. 80,3, })1. Ivii. fig. l^^. Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft ), 2 6 : Hadil)U Plain, 3 <?, 1 ?
Timandra. Dap.
58. Timandra mundissima, iriL
Acidali<( /iHiiidisKima, Wlk., xxiii. 705. Sokotra : Jena-agahan (2500 ft.), 1 c^.
TIIK .MOTHS OF SOKOTI'vA. 333
GEOMETRIN/E.
Nemoria, Hubn.
59. Nemoria directa, //7/..
ycinorin (liri<i<i, \A'lk., xxii. .l^"). Sokotni: Adho ])imellu.s (:?r)00 ft.), 1 ? ; Jeiia-aoaliaii (1200 ft,), 1 ? ; Ha<]il)u Plain, Ic?, 4?.
COSSID^
AzygOphlepS, Hmi^sn.
60. Azygophleps inclusa, //7/,-. (Plate xx. fig. 13.)
Z< ti-j ni iiivhixn, Wlk., vii. l.l.'U. Sokotra : Ha(lil)U Plain, 1 S.
Eremocossus.
61. Eremocossus proleuca, Huqi^ii.
h'i-( i/ioro-:siis ji/-o/( m-(i, Hnii).sn., I'.Z.S., 1S!}(), p. 270, pi. x. tig. 4. Sokotra: Hadibu Plain, 1 S-
PYRALID^.
CRAMBIN/E.
Culladia, Moore.
62. Culladia admigratella, //7/..
Jn(.r<s „<hHi!/ni/://<(, Wlk., xxvii. 19-2. Sokotra : Hadilai Plain, 2 S ■
PHYCITIN/E.
Hypogryphia, Rag.
63. Hypogryphia pulverealis, HuqMn. Plate xx. fig. 16.
Jlyituiiri/itJiiii piilctrnallx, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 39 (1899).
Grey-white thickly irrorated with fuscous. Fore-wing with indistinct anteniedial dark line strongly angled in submedian fold ; a medial line strongly angled outwards in cell and submedial fold and inwards on median nervure and Acin 1 ; a dark point at lower angle of cell ; the postmedial line angled inwards at vein 6 and in submedian fold, ])ent outwards and minutely dentate between veins 5 and 2 ; a prominent terminal series of points. Abdomen and hind-wing uniform pale grey, the latter with traces of a curved subterminal line ; a fine terminal line, and line through the cilia. E,ij>. c? 22, 5 26 mm.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan, IS, 2 ^ .
Heterog^raphis, Rag.
64. Heterographis (Staudingeria) suboblitella, /.'"//.
ILtcnMjruiihix xitJioJilifelhi, Rag., Nouv. Gen., p. 29.
Sokotra : Hadi))u Plain, 1 ^ •
334 THE NATIUAL HISTORY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD-KL-KrUI.
65. Heterographis pygmaeella, Hmpsn.
Heteroyraphis pyiimiftlla, Hmpsn., Moths Ind., iv. jd. 69. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (1500 ft.), 1 ? ; ?I;ulil)U Plain, 3 c? , -' 9 .
66. Heterographis flammealis, Hmpsn. (Plate xx. fig. 19.)
Htt(:ro(jrap}ii-<flamiatuliti, Hnii)sn. , Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 39 (1899).
Head ochreous whitish ; thorax and abdomen pale red-hrown, the teguke whitish in front. Fore-wing vinovis red, irrorated Avith white and fuscous ; the basal inner area without irroration ; a medial orange- yellow ])and with waved edges produced along costa to well ]:>eyond middle, and with a red l)and, not irrorated, beyond it : a l)lack discoidal point ; a patch of red-brown on terminal area. Hijid-wing pale semi-hyaline, tinged with l)rown, especially towards termen ; a tine terminal line, and line through the cilia. Exp. 14 mm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), 1 $ ; Hadibu Plain, 1 c?, 1 ? .
Nephopteryx, Hubn.
67. Nephopteryx serratella, Bag.
Myrhva aerratdla. Rag., Rom. Mem., vii. p. .399, pi. xv. fig. 23.
Maxillary palpi of male in the form of a triangular tuft appressed against frons ; antennaj pectinate with uniseriate Ijranches, the siiuis and tuft large.
Sokotra : Hadilui Plain, 6 (?, 24 ? .
68. Nephopteryx (Oligochroa) terrella, Ihnj.
OHilorhroa terrdla. Rug., Nouv. (4eii., [). "in ; Rom. Mem., vii. ji. 3S9, |)1. xiii. fig. 15.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.), \$, 6?; Jena-agahan (1200 ft.),
I?-
69. Nephopteryx (Thylacoptila) paurosema, J/r///.
Th iiUiroptila paurosama, Meyr., Ent. Mo. Mag., xxii. p. 10(5 (1885). Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 1 $ .
Epicrocis. Zell.
70. Epicrocis (Candiope) uberalis, Siduli.
PyraJis uherali% Swiuh., P.Z.S., 1884, p. .V23, pi. xlviii. fig. 10. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 2 $ .
Etiella, Zell.
71. Etiella zinckenella, Tmi^rhlr.
Tinea zinckenella, Treitschke, Schmett., Eur., ix. 1, p. 201. Sokotra : Homhil (2500 ft.), 1 S; Hadibu Plain, 1 $ .
TUF. MOTHS OK SOKOTRA. -^35
HYDROCAMPIN/E.
Nymphula, Schrank.
72. Nymphula affinialis, (lum.
P(irapony.vajliiiki/i.'<, (iuen., Delt. & Pyr., p. 'iTO. 0/iijosfi(/i)ia inconiinodn, Butl., P.Z.S., 1881, p. ISO. Sokoti-a : 1 ? taken by Professor I. B. Balfour : l.ut the species was not seen l)y the present Expedition.
Stenia, Guen.
73. Stenia grisealis, Ifuipm. (PUite xx. figs. 4, 23).
Strnin ,jn.-<ra/ls, Hmpsn., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. :«J (lSi)9).
Gi-ey-l)rown ; palpi white at l)ase ; frons edged with white ; antenn;^ with the shaft white above ; legs and ventral surface of alxlonien striped with white. Fore-wing with the costal edge white ; a yellowish spot below vein 2, near its l)ase, sometimes almost obsolete, sometimes with traces of spots in cell and above veins 2, 5, and G. Hind-wing paler ; the cilia white. E.q). 18 mm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500-1500 ft.), 2(^, 2? ; Homhil (2500 ft.), 1 S ; Jena-agahan (1200 ft.), 1 c^ ; Hadibu Plain, 13 $ .
SCOPARIAN/E.
Scoparia, How.
74. Scoparia murificalis, Jflk. (Plate xx. tig. 25.)
Scoparia ninrl/ii-alii^, Wlk., xix. 826. Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (1500 ft.), 16.
PRYAUSTIN/E.
Zinckenia, Zell.
75. Zinckenia fascialis, Cram.
Pyralix fascia/ is, Cham., Pap. Exot., iv. pi. cccxcviii. 0. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 3 ? .
Syngamia, Guen.
76. Syngamia abruptalis, //7,/.
Azopia abrvptnli.*, Wlk., xvii. .^.71. Sokotra : Homhil (2500 ft.), 4 ? .
Hellula, Guen. 11. Hellula undalis, Fnhr.
Pyralis amla/is, Fabr., Ent. Syst., iii. 2, p. 226. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 1 ? .
336 THE NATURAL HISTORY oF SOKOTRA AND AP.D-EL-KURI.
Phlyctsenodes, Guen.
78. Phlyctaenodes undalis, /////'//.
Pyrali-< iindaUx, Hubn. , Samiul. Eur. Schinett., Pyr., fig. 90.
Sokotra : 1 <? without exact locality.
iVletasia, Guen.
79. Metasia corsicalis, l)iq>.
Pyrdlix cor-sicali-s, Dup., Lep. Fr., viii. j). ,S(>(). pi. ccxxx. figs. 6, 7. Sokotra : Jeua-agahaii (Il'OO ft.), 1 $ ; Hadilni Plain, 1 6.
80. Metasia prionogramma, Mem: (Plate xx. fig. 5.)
Jlcta^ia jjrloiioijrammn, Meyr., Trans. Eut. Soc, 1886, p. 265. Sokotra : Hadibu Plain, 2 S •
THE l\rOTHS OF ABD-EL-KURI. 337
II —The Moths of AbdelKuri.
NOCTUIDiE.
CARADRININ/E.
Caradrina, Ochs.
1. Caradrina exigua, /////'.
Noctiia exujuu, Hiil)., Samnil. Eur. Schmett., Noct., fig. 362. Abd-ol-Kuri, 1 $ .
SPHINGID^.
Chasrocampa, Dup.
2. Chaerocampa celerio, /./////.
Sphinx celerio, Linn, Sj'st. Nat. L, p. 800. Alxl-el-Kuri, 1 3 ■ [One example bred from pupa. — IJ^.li.O.GI]
PYRALIDiE.
PHYCITIN/E.
Heterographis, Rag.
3. Heterographis (Staudiugeria) innotalis, Hnqim. (Plate XX. fig. 17.)
Iltteroyraphis (Staudinytria) innotalis, Hmpsn., Bull. Liveqj. Muss., ii. p. 39 (1899). S Head and thorax pale red-l>rown ; palpi below, edges of tegula?, and upper edge of patagia white ; a slight dorsal tuft on first segment of abdomen, pectus, greater part of legs, and ventral surface of alxlomen white. Fore-wing pale red-brown ; a white patch at l>ase of inner margin ; the marginal areas broadly and strongly irrorated with fuscous. Hind-wing semi-hyaline white, the terminal area tinged with fuscous. The antenna? with veiy long cilia, as in the //. ijerhiui from Aden. Exj). 24 mm. Abd-el-Kuri, 1 c? •
PYRAUSTIN^.
Zinckenia, Zell.
4. Zinckenia fascialis, Cram.
Fy ml is fascial is. Cram., Pap. Exot., iv. \A. cccxcviii., o. Abd-el-Kuri, IcJ, 2$.
338 THE NATUPvAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Glyphodes, Guen.
5. Glyphodes indica, Sauiid.
Eiidlopfi.s indirn. .Saimd., Trans. Ent. Soc. (-2), i. p. I(i3 (1851). Abd-el-Kuri, 1 ^ .
Antigastra, Led.
6. Antigastra catalaunalis, Dup.
Fi/ra/ls ra/ti/ninia/is, Dup., Lep. Fr., viii. p. 330, pi. ccxxxii., tig. S.
Abd-el-Kuri, 16, 1 ? •
340 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUR[.
PLATE XX.
Pig. I AG ROTIS BRACHYPECTEN, F/«iWH, p. 322.
Fig. 2 METACHROSTIS TERMINIPUNCTA, Hmpsu., p. 324.
Figs. 3, 22. CIDARIA HOLOPH/EA, IlmjivL, p. 331. Figs. 4, 23. STENIA QRISEALIS, Hinjwi., p. 335.
Fig. 5 META5IA PRIONOQRAMMA, Mei/r., p. 336.
Fig. 6 MEQALODES INSOCIA, JFIL. p. 324.
Fig. 7 CRASPEDIA FULVICOLOR, Hmjivi., p. 331.
Fig. 8 CALLOPISTRIA RECURVATA, .!/( />, p. 324.
Figs. 9, 10. TAR AC HE MEL/ENA, Hiiq>sn., p. 324.
Fig. II AMEFRONTIA PURPUREA, Ilmp^^n., p. 327.
Fig. 1 1 a. ... Antenna of same cnlarijed.
Fig. 12 AMEFRONTIA ALBILUNA, Hnrpsn., p. 327.
Fig. 13 AZYQOPHLEPS INCLU5A, ////., p. S33-
Fig. 14 BANIANA INTORTA, Sainh., p. 328.
Fig. 15 OPHIUSA DIANARIS, Gueii., p. 328.
Fig. 16 HYPOGRYPHIA PULVEREALI5, Hmpsn., p. 333.
Fig. 17 HETEROGRAPHIS INNOTALIS, Hmpsn., p. 337.
Fig. 18 CRASPEDIA DISPARATA, %/., p. 332.
Fig. 19 HETEROGRAPHIS FLAMMEALIS, Hinpsri., p. 334.
Fig. 20 5C0T0SIA RUBRITINCTA, lliiq^sn., p. 330.
Fig. 21 HYPERYTHRA /EDIPHLEBIA, ////., p. 330.
Fig. 24 CARADRINA PARTITA, JPIL, p. 323.
Fig. 25 SCOPARIA MURIFICALIS, ////., p. 335.
Fig. 26 CARADRINA ORBICULARIS, Ulk., p. 323.
Fig. 27 CEROCALA 50C0TRENSIS, Hinjjsn., p. 326.
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Hinji.m., p. 322. iiER^\INi!!P^^JCTA, //'w/).?;/.., p. 324.
itflSEALIS, ffrnpsn., p. 335. 5IA PRIONOGRAMMA, M-vy., p. 336. MBGALODES INSOCIA, JFIL, p. 324. CRA5PEDIA FULVICOLOR, Hmpsn., p. 331. CALLOPISTRIA RECURVATA, Moo,;r, p. 324. TARACrfE MEL^ENA, Hmpsn., p. 324. AMFFRONTIA PURPUREA, Hmpsn., p. 327
W>NriA ALBJ;
i^HIUSA Dl i
HYPOCiRYPMIA PUl IS, Hmpsn., p. ^i...,
HETtlR'jriRAPHlS INNOTALIS. Hmpsn., p. 337. CRASPEDIA DISPARATA, Sh/r., p. 332, HETEROQRAPHIS FLAMMEALIS, Hm2)sn., p. 334. SCOTOSIA RUBRITINCTA, H/rqjsn., p. 330. HYPERYTHRA >EDIPHLEBIA, JVIL, p. 330. CARADRINA PARTITA, fFlt, p. 323.
RIA MURfFICALIS, ink., p. 335.
'RfNA ORBICULARIS, mic, p. 323. ChkOCAUA 50C0TRENSIS, Hm^ys-n., p. 326.
i.
Lurerp. Mis . Bep Sokctra Eocpedy.
PI XX
' 20
MOTHS FROM SOKOTRA &ABD-EL-KUR1
27
West,Newman ohroino
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Lepidoptera. — III.
Pterophoridse and Tineina.
By The Right Hon.
LORD WALSINGHAM, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.
PLATE XXI.
TILE INIICROS OF SOKOTRA. 343
Moths 11.
With .so .small a .selection from aiuoiii;- the luinierous specie.s which must undoubtedly occur in the island of Sokotra, it would be premature to express any decided opinion as to the geographical affinities of the island fauna ; indeed, there are no sufficient indications to warrant the claim that these insular forms are more intimately related to one of the adjacent continents than to the other. With few exceptions they conform to the ordinary Mediterranean type, although in all cases specially distinct. One new species is interesting as occurring also in West Africa, on the Gambian coast, affording a parallel instance to that of Lavevna gamhiella, Wlsm., already recorded from the Gamliia and Aden.
Some incon\'enience occasionally arises in describing Lepidoptera, from the fact that no single term has hitherto been used to express the angle so fre([uently formed on the dorsum of the fore- or hind-wings in the direction of the base. On the hind-wing this angle is usually described as the al)dominal angle, and the margin between this and the base is called the abdominal margin. I should propose, for convenience of description, that the w^ord flexna be applied to the abdominal angle and to its equivalent when it occurs on the fore-wing, that the term dovmiii should be limited to that portion of the margin which lies beyond it, except when no appi-eciable angle exists, and that the term liiiilnii should be used for that portion of the margin lying between the flexus and the base. I have made use of these terms in the present paper.
I must express my thanks to Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Clrant and Dr. H. 0. Forbes for the opportunity they have afforded me of working out this small l)ut interesting collection.
The following signs are used in this paper : —
* = invalid, as not containing the type of the conception. -f = wrongly written either in inception or in adoption.
[Wlsm. .V Drnt., Merton Rules, p. 18 (189G).]
In deference to the wishes of the Editor, I.e. numerals have been sub.stituted for cups., wliich I habitually employ when quoting volumes or plates.
34:4: THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The Micros of Sokotra.
PYRALIDINA. PTEROPHORID^.
Trichoptilus, wism.
1. Trichoptilus oxydactylus, //7./.
n. synii.= hcva ill ii-'<i-'<, Btl. ; = renfffe'<, iSIeyr. Pterojjhonis u.njdart i/l as, Wkr., Cat. Lp. Ins. B. M. xxx. 94:4 (1864) K Aciptilia hawaiiemis, Btl. Ann. and Mag. N. H. (5. s.) vii. 408 (1881) ^ Adptilia oxjjdadyla, WIsm., Pr. Z. 8oc. Lond., 1885, 885 (1886) ^ TrichojMus centetes, Meyr., Tr. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1886, 16-17 ^ 1887, 266 '. Pkroplm-us oxijdadijJus, Moore, Lp. Ceyl. iii. 528-9, PI. 209, 16 (1887)*. Trichoptilus haicaietisis, Meyr., Tr. Ent. Soc, Lond., 1888, 239''. Pterophwus oxydactylus, Swinh. & Cotes, Cat. Moths Lid. 669, No. 4549
(1889)1 Trichoptilus centetes, Wism., Pr. Z. Soc, Lond., 1891, 494-5, 542 (1892)1 Trichoptilus oxyddctylus, Wlsm , Pr. Z. Soc, Lond., 1896, 277 ^°. Trichoptilus centetes, Wlsm., Pr. Z. Soc, Lond., 1897, 56, No. 1 " : Ent.
Mo. Mag. xxxiv. 192 (1898) ^l Sokotra: Hadibu Plain, 12-15. XIL 98; Abd-el-Kuri LI. 1-3. XII. 98.—
Seven specimens. [? United States '^^ ^^' ? Mexico '^'J. West Indies *'■ ''K Arabia "°'. India <'■ «'.
Ceylon '^•^•^'. New Guinea '^*. Queensland'^*. Hawaiia '^' ■".
TINEINA.
GELECHIAD^.
Onebala, Wkr.
2. Onebala simplex, Jflsm. (Plate xxi. fig. 2.)
OnebaJa dmplex, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. }). 2 (1900).
Antenme slightly serrate ; pale fawn-ochreous, dusted with greyish fuscous above, the basal joint dark fuscous above. Paljn long, strongly recurved, smooth, the median joint somewhat flattened ; pale fawn, ochreous. Head greyish. Thoi'ax pale fawn-ochreous, smeared with greyish fuscous above. Fore-wings pale fawn-ochreous, slightly shaded with greyish fuscous, especially al:)Ove the fold and before the apex and termen ; with three blackish spots, the first on the cell before the middle, another in the fold straight below it, a third at the end of the cell ; also four or five blackish dentate spots along the termen at the base of the greyish ochreous cilia which have a paler basal line. Exp.
TIIK MICUOS OV SOKOTRA. 345
III. 11-5 mm. Hind-winga pale greyish, the central portion slightly
iridescent ; cilia brownish grey. Ahdomeii fawn-oohreous, with greyish
fuscous shading. Legs pale cinereous. T'/pe 6 (13361) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 2. II. 99).— Uni.iue. This has the true ueuration of Onrbala, Wkr., 2 and 3 of the fore-wings
stalked, 7 and 8 stalked, 9 separate. The Oncbahi of Meyrick (Tr.
Ent. Soc. Lond. 1894, 15-16) = Coi/dalhi, Wkr., not Oncbula Wkr.
Frisilia, Wkr.
3. Frisilia (?), .S7).
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 12. II. 99). [Wlsm. C()11.133S6.J An utterly worn specimen belonging to the Gelerhiadic and allied to Frisiliii, Wkr., but in the fore-wings 7 and 8 (coincident) are stalked with 9, 7 -t- 8 to costa ; 2 and 3 (coincident) are shortly stalked with 4 and connate with 5.
Hypsolophus, F.
-j Vjisulophiis (F.), Auct.
I use this generic name in its accepted sense, but doul)t the correctness of its application.
4. Hypsolophus granti, IFIshk (Plate xxi. fig. 3.)
Hi/pxolophit.^ (jraii/i, Wlsin., Bull. Liver[). Muss., iii. p. 2 (190l»). Antenna' pale brownish testaceous, with some fuscous scaling near the basal joint. Paljyi with the usual triangular tuft on the median joint, dark l)rownish externally, with a whitish line along its upper edge ; the terminal joint white, speckled with black scales. Head and Thorax pale l>rownish testaceous. Fore-ioings pale brownish testaceous, speckled with black ; some short oblique fuscous streaks along the costa, and a few groups of similar scales about the middle and end of the cell, on the dorsum before the tornus and about the termen, with one erect black dorsal patch at one-sixth from the base (this patch, which is very distinct, occurs in one specimen only out of a series of five, l)ut in one or two of the others it is indicated by a few dark scales in the same position ; the ground-colour slightly varies either in the direction of paler brown or darker greyish testaceous, the shading on the termen being also varial)le in quantity, and the speckling of dark scales more or less grouped or tending to oblitera- tion) ; cilia of the same colour as the wing-surface, slightly streaked with darker scales. E.rj). al. 15-16 mm. Hind-wings with the termen slightly 1)isinuate ; somewhat iridescent along the middle, brownish grey ; cilia paler than the wing, and with a slender sul)Ochreous line along their base. Ahdmnen brownish grey (varying to l)rownish testaceous). Legs pale 1)rownish, with rather speckled fuscous shading on their outer sides.
346 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Type $ (13363) ; $ (13364) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 2. II. 99) ; Hadibu Plain (19-21. II. 99). — Five specimens.
This species approaches the Equatorial African Hijp'^olQphiis basidriatn.^ Wlsm., but is slightly smaller, with narrower wings, and less distinct markings. Veins 2 and 3 of the fore-wings are stalked.
5. Hypsolophus thoracellus, JFIsin. (Plate xxi. fig. 4.)
Hi/jisolophun thomceHa, Wlsni., Bull. LiveriJ. Muss., iii. p. 3 (lOOil).
Antenna' cinereous, dusted with blackish scales. PdJ/ii with the usual ^^rojecting tiiangular tuft on the second joint, pale cinereous along its upper edge, dark greyish fuscous, minutely speckled with chestnut- brown about its base, and l)ecoming chestnut-lirown to the apex along its lower half : terminal joint pale cinereous, sprinkled witli lilackish scales. HeaJ dark greyish fuscous, face pale chestnut-brown. Tlmrar. chestnut-brown. Fore u-i)u/s dark greyish fuscous, with a broad chestnut-brown streak from the Ijase along the costa to a little beyond one-third ; mottled along the extreme costa Avith fuscous, a small pale cinereous spot on the costa at its outer extremity, a larger pale cinereous spot occurring at the commencement of the costal cilia from which a faintly indicated pale band crosses to the tornus ; from the dorsum close to the base arises an oljliipie streak of slightly raised scales reaching to the upper edge of the cell ; at the end of the cell is a minute blackish spot, its inner and lower edge narrowly outlined with whitish scales ; cilia greyish fuscous, with numerous pale ]>rownish cinereous dentate points along their basal third, these extending around the apex and termen. Exji. ah 16 mm. Hind- wings trapezoidal ; somewhat iridescent, brownish grey, the costa and limbus tending more to brown, the central portion of the wing tending to grey with bluish iridescence ; cilia pale brownish grey. Abdomen and Le(/.'< gre3'ish l)r()wn, the latter thickly si)rinkled with fuscous externally ; the underside of the abdomen whitish peppered laterally with fuscous scales.
Ti^pe ? (13362) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft., excL 26. I. 1899).— Um'que.
Veins 2 and 3 of the fore-wings are stalked. This specimen was bred l>y Mr. Grant, but the name of its food-plant is not recorded.
Gelechia, Hb. Gelechia sarcochroma, Jrivit. (Plate xxi. fig. 5.)
Gtlechia ■•sarcochroma, Wlsm., Bull. Liver}). Muss., iii. \>. 'A (liMl(l). Antenna' pale cinereous, with fuscous bars across the upper side. Falj^l with the median joint thickened with rough scales l)eneath ; fleshy white, with two fuscous annulations on the terminal joint, a fuscous band on the outer side of the median joint at the liase and some spots also near its apex. Head fleshy whitish. Thonu- whitish flesh-colour,
THE MICUOS OF SOKOTUA.
347
with slight fuscous shading. Fore-wiuf/.^ whitish flesh-coloui-, with slight fu'scous shading ; with four fuscous costal spots, the first at the hase, the second at about one-sixth, the third at about the middle, the fourth at the commencement of the costal cilia ; a broad dorsal streak, arising at one-fifth from the base, terminates at the upper edge of the cell a "little beyond the second costal spot, some of the tiesh-coloured scales between this and the base are distinctly raised ; there are a few fuscous scales beyond the middle of the cell and one or two in the fold beneath them : cilia dull greyish ochreous, faintly speckled with fuscous and tinted with flesh-colour about the apex. Exp. al. IG mm. Hivduings shining pale bluish grey ; cilia very long, pale brownish ochreous.' JIJouu'j> pale brownish ochreous. Lq/s somewhat hairy ;il)o\e ; whitish ochreous, with two fuscous spots externally at the l)ase of the hind tibiae.
Ti/i'i' S (13360) Mus. A\'lsm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (.^lOO ft., 2. II. 1899).— Uni.pie.
HYPONOMEUTID^.
Batrachedra, Sfn. 7. Batrachedra atomosella, II 'Ism. (Tlate xxi. tig. G.)
Ihilrarhulrn atom<js</lu, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. \>. 4 (I'M 10). Anteiimv with the basal joint long, slightly thickened with appressed scales above ; white, with minute blackish dots above. J'alpi recurved, terminal and median joints of about equal length, the latter clothed with a rather long tuft of projecting scales ; white, speckled with black ; the terminal joint smooth, with three blackish annulations, the apex blackish. Head ^^-hite, profusely speckled with black at the ends of the broad flattened scales. Thorax white, speckled with l)lack, assuming the form of minute striga? ou the teguhe. Fore-ichgs white, speckled^ with black, assuming the form of minute strig^e in a short series at the base of the costa ; a second series from the base along the cell to about one-sixth, thence the remainder of the wing, nearly to the apex, is more or less profusely speckled with greyish fuscous having a tendency to run in transverse striguhe ; a slight shade on the middle of the costa is succeeded by a transverse shade-band at three- fourths, beyond which the acute apex of the wing is narrowly outlined with brownish ochreous bearing a reduplicated minute 1)rownish ochreous oblique streaklet at the commencement of the costal cilia and another beyond it ou the dorsum, a slender blackish line points to the apex in the intermediate space ; cilia at the apex Avhite, freely speckled with minute black scale-points, the cilia about the tornus o-revish cinereous. Exj). al. 10 mm. Hind-icings and cilia greyish dnereous ; the wings rather shining. Abdomen with an ochreous tinge
348 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
on the basal half, whitish posteriori}' ; with an expansible hair-pencil posteriorly. Legs smooth, whitish, speckled with black externally.
Type S (13376) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra: Hadibn Plain (21. II. 99).— Unique.
Scythris, Hb.
8. Scythris denticolor, JrUm. (Plate xxi. fi^. 7.)
Scythris deutkolor, Wlisra. , Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. -4 (19U0).
Antennce dirty brownish white. Palpi whitish, with a slight brownish tint externally. Hecul and Thorax brownish white. Fore-wings whitish, with a faint brownish tinge except about the apex ; a small fuscous spot lies in the fold a little before the middle of the wing and another at the end of the cell ; cilia white at the apex, suffused with brownish ochreous towards the tornus. Ej:p. al. IG mm. Hind-icings A\hitish grey, with some faint brown scaling towards the apex ; cilia light brownish ochreous. Abdomen whitish, shining silvery white beneath. Legs whitish.
Type ? (13377) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (11-12. XII. 98). — Two specimens.
9. Scythris neurogramma, irism. (Plate xxi. fig. 8.)
Sct/thri''i neuroi/ntmma, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. }). 4. (19(H)).
Antennce greyish brown. Falpi smooth, recurved ; dirty whitish, shaded with greyish l)rown externally. Head and Thorax pale greyish brown, mixed with dirty whitish. Fore-ivings dirty whitish, with greyish Ijrown shading, usually broken into length-streaks corresponding to the spaces between the veins, separated by lines of the white ground- colour of ' variable width ; a narrow greyish brown line along the upper edge of the cell is recurved ai'ound the outer end of the cell, while above and beyond it is a series of very short greyish brown oblique streaks not reaching the costa, and more distinctly separated in the dii'ection of the costa than towards the apex and termen, where they are somewhat densely croAvded ; another narrow line follows the upper edge of the fold and the dorsal space below the fold is almost entirely suffused with pale greyish brown ; cilia greyish brown, with a slight ochreous tinge, giving them a brighter appearance than the wing-markings. Exp. al. 12 mm. Hmd-ivings brownish grey, the cilia as in the fore-wings. Abdomen, greyish, anal tuft whitish cinere- ous. Legs dirty whitish.
TyjK' 6 (13379) Mus. AVlsm.
Hokotra : Hadibu Plain (11. XII. 98); Adho Dimellus (3,500 ft., 12. II. 99). — Five specimens.
The wings of this species are somewhat narrow and very acutely pointed, and the markings assume the pattern so fretpiently represented in the genus Coleaphora, Hb., especially in froglodyfella, Dp., and its allies.
THE MICIIOS OF SOKOTRA. 349
I have slight varietic^s of wliat appeai-8 to l)e the same species from Bathurst ((Tanil)ia).
10. Scythris, sp.
Sri/fhrls, SI). Wlsin., Jiull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. f) (1!)(»0). Sokotra : Ilaililni Plain (IT). XIL 98). — [Mus. Wlsm., 13:375.] A single specimen in poor condition, hut distinct fi'om those now descrihed.
11. Scythris (?) pectinicornis, Wlsm. (Plate xxi. fig. 9.)
Sri/Z/iri.^ (/) pirtiiuconii-!, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. ,"> (H)l)0).
Anfeniue with a sti'ong closely packed pecten on the basal joint ; biciliate in both sexes ( $ 1-1|, $ rather less) ; pale cinereous. Palpi, $ recur\'ed to the level of the vertex, the terminal joint shorter than the median ; $ more slender and less recurved ; whitish cinereous. Head and Thorax whitish cinei'eous. Fore-ivings whitish cinereous, profusely dusted with brownish grey scaling, evenly distributed throughout, except a little beyond the middle of the fold wliere it appears some- what concentrated ; cilia whitish cinereous, becoming brownish ochre- ous about the toriuis. E.rp. al. $ 12, $ 11 mm. Jliml-tvings rosy grey ; cilia pale brownish ochreous. Ahdomrn whitish cinereous. Legs, hind til)ii>3 pale browin'sh ochreous, hind tai'si whitish cinereous.
Type S (13383); ? (13382) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (15. XII. 98). — Two specimens.
This species, which might easily be confused with neurogramma, Wlsm., agrees with Scgfliris in neuration and in all other respects, except in the ciliation of the anteniue ; l)ut with such insutticient material before me I shall not ^'enture to make it the type of a new genus.
Genostele, w/sm.
Gemsitele, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 5 (1900). (yevo's ~ a race ; ctttjXt] = a guide post.)
Tyj)e Genostele reniger, Jrism. (Plate xxi. fig. 11.) Antemm ( ? ) |, simple, tending to slight serrations liefoi'e the apex. Ocelli absent. Maxillary Palpi well-developed ; porrect, inflected. Labial Palpi long, recurved, the median joint slightly roughened towards the apex ; terminal joint scarcely shorter than the median, slender acute. Head and face clothed with loose scales. Thorax smooth. Fore-ivings four times as long as broad, elongate, costa slightly arched, the apex depressed, rounded, termen obli(pie. Neura- tion, 11 veins, (7 and 8 coincident) to costa ; the other veins separate. Hind-wings not l)i-oader than the fore-wings, somewhat rounded at the apex, not emarginate. Neirration, 8 veins ; 3 and 4 almost connate, 6 and 7 separate and almost parallel, 6 about equidistant from 5 and 7. Ahdoinen normal. Leg^, hind ti1)ia3 somewhat hairy above. This genus diff'ers from Cerosfoina, Ltr., in the separation of veins 6 and 7 of the hind-wings and from Phdella, Schrk., in the remoteness of
350 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KFRI.
vein G from 5 as also in the coincidence of veins 7 and 8 of the fore- Avings, bnt in general appearance and strncture its affinity would be to these genera. The genus Annjlometifi, Meyr., from Mauritius appears to approach Genostde in some respects, particularly in the coincidence of veins 7 and H of the fore-wings, but if Meyrick is correct in describing it as having vein 5 of the hind -wings approximated to, or coincident with 4, it must he regarded as sutficiontly distinct.
12. Genostele reniger, JJlsin. (Plate xxi. figs. 10-11.)
GtnoMele reniger, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 6(1900).
Aniennce pale stone-ochreous, annulate with fuscous. PaJpi with the median joint thickened with appressed scales whieli are somewhat loosened towards its apex beneath, pale stone-ochreous, pi'ofusely speckled with brownish fuscous ; the terminal joint slender, similarly coloured. Head pale stone-ochreous, with a l)r(jwnish fuscous streak alono- its middle above, this is continued through the anterior half of the pale stone-ochreous Thorax on which are also two parallel lateral dark fuscous streaks. Fore-wings pale stone-ochreous, speckled with brownish fuscous, a narrow dark fuscous streak along the base of the costa, with another beneath it, parallel to the limljus, but not extend- ing beyond the flexus ; at the base of the cell is an elongate reuiform patch, outlined with dark fuscous, extended to about one-fifth and touching at its outer extremity the transverse reniform patch, wliieli covei'ing the whole width of the cell, extends downwards across the fold nearly to the dorsum ; this is separated from a third reniform patch, occupying the end of the cell and extending a little below it ; these patches are all nan-owly outlined with dark fuscous (and from indications afforded by a second specimen — presumably of the same species — will be found in some varieties to be more or less strongly filled in with dark brownish fuscous) ; above the outer patch is a dark fuscous costal shade before the commencement of the cilia ; a group of dark fuscous scales also occurring before the apex midway between the costa and termen, and accompanied by some profusion of brownish fuscous speckling which extends along the termen and is strongly repeated throughout the pale stone-ochreous terminal and apical cilia. Exp. ah 19 mm. Hind-winr/s greyish ; cilia pale brownish cinereous. Abdomen, brownish ochreous. Le(jt< pale l)rownish cinereous, the tarsi speckled with lirownish scales.
Type o (13368) Mus. AVlsm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 2-3. II. 99.)— Two specimens, both ? .
Prays, Hb.
13. Prays (?), sp.
Frays (?), sp. Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 6 (1900). Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 11. II. 99).— [Mus. Wlsm. 13370.]
THE MICROS OF SOKOTItA. 351
A single specimen of wliut appears to l)e a species of Prap, allied to citri, Mill., in claniai^'cd coiKlition, haxiiii;' evidently heen taken with the assistance of oil and fire.
Mieza, Wkr.
14. Mieza (?) inornata, irhm. (Tlate wi. tig [■!.)
Mieza (?) Inornata, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. \). (i (1000).
Antenna' fusco-cinereous. Palpi porrect, slender ; hoary whitish, with some fuscons scales externally. Head and Thorax dirty whitish. Foir-irinf/s dnll greyish white, the veins and cell nari'owly marked out by lines of l)r()wnish grey, the costa and the dorsum ])eneath the fold slightly snrt'nsed with the same ; cilia hoary whitish, sprinkled with bi'ownish gi'cy atoms. Eqi. al. 12 mm. Hind-ioing.'i dirty whitish cinereous ; cilia whitish cinei'cous. AJxhniii'ii hi'ownish grey. Lc^/.s- whitish cinereous ; the tarsi slightly shaded.
Tiii)e<^ (13.374) Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra : Hadil)u Plain (11. XII. 98).— Unique.
In the hind-wings veins 3 and 4 are stalked, in which respect some divergence is shown from the typical neuration of Mieza.
TORTRICID^.
OLETHREUTIN/E.
Cryptophlebia, Wlsm.
Cryptophh'hia, Wlsm. Ind. Mus. Notes iv., 105 (1899).
15. Cryptophlebia (?) socotrensis, irhm. (Plate xxi. fig. 13.)
C'i-i/to2)hlebia .soco/ren-si-s. Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 6 (1900).
A life una', greyish fuscous, the basal joint tawny reddish. Palpi conical, extending more than the length of the head beyond it ; tawny reddish, the apex of the terminal joint slightly fuscous. Head and Thorax tawny I'efldish, the latter slightly tufted posteriorly. Fore-wings tawny reddish, with closely packed transverse wavy lines of sericeous mottling arising from the costa and traversing the whole width of the wing, leaving a faint indication of two tawny reddish spots at the outer angles of the cell ; the extreme Imse only appears to be free fi^om these sericeous wave-lines, and the extreme edge of the costa is very narrowly touched with ochreous [what remains of the cilia is tawny reddish] ; the underside is tinged with ochreous throughout, and shows a faint indication of greyish fuscous mottling, especially around the costa and termen. Fxp. al 22 mm. Hind-wings brownish fuscous, cilia slightlv paler ; underside with a faint indication of greyish fuscous mottling esi^ecially around the costa and termen. Abdomen l)rownish fuscous. Legs pale greyish ochreous, the hind tarsi transversely shaded with l)rownish fuscous.
Ti/pe ? (13371) Mus. Wlsm.
352 THE NATl^RAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AXT) ARD-EL-KURI.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 12. II. 99).— Unique.
In the absence of the ^ it is impossil)le to determine whether this species belongs to the genus Criiptopldchin or to an undescriljed genus occur- ing in Africa and Australia to which *Arotrophm-a omhrodeUa, Lower and Froggatt, belongs. The larva will prol)ably be found to be attached to Lri/uminosa'., presumably to some species of Acacia.
16. gen. ? sp. 1
Sokotra : Under Alilo in the Dinehan Valley (1500 ft., 2 II. 99).— [Mus.
Wlsm, 13387.] A single 9 in very poor condition, belonging to the gi'oup of Crocidosema,
Z., and Iihopohofa, Ld., cannot be generically identified in the absence
of the S .
TORTRICIN/E.
Oxygrapha, Hb.
17. Oxygrapha, f^p-
Tcras, sp., Uixey, Pr.Z. Soc. Lond., 189S, 88.3. An undetermined species was collected by Mr. Beiniett.
Archips, Hb.
18. Archips (?) socotranus, JJl.m. (Plate xxi. figs. U-15.)
Arc/iijis (?) ■■<orotraii)is. Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 7 (1900). Antennoi cinereous, shaded with l)r(^wn (or testaceous). Palpi porrect, conical, stretching twice the length of the head l)eyond it, thickly clothed al)ove with appressed scales ; dark rust-l)rown (or testaceous). Head rust-brown (or testaceous). Thorax fawn-l)rown (or testaceous). Fore winf/s fawn-l)rown (or brownish testaceous), with a faint indica- tion of a darker reddish (or testaceous) ol)lique fascia from l>efore the middle of the costa, and an ante-apical costal patch, [in the darker of the two specimens (13373) there is a slight outline of a basal patch — in the S these markiiigs may lie expected to assume a more pro- nounced appeai'ance] ; the surface of the wing is somewhat shining, and thickly speckled with scarcely darker spots in transverse sinuate lines (visible only with the light striking the wings at a suitable angle) ; cilia along their base chestnut brown, except around the tornus, greyish cinereous on their outer half and at the tornus ; faintly reticulated along the costa and around the termen on the underside. ExjJ. al. 22-23 mm. Hind-iviiujK somewhat incised lielow the apex and near the flexus ; shining lirownish grey, strongly iridescent towards the base and paler in the costal than in the dorsal region, a slight reticulation of darker scales al)0ut the apex and on the liase of the cilia around it ; cilia pale shining lirownish grey ; underside faintly reticulated along the costa and around the termen. Abdomen shining greyish ochreous (or pale brownish grey). Lei/s shining, pale brownish cinereous.
THE :\rTrROs of sokotra. 353
Ti/pe[ = Coty])es ? $ (13372-3)] Mus. Wlsm.
Sokotra : Adho Diiiiellus (3500 ft. 11-12. TF. 99).— Two specimens.
Two 9 9 showiui;' soiiic divci'sity of colour, l)ut ol)vi()usly belonging to the same species wliich appears to be related to I(if<(iiri/an"-% l^ag-, but to differ in the somewhat more rounded costa towards the base and in the more sericeous appearance of the wing-texture. In the absence of the ($ this cannot lie refei'red with certainty to the genus Archipa.
TINEID^.
Acrocercops, wigni. 19. Acrocercops qi.
Sokotra : Haggier Range (11. 99).— [Mus. Wlsm.]
1 am indebted to Dr. Eebel for a specimen of a small obscure species of this genus collected by Pi^ofessor Simony, a meml)er of the Austrian Expedition to Sokotra under the auspices of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna, in 1S99.
354 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURT.
Micros from Abd=el=Kuri.
PYRALIDINA. PTEROPHORID^.
Trichoptilus, WIsm.
1. Trichoptilus oxydactilus, U'kr.
(See p. 344.) AL-el-Kuri (1-3 XII. 98).
Agdistis, Hb.
2. Agdistis minima, IJlsin. (Plate xxi. fig. 1.)
Agdistis minima, Wlsm., Bull. Liverp. Muss., iii. p. 1 (1900).
Antenme brownish cinereous. Palpi very short, closely appressed to the face, the terminal joint scarcely visible at the end of the rather thickly clothed median joint ; whitish cinereous. Head and Thorax whitish cinereous. Fore-iviiif/s whitish cinereous, thickly dusted with blackish scales along the costal and dorsal thirds, on the costa before the apex are three slight aggregations of the black scaling forming scarcely noticeable costal spots ; the usual elongate semi-transparent triangle reaches to within one-third of the base, and is brightly iridescent ; cilia whitish cinereous, speckled with black scales along their base. Exp. al. 12-14 mm. Hind wings with a noticeable elongate mat of black scales near the base on the underside, terminating in a comb of separate black hair-scales along the lower margin of the cell ; brownish grey, much speckled with black scaling along the dorsum, slightly iridescent towards the costa ; cilia whitish cinereous. Abdomen whitish cinereous. Legs whitish, profusely sprinkled with minute black scale-points.
Type$ (13358) Mus. AVlsm.
Abd-el-Kuri Id. (1-3. XII. 98). — Two specimens.
This is the smallest known species of Agdistis and difters very consider- ably in its paler colouring from those European species which tend to approach it in size.
356 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XXI.
Fig. I. AQDISTIS MINIMA, Jrhin. Typec?, p. 354-
Fig. 2. ONEBALA SIMPLEX, Jrim. Typec?, p. 344-
Fig. 3. HYPSOLOPHUS QRANTI, JHm. Typec?, p. 345-
Fig. 4. HYPSOLOPHUS THORACELLUS, /r/w. Type ?, p. 346.
Fig. 5. QELECHIA 5ARC0CHR0MA, Jrhm. Type c?, p. 346-
Fig. 6. BATRACHEDRA AlOMOSELLA, Jn.sm. Type 6 , p. 347-
Fig. 7. 5CYTHRIS DENTICOLOR, ///w. Type ?, p. 348-
Fig. 8. 5CYTHRIS NEUROQRAMMA, //'/w. Typec^, p. 348.
Fig. 9. SCYTHRIS(?) PECTINIC0RNI5, JFhw. Typec?, p. 349-
Fig. 10. QENOSTELE RENIQER, JJ'hm. Type?, p. 350.
Fig. II. QENOSTELE, irUm.: neuration and head, p. 349.
Fig. 12. MIEZA(?) INORNATA, Whin. Type?, p. 351.
Fig. 13. CRYPTOPHLEBIA(?) S0C0TREN5I5, irism. Type?,
P- 351-
Fig. 14. ARCHIPS(?) SOCOTRANUS, irhin. Co-type (^.) ? . P- 352.
Fig. 15. ARCHIPS(?) SOCOTRANUS, /n.s///. Co-type (f) ?, p. 352.
[Figs. 1-10, 12-la F. W. Fiohawk, delt. ; Fig. 11, J. Hartley Durrant, delt.]
3 r
5 ii
%
4f;€-^
■^:
II'
t.L:.\. " '■■
i\ ji'- o . y. ^i4l^-
J'iR". 3- JiVi^i-OLOPHUS QRANTI, nism. Type<?, p. 345. i HVPSOLOPHUS THORACELLUS, ?/7sm. Type ? , p. 34^}
MA SARCOCHROMA, ffhtn. Type (J, p. 34A
Fig. ... ^..NOSTELE, IVkrn.: n. in;;h",,!) ami heiui, p. 349. Fig. 12. MIEZA(?) INORNA1 -^ „. Typo?, p. --■
Fig. 13. CRYPTOPMl EBIAir «»uOTRENSf5, (VUw. iji). >
P- 3 ^■■■■- .. ARCHIPS(?) SOCOTRANUS, ?/"'7.sm Co-type (|^) $, p. 3.^
ARCHIPS(?) SOCOTRANUS^ Wlm. Co-type (|) ? , p. 35
lohuwk. ilelt. : Fier. 11. J. Hiirtlev Dm runt, delt."!
i S
Liverp. Mils., -Rap. Sokotra Exped.
n.xxi.
^^'^^^^^r^j
■ /•"
'^V
FWrrokawk dtl CTij « JKlMTaiit del 1
MICROLEPIDOPTERA FROM SOKOTRA a ABD-RL-KURI
ARTHROPODA,
Insecta:
Diptera.
Bij GERTRUDE RICARDO. Cxilicidce By F. V. THEOBALD, M.A.
PLATE XXII.
THE FLIES OF SOKOTRA. 359
Flies.
Ill this small eoUectiuii of D'qifnu from Sokotra and Alxl-el-Kuri, nine species appear to he new to science, and of those identified with certainty, two are identical with European species, three with South African, one with a West African, and six with species which have been met with in the neigh- bourhood of Aden and the Red Sea.
I am much indel)ted to Colonel Yerhury for his kind assistance and sug- gestions in the identification of many of the species, and without his help this list would have been even more incomplete than it is. I regret it has not been possible to work out the Muscidm more thoroughly; this family recpiires an expert's knowledge. — G. B.
I. — The Flies of Sokotra.
TIPULID^.
Tipula, Linn.
1. Tipula, sp.
Sokotra : 1 c? , 2 ? , Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 10. II. 99).— A pair taken in coitu; and 1 $ .
Limnobia, Meig.
2. Limnobia, sp.
Sokotra : I S , Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 15. II. 99).
[Crane-flies appear to be extremely rare in Sokotra. The specimens taken were almost the only ones seen. — Jr.Ii.OJJ.]
MYCETOPHILID^.
Sciara, Meig.
3. Sciara, sp.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 3. II. 99). —One specimen.
CULICID^.*
Stegomyia, Theob.
Female palpi short, male palpi long, as in Ciilex. Venation as in Cnlex. *By F. V. Theobald, M.A.
360 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SoKoTRA AND ABD-EL-KURl.
Head clothed eiitirel}' with flat l)road scales and upright forked ones; no trace of narrow curved scales ; the head thus resemhling that of Megarhina ; meso-thorax with narrow curved or spindle-shaped scales ; the scutellum with hroad flat scales like the head; meta-notum nude. This genus contains a number of closely related species, which were formerly included in the genus Gidex, but from which they differ in regard to the scale structure of the head and scutellum ; the greater part of the head of GuJcx is covered with narrow curved scales, as also is the scutellum, whilst in this geiuis these two parts are com- pletely covered l)y flat scales, giving them a very marked appearance. The Type of the genus is CuJex taemufns, Wiecl. The larvae apparently have a short thick respiratory siphon.
4. Stegomyia granti, llieoh. (Plate xxii. fig. 6.)
Stegomyiagrantii, Theob., Mon. CiilicicUv, B.M., p 306, pi. xiv. fig. 55(1901).
Thorax chestnut-brown; meso-thorax with a narrow median line of white scales forked in front of the scutellum, then a fine curved lateral paii', and another pure white line l)elow on each side. Alxlomen l)lack with well-defined narrow l)asal white Imnds, which bend obliquely and form a straight oblique white line on each side of the segments. Venter white scaled. Legs black with fine pure-white lines and white basal bands to the hind tarsi ; bases of some of the fore- and mid-tarsi pale. $ Head black with two median lines of white scales meeting in a point in front, expanding backwards, border of the eyes white-scaled and a line of pure white scales between the eyes ; eyes silvery ; antennae brown with pale bands, basal joint l)lack with a border of pui'e white scales, base of second joint reddish-brown ; palpi covered with black and white scales, the tip being white scaled. Thorax bright chestnut- brown, covered Avith very fine scales, almost like little hairs ; a thin liut very distinct median line of white scales Avhich forks round a 1>are space just in front of the scutellum, a fine curved line on each side, starting from the side of the meso-thorax near the head, and al)0ut the middle bending in and lauming down the dorsum of the mesothorax to the scutellum, there is also another lateral white line l)elow on each side ; scutellum chestnut-brown l)ordered with white scales and l)lack bristles ; metanotum chestnut-brown ; pleune chestnut-brown with white scales.
Abdomen covered with dusky Ijrown scales, showing a dull purplish tinge, and a few traces of ochraceous coloration in some lights, each segment with a narrow but very distinct basal band of white scales, which turns off' at an obtuse angle on each side forming a straight lateral oblique line on each side of the segments ; on the last two segments the white scales of the venter come up as a narrow line and join the oblique lateral stripes ; posterior borders of the segments edged with pale golden hairs. Legs black with white lines and bands as follows : —
Fore-femora and tiljite with three white lines of scales running the whole length, one ventral, the other two lateral ; base of fore-metatarsus white,
THE FLIES OF SOKOTRA. 361
also with white lines; tarsi black, slightly pale at the l)ase owing to the al)senee of scales ; mid-legs very similar, l)ut the bases of the first two tarsal joints luther more distinctly pale ; hind-legs with the base of the fenioi'a ([uite pale, and the bases of the first and second tarsi broadly l)anded with white : last two tai'sal joints lost. Ungnes of the fore and nn'd legs small, ei[ual,andsiinple. Wings with rather long nai-rowlirown scales on the veins ; first submarginal cell veiy little narrowei' or longer than the second posterior cell, the stem of the latter only abont half the length of the cell ; posterior cross-vein about 11 times its own length distant from the mid cross-\ein.
Length 5 mm. (not including prol)Oscis).
Sokotra. — I'liiif of nijifiiir, December.
0/jfi('rva{ioiis.~])iiscvi])C{\ from a shigle $ specimen l)rought back from Sokotra, where Mr. (xrant tells me it is ^•ery troul)lesome. It resembles in a most striking manner (_'. spufl/ijntljiis, Kond., the thorax and hearl l>eing similarly marked, l)ut the peculiai' abdominal banding, the perfect white lines on the lilack legs, the posterior cross- vein being close to the mid cross-vein and smaller, and the entire al)sence of wing spots separate it at sight ; moreover, owing to the head and scutellar scales l)eing flat, it is clearly separated from C. sjMthipaljns, and conies into my new genus Stegomijia.
[In addition to the al)ove there were at least two other species of mosquito that attacked us in Sokotra. I was, unfortunately, unaware at the time of the interest attaching to these flies, and, being much occupied with other branches of zoology, did not preserve a series, which I greatly vegvet.—IF.Pi.O.G.']
THEREVID^.
Psilocephala, left.
5. Psilocephala albohirta, n. ^y. (Plate xxii. figs. 5, 5a.)
Typec?. Black with white pul)escence. Face naked. Fourth posterior cell of wing closed.
Face with white tomentum, forehead dull Ijlack with a little tomentum in the centre of the lower half. Antenme with the first joint shortly cylindrical, l)lack, clothed with l)lack hairs, the second short and round, bright red, with a few black hairs at the sides, the third long, as wide as the second at the base, gradually taper- ing to a point, bright red, l)lack at apex. Palpi black, with long white hairs. Beard white. Eyes contiguous. Hind-part oi the head with short black pubescence. Thorax dull l)lack, with scattered fuh'ous pul)escence on the dorsum and sides. Breast clothed with white hairs. Scutellum with a fringe of white haii's on its outer margin. Abdomen with white hairs on the posterior margins of all the segments, and on the whole width of the segments at the sides : genital organs red, the underside of abdomen with a few scattered
362 THE NATUKAL HISTORY OF SOKoTRA AND ABD-EL-KUKl.
white hairs. Legs l)hick, the coxa', the apex of the femora, the hasal half of the tibije and of the tarsi reddish-ltrowii, the femora with white pul)esceiice, longest on the anterior pair, the puliescence on the til)iai and tarsi black. Wings clear, grey, veins brown, the cross veins with very slight shading, the fonrth posterior and anal cell closed.
Length 9^^ mm.
Sokotra : "Homhil (2500 ft., 2G. L 99).— Two specimens.
[Both were obtained on a dry stony path near the top of the limestone range at Homhil. The species appeared to be both local and rare. — JF.E.O.G.']
ASILID^.
Hoplistomera, Macq.
6. Hoplistomera nigrescens, /;. sp. (Plate xxii. figs. 11, 11a.)
Type $ . Blackish. The hind femora with no spines on the underside, but some weak yellow bristles. The last segment of al)domen red, the antenme and legs black.
Face shining black, the moustache consists of long white hairs extending to the antenme ; palpi lilack, with l)lack hairs. Anteniue with white hairs on the first two joints, and some long black bristle- like hairs on their undersides. Hind part of head Avith Avhite hairs, and some l)lack bristles in the centre. Thorax with spare fulvous tomentum, and some white hairs chiefly on the sides and posterior part. Breast sides with greyish tomentum and scanty white pubescence. Abdomen almost blue-black, with the extreme posterior margins of segments fawn coloured, the last segment almost wholly red ; the pubescence black, white at the sides and on the posterior margins. Legs black, Avith yellow l)ristles, some black ones on the hind tarsi ; pul)escence white, the tiljite and tarsi sometimes reddish brown. AVings clear, veins reddish brown, the small cross vein below the middle of the discal cell.
Length 10 mm.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (11. XIL 98). — Two specimens.
Promachus, Loew.
7. Promachus sokotrae, n. qi. (Plate xxii. figs. 7, 7a, S , figs. 9, 9a, ? .)
Type $ , Adho Dimellus ; Type ? , Adho Dimellus. Allied to F. rect- angidaris and P. rueppcUi, Loew {Nntc Bi-itr. ii. p. 5), from Massowah, but easily distinguished from both l»y the dark colour of the legs — r from the former hy the l)lack Itristles on the scutellum, and from the
latter by the (piite clear wings. Gi'ey, with l)lack l)ands on the abdomen, black legs and clear wings.
Face grey with white tomentum, the moustache composed of long white hairs below and large yellow bristles above, with six or more stout black bristles al)ove these, in two of the $ specimens these last bristles
THE FLIES OF SOKOTRA. 363
are reduced to one or two ; long white hairs arc continued up each side t(j the anteniuc. Beard white. Palpi 1)laek, with long white hairs on the basal half and stout })lack l)i'istles on the apex. Antenna' l)rown with shoit lilaek bristles on the sides of the first two joints. Forehead In-own, with white pubescence and 1)lack bristles. Hind-part of the head with white hairs and 1>lack bristles. Thorax- brown, the central stripe black, the side ones less distinct and brownish, with l)lack pubescence, fulvous tomentum and l)lack bristles ; there are a few white hairs on the posterior sides. Scutelluni greyish, with white hairs, and black bristles on the margin. The breast sides are brown with fulvous tomentum and white pubescence. Abdomen with broad black bands on the second to the seventh segments, which only leave the ground colour free on the posterior l)orders and sides, and have rounded hind-corners ; the eighth segment is wholly 1)lack, with a prolongation beneath bearing a tuft of black and white hairs ; the genital organs are long and stout with a tuft of white hairs above at their l)ase, ending in long l)lack hairs at their tips, and with black pubescence ; the pubescence and bristles on the abdomen are black on the dorsum and yellow on the sides and underneath. Legs lilack, the pubescence is white on the inner side of the femoi'a, the hind tibia and metatarsus, on the upper side of the anterior and middle til)iti3, and on the four last joints of the fore-tarsi, where it is long and very distinct ; on the inner side of the fore-tiliia there is short dense fulvous pubescence; elsewhere l)lack, with all l)ristles black. Wings clear, A'eins reddish-ln'own.
Length 24 mm.
The 9 is identical, Init the white hairs on the fore-tarsi are not so distinct and thick ; the eighth segment of the abdomen is lilack and shining.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus, 4 (J, 5 ? (3500 ft., 4.-12. IL 99) ; Goahal Gorge, 3 ? (200 ft., 16.-27. L 99).
[This large predacious fly was fairly common on the middle and higher ranges, especially among the granite pe^ks of the Haghier range in the neighbourhood of Adho Dimellus. It frequents the neighbour- hood of the rough hill paths, settling on the stones. As a rule, it is extremely alert and not "s-ery easy to net, but while engaged in devouring its prey may sometimes be boxed. There is a very large male in the collection, taken in the act of killing a cicad. It was so much engaged in this pleasant occupation that it allowed me to place the muzzle of a -410 gun on its back and gently scpieeze it to dQ-Ath.—fF.E.O.G.]
Machimus, Loew.
8. Machimus, ^7*.
Sokotra: Jena-agahan, c^ (4. L 99); Adho Dimellus, $ (3500 ft., 15.11.99).
9. Machimus, >^jk
Sokotra : Homhil, 1 S (2500 ft., 22. 1. 99).
364 THE NATl'HAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
ItamUS, Loew.
10. Itamus, .s/>.
Sokotra: Hadil)!! Plain, 6 ? (12. XII. 9S); Homliil, 4 ? (1.500-2500 ft., 19-25. I. 99).
BOMBYLID^.
Exoprosopa, Macq.
11. Exoprosopa punctipennis, ». $p. (Plate x.xii. figs. 1, la, c^.)
This and the following species are similar to Exoprosopa schmidti, Karsch (BerUii Ent. Zdf., xxxi. jd. 372), in having the branch vein the reverse way to that of the species described by Loew in I)iv. II. {Dipt. Sikliifrik, p. 241), viz., rnnning into the discoidal cell instead of into the third posterior cell.
Type o , Adho Dimellus ; Type 9 , Hadilni Plain. Black, with white Imnds on the sides of the thorax and on the a1)domen ; scutelluni dnll red.
Face brown, with black pubescence and glittering white pile. Antennae brown, the fii'st joint bi'ight red, the first two joints with black hairs, the l)ristle reddish, stout, and shorter than the third joint. Prol)oscis longer than the head. Hind-part of head with white pile l)ordering the eyes. Collar composed of yellow hairs above, and black below ; the pubescence at sides of thorax and on breast l)lack. Thorax with a well-marked stripe of white hairs on each side, extending to base of scutellum, pubescence on dorsum black with scattered white pile. Scutellum dull red, l)lack at the base, the pul)escence l)lack with Avhite pile on margin. Abdomen wholly black, pul)escence 1)lack, on the anterior borders of second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh segments a fringe of whitish-yellow pile, l)roadest at the sides ; on the fifth segment the band is of the same width throughout and quite white ; the hairs on the sides of abdomen are Avhite on the first segment and on the anterior l)order of the second segment, black on the others ; the underside is l)lack, reddish in the centre, with rather thick black pul>escence. Legs black, with black pubescence and bristles. Wings l)rown on the fore-border, clear on the posterior part, with the ci'oss veins shaded ; the dark shading on the fore-l>order extends at the extreme base to the posterior border of wing, from there it reaches half-way up the second basal cell, wholl}^ through the first basal cell just into the first posterior cell, and half-way up the second sub-marginal cell ; from there it is bounded by the second longitudinal vein as far as the ci'oss vein, from whence it runs to the junction of the first longitudinal vein in the border, leaving the apex of the marginal cell nearly wholly clear, l)ut joining the second longitudinal vein again when it reaches the l)order ; the spots on the cross veins are as follows : One each at the l)ase of the fii'st and second sulnnarginal cells, one on the upper pai't of the discoidal cell extending as far as the angle, and one each
THE FLIKS OF SOKOTF.A. 305
at the base of the third and fourth posterior cells ; the hi'aiich emitted into the discoidal cell is just Ix^low the cross vein ; the first posterior cell is only slightly narrowed, the second slightly wider than the third, and the fourth twice as liroad as the second.
Length 14^ nun.
Sokotra: Homhil (2500 ft., 19-22. I. 99); Adho Diniellus (.3000 ft., 7.-9. II. 99) ; Hadibu Plain (14. XII. 98).— 3 c?, 5 ? obtained.
[This handsome species was common on the middle and higher I'anges of l)oth the granite and limestone ranges. Like the rest of its kind, it was generally met with on the dry, stony paths. It was especially common in the neighbourhood of Homhil at an elevation of about 2500feet.~^/'.//.a^'.]
12. Exoprosopa insularis, //. sp. (Plate xxii. figs. 3, 3a.)
Type (J. Black, with l)an(ls of yellow and white pul)escence on the alxlomen.
Face black, yellow irnuid the mouth, with black pubescence and white and yellow pile. Anteiniie l)rown, the first joint red, the first two joints with l>lack hairs, the bristle stout, not half as long as the third joint. Hind-part of head with yellow pubescence. The collar is composed of yellow hairs. Sides of thorax with yellow pubescence, l)elow the halteres with orange hairs, and yellow and black hairs on the breast. Thorax and scutellum clothed with l)lack pubescence and yellow and white pile. Abdomen with a fringe of yellow hairs extending across the middle of the first segment and reaching the sides, on the anterior borders of second and third segments a fringe of white pile, broadest on the third, on the anterior borders of the three last segments a fringe of yellow pile ; on the sides of first, second, and anterior l)order of third segment are yellow hairs, on the succeeding ones a thick fringe of black hairs ; underside of abdomen l)lack, with scattered yellow hairs and yellow pile. Legs lilack, with l)lack pubescence, thickest on the anterior femora, bristles black. Wings dark brown, in the arrangement of the shading very similar to those of Exoprosopa venus, Wied. (see Loew, Dipt. Sudafril; tab. II. fig. 41) ; the cells on the posterior border are clear, but all the longitudinal veins have dark shading, liesides the cross veins ; there is a clear spot in the apex of the second l)asal cell, and in the centre of the discoidal cell, and the second posterior cell is clear ; the branch emitted into the discoidal cell just below the cross vein is very short ; the first posterior cell is narrowed, the other posterior cells about e(pial in width.
Length IH mm.
Allied to E. (lisnqjfa, Walker, Ent., v. p. 255, 1871, from Hor Tamanib, near to Suakim on Ked Sea, but easily distinguished from it by its 1)Iack legs and scutellum, and by the lower branch of the thii-d longitudinal vein being shaded like the rest, not clear as in Walker's type in the British Museum collection.
366 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Sokotra: Jeua-agaliaii, 1 6 (1200 ft., 7. I. 99).
[This extremely handsome species was met with in the middle granite hills of the Haghier range. I tried hard to procure more examples, hut never came across a second specimen. — JJ'.It.O.G.]
Arg-yromoeba, Schiner.
13. Argyromceba fuscipennis, //. q\ (Plate xxii. figs. 2, 2a.)
Type ? , Adho Dimellus. Black, with liands of white pile on the abdomen.
Face clothed with black hairs and some whitish pile. Antenna? with the third joint grey on the upper part, the first and second both with black pu1)escence, the third broader than the second with a rim-like base, the upper part narrower, subconical, with a two-jointed l)ristle as long as the second and third joints together, its second joint shorter than the first, with bristles at the tip. Collar composed of l)lack hairs. The sides of the thorax and the l)reast with l)lack puliescence, the dorsum of the thorax with the same and some scanty white pile. Abdomen with a bunch of white hairs on the sides of the first segment, black hairs on the remaining ones ; on the anterior borders of the second and following segments are narrow bands of white pile, most distinct on the second, l)ecoming narrower as they reach the centre ; the pubescence consists of long black hairs, thickest on the apex of abdomen, the underside clothed with black pubescence. Legs with black hairs and bristles and white puT)escence on the femora and tibiae. Wings with dark brown shading at the base and on the fore-border, at the base it does not quite reach the posterior border, extends across the basal half of the anal cell and the base of the discal cell to the fore-border, reaching the junction of the first longitudinal vein in the border ; opposite the junction of the second longitudinal with the third it extends across as a narrow liand, encircling the small cross vein, and just reaching into the discal cell, the rest of its length along the fore-l)order is bounded by the first longitudinal vein; there is a large clear spot in the apex of the second l)asal cell ; appendix present on the base of the second longitudinal and on the l)ranch of the third longitudinal vein, the angle on the above l)ranch being rather acute, veins l)rown.
Length 10 mm.
Sokotra: 3 ?, Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 17. -IS. II. 99); Hadibu Plain (30. I. 99).
[Apparently a rai'e species. I first obtained a single example on the east of the Hadil)u Plain at almost sea-le\"el on the 30th January, and subsequently caught two more at Adho Dimellus at an elevation of 3500 feet on the 17th and 18th February. — /r.i/.at^.]
THE FLIES OF SOKOTRA. 3G7
Anthrax, Scop. 14. Anthrax sokotrse, n. xp. (Plate xxii. fig.s. 4, 4a.)
This species might ahnost l)e iiiehided in the genus Apluehaidus formed hy Loew for a North American species (see Centur., x. No. 39, 187*2, and Osten Sacken, Biolog. Centr. Am., i. p. U3), l:»ut the eyes of these males are not contiguous as in those of Apluebaiitm, so that for the present it must remain under Anthrax in Div. I. A of Loew {Dipt. Slidnfrik). The wing is very similar to that of Anthrax falvipes, Loew {Dipt. SiidafriJc, tah. ii. fig. 14).
Type c?, Adho Dimellus. Black, with yellow haii's, and the sides of the abdomen red.
Face black, yellowish round the mouth, with long black hairs on the upper part extending just below the antennae, and bright red hairs round and above the oval aperture ; some grey tomentum on the face. Antennte with the first two joints short, the third onion-shaped, with a long styliform prolongation ending in a short joint with a bristle, the first two joints with long l^lack haii^s. Eyes separated in male. Hind- part of head with some short fulvous pubescence in the centre, and long black hairs at the sides. Collar composed entirely of light yellow hairs. The pubescence at the sides of the thorax and on the breast of the same colour ; there are three or four l)lack liristles on the upper side above the yellow hairs in the centre. Thorax and scutellum covered with yellow tomentum, the Ijristles black. Abdomen with a central black dorsal stripe, the sides being l)right red, the first segment is coA'cred with Inight yellow hairs, the hairs on the sides of the other segments are black, and the pul)escence on the dorsum is black, with yellow tomentum ; the underside is red with yellow pubescence and tomentum. Legs red, with black Inistles and pubescence, pulvilli distinct. Wings hyaline, with a faint yellow tinge on the fore-border extending into the second l)asal cell and above the junction of the second and third longitudinal veins ; there is a grey spot in the apex of the second Imsal cell ; the bifurcation of the second and third longitudinal vein is some distance below the cross vein ; the l)ranch of the third vein has the rudiment of an appendix, not always present ; posterior and anal cells open, veins brown.
Length 12 mm.
Type ? , Homhil, is identical, but the red on the abdomen is not so pro- minent, and on the underside there is a narrow lilack dorsal stripe. Sokotra : 3 <? , Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 9. II. 99) ; Hadilni Plain (30. 1. 99) ; Addah Valley, east of Hadilni Plain (29. I. 99) : ? , Homhil (1500 ft., 21. I. 99).
[This species was occasionally met with in the months of January and February from sea-level to an elevation of at least 3500 feet. It did not appear to be common. — JP^li.O.G.]
368 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KTRT.
15. Anthrax hottentotta, (Linn.).
Miisca ho/te /if off a,hinn.. Faun. Suec, p. 441 (1761).
N(-motehis hottentottus, Degeer, Insect, vi. j3. 190, Tab. 11, fig. 7 (1776). Anthrax ciixjuluta, Ahrens, Fauna Eur., iii. fig. 10 (1817). Anthrax circiuiidata, Meig. Sj-st. Be.schr., ii. p. 14.S (1820). Anthrax hottentotta, Sehiner, Fauna Austr., i. p. 51 (1863).
Sokotra : c?, 9 ? , Homhil (1500-2500 ft., 25. 1. 99) : Goahal Gorge (800 ft.,
16.1.99); Addah Valley, E. of Hadilm Plain (.30.1.99); Adho
Dimellns (3000-3500 ft., i.-7. II. 99). The.se seem identical with the Enropean specimen.s, the only apparent
difference heing in the hairs of the face, which are scantier and Jihid;
not yellow, and have scantier gohlen pile. [Common on dry paths. I am surprised that this species should prove to
he A. lidftt'ntotta, with which I am well acquainted. — U^.L'JJJr.l^
16. Anthrax, ■'^p.
Sokotra: 4?, Homhil (2500 ft., 22. T. 99) ; Alxl-el-Kuri (9. XII. 98 :
22. II. 99). A hlack species with clear wings, of which I have not heen able to find
any desci'iption, so that it may possil)ly 1;)e luulescrilied.
Bombylius, Linn.
17. Bombylius, sp.
Sokotra -.16, Adho Dimellns (3500 ft., 9. II. 99).
[Apparently rare ; the only example seen during our stay in Sokoti'a is unfortunately in worn condition, and cannot he identified. It was hovering oA^er a stream at the l>ottom of the deep valley to the south of our camp at Adho Dimellns. — Jf'.B.OJr.]
Phthiria, Meig.
18. Phthiria, .-p.
Sokotra : 2 c^, Hadilm Plain (12. XII. 98) ; Homhil (2000 ft., 19. I. 99).
SYRPHID^.
Paragus, Lafr.
19. Paragus serratus, Fahr.
Paraijiis scrratii.^, Fabr., Syst. Antl., p. 186(1805); Wied., Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. 88 (1830); Verrall, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1898, p. 413.
These differ from the Indian .sj^ecies in the colouring of the thorax, which is bright metallic-blue, not black ; the grey lines on the thorax in the S are only present on the anterior part ; in the $ they are altogether wanting.
Sokotra: 1 c?, Hadilm Plain (13. XII. 98) ; 1?, Jena-agahan (2500 ft., 13.1.99).
[Apparently scarce. — JFJl. 0. G.]
T}{E FLIES OF SOKOTrvA. 3G9
Asarcina, Macq.
20. Asarcina ericetorum, (Faiir.).
St/rp/in-s cricf/vriiin, Fubr. , Spec. Ins., ii. p. 4'2o (1781). Syrphm saJviie, Fabr., Ent. Sj'st., iv. p. 306 (1794). Scaeva mh-i<H, Fabr., Syst. Antl., p. 250 (180.1).
Asarcina salnoi, Loew, Dipt. Siidafrik., p. .'ill (ISOO) ; Venull, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1S98, p. 414.
Sokotru: -IS, Gel)el Raggit (GOO ft., 15. XII. 98) ; 1 $, Adhu Diiuellus
(3800 ft., 5. ir. 99). [Fairly eominoii all over the island. — JJ^l'.O.G.]
Syrphus, Fabr.
21. Syrphus segyptius, J J led.
Si/r/j/uc< <i(ji/ptiiis, Wied., Auss. Zweitl. Ins., ii. p. 133(1830); Verrall,
Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1898, p. 414. ? Scaem Scutellaria, Fabr., Syst. Antl., p. 252 (1805). ? Syrphm sphmhns, Dolesch., Nat. Tijd. Ned. Ind., x. p. 410, pi. i. fig. 3
(1856). ? S!/rjtlii(-< Jai'aiiKx, Wied., I.e. p. 131.
Sokotra : 2 S , Hombil (22. I. 99) ; Hadil.u Plain (12. XII. 98).
[Common.— jr. /,'.( KG.]
Melanostoma, Schiner.
22. Melanostoma gymnocera, lliuot.
/ Mt/anosfoiii't i/j/in/ioci^ra, Bigot, Ann. Soc. Ent. Fr., 1891, p. 375.
Sokotra : 3 3, Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 12. 1. 99) ; Adhu Dimellus (3500 ft., 10. II. 99) : Homhil (2500 ft., 19. I. 99).
This may perhaps l)e the S oi the ? described l)y Bigot from Abyssinia, agreeing with his description of M. gijmiiorcru except as regards the abdomen ; in these specimens the spots on the second segment are oblong, not attaining the sides, nor meeting in the centre, the third segment is wholly yellow with the exception of a narrow l)and of black on the posterior margin, and the beginning of a Ijlack central line on the anterior margin, the fourth segment is yellow with only the posterior l)lack liand.
23. ? Melanostoma, .yi.
Sokotra : ? , Homhil (26. I. 99).
Eristalis, Lafr.
24. Eristalis taeniops, Jrinl.
Krisiai;^ /,/'iiioj)s, Wied., Zool. Mag., ii. p. 42 (1818); Loew, Dipt. Siidafrik,
p. 324 (1860) ; Verrall, Tr. Ent. Soc. Lond., 1898, p. 415. Eristalis torridiis, Walker, List Dipt. B.M., iii. p. 612. (1849). Eristalis leyi/ptins. Walker, I.e. p. 621.
Sokotra : 2 ? , Dahamis (2000 ft., 21. XII. 98) ; and Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 5. 1. 99).
370 THE XATlltAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-RUKI.
[Appeared to l)e common in the middle laiige of the Haghiei., Imt not afterwards observed. — //'.7i'. (iXt.'\
Humerus, Meig.
25. Eumerus obliquus {Fahr.).
Ml/c.siu oh/ i qua, Fabr. , Syst. Antl., p. 194(1805).
Eamf.rH't ob/iqniix, Wied. , Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. 112 (1830); Verrall,
Tr. Ent. Soc. Lonrl., 1898, p. 4-22. Eumerus cilifarsis, Loew, Stett. Ent. Zeit., ix. p. 120 (1S4S).
This specimen agrees with Loews description of the c? , with the exception of the legs, which are lighter coloui'ed, the anterior tihite and tarsi being almost wholly yellowish-l)rown and the posterior ones partly so; the foi'ehead is coarsely punctated, and its pubescence entii-ely white.
Sokotra : 1 ? , Homhil (2500 ft., 26. I. 99).
MUSCID-^.
Sarcophaga, Meig.
26. Sarcophaga africa, Jried.
Sarcophar/a africa, Wierl., Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. 356(1830). Sokotra : 3 $ , Hadil)u Plain (13. XII. 98) ; Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 9.1.99);
and Homhil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99). The Type came from the Cape.
27. Sarcophaga, sj).
Sokotra : 1 c? , 1 ? , Hadibu Plain (12.-U. XII. 9S) ; 1 ? , Homhil (25U0 ft., 26. I. 99).
28. Sarcophaga hirtipes, JJ'ial
Sarcophaija hirtlpti, Wied., Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. .361 (1830) ; Taschenb. , Zeitsch. f. Naturw. Halle (4), ii. p. 182 (1883).
Sokotra : Wady Kischen. — {Biehrck).
Ocyptera, Latr.
29. Ocyptera, sp.
Sokotra : 2 $ , Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 4.-9. 1. 99).
Allied to 0. at rata, Fabr., which was found by Col. Yerljury at Aden.
Gonia, Meig.
30. Gonia ? nigra, Marq.
Gonia faxciata, Wied. (nee Meiujen), Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. .344 (1830). Gonia nigra, Macq., Dipt, exot., ii. p. 49 (1840) ; Suppl. iv. p. 177 (1850).
Sokotra: 2?, Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., 16.11.99); Dinehan Valley
(3000 ft., l.II. 99). May perhaps belong to tliis species, the type of which came from the
Cape. [Only seen on the higher ground. — JI'.H.OJt.^
THK FIJKS (IF SoKdTPvA. 371
Melanophora, Meig.
31. Melanophora, >/'.
Allied to M. ((tni, Mac([., and M. riinilis, Linn.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus {ll'yOO ft., 15. II. 1)9). — Five specimens.
[These wei'e all eaptnied dni^ing very heavy I'ain at Adho Dimellns ;
mnuhers would settle on the sheltered .sides of the tent, and were
easi ly 1 )oxed. — JF. J,'. O.G.]
Phorocera, Rob. Desv.
32. ? Phorocera, sp.
Sokotra : Adda Valley, E. of Hadihu Plain (28. I. 99).— Two specimens.
[These two specimens are particularly interesting, as they ai'c evidently parasitic in the nests of the wasp {Bclenoijaxicr saussurei). Both speci- mens were hatched from a nest of this sjjecies — IT.E.O.G.]
33. ? Genus {Turliinina').
Sokotra : Hadihu Plain (12. XII. 98).- One specimen.
34. ? Genus {Tuchinime).
Sokotra: Dahamis (350 ft., 19. XII. 98); Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 2. I. 99).
Rhinia, Rob. Desv.
35. Rhinia testacea, hub. I)c.n\
Ult'uiiii /rstacea, Rob. Desv., Myodaires, p. 423 (1830) ; Macq. Suites a Burt'., ii. p. 246 (1835) ; Schiner, Reise tier Novam, p. 310 (18G(i) ; Corti, Ann. Mus. Civ. Gen., xxxv. p. 138 (189.5).
Sokotra : 1 c?, Dahamis (3500 ft., 19. XII. 98) ; 3 ?, Homhil (1500 ft.,
19.-21. 1.99); and Hadilm Plain (11. XII. 98). Corti remarks that this species has a wide geographical range. Kob.
Desvoidv gi\"es Mauritius as the locality of the Type. [This species was extremely fond of visiting our tents. It would buzz
quietly along close to the ground investigating one's boots or anything
that happened to be lying about the Hoor. — ll'.lLO.U.']
Idia, Meig.
36. Idia simulatrix, Loeu\
Idia ■•iimulatrix, Loew, Berlin K. Acad. Wiss., 1852, p. 660; Peters Reise nach Mossambique, p. 25 (1862) ; Taschenb., Zeitsch. f. Naturw. Halle (4), ii. p. 182(1883).
Sokotra : Wady Kischen.— -(7i'?V//^'f7,).
Musca, Linn.
37. Musca domestica, Linn.
Mtm'u doimstica, Linn., Fauna Suec, p. 453 (1761). 5 (J, 2 ? , Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 14.11.99) ; Homhil (1500 ft., 19.L99) ;
and Hadibu Plain (11. XII. 98). [The House-tly pr()\-ed a gi'cat torment at times in the tents. — ir.li.O.G.]
372 THE NATniAL HISTOltY OF SOlvOTKA AND AI!l)-EL-KUltI.
38. Musca (?) spectanda, JFrnl
Mmca {/) .yjir/au'la, Wied., Auss. ZweiB. Ins., ii. p. 41 'J (1880). 1 ? , Hadilm Plain (11. XII. \)^). The Type came tVoni Sierra Ijeoue.
39. Musca, q).
Sokotra: Below Adlio Dimellus (;W00 ft., 17. II. 99). — One specimen.
Calliphora, Rob. Desv.
40. Calliphora marg-inalis, {IVml.)
Mu.sca maryinali», Wied., Auss. Zvveifl. Ins., ii. p. 395 (1830).
Lncilia marginalia, Macq., Dipt. Exot. ii. p. 143 (184(1) ; Karsch., Ent.
Nach., xii. p. 257 (18S6) ; id., Berlin Ent. Zeit., xxxi. p. 337 (1887). Calliphora marf/iua/is, Brauer, Deukschr. Akad. Wien. , Iviii. p. 420 (1891).
Sokotra: 4 ?, Hadilm Plain (12. XII. 9S) ; Qebel Kaggit (600 ft., 15. XII. 98) ; .Tena-agahan (1200 ft., 15. I. 99) ; and Dahami.s (350 ft., 19. XII. 98).
The Type came fi-om the Cape.
[This handsome species was only met with on the plains and lower slopes of the Haghier np to abont an elevation of 1500 feet. It was always to l)e seen in numbers where there was any carrion or filth. — IV.H.O.G.^
Lucilia, Rob. Desv.
41. Lucilia cyanea, (Falu:).
Aliisca cyuiiKU, Fabr., Spec. Ins., ii. p. 439 (1781) ; Id. Ent. Syst., iv.
p. 319 (1794) ; Id. Syst. Antl., p. 292 (1805) ; Wied., Au.ss. Zweifl.
Ins., ii. p. 397 (1830). Lucilia cyanea, Macq., Dipt, exot., ii. p. 145, ])1. xviii. fijf. 4 (1840) ;
Brauer, Derkschr. Akad. Weiss., Iviii. p. 420 (1891).
Sokotra -.IS, Dahamis (350 ft., 19. XII. 98) ; 4 ? , ael)el Raggit (600 ft.,
15. XII. 98) ; Dinehan Valley (3000 ft., 1. II. 99). The Type came from the Cape. [Takes the place of C. inarf/i italic on the higher ground ; its habits are
mmUr.—JF.llO.G.]
42. Lucilia, .?.v//. n.
The palpi are yellow at the liase and black at the tip. Sokotra : 1 c?, 1 $ , Hadibu Plain (11.-13. XII. 98).
Cyrtoneura, Macq.
43. Cyrtoneura, sp.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 3. II. 99. and 18. II. 99) ; Dahamis (350 ft., 19. 12. 98).— Four specimens.
Stomoxys, Geoffr.
44. Stomoxys, -yi.
Sokotra: 1 (? , 2 9 , Hadibu Plain (11.-12. XII. 98) ; Dahamis (350 ft., 19. XII. 98).
THE FLIKS OF SOKOTRA. 373
Hsematobia, Rob. Desv.
45. Haematobia, sp.
Sokotni :2c?, Dimichii'o Valley.
[Tlu'se little flics swai'mcd all ovei' the camels.— ir.Ti*. 0.6'.]
Hyetodesia, Rond.
46. Hyetodesia, q>.
Sokotra : 2 (?, Adho Dimellus (:5r)00 ft., 3. II. 99, and U. II. 99). Allied to II. hironti/i, Fallen, a Enropean species.
47. Hyetodesia, sp.
Sukutra: 1 S, Adho Diniellns (3500 ft., 5. II. 99).
Anthomyia, Me/g.
48. Anthomyia bifasciata, //. sp. (Plate x.vii. figs. 8, 8a.)
Type c?, Dinehan Valley. Allied to A. toiiitrui, Wied., Aksm. Zimjf. Ins., 11. p. 429 (1830). Black, thorax with two grey l)ands, alxlonien yellow with lilack central stripe and black bands.
Face with silvery-grey tomentum. Antennae and palpi black. Forehead with a row of black bristles in the centre not quite reaching the vertex. Eyes sub-contiguous. Thorax with the first grey l)aiid on the anterior part, the second one on the posterior margin. Breast sides grey. Scutellum black, grey at its apex. Al)domen with the first and fourth segments black, and a black central stripe and l)lack bands on the posterior margins of second and third ; some faint white tomentum on the yellow iravt ; pubescence black. Legs l)lack, the knees lighter. Wings clear. Length 5 mm.
Sokotra: iS, Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 4. IL 99) ; Dinehan Valley
(2500 ft. L IL 99). [This handsome species was common, and might constantly be seen in
companies "dancing" under the shade of the trees.— ]\\ILU.G.]
Lispe, Lafr.
49. Lispe, ?sp.)i.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 12. II. 99).— Two specimens.
,^ . , Atheng:ona, Rond.
50. Atnerigona, .s//.
Sokotra : 1 J, Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 9. II. 99).
EPHYDRIN/E.
Ochthera, Latreille.
51. Ochthera mantis, Ucg.
(k-hih<ru nianlis, ])eg., I„s., vi. 143 (1776) ; Schiner, Fauna Austr., ii. p. '256 (1863). '
Sokotra -.16, Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 12. IL 99). Identified l,y Col. Yerbury ; a European species.
374 THE NATURAL HISTOItY UF SUKuTRA AND ABI)-EL-KURI.
CHLOROPIN/E.
Oscinis, Lafreille.
52. Oscinis, sp.
Sokotra : Elhe, E. of Hadil)u Plain (30. 1. 99). — One specimen.
AGROMYZIN/E.
Agromyza, Fall.
53. Agromyza, s/>.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellns (3500 ft., 10. II. 99).— Three specimens.
OPOMYZIN/E.
54. ? Genus.
Sokotra: Hadil)U Plain (14. XII. 98). — One .specimen.
PHORIDiE.
Phora, Latr.
55. Phora, sj).
Sokotra : Adho Dimelhis. — Fourteen specimens.
[Hatched out of grass and soil lifted with pupa? of Hawk Moth. — IV. 1!. 0.(1. '\
THE FLIES OF ARD-EL-KURI. 375
II. The Flies of Abd=el=Kuri.
TABANID^.
Tabanus, Linn.
1. Tabanus, sp.
Al)d-el-Kiiri, 1 ? (5. XII. 98).
[The only horse-fly I recollect seeing either here or in Sokotra during the three months spent on these islands. — Jf^.ll.U.G.]
ASILID^.
Ommatius, l/liger.
2. Ommatius tibialis, //. sj). (Plate xxii. figs. 10, 10a.) Type 9 • Black, tihia^ yellow, wings clear.
Face grey, moustache of white hairs, and long hlack bristles on the npper part, nearly reaching the antenna, which are brown, the ocellar tubercle black, with black bristles. Thorax shining black, with grey tomentum, some white hairs and lilack bristles on the posterior part. Scutellum grey, with white pnbescence. Abdomen with l)lack pul)escence, white at the sides. Legs black, tibi* yellow, l)lack at their extreme apex ; the anterior and middle tarsi dull red, the underside of the femora with long white j^ul^escence, which is also present on the upper side of the hind-femora ; there are some long weak yellow Iwistles on the outer side of the fore and middle tiliite, and elsewhere the pubescence and bristles are black. Wings with the small cross vein beyond the middle of the discal cell.
Length 9 mm.
Abd-el-Kuri, ? (22. 11. 99).
BOMBYLID^.
Argyromoeba, Schiner.
3. Arg-yromceba massauensis, Janinidr.
Anji/roni<i'ba inn-^mncii-^i--^, Jaennicke, Abh. Senck. Gesell. , vi. p. 336(1868). These agree Avith the description of the $ given by Jaennicke, but the one c? (?) which is so imperfect that it is impossible to ascertain the sex with certainty, has white, not l)lack, hairs on the lower part of the face extending half-way up the sides of the eyes. Abd-el-Kuri, 1 c^r 1 c? (0 (22. IL 99).
Anthrax.
4. Anthrax, sp.
Abd-el-Kuri, 2 ? (9. XII. 98 ; 22. II. 99). See page 368.
376 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
SYRPHIDiE.
Syrphus, Fabr.
5. Syrphus aegyptius, fVied. Al)d-el-Kuri, 1 ? (22. II. 99). See page 369.
Musca, Linn.
MUSCID^.
6. Musca, qh
Abd-el-Kuri (22. II. 99).
HIPPOBOSCID^.
Olfersia, Meig.
7. Olfersia (?)spinifera {Lwh).
Ftronia ■sjjinl/tm, Leuch, Mem. Werner Nat. Hist. Soc. , ii. p. .557, tab.
xxvi. figs. 1, 3 (1818). Olftrsia .spinifera, Wied., Auss. Zweifl. Ins., ii. p. 607 (1830) ; Schiner,
Reise Novara, p. 373 (1866) ; Wulp, Tijd. v. Ent., xxiii. p. 193 (1880).
Alxl-el-Kuri (2.3. II. 99). — Two specimens cajitured oft' a specimen of the Booby {Sula sulu).
These may probably lielong to this species, specimens of which AVie(U'mann believes to have come from the Cape. Schiner gives Batavia as the habitat of his specimens, and Van der Wnlp, Java, for liis. These agree fairly with Leach's plate, with the exception of the wing, which is clear, not shaded, as in the plate.
[Two Boobies (Stila sula) had no sooner been shot and lifted into the lannch than two of these curions parasitic fties were seen to leave their liodies, run with great speed along the seat, and fly overboard. Their move- ments were so rapid that one had scarcely time to realise what they were, liefore they had disappeared. Two more were, however, cap- tured as described alwve (see Aves, p. 62). It is extraordinary that these flies should be able to survive the constant immersions in salt water to which they are sul)jected. — JF.ll.O.G.]
378 THE NATUKAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XXII.
Fig:. I. EXOPROSOPA PUNCTIPENNIS, / . 7S c^, p. 364-
Fig. I a. Tlic siiine.
Pig. 2. ARQYROM>eBA FUSCIPENNIS, n. sji., $, p. 366.
Fig. 2a. T/ic siiiiic.
Fig. 3. EXOPROSOPA INSULARIS, «. s/>., c^,p. 365-
Fig. 3a. The sdiiic.
Fig. 4. ANTHRAX SOKOTR/C, n. q»., p. 367.
Fig. 4a. Tlie t<(tiiu'.
Fig. 5. P5IL0CEPHALA ALBOHIRTA, n. q>., p. 361.
Fig. 5a, The same.
Fig. 6. STEGOMYIA GRANTI, ThnA, ? , p. 360.
Fig. 7. PROMACHUS SOKOTR/G, n. sp., 6, p. 362.
Fig. 7a. The mine.
Fig. 8. ANTHOMYIA BIFASCIATA, n. s^?., 6, p. 373-
Fig. 8a. The same.
Fig. 9. PROMACHUS SOKOTRA, u. sp., ?, p. 362.
Fig. 9a. T/ie sdiiie.
Fig. 10. OMMATIUS TIBIALIS, n. sji., ?, p. 375.
Fig. loa. The Slime.
Fig. II. HOPLISTOMERA NIQRESCENS, //. s/>., ?, p. 362.
Fig. 1 1 a. The mute.
> \
I
/ a \
*v"
II
s
f
378 TiJi
SOKOTF: wlD-Kl^Kt )::
%
.ATE XXII.
4l^
'/ 1
h
Fig. 2. Fig. 2ii
Fig Fiv
yjonv-NIS, ,.. f.,, :, p. 364.
BA FUSCIPENNIS
p. ,^66
XOPP<»SOPA INSULARIS, ». sp., S,p. 365-
V', P- 3<i7'
I
Fig. 8a. '
Fig. 9. PROMACHUS SOKOTR/E, v
Fig. 9a. The saiiu:
Fig. lo. OMMATIUS TIBfAUS, n. sp., 9, p. 37s.
Fig. loa. The sum/;.
F!>r !i. HOPLISTOMERA NIGRESCEN.-
\. Tht; stime.
, p. 362
Livejjj ]^h s.i Rep. SokctrrzExped.
Fl.XXIL
10 a-
Horace Kruglit del. etlitK. ^' West.Newraanlitli.
FLIES FROM SOKOTRA &ABD-EL-KURI
ARTHROPODA
Insecta:
Hemiptera.
Bjj Q. W. KIRKALDY.
PLATE XXIII
TirE CICADS AND BUOS OF SOKOTRA. 381
Cicads and Bu^s.
The Hemiptera collected l)v Mr. W. 11. Ogilvie-Graiit and Dr. H. O. Forbes in Sokotra and Al»d-el-Kuri inspire one with a lively desire to aciinii'e a more extensi\e knowledge of the Honiopterons and Heteropterous fanna of these islands. Unfortnnately the other branches of Zoology were so absorbing that little attention conld be paid to this gi'onp, and no special search was made for them, only 43 specimens (35 imagines and 8 nymphs) being obtaineil, embracing 13 species, viz. : — 2 Homoptera and 11 Heteroptera. Of special interest is the new species of Klinnphilos [Cimcx or Aranthia {oUni)\ I would ask naturalists abroad to make a point of capturing and sending to me, in formalin or alcohol, the ' Bed-bugs ' of the localities which they visit or in which they reside, as many new and interesting species are undoubtedly overlooked, or passed l)y as the 'Common Bug.'
I have to thank Mr. Ogilvie-Grant for providing numerous interesting l)iological details, which are distinguished bv the addition of his initials.
I. — The Cicads and Bugs of Sokotra.
HOMOPTERA. CICADID^.
Cicadetta, Kolenati.
1. Cicadetta omar (/v7/7.). (Plate xxiii. figs. 1, la, lb.)
Melamp'<alf(i omar, * Kirk., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 4.) (1899). Covered thickly and almost entirely — less so on the abdomen — Mnth short yellowish pubescence, and with long scattered hairs. Face closely striated transversely (t) ; rostrum reaching to intermediate cox;e. Anterior femora greatly incrassate, armed beneath with three stout sharp teeth ; tibi* slightly longer than femora, about i longer than tarsi ; third tai'sal segment 3§ longer than first, second § longer than first. Intermediate and posterior femora, anterior and inter- mediate tibite, unarmed ; posterior tibiae with three long, acute spines
* The immortal Persian Poet. t This character is not obvious owing to the pilosity.
382 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
on each side of the apical half. Intermediate til)i;e twice as long as tarsi, third tarsal segment about three times as long as first, which is slightly shorter than the second ; posterior tibiae nearly twice as long as tarsi, third tarsal segment about three times as long as first, second about one-half longer than the first. Tegmina immaculate, except that the apical margin of the exterior ulnar area is infuscate. Wings immaculate.
Length of body l'2h mm., expanse of tegmina 32 mm.
Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 3. and 15. II. 99), and Homhil (2500 ft., 19. and 26. I. 99).
I think that too much reliance has been placed in the past upon colour and pattern for specific purposes ; the 6 specimens before me seem all to be refera])le to one species, practically identical in structure, , I although varying in colour and pattern sufficiently to form at least
three species according to some recent desci'iptious. I therefore now descril)e them in detail.
(«) 3 S .
Dull black, ocelli flavous or rufo-ffaA'ous ; the apical three segments of antennie flavescent ; anterior margin of head (as seen from above) partly, posterior margin of pronotum very narrowly, posterior margin of the three middle abdominal segments more or less, sanguineo- flavous ; lateral margins of clypeus narrowly sanguineous ; posterior margin of mesonotum somewhat flavescent. Opercula sordid pale flavous or whitish apically, black laterally and l>asally. Venter sordid flavous, black centrally longitudinally. Anterior coxaj and femora longitudinally fasciate, til)ia3 Inannulate, intermediate femora narrowly apically, l)asal half of third posterior tarsal segment, and posterior spines wholly — sanguineous or sanguineo-flavous. Posterioi- tibiie sanguineous ; black narrowly at apex, l)roadly at base. Costa, &c., flavous ; nervures flavous or sanguineo-flavous.
(/3) 1 ? .
Black ; a large l)road Y, the anterior and posterior margins and a number of spots on the head ; the base of the Y continued along the pronotum, the base, lateral margins, &c., of the pronotum ; lateral margins and two central lateral stripes on mesonotum ; apical margins of abdominal segments more or less widely — flavous or luteous. Nervures same colour. Legs as in (a), except that the sanguineous is replaced l)y luteous. Clypeus spotted aud broadly margined laterally with fyscous. Whole ventral surface pale luteous, except ovipositor and a central spot on each abdominal segment, S:c.
(7) 2 ? .
A little smaller and much paler ; luteous. Head and pronotum with three black blotches on head, two oblique im^erted V's on pronotum. Venter immaculate ; legs immaculate except very narrowly at base and apex of each segment ; spines of anterior femora black.
["The Cicadas were mostly captured at night, atti'acted by the light of the
THE ('U'Al)S AND JiUCiS oF SOKoTKA. 383
laiitcni ill one's tent. A few wece fonnd at I'e.st niuler stones dni'ing the dayr^ir.h'.Oj;.] I iiuulverteutly used the name '' Mflani/'snlfii " in the 2)i'eliininarv (h'scrip- tion. '^Cicadetto^Tcff/ifrffa, and ■MrlamiisaUa wei'c all founded simultane- ously l)y Kolenati (liS57, Bull. Sue. Masron), but as they ai-e now considered co-extensive, I have em])loyed the first of the three. Ctniilrttii appears to l)e a most unsatisfactoiy genus from a specific ])oiiit of \ iew. In his MoiiDtjni/)// of Onental Cian/iild', Distant mentions scarcely a single structural character, Avhile Kai'seh (ISDO Jlrrl. Kiif. Zrifsrhr., XXXV. V23-6) divides the Afi-ican species primarily hy coloration, one species— ('. imisint (Germ.)— being distinguished by its much narrower tegmina. According to the learned Doctor, in mudiHi the tegmina are three times (23 ~ S), while in the other species the teginina are only 2;^-2i times, as long as wide in the middle. One of the males herein described, however, has the tegmina fully three times, while the others have them only 2^ times, as long as wide. FULOORID^.
Elasmoscelis, Spinola.
2. Elasmoscelis iram, A7/7,-. (Plate xxiii. fig. 2, 2a.)
E/a.vno.'<ce/l,<t iram. Kirk., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 45 (1899).
Dark brown. c^, frons long; marginal carina? distinctly diverging outwards towards the apical margin (that is to say jioderiorhj) ; central carina absent, except ol)soletely towards the apical margin. Second antennal segment robust, subi-otundate. Pronotum dis- tinctly longitudinally cai'inate, with a tubercule on each side of the carina. Scutellum distinctly tricarinate longitudinally. Anterior femora and tibia? foliaceous, rather more elongate than in E. rimicoides. (Germ.). Blackish-l»iT)wn ; frons vermilion : lateral carinte altogether, and gen* externally — green. Antenme testaceous. Elytra with a large white spot on the lateral margins of the corium, about the middle ; a smaller whitish spot between the latter and the apical margin ; apical margin whitish. Femora and anterior tit)i;e blackish- brown with whitish spots, intermediate and posterior tiliia^ and all the tarsi fusco-testaceous. Closely allied to /;. friniaadafiis, Walk.
Length (including tegmina) 6 mm.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (11. XII. 98).
[" Captured on a bath towel, on which the light of a lantern had l)een thrown to attract moths." — JF.I'.O.G.]
HETEROPTERA. ANTHOCORIDiE.
t'inncida- (in part) auett.
Klinophilos, Kirkcaldy.
3. Klinophilos horrifer, A7//,'. (Plate xxiii. fig. 3.)
Kliiiophilox horrif)i\ Kiik., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p-. 45 (1899). Closely punctured on thorax and alxlomen, covered with short hairs,
384 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
thicker and longer on the head and at hiteral margins of pronotnm and elytra, and at apex of abdomen. liostruni not I'eaching anterior coxie. Third segment of antennte |- longer than second, which is three times as long as the first, and slightly longer than the f(jnrth ; first segment not qnite attaining t(j apex of head. Pi-onotnm convex, lateral margins not reflexed, antero-lateral angles prominently pro- duced in front. Third tarsal segment twice as long as second, which is slightly longer than the first. Alwlomen sniwotundate posteriorly, first five ventral segments longitudinally bicarinate. Castaneous, nni- colorous, except the blackish eyes and the flavons antenn;e and pubescence.
Length of body 4 mm.
Hahitut. Sokotra: Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 16. IT. 99.). -Very common ; only one specimen in the collection.
Belongs to Stal's section "a a" {Cimpx in K. Sv. Akad. Handl., 1873, Band xi. No. 2, p. 104), and differs from Aranfhia rofiiinhfd, Signoret (1852, Anq. Site. Ent. France (2), x. p. 540, plate xvi. fig. 2), by the rounded apical parts of the abdomen, and the much moic pi'ominent antero-lateral pronotal angles.
The usual generic names for the ' Bed-l)ugs' are rejected (see EnfDinnhxjisf, 1899, p. 219) ; Cimcx Iddcns, Linn., being the Type of Viinrx, Liim., and Cimex littorc^is, Linn., the Type of Acaidhia, Fa1>r.
["The example here recorded was found walking inside my mosquito curtain, and at first mistaken for -a small lieetle. A volume of " Vanity Fair " offering the most convenient means of capture, it was carefully squashed between the pages, when the odour at once pro- claimed the objectional)le nature of my ^'isitor. LTnfortunately, I did not attach any importance to this acquisition, and though other examples were seen and killerl, none were preserved. 8o far as our experience went, this l»ug did not 1)ite white men, and was, no doubt, a souvenir of the Aral) camel-men who transported our l)aggage, or of the Sokoti'i natives who daily visited oui' camp." — Jr.It'.O.G.^
REDUVIIDiE.
Reduvius, Fabricius.
4. Reduvius azrael, Kirk. (Plate xxiii. fig. 4.)
Ridnr'ui.-^ (cracl, Kiik., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 46 (1899).
Antennae very pilose. Second segment 4 longer than first, not dilated near the apex, second f longer than the third ; rostrum scarcely reaching to middle of the central part of the prosternum. Longi- tudinal carinaj not nearly reaching the liase of pronotum. Sides of corium and of al)domen glal)rous. All the tarsi trisegmentate ; posterior tibiie very pilose. Venter sparsely pilose, l)asal four seg- ments carinate.
Blackish ; anteiuia? stramineous, apex of first and second segments black. Humeral angles of pronotum and extreme base (' apex ' of most
THK OK -ADS AND P.UOS (H'^ SOKOTIU. 385
authors !) yellowish, a few of the elytral iiervures yellowish, memhraiie fuscous. lii'ii's (exee})t eox;e) flavo-stramiiieous, femora and til)i;e mai'ked with Mack at hase and apex. Coiiiicxi\uni whitish (or oi'augc-ycllow) spotted.
Length 1") mm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimcllus (.•5.")00 ft., :'.. II. 99 ; 9. II. !)9).
Xi/iiijih^ ill (?) pi'iinltitnutr ■<f(ii/('. (Plate xxiii. hg. 4a.)
Head much as in the imago, anteiiiue -l-segmentate only ; second, third, and fourth segments together longer than the whole body ; first as in adult, second not so thick as the first, but thicker than third or fourth ; second a1)out f longer than first, second and fourth ei[ual, together equal to third. Rostrum not reaching anterior coxie. Tarsi all l)i-segmentate (the second represents the second and third in the imago). Sterna and first three abdominal segments elevated in the centre longitudinally. Abdomen rounded laterally ; nine dorsal, eight or nine venti-al, segments visilile.
Brownish, lighter on alidomen and legs, darker on head ; coxie, tibiiie, tarsi and apex of femora, sterna, basal ventral segments, and antennte — pallid. Abdomen dorsally with two darker large spots near the centre of each segment and two on each connexival segment.
Length 9.t mm., l)readth near apex of abdomen 5^ nun.
Sokotra: Homhil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99), and Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft., 5. L 99).—Jr.B.O.G.
[" The adult form was found among stones whilst we were searching for lizards. The curious larval forms were sometimes observed on the floors of the tents, their singular appearance and mode of progression at once attracting attention. When first captured the body was entirely concealed with gi'its of sand, empty bodies of ants, and other particles, but in tia\elling from place to place many of these l)ecame detached, ^^dlell walking they move sideways, like a cral), and seem for all the world like aiumated " casting " of some small insect- feeding bird."— /r. 7/. 0. (A]
Aspilocoryphus, Sfa/. GEOCORID-^.
Li/i/n i,hi\ auctt.
5. Aspilocoryphus forbesii, Kid: (Plate xxiii. fig. 6.)
A--'j)i/orn/-i//ihih<: jhrl'f.'dl, Kirk., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 46. Pi'onotum, scutellum, and elytra densely punctured. Antenn.v, fourth
segment 4 larger than the third and scarcely longer than the second,
the latter twice as long as the first, which is stouter and furnished
with short liristly hairs as in Euflwfiis (/ranfi. Black ; second and third segments of antennae at base, coxie, tarsi more or
less l>eneath — testaceous ; basal third of fourth antennal segment,
386 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
antero-latei'al margins of pi'onotum, femora at liase — whitish ; a number of ol)Scure minute testaceous spots on pronotum and a narrow ochreous longitudinal line (represented in one specimen hy four spots, and al)sent in two specimens) on the apical half of basal lobe of pro- notum ; scutellum, with two small ochreous spots, the lateral margins and l)ase (apex audf.) testaceous. Exocorium and cla-\'al suture narrowly testaceous, the former with a blackish spot towards the apex. Til)ite brownish, apically l)lack. Allied to A. fascvdivcntria (Stal).
Length lOi-12^ mm.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (XII. 98) ; Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 29.1.99); Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 3. II. 99).
Aspilocoriiplui>i does not appear to me to afford sufficient generic characters for separation from Li/i/tt'osoma, Spin. I have great pleasure in dedicating this species to Dr. H. 0. Forl)es.
[" Met with in dry, sandy spots, where they may l)e seen moving rather slowly aljout among the stones, occasionally making short flights of a few inches." — W.Ii. 0. Ct.]
Geocoris, Fallen. 6. Geocoris sokotranus, Kid: (Plate xxiii. fig. 5.)
Gfocorix sol'otninnfi, Kirk., Bull. Liverj). Muss., ii. p. 46 (1S99).
Head not punctured, furnished with short hairs, and a fovea on each side at the base ; second aufl fourth segments of antenna? sul)equal, each 2^ longer than the first, -^ longer than the third. Pronotum densely punctured all mvr, except on the lateral parts of the central smooth transverse callosity : distinctly narrowed at the rounded antero-lateral margins. Scutellum closely punctured except on the central longitudinal carina. Clavus with one row of punctures along the corial margin ; corium with two well-separated, slightly diverging rows of punctures along the claval margin, two rather more irregular rows on the pale exterior lateral margin. Membrane well developed. First tarsal segment (of each leg) equal to second and third together, third slightly longer than second.
Shining black ; eyes sul)castaneous, antenna? flavescent. second segment paler, first darker. Scutellum pale at extreme base ("apex" audf.) and very narrowly pale laterally. Head beneath, antei'ioi' margin itf prosternum, exocorium, and membrane, sordid fiavescent.
Length, -1-| mm.
Sokotra : P:ihe, Hadibu Plain (30. I. 98).
This species does not seem to fit well into any of the divisions proposed l)y Fieber or Stal ])ut perhaps best into Stal's "h " — Eiium. Ht'inipf.
["Caught among the stones on the dry sandy gi'ound near our camp at
Eihe."— /r.//.or/.]
THE ('I('Al)S AND liUCS OF SOKOTRA. 387
LYG^ID^.
Comddt', aiictt.
Leptocoris, Hafm. 7. Leptocoris bahram,* A7/7,-. (Plate xxiii. s.)
Le))tocori-< h((hr<(/ii, Kirk., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 4(1 (1899). Head and proiiotnm funii.shed with spar.se, short, somewhat stiff, bUick haii's, not readily pei'ceptiltlc on the disc of the proiiotum, l)ut thicker and closei- on the lateral niai'gins ther(M)f. Juga distinctly moi-e elevated towards, and at, their apices than that of the tylns, and advanced a little in front of it ; dorsum of head roundly raised, very narrowly sulculate from the l)ase of the tylus to the space between the ocelli ; a sub-oblique fovea on each side of the head alongside of and close to the eyes, its posterior extremity almost touching the nearer ocellus. Rostrum reaching to middle of first alxhjminal seg- ment. Fourth segment of antennae slightly longer than the third, which is slightly longer than the second, which is a little more than three times as long as the first ; the latter extends beyond the apex of the head for about one-half its (the segment's) total length. Collar narrow, somewhat feel)ly punctured; anterior margin subtiuneate, posterior margin l»isinuate, slightly produced in the middle liasally : posterior part of pronotum transversely sulyrugose, coarsely punctured, lateral margins slightly sinuate, the latter and the posterior margin narrowly reflexed ; distinctly carinated longitudinally down the centre ; an impunctuate callosity on each side of the carina, reaching laterally as far as the reflexed margin, posterior to the collar. Anterior and lateral margins of scutellum strongly elevated, extreme Imse acute. Metasternum sulcate. Clavus and corium punctured. First segment of posterior tarsi a little longer than the others together, third one-half longer than the second.
S First genital segment posteriorly subtruncate, posterior angles not produced.
Head collar, callosity, scutellum, &c., reddish-orange ; rest of pronotum, elyti-a (except memlirane), dorsum of abdomen, and whole ventral surface (except rostrum) yellowish-orange, deepening on the coxaj, ventral surface of head, elytral nervures, lateral margins of pronotum, &c., eyes dai-k crimson-red, ocelli a little paler ; antenn;e and legs (except coxfe) l)lack ; membi'ane and wings lurid (l)laek in I'epose).
Length, 15 mm.
8okotra: Hadibu Plain (XIT. 9H) ; Homhil (12()0 ft., 17. I. 99); Adho Dimellus (3000 ft., 5., 6., and 9. II. 99).
The genus LcjAororis, Hahn., antedates Scriiicihn, Spiiiola, by six years ; it must not be confounded with anothe)' Lyga'id geiuis of veiy similar name, \\z., Le2)tocorise,ljditv. { = Leptocorim auctt.). The present species belongs to Stal's section "a a" {K. Sv. Akad. HaiulL, 1873, Band xi.
* " Bahram" a great Persian hunter.
388 THE NATUrvAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
No. 2, p. 100), and is distinguished from every other species known to me, except fraternits, Westw., (from which it is at once separated by the pale scutellum and elytra) by the apically elevated juga. [" The adult was generally met with among stones when searching for Lizards and Arachnida, \'c. The orange-coloured nymph is very common on dry stou}'' girmnd, and is extremely active, running with amazing rapidity. " — JF. It. 0. G. ]
Nymphs in ultimate stai/c. (Plate xxiii. fig. 8a.)
Covered sparsely with short, stiff^ 1)lack hairs, more sparingly on alidomen. Head very similar to that of adult, except that the ocelli are absent (indicated by two white-ringed eye-like spots?). Rostrum .3-segmentate, first segment reaching base of head, second reachii\g base of meso- sternum, third reaching middle of first al)dominal segment. Pronotum transverse, collared in front, posterior margin notal)ly siiuiate. Scutel- lum sub-quadrate, l)ase scarcely angular. Elytra and wings semi- coriaceous. All the tarsi l)i-segmentate. Ten alidominal segments visiT)le dorsally, posterior margins of the first three straight, fourth scarcely sinuate, fifth medianly emarginate ; the glandular openings of the fourth aiid fifth segments are very small, that of the fourth on the posterior margin, that of the fifth nearer the middle. Nine segments (1-7 and 9-10) visilile veuti'ally (the eighth slightly visible ventro-laterally).
Pale luteous ; head and eyes sanguineous. Antennre and legs reddish- piceous, coxfe and segmental articulations palei-. Elytra and wings basally and laterally l)i'ownish-l)lack. CTlandnhir openings pale sanguineous.
Length 12^^ mm.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500-2500 ft.).
EuthetUS, Dal/as.
8. EuthetUS granti, A7/7.. (Plate xxiii. hgs. 7, 7a.)
Eii/hefit.'^ ;/r<tii/i, Kiik., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 40 (1899).
S Strongly rugosely-punctured on pronotum, scutellum, and elytra. Furnished with short silvery hairs. First three segments of antenuie sparsely furnished with short l)ristly hairs, much longer than the usual antennal clothing ; first segment reaching apex of head, second slightly compressed towards the middle, slenderer than either the first or third ; fourth ^^ longer than the third, which is three times as long as the second, first 4 longer than the second. Posterior angles of pronotum acute, very slightly prominent. Posterior femora very slightly incrassate, slightly incurved, a little narrower towards the apex. Sixth abdominal segment apically truncate (seventh segment not visil)le from alcove), not laterally pi'oduced into spines ; second- fourth segments ventrally carinate.
THE CICADS AND BUGS OF SOKOTRA. 389
Black ; clypeus and rostrum at tlio liase greenish-yellow ; first and second segments of antenn;i! at the base, anterior margin of prost(n'nnm (except in the middle), latei-al margins of the frons, apical margins of pleura — testaceous ; third and fourth antennal segmcints, tihi.e and tarsi — fusco-testaceous, each of the tarsal segments l)hick apically ; femora soidid fuseous, uni-annulatc with hiack and witli white; ah(h)men scarlet dorsally, more or less the same colour ventrally. Corium (triangular patch near the junction of the clavus and mem- bi'anc — excepted) and exocoi'ium fusco-testaceous. *
$ Similar to th(^ male. Sixth alxlominal segment somewhat deeply and widely roundly — emarginate ; apical segment visil)le from above (fig. 7a). Black ; spots and lines on head and pi'ouotum \ery narrow or almost ()l)S()lete. Alxlomen scai'k't dorsally, margins black — sixth-ninth seg- ments l)lack, except whitish median stripe ; ventrally hhick, except a noticeable latero-apical whitish line on the third segment.
Length 10 mm.
Sokotra : Elbe, lladibu Plain (30. I. 99).
I ha\'e great pleasure in dedicating this species to Mr. \\ . M. Ogihie- (irant.
[Very common on the sandy plain near our camp at Elhc'. Their move- ments are much like those of certain Hi/iiienapfrra, especially the ichneumons, as they rvui swiftly auKjug the stones and roots with their antenn;e constantly vibrating, and every few seconds make a short swift flight, which looks almost like a jump. — JF.ILO.G.^
CIMICID^.
Aspongopus, Laporfe. 9. Aspongopus assar.t Kid: (Plate xxiii. fig. 10.)
AspoiKjopHx assar, Kirk, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 4 (1899). Scutellum and Ijasal part of prcjuotum trans\ersely rugose and irregularly closely punctured ; cla\us and corium somewhat superficially, dorsum of abdomen closely and finely, punctured. Second and foiuth seg- ments of antenna? depressed, slightly wider than fifth ; fifth segment one-fourth longer than fourth, which is y^„ longer than third ; second and third sul)-equal, each J longer than first. Lateral margins of pronotum narrowly reflexed, base of scutelhmi rounded. Head, antennae, antei'ior part of pronotum (except laterally), legs, dorsum of abdomen, and entire ventral surface (except lateral margins of prosternum) l)lack, with a slight reddish tinge in parts. Meml)i'ane sordid bronze, nervures with a violet tinge. Kest castaneous (in one
*One specimen, S , differs as follows : — Apical half, a narrow central longitudinal band and 2 lateral spots near base of head ; anterior margin of pronotum narrowly, lateral margins widely — testaceous.
t " Assar,'' a Persian poet ; literally "an oil-presser."
-■;s;
390 THE NATURAL HISTORY OV SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURT.
specimen, yellowish-ln'own), dai'ker on disc of scutellum and on a})ical margin of corium.
Tarsal pilosity castaneous ; ocelli rnliid.
Length 15 mm.
Sokotra : Jena agahan (1200 ft., 29. T. 99).
Apparently very closely related to A. viiliKtttis (Fal)r.), l)ut the apical margin of the corium is sinuate, and the dorsum of the abdomen dull 1)lack (cyaneous in vvhiafiis) ; moreover, the second segment of the anteini;e is somewhat longer than the thii'd in riJ/iiifiis^ snl)e([ual to it in (issfir. Apparently also allied to iii(/ntriol(ici'iis, Pal., but at (juce separated l)y the colour of the dorsum of the abdomen (reddish in the latter).
]S^i/injih.^ in jiriiulfbntiff (?) tiiid niifcjtrniilifiii'ifr (/) sfiKjrs. (Plate xxiii. fig. 10a.)
Truncate-ovate. Antenuie short and stout, (juadri-segmentate, fourth alxnit twice as long as thii'd, which is a little shorter than the second, which is 2i times as long as the hrst. Rostrum reaches apex of intermediate coxae. Pronotum widely reHexed laterally. Meso- and metasternum sulcate. Tarsi bi-segmentate. Stigmata : thoracic (three on each side plainly visi])le) elongate ; abdominal round (eight visible on the al)domen — not on the connexivum — near the apical margin of each segment). The three abdominal glands are \evy laige (second and third larger than the first) — decreasing in comparative size as the nymph becomes older — transverse, about one-third of Avhole breadth of abdomen, situated dorsally in the centre of third, fourth, and fifth segments, which are deeply convexly emarginate. The thoracic orifices of the stink glands become visible in the penultimate stage. Nine or ten abdominal segments visible dorsally, each one (from the second to the ninth) transversely sulcate (there thus apparently being 18 abdominal segments). These segments are also, but more super- ficially, transversely sulcate ventrally.
Sokotra : Dahamis (350-1000 ft., 17. and 22. XII. OS).
Castaneous ; head, antenn.e, legs, tK;c., black. Eyes sanguineous. Sterna sordid pale castaneous ; abdomen -STiitrally greyish castaneous, stigmata black.
["The imagines were picked up among some stones when searching for lizards and spiders. The nymphs were obtained in a cluster on a shrub near our camp at Jena-agahan, but I never observed them any where else. " — /F. 7/. 0. G. ]
Qeotomus, Mulsant&Rey. 10. Geotomus attar, * q>. nov. (Plate xxiii. figs. 9, 9a.)
Head very transverse, rugosely punctured, I'cfiexed anteriorly with six or
* " Attar," a famous Persian poet.
THE CICADS AND BU(iS OF SOKUTUA. 391
seven hairs on each side ; central l()l)e fairly wide and snbparallel, rather obsolete posteriorly, narrowed anteriorly. Ocelli nearer to the eyes than to the central line of the head. Rostrum reaching to the inter- mediate C()xa>. Antenna! : second and third segments subequal ; fourth and fifth suljeipial, each slightly longer than second or third. Pro- notum sul (glabrous, puuctur-ed laterally and anteriorly ; scutellum and coriuni more or less densely punctured, the former rounded at the l)ase ('ape.x;' Sif/no.ret) ; lateral margins of proitotum and coi'ium piligerous. Meml)rane sub-hyaline.
S Sixth abdominal segment roundly excavated apically.
Keddish-pitchy, lighter on scutellum and corium, anteinue and tarsi still paler. P]yes rubid, ocelli clear luteo-stramineous.
Length G.l mm., breadth 4^ mm.
Sokotra.
Appears to ditf'er from the previously described species of the geinis l)y the form of the ostiolary regions. (Plate xxiii. fig. 9a.)
Nezara, Amyot & ServHle. 11. Nezara, ^7^
I have not enumerated two species (embracing four specimens) of Viiid- cidce, one of which is a Ak':ara, and, although apparently new, has not been described here as it appears to be immature in colouring.
392 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KX'RI.
11. — Bugs from Abd=el=Kuri.
Chroantha, Stdl. Chroantha ornatula, »sv//rv//;
Chroantha (?) hata-ika, Kirk., Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 47.
Alxl-el-Kuri (5. XII. 98).
This specimen was described in the Bnllrfin of the Liverpool Museums (loc. (it ), as a douhtfully new species, l)ut aftei- a re-examination, it appears to me that, despite some minor ditterences, it is not suffici- ently distinct to rank as a separate species from C. onuUuhi.
394 THE NATURAL HISTOIIY OF SOKOTllA AM) ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XXIII.
'"Fig. I. CICADETTA OMAR, Kirk., S, p. 381.
Fig. la, Abihuiu'n of sdiiie [ivitftal).
Fig. lb. Frons, <Cv., of smae.
V Fig. 2. ELASM0SCELI5 IRAM, Kirk., p. 383.
/ A Fig. 2a. A nferior leg of same.
Fig. 3. KLINOPHILOS HORRIFER, Kirk., p. 383.
Fig. 4. REDUVIUS AZRAEL, Kirk., p. 384.
Fig. 4a. Xi/mpJi of saiiic.
Fig. 5. QEOCORIS S0K0TRANU5, Kirk, p. 386.
Fig. 6. ASPILOCORYPHUS FORBESII, A7/7., p. 385.
Fig. 7. EUTHETUS CiRANTI, Kirk., p. 388.
Fig. 7a. Apical segments of ? .
Fig. 8. LEPTOCORIS BAH RAM, Kirk., p. 387.
Fig. 8a. Xi/inph of same.
Fig. 9. QEOTOMUS ATTAR, Kirk., p. 390.
Fig. 9a. Sfer)i.a, dr., of same.
Fig. 10. ASPONQOPUS ASSAR, Kirk., p. 389.
Fig. loa. Xfimph (f so ins.
Liverp.Mus.; Rep.Schctra ExpecJy.
Pl.XXIlI.
Hora-ce KiugKt del etHth.. MiTxterixBros inxp.
HEMIPTERA FROM SOKOTRA.
ARTHROPODA.
Insecta:
Neuroptera.
Pseudo=neuroptera.
Nok h/ HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D.
Amphibiotica.
Bi/ R. McLACHLAN, F.R.5.
Planipennia.
i>// W. F. KIRBY, F.L.S.
PLATES XXIV., XXIV A.
THE WHITE ANTS OF SOKOTRA. 397
White Ants, Dra^on= Flies, and Ant=Lions.
The White Ants of Sokotra.
PSEUDO-NEUROPTERA.
There are two species at least of Termites in Sokotra. The one erects a tennitariiun on the surface of the ground to a height of some 12 to IS inches, of a red chxy mixed with l)uccal or excrementitious matter whicli giAes the chiy so very tenacious a character that after beinf kneaded in the hands and dried it aequii'es a hai-chiess ahiiost equal to stone. These termitaria occur, as a rule, on l)are, treeless spaces. It is a different species fi'om that M'hich, in Africa, makes the surprisingly large nests, 12 to 20 feet high, which have been (lescril>ed by travellei'S as looking from a distance like a cluster of nati\e huts. None of the termitaria observed by us exceeded 18 inches in height.
The second species was found only among the scrult. Theii' colonies live in the hollows of dead branches, which they have eaten out and lined with woody, probably excrementitious, matter, and whose external shell they have also covered over with the same deposit. This deposit, instead of l)eing of a tenacious charactei-, is very friable, the nest generally falling to pieces on being touched.
Both species occurred up as high as our camp at Adho Dimellus ; but I have no record oi them abo\e that elevation.
In Abd-el-Kuri I observed no Termite nests.
398 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The Dragon = Flies of Sokotra.
As verv little was known of the Odonate fauna of Sokotra, the thirteen species found hy Mr. Ogilvie-Grant form an item of importance, and it is A'ery seldom I have had the pleasure of examining materials in this group preserved in hetter order.
The general aspect of the species is very distinctly African, or, to be more precise, I might say, Ti'opical African. An Indian element jorobahlv exists in the case of Trained hunnnsferi and MarndipJa.i' ritfafa. The palse- arctic element may exist in the case of the unnamed Orflietnuii, which belongs to a palwarctic " alliance," which, ^vhen tropical, is usually associated with consideral)le altitude.
I do not imagine these thirteen species represent the entire Odonate fauna of Sokotra. Having regaixl to the position of the island, and the known migratory powers of these insects, it is possible that the number of species that occur Avill remain very much an unknown quantity. The really endemic species could only be ascertained by residential observations extending over a series of years. But the practically certain immigrant (or " sporadic ") element derived mostly from the west, but also pai'tially fi-om the east, is the unknown quantity.
AMPHIBIOTICA. ODONATA.
LIBELLULIN/E.
Pantala, Hagen.
1. Pantala flavescens {F((l>.).
Lih^llnla flarescnis, Fabr., Ent. Syst. Suppl., p. 285 (1798). Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (12. XII. 98).— 1 ? .
[Sides of abdomen ochre, pale greenish-grey on each side, the black mark- ing down the middle. — JF.R.O.G.]
Tramea, Hagen.
2. Tramea burmeisteri, Kirhy. (Plate xxiv. fig. 4).
Tramea InirmeiMeri, Kirby, Trans. Zool. Soc, xii. p. 316 (1889). Sokotra : Hadiln; Plahi (13. XII. 98).— 2 <?. [Thorax (in life) yellowish-brown, alxlomen dai'k crimson (or carmine)
marked with black. — jr.B.O.G.] This is scarcely more than the Indian race of T. basilar is, Beauv., which
is mostly West African in distribution. The Sokotran examples agree
THE DRAGON-FLIES OF SOKOTRA. 399
better with the Indian in the slight points of diffei'ence, the most marked of which is that the irreguhir l)rown crescentic marking at the base of tlie hind-wings invades the triangle in basilaris, and does not ordinarily do so in ltunu('is//'n. It is to 1)0 remarked that Mi'. Kii'by's name, hiiniiHsfcri, was professedly bestowed npon T. r/i/iinisis, Bniin., which Mi'. Kirliy did not consider to represent De (Tcer's species of that name, and there is something in Bnrmeister's description that would seem to warrant such an idea. But Dr. Calvert, in his review of Bnrmeister's types (Tnais. Aiiirr. Knl. S(ir., x.w.), passes "' cliiitnisis" without comment.
Rhyothemis, Hagen.
3. Rhyothemis semihyalina, / )>■■</,( nl in. •<, race separata, <S''"///.s' {?). (Plate
xxi\- A. tig. .").)
LilK'lhild separata, Selys, Lucas Expl. Alg. , iii. p. 11."), pi. 1. tig. 1 (1849).
Sokotra : Hadil)u Plain (12.-1G. XII. 9S).— 4 c?.
[Colour in life — Thorax and abdomen l)luish-black. — JCILOJi.]
These examples are of somewhat large size (abdomen 20-21 mm., posterior wing 29-31 mm.), the hyaline portion of the wings tinged with olivaceous, the opaque basal portion of the posterior not reaching the nodus, the pterostigma rather long (2-5 mm.), the nodus in the anterior placed midway from the Ijase to the end of the pterostigma.
The Type form of semihijaUna (or hemihi/alina, as it is often termed) was from the island of Mauritius, and is smaller, with a shorter ptero- stigma, the opaque portion of the posterior wings often extending to the nodus, &c. The form described by De Selys from Algeria as separata would also seem to have been smaller, and to have had the outer edire of the opaque portion of the posterior wings more regular according to the figure in I.ucas' Exploration d'Ah/eri/'. I have never seen the Algerian insect.
A form very similar to that from Sokotra, l)ut from Central Africa, has been described l)y Mr. Kirby as Ith. tturalis.
Macrodiplax, Brauer.
4. Macrodiplax vittata, Kirlai. (Plate xxivA. figs. 4, 4a.)
Urotlitmix vitfafa, Kirby, Journ. Linn. Soc, Zool. , xxiv. , p. o52, pi. xlii. fig. 2 (1894).
Sokotra : Hadi])u Plain (12. XII. 98). -1 ? .
On comparing this with Kirby's Types {Urothemis vittata, Kirby) from India and Ceylon, the only point of difference appears to be that in the Sokotran insect the face is purer white. I do not feel inclined to bestow a name on this single example.
In fact, it may be that M. h/coris, Selys (united l)y De Selys to nigrilahris, Selys), and J/, vittata are only races one of the other. M. vittata is smaller, the labrum less distinctly black, the median lobe of the labium scarcely l.ilackish, and the side lobes not margined with
400 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
blackish (some minute points of neural detail can scarcely l)e settled from scanty material). The vuh'ar scale is distinctly l)ut shallowly bilobed in both li/n/ris {nujrilahris') and vlMaft(. De Selys {Ann. Sor. Eld. Bdij., xli. p. 74) speaks of the vuh'ar scale in hjcuris as " sub- arrondie," but in his oi'iginal description of li/coris {Rev. et Mag. Zooh, Mai, 1872) he alludes to it as " paraissant echancree." Another point is here involved. Lib. h/coris, De Selys, was originally described l)y him as from Mauritius or Madagascar. But in 1897 {Ann. Soc. Ent. Behj.) he was induced to consider this doubtful locality distinctly erroneous, and he united the oriental nu/rilabris with the hitherto supposed African b/coris as one and the same species. Now that an African (albeit insular) example of the genus has Ijeen discovered, it is perhaps desiral)le that the whole subject be recon- sidered.
Trithemis, Brauer.
5. Trithemis arteriosa, Eurm., race distincta ( I'arnh.). (Plate xxiv.
tigs. Ic^, 2?.)
Lihdiiila di.stiiicfa, Ramb., Ins. Nt'-vr., p. 85 (1842).
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain (11.-13. XII. 98), 6 3, 7$; and Goalial Gorge (200 ft., 27.1.99), 16.
In varying degrees of maturity. The colours of the living males are variously given by Mr. Grant as " l)i'onze-carmine, and black," " crimson-carmine, and black," " dull bronze-madder, and l)lack," and of the female it is said " greenish-ochre with black marks."
These examples are referred to the race didincfd mainly on the descrip- tion and especially the figure given by De Selys in Lucas' E.rplorafion (VAlgirie. It is there given as conjxinda, Ramb., l)ut it was subse- quently discovered {cf. Ann Sue. Ent. Belg., xiv. p. 12) that the true conjunct^ is American. The principal reason for so doing is the large extension of yellow coloration at the l)ase of the wings, much simulat- ing Siimpdrumjiaveohim. The female has the l)ody strongly marked with black. According to Dr. Cahert, the Type of artcrioM, Burm., has the yellow at the l^ase of the wings very much less extended, as in a form widespread over Africa.
It must l)e remembered that Kambur's distlncUt was from the Cape, and De Selys' from Algeria. A thorough revision of the African species or races of TritheinU is necessary, based on very exact local data. It is a geiuis in which the genitalia of the second segment, usually of such great importance, seem to afford little help, being much the same in obviously distinct species, such as arteriom and ruhrinervis.
Crocothemis, Brauer.
6. Crocothemis erythraea, Biulh'-.
Libelhila erythrcea, Brulle, Exix'd. de Moive, iii. (1) [). llVi, pi. xxxii. fig. 4 (1832).
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (IG. XII. 98).
THE DRAOON-FLTKS OF SOKOTRA. 401
C) S of this widespread species.
[Colour ill life -Eiitiivly caniiiiie. Two specimens have the general colour ochre. — //'.//. rv.^'.]
Dipiacodes, Kirby.
7. Dipiacodes flavistyla, /,'ii/iih.
LUxUkIk flKi-ixti/lit, Ram))., Ins. Nevr., p. 117 (1S42). Sokotra : Hadil.u Plain (ll.-lO. XII. 9S).-r, c?, 3 ? , all mature. [Of the living ^ the Ixxly colour is blue-black, and of the ? blue-blackish- grey .—//'. 7/. (>.(;. ]
Orthetrum, Newman.
8. Orthetrum, //. sp. (?)
Closely allied to 0. ckrtjsostigum, Burm.
Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft., 24. I. 99)., 1 c?, 1 ? ; Adho Dimellus (3500 ft 15. 11.99), Ic?, 1$.
It may l)e that this is really 0. rhri/sosfhjma, or a local race thereof, and I am not disposed to risk the creation of additional synonymy by be- stowing a name, and I now doubt very much the supposed identity of chrysostigma, Bni'm., with hnrham, Selys, from Spain, Algeria, &c.
/ESCHNIN/E.
An ax, Leach.
9. Anax mauricianus, Hamh.
Ainix inauriciauns, Ramb., Ins. Nevr., p. 184 (1842).
Sokotra : Addah Valley (30. XII. 99), 1 c?.
[Colour in life— Dull grey Uxxe.—JV.B.O.G.]
What I now understand by mauricianus consists of all those examples very closely allied to imperator (formosus), found in tropical and Southern Africa, Madagascar, and the smaller South African islands. In Northern Africa it is imperator that occurs, and I now feel sure that the example presumably from Madeira, to which I formerly (Neuropfera of Madeira and Camiries) applied the name mauricianus, was only ' imperator.
These tropical and southern African specimens are always more slender than the more northern Imperator, and there appears to be a decided difTerence in the superior appendages of the S, which in mauricianus are more deeply excised on the inner edge liefore the apex. Rambur calls attention to these characters, and adds otheivs as regards colour, which are problematical, and with regard to the length of the ptero- stignia, which is variable. I have never yet seen an example of mauricianns in which the abdomen was not discoloured, and it is very desirable to prepare some when fresh, so that the markings can be compared.
402 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Hemianax, Se/ys.
10. Hemianax ephippiger, Bio-m. (Plate xxiv. fig. 3.)
^Eschna ephijjjnyera, Burm., Handb. Ent., ii. p. 840 (18.39).
Sokotra : Hadilni Plain (16. XII. 98), 26.
[Colour ill life— Greenish-yellow, first segment of abdomen col)alt-l)liie, markings black.— //:7/.a(;.]
AGRIONIN/E.
Ischnura, Charpeniier.
11. Ischnura (?) granti, .sj/j. n. (Plate xxiv a. figs. 1, la, lb c^, 2, 2a 9 .)
c^ Head black al )0\e ; f rons transversely bluish ; rhinarium black ; labrum and under jjarts yellowish-white ; post-ocular spots very elongate- pyriform, lilue, connected by a fine blue line.
Prothorax black, its posterior edge raised and nearly semicircular, very slightly produced and bluish in the middle : on the middle of the disc are two closely placed minute bluish elongate points.
Thorax deep l)lack, the dorsal crest and an ante-humeral line pale bluish, the sides pale bluish enclosing two narrow l>lack lines, one on the first lateral suture, the other metepimeral, ablireviated and slightly converging anteriorly. Pectus whitish.
Legs whitish with black spines ; the outer side of the femora, and of the tibiae at base, black ; tarsal joints black at the tips ; tibial spines moderately long, five-six on the intermediate and posterior.
Abdomen long and slender, lironzy-black al)ove with a l)luish ring anteriorly on segments three to seven, segments nine and ten wholly deep l)lue ; the sides of segments one to five bluish-white, with an extension of the dorsal l)lack immediately before the base of three to five.
The margin of the tenth dorsal segment slightly elevated, truncated, excised in a l)roadly triangular manner if ^'iewed from al)ove ; viewed in front, there is an open tul)e immediately l»elow the margin, below which are the whitish, not prominent, superior appendages in the form of two swollen lobes, Init each with a lower and more elongate black ol)tuse l)ranch (which may possibly pertain to the inferior appendages) ; inferior appendages black, distinct at the base, the upper edge excised and the apex slightly incurved, not prominent.
Wings hyaline, neuratioil black ; pterostigma rhomboidal, blackish with narrowly paler margins, covering rather more than one cellule in the anterior, rather less in the posterior ; post-costa commencing slightly l)efore the first post-costal nervule ; upper edge of cpiadrilateral about one-third as long as the outer in the anterior, and one-half the length in the posterior ; thirteen to fourteen post-nodals in the anterior, twelve in the posterior.
THE DRAOOX-FLIES OF SOKOTllA. 403
$ Head atul thorax as in the d , l)ut the j)ak' bhiish cohmr of the mark- ing's is i'e])hvee(l l»y diiiii'v yeUowisli, the sides of the prothorax l)roadly of that enloiir.
Legs as in the c?, hut the l)hiek is reihiced.
Abdomen cokiured much as in the S , hut alioxe it is ap[)arently only the tenth segment that is l)hie ; the sides and heneath whitisli for nearly tlie whole length, with black segmental divisions and an extension of the lilack dorsal coloui- near each end of most of the segments. A strong, sharp, triangular, apical tooth on the eighth ^'entl•al segment. Appendages short, broad, stout, aud conical, very obtuse black. Valvules white with black filiform appendages.
Wings apparently not essentially diflFei'ing from those of the c^.
Length of abdcmien, 6,9, •"^3.34 uim. ; posterior wings, cj, ? , 23-24 mm.
[Colour of 9 in life — Above deep bottle-green; lower half of eyes and band across head pale blue ; longitudinal bands on thorax pale straw, lower half of abdomen pale greenish-grey ; nine jDale blue bands (the segmental divisions) down l)ack. — //'.//. (A (/.]
Sokotra: Dahamis (19.X1L9.S), \ 6 \ Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 11.-12. 1. 99), 2?.
This insect is difficult to locate generically, and one wavers l)etween Euallaijiiia and Ischnura. I have decided on the latter principally on account of the colours and the slight elevation of the tenth dorsal segment in the S , but the prothorax and size would be moi'e in favour of EnaUaijmK.
12. Ischnura (?), n. sj}. ?
A small species, not a true Ischnura, Ijut deceptively reseml)ling one.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (12.-16. XIL 9cS), 2 6.
[Colour in life — Cobalt-lilue with l)lack markings. — U^JLO.G.]
Ceriagrion, Se/ys.
13. Ceriagrion glabrum, Bunn.
Ai/riuii ij/uhri(/n, Burm., Handb. Ent., ii. p. 821 (1839). Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (16. XH. 98), 1 c^. [Colour in life — Eyes green, alxlomen reddish-orange. — Jr.It.O.G.]
[In Abd el-Kuri.— X'o Dragon-Flies were observed.]
404 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
The Ant= Lions of Sokotra.
PLANIPENNIA. MYRMELEONID^,
Acanthaclisis, Rambur. 1. Acanthaclisis lineata, sp. n.
Long. corp. 23-30 mm. : long. al. ant., 32 mm. ; long. al. post., 30 mm.
Anteniue i-ather long, graflually thickening tov.-ards the oljtnsely rounded extremity, reddish, lii'owner towards the extremity, and annnlated with white. The greater part of the insect clothed with long pale grey hair. Face white, vertex blackish, l)ut Ijordered l)ehind with grey. A rather narrow black stripe, bisected l)y a white line, extends from the l)ack of the vertex over the prothorax, mesothorax, and scutellum, but most distinctly on the prothorax. Prothorax with two rather widely separated lateral lines, the inner one turning ol)liquely outAvards and hindwards, parallel with an oblique line running backwards from the middle of the double central stripe. Mesothorax with two parallel lateral lines ; scutellum with orie lateral line only. Abdomen carinated in the middle, and margined on the sides, blackish, slightly tinged with reddish, clothed above with short hair, and with some slight reddish markings towards the extremity of the last two segments on the median line ; a red mark is also visible beneath the white hair on each side of the extremity of the postscutellum. Under- surface blackish, densely hairy ; legs reddish, the tips of the tibiie and the tarsi l)lackish. Apical half of spurs slender, bent at a right angle. Cerci of male reddish, about twice as long as broad, obtusely roiuided at the extremity, and set with stiff diverging hairs as long as the cei'ci. Wings hyaline, the neuration lirown, alternating Avith tawny and white. Nervures of the costal area only l)ifurcating a little l)efore the extremity of the cell in the fore-wings, and not till T)eyond it in the hind-wings ; nervures of the apical area with numerous bifurcations ; marginal nervures legularly bifurcated.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (15. XII. 98). — Five specimens.
This species belongs to the group of A. distinda, Kambur, which differs from typical Acanthaclisis in not possessing a doul)le row of costal cells from the base, and should form a separate genus ; but it is not worth while making new genera of Myrmeleoniike without thoroughly revising the family. The insect is closely allied to, if not identical with, an insect described by Walker, from Natal, as Mynneleon distinctus, var. (?) [List New. Iiis. B.M., ii. p. 360 n. 30 (1853)J. It is
THE ANT-LIONS OF SOKOTRA. 405
also allied to J/. iiKilrsfiia, Walk., but this is a redder insect, with smaller and darker lilaek markings on the wings.
Creagris, Hagen. 2. Creagris mortifer, JJ'-dk.
Myrmeleon V-nlijruDi, Walker (nee Runib. ), List Neu. Ins. B. M.. ii,
p. 351 n. 84 (1853). Myrmeleon mortifer, AValk., I.e. p. 3r)3 n. 88 (1853). Mi/rme/eoii pern'i/i/, Walk., I.e. p. 354 n. 89 (1853).
Sokotra : Dahamis (1000 ft., 22. XII. 9(S). — A single specimen, wliieh appears to be closely allied to, if not identical with, this well-known species from Natal.
[In Abd-el-Kuri.-— No Ant-lions were collected or observed.]
4:06 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ARD-EL-KURI
PLATE XXIV.
Fig. I. TRITHERNIS ARTERIOSA, Burm., race DISTINCTA,
liaiiib., S , p. 400. Fig. 2. The sa7w, $ .
Fig. 3. HEMIANAX EPHIPPIGER, Biinn., p. 402.
Fig. 4. TRAMEA BURMEISTERI, Kirhi/, p. 398.
I'tlll
>TI\CTA,
''': :, p. 4
i
y-i
um\
V AND ABD-KL-KURI
PLATE
Fiff. I TRITHBRNIS AW
FJR"
Fig. 3, iitivii niJIl'.it;;
Fiy: 4. TRAMEa bURiV\l:l5TERI, A>/'v, p. jpb.
.i
Uverp MiLs.iRep. Sohotra Exptd.
Fl.XXN.
Horace Enight del et lith...
West.Nev/raan cLiomo.
DRAGONFLIES FROM SOKOTRA.
408 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XXIV A.
Figs. I, la, lb. ISCHNURA (?) QRANTI, sp. n., S, p. 402.
Figs. 2, 2a The sdine, ?.
Fig. 3. .. RHYOTHEMIS SEMIHYALINA, /%., race
SEPARATA, Selijs (?), p. 399.
Figs. 4. 4a MACRODIPLAX VITTATA, Kirhy, p. 399.
w
si
*:^.
Aonjiikii.
/
I
p
iiKOTRA AM.' VBD-EL-KUKI.
rr WT\7 A
Hoisce'K
Liy/erp. Mii s.Rep Sokotm Exped .
pi.xmA
4.a
Horace Krii^kt del etlith.
West Newman diromo.
DRAGONFLIES FROM SOKOTRA.
ARTHROPODA,
Insecta:
Orthoptera.
By MALCOLM BURR, F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S.
PLATE XXV.
EARWIGS, URASSUOPPEKS, AND CRICKETS OF SOKOTRA. 411
Earwigs, Crickets, and Grasshoppers.
For oui' knowledge of the Orthopteici Fauna of Sokoti'a we are indebted to three sources.
First, the species mentioned l)y Taschenl)erg, sixteen years ago, when he described the peculiar Mewpoda ((hhreviatti, a most interesting form.
Second, six species brought from the island l)y Mr. E. N. Beiuiett, in 1896, determined l)y me, among which was a new Foecilocerus.
Third, the materials collected by Mr. Ogihie-Urant and Dr. H. 0. Forbes, which are worked out in the following pages.
I know of no other records of Orthoptera from the island of 8okotra ; and none from Al)d-el-Kuri l»esides those made by the present Expedition.
Out of the thirty-three species collected, six are new to science, and there are tAvo new genera. The numljers of species of each family ai'e as follows : —
In the collection. Species known
from Sokotra not
Known New included in the
species. species. collection. Total.
Forficularia 5 0 1 6
Blattodea 2 1 0 3
Mantodea 0 1 0 1
Phasmatodea 0 0 0 0
Acridiodea 10 4 2 16
Locustodea 2 0 0 2
Gryllodea 3 0 2 5
Total 22 6 5 33
LIST OF SPECIES. Forficularia.
1. Labidura riparia (Pall.). . . . Cosmopolitan.
2. Forlicula smyrnensis, Serv. . . Pahearctic.
3. Forficula lucasi, Dohrn. . . . Cosmopolitan.
4. Anechura fedtchenkoi (Sauss.) . Paliearctic.
•5. Anisolabis stali (Dohrn) . . . Oriental (? Cosmopolitan). 6. A. martima, Bon. .... Cosmopolitan.
412
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF 80K0TRA AND ABD-EDKURI.
Blattodea.
7. Phvllodromia uiiicolor, Bruiiner
8. Loboptera peculiaris, Burr
9. Periplaueta americaua (Liiin.)
Mantodea.
10. Teddia dioscoris, Burr
Acridiodea.
11. Truxalis nasuta (Linn.) .
12. T. ensis, Buit .
13. Epacromia thalassiiia (Fabr.)
14. Plagiotriptus iiisularis, Burr 1 6, Phaulotypus graiiti, Burr
16. G^daleus senegalensis (Kr.)
17. Dissosteira forbesii, Burr .
18. Acrotylus longipes (Charp.)
19. Sphingonotus cterulans (Liuu.
(Abd-el-Kuri)
20. S. saviguyi Saus.s. (Abd-el-Kuri)
21. Pyrgomorpha coguata (Krauss)
(Abd-el-Kuri)
22. Poecilocerus sokotrauu.s, Burr
23. Oxya A'icina, Brunner
24. Cataloipus oberthuri, Bol.
25. Caloptenus italicus (Linn.)
26. Acridium tataricum (Linn.)
27. Acridium, sp. .
Locustodea.
28. Phaneroptera nana, Charp.
29. Phaneroptera, sp. .
30. Pachysmopoda alilireviata (Tasch.)
Gryllodea.
31. Liogryllus 1)imaculatus (de Gear)
32. Gryllus lepidus, Walk. (?) .
33. Cophogryllus, sp.
34. Landreva, sp. ....
35. CKcanthus pellucens (Scop.)
Oriental. Endemic. Cosmopolitan.
Endemic (Palsearctic).
Palajgsean.
Endemic (mainly Ethiop.
Paleeai'ctic.
Endemic (Ethiop.).
Endemic (Orient.).
Cosmopolitan.
Endemic (Nearctic).
Ethiop. Pala^arc. Cosmp.
Pahearctic. Ethiopian.
Ethiopian.
Endemic (Ethiop.).
Oriental.
Ethiopian.
Palsearctic.
Ethiopian.
Ethiop. (Palgearctic). Endemic.
Cosmopolitan. Orient. (Ethiop.). Ethiop. Ethiop. Pahearctic.
Forf. Blatt. Mant. Acrid. Loc. Gryll. Total,
Endemic
Oriental
Ethiopian
Palffiarctic . . . Cosmopolitan
Total .
o 1 5 5 2
18
8 4 8 8 I
35
EARWIOS, GRASSHOPPERS, AND PRirKETS OF SOKOTRA. 413
111 tilt' ;il)ove I have not included the three uncertain species of Gryllodea, and 1 lia\e regarded as cosmopolitan such foi-ms as arc common to two regions, as .Invfi/Iiis loiujipcn (Charp), wiiicli occurs in the I'ahearctic and Ethopian regions. The aitinitics of the endemic species are given in parentheses.
From the Orthoptera alone it will l»e seen, that the Fauna (jf Sokoti'a has very strong Ethiopian affinities, but almost e([ually close relations with the Pahearctic region. Of the novelties, Lobopfcru j^cciiHarit^ n. Iielongs to a genus with wide distribution ; oik; species is essentially South European, while others are Australian and Indian. Teddia n. g. falls into a group of genei'a occurring in North Africa and Western Asia, while Trumlis ends n. repre- sents a genus which is found throughout the Old World. I'lugiotriptus (sp. n. insularis) is an African genus, with Oriental affinities, and Plutnlotyptix g. n., as far as we know yet, is restricted to Sokotra, but its nearest allies are Oriental. iJisso.'^feim forhesii sp. n. is interesting, foi-, with one exception, the genus is characteristically American ; the exception, J), saucid, occurs i!i South Africa.
A noteworthy point is that, as yet, not a single species of Phasmatodea is known from Sokotra, and oidy one of Manfodea, and that is peculiar to the island ; Lonistodca also appear rare, for I only know of two species hitherto recoi'ded from Sokoti'a.
I. —Earwigs, Grasshoppers, and Crickets of Sokotra.
FORFICULARIA. FORFICULID^.
Labidura, Leach.
1. Labidura riparia {I'^II.).
Forfirnhi rijiaria, Pallas, 1773, Rei.seii ii. Anhang p. 30 This species would naturally be expected to occur in the island, owing to
its universal distrilnition. Sokotra. — {Burr. )
Forficula, Linn.
2. Forficula smyrnensis, Scrv. (Plate xxv. fig 5.)
Forjicula .smt/nicnsis, Serville, 1839, Orth., p. 38. This pretty earwig has been taken at Constantinople and Athens, as well
as from Asia Minor, and Brunner records it as far west as Corsica. Sokotra : Dahamis. — 1 S .
3. Forficula lucasi, Jjohni.
Forficula I nam, H. Dohrn, Stett. ent. Zeit., xxvi. p. 98 (1865). It is interesting to find this earwig in the island, for its distrilmtion appears to l)e wide, though the insect is scarcely common. Dohrn
414 THE XATIRAI. HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND Ar.I)-E[--Kn;T.
first (lescril)e(i .speciiuens tVom Syria (Mus. Paris), and it is known from P^gypt. It was then taken by Fea in Burma, at Teinzo, and recorded Ity de Bornians. A still more remarkal>le locality, if it is a domesticated s^jecies, as it appears, is the road of Beni Mzah, on the road from (xhai'daia to Cluerrara in the Oued En-Nsa, and also in a house at Oued P]n-Nsa, in the Algei-ian Sahara, where it was takei\ by my friend Di'. Krauss. Sokotra: Homhil (l^OO-i'oOO ft.).— 1 6-
Anechura, Scudd.
4. Anechura fedtchenkoi {Snn^s.).
Forficitid fedtchenlcoi, Sauss., 1S94, in Fedtchenko, Turkestan, Orth., ]>. 0.
This is the most interesting of the eai-wigs taken in Sokoti'a, for it is un- expected. The species was originally described l)y de Saussure from specimens taken 1)y Fedtchenko in Turkestan, and since then has ap- parently not l)een captured again. The Sokotran specimens I have submitted to my friend M. de Bormans, who informs me that they are of a variety which was taken with the type form in Turkestan. The wings are entirely hidden 1)y the elytra and the forceps are flattened. The species seems to be incapal)le of flight, and it is most striking that so far it should have l)een found in Turkestan and Sokotra only : doulitless it will some day l)e captured in intermediate localities.
Sokotra.— 1 c? , 1 ? .
Anisolabis, Fieb.
5. Anisolabis stall {Dohni.).
Forcinella sthli, H. Dohrn, 18G4, Stett. eiit. Zeit. xxv., p. 2S(J. I)escril)ed by Dohrn from Javanese specimens. Sokotra : Hadibu (XII. 98), 1 S-
6. Anisolabis maritima, Ban.
Aiiisolahis iiiKrlt'unn, Bon. in MS., 1852, Gene. Mon. Forf. , p. 9.
These individuals seem to l)e a variety of A. nviritinvt, and in doul)t I have submitted them to M. de Bormans. They are " characterised by nothing ; antenuie with 23 segments, unicolorous, no I'udiments of elytra, forceps ordinaiy, medium sized, feet unicolorous."
Sokotra. — 3 $ .
Six specimens received.
It is curious to note that the common Forficuhi anrmdarin does not seem to occur in the island.
BLATTODEA. PHYLLODROMIID^.
Phyllodromia, Sen.
7. Phyllodromia unicolor, /;/ .
PIii/llo(Iroini<( iiiiicdior, Brunner, 1893, Rev. Orth., p. 18. Phi/ltodromiu sp., Burr, P.Z.S., 1898, p. 384. This species was described first by Brunner from Mandalay. I refer the
EARWIGS, (IRASSHOl'rKRS, AXT) CHICKETS ( tF SOKoTRA. 415
larva tVoni the same locality to this species, hut it might well 1)e that
of Pit. (jcnmoiini L. This species was ohtaineil also hy Mi'. iJeiiiiett. Sokotra: Iladihu IMaiii (I'l. 11. !)'.»). l' ? . (XII. 98). — 1 larva.
Loboptera, Brunner.
8. Loboptera peculiaris, llurr. (Plate xxv. Hg. s.)
Lolioptfra pic nl infix. Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 42 (1S99). c? Testaceous shining. Anteniue setaceous. Prouotum rounded in front, truncated posteriorly, narrower anteriorly than posteriorly. Meso- and metanotum transverse. Elyti'a lol)iforni, lateral, hardly surpassing the hinder margin of the mesonotum. Wings absent. Head testaceous, with a transverse black band lietween the eyes ; face with two black longitudinal bands. Abdomen dilated, castaneous, the margins paler, with a l)Iack spot on each side of the segments. Feet pale ; femora very spiny ; tarsi armed with a minute pulvillus between the claws, the first segment longer than the three following taken together. Cerci short. tSul)genital lamina of the ^ triangular, transversely obtusely rounded.
Length of body, c? 11-12 mm., of pronotum \-\-'l^) mm.; breadth of pronotum 5 mm.
This species difiers from all its congeners by its liglit shining testaceous colour. The pad between the tarsal claws is also somewhat lai-ger than in the other descriV)ed species. The genus is essentially South European and Asiatic in (listi'il)Ution.
Sokotra. — '^ 6 .
PERIPLANETID^.
Periplanata, Bum.
9. Periplanata americana {Linn.).
Blattd nmericniia, Linn., Syst. Nat., ii. 687 (1766). This species is quite cosmopolitan. Sokotra: Homhil (1500ft., 22. I. 99).— 1 c^.
Periplanata americana (Linn.), var. brunnea, KIik/.
Periplanata hriinnea, Klug., M.S. in Burm. Hand., ii. p. 503 (1839). Sokotra : Hadilni Plain (16. XII. 98).— 1 ? . (2. XII. 98).— 1 larva.
MANTODEA. MANTID^.
Teddia, Burr.
Teddia, Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss, vi. p. 42 (1899).
S . Body slender, elongate. Eyes round, not tul)erculate. AntenntB very
slender. Pronotum elongated, making a small dilatation o\'er the
coxiG ; the edges are denticulated, and the disc entirely granulated.
Prosternum flattened, smooth, slightly granulated posteriorly. Elytra
416 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KFRT.
and wings al)l)reviate(l ; the latter daik testaceous, shaded with purple, the anal part with a large dark spot ; the former short, testaceous, rounded at the apex. Feet slender ; anterior coxie long ; anterior femora slender, straight, with five spines on the outer margin beneath, of which the last is the largest ; there are six larger spines on the inner margin, alternated with six smaller ; there are four discoidal spines, of which the first is the smallest, the third the largest ; the first basal spine is not remote from the others. Anterior tibite with ten small spines on each side ; intermediate and posterior tibire Avith three spiinUes at the apex ; posterior tiliia? \evy finely denticulated or unarmed. Supra-anal plate large, dilated, narrow at the apex, elongate, compressed. This new geiuis is probal)ly peculiar to the island, owing to the aljlire- viation of the organs of fiight. It is much more slender than its allies (Fischeriit) ; the unarmed posterior tarsi distinguish it from Ischnonumtis, Fischeiia and SphendaJe ; the rounded supraanal plate $ , from Deipliobe and Ercinoplana ; the long posterior femora from Solygia ; and the general facies of the insect and its slenderness forbid its confusion with Bolivarid.
10. Teddia dioscoris, Bur.: (Plate xxv. figs. 3, 3a, 3b.)
l\d<Uu dioscoris, Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 42 (1899). (5 . Of medium stature, slender ; colour fuscous, elytra testaceous ; wings testaceous, shaded Avith purple. There is a variety with feet paler, shaded and banded with darker.
Length of body, S 40-4G mm., of pronotum 12-13-5 mm., ditto, anterior part, 4-5 mm., ditto, posterior part, 8-8'5 mm., of elytra 5'25 mm.,- of anterior coxse 7-8 mm., of anterior femora 8-5-9 mm., of anterior tibige 4-4-5 mm., of posterior femora 11-5-13-5 mm., of posterior tibiae 13-15 mm., of posterior tarsi 5 mm.
Sokotra : Dahamis (500-1000 ft., 21. XII. 28), 2 6.
ACRIDIODEA. TRUXALID-a:.
Truxalis, Fabr.
11. Truxalis nasuta (Linn.).
Gryllwi (Acrida) nasuta, Linn., Mus. Lud. Ulr. , ]>. 118 (17fi4). Truxalis nasuta, Burr, P.Z.S., 1898, 184.
The solitary larva which I recorded as this species, may very likely be the immature of the following.
12. Truxalis ensis, Bnn, (Plate xxv. figs. 4, 4a.)
Truxa,Us ensis. Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 43 (1899). ? . Green. Body extremely elongated, cylindrical. Head not sharply, ascending ; antennte long, flattened, the apical segments smaller, the antennae longer than head and pronotum combined. Pronotum small,
EAHWKiS, (JKASSIIOPPERS, AND rUICKETS OF SOKOTRA. 417
cyliiuli'iciil, neither constricted nor dilated posterioi'ly ; the lateral carinte slightly undulating, slightly diverging posteriorly ; the typical sulcus situated well l)ehind the middle, sinuate ; lateral lobes of the pronotuni obtuse-angled in front, not rounded, its cariucU almost parallel with the dorso-lateral carina?. Sternum strongly carinate in the middle. Elytra very long and nairow, sharply pointed at the extremity, green, the scapular area with oblicjue transverse veins somewhat remote from each other, and with a spurious vein. Wings brightly coloured, long and narrow, considerably shorter than the elytra, golden-yellow, tesselated with l)lack, yellowish-hyaline at the extremity. Abdomen tvpical. Feet veiT long and slendei' ; claws of the tarsi long, the pulvillus large.
Length of body, $ 53-63 mm., of antenuie 2-4 mm., of head (from above) 14"5 mm., of pronotum 8-8-25 mm., of elytra 52-57 mm., of wings 46 mm., of posterior femora 37 mm., of posterior til)ia3 36-75 mm.
This very fine species is even more slender and elongated than the other meml)ers of this extraordinary genus. Chai'acteristic points are the length of the antennie which exceed the combined length of the head and pronotum, the golden-orange colour of the wings, with ])lack tesselations, the narrow, almost cylindiical head and pronotum, and the great length of the elytra. It falls into Bolivar's subgenus Tru.nilk snim sfrirfo, into the group of croccu, Bob, with l)rilliantly coloured wings and earinated sternimi.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 11. I. 99); Gebel Raggit (800 ft., 16. XII. 98),~2 ? .
Epacromia, Flsch.
13. Epacromia thalassina {Fabr.).
(iri/llKs thulaxsinus, Fabr., Ent. Sy.st., ii. 57 (1793). This is a south European species, but occurs in Africa at least as far
south as Somaliland. Sokotra: Homhil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99).— 1 c? , 1 ? . Adho Dimellus (3500 ft.,
11. II. 99), 1 6.
EUMASTACID^.
Plagiotriptus, Karsch.
14. Plagiotriptus insularis, Bmr. (Plate xxv. fig. 6.)
P/ayiutrljjtiis liisn/aris. Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 44 (1899) ; id. An. Soc. Espafi. N.H., 1899, p. 302.
9 . Small, testaceous. Pronotum higher than long, slightly produced in front ; latei'al lobes with hinder margin straight, the anterior margin sinuate ; meso- and meta-nota visible. Anterior feet and middle tibite and tarsi dark ; posterior tiljite not lobed.
Length of body 13 mm. (9), of pronotum (max.) 6 mm., of pronotum (min.), 3 mm. ; height of pi'onotum 7 nnn.; length of femora postica 8 mm.
27
418 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
This species is very coiisi(lenil)ly smaller than /'. hijijjisnis. In the shape of the })roiiotuni it appi'oaches rather to I', rofididifrons, Burr, hut is much smaller and less dark in colour.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (2500 ft., 3. I. 99).
PhaulotypUS, Burr.
Pha>ihti/pu.-<, Burr, Bull. Liver. Muss., ii. ]>. 44 (1899).
Pronotum covering the head, compressed, elevated, acuminate before and behind, .strongly produced posteriorly, the upper margin of the crest equally rounded, with no veins, granulated. Elytra and wings absent. Head formed as in Cho/wfi/pi. Anteiior and middle femora compressed l)Ut not dilated ; posterior femora strongly compressefl and dilated, the upper crest denticulate, and genicular lobes acuminate. Posterior tibiae curved, not lol)ed, the terminal spurs on the outer margin very small, the inner spur large ; the first tarsal segment very finely crenulate Face granulated. Male unknown.
This new genus can be easily distinguished from the other genera of the group Chorufi/pi. The shape of the pronotum, the absence of lobes on the posterior tibiae, and the absence of organs of flight distinguish it at once.
15. Phaulotypus granti, Burr. (Plate xxv. fig. 7.)
Plmnlotypus ijranti. Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 44 (1899) ; id. An. Soc. Espaii. N.H., 1899, p. 303.
$ . Small, castaneous, unicolorous. Length of body, 9 14- mm., of pronotum 9 mm. ; height of pronotum
5 "5 mm. ; length of posterior femora 8 "5 mm. I have great pleasure in dedicating this curious little no\elty to Mr. Ogilvie-Cxrant, who collected Orthopiera so assiduously in Sokotra.
(EDIPODIDiE.
CEdaieus, Fieb.
16. (Edaleus senegalensis (A'/.).
Favhytyhis ■■<eiie(ja/e/iHi.'i, Kr., Orth. Seneg., p. 28 (1877).
This species is widely distributed through the Ethiopian and Oriental regions. Senegal, Ternate, and New Holland are given by de Saussure as localities. The three specimens from Sokotra are the type form, as originally descril)ed from Senegal by Dr. Krauss.
Sokotra : Elhc, Hadibu Plain (.30. I. 99).— 2 c?, 1 ? .
Dissosteira, Scudd.
17. Dissosteira forbesii, Burr. (Plate xxv. fig. 1.)
Dis.sonteira J'orbtsii, Burr, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 44 (1899). <J 5 . Colour testaceous ; head obtuse ; vertex depressed between the eyes, not carinate ; fastigium of the vertex scarcely divided from the fasti- gium of the face ; face strongly convex, carinate ; eyes large, round ;
EAinVKIS, (iltASSHOlTERS, AND CRICKETS OE SOKOTKA. 419
aiiteiiiui' fusco-trstac'cous, longer thiin the head and proiiutuni taken togetlu'i' : pioiiotuin keeled, slightly constricted in the middle, the anterioi' l)ordei' obtusely angled, the central keel suli.siiuiate, not cut hy the sulci ; hinder liorder rectangulai' ; latei'al keels not very pro- minent ; crest of the proiiotum not dee[)ly intei'sected in the middle l»y the typical sulcus ; lateral lohes narrow. Elyti'a long, ol)li([uely suhtnnicate at the apex, fusco-testaceous, with three dark hands, cori- aceous, closely and iri'egularly reticulated, hyaline only in the apical third, where the reticulation is open and regular, marked with a few dark spots ; vena intercalata nearly straight, near to the i-adial vein. Wings shorter than the elytra, narrow, deep piu'plish-black, the apical part excepted, hyaline, the apex itself smoky ; this hyaline and smoky part including the two apical lobes. Alidomen l)lack ; valves of the ovipositor short. Feet testaceous or fuscous. Posterior femora very stout, fusco-testaceous outside, purple inside, with two pale spots above and a pale ring at the apex ; the upper crest slightly denticulate ; knees spotted with black on the inside. Posterior tilnse l)lack at the base, ringed with testaceous, then sanguineous, the spines dark at the apex, lieing 10 on each side, of which 1-3 are the smallest.
Length of l>ody, S 23*5 mm., 9 30 mm. ; of pronotum, S 5*5 mm., 5 G-o-fi-To : of elytra, cJ 24 mm., $ 33 mm. ; of femora postica, c? 14-75 mm., $ 16-75 mm.
This si^ecies may be recognised at once l)y the inky lilack wings, with only a small clear l)and just before the apex, which is smoky. Its affinities are American, l)ut one species of the genus (its arrangement in this geiuis is, however, provisional), JJ. Miucia, occurs in Southern Africa.
Sokotra : Homhil (2500 ft., 22. 1. 99).~1 (^ , 1 ? . Goahal Gorge (16. I. 99) (200 ft., 27. I. 99).— 1 ? . Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., 11. II. 99).
Acrotylus, Feib. 18. Acrotylus longipes {Cluirp.).
(Edipodu lonijipt s. Char])., Orth. descr. et dep., tab. 54 (1845) (?). Sokotra. — {Brniwff.) This is the form with the red wings.
PYRGOMORPHID^.
Poecilocerus, Sen. 22. Poecilocerus sokotranus, linn:
Poiriloarus sokotraiim, Burr, P.Z.S , 1898, p. 384.
This species appears to be common in the island, and is apparently restricted to Sokotra. The peculiar doi'sal tubercles to which I have referred (P.Z.S, 1898, p. 385) are present on all the speci- mens, and seem to be organic, and not a foi'cign body, as previously suggested. Tliey have since l)een discussed by Krauss (Zool. Anzeigcr
420 THE NATURAL HISTORY OP^ SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
xxiii. No. 610, March, 1900). The genus contains five other species,
found in Tranquehar, Somaliland, and Egypt. Sokotra : Kamahanu (oOO ft., .30. XII. 98).— 1 c? , 2 ? . Homhil (1500 ft.,
18. I. 99).— 1 c^. Adda Valley, east of Hadil)u Plain (29. I. 99).—
1 ? . Dahamis (1000 ft., 2.3. XII. 98).— 1 6. Mr. Bemiett also obtained this species.
ACRIDIID^.
Oxya, Serv.
23. Oxya vicina, Br.
Oxya ricina, Brunner, Rev. Orth., p. 152 (1893). This species is very widely distril)uted, but only hitherto recorded, so far
as I am aware, from the Oriental region. Bruiuier mentions China,
Hainan, Japan, and the Himalayas as localities from which he
possesses exampless. Sokotra : Hadil)u Plain (22. XL 99).— 1 ? . Homhil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99).
— !?•
Cataloipus, Bo/.
24. Cataloipus oberthuri, I hi. (Plate xxv. figs. 2, 2a.)
Euprcpocnam'tA (C'ataloijius) olicrt/uiri, Bol., An. Soc. Espan., N.H., xix p, 321 (1S90).
This fine grasshopper is rare, and only known elsewhere from Tal)()i-a, in Uyanyeml)e. The genus is characteristically African. C. oberfhiiriis very close to ri/iiiJ)ifriv, Kr., l»ut may he distinguished liy the form of the sul)genital lamina of the male, whicli is I'ounded, with a slight rounded emargination in ri/mliifmi, hut strongly excised with triangular lobes in ohnihvn.
Sokotra : Hadil)u Plain (20. II. 99).— 1 c^, 1 ? . Homhil (1500 ft., 18. 1. 99).__1 (?, 2 9 ; and (2500 ft., 22. I. 99).— 1 ? .
Caloptenus, Burm.
25. Caloptenus italicus {Linn.).
Gri/Z/ns ifalicus, Linn., Syst. Nat., ii. p. 701 (17()0).
This specimen differs from the ordinary forms of C. Halini^ in the colour of the posterior femora. These are dark and Ijright purple on the iiuier side ; the inferior sulcus is light purple, the outer inferior sulcus is pale ; the posterior tiliite and tarsi are yellowish ; the pronotum, too, is produced further posteriorly than in the typical forms. Another point is that the lower margin of the lateral lobes of the pronotum are slightly convex, in the type, l)ut in this specimen they are straight. C. italicus is an extremely variable species, and I therefore hesitate to describe this as new. It is essentially a European form, l)ut occurs also in Syria, and has been taken at Khartoum.
Sokotra: Elho, Hadil)U Phiin (30. I. 99).
EARWIGS, OKASSHOl'PEKS, AND CRICKETS OF SOKOTRA. 421
Acridium, Geoff.
26. Acridium tataricum {Lin v.).
<;n/l/iis (LocKs/a) tnfuricus, Linn., Syst. Nat. (ed. x.), i. [). 432 (17")8). Sokotia : (loahal (l()ri;(! (200 ft., 27. I. 99).— 1 ?.
27. Acridium tataricum, Linn. \av. moestum, Scrv.
Acridiinii latarkam var. iikis/hhi, Serv., Orth., p. (iH-i (18,S9). Sokotra : One specimen — {Tdsc/icnhrnj).
28. Acridium, s/i.
Sokotra : Jeua-ugahaii (1200 ft., 1. I. 99) ; Ilomliil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99). These specimens are all in the larval stage, and it is impossible to deter- mine the species with pi'ecision. Mr. liennett also collected this species.
LOCUSTODEA. PHANEROPTERID^.
Phaneroptera, Serv.
29. Phaneroptera nana, Chaqj.
Plianvroptera nana, Chai'p., Fieb., Syn., p. 49 (1853).
It is impossil)le to determine with any degree of satisfaction the species of this genus without examining the male, l)ut these sj)ecimens are extremely prol)al)ly I'li. nana, an insect which has a wide distribution in Africa and Southern Europe.
Sokotra : Hadibu Plain (11. XII. 98), 1 $ ; Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 2. I. 99), 1?.
30. Phaneroptera, sp^i
Sokotra. — Three examples (Taschenheiy). Prol)ably to be referred to the above.
MECOPODID^.
Pachysmopoda, Karsch.
31. Pachysmopoda abbreviata {Tasdi.}.
M(irij;oi/(( nlihrcriata, Tai<ch., 1883, Zeitsclir. fiir. Natuiw., Ivi. jj. 184. Mccopoda {Pachysmopoda) abbreria(a, Karsch., 1886, Berl. Ent. Zeit. , p.
114. Taf. iv. fig. 2,9. Pachysmopoda abbreiiafu, Kiiby, ^V.F. 1892, Trans. Ent. Soc. Lond.,
p. 409 ; Kaisch, 1892, Berl. Ent. Zeib., p. 342. Pachysmopoda abbrtviata, Redt. , Mon. Uebersicht. Mecop. , 1892, }>. 216. Pachysmopoda abbnviata. Burr, 1898, P.Z.S., p. 384 — note.
Green or testaceous. Antenna; pale ringed. Head stout, strongly punctate. Pronotum with the disc and lateral carina? dark. Elytra with anterior and intermedial area, black and white spotted. Posterior knees dark.
422 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EI.-KX'RL
6 9
Length of pronotum 10 millim. 12millim.
II elytra 27 n 33 m
II posterior femora... 28 n 34 n
M ovipositor — 25'5 n
Tiiis is a very fine species. So far, the only specimens known to be in existence in collections, appear to be the types 3 , $ , of Taschenberg, which are in the Berlin Museum. Karsch has redescrilied it, and given a figure of the female. In the dried specimens, the under side of the posterior femora is dull, testaceous, or fuscous, Init in one example in spirits, the inferior sulcus is bright purple ; the anteinise scarcely show any traces of the pale rings, but the colour of the living animal is very different from that of the di'ied specimen. According to the descriptions and Karsch's figure, the elytiu exactly reach the apex of the abdomen, l)ut in the examples which I have l)een able to examine they are iinarial)l3' considerably longer ; this is probal)ly due to the contraction of the body.
The Mempodidcc are a small family characteristic of the Ethopian and Oriental Regions.
Sokotra : Jena-agahan (1. 1. 99), 1 c^ , 2 ? ; Dahamis (350 ft., 22. XII. 9S), 2 6 ; and (500 ft., 24. XII. 98), 1 6 ; Homhil (2500 ft., 26 I. 99) ; and (1500-2500 ft.)
GRYLLODEA. GRYLLID^.
Liogryllus, Sauss.
32. Liogryllus bimaculatus {de Geer.).
Oryllnfi himacuhitun, de Geer, Mem., p. 521 (1773). This species is distributed throughout Africa, Southern Europe, Central
Asia, India, and the Malay Archipelago. Sokotra: Jena-agahan (1200 ft., 1. I. 99), 1 c?, 1 ? ; Elhe, Hadibu Plain
(30. I. 99), 1 nymph.
GryllUS, Linn.
33. Gryllus lepidus, ll'alk:]
Grylliixlrpidii.s Walk., Cat. Derm. Salt., p. 4f. (lS6fl). I am not certain as to the identity of this species, lia\ing only females to
examine. Sokotra : Homhil (1500 ft., 18. I. 99), 2 ? (20, I. 99), 1 ? .
Cophogryllus, Sauss.
34. Cophogryllus, ^p. ?
Sokotra. — One example {Taschenberg).
EAHAVI<;s, ORASSHOPPERS, AND CRICKETS OF SOKOTRA. -423
Landreva, Walk.
35. Landreva, sy*. ,i. ?
Sokctru ( 1)11 rr).
CECANTHID^.
CEcanthus, Serv.
36. (Ecanthus pellucens {Sroji.).
(IryllKs prlhircHs, Scop., Knt. Cam., p. .S'J (170.3). This (lelicatc little cricket is cxtreniel}^ common in Southern P]urope, l)nt
is represented in the Oriental Kegion hy (). ntjhrcns, Serv. U.
/trlliirriis is distinctly a Paltearctic species. Dinehan Valley (;?000 ft., 1. 11. 99), 1 ?.
424 THK NATUllAL HISTORY OF SOKoTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
11. — Grasshoppers from Abd=el=Kuri.
ACRIDIODEA.
(EDIPODID^.
Sphingonotus, Fieb.
Sphingonotus cserulans (Linu.), vai.
GrijllvK (Lofuxtii) cdriilnux, Linn., Sy.st. N;it., i., part ii. p. 701 (1766).
Abd-el-Kuii (22. II. 99) 4 c?, (5 XII. 98) 1 6- Sphingonotus savignyi, Havss.
Sphimjonot uii saciynyi, Sauss. , Prod. (Ed., p. '208 (1888). Alxl-el-Kiiri (5. XII. 98).
PYRGOMORPHID^.
Pyrgomorpha, Sen. Pyrgomorpha cognata, Kmuas.
Pi/r(/o/norji/i(( co(/iiafa, Krauss, Orth. Seneg., \). 80 (IS77). This species is essentially African, ha\iiii;' liecn noticed hitherto from
Senegal and Dagana. The genus is widespread, there Iteing two
Palsearctic species, two American, several Ethiopian, and one or two
Indian and Asiatic representatives. Abd-el-Kuri (5. XII. 98). [Our stay in Abd-el-Kuri was so short that we obtained, I ha^■e no doubt,
but a few of the species of Ovthoptera that the island contains. — H.O.FJ]
List of Works Quoted.
Taschenherg 0. — Beiti'age yaw Fauna der Insel Sokotra, ^•orzuglich nach dem von Herrn Dr. Emil Kiebeck aus Halle a. S. gesanmielten Materiale zusammengestellt von . . . (Zeitschr. fiir. Naturwiss., 1883, p. 184.)
Karsch, F. — Orthopterologische Beitriige. I. Die MrL-dpniIiilcn des Berliner Zoologischen Museums. (Berl. ent. Zeitschr., 1886, XXX. p. 114.)
Karsch, F. — Uebersicht der von Herrn Dr. Paul Preuss auf der Baroml»i- Station in Kamerun gesammelten Lncnsiodcrn. Anhang : Ueber die Mekopodiden. (Berl. ent. Zeitsch., 1891, XXXVI. p. 342.)
Kirhy, IF. F. — Notes on the Orthopterous family McnipodiiliC. (Trans. Ent. See. London, 1891, p. 405.)
EARWKiS, GRASSHOPPERS, AND CRICKETS OK SOKOTRA. 425
UrdtniharJicr, /.— Monographischo Uel)ersiclit der MrmiKxlhleit. (Verb. k.k. z()()I-lH)t, (tcs. Wii'ii. XLTI. 1S!)l', pp. l,s;5-2i'4, Taf. ITT.)
Bun; M. On a colk'ctioii of Tiisccts and Ai'achnids made liy Mi: p]. N. TxMiiiett in Sokoti'a, with descriptions of new species. IT. Orlhtiptcni, by M. I^uiT (P.Z.S., isys, pp. ;5,s4-5).
426 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
PLATE XXV.
Fig. I DI550STEIRA FORBESII, /'w//, $. p. 418.
Fig. 2 CATALOIPUS OBERTHURI, Hoi, 6, p. 420.
Fig. 2a T/ir same, s}ili(j('iiifal hoiiiiKi, c?.
Fig. 3. TEDDIA DI0SC0RI5, 7^//n, J, p. 416.
Fig. 3a ^-Interior foul, internal surface.
Fig. 3b Anterior foot, external surface.
Figs. 4, 4a. TRUXALI5 ENSIS, ]hni\ p. 416.
Fig. 5 FORFICULA SMYRNENSI5, Se/T, c^. p. 413.
Fig. 6 PLAQI0TRIPTU5 INSULARI5, i)»/T, ?, p. 417.
Fig. 7 PHAULOTYPUS QRANTI, /Vrr, ?, p. 418.
Fig. 8 LOBOPTERA PECULIARIS, /;«/T, p. 415.
Expnci
PI XX\'
..rJtTfcSi- "*^^-
*■"*■•♦■
K
\
■ <t
'-^^^W#.
Uintern. Btos imp
4
42(;
THE NATlKAl- J.
KOTRA AND ABD-EL KURI,
IJ0:
LATE XXV.
D!5>r>STEIRA FORBESII, Burr, $, p. 418. ,»,o. c r.p5E,^jHURI, BoL, S., p. 420.
■vMPTL
Fig. 7 PHAULOTYPUS GRANTl, Bun\ $, p. 418.
Fig. 8 LOBOPTERA PECULIARIS, //!rn, p. 415.
Liverp. Mils. , Rep. Schctra Eccpeci . \
Pi. XXV.
FO Picka-rd-Ca^bridge del etKth. MartternBros. iir^p.
ORTHOPTER/. FROM SOKOTRA.
ARTHROPODA.
Myriapoda.
Bij R. I. POCOCK.
PLATE XXVI.
TIIK CENTIPEDES OF SOKOTRA. 429
Centipedes and Millepedes.
So far as individuals are concerned, Centipedes are abundant in the island of Sokotra. The species, however, are few in number, six only l)eing known up to the present time. With the exception of the Cri/jHoj^s, which was met with 1)ut once, all the species seem to be distributed everywhere throughout the island, occurring both in the Hadil)u Plain and at all altitudes up to 4000 feet, ScoJopcnilnt valida being the dominant form.
The relationship of the fauna to that of the surrounding areas presents some interesting anomalies. In the first place, it is not a little singular that the geiuis BhomhocephaJus* is altogether al)sent, although it is represented by several indigenous species in the Mediterranean and Oriental Regions. Similai'ly the genus Lif/i(>hiii>;, a typical Pala3arctic and North American genus, is al)sent ; and no trace was found of Scutigeni, which is uni\'ersally distril)uted south of the 45th parallel of N. latitude.
The two species of ScoloprmfrK, namely caUda and halfotin, l)elong to a genus which is now restricted in its range to the Mediterranean, Neotropical, and Sonoran Regions. The distribution and names of the species in the Mediterranean Region are as follows: — S. valida, Canary Islands and Sokotra; S. balfotiri, Sokotra and Al)d-el-Kuri ; »S'. desertieola, S. Arabia and Somaliland ; S. perska, Persian Gulf, i The genus Asaiiada has, in addition to the Sokotran species, a form l)elonging to the Himalayan and Burmese fauna.
* This term is here used for the first time in a sense that requires explanation. The genus Sco/opendra, as hitherto recognised by the majority of writers, is divisible into two sections dependent upon the [)resence or absence of a transverse groove on the first tergal jjlate. Newport, who was the first to dismember Scolopendra, as limited by Leach, gave the name Rhomhocephalun to a species of the section in which the groove is aljsent, namely, to the young of .S'. cinrjulata, Latreille (see Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hi»t. (6), vii., p. 53, 1891). Although based on a fortuitous and valueless character, the name must stand for the section named Calcaria by Porat, of which cinyulata is a representative, if the section be accorded generic or sub-generic rank. The term Scolopendra can thus be retained by elimination for the section, named CoUaria by Porat in 1876, which has the first tergal plate sulcate, with .S". (j'ujantea, Linn., as the Ty{)e.
t Pocock, Junrn. Linn. Soc, Zoo/., xxv. p. 297 (189(3).
430 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
It!ii/sii/(i i.s (listriluited in Algeria, .Sonialiland, the Oriental Region, and Central America. Ciiipiops is cosmopolitan, and Mcdsfdrephahis is a northei-n type which, although alnmdant in the tropics, does not for the most part penetrate far int(j the Southern Hemisphere.
The most singular fact coiuiected with the Millepede fauna (Diplopoda) of .Sokotra is the entire absence, oi', at all events, the great scarcity, of all forms belonging to the luloidea. It is possible, of course, that some obscure species of the group were overlooked ; l)ut it is certain that none occur in any al)undance.
Three species only were obtained, all l^elonging to the Polydesmoidea. Although one of these species differs from the others, and indeed from all pi-e- viously described species, in a character — namely, the absence of pores from the seventh somite — which must be considered of generic value, there is no doultt that the three are closely related, as is attested in particular ]>y the structure of the copulatory organs of the male. The two species which have a normal pore formula also constitute a peculiar genus, which in one particular resembles FonUcrid — a genus characteristic of the S(jnoran region of Noith America. This I'esemblance, howevei-, is probably due to convergence rather than to actual relationship.
It caruiot be said that these species throw any light upon the origin of the fauna of Sokotra since they present no particular resemblance to the genera known from any of the adjoining areas.
That none of the species recorded in the following pages have been arti- ficially introduced into Sokotra is shown l»y the al)sence from the island of all the species of Arachnida and Myriapoda, such as lihomhorcpludtix inomtuns, Orfluminrpha niarHata, hoiiietrai^ piirojxeti.^, and HefcnrpoiJn venutoria, which the development of commerce has now spread all o\er the tropics. This fact, coupled with the peculiarity of most of the species, enforces the conclusion that Sokotra gained its present Myriopod population at a remote period when the island formed part of the continent of Arabia or Sonialiland.
I. — The Centipedes of Sokotra.
CHILOPODA.
SCOLOPENDROMORPHA. SCOLOPENDRIDJE.
The genera of the family I'epresented in Sokotra may lie tabulated as follows : —
(«) Seventh somite with a pair of stigmata . . . IiJii/siiJa.
(})) Seventh somite without stigmata.
(a^) Anal somite large, with exposed porous pleura and spiny legs, 1st tergite ti'ansversely sulcate Scohfevdra.
THE ('EXTIl'KI)ES OF SOKOTHA. 431
(A') Anal somite small, witli plcui'a largely con- cealed and poreless ; anal legs nnspined ; 1st tergite not transvei'sely snlcate . . Asaiuula.
Scolopendra, Linn.
One species of this gemis fignivs in Tasclienberg's list nndei' the name CoUaria niorsifaiis, with Sroldii/'inlru crii/lr/is and fnuijilaiKifii as synonyms. There is no reason to donht that Riel)eck's specimens thus identified and synonymised l>y Karsch ai'e specifically identical with either one or both, prol)al)ly l)oth, of the species recoi-ded Ix'low. It is certain also that they are not referable to the same species as the types of aS'. comphuKifd and cndMis, which belong to the older species .S'. alfernans, Leach— a common West Indian form. The same may be said of the Sokotran specimens in the Bremen Museum, referred by Karsch to CoUaria momfans (Abh. Nat. Ver. Bremen, ix. p. 67, 1884).
Scolopendra balfouri, Pnr. (plate xxvi. tig. 5.) See p. 208.
CoUaria morsitam, Karsch, Abh. Nat. Ver., Bremen, ix. i). 07 (1884). Scolopendra vafida, subsp. halfouri, Pocock, Journ. Linn. Soc. Zool., xxv. p. 297 (1896).
The specimens of Scolopendra collected in Sokotra l)y Professor Balfoui- were sent to the British Museum in 1881, and were examined and descrijjed l)y me as conspecific with a species known at that time only from the Canary Islands — namely, Scolopendra mJida, of Lucas (see Ann. Mag. Nat. Hisf. (6), i. p. 335, 1888). Subsequent examination of the same material convinced me that, at all events, the larger specimens found in Sokoti'a ai'C distinguishable l:»oth by size and colouring from Canary Island specimens, although the smaller Sokotran specimens, which I took to he the young of the larger, appeared to be inseparal)le from them. Hence I proposed the name halfouri as a subspecific tei'm for the Sokotran form (Jour. Linn. Sor. Zool., xxv. pp. 297-298, 1896). The mass of material brought Imck l)y Messrs. Grant and Forbes has developed our knowledge of the subject still furthei', and has convinced me that it was an error to regard the small specimens of Scolopendra taken l)y Balfour as the young of the larger, and that, as a matter of fact, two closely allied species of this genus inhal)it the island, the lai-ger of the two being S. Ixdfoirri and the smallei- S. valida, there lieing practically no constant character l)y which the latter can be distinguished from the Canary Island species.
The young of ,S'. halfouri are entirely pale, but in adult specimens, which may reach a length of 190 mm., the head, anteniue, and all the legs are green, or even l)lack, and although the posterior half of the tiuiik is paler, the anterior half is distinctly olivaceous or olivaceo-castaneus.
Sokotra: Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; Moukaradia ( = Gebel Kaggit (800 ft.); Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.) ; Hadibu Plain.
432 THE NATURAL HISToKY ()F SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Professor Balfour and Dr. Riel)eck both ol)taine(l this species, hut no hDcality beyond " Sokotra " is given.
2. Scolopendra valida, Lucas.
Scolopendra calida, Lucas, in Webb and Berthelot, Hist. Nat. des. lies. Ctmarie-s, ii., Entoml., p. 49, pi. vii. fig. 14 (1836-1844) ; Newport, Tr. Linn. Soc, xix. p. 402 (1845) ; Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), i. pp. 335-338 (1888) (in part, specimens from Canary Island.s) ; Id., Journ. Linn. Soc. Zool. , xxv. p. 297 (1896).
Sokotra: Homhil (1500-2000 ft.) ; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.) ; Adho Dimellus (3500-4000 ft.) ; and Hadibu Plain.
Both Professor Balfour and Dr. Riebeck collected this species in "Sokotra" without further locality.
The characters of the two above-mentioned species may l)e tal>ulated as follows : —
(li) Total length up to about 180 mm. (9 inches) ; legs and antenme violet-green in adult ; the whole body a darker olive-brown, increasing in intensity at the anterior and posterior extremities ; anal legs long and slender, the segments more than twice as long as broad ; antennte long, al)out four times as long as the head ......... haJfouri.
(h) Total length up to alxnit cSO mm. (3^ inches) ; legs yellowish or pale green ; head, antennae, and anal legs yellowish or yellowish-brown ; anal legs short and thick, the segments less than twice as long as l)road ; anteiuue short, only about three times as long as the head ....... valida.
Rhysida, Wood.
3. Rhysida longicornis, I'ueocL
I,'/ii/sif/(i hiiKjiconii.^, Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6), vii. p. GU, pi. iv. tig. 5(1891).
Colour olive l)rown with metallic lustre ; antennai yellowish, darker at base ; legs yellowish or bluish-green, the posterior pair tui'ipioise-blue. Head sparsely punctured ; antennae, composed of 20-22 segments, long, reaching (when extended laterally) past the Sth tergite, the basal three segments naked, the rest covered with yellowish pubescence. Prcroxid 2)lates of maxillipedes armed with four l)laek conical teeth ; pi-ocess on femur tridentate. Tergal pl((fe.^ smooth, from the 5th l)isulcate, from the 9th- 11th marginate. Sternal plafes fui'uished with only two very short sulci in front. Jnal tenjUe without median sulcus; pleura with process armed with 3 apical, 1 latei'al and sometimes 2 small superior spines ; legs very long and slender, not much less than half the length of the body, femur armed in its basal half with 8-13 spines, 3 of which form a row beneath, the rest less i-egularlv arranged above
TIfK CENTIPEDES OF SOKOTHA. 433
and below on the imuT side ; protarsal segment unspiued. Protarsi
of remaining h'(/s spin-i'ed I)eiieath, those at the antei'ior half of the
body spni'i-ed in front as well. Length up to about ■").") nmi. Sokotra : .lena-agahan (lliO-IOUU ft.); Daliamis (300-1000 ft.); Mouka-
radia ( - (lebel Raggit (GOO ft.) ; Adho I )imellus (3000-4000 ft.) ; and
Hondiil. Pi'ofes.sor Balfour also eoUected this species.
Asanada, Meinert
Asanada, Meinert, Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc, xxiii. p. 189 (1880) ; Pocock, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (G), vii. p. '>l'd (1891).
4. Asanada socotrana, rocock.
Asanada socotrana, Pocock, Bull. Liverpool Muss., ii. p. 9 (1890).
Colour a toleraljly luiiform yellowish-green, with the head plate and maxillipedes tinted with reddish-brown. Head and maxilli'pedes smooth, the latter strong, the coxal plates armed with three sharp teeth ; antenn;e short, composed of 17 segments, reaching to the end of the first tergite. The 1st fm/ife not sulcate, 2nd at most obsoletely, 3rd weakly sulcate, the rest strongly bisulcate, laterally punctate or sub- rugulose, margins not raised. Stenta smooth, l>isulcate. Anal soinUe with small tergum, very small pleura, and large wide steriuim, the latter wider than long, wider than the steriunn of the preceding somite, and with its posterior margin very lightly convex. Legs ; anal very thick, patella sulcate above in its distal half ; protarsal and tiliial segments of legs without spurs.
Sokotra: Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; Dahamis (350-1000 ft.) ; Jena-agahan (120-2500 ft.), Hadibu Plain.
Only one other species of the genus Amnada has hitherto been discovered. This is A. hrevicortm of Meinert, which forms part of the Himalayan and Burmese fauna of British India. The existence of the genus in Sokotra also is a most interesting discovery.
The Sokotra species differs from the Indian in ha\ing the anal sternum transversely oblong instead of semicircularly rounded, the antenna? longer and much more attenuated, the apical segment lieing much longer than wide.
CRYPTOPID^.
Cryptops, Leach.
5. Cryptops socotrensis, ^7^//.
Colour uniformly pale yellow. Aniennm composed of 17 segments, those in the distal half moiiiliform. Head with a pair of abbreviated sulci behind, its posterior border ti-ansversely truncate, overlapping the 1st tergite. Firxi frrgift' with a deep, lightly procurved transA'erse sulcus in front and a pair of longitudinal sulci ; 2nd tergite also with pair of
434 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
sulci ; the rest and the steniites normally sulcate. Lap armed with strong spiniform seta-. Anal soiidfc with a few similar sette ; anal legs strongly armed below and internally, except in the distal segments, with stiff' spiniform setie, the distal segments furnished with finer setae ; femur armed above on the inner side at apex with a strong curved spur, a similar but smaller spin- on the apex of the upper side of the patella externally, and two larger and stronger upon the posterior end of the tiljia, the posterior end of the protarsus angled but not spurred apically al)ove ; tibia armed l)elow with a series (6) of short spiniform teeth, the protarsus with a pair of stronger teeth, the proximal of which is the larger.
Length al)out 16 mm.
Sokotra : Adho Dimellus (30004000 ft.).
This species may be recognised l)y the spine-armature of the anal legs.
Only one specimen was obtained.
GEOPHILOMORPHA. DICELLOPHILID^.
Mecistocephalus, Newport 6. Mecistocephalus punctifrons, Newport.
Meci.sfoce/pha/ii.'^ pnnctifrons, Newport, Proc. Zool. Soc, p. 179 (1842) ; id. Tr. Linn. Soc, xix. p. 429 (184.1), and of subsequent author.-^.
Sokotra: Hadibu Plain; Dahamis (^oO-lOOO ft.) ; Jena-agahan (1200- 2500 ft.); Homhil( 1500-2500 ft.) ; and Adho Dimellus (3000-4000 ft.).
This species, which is common in the Oriental region and has also been recorded from Somaliland, was the only representati\e oi the long vermiform centipedes that was met with in Sokotra.
DIPLOPODA. POLYDESMID^.
By their generic and specific features the males of the three Sok(jti-an species of this family may l)e diagnosed as follows : — {it) Keels of seventh somite without pores ; trochan- ters of legs with scarcely a trace of spiniform process, merely angular at their distal ex- tremity ; first tergite with its anterior border lightly emarginate laterally ; tergites scarcely granular; keels of anterior somites not laterally emarginate, as in F. forhesii; copula-
tory organ more like that of F. socotrends . Aiw/tfojionis t/ninfi.
(h) Keels of seventh somite with pores; trochanters distinctly spined ; first tergite with anterior Ijorder evenly convex from side to side. ('(') Colour redder ; lateral border of keels of
THE CENTIPEDES OF SOKOTRA. 435
second to fifth somites lightly eniargiuate ; keels largei', aiul with thicker margins ; tergites with row of gi-aiuiles or small tul)ercles along posterior boi'ch'r ; external curled branch of copulatory (Kigali very stout ; the two processes of the sulimem-
I)i-an()us inner hranch subecfual in length Fdiifdriojmn sDrofirnsis. (/'') Colour l)row!ier; lateral hordei'of keels not emarginate ; keels smaller and with thicker edges ; no tubercles on tergites ; external l)i'anch of copulatory organ small and slender ; two processes of mem- bi'anous piece veiT une(iual . . . Foitfanojms forbesii.
Fontariopsis, gen. nov.
Jiifrinue about as long as width of body in ? , exceeding it by as much as one-fourth of the width in c?, not Aisibly incrassate, the segments from 2-6 sul)e([ual in length, gradually thickened distally. Hr/nl smooth, with fi-ontal sulcus. First tcnjiie as wide as the second, with laminate expansion. Kemaining icrijifi's smooth, or sparsely granular laterally and posteriorly, convex, not sulcate ; the groove defining the cylin- drical portion not sculptured. Camhil proces.-i trapezoidal, narrowed posterioi'ly, truncate along the posterior margin ))etween the two tubercles ; a lateral tul)ercle on each side. Keels of moderate size, rising above the middle of the side, hoi'izontal, with posterioi' angle acutely produced, anterior angle widely obtuse and rounded, lateral margin thickened, posterior mai'gin toothed or tu])ercular. I^ateral surface of segments granular. Sterna ])road, unarmed ; the last narrowed between the legs of the last pair, the interval lieing equal to about the length of the coxa and trochanter of one of the legs. Legs with trochanters longer than coxaj, and armed with a spike, as in the Central American genus Fontaria. Aanl sternite twice as ])road as long, semi- circularly triangulai', its sides lightly convex, apex obtusely angular ; a low tul)ei'cle on each side between the apex and the base. S Cojnilatori/ nn/aiis, when at rest, projecting, straightforward, parallel, complicated, consisting of two main portions, an admedian which is distally memliranous and divides into an outer and an inner branch and an external or a median which is composed of two branches, an external, simple and sinuous, cVu'ving round the base of the internal, which is apically bifid. Sternum of sixth somite lightly hollowed behind for the reception of the apices of the copulatory organs. No process on sixth or fifth sterna.
Type F. socotrensis.
This genus resembles Fontaria only in the presence of a spike on the lower side of the distal end of the trochanter of the legs. It diffei's in the form of the keels, of the copulatory organs, &c.
436
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ARD-EL-KURI.
7, Fontariopsis socotrensis, sp. n.
9 Colour l)l()(j(l-ru(l, very like that of Ancpiopoiiiif i/rdiiH, descriljed l)elow, liut with the legs, sterna, and anteiiiue paler yellow. Allied in general characters to A. (jranti, but the anterior border of the first tergite is evenly convex from angle to angle, the keels are lai-ger, and those of somites '1 to 5 lightly emarginate ; and the median and posterior tei-ga, especially the latter, furnished along the posterior border with a distinct row of small granuliform tubercles. Cinuhd process broader across the middle and more abruptly narrowed than in A. grtadi. Anal stcrnite, not so distinctly triangular, c? Differing from the r^ oi A. (jninfi in the same general features as does the 5 . Copulatory oi-gans very similar to those of A. (/rmifi, but the external branch much stouter, thick and i-ounded thi-oughout, with the apex not al)ruptly expanded. 5 Total length 29 mm., width 4:'S mm.
Sokotra : Geliel Kaggit (GOO ft.).
The specimens of this species occurred at Gebel Kaggit with those of A. (jnuifi taken at the same place. 8o similar in general form and colouring ai'e the two that on the first cursory examination to which they were submitted they were all ascribed to the same species and and described as OdoutopeJtis uniiifi.
8. Fontariopsis forbesii, Pocock.
Odontopi'ltisJ'orhf-sii, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. ]>. 9(1898).
Fid. a. — Lower View of Right Copulatory Orcan of FonfariopxiK forhe.ni.
(? Larger and darker in colour than /'. surofrnisis, the prevailing tint l)eing l»rownish and not pinkish-red. Keels of somites 2 to 4 not emarginate along the lateral border ; terga without giuiudes ; keels thicker on the margin, more depressed, the anterior angle less prominent.
THE C'ENTll'KDES OF SOKOTRA.
437
( 'ii/)ii/iifi)ri/ (injiiit (tii;\ a) wvy (lirt'ci'ciit, the cxtcniul l»i'iuu'h small ami .sk'iuler, and the pi-iiiripal l)ranch of the menil)i'an()u.s selei'itc luiich longer than the smaller pointed l)ranch.
Total leiii;th ."SI nnu., width 5'5 mm.
Sokotra : Adho Diniellus (.3500-4.S00 ft.). -A single male example.
Aneptoporus, gen. nov.
Closely allied to the preceding genns Foniariopdx, as indicated by the form of the keels and of the copulatory organs, l)nt distinguishable l»y the almost complete absence of the spike on the trochanters, and abo\"e all by the absence of pores from the seventh somite — a featui-e in which it differs from all the hitherto descril)ed genera, the pore formula being 5, 9, 10, 12, V.\ 15, 19.
Type A. (jntuii, Pocock.
9. Aneptoporus granti, Pocock.
(J(loiifojii//ls ijranti, Pocock, Bull. Liverp. Muss., ii. p. 9 (LSi)8).
Fk;. b. — Lower View ok Right Coitlatoky Okcax of AneiilojioriiK (jraiiti.
9 Colour blood-red, with darker l)ut indistinct median dorsal line ; legs generally paler yellow, sometimes as dark as the dorsal surface ; sterna pale. First fcnjife with anterior l)order lightly but distinctly emarginate at the sides, the posterioi' border similarly l)ut less distinctly emarginate, hence the lateral expansion is clearly defined. Second and third icnjitrs with margin of keel strongly thickened in its posterior half, posterior angle slightly acute, the anterior and posterior edges scarcely dentate. The rest of the keels strongly produced and spiniform posteriorly, those in the middle of the body the largest ; the anterior portion of those at the posterior end much reduced ; the posterior border of the keels from the fourth, sixth, seventeenth or eighteenth denticulate or tubercular ; the anterior, border from the fifth to the twelfth or thirteenth also denticulate, Init
438 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
more weakly so. Xo tubercles on the terga, or, at most, a few at the posterior end of the body. Caadtil pivrcss triangular and truncate, its sides evenly converging. Anal litennff nearly lectangular and pointed. Coxse and trochanters of legs furnished with a long bristle ; a row of longish hairs along the posterior border of the sterna. S Smaller than female. Legs thicker. Copnlatorij onjdii as in fig. 1) ; the external branch with apex expanded, the two processes of the membranous piece not very unequal in length. 5 Total length 27 mm., width 4-3 mm.
Sokotra: Dahamis (350-1000 ft.): (lel)el Kaggit (600 ft.); Homhil (1500-2500 ft.) ; Jena-agahan (1200-2500 ft.).
THE CENTll'KDHS oF AUD-EL-Kritl.
439
"•—The Centipedes of AbdelKuri.
SCOLOPENDRIDiE
Scolopendra, Linn. Scolopendra balfouri, l',>r.
Scoloptndm valida, sub sp. halfonri, Pocock, J„urn. Linn Soc Zool xxv p297 (1896). ■'" ■
(.Seep 4:31.)
ANNULATA.
Hirudinea:
Chsetopoda.
Note by HENRY O. FORBES, LL.D.
iJ':echks and worbis. 443
Leeches and Worms.
Only two species belonging to the Aniiiihil.a were collected during our expedition, and both only in Sokotra. The first belonged to the ordei' kiru- dinea. During the skiiniing of a batch of Sokotran Gros-l)eakK {li/n/urho- siiuilms sokofranns) by our taxidermist Cutmore, my attention was drawn bv him to a small species of leech which he found occupying the nasal chambers of many of these birds. From an ocular examination of them in life, they appeared to mc from their form, attitudes, and mode of movement, to belong to a specially small species of Hcemadipsa ; at all events, from the absence of any sign of proboscis, they would seem certainly to be Gnathol)dellids. It was impossible to determine whether thev were present in the nostrils of these birds accidentally and temporarily (the bird lieing able to remove them at will), or whether they have become, as their presence in so many individuals would suggest, a sort of internal parasite in the way that the Horse-leech Ha'mopsis may infest the pharyngeal passages of cattle, and Hirudo mnguisuga has been occasionally known to attack the human suljject. No Hwiiiadlpm; were obser\ed by us on the vegetation or elsewhere in any part of the island we visited. I do not re- member, also, ever to have met with leeches in the nostrils, or even on the bodies, of l)irds taken in the Malayan forests, where Idremadijmv occurred fre- quently enough in thousands.
The second Annulate we encountered was an Oligochaete living in the humid, sandy earth of the morassy bank of the Hanefu ri\'er, a shcjrt distance south of Hadil)u ^•illage, and not entirely beyond tidal influence. It was H inches in length, slender, pale red in colour, but with a prominent and very bright red clitellum. As I had then no other receptacle with mc except a cyanide insect-killing bottle, I dropped the specimen into it among some Coleoptera already there. On reaching camp, I found to my chagrin that the creature had become shrivelled and contracted into an uiu-ecognisable pellet. Although I searched afterwards most diligently, both in the plains and in the hills, I was never fortunate enough to find another specimen. Worms were mani- festly extremely rare. The determination of a species from this ancient land surface would have been of special interest, considering the importance of the Oligochaeta from the point of view of geographical distribution.
Botany
of
Sokotra
and
Abd=el = Kuri
PLANT/E PHANEROGAM^E.
An^iospermse.
By Prof. I. B. BALFOUR, F.R.S.
PLATES XXVI A., XXVI B.
THK i'I/)WI<;rin(; plants of sokotija. 449
Flowering Plants.
The botanical collections l)i'ouii;ht l)v Dr. Forbes and Mr. Ogilvie-Grant from Sokotra and Al»il-el-Kui'i were of three kinds, namely : — Living plants, tuhei's and liullis, seeds and di-ied specimens.
TJie Living I'laiifs, which wei'e l)rought oxev in Wardian cases, arrived at the Royal Botanic (xarden in Edinhui'gh on March :23, 1S99. At the reqnest of Dr. Forl)es I had fui'iiislied the expedition with a conple of Wardian cases, and it Avas with mixed feelings that I received, at the end of March, 1899, during a spell of hard frost, an intimation fi'om him that the cases wnth jilants from Sokotra wei'C al)Oiit to be despatched frimi London to the Royal Botanic Garden. The cases duly arrived, and thanks to the care with which Messrs. Stahlschmidt & Go., of Great Tower .Street, ari'anged for their trans- port, and to the attention which the officials of the London and North- Western Railway ga\e to the cases, the extreme frost of the night during which they travelled did not, I think, seriously affect the plants in the cases. The cases were unpacked on ai'ii\'al at the Garden on 23rd March, and in a few days I was able to send to Dr. Forlies a report regarding the several plants they contained. The terms of this and a note of the fate of each to the date of present writing (.lanuary, 1902) is given under the respective species.
Along with the W'aidian cases there arii^-ed also a large crate containing a splendid specimen of the new fleshy Euphorbia from Abd-el-Kuri, described below, of which a figure, taken shortly after its arrival, appears in the text.
On the evening of the same day two more boxes, filled with liriin/ smriilent jijiiiits, hiillis iiiid fiihi'/s, reached the Garden from Dr. For])es at Liver- pool. I wish to put on I'ecord that in all my experience of shipments of specimens of a similar kind I have never seen a finer lot unpacked. Know- ing as I do the conditions under which Dr. Forlies nuist have worked on the island, and the difHculties of collecting, husbanding, packing and transporting, the state in which his specimens arrived speaks in emphatic terms of his capacity, skill and industiy in the woik of exploration. Notes on the contents of these bo.xes are gi\eii under the species to which they belong, and I have added a note of the result of oui' cultivation of them. I must, however, point out that tlie naming of some of the l)ulbs is only tentati\'e, as they have not all Howei'cd.
29
450 TTIK XATl'U.U, KISTdKV <»!•' SoKoTKA AXT) AliD-ET, KTi;!.
The collection of schU was extensive, and we have succeeded in raising a number of interesting plants. Tn the following pages I refer undei- the species to results w(^ ha\e obtained. Many of the seedlings cainiot yet lie identified with ceitainty, and a few years must of necessity elapse before we can say what will he the immediate benefit to hoi-ticulture from the progenv we mav raise, Imt I ho{)e that this will not l>e insignificant.
The dried sjier/innis form an inteix'sting collection. The total luunber of flowering plants and ferns which have been identihed liiought by the e.xpedition fi-oni Sokotra is 122 species. Fi'om Abd-id-Kui'i we havi; 53. When all the seedlings now gi'owing have l)een identified there will be some additions to the list. Many species were, howexei-, o1)served and identified by Dr. Forbes in the field, which it was found impossilile to collect. An asterisk prefixed to the name of a species in the following list indicates that it has ])een so identified.
Of the Sokotran plants four are noAclties, namely, Edifhcolni sfjydidit, N. E. Bj'own, l)elonging to a small asclepiadaceous geiuis estal)lished by Mi'. Bi'own upon some Somaliland plants ; I'j.ntruiii Forhcm, a chai'ming plant allied to /:'. /■(cnih'ini : Ifolofhri.r socofnnui, Rolie, an extension eastwards of an African geinis of orchids; and .ll'ir Forlu'!<ii, a small species distinct from the well-known Sokotran Aloe ; whilst six have not been previously reeoi-ded from the island, namely: — Ahutilon graveoleiix, Wight and Arn., a tiopical cosmopolitan foim; ^lii(/ra'ruin dives, Kolfe, an epiphytic orchid of Kiliman- jai'o and Mombasa ; RemuMitia vivipara, Schott, a species with an Kastei'ii Asiatic distribution ; Scilhi iitdiat, Baker, a plant of Hindustan and Abyssinia ; F((idrum Tencriff'ic, IJ. Bi'., a grass of the Meditei-ranean regions and the East, and J'nniiscftini oriridiih\ Rich., a grass which is spread fi'oni Noilh Africa to India.
It will be seen, then, that the new evidence lirought by the expedition 1)earing upon the chai'actei- and relationships of the Sokotran fioi'a beai's out the conclusions that have been l)ased upon the plants previously bi'ought from the island. The African — especially Abyssinian and Somaliland — coiuiection is suppoi'ted, the lionds with the opposite Asiatic mainland ai'c strengthened, and most interestingly the remarkable East Indian lelationship receives a further illustiation.
(Jf the AIxbcl-Kui'i })lants all liut six were previously known to occui' in Sokotra. Of these six, three ai'c new to science, \Vc\\\\Ay\--Cuin\ilfahis (Irunli, Balf. f., a distinct little species of the section which includes forms occurring in adjacent continental areas; Stdsnln ci/clojiffni, Sta])f., looking to the dis- tribution of the genus, the occurrence of this species lu^ed not surprise us ; and Enpltovhiu Ahdelknri, Balf. f., a succulent form distinct from all known ones, and, pei'haps, the most remarka1)le botanical discovery of the expedi- tion ; the other three species ai-e LiiKiria Ehitiiie, Linn., a widely-spread eastern species, HeferocJdoa duni, Boiss, a Baluchistan gi'ass, and Sjionihohis iiiiiinfux, Link, a grass of Abyssinia.
It is satisfactory that we now have some accpiaintance with the natui'e of the vegetation of Abd-el-Kuri, I think it is probable that, when the Hoi'a of
'I'm: I'l.dWi'.KiNM; I'LAXTs of sokotha. 451
Sokotra is inx'cstii^'atcil t'lirtlici', tlic species of Cunrul nilii^ aiiil of Sul.-^ola now known only from Alul-el-Kuii will l»e found on the liiri;'ei' island ; pei'haps, too, the Eiti>liiirliiii may ln' found, although of this I am less (confident, hecause so remai'kahle a form would, weic it on the island, assur'cdly be known to the people of Sokotra, and some one of the explorini;' expeditions should iia\e heai'd of it and olitained speeimens. I am inclined, therefore, to i-egard the Eii/ihorbiii Alxli'lkiiri as likely to turn out to l)e an endemic species. I take it to 1»e, like the fleshy eiipliorl)ias of Sokoti-a, the JJendro- .s7V//^«, J_)ui:^feii/i( (jKjiix, and others, a i-elic of the old African ffoi'a.
It is unfortunate that, as I)r. Forlies has explained, the expedition was prevented from reaching the ground to the south-west of the Island. Of the \i'getation of this area we, as yet, know nothing, and the aspect of the \'alleys into which one can look from the higher central plateau gives pi'omise of nuu-h novelty. The ground over which Dr. Foi-hes was altle to hotaiiise was xcry nuieh that which eai'liei' expeditions had covei'cd, and this pi'oltahly accounts for the ahsence of moi'c new species in his collections. Xe\ertheless, what he has brought home is of horticultural merit, and will also, when its results are fully secured, aild to our botanical knowledge. Not- withstanding all that has l)een done, I am of o])inion that a rich botanical harvest still aw'aits further exploiation of Sokotra.
As it is desired to publish in this volume — containing the results of the expedition — a complete list of the names and habitats of the plants now known fiom Sokotra, with the names of the collectors or recorders, Dr. Forbes has extracted the necessary information from the ' Botany of Sokotra,' and has incorporated it here : and by the favoui' of the Directoi' of Kew I am enabled to include a record of the collections made in 1S97 by Mr. and Mi's. Theo- dore Bent.
I wish also to say that I am gi'eatly indebted to Dr. Sta|)f, Mr. N. Pi. Brown, and Mi'. K. A. Kolfe, of the Kew Herbarium, foi' undeitaking the examination and desciiption of plants belonging to gi'oups to which they have given special attention.
The botanical collectors indicated in this list, and the dates of their collect- ing oi- recoi'ding are : —
Nimmo, 1834-;^ 9.
Wellsted, 1830.
Boivin, 1847.
Hunter, 1876.
Perry, 187G.
Collins, 18 — .
Balfour, Cockburn, and Scott, ... ... 1879-80.
Schweinfurth and Kiebeck, ... ... ... 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. Bent, 1897.
Fori )es and Ogilvie-Grant, 1898-99.
452 THE XATLI'vAl. UISToltY oF SOKoTRA AND AP.D-Er.-KnU.
1. — The Flowering Plants of Sokotra.
* Is prefixed to those species observed or collected as Herbarium siiecimens, livino^ plants, seeds or bulbs.
t Prefixed to a species or genus indicates that it is endemic.
DICOTYLEDONES.
POLYPETAL/E.
MENISPERMACE^.
Cocculus, DC.
1. Cocculus Leaeba, ]h'.
Hill slopes.- /;.r..S'., Sr/iiiriiif.
2. * t Cocculus Balfourii, ScJinrinf. Balfour fil.. Trans. Iv. S. Edinl)., xxxi.,
Hot. of S'lhifni, Tal). I. (31)serve<l oi'owiiig' aliuiiilantly in dense, wicked, and inipenetialile thicket.s
on the Haghier hills far and near round our camp at Adho I)iinellus.
Found no fruit, though abundantly in flowei-. — H.O.F. Haghier slopes (o\er 2000 ft.). — B.C.S., Srlncciiif., Jlnif.
PAPAVERACE^.
Argemone, Linn.
3. * Argemone mexicana, LinN. Elhe, Hadilni Plain (:i I. 99).— H.O.F. Vicinity of Hadihu. — B.C.S., Bcnf.
CRUCIFER^.
Diceratella, Boiss.
4. t Diceratella incana, Jl'd/.fl., Op. cit. Tal). H.
Sandy spots of the plains about (Talonsir.— /).('.»S'.
Farsetia, Desv.
5. Farsetia longisiliqua, Dene.
Common on the limestone plains. — B.C.S., Srlivciiif.
6. Farsetia prostrata, BdJf.jjl.
On plains al)out Oalonsii'. — B.C.S.
7. t Farsetia sp.
Near Oalonsir. — /^.r'..*?.
TIIK KLOWKItlXO I'LAN'l'S OK SOKoTKA. 453
Sisymbrium, Linn.
8. Sisymbrium erysimoides, 7a n/.
All oc'cusioiuil weed. — JI.C.S., tSc/iariiif.
Brassica, Linn.
9. Brassica rostrata, Jinl/'./il.
Al)Uii(l;iiit on the liill slopes ii[t to ii grcsat elevation ; on .sheltered spots under elilVs or lioiilders. — B.C.S.
10. t Brassica rostrata, /ixl/.jiL \ar. hirsuta, Half, fd.— B.C.S.
Lachnocapsa, Balf. fit.
11. t Lachnocapsa spathulata, Jin/f. ji/., ()p. eit. Tal). III.
> Sandy plaees near (Jalonsir. — Jl.C.S.
CAPPARIDEiE.
Cleome, Linn.
12. Cieome papillosa, sirtn/.
Near H-diWrn. — Sr/i ini ii f.
13. t * Cleome socotrana, Balf. ///. On Garieh VWux. — JI.d.F.
Not uneoniiiKMi. — B.C.S. , SrJiuriiif.
14. Cleome tenella, Linn.jH.
On plains aliout Oalonsir and lladibu. — 7Ar.(S'., Sclitrciiif.
15. Cleome brachycarpa, /'"///.
>Saiidy parts of the limestone plains. — B.C.S. , Sr/nrciiif., Beiif.
16. Cleome brachycarpa, Faltl. vav. filicaulis, ScJnceinf.
Xear Hadil»u. — Sdiweiiif., Bent.
17. Cleome viscosa, Liim.
Al)out \illages. — B.C.S., Sc/urciiif., Bent.
Qynandropsis, DC.
18. Gynandropsis pentaphylla, DC.
About habitations. — B.C.S., Sr/iiocliiJ.
Mserua, Forsk.
19. * Maerua angolensis, J)C.
Seen growing in the cre\ices of the limestone rocks on the slopes of Gel)-
el-Kaggit alxjve Hadibu village. — H.O.F. On hills and plains ; Keregnigiti ; near Hadibu Plain : at Galonsir. — ■
B.C.S., Scliux'inf., Bent. Jrdli^tcd.
454 THE NATURAL HISTORY (»K SOKOTRA AND ARD-EL-KURI.
Cadaba, Forsk.
20. Cadaba rotundifolia, F<>rd\
Hill slopes iicai- (Taloiisir. — B.C.S.
21. Cadaba longifolia, L)C-
Not conimoii oti the plains. — B.C.S.
Capparis, Linn.
22. Capparis aphylla, Haih.
\hy liiiicstoiu' plains at the east and west ends of the island. — /».('.iS'.
23. Capparis spinosa, Linn.
On the plains, conmion. — B.C.S., Srhiceinf.
RESEDACEiE.
Caylusea, St. Hi I.
24. Caylusea canescens, Sf. liil.
Bent.
Reseda, Linn.
25. t * Reseda viridis, Balf./il.
Observed on liills al)0\e Homhil ; and on Hadilm Plain. -II. O.I''.
Seed collected on slopes of hills near Galonsir at 1500 ft. The plants
raised from this ha\e floweied freely in the Royal Botanic Garden. —
B.C.S., Bnif.
Ochradenus, De/.
26. Ochradenus baccatus, IM.
Limestone plains at east and west ends of the island. -/A'' '..S'., Sriuniiif.
VIOLARIE^.
Viola, Linn.
27. t ' Viola cinerea, Bim)<.
Homhil (22. I. 99); o1)served and seed collected.- 7/.^)./-'. Near Galonsir. — B. C.S.
lonidium, Vent
28. lonidium sufifruticosum, diiuj.
Common. — B.( '.S., Srltirciiif.
Alsodeia, Thouars.
29. t Alsodeia socotrana, Ihilf. fil.
Near Hadil)U.-— VAr/.N.
■I'llK IM,(iWKi;iN(; I'LANTS oK soKo'l'ltA. 4^5
BIXINEiE.
Aberia, Hochsf.
30. Aberia abyssinica, ('li>^.
Conmion. — !>.( '.S., Si-lni-ciiif.
POLYGALE^.
Polygala, Linn.
31. Polygala abyssinica, /'/vs.
Coinmoii. — r>.( '.S.
32. Polygala erioptera, l>i'.
On the plains. — //.r.,s'., Sc/iirc/nf.
33. Polygala chinensis, /./im.
On limestone hills, sparingly. — li.C.S.
CARYOPHYLLEiE.
Qypsophila, Linn.
34. Gypsophila montana, HdJf.jH.
Haghiei- Hills (oNcr I'^OO h,).—Jl.r.S.
35. Gypsophila montana, vur. viscida, Jlitlf.jH.
Karer than the Ty\)e.—B.C.S'., Sritirciiif.
Silene, Linn.
36. * Silene apetala, inH''.
Homhil (No. U1).—Il.().F.
Common oil hills at all elevations. — B.C.S., Srlurciiif.
Arenaria, Linn.
37. Arenaria serpyllifolia, LinK. Abundant in many places.. — Il.C.S.
Polycarpasa, Lamk.
38. Polycarpaea corymbosa, Lam/:.
Plain near Kliadup. — Il.C.S.
39. * Polycarpaea spicata, -/"'•
Slopes of Aduna (GOO ft., 21. XII. 98, No. 128).- H.O.F. Hao-hier Hills neai- Hadibu. — A'.r.N.
40. t Polycarpaea spicata, .Im., \ar. capillaris, Hdl/.jU.
Near (Talonsir, and elsewhere. — U.C.S., Sciiirciiif.
41. t * Polycarpaea divaricata, llnlf. jil.
Several loc-alities, often at considerable ele\ations. 7/. ^A /*'., B.C.S., ScJilveiiif.
456 THE NATIKAL IIISTOKY OF SOKOTRA AND AliD-EL-KirJ.
42. * Polycarpaea, csespitosa, lUtlf. jil. Homhil (iL'OU ft., I. 9'J, No. \^(i). H.O.F. Plains Ix'voiul Ha(iil)u, and elsewhere. — B.C.S.
PORTULACEiE.
Portulaca, Linn.
43. * Portulaca oleracea, /Jim. Al)nii(laiit.— /;.C'..s'., H.O.F.
44. Portulaca quadrifida, Llim.
Al)niulaiit. — Hunt., JJ.C.S., Scliirr/iif.
Talinum, A dans.
45. * Talinum cuneifolium, H'ilh/.
Dahamis, seeds collected (20. XII. US); Homhil (lUUO ft., I. d9).—H.0.F. Near Hadihu and (lalonsir. — B.C.S., Srhwcinf.
46. Talinum crassifolium, irniJ.
Brut.
TAMARISCINE^.
Tamarix, Linn.
47. * Tamarix gallica, Litm. Near Khor Garieh. — H.U.F. Shore at Garieh. — B.C.S., Sc/nceinf.
HYPERICINE^.
Hypericum, Linn.
48. Hypericum (Androsit^mum) mysorense, Hci/ne.
Especially a1)undaiit round oni- camp at Adho Dimellns (No. 273). — H.O.F.
Two plants hrought over in a A\'ardian case unfortunately died, but we have raised a iuim1)er of plants from seeds brought home by the ex- pedition. The shoots and foliage are elegant in themsch'cs, but the large flowei's which Itelong to the species, and which will, I hope, be produced ere long on our plants, make this plant a most welcome addition to our stock of flowering plants for green-house culti\'ation.
Rocky places at an elevation of over 1500 ft. — Fx'id, Xiiimin, B.C.S., ScJur/'iiif.
49. * Hypericum (Andrusa-nunn) lanceolatum, Laud: Adho Dimvlln^.— //.(>. F.
On the higher rocky parts of the hills. — B.C.S.
50. t * Hypericum (Arthrophylla) scopulorum, B<ilf.fil.,Op. cit.Tab. IV, A. Seeds of this have given us several nice seedling plants, which, as small
woody shrubs with a profusion of small yellow flowers, will not be
THE Fr.oWKRlNC PLANTS OF SoKoTUA. 457
witliout attraction in our groen-liouses. Of eight })lant.s l)rouii;ht liome in a ^^'ar(lian ease alive, in vai'ious stages, all unfortunately (lie<l.
Not unciinniion amongst llu' I)oul(lers on the Sokotran hills at altitudes o\Cl' 1000 h. — JLCS., Sr/nrriiif.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., l'. 11. \)d).-^JI.O.F.
51. t * Hypericum ( Arthrophylla) tortuosum, Half. ,///., op. eit. Tab. IV, B.
Adho Dinii'llus ( 1000 h.).~/f.(>.F.
With the foi'egoing species on the llaghier I'ange at a high elevation. — /''.''.N., Sclnrciiif., Bent.
MALVACE^.
Malva, Linn.
52. Malva parviflora, l/nm.
On the limestone })lains neai' \illages. — JIJ'.S.
Sida, Linn.
53. Sida cordifolia, Linn.
In the \alley Kisehen. — Sc/im'/iif.
51 Sida rhombifolia, Linn.
Common. — B. C.S. , Srh irrinf.
55. * Sida humilis, JTilh/.
Aduna slopes (21. XII. 98, No. 123).— ILO.F. By the Wadi Digal. — Scknydnf.
56. Sida grewioides, (ridU. ef Berr. Common on the limestone plains. — B.C.S.
Abutilon, Gcertn.
57. Abutilon fruticosum, G/dll. d Ben:
Conuiion. — B.C.S. , SrJi n.rinf.
58. Abutilon rauticum, (i. Dun.
Sparingly on the hills. — B.C.S.
59. * Abutilon graveolens.
Hadihu Plain (Xo. U)0).—IL(KF.
A \ery hairy form of this species, which is an addition t(j the plants pre- viously known from Sokotra.
Pavonia, Cav.
60. Pavonia odorata, Wilh/.
Urnt.
Senra, Cav.
61. Senra incana, Car.
Common i-ouml (lalonsii' and other \'illages. — JJ.C.S., Si']in:einf.
4r),S TlIK NATlliAl, IlISTdltV dV SOKoTItA AM) A lil)-KI,-Kri;i.
Hibiscus, Linn.
62. Hibiscus (Bomhicclla) intermedius, .Idi.
On plains al)()ut (raloiisir and Iladilm. — IlJ'.S., Si-/nrr/iif.
63. Hibiscus (IJoniliicclla) micranthus, Liiui.jil.
Not uneoiniiion. — liJ'.S., Schu-ciiif.
64. Hibiscus (Laguna-a) Solandra, L'lL'r.
Near lladiliii and (Jalonsir. — fl.C.S., llnif.
65. Hibiscus (Lai;una'a) tematus, Miisf.
I'lains aliout Hadihii. — /IJ'.S.^ Scliin'inf.
66. * Hibiscus (Kctmia) vitifolius, Linn. (No. \1X.)—H.().F.
Common. — B.C.S., ScJiiiriiif.
67. t* Hibiscus (Kctmia) Scotti, Ihilf.fii, ()]). cit. Tal). V, A.
Al)ov(' caiiii) at llomliil (L'OOO ft.) ; at Adlio 1 )imL'lliis (400(1 ft.). (No.s. 20(i, •1\').) — 1I.().F.
On the hill slopes at considerable elevation. — 1>.(\S., Srlncciuf.
Se\eral phiiits have c(mie up fixmi seeds of this species, and its lai'ge brilliant yellow dowers should i;;i\-e it a distinct ])lace in liorticultuic. Unfortunately, its hairs are stiff" and easily detached, and therefoi'c apt to cause some irritation in the skin of any one handling the plant, and this may militate against its success as a hoi'ticultui'al ac(pusition,
68. t* Hibiscus (Ketmia) stenanthus, Balf. fil.
Matagoti, above camp at Homhil (l.JOO ft., 19. I. 99). H.O.F. On limestone plateaux (over 1000 ft.). — B.C.S., Hnnkr.
69. t Hibiscus (Ketmia) malocophyllus, Jl'ilf.jil.
Neai' Adlio l)imellus; not al)undant. — //.C'.N., Srlnr('iiij\ Jlrnt.
70. Hibiscus, s/i.
Abundant on hill slopes. — /!.('. S.
Gossypium, Linn.
71. * Gossypium barbadense, Linn.
Below .Jena-agahan ; on the (iarieh Plain : cultivated (No. \\1).~H O.F. Neai' habitations.— B.C.S.
STERCULIACE^.
Sterculia, Linn.
72. * Sterculia Triphaca, //. /// .
Homhil (2000 ft., 11). 1. i)!)). in Din.'lian Valley leading fifmi Hadibu
Plain to Adho WuwWwh.—U.O.F. Conuiion (Jii the hills. — B.C'.S., Sr/urcinf.
TIIK l''L(>\VKi;iN<; I'l.ANTS oF SdKo'i'KA 459
Mel h an i a, Forsk.
73. t Melhania muricata, Hnlf.iH., Op. cit. Tal). VF, A.
Xcar (laloiisir : not uiicoimiiDii. — HJ'.S., Jinif.
TILIACE^.
Grewia, Linn.
74. Grewia populifolia, /''///.
Xol coiinnoii. -/!.<'."<., S'-lnrciiif.
75. Grewia orbiculata, Uotil. Hill slopes. — /;.r.,s'.
76. Grewia salvifolia, llrijue.
Hill slopes; not tViMjiU'lit. — !>.('. S.
77. t * Grewia turbinata, /lulf. jil.
( >liscr\ cd oil slopes of Hagliiei' alio\ e lladilai. — IfJI.F. Aiiio]ii;st lionldei's by the side of Kere^^-iiigiti. - IIJ'.S., Sc/inriiif.
78. t Grewia bilocularis, Il"lf. jil.
Near Aduiia (over :U)00 ft.). --7A('..S'.
Corchorus, Linn.
79. Corchorus acutangulus, hmiL'.
Oil plains ; not uneoninion. — B.C.S., Sr/myinf.
80. Corchorus Antichorus, Hk n^rlirl.
( )ii i.\v\' ])laiiis : connnon. Il.C.S., Si-lnrriiif.
81. t * Corchorus erodioides, Jliilf. jll.. Op. eit. Tab. VIT, 15.
Hadibu Plain (XH. !)S, No. l()(i). 01)sei-ved also onOaiieli Plain: and
on Kamahauu .slope and elsewhere. — H.O.F. On sandy plains near Galon.sir and Hadibu. — IJ.C.S., Sr/iwcinf., Bnif,
Jjoivin.
Elaeocarpus, Linn.
82. t Elaeocarpus transultus, /lalf. jil.
Hills abont (lalonsir and Hadibu. — />.<'. S.
LmKJE.
Linum, Linn.
83. Linum gallicum, F/im.
Hill slopes (ovei- lUOU it.). — li.f '.S.
460 THK NATlTvAL llISToMY (»F SOKoTllA AND ABD-KL-KUltl.
MALPIGHIACE^.
Acridocarpus, Guill. et Perr.
84. * Acridocarpus orientalis, ./'/. /">x
la tln' \ulU'V of the Diiiclian cit rautr to .Adho 1 )iiiiclliis, in seed and Hower (L>. 11. 99); Adiiiia Sl(>])es ( 400-1 noo ft., L'l. XII. 9S, No. 12S). — HJKF.
On Haghiei' Hills; almiidant. -7j'.C'.N., Schircinf., Jlntf, Niiitniu.
ZYGOPHYLLE^.
Tribuius, Linn.
85. Tribuius terrestris, L'mn.
On })laiiis ; eonnaoii. — /IJ'.S., Sclurrliif., I'xiif.
ZygophyUum, Linn.
86. Zygophyllum simplex, Liim.
(Jn plains; common. — Il.C.S., Jlnif.
87. * Zygophyllum album, L/im. Collected, but witli locality lost. — If.O.F.
Sandy spots neai' the shore at (lalonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S.
Fagonia, Linn.
88. Fagonia cretica, /./////. \ar. arabica, T. Jinkrs.
On plains; common. — ll.C.S., Niiiniio.
89. t* Fagonia cretica, Liim. var. socotrana, Bulf./d.
On Hadi1)U Plain, at Elbe ; and on Oarieh Plain, near Kamahanu camp. —
H.O.F. Abundant. — /AC.N.
GERANIACEiE.
Geranium, Linn.
90. " Geranium mascatense, liuisf^.
Homhil (No. IGG, 172). On Matagoti, abo^e Homhil camp (about 1900- 2000 ft.). At 4000 ft. this beautiful Geranium had a more erect than procumbent hal)it.— 7/.^ >./•'.
Seeds of this have gernn'natt'd ; but tlu' plant is not of horticultui'al interest. — B.( '.S., Jjnif.
Dirachma, Schweinf.
91. t Dirachma socotrana, Sdia-nnf. Balfour til., Op. cit. Tal). VIII. On slopes of llaghiei' ; not uncommon. — B.C.S., Sdmniif.
Tllp; I'l.oWKI'.IXC I'l.AXTS ol' SoKoTltA.
Oxalis, Linn.
92. * Oxalis corniculata, Limt.
Slopes of Adima (<()(» ft., L*. XII. '.(S, No. 1 29).— /A.O. /•'. Coinnioii. — !).('. S.
RUTACE^.
Ruta, Linn.
93. Ruta graveolens, Linn. var. angustifolia, lln,,k.jij. Near Hadibu. — Jl.C.S.
I CI
Thamnosma, Torn. ( t Frem.
94. t " Thamnosma socotrana, I'mJ/. jii.
Two plants were l»i'onglit ovci' in a W'aidian case, l)Ut, 1)eiii_<;- far gone on
ai'rival, unfoi'tnnately died. On Hau'hiei- liills (over 1500 ft,).-- />'.^'.N., Srliny/nf., Ilmf. Collected on Haghier i-ange al)ove Adlio Dimellns (4200 it.). -JI.O.F.
Citrus, Linn.
95. * Citrus aurantium, ll'iJhL
Observed on the Tahasheh plateau, above tlie Dinehan Valley, near Adho Dimellu.s camp (4000 ft.). PiT)bal)ly introduced from Poitugal and detei'iorated, as the fruit is (piite as l)itter as aloes. — H.O.F.
On hills at Adho Dimellus, and also near Feregeh. — FJ.C.S.
BURSERACE^.
Boswellia, Roxb.
96. t * Boswellia Ameero, Ihilf.jii, Op. cit. Tal). IX. Dinehan Valley. Xative name "Ameiro" (No. 200).— H.O.F.
On slopes of the Haghier Hills about Hadibu ; also about Homhil. — B.C.S., Sduceinf., Hunter, Bent, JFellded.
YorNf! Seeolini; of Boswktjja Amekro.
4G2 TIIK NATIKAI, IIISToI'.Y ol' SOKo'lKA AND AliD-Kl.-K Tltl.
Two plants of this species oi' of 11. chiiKjiitu, lirouglit ovei' in a W'ardiati ease, are i;ro\viiii;- well (December, liH)()). The accoiupaiiyiiig figure shows a yoiiii";- seeilh'iig which we ha\e raised, ft is interesting to note tliat its cotyh'dons aic (|uite those of a Tili'i. \ am not alih' to (h'tei'- mine witli certainty to wliat species tlie phiiits l>el(jng. l)i-. Foi-lies, liowe\er, assui'cs me tlie species is l'>. Ainecro, collected Itelow Adho Dimellus in the Dinchan Valley (.'3800 ft.), January 18, 1899, the trees then coming into flower ; the fruits gathered wei'e those of the pi'evious yeai-, which had not fallen from their capsules.
Ml'. E. M. Holmes, of the Phai'maceutical Society's Museum in rjondoii, sends the following note to Dr. Forbes on a specimen of gum collected on the l*."')i(l -lanuaiy, 1S9S, and sent to him for examination.
"The sticky oleo-gum lesin mixed with bai-k received fi'cmi I ))■. Forbes under the name of Ameero is evidently a ^•ariety of frankincense (lei'i\ed fi-om UoswrlUa Anwcro, Half, f., an account of which is published l)y Pi'ofessor I. B. Balfour in the Bohiiui of Sokoira, p. 49 ; rf. also Inti-oduction, p. xxxviii., and Appendix, p. 441-442, where an analysis I )y Di'. l)ol)l)ie is given. Fven when dried in the form of small teai's, in which foi-m it was pi'esented to the Musevun of the Pharamaceutical Society some yeai-s ago l)y Professoi- I^alfour, it would not find a mar'ket in this country, since fraid<incense from Arabia and Somaliland can be ol)tained of much l)etter ipiality at a cheapei- rate (lOd. ])er 11). wholesale)."
97. t * Boswellia elongata, Half, fil.. Op. cit. Tal). X.
Seen at Homhil at 1.^)00 ft.
On the hill slopes. — /A r.,S'., Jlrnf.
98. Boswellia sp.
On the hills south-west of Oalonsir. — JIJ'.S.
99. t * Boswellia socotrana, JJalf. jil.. Op. cit. Tab. XL
Seen at Homhil, and in the Dinehan valley on our way from Hadibu
Plain to Adho Dimellus ; l)ut not in Hower. (II. 99.) On the Haghier hills : not uncommon. — yj.C'.N., Schuriiif.
100. Boswellia sp.
On the limestone plains. — B.C.H.
Balsamodendron, Kunih.
101. Balsamodendron Mukul, llod:
On the Khadu]) Plain.- /l.C.S.
102. t * Balsamodendron socotranum, Ji'ilf. jil., Op. cit. Tal). XII.
Observed abundantly at Hondnl, and in the valleys both noi'th and south of the Adho Dimellus water-parting. Called hy the natives "Lagahan" and "Semahanu." Some of the gum-iusin, " Luban "
TlIK l''I,(i\VKI!IX(i I'l.AX'rs oV SoKoTlt.V. [C'.]
(Sokotri), ciillcctcil tVoni a tree licic was scut to Mi-. Holmes, wlio sends tile followiiii;' note :
"Tile Lai^ahan sent me li\' l>r. Foihes is eerlainly not the oleo-^^uin-resin of a Jlalstiinoi/ciii/i'dii hnt that of a B(>sU't'lli((, possihly Bn^wcUia soeofnina, I^Salf. f. There is prohalih some mistake ahoiit the name. It is not so fragi-ant as ordinary fraiikineeiise of Somalilaiid and Araliia, and could not possihly compete with it in Kni;lish commerce."
[Ill face of the aho\e statement, I hardly like to assoi't that I feel con- fident 1 colI(>eteil the i;iim from a Baltitiiiiii(l( ndroii, I 1ielie\'e, B. soco- imiiam, and boxed it on the spot. — //.^A /•'.]
Alunidant.— /ACaS., SrJiirniif.
103. t Balsamodendron parvifolium, Hulf. jil.
On the plains. — Il.C.S.
104. t * Balsamodendron planifrons, sdiarlnf. I5alfour til, Op. cit.
Tab. XIII.
Seen in the I)iiielian \alley leadiiii;- from lladilm to Adho Dimellus, and in the valleys leading south fi'om our camp at that place. — H.O.F.
Near Hadilju, and above Kischen at 240U ft. — B.C.S., Schwnibf., Iltiif, Hunter.
105. Balsamodendron sp ?
Ji.r.S., Bad.
106. Balsamodendron sp ?
Ji.r.S., lUnt.
RHAMNE^.
Zizyphus, Juss.
107. * Zizyphus jujuba, LmuJ:.
(No. ).— H.O.F.
Plants have been raiseil from seeds lirouglit by the expedition.
Common. —B.C.S.
108. * Zizyphus spina-christi, inild.
The fruit is largely eaten liy tlie natives ; numei'ous l)irds also feed on it —the Amydri and the Cuckoo ; and the leaves are eagerly devoured by camels. Seen e\eiy\vhere up tij I'OOO ft. — If.O.F. Common. — B.C.S., JFrJIsfnl.
AMPELIDE^.
Vitis, Linn.
109. Vitis quadrang-ularis, //'"//.
On [)lateuu S.W. from Oalonsir (over 1500 ft,). —B.C.S.
404
THE XATniAL IlISTollV i>l" SoKoTIJA AND AliD-KI^-KnU.
110. i-*Vitis subaphylla, H^ilf.jil.
(Nos. 26a, 4U, 41, S|,.. ir,Oa.) Kaiiialiaiiu (2S. XII. 9S). Fadehen
(3. I. 9r)).^E.n.F.
Very conmioii on plain near (laloiisir. — B.C.S., Srlitrriiif.
Skkdtjnc; of Vitis suraphyUjA.
A\ e have raised several seedlings of this plant. The hypocotyl I'ises al)ont a conple of inches aliove around l>eaiini;' a paii- of slightly ])alinately lol)ed cotyleflons. Tlie radial orthotropous axis of the hypocotyl is terete at the l>ase and gradnally becomes (piadrangular witli neai'ly eijnal sides. ITpon the top of the hypocotyl at the l)ase of each cotyledon is a pair of cushion-glands, one on each side of its petiole. The phiniulai- shoot foi'ms a long internode Avith one leaf at its apex at I'ight angles to the meclian of the cotyle<lons, and this leaf has a pair of cushion-glands at its l)ase. Succeeding similar internodes are developed, and the leaves are distichous. It is interesting to note, howevei-, that the first internode of the plunuilai' axis is not like the hypocotyl quadrangular with equal sides. It is distinctly compressed, and has two Inroad surfaces and two narrow edges. Of the hroad surface, that upou the side upon which the leaf springs is concave, the opposite side is convex, the uai'rower edges are flat. In the second
TIIK KLOWKltlXc; IM.AXTS oV SoKoTltA. 4G5
iiitcniodc the same l>'])t' '>f llattciicil axis is dcN eloped, l)ut the dircc- tiou of the CDiicaNC and comncx .sides is reversed, and the edi^es are coiunionly reduced so as to l>e mere sliaip iiiari^iiis without any sui'face. lu this phiiniilai- axis, then, we lia\(' tlu' interesting;' feature of the (lcveh)piiient of a dorsiventral axis as an oi'tliotropous shoot on the top of a radial orthotroj)ous hypoeotvl, the chaiii^e l)einy hi'ought al)out liy the flattenini;' of the intei-nodes in one direction. These points will he readily understood from the accompanvin<; fii^iU'C.
111. t Vitis paniculata, I!<il/. ///.
Connnou, climliing among small trees on the hill slo^jes. — Jl.C.S., Sc/iireinf.
SAPINDACE^.
AUophylus, Linn.
112. * AUophylus (Sdimidelia) rhoidiphyllus, lialf.jil.
Observed at Honihil (19. 1. 1)9). Gathered seeds on Matagoti in the clefts of the rock above the camp (2500 ft.), which had apparently lieen passed by birds, probably Amydri, in large quantities. Aduna slopes (400-1500 ft., 21. XII. 98, No. l\l).—H.().F.
We ha\e some seedlings which pro1)ably are this plant.
Very common.— />>'. ('.*S'., Srhwclnf.
113. AUophylus, vy). ?
Hill slopes neai' Ha(lil>u. — B.C.^.
Dodonsea, Linn.
114. ""Dodonsea viscosa, Linn.
Adho Dimellus (3500 ft., I. 99, No. [7).—J[.n.F. Seeds of this common plant have gei'minated. Haghier hills. — 1>. ( '. S.
ANACARDIACE^.
Rhus, Linn.
115. Rhus glaucescens, .h-li. iiirit. Hill slopes.— /;.r..s'.
116. t * Rhus thyrsiflora, I'mlf. jiJ.
Aduna slopes (400-1500 ft., 21. XII. 9S, Nos. 114-1.31). Adho
Dimellus, (4000 ft., No. 20^).— H.O.F. Connuon on hill slopes and in the valleys. — B.C.S., Srinreinf., F>cnt,
^\ tiiniKi.
Odina, Roxb.
117. t ■• Odina ornifolia, l'>itlf. jil.
.lena-agahan (]5()()-20(»() ft., 3. I. 99, No. \:A).—IL().F.
A not uncommon ti'ce. — /I.SJ '., Si'/nrcinf., U'clUtrd.
466 THE XATntAI. inSToKV <»F S()K(»T1;A AXTi ABD-EL-KURI.
118. t * Odina asplenifolia, I'xilf. jil.
Aduiia (21. XII. US., 400-lSOO ft.. No. V^^y—H.O.F.
Olio plant wliicli appai'cntly l»L'l()iii;e;l to this species was Iti'on^lit home
ill a W'ardiaii case, l>ut it hardly siii\i\eil its arrival. On hill sl()j)es, often at hii;h e!e\ation. ll.H.I'., fl/'iif.
LEGUMINOSiE.
Crotalaria, Linn.
119. Crotalaria spinosa, Hur/i.^f.
Sandy ])lains. — /l.Ii'J'., Schir/'inf.
120. Crotalaria retusa, Llim.
I'laiiis near (Jaloiisii-. -II. ('.S., Sr/ni\'iii/\ Hint.
121. t * Crotalaria strigulosa, Hulfjil. Adiiiia slopes (21. XII. 9S, No. \:V1). — I[.I).F. Common on sandy ])lains. H.L'.C, Sfliirrinf.
122. * Crotalaria leptocarpa, Bulf. jiL, Op. cit. Tab. XIV, A.
("ommon on the })lains. — Jl.S.C, Scliirciiif.
123. t Crotalaria pteropoda, Ilnlf./il., op. cit. Tab. XIV, B.
Hills south-west of (ndoiisii-. — IJ.C.iS.
Priotropis, Wight & Am.
124. t * Priotropis socotrana, I in If. jil.
In the Dinehaii valley leading to Adho Dimelliis (2000 ft., 1. II. 99.
Nos. 201-232).—H.O.F. Higher levels of the Haghier hills. — IJ.C.S., Srh/reii/f.
Trigonella, Linn.
125. t Trigonella falcata, Unlf. jU.
Sandy ])laees. — JiJ '.S.
Medicago, Linn.
126. Medicago denticulata, JJllhl.
On the plains ; common. — IJ.C.S.
127. Medicago minima, Lmn/:. Common. — />. ( '.S.
128. Medicago laciniata, .///.
Sandy plains. liC.S.
Till'. Kl.i)\\KI!IN(; I'LANl'S OK SOKoTK.V. 467
Melilotus, Juss.
129. Melilotus parviflora, I '<■'</.
("(imiiioii. — /IJ'.S.
Lotus, Linn.
130. Lotus (Oiionidiuin) arabicus, /jim. \;n. trigonelloides, /r^//// >■/ Brihr.
Sandy |)laiiis. — /IJ '.S.
131. t * Lotus (I »n()iii(limii) ononopsis, /liil/.jll., Up. cit. Tab. XVr. Ohsci'vrd ill Howt'i- mi linu'stoiu' simiinit of Matagoti (2500 ft.). Jeiia-
agahaii, on crraiiite (ir)()0-200(» ft., :'.. I. 1)9, No. \V.)).^H.O.F. Hills, at hii^h chM-atioii : al)nii(laiit. -/l.C.S., Srlnrcinf., Hmf.
132. t* Lotus (Oii()iii<limn) mollis, Jl<ilfjil., Op. cit. Tal). XVII, A. Ol).servod in Hower on limestone summit of Matagoti (2-500 ft., I. 99). —
./f.o.F. On liint'stoiie cliti's south-west from (Jalousir. — II.C.S.
Psoralea, Linn.
133. Psoralea corylifolia, Linn.
Alxiut dwellings. — IK'.S.
Indigofera, Linn.
134. t*Indigofera nephrocarpa, ISoJf.jil., Op. cit. Tab. XVTTT, A.
On the sunnnit of Hamaderu, al)Ove Hondiil camp, at 2700 It. (No. 102.)
Oliseived also on Hadihu Plain. —//.(>./'. Conuuon plant of the plains. — Jl.C.S., Sriiari/tf.
135. Indigofera cordifolia, Rufli.
C'oi.inKiii. — Jl.C.S., Scinreiiif.
136. Indigofera paucifolia, Deli/e.
Oalonsir and elsew liei'e. — H.C.S.
137. * Indigofera intricata, I>oix.'<.
Ohseived on Hadilm Vh\m. JI.O.F.
Very ahuiidaiit in the plains, especially on Madihu IMaiti. — B.C.S.,
Srinrriiif.
138. Indigofera leptocarpa, IlncJi.^f. ef Sfewl.
On limestone ])laiiis ; not connnon. — B.CS., SciiircinJ.
139. Indigofera viscosa, Lami^.
Common on limestone plains. — B.C.S., Sclinrinf.
140. t Indigofera marmorata, Half.jil., ()]). cit. Tal.. XVni, B.
Hill slopes (over ]()()() ft.).— /;.r.,S'., Srinrriiif.
468 THE NATIIIAI. HISToKY (»F SOKoTltA ANT) AliD-EL-KURI.
141. * Indigofera Gerardiana, dmli. Adho Dinu'llus. (Xos. ■l()l--li\.)^J{JKF.
Highei- regions of hills (over I'OOO ft.) : nl)UiHl:uit on Haghiei', south of ^Hadibu. — /^.('..9., Sr/nrrinf., l',ri,f.
142. * Indigofera tinctoria, Lum.
01)ser\ed everywhei'e. — B.C.S., ^rhireinf., Ilcnf. Used by the natives to dye cloth. — HJKF.
143. * Indigofera argentea, Linn.
Observed neai' lladibu. -7/.^^./'.
Common about (xalonsii' and Hadil)U. — />.^'. >'.
Tephrosia, Pers.
144. t * Tephrosia (Brissonia) odorata, I'xilf. ,///.
Homhil (1700 ft., Nos. 178-179.)^//.^^./'.
On the cliff's south-west from (xalonsir (over l-JUO ft.). — H.(?.S.
145. Tephrosia (IJeineiia) subtriflora, Horhaf. On the pLiins. — IJ.C.S.
146. Tephrosia (Keineria) anthylloides, ILichst.
(Jn the plains. — IJ.C.S.
147. * Tephrosia (Keinei'ia) vicioides, ^ /'•//. Hirh.
On the plains. — Jl.C.S., Sfhireinf.
148. Tephrosia (Keineiia) purpurea, Pcr^. On the plains. — BJ'.S.
149. Tephrosia (Keineiia) Apollinea, DC
On the plains. — li.C.S., /ImifiT.
Taverniera, DC.
150. t Taverniera sericophylla^ llnlf. jil., i)\). eit. Tab. XIX.
Sandy spots near sea at (!alonsir, and on Khaduj) IMain. — i».^_'..S'.
Ormocarpum, Beauv.
151. t Ormocarpum caeruleum, Jiulf.jil., Op. eit. Tab. XX.
Plains and hill slopes at low altitudes. — B.t'.S., Srhifeiiif., Bent.
Arthrocarpum, Baif. fil.
152. t Arthrocarpum gracile, Jialf.jU., Op. eit. Tab. XXT.
iiills near liadihu and elsewhere. />.''..S',, Sclnreinf.
TIIK l'l,(»\Vi:i;iN(: I'l.ANTS OK S(»K(»T1!A. 4G9
Zornia, Gmei.
153. Zornia diphylla, /V/s.
Hai;lii('r hills iicar Iladilni I'laiii. IIJ'.S.
Desm odium, Dcsv.
154. Desmodium triflorum, Or.
Xul llllcoiiiiiloil. H.I'.S.
Alysicarpus, /\/eci(.
155. * Alysicarpus vaginalis, PC.
Slopes of Aduiia ( lOO-l .loi) ft.. I'l. XII. i)S, No. I:',7.) II.o.F. Occasional weed. li.C.S., Srhifiinf.
Teramnus, SwaHz.
156. * Teramnus labialis, S/imnj. \ai-. mollis, Baker.
Slopes of A.liiiia (100-1500 ft., 21. XII. D^ No. l2-ir.)~-B.0.F. Ha(lil»u and (lalonsir. — B.L'.S., Sr/iic/'iiif.
Erythrina, Linn.
157. Erythrina, >/'.
Hills sontli of Iladil.u. -/;.r.6'.
Canavalia, A dans.
158. Canavalia ensiformis, I'l'. Hill slopes.— i/.C'.AS'.
Vigna, Sovi.
159. ^ Vigna luteola, Hmtli.
Slopes of Aduna (lOO-l-jOO ft., 21. XII. 9S, No. \-?,6).—H.0.F. Common. — Ji.C.S., Sr/nrriiif., Hint.
Cylista, AH.
160. * Cylista scariosa, .///. Hondiil (No. V.)\).)--H.i).F.
Rhynchosia, Lour.
161. Rhynchosia minima, Ix'.
C'onilHon. !).( .N., Si'llirr/iif.
162. Rhynchosia Memnonia, /"'.
Hill slopes. -/A r.,S'., S-lurciiif.
470 THE NATUKAT- HISToltY nF SOKoTlIA ANIi AP.D-KI, Kl'IM.
Cassia, Linn.
163. * Cassia Sophora, TAnn.
01)seivt'(l iiltiuidaiitly. — If.O.F.
Common ;il)Out villages on the })laiii. —B.C.S., Srhwc'mf., Ilmf.
164. Cassia Tora, Linn.
Near villages. 7>'.r.S., Bent.
165. Cassia obovata, Collnil.
Near Iladilm. -SritHriiif.
166. Cassia holosericea, Froicii.
Oil plains near \illages. -II.C.S., Sriiariiif.
167. Cassia Absus, Linn. Near habitations. — 7). ( '.S.
Tamarindus, Linn.
168. * Tamarindus indica, Liini.
0])served on the slopes of Adniia and elsewhere. [[.(). F. A few trees. — B.C.S.
Entada, A dans.
169. t Entada, sp.
Slopes of Haghier.— /:.'.('.^.
Dichrostachys, DO.
170. t Dichrostachys dehiscens, Balf.fil, Op. cit. Tah. XXII. Khadup and Hadilni Plains. — B.C.S., Srhiceinf.
Acacia, Wi/id.
171. t * Acacia socotrana, llnif. iH, op. eit. Tal.. XXllT.
Observed on lladibn i'lains. H.O.F.
On the plains near sea on north side of island, especially in \icinitv of Delishi. /;.r..S'., Sriniriiif.
172. t * Acacia pennivenia, Srlnrrinf. Balfonr fil., Op. eit. Tab. XXIV. 01)served on slopes of Aduna. -H.O.F.
Hill slopes of Haghier. — B.C.S., Schweivf., Htiiifn:
173. t Acacia, sp.
Plains near ( !alonsir. — Z>.C.»S'.
CRASSULACE^.
Tillsea, Linn.
174. Tillaea pentandra, /i'(n/le.
Connnon on hills. — B.C.S., Sclnvriiif.
TIIK l'l,()\VKI!I\(; PLANTS ()V S< )K( (TKA. 471
Kalanchoe, Adans.
175. Kalanchoe rotundifolia, Hnic
'I'lii'cc plants (if tin's species, hioiinlit lioiiie in ;i Wardiaii case, are now i;i'()\\ini;'. Seedlings have also lieen raised from seed.
Collected on the limestone hills ai'onnd lloiidiil : also on _i;ranile hills above Adho Dimelliis (aliont ;'.()()04:inU ft., l'. II. !)!)). IfJl.F.
On higher parts of Ilaghicr. J>J'.S., Srlnrriiif., Bcuf.
176. t ^Kalanchoe farinacea, Hn/f. jl/., ISot. Mai;-, tab. 77(5'.).
On limestone hills abo\c lloiidn'l ( 1S0( )-!'()( )() ft., No. ISO, bis). Also
i^athered on (!ebel Uitzobni'. ll.O.F. Common on limestone plains of the hi^'her ])arts of island. — /IJ'.S.,
Si-i't/l-f inf., //llllfrr.
'I'wehc plants of this species, bronglit in a \\ ardian case, are now gi-owini;.
177. t * Kalanchoe robusta, Jiaff. jU.
Ilomhil.- //.O./'.
On ]»lains at the east end of the island only. — }>.('. S.
Threi' i)lants of this species, brought in a W'ai'dian case, are now growing.
178. t Kalanchoe abrupta, Ba/f. fil.
()nly on plains towards the eastern end of island. — U.C.S.
LYTHRARIE^.
Ammannia, Linn.
179. Ammannia baccifera, Liim.
(Jalonsir ; lladibii, and elsewhere. — BJ'.S., Schireiiif.
180. Ammannia multiflora, liorh.
Near ( ialonsir. — !>.('. S.
Ly thrum, Linn.
181. Lythrum hyssopifolium, Linn.
( )n the plains.
Punica, L
inn,
182. t * Punica protopunica, nn/f./il., Op. cit. Talx XXV.
Obser\t'(l in the \alleys rnnning south from the Adho Dimellus ])ass (:V,)()() ft.): also on the .\dnna slopes at aliont same elevation, and at
-lena-agahan, on an eastwaiil facing slope of the Maghier range. ■
II.(J.l-\
472 THE NATniAL HISTOItV oF SOKOTRA AXD ABD-KL-KUKI.
Higher pnits of Haghiei' range. — IJ.C.S., Srlnrdiif., Bmi, Huitfei: We liave raised a couple of young plants from seeds of this species ln'ought l)y the expedition.
ONAGRARIE^.
Ludwigia, Lmn.
183. Ludwigia palustris, A'//.
C'onnuon. — U.S. ( '., >Sr/i irciiif.
CUCURBITACE^.
Eureiandra, Hook. ft/.
184. t Eureiandra BaAfourii, Cntjui'iiir. Balfour til., Op. cit. Tal). XVIT, B.
Spread ovei' the island. —li.CS., Schayiiif.
Momordica.
185. * Momordica Balsamina, Li'm. Observed in Hadil.u Vhiin. ^H.O.F. Near Hadibu.— />'.r',.S'.
186. Momordica Charantia, Linn., var. abbreviata, Ser.
Neai- (iralonsii'.- "/A^ '.S.
Cucumis, Linn.
187. Cucumis ficifolius, Ar/t. h'icli., var. echinophorus, y'lud.
Not uncommon. — B.C.S., Scliarinf., Bent.
188. * Cucumis prophetarum, Linn. Oltserved several places. — H.O.F. Not uncommon. — B.C.S.
189. Cucumis dipsaceus, Ehnnb.
}li\ili]m.- Sell Weill f.
Citrullus, Schrad.
190. * Citrullus Colocynthis, .sv///v/J.
Fruits collected on Gebel Fadehen (:5. 1. UIJ). -II.O.F. Occasional al)out villages. — B.C.S. , Boirin.
Melothria, Linn.
191. Melothria punctata ?, Cm/n.
Near Hadibu. —/>.(. .S.
TllK KLOWKIUNti I'LANTS ()K SOKol'llA.
47:5
Dendrosicyos, Balf. fil. 192. t * Dendrosicyos socotrana, Hnl/.ii/., Op. cit. 'I'al.. XX\I.
Aliuiitlaiil. ()iil\- oiifc foiiiiil, liowcNci', in iViiit of tlowci', iicai' the top of
llic (ioahal N'allcy, on our way to lloniliil. II. '>./'. A {\vc ill many parts of the island. II. CS., Srh/reiiif., Ilml. Jl'iihiril.
Fic. 1.
Yui'Nc CrcrMiJKK Trees. (Gniwii ill K<iynl lintaiiic- (ianlfiis, EdiiilHir^^li.)
[ii tilt' lliifiiii// of Siirnfni I was uiial>lt' to i;'i\'e a fompk'te dcsri-iption of the [)lant as much of ouv inatei-iul had been lost. The ])laiits we lKi\e ii'rowiiii;- and the material which Dr. Forhes hrouu-ht home in spiiit will ciiahlc us e\'entually to make out an aecouiit of the structure of this interesting plant. The late Mr. Theodore Bent l)roui;ht home some fragments, upon which there happened to be two female fioweis, and amongst the specimens Dr. Forbes collected are two femali' flowers and a young fruit in s])iiit. 1 am able, therefore,
474 TUK NATntAI, HlSToltY oF SOKoTKA ANI> A1!1)-EI.-K lUI.
now, from the additioiuil material at my disposal, to supplement the description already published by the description of the female floAver,
and to give figures of it :- - Fki. 2.
Fni. 3.
Fic. 4.
Ydi'Nc Flow i;i;s and Fj;i it ok Diondkoskvos socdtka.va. (Kig. 2. Ill liiul. Fig. 3. Oiani Huwer. Fig. 4. Vouiig fruit.)
Flores $ in fasciculos axillares pedunculatos aggregati, fasciculi rhachis crassus pubesccus : bracteae olK'uneatae trinei'viae tricuspidatae ; pedicelli .', ])oll. longi. Calyeis tubu.'^ sujiia nvai'ium ;.; poll, longus poculifoi'uiis subci-assus cxtus liii-sutiis ci jugis basi giblxisis <[uin([ue sepalis rcspdiidciitibus Aallccula (|ua(|uc medio costata notatus, intus glaber. Sepala .") lincuria acuta \'. a]»icc sulmlata ^\ longa hirsuta. Petala o lilicra intcgi'a olilonga i; poll. loiiga fauci calyeis iiisci'ta costata cxtus dense pubcsccntia apicc (ibtusa suliconcaNa marginibus fre(|ucntcr involuta. Stann'iiodia ■"), (juatuoi- pci- paria antipetala, Hlifornn'a bre\ia glabra apice ])aull(> cxpansa \. suiibitida. ()\ai'ivuia angustatum ovdidcum sursum in lostruni costatuni attenuatum, pilis lM-e\ibus ])lus minusxc vestitum, ti'iloculare. Stylus elongatus I'amis trilms stigmatiferis coroUae aecpiilongus ; stigmata expansa cristata.
'I'lIK KI.<>\VKI!IN(; IM.AN'TS oK S(iK( »l'l!.\. 475
Discus (). ()\ul;i plui'iuia liorizdutalia latci'ilnis placciitai'niii (i\arii parieti proxiinis iusci'ta. The position of the ncmis is hy tin's slmwii to he aiii(iiii;st the CitcKiiier- incd'. But it is a. uiii(|ii<' plant. X<i other toi-iii is know n lia\ini;' tlic trcc-cliuvactci' it possesses. Six plants, t in a \\ aidian ease and '1 in a (liT coiulit ion, were lironu'lit over. Those in the Wardian case were in excellent health, rootiui;' in the soil and sendini:, ont leaxcs. A great triumph. (All ali\'e |)cccnil»cr, l'J(X).) The annexed Hgnre (tig. 1) shows I wo of these plants.
BEGONIACE^.
Begonia, Linn.
193. t * Begonia socotrana, IlnoL-. jil., I'.ot. Mag. t. (i.").").").
Ubsci'N'eil in the \alley of the l)inehan on oui' ascent to Adho i)inielhis, growing in fine fi-ial»le soil, hut nowhere helow 1500 feet: seen also growing abundantly in the crevices of the exposed faces of granite rocks at 4200 feet. Sahirlnroh is the irative name given to us. — H.O.F.
( )n the Ilaghier hills nmler the shade of boulders. — ]J.('.S., Schir/'iiif., h'eiif.
This plant, introduced in ISSO from the island has heen the progenitor of an entirely new race of BegcMiias. I think that in some of the other plants we now ha\e in cultivation fiom the seeds and bulbs bi-ought home by the exjiedition there are possibilities which will render them ac([uisitions in a like way. 8onie of these are certainly of themselves horticulturally valuable.
FICOIDE^.
Tetragfonia, Linn.
194. t Tetragonia pentandra, Balf. jil. Near Galonsir. — Il.C.S.
Aizoon, Linn.
195. Aizoon canariense, Lim/.
Common on the ])lains. — Il.C.S., Srituruif.
Trianthema, Linn.
196. Trianthema pentandra, Ijhu.
Near tladibu. — Il.C.S., Scliireiiif.
Orygia, Forsk.
197. * Orygia decumbens, For.^/:.
lladibu Plain (XII. iJS, No. lOb).— -H.O.F.
Common on the plains of Galonsir, Hadibu ami elsewhere. — h'.<'.S.,
Scli/rrilif.
Several seedlings of this, fi-om seed brought by the expedition, we have now in cultivation.
476 TH1-: XATlItAL HISTORY OF SOKoTItA AND AliD-EL-KlRI.
MollugO, Linn.
198. Mollugo hirta, TlnndL
Xcai' ( lalniisir. — lij '.S.
UMBELLIFER^.
Hydrocotyle, Linn.
199. * Hydrocotyle asiatica, Lnni.
On the .swampy liaiik of a stream near Homhil. — H.U.F. On lianks of maii\' streams. — JJ.f'.S., K^rliuriiif.
Nirarathamnos, Ba//. fil.
200. t * Nirarathamnos asarifolius, i'loij.jil., op. cit. Tal.. VTT, A.
The tlowci's were oA'er, and the fruits wei-e fully formed, hut not ripe in Fehiuaiy. The nati\e name gixcii to us was "Dosaf."
Adho Dimelhis (4:}00 ft., No. L'3G).-i/.n./'.
Near the snnunit of Sieante, south from Hadihu. at 4(H)() i\.— ]>.(_'.>■■.
Phxnts of this speeies lirought home in a W ardiau ease did not surxixc, and the seed of it was not ripe, so that tliis I'emarkahh' plant is not yet in cultiA'ation.
Carum, Linn.
201. t Carum (Traehyspernnun) pimpinelloides, JJiilf.jil.
On slioi-e hetween Khachip and Gah)nsii-. — ll.C.S.
202. t Carum (Traehys]iernnun) calcicolum, IJalf Jll. Conuuon on limestone plains near the sea. — JLL'.S.
Foeniculum, Adans.
203. Foeniculum vulgare, Gnrtn.
C'ulti\ate(l at (Jalonsir. — B.d.S.
Peucedanum, Linn.
204. t * Peucedanum cordatum, Balf. fii.
Adho Dimellus (i'. II. !)!», UHH) ft.). Fruits eollccted — //.O./-'. Common on tlie hills.- -//.r.X., Srl/irriiif.^ Ilrnf.
A i;-ood crop of this has lieeu raised from seeil hrou^^ht I>\- the expeditiou. It is a pretty pot plant, hut will hardly eonniiaud attentiou.
GAMOPETAL/E. RUBIACE^.
Dirichletia, Kioizsdi.
205. ■' Dirichletia glaucescens, Ilirni.
Observed at the hase of Oehel Kaggit, south-west of Iladihu. — H.O.F. On Haghier hills, .south of Hadilm. — B.C.S., Scliveinf.
Till'. Fl.oWKKINd IT.AXTS OF SOKOTRA. 477
206. t * Dirichletia venulosa, Ihilf. jil., Op. cit. Tal.. XXVIl, C.
llaniadciii (JOOI) ft., iMi. 1.1)!)): .Vdlio DiiucUiis (4000 ft.). (Nos. 22(J,
L'.-.O.) I/.O.F. Only nil tlic ln\u-li('r parts of llai;iii('i'. JIJ'.S., Sr]i/r:'iiif., Ili'iif.
207. I" ■■ Dirichletia lanceolata, li'ilf. ,///.
Adho Diinellus (.S.IOO ft., 11. 91), No. ■l-l?>).—II.n.F.
Oil llanhicr hills south fi-om lladibu, and (■ls('\vh('i'('.^/>.^'..S'.
208. i- ■'■ Dirichletia obovata, ihil/.jiJ., Op. cit. Tah. .XXVII, A.
(iarirh IMaiii (Xos. r.)2, \\)i). — I/.O.F. Common eveiTwherc on tlic hills. — H.C.S.. JInif.
Que seedling has conu' up fi-(jm oui' sowing of this plant hi'ought hy the expedition.
209. t Dirichletia obovata, \ai. albescens, Ihilf. jii., op. cit. Tab.
XXVII, r,.
On the limestone ])lains about (ialonsir. — B.t'.S., Srhweiiif.
Placopoda, Balf. fil.
210. 1- Placopoda virgata, n>ilf. jil.. Op. cit. Tab. XXVril.
Al)undant on the plains. — U.C.S., ScJnr/'iiif., Hciif.
211. t Placopoda virgata, a ar. nana, I'xiJf. ///.
On the ])lains. - F,.I'.S.
liedyotis, Linn.
212. t Hedyotis pulvinata, BnJf. fil.
Voiy connuon on the [)lains about (4alonsir. — P>.(J.S., Si'Imrinf., Bi'iif.
213. t Hedyotis bicornuta, JiaJf. tJL
Neai- (!alonsir.^/;.r.,s'.
214. t Hedyotis stellarioides, B(df. fiJ.
Common on hill slopes. Xeai' Kischen. — Jl.C.S., Ilfiif.
Oldenlandia, Linn.
215. Oldenlandia Schimperi, T. Ayider.-^.
On the plains. — F).('.S., Sr/itreiiif.
216. Oldenlandia corymbosa, Liim.
Common. A'.^'.N., SflnfriuJ .
217. Oldenlandia Heynei, uU.'-.
Not unconuiion on the liill slopes. — li.C.S., Sc/inr/iif.
478 THE XATURAT. iriST(ti;Y OF SoKoTHA AXD AP-D-EF.-KrUI.
Mtisssenda, Linn.
218. t * Mussaenda capsulifera, Balf.fiL, Op. cit. Ta1». XXIX.
Iloiiiliil (L'OUO ft., 1. '.)'.», Xos. 171. 1Sl>). Adlio Diincllns (1000 ft., 1. !)!l, X(). ■1\{\).-^JI.().F.
On the hills.- /;.r.,S'., Sr/nreiii/., Jinif.
\\ V h-dvc scedliiig.s of this plant I'aiscd from seed l»i-()Uij;ht l»y the expedi- tion. Plants ii,i"o\\ii at Kew from seeds In-ought home from Sokotra hy Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bent have flowered, and the plant is fignrcd liy Sir .loseph Hooker in the Botanical Mai^azinc t. 7li71.
Gaillonia, Ach. Rich.
219. t Gaillonia (Microstephus) tinctoria, JkiJf. Hi.
In tnfts on roeks near Galonsir. — JjJ'.S.
220. t Gaillonia (Microstephus) puberula, BaJf.fl.
Not unconnnon. — B.C'.S., Sriiurinf.
221. * Gaillonia (Microstephus) thymoides, B<iif.iil.
Grows everywhere. — 11. ('.S., Sriiiiyinf., II.O.F.
Spermacoce, Linn.
222. Spermacoce hispida, Linn.
Hadil)U.-/Ar.,S'., Srinrriiif.
VaiUantia, DC.
223. VaiUantia hispida, Linn.
Hill slopes.— y^.t^S".
Galium, Linn.
224. * Galium Aparine, Linn. Adho Dimcllus (4000 ft.). -ll.U.F.
On the hiu'hei' parts of Hau;hier. — B.I'.S., Srinrriiif.
VALERIANE^.
Valerianella, ivionch.
225. t Valerianella afRnis, Balf. fil.
\)\y hill slopes iieai' (-talonsir. — Li.C.S.
COMPOSITE.
Vernonia, Sciireb.
226. t "' Vernonia (Lepidella) Cockburniana, Balj.jil., Op. cit. Tal». XXX. A.lho Dimellus.— /f.O.T^.
Not luicommon lioth on the limestone and the granitic regions. — /AT., S'.,
Srimrnif.
TlIK FI,o\VKI!l\(; IM.AXTS (»K SoKOTItA. 470
This is one of tlic few coinpositcs tliat hiixc niowii ii\ tlic Iloyal Botanic (xardeiis, Edinltui'yli. tVoin seed l)r()Ui;lit hy the expedition.
227. Vernonia (Tephiodcs) spathulata, Ilochst.
IMaius alioiit ( lalmisir. lij '.S.
228. Vernonia (Tephiodcs) cinerea, Arsx.
C'oimiioii. /<.^'..S'., Sr/nreiiif.
Ageratum, Linn.
229. ■" Ageratum conyaoides, Lin».
(Jaiieh riaiii. Jl.O.F.
Al)out Hadihii. -/>'.r..S.. Sr/nrri,if.. Ihiit.
'I'his species has <;i-(»\vii tVoiii seeil coUected hy 1 >i'. Foi'hes.
Dichrocephala, DC.
230. Dichrocephala chrysanthemifolia, l>('.
Top of the iraiiliiei-, al)o\e A(hiiia (over fOOO it.).- ^ l'>.( \S.
Conyza, Less.
231. Conyza Hochstetteri, SchuH::.
Not conniioii.- -/)'.r.N.. Sclnrciiif.
Psiadia, Jacq.
232. t Psiadia Schweinfurthii, Balf.fil., Op. cit. Tah. XX XT.
Kiseheu, in lla^<;hier i-an<;e (at ISOO ft.). — Schweiiif.
Pluchea, Cass.
233. t * Pluchea glutinosa, Half. nl.
A(Unia sh)pes (l'SOO ft.). -II.O.F.
On Haghier ranye ah()\e Hadihu and Kist-lien ; iieaf (Jalonsii'. — B.CS., ,SV7/ iiriiif.
234. t* Pluchea aromatica, Bulf.jil., Op. eit. Tal). XXXII.
dena-agahan ( 1 ;")()( )-2()(»() ft., :'.. T. 99, No. \\X).^1I.(>.F.
On Haghiei- valine south of Hadilai and alioxc Kis(dieii. — B.CS., ScJiirriiif.
235. t * Pluchea obovata, Balf.fil., Op. cit. Tal). XXXTII.
Obser\ed on A<hnia slopes. — //.O.F.
Only on the clitls on hii^her pai'ts of Haghier, especially about Kischen and Aduiia.- -A'.^ '..S'., Sc/iireliif., I'xiif.
Achyrocline, Less.
236. *Achyrocline luzuloides, Valh-e.
Jena-agahan (ir)()0-L>0(X) ft., :\. I. 99, No. ]r)r)). — /f.(i.F. Very common, — li.l'.S., Sclnrrinf..^ Ximiin.
4S0 THE XATl'IiAL IirSTOin' OF SOKOTRA AXD AP.D-KL-KriU.
237. Achyrocline Schimperi, Schalt::.
Oil the hills. — A'.r.N., Sclnrcinf.. Bent.
Helichrysum, Gari.
238. t * Helichrysum rosulatum, Olio. <C: Hieni., IJalf., Op. lit. Tul).
XXXI V, A.
Oliserved high up (4200 ft.), on the slope of Geliel Dryat, or Ferah, us it is also called (the highest peak of the Haghier range), altove our camp at Adho 1 Hniellus (.S. 11. d9).—H.(}.F.
On the highest points of the Haghiei' range (o\er 4000 ft.). — II. CS., Srhweiiif., Hmt, Niriinin.
239. t * Helichrysum sphaerocephalum, Bait', jil. Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., No. •1\\).—HJ).F.
On higher Haghier hills. — B.C.S., Sdiiceinf., Ilenf.
The two plants of this species, in which on arri\al life was tlickeiing, did not suivixe.
240. t Helichrysum sphaerocephalum, \ ai . sarmentosum, nnJf. z?/.
In dry localities. — U.C.S.
241. t * Helichrysum arachnoides, Baif. jll. Homhil (2700 ft., No. ISo.)— //.a/^.
On hills south-west from Galonsir. — B.C.S.
242. t "Helichrysum aciculare, Balf.fil., Op. cit. Tah. XXXIV, P>.
Homhil ; fruits collected hy the expedition. — H.O.F.
Tops of the Haghier liills (over 2000 it.). — U.C.S., Srhnrivf., Hmf.
243. t * Helichrysum Nimmoanum, olir. d Hinn., Bait., Op. cit. Tab.
XXXV.
High up in the Nesharir valley, under Aduna, and above our camp at
Dahamis (about .3000 it.).— H.O.F. On the higher slopes of Haghier. — /AN. r., Srhurivf., Bent, Ximrno.
244. t * Helichrysum suffruticosum, Balf.^til., Op. cit. Tab. XXXVI. Fruits of this species were collected by the expedition. — H.O.F.
On highei' parts of Haghier. — B.O.S., Srinreinf.
245. t * Helichrysum gracilipes, Olic. <(■ Hum., Half., Op. cit. Tab.
XXX VI I.
Slopes of Aduna (21. XII. 9S, Nos. 11.3, 1.3.3). Hamadeiu summit, above Homhil camp (2()()() ft., No. Kll). Adho Dimellns (4000 ft., No. ^O^).— H.O.F.
W'adi Kischcn (1 '.)()( )-.-,()()() ft.).— //.r.N., Srhireiiif., Brut, Ximiitn.
246. t Helichrysum gracilipes, \ ai. lanatum, Half. jlt.
Shore near lladil)U.— ,SV7//'V'////'.
247. t Helichrysum gracilipes, \ai. profusum, Bnif.ni. Near Keregnigiti. — Sch winf.
TiiK Fi,(nvKi;iN(; plants of soKcvi'itA. 481
248. t Helichrysum gracilipes, \ai. stoloniferum, lun/.til.
Hills .south west of (laloiisir. — IlJ'.S., .Mniinn.
Pulicaria, Gartn.
249. t * Pulicaria diversifolia, Ihilf. jll.
Jena-agahan (loOO-lSOO ft., T. 99, Nos. loO, \r)X).—llJ).F. V«^i'y common on tho plains. B.C.S., SchireliiJ.
250. t Pulicaria stephanocarpa, Balf.fil., Op. cit. Tal). XXX VI II.
Tlu' commonest ])lant of ])lains at Galon.sir and Nuget. — Il.C.S., Schweiiif.
251. t Pulicaria vierseoides, /kdf.jil., Op. cit. Tal). XXXIX.
On Hao-hicr ran,i;v sontli of Iladilm (over I'OOO h.}.-JlJ'.S.
Siegesbeckia, Linn.
252. Siegesbeckia orientalis, Lhm.
()u hills near Ray \illagc and elsewhere. —Il.C.S., Sr/tweiiif.
Eclipta, Linn.
253. Eclipta alba, llasd:
Near Hadilni. — B.C.S., Srhirei)if.
Blainvillea, Cass.
254. ■' Blainvillea rhomboidea, Ca^^t^.
Slopes of Aduiia (40()-l.JUU ft., 21. XII. 98, No. \\-?>).—H.().F. Not uncommon. — Il.C.S., Srharinf.
Bidens, Linn.
255. * Bidens pilosa, Linn.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft.. No. ■2-2b).—H.O.F. Uadihn.—B. C.S., Srii irrinf.
Senecio, Linn.
256. t Senecio (Kleinia) Scotti, Balf.fil., Op. cit. Tab. XL.
Haghier range al)Ove Hadibu (over 2-500 ft.). Rare. — B.C S., ScJiweinf. ?
Euryops, Cass.
257. t ^Euryops socotranus, Half.jil., Op. cit. Tal». XLI.
.Slopes of Aduna (1500-2000 ft., No. 127). Never collected l)elow 1500 ft. Begonia, Hi/periciim and Eiin/nji.^ appear suddenly at about thi.s elevation. — H.O.F.
482 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABDEL-KURI.
Wc liavc tliiiteeii plants of this, wliich came liome alive in a Wardian case ; and we have also a large crop of seedlings. It will be a nsefnl decorati\'e plant for the green-house.
On higher i-egions of Haghier. — B.C.S., Schweinf., Bent, Hunter.
Tripteris, Less.
258. Tripteris Lordii, o/ii:. ct Hiem., var. racemosa, Bnlf. fit. Near Clalonsii' and Hadibn. — B.C.S., Schweinf.
Volutarella, Cass.
259. Volutarella Lippii, Casti. Near Hadil'U.— 7;.r'..S'.
Dicoma, Cass.
260. Dicoma tomentosa, Oass.
Haghier range near Hadibu. — B.C.S., Srhweinf.
261. t Dicoma cana, BaJf.fi/., Op. cit. Tab. XLIT.
Cliffs overhanging the shore on south-west of (lalonsir (over 1500 ft.). On limestone. — B.C.S., Bent, Hunter.
Lactuca, Linn.
262. t Lactuca rhynchocarpa, Ba/f. fit.
On the plains.- -Il.C.S., Sfliweinf.
263. t Lactuca crassifolia, Balf. fit.
On the plains. — />.('. S.
Heterachaena, Fresen.
264. Heterachaena massaviensis, Fresen.
Common. — H.CS , SrJiiveinf.
Prenanthes, Linn.
265. t * Prenanthes amabilis, Balf. fit., Op. cit. Tal). XLIII. Observed l)elow the Adho Dimellus Pass. — //. 0. F.
On rocks south-west of G-alonsir (over 1500 ft.).— /ACS',
Reichardia, Roth.
266. Reichardia tingitana, Buth. Galonsir. — B.C.S., Schweinf.
Sonchus, Linn.
267. * Sonchus oleraceus, Linn. Observed in many places. — H.O.F. Common near habitations. — B.C.S.
THK FI.OWEIUXC PLANTS OF S()K()T|{A. 483
Launsea, Cass.
268. t Launsea crepoides, BaJj. nK
Not iiiicDinnioii oil the hills. — IIJ-.S., Sclnveinf.
CAMPANULACE^.
Wahlenbergia, Schrad.
269. * Wahlenbergia riparia, Aliih. DC
Olist'ivcd ill the Diiiclian valley leadiiii^' from Ha(lil)U Plain to Adho
lyunellns.—H.O.F. On hills aliout (Jalonsir.— />\a.S'.
Campanula, Linn.
270. Campanula dichotoma, Lin//.
Hill slopes.— /;.('.N.
PLUMBAGINE^.
Statice, Linn.
271. * Statice axillaris, Forsli-.
Homhil (I. 99, No. ISI). Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., II. 99, No. 224).—
H.O.F. Not uncommon. — IS. U.S., uVi/ni/to.
272. * Statice cylindrifolia, For^iJc.
In the swampv ground near Khor Garieh.— H.O.F.
In the clay margins of Khor (larieh and on Nuget Flain.—B.C.S., Ik/it.
Vog-elia, Lamk.
273. Vogelia indica, (ribs., var. socotrana, Balf.jil. Slopes of Haghier. — B.C.S., iSciiicei/tf., Fx'/U.
274. t * Vogelia pendula, Bulf.fiL, Op. cit. Tal). XLIV. Adho Dimelhis (.3500 ft., II. 99, No. 212).— H.O.F. Slopes of Haghier, south from Hadibu.— i)'.^.;^., 8diwei/if.
PRIMULACE^.
AnagalHs, Linn.
275. * Anagallis arvensis, Li////., var. caerulea, Lcu/iJi.
Hadibu I'laiu (XII. 98, No. 107). Slopes of Aduna (400-1500 ft.,
21. XII. 98, No. 112).--H.0.F. Al lundant. — 7A C.S.
MYRSINE^.
Myrsine, Linn.
276. * Myrsine africana, /./////.
Collected, locality doubtful. —7/. Ci^. Shrul) of the hio-her Hatdiiei-. — Il.C.S.
484 THE NATntAI, IIIS'IOUV OF SOKoTHA AND Ar.D-EL-KUIU.
SAPOTACE^.
Sideroxyfon, Linn.
277. t Sideroxylon fimbriatum, Ihilf. .///.
In \allcy (i])('iiiiii;- upon Kluulup I'laiu. Not abundant. — B.C.S.
EBENACE^.
Euclea, Linn.
278. t * Euclea laurina, Hiem.
"Adho Diniellus (4000 ft., TI. 99, No. 220). The young stems are chewed In' the natives, and the chewed out end is used as a tooth liiush, under the name of ' Kelle,' lint this is not the phmt of the same native name, given to Dr. Schweinfurtli, used for the same purpose, which is Bu.rus Jfildebirinfii." — H.O.F.
We have reared seedlings of what is appai'cntly tliis plant.
On Haghiei' and near (lalonsir. — B.C.S.
279. t Euclea Balfourii, II! em.
On Haghier hills. -Hj'.S., Srhweinf.
280. Euclea Kellau ?, Hochsf. Xh\uu\iu\t.— B.C.S.
281. Euclea, s^). ?
On Haghier.— i?. 6'., S'.
282. Euclea, t<p. ?
On Haghier. --/>'. a ,S'.
OLEACE^.
Jasminum, Linn.
283. t* Jasminum rotundifolium, B'll/.ji/., Op. cit. Tab. XLV.
Observed in the valley running soutli from Adh(j Dimellus (3500 ft.).
—H.O.F. Alnnidant on the eastern plateau of the island, l)ut it occurs also on the
Haghier. — B.C.S. , Sriiwcinf., Bent.
SALVADORACE^.
Salvadora, Linn.
284. * Salvadora persica, Lhm. Near WwWhw. -H.O.F., Il.C.S.
APOCYNACE.^.
Carissa, Linn.
285. Carissa Schimperi, Alp/i. DC.
Not unconunoii. — Il.C.S., Scliwelnf.
TIFE KI.()WEU1N(; PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 485
Socotora, Balf. fi/.
286. Socotora aphylla, Ih,l/. jii. Op. cit. Tal). XLVI.
Hill slopes sdiilli-wcsl of (Jalonsii-. — Rare. — IIJ'.S.
Adenium, Rcem. ef SchuH.
287. * Adenium multiflorum, K I of ::.■«■ /i.
Aduiui slopes (400-ir)!)0 ft. •_>!. XU. 9S, No. IIG). ITomhil (1500 ft.,
No. \CiO).— IfJ).F. A muiil)er of ])laiits, some in a \\'ar(liaii case, liiit tlie majoi'itv packed
dry, arrived in exiH-ileiit condition, and aic all alive (I. I'.IOl') in the
Ikoyal Botanic (harden, Edinlmrnh. Aliundant on hills. — JIJ'.S., Scjnrriiif., Uciif, U'clhtcd.
ASCLEPIADE^.
Ectadiopsis, Benfh.
288. t Ectadiopsis volubilis, BaJf.nJ., Op. cit. Tab. XLVTT.
Coninion on limestone and i;ranitoid rci;ions of the island. — B.C.S'., Sell url)if.
289. t Ectadiopsis brevifolia, B'llf. jil
On limestone ])lateau south-west from Galonsii' (over 1500 it.). ~ B.C.S.
290. Ectadiopsis, .^i>. >.
Near Khadu}).— JLCS.
Mitolepis, Ba/f. fJ/.
291. t Mitolepis intricata, BuJf.jii, Op. cit. Tab. XLVI 11. Hills near Khadup and Kischen. — B.C.S., Srhiceitif.
Cochlanthus, Ba/f. fil.
292. t * Cochlanthus socotranus, Balf. jil.
Ol)served in \alley running south from the Adho Dimellus Fass. — H.O.F. On Haghier hills (over 3000 ft.).— i)'.6'.,S'.
Secamone, /?. Br.
293. t Secamone socotrana, Bulf.^ril., Op. cit. Tal>. L.
Haghier range. Neai' Dimux, eastern plateau of island. — B.C.S., Srhwelnf., Bent.
Glossonema, Dene.
294. * Glossonema Revoili, Franch.
Hadil.u Plain (No. \(yi).—H.O.F.
Galonsir Plain and elsewhere. — i>.C'.»S'., Srhiccliif., Bent.
486 tuv: natural history (W sokotra and abd-el-kuri.
295. *Glossonema Boveanum, Dene.
Observed near our camp at H(jmhil (loOO ft.), the identical species I had seen in the deseit in S. Arabia, lietween Lahej and Sheikh Othm-.m. — H.O.F.
This extends its distrilmtioii to the Asiatic Continent.
Edithcolea, /!/. £. Br.
296. Edithcolea sordida, N. E. Bwicd, sp. nov.
redicelli .', poll, longi, crassi, glabri. Sepala 2i-.S lin. longa, li-lf lin. lata, ovata, acuminata, apice recur\-a, glabra. Corolla magna, exsic- cata .'H poll, diam., extra glabra, levis, intra tuberculato-rugosa, atropurpui'ea, secundum margines et prope apicem loliorum et praeterea secuiidum lineas 5 e centro ad sinus radiantes pilis clavatis purpureis ornata ; tubus parvus, circiter 1| lin. altus, 3 lin. diam. ; liml)us maximus ultra medium 5-lol)US disco vel parte indiviso lato probal)ilitei' patelliformi, lobis exsiccatis II poll, longis, 7-S lin. latis, oblongo-lanceolatis, acutis, apice recurvis. Coronae exterioris lol)i vix h lin. longi, acute bifidi, saccati, intra hirti. Coronae interioris lobi I lin. longi, basi lineares erecti, apice triangulari-dilati, antheris incumbentes, tuberculati.
This difiFers fi'om the only other species of Edithcolea at present known (E. gmndis, N. E. Brown), by the different colour and more oblong lobes of the corolla, which is clensely tuberculate-rugose, instead of having concentric raised ridges as in E. grandis. — N. E. Br.
Mr. N. E. Brown, of Kew, has kindly examined and descriljed this plant.
[This species (No. 145) grew in considerable abundance on the low granite hills in the Garieh Plain ; and also round our camp at Jena-agahan. Our Somali boys said they knew it well in the hills of their oavu country, where they chewed the leaves. These of the Sokotran plant were, howe^^er, they said, more l)itter than their own plant. The Sokotri name is Mushharmohum. — H.O.F.]
Calotropis, R. Br.
297. Calotropis procera, /.'. Br. Near Galonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S.
Vincetoxicum, Monch.
298. t Vincetoxicum linifolium, Balf. fil, Op. cit. Tab. LI. Not unconnnon. — B.C.S.
Sarcostemma, /?. Br.
299. Sarcostemma Daltoni, JJcne.
On the plains. Specially al)undant near Debeni. — B.C.S., Bent.
300. Sarcostemma, sp.
On the plains. — /i'.C.S'.
THE P'T-OWERINC I'EANTS OF SOKOTRA. 4(S7
301. Sarcostemma, sp.
Oil tlie ])laiiis. — /A^'..S'.
Dsemia, R. Br.
302. Daemia angolensis, Dcin'.
CoiHinoii. — Jl.C.S., Sr/i/rt'iiif., llciif.
Marsdenia, /?. Br.
303. t * Marsdenia robusta, Jlolf.jil., 0\). dt. Tal). 1.1 1.
Oil (Jarich I'laiii. 11.0. F.
Near Galniisir and I\lia(lii]). — Il.CS., Srinreiiif., Ilcvf.
Echidnopsis, Hook. fil.
304. Echidnopsis cereiformis, Ifook.jil.
Limestone hills, north-west from (xaloiisii'. — B.C.S., Brut (?)
Boucerosia, Wight et Am.
305. t Boucerosia socotrana, Bulf. jll.
Limestone plains. Hill slopes at low altitudes. — B.C'.S., Schweinf., Bent.
306. Boucerosia. .^jk
Limestone hills west from Hadilni. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S., Srhiceinf.
307. Boucerosia, sp.
On plains. — B.C.S.
GENTIANE^.
Exacum, Linn.
308. t * Exacum caeruleum, B<ilf. fil., Op. cit. Tab. LITI.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., IL 99, No. 222). Growing with its roots tightly jammed in the seams of the granite rocks. Rich deep blue in colour, and M'ith a sweet perfume. On the summits of lioth Hamaderu and Matagoti, aljove our Homhil camp, in the limestone crevices, white varieties occurred.^ — H.O.F.
On higher parts of Haghier hills (at 2500 it.).-~B.C.S., Srliwei,,/., Bent.
Plants of this bi'ought in a Wardian ease all failed.
309. Exacum Forbesii, linif. jil, sp. mw. (Plate xxvi. a).
Perennis i pedalis glaber erectus ramosus, caule tetragono, ramis elongatis 4-angulatis. Folia sessilia nitida h poll, longa ovata v. elliptica acuta coriacea margine subcartilagineo trinervia ad basin quinquenervia. Flores pedicillati nutantes mediocri pentameri in dichasia terminalia i-ramosa aggregati, pedicelli virides v. purpurei 1 poll, longi. Calycis lobi anguste elliptici acuminati. Corolhe scgmenta elliptica subacuta
-1:88 THE NATCKAL HISToUY (>F SdKoTKA AND ABD-EL-KnU
I poll, longa. Filamenta l>re\ia ix'cmvata, anthent' oltloiigje exsertae al) apice ad medium dchiscentes. Stylus decur\atus ovario duplo- l()iii;ior, stigma spongiosa. !S()koti-a.
A species nearly allied to Exunnn nirnl/'nuu Balf. til., but dirtei-iiig con- spicuously ill the coldui- of the tlowei- and the size of its ])ai'ts. Fi'om seeds gathered hy Dr. Forbes a iuunl)er of plants have been raised in the Royal Botanic Garden, P]dinl)ui-gh, and they ha\e flowered freely. It is a charming addition to our wintei'-Howei-ing ])lants of the inter- mediate house, and it is interesting to find a second species of the geiuis from .Sokotra of horticultural xalue. E.niniiii (i(jiiK' is a Sokotran plant now not uncommon in culti\ation, but it is a poor ])laiit com- pared with E.nicain Forhcxii. The latter has the ad\antage of being perennial, with a foliage of tine glossy green. It bears free cutting back, and can be readily trimmed into a neat compact form. Its sweet-scented flowers stand up nicely in small tiusses al)Ove the foliage, and it has the further merit of coming into Hower in late autumn, like Bcf/oina socoirana, and continuing in bloom for many weeks. Of itself a decorative plant, it will, I believe, prove useful for crossing with other species.
310. t * Exacum aflfine, JJ^If. A/.
" Homhil (2000 ft., No. 176). In the valleys noith and south of the Adho Dimellus Pass, gi'owing on the damp swampy margins of the stream. Not seen in the Haghier \alleys l)elow 2000 ft. No perfume observed in this species as in E. cwrulnnii. AVhite \arieties were oljserved. " — //. 0. F.
^^ e have raised a good croj) of this j)opular l)ienuial from seed l)rouglit home by the expedition.
Not at all uncommon beside the streams. — B.C.S., ScJuveiitf., Bent.
311. t Exacum gracilipes, liitlf. jil.
On dry spots of the hill slopes. — /IJ'.S.^ Ilciif.
Erythrsea, L. C. Rich.
312. Erythraea Centaurium, /V/.s.
On hill slopes. Abundant. — JJ.C.S.
BORAGINE^.
Cordia, Linn
313. t * Cordia obovata, IJnlf. jH. H.O.F.
Common. — B.('.>^., SrJnreinf.
314. t Cordia obtusa, Ealf. jil.
Hills near Oalonsir. — Ji.C.S.
THK FI.DWKItlXi; PLANTS ()K SOKoTltA. 489
315. Cordia Rothii, llnlf.jiJ.
On llu^liicr liuige. — U.C.S.
Eh ret i a, Linn.
316. Ehretia obtusifolia, Ilnrl,st.
On the hills. — A'.r.N., Srliiirlnf.
317. Ehretia, sp.
On the XwWa.—B.L'.S.
Heliotropium, Linn.
318. Heliotropium (Catimas) zeylanicum, LinnJc.
On liai;hirr hills. -H.I'.S., Sr/nr.'iiif.
319. t Heliotropium (Monimantha) dentatum, Hn]/. pi.
riains aliont (Jahjiisif. Hadiliu and clscwlifix'. — Ji.C.S., ScJiweinf.
320. * Heliotropium undulatum, rulil.
Kamalianu Hill in (4arich IMain (SOO ft., 1. 99, No. l-irO). — II.n.F. Very eomiiioii. — Jl.C.S., Sc/iariiif, Xiiitino.
321. Heliotropium rariflorum, Sfod's.
Baii'hicr range near Hadil)U. — JI.CS., Srirtcfiiif.
322. Heliotropium (Heliophytum) pterocarpum, Huchst. tC- Sf<'ii,l.
On slu}x's of llaghier. — /).^'.N.
323. t * Heliotropium (Heliophytum) odorum, Balf. fi.l.
In valley leading south from camp at Adho Dimellus. — H.O.F. On Haghier hills. — B.C.S., Srinceinf., Beitf.
324. Heliotropium (Orthostachys) ovalifolium, /•'>/>/,-. On the plains. — B.C.S.
325. * Heliotropium (Orthostachys) strigosum, inilil. Homhil (No. [:>[)).— H.O.F.
On the plains. — B.C.S., ScJitreiaf.
326. Heliotropium strigosum, in/hL \ar. scabrum, /.V/:. On the plains. — />'.'■ '.,s'., ScJur/'/nf.
327. Heliotropium strigosum, //V/A/., var. marifolium, h'cf:.
On the plains. — IlJ'.S.
328. t Heliotropium (Oithostachys) nigricans, BaJf. fil, Op. cit.
Tal.. LIV, B. Shrul)l)y plant of plains. — J> C.S., Jjiiif.
490 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Trichodesma, /?. Br.
329. t * Trichodesma Scotti, I'xilf.jH. Op. cit. Tal.. LV.
Tops of Matugoti and Hamadeni, above our Homhil camp (2200 ft., Nos. 169, 175.) Adho Dimellus, growing at 4000 ft. in broad masses, both in the sun and under the deep shade. — H.O.F.
Five plants Avere brought over in a Wardian case and are alive and healthy (I. 1902). A number of seedlings have also l)een raised in the Royal Botanic Garden, of which one has flowered.
Higher parts of Haghier hills (over 2500 ft.). — B.C.S., Schtveivf., Bent.
330. t * Trichodesma microcalyx, Vxilf. ///.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft.. No. 196). Homhil. Aduna slopes.— i/.T;./'. On Haghier i-ange near Aduna. — B.C.S., Srhveinf., IJenf, A^immo.
331. t * Trichodesma laxiflorum, //'///. ///.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., No. 188). Growing luxuriantly under the
shade. Flowers occasionally white. — H.O.F. Plants of this pretty blue-flowered species have been raised from seed
brought home by the expedition, and have flowered in the Royal
Botanic Gar-den, Edinburgh. Common. — B.O.S., Sclnveinf., Bcnii.
Cystistemon, Balf. fil.
332. t * Cystistemon socotranus, Jlalf.fL, Oj). cit. Tab. LVI.
Homhil (1700 ft.), on Matagoti (No. 157). Homhil (2000 ft.), on Hamaderu, with white flowers (No. 184). Adho Dimellus (4000 ft.), white flowers also observed. General colour deep blue. — H.O.F:
On limestone cliff's (over 1500 ft.). — B.C.S., Schweliif., Bent.
A seedling of this interesting plant was raised in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, but, as is the way with many 1 )oraginaceous plants in cultivation, it suddenly died off.
CONVOLVULACE^.
Ipomoea, Linn.
333. * Ipomoea obscura, Ker.
Slopes of Aduna (400-1500 ft., 21. XH. 98, No. IM).— H.O.F. Not uncommon. ^ — B.C.S., Schweinf., Bent.
334. * Ipomoea biloba, Forsk.
On the shores. — B.C.S., Schireinf., H.O.F.
335. t Ipomoea (Quamoclit) laciniata, Balf. fl. Plains near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
336. Ipomoea (Phaibitis) scabra, Fomk.
On the hills. — B.C.S , Bent.
THE FLOWEHIXC PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 491
337. *Ipomcea (Aniseia) cardiosepala, Ifarh^f.
HM<lil)U Plain (XTT. 9S, No. lUi). Slopes of Aduiia (400-1500 ft., 21. XII. 9S, No. \-l')). I Tubers eaten by the natives.— ir.a/\
Plants of this from seed hroui^ht by the E.xpodition have flowered in the Koyal Botanic Cxarden, Kdinl)in;ifh. — IIJ'.S., Schiveinf.
Convolvulus, Linn.
338. t * Convolvulus filipes, /lulf. jil.
On all the plains.^ //.r.,S'., Srhw<'!tif., HJKF.
339. i Convolvulus sarmentosus, I'mif. JH.
Limestone plateau overlookini;- Clalonsir on the west (over 1500 ft.). — BJ'.S.
340. Convolvulus glomeratus, Choisi/.
IMains and hill slopes. — -B.C.S., Schiceii/f., Bent.
341. Convolvulus siculus, Linn. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S., Schwutf.
Evolvulus, Linn.
342. * Evolvulus alsinoides, Liim. Common, — Jj.C.S., Bent, IIJJ.F.
Porana, Burm.
343. * Porana obtusa, Half. jil.
West end of Khadup Plain.— /i.('.,S'., H.O.F.
Breweria, R. Br.
344. Breweria (Seddera) latifolia, Ik'nfli. On the plains. — B.C.S. , ScJiweiiif.
345. t Breweria (Seddera) pedunculata, i???//. ./?/. On the plains. — B.C.S.
346. t Breweria (Seddera) glomerata, B<ilf. fil.
On the plains. — B.C.S., Srliirrinf., Henf.
347. t Breweria (Seddei'a) fastigiata, Bnlf.jil, Op. cit. Tab. LVIII
On the plains. —B.C.S., Srhweinf., Bent.
Dichondra, Forsf.
348. *Dichondra repens, Far.sf.
Not unconnnon. — B.C.S., Schwe'nif., H.O.F.
Cressa, Linn.
349. Cressa cretica, Llim. Sandy plains. — B.C.S.
492 THE XATri;A[> history of SOKoTRA AM) ABD-EL-KUKI.
CusCUta, Linn.
350. * Cuscuta planiflora, Tenon', var. globulosa, Hdlf.fil.
Hunihil, ou Mcitagoti hill (1700 ft.), parasitic on Ifrllf/iri/sinii (/ntrilijirs
(No. IS0).—HJ).F. Coninioii. Parasitic on Vanumia cintrascens, Sch. Bip. ; liiiliiinfrrd iidrimfa,
Boiss. ; and DirJiptcni /'ffiisd, Balf. fil. — B.C.S., Bent.
351. Cuscuta chinensis, Lnmk.
C'onuHon on many plants. — Ji.CS., Sclurcinf., Jlciif.
SOLANACEiE.
Solanum, Linn.
352. * Solanum nigrum, Llim.
Fruits collected on Uebcl Matagoti (19. I. 99, 2000 ft.) : Kanialianu
(2S. XII. 98) ; Adho Dimellus (:5S00 it.).—H.().F. Plants of this species, I'aised fi'oiu Sokotran seed, have Howercd in the
lloyal Botanic UaiHlen, Edinl)uri;h. Ji.C.S., SrJnrrinf.
353. * Solanum indicum, Xcrs ah. Ksmh. Jena-a.i;alian (S. I. ir.), SOO it.).- If.O.F.
Common near \-illag'es. — B.C S., Srh/reinf., lluif, Ilniitcr.
354. * Solanum gracilipes, Frm'. Haghier slopes south of Hadil>u. — H.O.F.
Foot of limestone hills west of Hadihu. — Sritwcliif.
Physalis, Linn.
355. Physalis minima, Linn.
Near Hadihii. — Scliirein/., Bent.
Withania, Pauq.
356. Withania somnifera, Jnnnil.
Near Hadil)U. — Sclurcinf., Hunter.
t * Withania Riebeckii, Srlmrinf., Oyy. cit. Tah. LIX.
•Slopes of Aduna (40U-1.')()0 ft., 21. Xll. 98, No. 119). Slo])es of lime-
.stone hills west of Hadil)u. — II.d.F. We have plants of this species in the lloyal Botaiu'c (iai'den, Ivliiihui'^h,
from seeds brought hy the expedition, and they haw Howcicd. On jjlains near villages. — B.C.S., Scluceinf.
Lycium, Linn.
357. Lycium europaeum, Linn.
Galonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S., Sriiueinf., Hmt.
TRE FI-()WKIM\(; I'l.ANTS OF SOKOTKA. 493
Datura, Linn.
358. * Datura fastuosa, Limt.. \i\v. alba, Chidr.
('oniiiiDii iicai' \illai;'('s. — IIJ'.S,, Sc/nr/'iiif., [[O.F.
SCROPHULARINE^.
Anticharis, End/.
359. Anticharis arabica, Kmll.
Sandy ])laiiis. —/).( '.S.
Linaria, Juss.
360. Linaria (Elatiuoides) hastata, II llr. On the plains. —/j.C.S', Schwclnf.
Schweinfurthia, A. Braun.
361. Schweinfurthia pedicellata, Unifli. <t IltMik. Uu the phvius. —JJ.t'.S.
Antirrhinum, Linn.
362. Antirrhinum Orontium, Linn. On Khaihip I'lain. — JJ.t'.S.
Scrophularia, Linn.
363. Scrophularia arguta, A if.
Hill .slopes;. — H.C.S., Sc/iiceinf.
Lindenbergia, Lchm.
364. Lindenberg-ia sinaica, Ilrnf/i.
(Jn the plains. — JJ.C.S., Sriia'ciuf.
Herpestis, G'arfn.
365. Herpestis Monnieria, //. li. K.
Cuunuon in marshy places. — B.C.S., Sciiiveinf.
Camptoloma, Benfh.
366. t Camptoloma villosa, Half. ^fil.
Cliffs of Haghier ran-e (over .3000 it.).^B.C.S.
Campylanthus, Rofli.
367. t Campylanthus spinosus, linlf. Jil.
Plains near (lalonsir and elsewhere. — JJ.C.S., Sciiiveii/f., Bciif, Hunter.
494 THE NATURAL IIIKTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Striga, Lour.
368. Striga orobanchoides, Ikitfh.
0)1 the plains. Pai-asitic on litis. — B.C.S., Schiceinf., Bent.
369. Striga hirsuta, r>rnili. Plains about (lalonsir. — H.C.S.
Qraderia, Benfh.
370. t *Graderia fruticosa, Half, f I., Op. cit. Tab. LXTI. Adho Dimellus (4200 ft., Nos. 229, 2-^H).—H.().F.
We have seedlings of this species in the Koyal Botanic (Tarden,
Edinl)urgh, from seed l)rought l)y the expedition. Rare. On the slopes of the Haghier hills (at about 3000 ft.). Top of
Sicante Peaks, behind Hadil)U. Kischeu. — B.C.S., Scliwcdnf., Bent.
Xylocalyx, Balf. fit.
371. t Xylocalyx asper, JUdf. fl, Op. cit. Tal). LXIII. Limestone plains near Oaloiisir and elsewhere. — B.C.S., Bent.
OROBANCHACEJE.
Cistanche, Hoffm.
372. t Cistanche lutea, ILgm. et Link.
Slopes of Aduna (4000 ft., 21. XII. 98, No. 121). Growhig in the black soil in the deep shade under the slope of a limestone rock, with no plant near it, so that the roots of its host, which were very deep, must have come from some very considerable distance. — H.O.F.
Aljout Galonsir, on species of Borrhnaria and other ho.sts. — B.C.S.
373. Cistanche tubulosa, Jri<jht. Near Galonsir. — B.i'.iS.
Orobanche, Linn.
374. Orobanche (Osproleon) abyssinica, Arh. Birh. On Haghier.— 7>.C^.»S'., Srhweivf., Bent.
375. * Orobanche (Osprole(Mi) cernua, L('>/t.. Abundant on many posts. — B.C.S.
376. * Orobanche (Trionychon) ramosa, Linn. Ob.served on hills near Homhil and on Adiuia slopes. Near Galonsir on Ladnca. — B.C.S.
THE FLOWERINd PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 495
PEDALINE^.
Pedaiium, Linn.
317. * Pedaiium Murex, Linn.
Slopes of Adutui (1000 ft., 21. XII. US, No. 117). Jciiaagahaii
(10. I. 99). Seeds collected— /f.^i'. Seeds of this which were collected by the expedition were barely ripe,
and ha\e not germinated. Plains aliont G-alonsir, Hadibn, and elsewhere. — Il.f'.S., Schweinf,, Benf.
ACANTHACE^.
Ruellia, Linn.
378. Ruellia patula, Jan/.
Plains near Galonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S., SeJuveitif., Bent{?), Niiaiao.
379. t Ruellia patula, Jnc-i., var. pubescens, Baif. fil
II.C.S., Sciiweinf.
380. t Ruellia patula, Jarq., var. minor, Bii[l\ Jil.
/l.C.S.
381. t * Ruellia insignis, Jl<ilf..P'l., Op. cit. Tal). LXIV.
In the Dinehan valley leading from Hadil>n Plain to Adho Dimellns Pass.
It was not observed l)elow about 2500 ft., and not above 3600 ft.
Grows in extensive thickets. — H.O.F. I am glad to be al)le to say that seeds of this beautiful flowered plant
have germinated in the Royal Botanic (harden, Edinburgh, and the
thriving young plants will, I hope, flower ere long, and enal)le us to
add a charming species to cultivation. Common on Haghier. — B.C.S., ScJiweinf., Bent.
382. t Ruellia carnea, Balf. ,fil.
Thou2-h eayer search was made for IL ntrnni, it was not encountered in
the Haghier mountains or the east end of the island. — H.O.F. Plains near Galonsir. — B.C.S., Sciiweinf., Benf.
Blepharis, Juss.
383. Blepharis boerhaaviaefolia, Jim. On the plains. — B.t'.S., SrJtweinf.
384. t * Blepharis spiculifolia, Balf. fl
Garieh Plain, at camp under Kamahanu. — H.O.F. On the plains near Hadil)n. — B.C.S., SrJiweinf.
Barleria, Linn.
385. t Barleria aculeata, Bnlf.fil, Op. cit. Tal). LXVIT.
Common on north slopes of the Haghier range. — B.C.S., Sciiweinf., Bent.
496 THK XATIUAI, HIS'IORV OF SOKOTHA AND AI'.D-KI.-KriU.
386. t*Barleria tetracantha, I'.nlf. jil., Op. cit. Tul). LXVTIT. Oltscrvcd on tlic l(jw ^ivuiite hills in the Gai'ieh FMaiii. — II.O.F. Oil tlic ])laiiis ahuiidaiit. — II.C.S., Si'huriiif., Jlenl.
387. r Barleria argentea, /I'llf. jil.
Khadup Plain. — />'.r.,S'.
388. Barleria </-. 'ill'. B. Lawii, T. .Imlm.
C'lillcctcd l»y Ix'iit.
Of this plant only a fraiiincntai y specimen exi.sts in the Bent collection, ami tlic afHiiity lias heeii dctcniiined as alio\e liy Mr. C. B. Clarke.
Neuracanthus, Nees ab Esenb.
389. T Neuracanthus aculeatus, Uul/.iH., Op. cit. Tal>. LXIX, A.
On tlic plains. — Jl.C.S.
390. t Neuracanthus capitatus, Balf.fiJ., Op. cit. Tah. LXIX. B.
])iy limcstcHic regions. Khadnp Plain. — B.C.S.
Asystasia, Blume.
391. * Asystasia coromandeliana, .^>.^• nh. Esrnh.
H.u.F. Coinnion. — B. U.S., Sch vein f.
Ballochia, Balf. ft/.
392. t Ballochia amcena, Iiul/.fil., Op. cit. Tab. LXX.
Near Khadnp. Neai' Hadibu, on plains and hill .slopes.— 7>.r.,S'.,
Srhirciiif., Briif, Hiiiiln:
393. t Ballochia rotundifolia, Bnlf. pi.. Op. cit. Tab. LXXI, A.
Haghier hills; limestone plateanx sonth-\vest fi'om Oalonsir (over l.")00 ft.). —B.C.S., ScJnceinf.
394. t Ballochia atro-virgata, Jlnlf. jlL, Op. cit. Tab. LXXI, B.
Hill slopes.— y;.r.,S'., Bnit.
Justicia, L/nn.
395. Justicia (Ilarnieria) heterocarpa, T. Anih'v.^. Near Hadibn. — /AC.S'., Sdnccinf.
396. t Justicia (aendaru,ssa) rigida, Ihilf.Jil, Op. cit. Tab. LXXTI. On the plains. — B.C.S.
Trichocalyx, Balf. ft/.
397. t Trichocalyx obovatus, /uilf.jU., Op. cit. Tab. lAXIII, A. On the hills. — //.6'.»b'., Sc/urrinJ., Hunter.
THE FI.oWEinXi; PLANTS OF SoKoTRA. 497
398. t Trichocalyx orbiculatus, Hnlf.fl., i)\). cit. Tal.. LXXIir, B.
Hills soutli-wcst of (lalonsir. — BX'.S., ileiif.
Anisotes, /\/ees ab. Eseiib.
399. f* Anisotes diversifolius, Half. pi. Op. cit. Tal». LXXIV. .Tena-:ii;ahan (1500-2000 ft., :i. I. 1)9, No. 2:U). In valleys south of
Afiho Dimellus Pass (:?500 ft., II., 99, No ■1X^)~H.().F. On hills near Galonsir and Keregnigiti, vicinity of Hadibu. — /A^'.N.,
Sritweinf., Bent. A pretty flowered acanth, of which we have raised a few seedlings in tlie
Royal Botanic Garden Edinbuigh.
400. t Anisotes diversifolius, \ar. brevicalyx, Iinlf.pl.
On Haghier.- /;.r.^'.
Rhinacanthus, Nees ab Esenb.
401. t * Rhinacanthus scoparius, ImiI/.jH., Op. cit. Tab. LXXV.
Neai' Hadibu and elsewhere. — B.C.S., Sduceinf.
Ancalanthus, Balf. fl.
402. t Ancalanthus paucifolius, B<df. fil, Op. cit. Tab. LXXVI.
f]ntrance of \alley Ireh opening on Nuget Plain. — B.C.S.
Ecbolium, Kurz.
403. t* Ecbolium striatum, BaJf.fl., Op. cit. Tab. LXXVII, A. Haghier mountains below Adho Dimellus (No. 203). — H.O.F. On Haghiei' hills (over 2000 it.).—B.C.S., Schiceiiif., Bent.
404. t Ecbolium striatum, \ai-. minor, Balf. fil.. Op. cit. Tab, LXXVII, B. Common. — B. L '.S.
Dicliptera, Juss.
405. t Dicliptera effusa, Balf. fil. Common. — B.CS., Sclivcinf.
406. t Dicliptera ovata, B(tlf. fil. Neai' Hadibu, on hill slopes. —i>'. els'.
Peristrophe, Nees ab Esenb.
407. Peristrophe bicalyculata, Nees ah Bsenh.
W'idelv distributed. — B.C.S., Schiceiiif.
498 THE NATniAT. HISToltY OF SoKoTRA AND ABD-KL-KURI.
Hypoestes, R. Br.
408. * Hypoestes verticillaris, /.'. ///•., var. mollis, lUiJf.fiJ. Slopes of Adima (800 ft., L>1. XII. 98, Nos. Il'O, \:\S).—H.().F. Yeiy common. — HJ'.S., Srh/veiiif., Bent.
409. Hypoestes verticillaris, //. />'/■., var. denudata, Nees.
410. t Hypoestes pubescens, BaJf. fl.
Haghier hills at cousidei-alile elevation. — Il.C.S., Srhirehif.
SELAGINE^.
Cockburnia, Balf. fl.
411. t Cockburnia socotrana, JJalf.fil., Op. cit. Tab. LXXVIII.
Hills al)oV(' 1000 ft. — //.r.,S'., Srhirniif.
VERBENACE^.
Lippia, Linn
412. * Lippia nodiflora, Mich.':
Slopes of Aduua (400-1500 ft., 21. XII. 98, No. \\-)).—H.O.F. In marshes. — B.C.S., Bent.
Priva, A dans.
413. Priva leptostachya, Juss.
On hill slopes. — />'.r'..S'.
Coelocarpus, Balf. fii.
414. t * Coelocarpus socotranus, Half, fil, Op. cit. Tab. LXXIX. Adho Dimellus (Nos. 191, 22S).^H.O.F.
On slopes of hills (over 1000 it.).—B.C.S., Bent.
I have been disappointed in that seeds of this interesting plant have not germinated.
Clerodendron, Linn.
415. t Clerodendron galeatum, Balf. fit., Op. cit. Tab. LXXX. On Haghier hills behind Hadilni. — RC'.^S'.
416. t Clerodendron leucophloeum, Balf. fil.
A common tree.— B.C.S.
Avicennia, Linn. ,
417. * Avicennia officinalis, Linn.
No. 559.—H.U.F.
Khor Hadjin and elsewhere.— i^.C'./S'.
THE FLOWERINC; T'T.ANTS OF SOKOTPvA. 499
LABIAT-ffi.
Ocimum, Linn.
418. Ocimum canum, ,s7///.s.
Eveiy where. — B.C.S., Srhnviuf.
Orthosiphon, Benth.
419. Orthosiphon tenuiflorus, Iieiith. Al)im(lant. — B. C.S., Schireinf.
420. * Orthosiphon pallidus, Boijlc.
Top of Hamaderu, aliove our Honihil camp (No. 163). — H.O.F. Com 111 on. — H.C.S.
431. I Orthosiphon ferrugineus, Bdlf. jil. On Haghier hills. — B.C.S. , Srhveinf., Bmt.
Plectranthus, L'Her.
422. * Plectranthus, sp.
Limestone plateaux (over 1500 ft.). — B.C.S. , Schweinf. Some fragments of this were in one of the Wardian cases from Sokotra, hut (lid not sui'\ive.
Lavandula, Linn.
423. t Lavandula Nimmoi, Bcntli.
On plains and hills. — B.C.S., Sclureinf., IInnfn\ Nimmo.
Micromeria, Benfh.
424. Micromeria microphylla, Beuf/i. Alnnidant. —B.C.S., ScJticeinf.
425. Micromeria microphylla, Btnth., ^ar. remota, Bulf. fiJ.
l'>.( '.S., Sell ice inf.
426. Micromeria microphylla, 'Jlcnfli., ^al. imbricata, Bnlf.Jil
Leucas, R. Br.
427. Leucas (Hemistoma) urticaefolia, //. Br.
Near Galonsir, Hadil)U, and elsewhere. — B f.S., Srh.weinf.
428. Leucas (T.oxostoma) Neuflizeana, i 'oarh.
Hadil »u. — Sell iceinf.
429. Leucas (Ortholeucas) lanata, Benth.
Haghier hills. —i).(7.»S',, SchiueinJ., Bent.
500 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND AP.D-EL-Kl'RI.
430. t * Leucas (Ortholeucas) virgata, fl'ilf. pi EACiywhere. — BJ'.S., Srhm-iiif.^ JfJ). /•'.
Lasiocarys, Benth.
431. t Lasiocarys spiculifolia, Bulf. fil, Op. tit. Tali. LXXXT. A. Oil the plain.s. — liJ'.S., Ilenf.
432. t Lasiocarys flagellifera, BnJf. flL, Op. oit. Tal.. r.XXXI. \). Limt'stonu cliti's suuth-west of Oaloiisir. — B.C.S.
Teucrium, Linn.
433. t Teucrium (Polium) prostratum, Bulf. Jil.
Base (jf limestone eliifs near (Jalonsir : near Hadil)U. — B.C.S. , Ilaiiier.
434. t* Teucrium (Polium) petiolare, I'xilf.jiL Adho Dimellus (No. 211).- H.O.F.
Hills south of Galoiisir and on Haghier. — B.C.S. , Srhivemf.
435. t Teucrium (Folium) petiolare, var. pubescens, /^V///'. A7.
Haghier liilLs (;5000 ft.).— Schiiri/ij:
PLANTAGINE^.
Plantago, Linn.
436. * Plantago amplexicaulis, Cai:
(larieh plains. — H. 0. F. Aliundant on the plains. — B.C.S.
Genus Anomalum. Wellstedia, Balf. fi.
437. t Wellstedia socotrana, Balf.fiJ., Op. cit. Tah. LXXXH, A.
B.C.S., Hunter.
MONOCHLAMYDE/E. NYCTAGINE^.
Boerhaavia, Linn.
438. Boerhaavia repens, Linn.
On plains.— /;.r.,s'.
439. Boerhaavia diffusa, Linn. Hill slopes.— />.6'..S'., Scliweinf.
440. * Boerhaavia scandens, Linn.
Seeds prol)al)ly of this species collected. — H.O.F. Common.— /i. C.S., Benf.
THE FLOWER! NO PLANTS OF SOKOTKA. 501
ILLECEBRACE^.
Haya, Balf. fi/.
441. t *Haya obovata, Ihtlf. ji/., Op. cit. Tal). LXXXIII. Adho I)imcllus(No ld:')).~-JI.U.F.
Hill slopes. — B.C.S., Sckweinf.
Lochia, Ba/f. fi/.
442. t Lochia bracteata, Jixif./il., Op. cit. Talx LXXXIV.
Slopes of Haghier. — B.C.S.
AMARANTACE^.
Digera, Forsk.
443. Digera arvensis, Forsk. Hadiliu. — Sell iceiiif., Ben f.
Amarantus, Linn.
444. * Amarantus (P^uxolus) Blitum, Linn. Common. — B. C.S.
445. Amarantus (Euxolns) polygamus, Linn.
Occasional. — B. t '. S. , Sc// irrinf.
Pupalia, juss.
446. Pupalia lappacea, Jnss.
Plains at Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Psilostachys, Hochst.
447. Psilostachys sericea, Lcnf/i.
Near Galonsir and Hadibu. — B.C.tS., Scltirciuf.
y^rua, Forsk.
448. * JErua javanica, Juss. Hadibn Plain (No. 9S).—H.0.F. Common. — />'. ( '.S.
449. t .ffirua microphylla, JF<j. Balf. ill., Op. cit. Tiib. LXXXV. Plains about (Galonsir. — B.C.S. , Scliiceinf., Bent, Nimmo.
450. .ffirua lanata, Jnss.
Near Galonsir and elsewhere. — JI.C.S., Sc/uveinf., Hanfrr.
451. -ffirua lanata, Jass, var. robusta, Fxilf.fL
Plains near Galonsir.— B.C.S., Schweinf.
')()-2 THK XAITKAL HISTiiKV oF SoKoTKA AND Al'.D-El.-KnU.
452. t * Mru& revoluta, /A///. A'/.
Jeiia-agaliaii (ir)()U-l20U0 ft., -S. I. 91), No. \r)i))—H.().F.
On the Haghiei' range at coiisideraltle elevation. —//.C.y., SrlitrriiiJ., Ilciit.
Achyranthes, Linn.
453. Achyranthes aspera, Linn.
Ct )iniu( )ii. — B. C. S., lien t.
454. Achyranthes aspera, Linn, var. sicula, Linn. On plai)is. — LLCS., Bent.
CHENOPODIACE^.
Chenopodium, Linn.
455. Chenopodium murale, Linn. Near Galoi isir. — 1>. C S.
Atriplex, Linn.
456. Atriplex Stocksii, Boiss.
Near Khor Hadjin, Khadiip Plain. — B.C.S.
Suseda, Forsk.
457. Suaeda monoica, Ford:
Common. — B. (J.S.
POLYGONACE^.
Polygonum, Linn.
458. * Polygonum (Persicaria) glabrum, IFilld.
H.o.F., n.r.s.
459. Polygonum (Persicaria) barbatum, Linn.
B.C.S.
ARISTOLOCHIACE^.
Aristolochia, Linn.
460. * Aristolochia, sji.
Found in Hower (3. II. 99), on granite slopes in a rock-crevice al)0ve our camp at Adho Dimellus. The roots, which are narrcjw, watery, and white in colour, are eaten hy the hill peoi)le. The roots were hrcjught to u.s also Avhile at Homhil, hut without tiower or foliage. The herbarium specimen appears to have unfortunately l)een lost. — H.O.F.
On cliffs south-west of Galonsir. — B.C.S.
PIPERACEJE.
Peperomia, Ruiz et Pay.
461. Peperomia arabica, Dene. Haghier hills. — B.C.S., Srhn-einf.
THK KLOWKHINO PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 503
462. Peperomia reflexa, -/. Dirtr., vav. parvifolia, Ca^. DC.
Occasional. — />. C N. , Schweivf.
463. Peperomia Goudotii, Miq.
Haghier range.- -/Ar'.»S'., Srhicdnf.
THYMEL^ACE^.
Lasiosiphon, Fresen.
464. t * Lasiosiphon socotranus, Balf.jiL, Op. cit. Tab. LXXXVI. Adho Dinu'llns (Nos. 177, 189, 216).— H.O.F.
A not uncommon shru!). — 11. (\S., Sch/rcmf., Bent, Hunter.
A charming plant, seeds of which haAC, however, not yet germinated.
LORANTHACEiE.
Loranthus, Linn.
465. Loranthus, sp.
Near Galonsir. — B. C. S.
SANTALACE^.
Osyris, Linn.
466. Osyris arborea, Jf^<iJl.
On Haghier range (over 1500 ft.). — B.C.S., Sduceinf.
467. t * Osyris pendula, BaJf. fil, Op. cit. Talx LXXXVIT.
Seen growing, out of reach, on top of a high cliff on the limestone hills to
the south-west of Hadibu. — H.O.F. On the Haghier \\\\h.—B.C.S.
Thesidium, Sond.
468. Thesidium, .^p. ?
Khadup plain.— /j'.C'..S'.
EUPHORBIACEiE.
Seeds of seAcral Euphorl)iace<e plants have germinated in the Royal Botanic Garden, but it is too soon yet to identify the species in all cases with certainty.
Euphorbia, Linn.
469. * Euphorbia (Anisophyllum) indica, Laink. Hadilju Plain.— i7.ai^.
Near Galonsir and Hadibu. — B.C.S., Srlnoeinf.
470. * Euphorbia (Anisophyllum) Chamaesyce, />/«//. Adho Dimellus. Plant gathered (2. H. 98). -H.O.F. Many places. — B.C.S., Srkwelnf., Bent.
504 THK NATlltAI. IIISToHV oK SoKoTKA AND A III) Kl.-Kri!!.
471. t Euphorbia (Aiiisophvllinn) leptoclada, Ii'ilj. jil. Above Kischeii (over l'700 ft.). — Srhireinf.
472. T * Euphorbia (Kivinophyton) socotrana, Jhilf. /!!.. Op. cit. Tali.
LXXXVIIl.
On HaiiiiuU'i-u, a linu^stoiic hill aKoNc oiii- camp at Hoinliil (at 2.")U() ft.,
No. ik:^).—H.().F. On slo]j('.s of hills on l)otli sides of island. — JlJ'.S., Srhireinf., Hnnfrr.
473. t Euphorbia ('riiucalli) obcordata, Ji'il/.jil. Rocky places near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
474. t Euphorbia (Tirucalli) Schweinfurthii, linlf.jU.
Al)Ove Kischen (over iMOO ft.). — Sclnrcinf., Iliiif.
475. t Euphorbia (Tiiucaili) oblanceolata, Ilnlf. jil.
Haghier hills south from Hadiltu. — B.C.S.
476. * Euphorbia (Tirucalli) Schimperi, J'resl.
On the .slopes of Aduna (500-1. XH) ft., 21. XII. 98, No. V.\\).—H.O.F. Common about Galonsir, Hadil)U and else\vhei'<'. — ]>.( '.S., Schioeinf., Hinder.
^11. i * Euphorbia (Tiiucaili) arbuscula, HiiJf. .A'/., Op. cit. Tal). LXXXIX. Collected near Honihil. — H.(> F. Almndant. — B.C.S. , Schiceinf., Bent.
A ])lant of this species came home .safely in a AVai'dian case and is now growing in the Royal Botanic (Tarden, Edinburgh.
478. t Euphorbia arbuscula, \ ar. montana, />'"//. ///.
()n the hills.— yy.r.X., SrJncn'iif.
479. t * Euphorbia (I)iacanthium) spiralis, Biilf. Jil.
Collected on Gebel Bitzobur (U. I. 99) : and at Hcmdiil (l>i!. I. 99).—
H.U.F. On the plains ; not infi'ecpient. — B.C.S. We have a cou])]e of plants of this species alive in the Royal Botanic
Garden, Ivlinlmrgh. They came home in a Wardian ca.se.
BUXUS, Linn.
480 *Buxus Hildebrandtii, l!,iill.
This .species grew in gieat abundance at Homhil, forming large shrub- beries ; towards the summit of Dimimi it was also abiuidant, and here ripe seed was gathei-ed (S. I. 98) in quantity (No 204). — H.U.F,
Many seedlings of this are in the Royal Botanic Garden.
Aljundant. — B. C.S., SHi ireinf., Hunter.
Phyllanthus, Linn. 481. Phyllanthus (Faiaphyllanthus) maderaspatensis, TJnn. Near Galonsir.— i.'.C'.<S'., Sckweinf.
TllK l'L(t\VKltlN(i PLANTS OF SoKolKA. 505
482. Phyllanthus rotundifolius, U'iJlil., \ar. leucocalyx, MnU. Ar;/. Neiir Guloii.sir. Jl.C.S.
483. t Phyllanthus (P^uphyllaiithus) filipes, linlf. jll.
On tlie i)iaiii.s. — Jl.C.S., Sr/iiiriiif.
Securinega.
484. t Securineg"a Schweinfurthii, Balf. Jil. AI)()vc Wudy Diii'iil (oNcr 1500 ft.). — Schiveiiif.
Fltiggea, Wi//d.
485. Fluggea microcarpa, JUunw.
Coiuiuuii. —Il.('.S.,Srhin/_'/.ii,f., Bentl
486. Fliiggea Leucopyrus, //7/A/ Near Galonsir. — IK'.S.
Jatropha, Linn.
487. t* Jatropha (Adenoiopium) unicostata, BaJf.^fiL, Op. cit. Tab. XC. Growing al)uii(lantly on Hadibu Plain, l)ut only at the base of the lime-
.stone hills. It was alxseut fi'om the graiiite-sancl covered parts of the plain. Seeds were collected and lu'ought home. — H.O.F.
There are several healthy young plants of this in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
Aliundant. — B.C.S., Schweinf., Bent, Bcrnj, Hunter.
Croton, Linn.
488. t Croton (P]luteria) sarocarpus, Bulf. Jil, Op. cit. Tal). XCI. Many places on hill slopes. — B.C.S., ScJiweinf.
489. t Croton (Eluteria) sulcifructus, IJ"If.,p'l., Op. cit. Tab. XGII. On Haghier hills. — B.C.S., Sciitc/'iiif., Hunter.
490. t Croton (Eluteria) elseagnoides, Balf. jil.
On Haghier hills.^-iAr.N.
491. t * Croton (p:iutei-ia) socotranus, BaJf.p'l., Op. cit. Tab. XCIII. Garieh Plain.— 7/. O./'.
Plains and hjwer slopes of hills. — B.C.S., S'-hwcinf., Bent.
Chrozophora, /yeck.
492. Chrozophora tinctoria, Jd. .///s-s. Near Galoi isir. — B. C.S.
493. Chrozophora obliqua, Ad. Ju.<^.
Near Galonsir, and Hadil)U. — B.C.S.
506 THE NATURAL HISToKY OF SOKOTKA ANT) ABD-EL-KI RI.
494. Chrozophora obliqua, ./'/. Juss., \ai. frutescens, Sr/iirrinf. Near Hadil tu. — *SV7/ weinf.
Cephalocroton, Hochsi.
495. t * Cephalocroton socotranus, Half.jU., Op. tit. Tal). XCIV.
Top of Hanuulciu, a liincstoiie hill above our caiup at Homhil (No. 1G4).
—H.O.F. Many places, l)oth on great altitudes and on the shoie plains. — B.C.S.,
Sclnveinf., Bent.
Acalypha, Linn.
496. * Acalypha indica, IJim.
Near villages. - JJ.C.S., Srhircinf., H.O.F.
Ricinus.
497. * Ricinus communis, Linn.
Near villages in Garieh Plain. — U.U.F. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Tragia, Linn.
498. t * Tragia (Tagira) dioica, Bulf. jil.
Adho Dimellus (No. 227). Kamahanu, Gebel Bitzohur, and elsewhere ;
very aliundant. — H. O.F. Common on slopes of Haghier. — B.C.S. , Schceinf., Bent.
URTICACE^.
Dorstenia, Linn.
499. t * Dorstenia gigas, »srA«v'//(/.
On the limestone hills above our camp at Homhil, growing in crevices of the rocks and assuming extraoi'dinaiy forms : on the top of Gel:)el Homhil (3500 it.).— H.O.F.
In crevices and rocky places on the hills. — B.C.S., Schweinf., JFeUsted.
Several plants of this, brought home in a Wardian case, are now alive in the Eoyal Botanic Garden, Edinl)iugh.
FicUS, Linn.
500. t * Ficus (Urostigma) socotrana, Bdlf.fiL
On the slopes of Aduna (40U-lo00 ft., 21. XII. 9^<, No. 109). On the
Homhil plateau. Native name Taek. — H.O.F. A l^undant. — 7). C.S. , Schweinf.
501. *Ficus (Urostigma) salicifolia, raJil.
Hadibu Plain (Nos. 99, 187). Lai'gely fed upon by the Starlings
{Amydrns hIijfJn).—H. O.F. Spread over the island. — B.C.S., Schweinf.
502. Ficus, sp.
B.C.S.
THK KLoWKMlXc; P[.ANTS OF SOKOTRA. 507
Pouzolzia, Gaud.
503. Pouzolzia auriculata, //'/'//'/•
Oil the hills. — /).('..S'., Srhwcinf.
Forskohlea, Linn.
504. Forskohlea viridis, Dr^f. Common. — 11. ( '.S., Sell iceiiif.
Australina, Gaud.
505. Australina capensis, JTcdd. On hill slopes. — B.C.S.
MONOCOTYLEDONES.
HYDROCHARIDE^.
Largarosiphon, Harv.
506. Largarosiphon Roxburghii, Bcnih.
In river pools. — Boivin.
ORCHIDEiE.
Habenaria, Wi/id.
507. t* Habenaria socotrana, Bnlf.fil, Op.' eit. Tub. LXXXII, B. On the slopes of Adnna. — H.O.F.
Hills near Galonsir. — B.C.S. , Nimino.
Tubers of this small fl(jwerecl species haA'e flowered in the Koyal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
Angrsecum.
508. Angrsecum dives, UnJfe 'i
An epiphytic species, found both l)y Mr. Ogilvie-Grant and Dr. Forbes to the south of Adho Dimellus, was brought home alive, and has flowered in the Koyal Botanic Garden. Mr. Rolfe thinks it is possil)ly this species, but the leaves are only one-fourth as large as those of the tyj^e which is a plant of Kilimanjaro and Moml)asa.
Holothrix, L. 0. Rich.
509. t * Holothrix socotrana, Bolfe, sp. nov. Adho Dimellus (No. -IlOy—H.O.F.
Folia radicalia 2 sessilia, ovata, acuta, villosa, 1-1 1 poll, longa, 9-11 lin. lata. Scapus erectus, dense pilosus ; spica brevis, multiflora. Bracteae lanceolatae, acuminatae, pilosae. Sepala ovato-oljlonga, subobtusa.
508 THK NATTRAL JirsTORV OF SdKdTltA AND AI'.D-KL-Kl'KI.
Petala liiieui'i-o])l(:)iiga, sulK)1)tu.sa, iiitegra. Lalx'lluin piofuiKle tiiti- dum, lol)i,s lineaii-ol)longis, sul^obtusis ; calcare conico Itrevi. Coluiniia brevis.
Allied to the Aln'ssiiiian //. Itirlmnlii, Kolfe. This specimen is i-ather imperfect, and the flowers still in the ])ud state, but the extension of this essentially African genus into Sokotra is so interesting that 1 have ventured to describe it, omitting, however, the dimensions of the flower, which might have T)een misleading. In the specimen the sepals are a line long. — 11. J. Jlnlfc.
T am indebted to Mr. Kolfe, of Kew, for the description of this species.
IRIDE^.
Rom u lea, Ma raff i.
510. t * Romulea purpurascens, Tenore, var. edulis, Balrr.
On the slopes of Adiuia (I'l. XII. 98, I'UOO ft.. No. 130). Homhil {.3000 ft.. No. 168). The tuliers were gathered largely here for food. This species occurs also in A])d-el-Kuri. — H.O.F.
Haghier hills (over 3000 h.).—Se}nveinf., Nhiniio, Bent, JVeUstt'd.
Plants of this species are now growing well in the Ivoyal Botanic (xarden, Edinburgh.
Babiana, Ker.
511. t * Babiana socotrana, Ilnnkjil. Bot. Mag. Tab. 658.3.
On limestone slopes above our Homhil camp (at al)Out 1700 ft.). Also in the sparse soil on ledges of the granite rocks in the Haghier hills (at 3000 ft.), in association with E.aicam ra'ndeiiin, E. Forhedi, Be(joni(i socofiuna, &c. — M. (J.F.
On the hill slopes south-west from (jralonsir. — B.C.S.
Tul)ers of this interesting plant have flowered in the Koyal Botanic Oarden, Pxlinlturgh.
AMARYLLIDE^.
Crinum, L/nn.
512. t* Crinum Balfourii, Hub'/: Bot. Mag. Tab. 6570.
On the limestone slopes of Hamaderu al)ove our camp at Hondiil (1 700 ft.), the bulbs growing sometimes in enormous clumps weighing over a hundredweight. Nati^■e name "Difataha." — H.iKF.
On the high plains (at an elcAation over 1500 ft.), south-west from Oalonsir. — B. U.S.
A splendid series of l)ulbs of this beautiful sweet-scented plant (collected by Forljes) wei'e brought home, and some of them Howered A\ithin a month of their arrival in the Koyal Botanic Cxarden, Edinburgh. It is a species which, as has been l)efore now pointed out, should be of value in horticulture, not only for its individual merits, but for cross- ing for its perfume.
THE FI,()\VKIUX(; PLANTS OF SOKOTltA. 509
Hsemanthus, Linn.
513. t * Hsemanthus grandifolius, I'xilf. jil.
Oil the liinestone slopes to the south-west of Hadiliu ; on the slopes below Aduim (iM)OO ft.) ; also on the higher parts (lSOO-2000 ft.) of both HaiiKuleni and Matagoti, above our camp at Homhil, this species was abundant. A number of tubers, of what is believed to be this plant, were l)rought home. The plant was not seen in flower, but its two (and occasionally three) large broad leaves render it conspicuous and unmistakeable. —H. 0. F.
The stream Imnks of the slopes of Haghier, south from Hadil)u. — II. CS.
These tubers are still alive, l)ut they have not yet thrown up any leaves or flowei' stalks (VTTI. 02).
DIOSCOREACE^.
Dioscorea, Linn.
514. t * Dioscorea lanata, Btdf. A/.
On the hills above oiu' camp at Homhil. They were being constantly
hunted for by the natives for food. — H.O.F. Has flowered in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinlnu'gh. On Haghier. — B.C.S., Sdiweinf., Nimmo.
LILIACE^.
Asparagus, Linn.
515. t * Asparagus africanus, LnnL, var. microcarpus, Balf. JU. On the plains.— i?.6'..S'., Sdiweinf., H.O.F.
Aloe, Linn.
516. t * Aloe Perryi, Bah'r. Bot. Mag. Tab. 6596. Adho Dimellus (4000 ft., H. 99, Nos. 198, 219).— H.O.F.
Various parts of the island. — 7i.(,'.»S'., ScJiiveinf., Bent, Perrij, CoUiiis,
JVellded. Several plants of this species were brought home by the expedition in a
Wardian case, and are now growing well in the Royal Botanic Gaixlen,
Edinburgh. [Mr. Holmes sends me the following report upon specimens of aloes
brought by the expedition and submitted to him : — " Three specimens of Socotrine aloes were received, viz. :
1. Solid, in an earthenware vessel.
2. Liquid, in a large Ijottle."^
3. Li([uid, in a small bottle.
* The liquid aloes in bottles Nos. 2 and 3 belongs to the same collection. That in the small bottle had stood for some time, and had thus, by evaporation, become slightly more concentrated. — H.O.F.
510 THE NATURAL lIISrORY OF SOKOTHA AND AliD-EL-KTRI.
No. 1 represents aloes such as would be considered in Eiii^lish commerce
of second-class qualit\', l)eing l)lackishand giving a dull l»io\vn powder
and opaque splinter when broken. No. 2, when evaporated, gave a brownish transparent aloes, yielding a
brownish yellow powder of a pleasant odour, and would Ije classed in
commerce as first-class Sokotrine aloes. No. 3 presents the same appeai'ance, and gi\'es a similar powder to No. 2. The specimens have been examined chemically at my reipiest 1»y my
fi'iend, W. A. H. Naylor, F.I.C., in the lalioiatory of Messrs. Hearon
Squire iV: Francis, with the following results : —
Water, ----- Resin, ----- Aloin, ----- Extraneous organic matter. Extraneous inorganic matter (ash).
|
Large Bottle. |
Small Bottle. |
|
56-454 |
50-012 |
|
22-432 |
29-854 |
|
4-586 |
9-563 |
|
13-730 |
8-570 |
|
2-798 |
2-001 |
|
100-000 |
100-000 |
|
43-546 |
49-988 |
|
10-531 |
19-1.30 |
Total solids when evaporated, - Aloin pei'centage in the dried liquid,
It may here be mentioned that the aloes produced from the leaves of Aloe Perryi, Baker, is the only kind known which does not give a crimson coloration with strong nitric acid when the latter is dropped upon the powdered aloes.
The fact that No. 3 contains a larger percentage of aloin is probably due to the fact that the bottle No. 2 contained the upper stratum of liquid aloes, that bottle being first filled, whilst No. 3 was filled with the lower stratum of the same liquid. When aloes juice is allowed to settle a considerable portion separates and falls to the l)ottom of the vessel, forming a yellowish deposit at the bottom of a dark brown liquid.
Socotrine aloes is usually imported into this country in kegs. The aloes is of a treacly or pasty consistence, and varies in colour and odour, according to the care exercised in its preparation and conservation. The parcels imported of late years have been veiy inferior in (piality, and a really good Sokotrine aloes has long been a desideratum in the market. The best Sokotrine aloes, now rarely seen in commerce, has a garnet colour, translucent fragments, and a somewhat fragrant odour. The wholesale price for the 1)est Sok(jtrine aloes ol)tainal)Ie in com- merce is at present about 4s. 6d. per lb. But it must be remembered that 1 \h. of aloes juice as imported will only yield about f 11). of dried aloes, so that the price obtained by the exportei- at drug auctions is considerably less, varying from about 80s. to 90s. per cwt. Another variety presenting the characters of Sokotrine aloes in odour and chemical test (i.e., giving a reddish brown, but not crimson, colour-
THE FLOWERING PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 511
when a little of the powdered drug is touched with strong nitric acid) is sold undei' tlie name of Zanzibar aloes. This is usually solid, opaque, l)i'()wnish, and is packed in goats' skins. A spurious kind im- poi-ted in tins, oi' tin-lined cases, is also sold as Sokotrine aloes. This has a different odour, and gives a crimson colour when the powder is tested with nitric acid. It will l)e understood therefore that there is a demand for genuine Sokotrine aloes of good quality, i.e., carefully pre- pared as it would be done by Europeans. Such a drug would pro- bably fetch 95s. to 100s. per cwt , according to the quantity in the market at the time or the scarcity of the drug. An account of the preparation of aloes in Sokotra is given in the Bofani/ of Sorofra, Intro- ductory Chapter, p. xxxviii., by Professor I. B. Balf(jur." — H.O.F.]
517. t * Aloe squarrosa, Baker.
What I l)elieve to be this species, the leaves being distinctly white, was observed on Gebel Bitzobur, a limestone hill in the Garieh Plain (aljout 800 ft.) ; and on the slopes of Ferah, or Gel)el Dryat as it is also called, the highest peak of the Haghier (at al)out 4200 ft.), one of which I attempted to bring home alive in a Wardian case. — H.O.F.
Base of the limestone cliffs, south-west of Galonsir. — .^. CiS*.
518. +* Aloe Forbesii, Fxilf. fil, sp. nm: (Plate xxvi p..)
H.O.F.
Caulis brevis subsarmentosus internodiis |-^ poll, longis. Folia 5-6 patula late amplexicaulia linearia acuminata 4-G poll, longa, ^ poll, lata, medio I poll, crassa, glaucoviridia immaculata hand lineata, facie a basi canaliculata ad apicem teretia, dentibus marginalibus plus minusve evolutis interdum in plantis junioribus rnillis deltoideis minutis H poll, longis rectis albidis cartilagineis. Inflorescentia simplex S-9 poll, longa, pedunculo communi deorsum applanato glauco bracteas 4-5 steriles gerente. Pacemus cylindricus laxiflorus panciflorns 2 poll, longus, pedicellis h poll, longis rubris, bracteis deltoideo-acuminatis minutis /^ poll. longis pedicellis lirevioribus meml»ranaceis pnhino l)asali instructis. Perianthium trigono-cylin- dricum rul)ro-luteum | poll, longum, tul)o supra ovarium leviter con- strictnm, liml)i lobis ol)longis i poll, longis linea media viridula tinctis. Petala sepalis dorsaliter annexa lateril)usque intra perianthii tulnnn liberis. Stamina antisepala lireviora inclusa filamentis appla- natis, antipetala longiora bre^'iterque exserta filamentis teretil)us. Stylus staminibus longiorilius requilongus.
Sokotra.
Along with the living specimens of Jloe Perri/i l)rought home l)y the expedition were young plants of two other species. One of these has now flowered in the Koyal Botanic Garden, P>linburgh, and this hitherto undescribed species I here name. It is easily distinguished from Jloe Ferryi and Ahie si/iianrm, the other Sokotran species; fi'om the former by its thin not ei-ect stem, narrow leaves, and simple
512 THE NATrilAL lIISToitY OK SOKOTHA AND AUD-EL-KIIM.
itiHort'sct'iice with siiiallfi' tlowci-s ; tVom tlic latter liy its unspotted narrow leaves. The plant is a neat one resenil)linij;, mIumi young, in which condition the leaves are often spineless, some of the Meseni- l)rvanthcniunis. The iiiHorescence is a small one with too few and small Mowers to be sti'iking as a hoi'ticultui'al plant.
Dracaena, Vandel.
519. t* Dracaena Cinnabari, Half, jil., Op. cit. Tabb. XCVI, XCVII. Found this species in fiower and fruit, on 2G. I. 99, on Hamaderu (at
2500 ft.), above our camp at Hondiil. This was the only tree seen in flower during our stay — Deceml)er '9S to February '99. (No. 165.) Native name given to us by the Adho Dimellus natives, "Arhieb." —H.O.F.
Several plants of this species came home ali^e in a \\^irdian case, and we have an abundant supply of seedlings, from fruit collected by the expedition, in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinl)urgh.
Common. — />,r/.»S'., Srhiveinf., Pern/, U'eUsfcd.
Asphodelus, Linn.
520. * Asphodelus fistulosus, Linn., y.w. tenuifolius, Buln; Bot. Mag.
t. 984.
On the hill slopes near Galonsir. — B.t'.S.
Jena-agahan (1500-2000 ft., 'A. I. 99, No. 151).— H.O.F.
Scilla, Linn.
521. * Scilla indica, Baker.
H.O.F. Amongst the bull)s brought home are some which, on flowering in the Royal Botanic Garden, have turned out to belong to this species. This is an interesting addition to the Sokotran Flora. The plant is one of the Deccan Peninsula and Central India, and is knoAvn also from Al)yssinia. The Sokotran habitat thus connects these extremes.
Anthericum, Linn.
522. t Anthericum (Phalangium) graptophyllum, Hula-r. Hills in several places. — B.C.S., Sclnmnf.
Dipcadi, Medicus.
523. t * Dipcadi (Tricharis) Balfourii, Ihilrv.
Some of these tubei-s have Howered in the Royal Botanic Gai'den, Edin- burgh.
A few titbers of this species were collected on the limestone slopes al)ove our camp at Hcmdiil. — H.O.F. B.C.S.
THE FI.OWERINf; PLANTS OF SOKOTRA. 513
Urginea, steinh.
524. t Urginea porphyrostachys, Bah't:
Near Kischeii (over 3000 ft.). — Schweinf.
AROIDE^.
Remusatia, Schoff.
525. * Remusatia vivipara, Srhoff.
All altuiidant supply of tubers of this species was l)rought home, and are now growing well in the Royal Botanic Garden. One or two flowered shortly after their arrival, and we were thus alile to determine the species.
This adds another to the list of Sokotran species with an otherwise only Eastern Asiatic distribution. Several ai-oids are useful economic plants, l)ut I cannot find that this species has any such value, and it is not therefore likely to have ])een purposely introduced into Sokotra ; but the spiny shoots might, as Sir George King suggests, facilitate its accidental introduction in the considerable intercourse l)etween India and the island in the early portion of this century.
Adho Dimellus. In swampy places in the valleys north and south of our camp (No. 202).—H.O.F.
COMMELINACE^.
Commelina, Linn.
526. * Commelina benghalensis, Linn. Many localities. — ll.C.iS., Sdtweitif.
Oliserved on the hills above Hadibu ; also on Hamaderu above our camp at Homhil, on the limestone. Also on the slopes of Aduna. — H.O.F.
527. Commelina (Heterocarpus) Forskalaei, Vaid.
Al)0ut Galonsir and Hadil)u, and other places. — B.C.S., Sdiweinf.
528. Commelina (Heteropyxis) albescens, lla.^d:
Near Galonsir and Hadibu. — IJ.C.S., Sciiweinf.
Cyanotis, Don.
529. * Cyanotis cristata, licem. d' Schalt.
Near H adibu. — B. C.S.
On Hadi1)U Plain ; slopes of Aduna, near our camp at Dahamis (21. XII. 9S).—H.(J.F.
JUNCACE^.
J uncus, Linn.
530. * Juncus maritimus, Lamk.
About Galonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S., Sdiweinf. Near Khor Garieh.-Z/.r^.F.
514 THE NATURAL HFSTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KIRI.
PALMiE.
Phoenix, Linn.
531. * Phoenix dactylifera, Linn.
On l)anks of streams in Hadilni Plain, and in the ravines of the (loahal Gorge, and generally. — B.C.S., Schi-einf., H.O.F.
Borassus, Linn.
532. * Borassus flabelliformis, Z/«//.
Occasional. — B. C.S.
Seen in the Date-palm groves in Hadibu and Garieh Plains. — H.O.F.
NAIADACE^.
Potamogeton, Linn.
533. Potamogeton natans, Linn., snlisp. plantagineus, Du Croz.
B.C.S.
534. Potamogeton fluitans, 1,'otli.
B.C.S.
535. Potamogeton pectinatus, /.//(//.
In streams. — B.C.S.
Ruppia, Linn.
536. Ruppia maritima, Linn.
Streams near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Naias, Linn.
537. Naias major, JU.
Streams near Galonsii-. — B.C.S., Scliioeinf.
538. * Naias (Canlinia) graminea, Delile. In streams near Garieh. — B.C.S.
\n the Nesharhir river, under Gebel Bitzobur. — H.O.F.
CYPERACE^.
CyperUS, Linn.
539. Cyperus (Pycreus) pumilus, Linn., var. patens, Emtli. On Haghier hills. Not common. — B.C.S., Sciiwr'inf.
540. Cyperus (.luncellus) Isevigatus, Linn. About Galonsir, abundant. — B.C.S., ScJiweinf.
541. * Cyperus amabilis, Fa/tl.
Near Aduna, on the Haghier hills (at a high altitude). — B.C.S. On the slopes of Aduna, above our camp at Dahamis. — H.O.F.
THE FL()WEHIN(; PLANTS OK SOKOTRA. 515
542. * Cyperus aristatus, I!«tih. Near Hadilni.— /Ar.N.
Jena-agahaii (ISOO ft., I. 99, No. \\i'>).^H.(KF.
543. Cyperus rubicundus, I'ithl.
Near (Taloiisir. — IS.C.S.
544. Cyperus compressus, Linn.
Oil Hag-hier hills south fioni Hadihu. — />'. 6'.»S'.
545. Cyperus proteinolepis, lld-h-. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
546. Cyperus proteinolepis, var. major, Thlf. fil
^^ till nil).
547. t Cyperus conglomeratus, AV/A., var. socotranus, BnJf. fil. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
548. Cyperus dififormis, Linn. Near Hadihu. -B.C.S.
549. Cyperus (Papyrus) Tegetum, Eoxh. Near Galonsir. — B. CS.
550. Cyperus (Papyrus) tenuiflorus, llofth.
On the lianks of the stream at \\?Lt\YQ\\^. — Schwelnf.
551. Cyperus (Pajiyrus) rotundus, Linn. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S., Schweinf.
552. Cyperus (Mariscus) umbellatus, Benfh., \ai-. cyperinus, Thtlf. fil. Near Hadibu.— i.^C.,S'.
553. * Cyperus Teneriffse, Poir.
Not previously recorded from Sokotra. Jena-agahan (1800 ft., I. 99, No. 152).— H.O.F.
Kynin§:a, RoHb.
554. Kyllinga brevifolia, Jt'cffl'.
Common. — B. C.S., Schiceiiif.
Heleocharis, /?. Br.
555. Heleocharis (Heleogenus) albovaginata, Bd-lr., xar. humilis, Bueck.
Near Ha<li])U.-^.a*9.
556. * Heleocharis (Heleogeiuis) capitata, //. Br.
Altundant on sandy banks of streams. — B.C.S., Sriuceinf. By the stream running into Khor (hwieh. — ILOF.
516 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Fimbristyiis, Vahl.
557. Fimbristyiis (Diehdostvlis) diphylla, l^uhl
Haghier hills at Naiions altitudes. — B.C.S., Schicchif.
558. Fimbristyiis (Dichelostvlis) ferruginea, Vuhl.
Cuininou. ~ Jl.C.S., Scliire/'t/f.
559. Fimbristyiis (Trichdostylis) hispidula, k'lmfk. At Galonsir and Hadibii. — B.C.S.
560. Fimbristyiis ('rrichelostylis) autumnalis, h'am. e( Srhulf.
Haghier hills. — Jl. C.S.
561. Fimbristyiis (Trichelostylis) glomerata, Xrrs ah E^^puh. Al luiidaiit. — 1>. V.S., Sclnveinf.
Fuirena, Roifb.
562. Fuirena glomerata, Lnnk:
Oil Haghier. — B.C.S.
Cladium, p. Br.
563. Cladium mariscus, P. Br.
Near Hadibu. — B.C.S., Sekweinf.
GRAMINEiE.
Paspalum, Linn.
564. Paspalum scrobiculatum, Linn. Near (xalonsir. — H. C.S.
565. Paspalum distichum, Linn. Galonsir. — B. C.S., Scli weinf.
Eriochloa, H. s. & K.
566. t Eriochloa vestita, Bidf. ,pL
Limestone plains south-west of Galonsir (at ovei' MUO it.). ^B. C.S.
Panicum, Linn.
567. * Panicum (Digitaria) sanguinale, Linn. Common. — B. C.S.
Aduna .slopes (400-ir)00 ft., Xo. 108, 21. XII. 9H).—H.0.F.
568. * Panicum Teneriffse, //. Br.
This is an addition to the Sokotran flora.
Aduna slopes (400-ir)00 ft., No. 108, 21. XII. 98).—H.O.F.
569. Panicum (Brachiaria) paspaloides, /V/.s. Near (ialonsir and elsewhere. — B.C.S., ScJrweinf.
THK FI,()WKlt[\(i IT.AXTS oF SOKOTltA. 517
570. Panicum (Br;ichi;iria) eruciforme, Silith. Near Hadihu. -/A^.N.
571. Panicum (Echinochloa) colonum, fjim. Abuiulaiit. — IIJ '.S.
572. Panicum turgidum, For.d: Abundant near Galonsir. — VAC.V., Schwelnf.
573. Panicum Petiveri, Trin. Very common.— />.C'.'S'., Srhiveinf.
574. Panicum nudiglume, Huch.^f.
Wadi Digal ; Kischen. — Schweinf.
575. Panicum nudiglume, Jlorlcif, var. major, Ilochxf.
Near Galonsir. — JlJ '.S.
576. Panicum atrosanguineum, Huehst. Haghier hills. — B.C.S., Schurinf.
577. t Panicum ridigum, /inlf. jil.
Galonsir, Hadibu and elsewhere. ^/>.t'.<S'., Schivrjnf.
Oplismenus, Beauv.
578. Oplismenus Burmanni, Bcain: Common. — JJJ '.»s'., Srltweiuf.
579. Oplismenus compositus, Beauv. Wadi Digal. — Sdt iceinf.
Setaria, Beauv.
580. Setaria glauca, Bmuc. A])undant. — 11. C.S.
581. Setaria viridis, Urdar. Not uncommon. — 11. ( '.S.
582. * Setaria verticellata, 7>Vv^;/r.
Near Galonsir. — B. ( '.S.
Aduna slopes (400-l.')00 ft., No. 144, 21. XII. 9S).— 77.^^
Cenchrus, Linn.
583. Cenchrus Schimperi, llorhi. d Sfciid.
Abundant. — 7>.C'..S'.
Pennisetum, Pers.
584. Pennisetum dichotomum, Dciilr. Common. — B.C.S., Scluceiitf.
518 THE XAirKAL HISTORY (iF S()K()1'I>>.\ AND AI'.D-EL-Kl'lM.
585. * Pennisetum cenchroides, /V/.s-. Very common.— JIJ'.S., Sclta-einf.
586. ^ Pennisetum orientalis, Jlirli.
This is an addition to tiie Hoia of Sokotra.
Aduna slopes (400-1.500 ft., No. 141, 21. XII. i)S).^II.O.F.
Rhynchelytrum, Hochsf.
587. t Rhynchelytrum microstachyum, Bxlf.jiL, Op. cit. lab. XCVllI, A. (Talonsir : Hadilju. — B.CS.
588. i Rhynchelytrum microstachyum, \ ai-. albicomum, /;'///. /// Galoiirtir ; Hadihu. — B.C.S., Scharinf.
Tragus, Haller.
589. Tragus racemosus, Dcsf. Common. — 11. U.S.
Imperata, Cyr.
590. * Imperata arundinacea, c'/// .
Occasional. — JJJ '.S.
Near Klior (JfUvifh.^H.O.F.
Arthraxon, Beauv.
591. Arthraxon molle, Henfh. et Hook. Com mori. — B. ( '.S. , Sclnceutf.
Heteropogon, Pers.
592. Heteropogon hirtus, Pers. Common on hill slopes. — B.C.S., Schireinf.
Andropogon, Linn.
593. Andropogon (Cyml>opogon) hirtus, Linn.
Abundant. — B. C.S., Scltu-einf.
594. Andropogon (Cymbopo,i,n>n) laniger, Desf. Hills near Galonsir and Hadibii. — B.(J.S., Srhweiiif.
595. Andropogon (Gymnandropogon) pertUSUS, Jl'ilh/. H ag h i e r h i 1 1 s . — B.CS , Schwe inf.
Chrysopogon, Trin.
596. Chrysopogon Gryllus, Trin. Plains about Galonsir. — B.CS.
TIIK FI.()WEHIN(i PLANTS OF SOKOTIJA. 519
Anthistiria, Linn.
597. Anthistiria ciliata, Limt.
Common on the hills. — Il.C.S., Schiveinf.
Apluda, Linn.
598. * Apluda aristata, Linn.
Common. — JJ.C.S., Scliiccinf.
Aduna slopes (400-1500 ft., No. 142, 21. XII. 9S).-H.0.F.
Aristida, Linn.
599. Aristida (Chaetaria) adscensionis, Linn. VetT common. — Tl.C.S., Scinofiiif.
600. Aristida (Aithmthemm) murina, Cav.
Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Sporobolus, R. Br.
601. Sporobolus spicatus, Kuidh. Not uncommon. — B.C.S.
Cynodon, Rich.
602. Cynodon (Fibichia) dactylon, Uidi. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Chloris, Swartz.
603. Chloris barbata, Swartz.
Common. — B. C.S.
Melanocenchris, Nees.
604. Melanocenchris Royleana, Necs.
Very common. — B.C.S., Scinrelnf.
Eleusine, G'artn.
605. * Eleusine aegyptiaca, L'ers.
In many places. — Il.C.S. Hadibu Plain (No. 101). -H.O.F.
606. * Eleusine indica, CHrfn.
Common and cultivated. — B.C.S., Schiceinf.
607. Eleusine verticillata, Uo.fh.
Hau'hier hills. — B.C.S.
520 THE NATinUL 1IIST(»I;V Ol' SUKOTKA AND A1!1)-?:L-KU1U.
Pappophorum, Schreb.
608. Pappophorum (Enueapogon) Aucheri, Jauh. li: Spach. Galonsir. — JiJ'.S.
609. Pappophorum elegans, Mrs.
Near Galonsir. — JJ.C.S.
EragTOStis, Beauv.
610. Eragrostis plumosa, /.//;/,.
Common . — //. ( '. >'. , Si'Ii irrhtf.
611. Eragrostis orientalis, Tiin. Not uncommon.— i)'.C.*S'.
612. Eragrostis (Leptostachya) pilosa, Beauv. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
613. Eragrostis (Cataclastos) ciliaris, Link. Common. — B.C.S. , Schwelnf.
614. Eragrostis (Megastachya) cynosuroides, ll(em. d Schult. Near Hadibu.— i/.6'.*S'.
/EluropUS, Trin.
615. *.^luropus repens, ParJ.
Shores at Galonsir and Hadibu. — B.C.S. , Schweinf. Near foot of Gebel J^\tzo\mv.—H.U.F.
LoHum, Linn.
616. * Lolium temulentum, Linn. Near iV\\\\va.— B.C.S., II.O.F.
Lepturus, /?. Br.
617. t Lepturus tenuis, Balf. fil.
Plains at the eastern end of island. — B.C.S.
Ischnurus, Ba/f. fJI.
618. t * Ischnurus pulchellus, Balf. Jil, Op. cit. Tab. XCVIII, B. Near (Jalonsir. — B.C.S.
Seen on Ilomhil plateau. — II.O.F.
TlIK FLOWRRINO PLANTS OF Ar.D-KL-KinU. 521
II. — The Flowering Plants of Abd=el=Kuri.
DICOTYLEDONES.
POLYPETAL/E.
CAPPARIDE^.
Cleotne, Linn.
1. Cleome brachycarpa, VaM.
On plain facing unr anchorage in Bander Saleli (Nos. 5, 29, 49 ; 4.
XII. 98).—H.O.F. Several forms of this varial)le species.
RESEDACE^.
Reseda, Linn.
2. Reseda viridis, Jinlf. fil
Very abundant on slopes of Clebel 8aleh (Nos. 24, 58, 72, 77, 78 ;
XII. m).—H.O.F. We have raised a number of plants of this species in the Royal Botanic
Garden, and they have flowered. It has not itself much value as a
horticultural plant, but might be useful through its perennial character
in crossing for perennial races.
POLYGALE^.
Polygala, Linn.
3. Polygala erioptera, DC.
(No. 8; 4. XII. dS).—H.O.F.
CARYOPHYLLE^.
Polycarpsea, Lamk.
4. Polycarpaea spicata, Jrn. (No. lf^).—H.U.F.
5. Polycarpaea caespitosa, Ikilf.jU.
(No. yd).~H.i).F.
PORTULACEiE.
Portulaca, Linn.
6. Portulaca oleracea, Linn.
On the plain iioith of Bander Saleh. — H.O.F.
522 THK NATrit.M, IIISTOUV OF SOKoTRA AND A1^I)-1:L-KIUI.
ZYGOPHYLLE^.
Zygfophyllum, Linn.
7. Zygophyllum simplex, /.////(.
(Xos. 7;!. ^i\).^nj).F.
GERANIACE^.
Geranium, Linn.
8. Geranium muscatense, Boiss. H.O.F.
LEGUMINOS^.
Crotalaria, Linn.
9. Crotalaria leptocarpa, Bitlf. ,fil.. Op. cit. Tab. XIV, A.
Plain ill front of anchorage (No. U : 3. XII. 9S).— H.O.F.
Lotus, Linn.
10. Lotus arabicus, Limi. xiu: trigonelloides, //'/'/' mif/ Bmfii. (Nos. 7, 9, 21, m}.— H.O.F.
Indigofera, Linn.
11. Indigofera leptocarpa, HucJisf. and SfewL (Nos. 20, ■2S).~H.0.F.
Tephrosia, Pers.
12. Tephrosia (Reineria) Apollinea, 1)0. (Nos. ii, 70; 4. XXL 9^).-~H.0.F.
Acacia, wiiid.
13. Acacia eburnea, JJllhf.
(Nos. G:3, 79; i. XII. dH}.— H.O.F.
CRASSULACE^.
Kalanchoe, Adans.
14. Kalanchoe rotundifolia, JLnc.
On limestone rocks of Gehel Saleh. — H.O.F. Seeds of this species were collected.
CUCURBITACE^.
Cucumis, Linn.
15. Cucumis prophetarum, Linn. (No. :5S: 4. XII. 'JH).— H.O.F.
TIIK Kr,<)\VKI!IN(; I'LANTS OF Al'.D-KL-KURI. 523
FICOIDE^.
Aizoon, Linn.
16. Aizoon canariense, Liim. (No. 80).— 7/. (A/'.
Orygia, Fbrsk.
17. Orygia decumbens, Fnrsk.
Seeds of this species were collected.
UMBELLIFER^.
Carum, Linn.
18. Carum (Tiachyspennum) pimpinelloides, Bulf. JH (No. 9-i).—H.0.F.
A seedling, pro])ul)ly of this species, is in the collection under No. 16.
GAMOPETAL/C. RUBIACE^.
Hedyotis, Linn.
19. Hedyotis pulvinata, IlaJf. jil. (Nos. 60, (S(S).^II.O.F.
COMPOSITE.
Pulicaria, Garfn.
20. Pulicaria stephanocarpa, Balf.fl. (Nos. 51, 55, b6).^H.(J.F.
Lactuca, Linn.
21. Lactuca rhynchocarpa, BaJf.fil. (No. 30).—H.(J.F.
Heterachaena, Fresen.
22. Heterachaena massaviensis, Fiymn. (No. 70 h\H).—H.O.F\
PLUMBAGINEJE.
Statice, Linn.
23. Statice cylindrifolia, FYird:
(Nos. 6, 81 ; 3. XII. 98).— //.ai^.
ASCLEPIADEiE.
Qlossonema, Dene.
24. Glossonema Revoili, Franch. (Nos. iL', 43, 53). -JI.U.F.
524 THE NATURAL HlSTOltY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURI.
Cochlanthus, Balf. fi/.
25. Cochlanthus socotranus, Jinlf. Jil., Op. tit. Tab. XLIX.
(Nos. 74, 7G, 8.3, 85 ; 4. XII. 98). A small tree with beautiful foliage growing on the slope of Gebel Saleh in al>undance. — H.O.F.
We have seedlings of this in the Koyal Botanic Garden. The dried material is not sufficient for identification, there being no flowers.
BORAGINE^.
Heliotropium, Linn.
26. Heliotropium undulatum, Vnhl.
(Nos. 3, 4, 17, 31, 82, 97 ; 3. XII. 9f<).— H.O.F.
Trichodesma, R. Br.
27. Trichodesma laxiflorum, Ilnlf.jil. (Nos. 2, 27, 64 : 3. XII. 98).— H.O.F.
CONVOLVULACE^.
Convolvulus, Linn.
28. t Convolvulus Granti, J id. pi, qh nov.
Herl)a rhizomate lignoso veiticali, eaulil)U.s })luiiniis I'adiatini prostratis
%
-^-W.^x.^^-^
Convolvulus Granti.
tenuiter virgatis simplicil)us elongatis fere ad 6 poll, cano-villosis. Folia rhizomatis infima rosulata elongato-spathulata longe petiolata subsinuata apice sul)acuta 1| poll, longa, | poll, lata, superiora gradatim oblanceolata crenato-dentata v. subcrenato runcinata v.
THE FLOWERING PLANTS OF ABD-EL-KURI. 525
pinnatifida lobis paucis rotuudatis, pubescentia, caulina lanceolata v. sul)lyrata v. ovata \'. sulirhondtoidea l>reviter petiolata v. sul)sessilia grosse paucim(|ue civiiata v. lohis paucis rotuiidatis lateralil)us, lol»o terminali triaiigulari, eoriacca, dense cano-villosa, |-| poll, loiiga, |-|- poll. lata. Flores solitarii rarissime Iniii, in axillis bractearum foliacearuni ad apieeni raninlosuni j-acemose positi, pedieellis l-^ poll, longis ad medium l)il)iacteolatis villosis bracteis longioribus. Sepala •"^ poll, longa extns villosa, intus glabra, lanceolata acuta intci'iora lato margine membranacea. Corolla i poll, longa allia extus ad angulos hirsuta. Ovarium glal)rum. Semiua immatura glal)ra.
(Nos. 13, 45, 46, 50; 3-4. XII. 98.) Abundant on the plain north of Bander '^aleh.^H.O.F.
A pretty prostrate herb, and readily distinguished from all described forms. I give here a photograph of one of the dried specimens.
Breweria, /?, Br.
29. Breweria (Seddera) fastigiata, Ikdf.fiL, Op. eit. Tal). LVIII. (No. 92).—H.O.F.
Cuscuta, Linn.
30. Cuscuta planiflora, 7V//. \ ar. globulosa, Half, fl
(No. 3."5 on (/Ids.-^ititeiiKi : No. 48 on a Composite ; 4. XII. 9(S). — Il.O.F.
SOLANACE^.
Lycium, Linn.
31. Lycium europaeum, I Aim. (Nos. 32, m).—H.O.F.
SCROPHULARINE^.
Anticharis, End/.
32. Anticharis arabica, Fiu/I. (No. \9).—H.0.F.
Linaria, Juss.
33. Linaria Elatine, /.//;/(. (No. 9i).—H.0.F.
A widespread Eastern plant, not known from Sokotra.
Campylanthus, Rofh.
34. Campylanthus spinosus, Balf.jil, Op. cit. Tab. LXI.
(No. CA).—H.O.F.
OROBANCHACE^.
Orobanche, Linn.
35. Orobanche (Osproleon) abyssinica, Arli. liirlt. (No. 90). Near summit of Gebel Saleh.— i/.a/'.
526 TUK NATrUAL HISTOItY OF SOKOTKA AND Ar.T>-KT,-Kri;i.
ACANTHACE^.
Ruellia, Linn.
36. Ruellia patula, J"r>/.
(Xos. 47, 81). -H.D.F.
Blepharis, Juss. 2>1. Blepharis edulis, Pcrs. (No. d\).-n.().F.
A plant of Aral»ia, Persia, and Xortli-West India; ni)t known from Sokoti'a.
MONOCHLAMYDE/E. NYCTAGINE^.
Boerhaavia, Linn.
38. Boerhaavia scandens, Linn. (Nos. 10, 9o). -H.O.F.
Seeds of this species were collected.
ILLECEBRACE^.
Lochia, Baif. fii.
39. Lochia bracteata, Bnlf.fil, Op. cit. Tab. LXXXIV. (Xos. 41, 54, 84 ; 4. XII. 9S).— H.O.F.
We have youni;- plants raised in the Botanic Garden.
AMARANTACE^.
/EvuSi, Forsk.
40. -ffirua microphylla, Mn,j. Balf. hi.. Op. cit. Talx LXXXV. (Xo. ] ■2).— H.O.F.
CHENOPODIACE^.
Suaeda, Forsk.
41. Suaeda monoica, For.4: (Xo. ^7).—II.0.F.
Salsola, Linn.
42. t Salsola cycloptera, 0. Sfapf., sp. nov.
Frnticidus ramosissimus glalierrimns ; I'ami raniuliciue pallidi vel albidi. Folia alterna saepe in ramulis ahbi'eviatis patnlis approximata, cnm basi persistente calloso-incrassata articulata, cylindrica vel clavato-cylin- drica, obtusissima, glalica, carnosa, 3-8 lin. longa. Flores ad foliornm axillas solitarii, distantes vel versus ramuloi uiu apices dense congesti (tunc folia floralia saepe brevissima, bracteiformia), bibracteolata ; bracteolae plus miiiusve naviculares vel cochleares marginibus hyalinis exceptis carnosae, circiter | lin. longae. Perianthium sub anthesi vix \\ lin. longius, ad fere medium 5-lobum, tnbo cupulari, lol)is conni- ventiljus apice salpe inflexis margine hyalinis basi carnosulis gil)bosis,
THE FI,OWKinN(i IM.ANTS OF Al'.D-KL-KURI. 527
gil)l»i,s niox ill alas coalesceiites dilatatis. Stamina o ; filamenta hasi cum lol)ulis miiiuti.s alternantia et cum iis in aiinulum tenuem lii'evis- .simuiii coiiiiata. ])l('ium(|iu' tciiuia, e perianthio exserta, in fioriltus serotiiiis l)re\i8sima latiiiscula ct cum aiitheris inclusa ; antlievae (Honim serotiiiorum tantum iiotae) J lin. longae, connectivo paululo producto ol)tuso. Ovarium ellipsoides-oblongum ; stylus l)revis ; stigmata 2 vel .'i, rccui-A'a vel revoluta, tantum in latere ventrali papillosa. Fructti perianthium ampliatum, tu])o e basi dilatato spongioso excavato cylin- (Irico ad 'ic^v 1 lin. longo, segmentis apice inflexis arete conniventilnis, alarum disco 3 lin. dimetiente, albo, crenulato vel lobulato vel plus- miniisve 5-lobato lobis saepe inaequalibus. Fructus praeter verticem convexum perianthii tubo ai'cte iuclusus, pericarpio vertice spongioso excepto tenui. Semen exalbuminosum ; testa teuuissima ; embr\^o plerumcpie horizontalis vel obliquus, rarius erectus, planospiralis viridis.
A caeteris generis speciebus periantheo fi'uctifero ultra medium tubuloso, ore ala dorsali scariosa horizoiitli annulari crenulata, rarius plusa minusve 5-lobata instructo distincta.
(No. 37). On the plain fronting our anchorage in Bander Saleh. — H.O.F.
The rather long tube of the mature perianth and the usually complete fusion of the originally distinct wing primordia into a single ring- shaped wiiig distinguish this species from all the other species of SaJsola which I know. There were only few flowers among the very numerous fruits in the specimens which I examined, and they seemed to belong to a late series and somewhat different form, a condition not uncommon in ChcnopoiHurea'. Whilst the filaments of the mature perianths with fully developed wings were long and exserted from the perianth, those of the late series were short and enclosed in the perianth, together with the anthers. This was also the case in a flower where the embryo had already formed, althotigh only one anther was open and the wings were still quite small. The flowers, of this late series at least, are protogynous, and the case just mentioned points to a tendency in the late flowers, towards becoming unisexual. —0. Stapf.
Dr. 0. Stapf, of the Hei'barium, Koyal Gardens, Kew, has been so good as to examine and describe this plant.
This genus is not represented in Sokotra.
EUPHORBIACEiE.
Euphorbia, Linn.
43. Euphorbia (Anisophyllum) Chamsesyce, Linn. (No. m).— H.O.F.
44. Euphorbia (Timcalli) Schimperi, Pir^l
(No. 40; 4. XII. 9Sy^JL(KF.
45. Euphorbia (Timcalli) oblanceolata, Ilnlf.jU. (No. H9).— H.O.F.
528 THE NAXrRAL iriSTOKY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KURT.
Euphorbia Abdei.kuri.
TIIK l'[,()\VKi:iN(; I'LANTS (iF A 111 )-FJ.-Kri;i. 529
46. Euphorbia Abdelkuri, /!>ilf.jil., sji. nor.
Plaiita aiboiva nou aculcata ti'iincis liguosis coiitortis cortice corrugato inter super<iue scopulos I't lapides jacentibns. Rami caniosi iutus spongiosi latice .sulpliuico in specimiuibus iiostris 3-pedales et 2 poll. lati, subcyliiKJiici hie illic coustrictioiie forsaii liniitatioiie turioiiis solermis circuinligati, oliseure S-costati aphylH «i'<l costis tuberculis seriatim segregatim oriiatis i])i([ue cicatricil)us par^'is foliorum juven- ilium et ranuilonim Horalium (!) axillarium iiotatis.
The figure (on page 528) is taken from the largest specimen, which was l)rouiiht home in a large crate, and was in excellent condition on arrival, and, although it has not yet rooted, it is as fresh as on the day upon which it ari'ixed.
This is a most interesting discoveiy. The plant does not occvu' in Sokoti'a, and, so far as I can discover — and I am indel)ted to Mr. J. H. Bunkhill, of Kew, for assistance in my seai'ch— it differs from all known succulent forms of Eiqiltorlihi. Unfortunately we have not complete material of the species. Upon one stem I found some withered remains of Howers, l)ut they were of no service l»eyoud fur- nishing e^■idence confii-matory of the identification of the plant as a Enpliorhiti. As we ha\e the plant now ali\'e in the Royal Botanic Garden, we may hope to l)e al)le to complete the description of it at no distant date.
The stem presents some c\n-ious featui'es. The fresh shoots have an outer shell about a (piartei' of an inch thick surrounding a loose spongy central portion. The epidermis is thickly studded with stomata, each girt by subsidiary cells. The surface walls of the epidermal cells are entirely cuticularised, and layer after layer of cuticle is laid down upon them so that ultimately a grey cuticular crust which scales off covers the older part of the shoot. It is an exceptional character which I do not think has been observed in any other plant that this cuticular layer shows distinctly its origin from indi\i(lual cells — that is to say, the cuticulai- scale is made up of a sei'ies of prisms, each of which exhibits a sti'atification and represents the cuticle that has been formed l)y a paiticulai' cell of the epidei'mis. De Eary (Comp. Anat. p]ugl. P]d., p. SO) refers to an isolated exception of such a separation into "• angular pieces, each corresponding to an individual cell," having lieen l)rought about by chemical and mechanical means in the cuticle of C'ereus pn-iiridims. In oiu' Euphorbia the separation is normal, and the limits of the sever'al cells are readily observed in the cuticle by examination with even a pocket-lens. A further interesting point is that the stomatic guai'd-cells retain a cellulosic character in their walls, as do also the inner subsidiary cells, consequently they are sunk in pits of the cuticle, and the contrast lietween them and the sur- rounding cuticle is I'cadily made evident l)y suitable reagents. A careful anatomical investigation of the whole structure of this plant
530 TIIK NATrPvAl, niSTor.Y of SOKOTHA and Ar.D-KL-Kl'KF.
will, 1 hope, l)e po.ssililc wlicii tlic plants \vc now have alive have started into growth. [This Euphorbia grows all up the side of (lehel Saleh, fioni alxtut tlie upper two-thirds (500-1500 ft.), sending up its leafless stems like a forest of gi'een candles. The root stock seemed to be continuous, if jiot throughout the entire colony on the mountain side, for at least very great distances. It must, I think, reseml»le some Somaliland species, as oui- Somali butler recognised it as l)eing a plant familiar to him and sj^oke of it by a Somali name, which T have recorded as Ergin. He it was who also recognised the EdWirolea sonIiiI(( as a Somaliland plant, where, indeed, a nearly related species does occur, as Mr. N. E. Brown informs me. — H.O.F.]
MONOCOTYLEDONES. ORCHIDE^.
Habenaria, wi/d.
47. Habenaria socotrana, Hfilf. jjl.. Op. cit. Tab. LXXXII, B. Near top of (leliel Si\]eh. — H.O.F.
IRIDEM.
Romulea, Maraiti.
48. Romulea purpurascens, Tenure, ^ ai . edulis, Hahr.
Near sunnnit of (lebel Saleh. — H.O.F.
LILIAOE^.
Asparagus, Linn.
49. Asparagus africanus, Lamh., \ ar. microcarpus, Hiilf. fil. (No. M).— H.O.F.
Asphodelus, Linn.
50. Asphodelus fistulosus, Linn., vai-. tenuifolius, Ihil^er. On Oebel Saleh.— //.(A/'.
Dipcadi, Medicus.
51. Dipcadi (Trieharis) Balfouri, Hiii^'f. (No. :)-l).^H.iKF.
COMMELINACE^.
Commelina, Linn.
52. Commelina benghalensis, Linn.
H.O.F.
Cyanotis, Don.
53. Cyanotis cristata, Ha'm. ami SelmU. On sandy plain, — H.O.F.
THK FLOWEItlNO PLANTS OF AP-D-Er.-KU RI. 531
CYPERACE^.
Cyperus, Linn.
54. Cyperus conglomeratus, Uutlih., mw. effusus, l>uis.<. (Xo. 50). If.O.F.
GRAMINE^.
Setaria, Beauv.
55. Setaria verticillata, Ilrttm: (No. Cu).^H.().F.
Pennisetum, Pers.
56. Pennisetum cenchroides, Fcrs. (No. 'A\).^I{.(KF.
Heterochloa, Desv.
57. Heterochloa dura, Fciss. (No. 1, 4. XII. 9H).^H.0.F.
A Baluchistan plant not known from Sokotra.
Anthistiria, Linn.
58. Anthistiria ciliata, Linn.
H.O.F.
Seeds of this species were collected.
Sporobolus, R. Br.
59. Sporobolus minutus, lAnl^. (No. 36, .3. XII. 9^).— H.O.F.
An Abyssinian species not known fi'om Sokotra.
Eleusine, Garfn.
60. Eleusine aegyptiaca, Pn-.^. (No. 25, i. XII. 9H).^H.0.F.
Eragrostis, Beauv.
61. Eragrostis minor, Ho.^f. (Nos. 22, 26).— H.O.F.
This species is not known fr(jni Sokotra.
In concluding this Report, I desire to express my ol)ligation to the Director of Kew and to the members of the staff of the Kew Herbarium, and to Mr. C. B. Clarke for the willing help I have received from them in com- pleting the foregoing list. It contains evidence in the description of new species, of the active share of some of them in the working out of the collec- tions, but not of much other aid I gratefully acknowledge.
532 THK xATrii.vr. irrsToitv of sokotiia and aiid-el-kuiu.
PLATE XXVI A.
EXACUM FORBESII, /' (/. //., p. 487.
Fig. I. Jlraufli ill Jl'i/ri'r, miturdJ siy. Fig. 2. C(ili/.i\
Fig. 3. Comlht laid iipcii. Fig. 4. Stamen. Fig. 4a. H '" .//■"/"' r?V'»'.
Fig. 4b. II ill /""■/•' I'ii'"'.
Fig. 4c. 11 /« -^i'/^' W^t-K'.
FiS- 5- Gi/nceriiim.
Fiijs. 2-5 (r/v ^^// cnlarffed.
Drawn by Mis. I. B. Balfoi'r, from a plant grown in the Royal Botanic (iarden,
Edinbursi'h.
|
1 1 |
|
1 |
Hi
*■ •' ''■'^^«?^^^■
W
R
■ :\\. iiisroi.'V (IF s()K(vn!A VXD Anil i-,i. Kri;T.
/iifi
i..
.if
i
PLATE XXVI A.
EXACUM FORBESn, /j'llf. tiL, p. 487.
Fig. I. lUanrh in flmocr, wituml fiiw. Fig. 2. Gitli/.r. Fix. 3. C(»'o!Iu I Fig. ' V'- ■
Fig. 4b. Fij. 4C.
Fig. 5. (rl/,.'
Fiijs. 2-5 are all enlarged.
. i..\i,i.,i ,v.. ii\M.i a (.i.u.i ^11. nn in the Royal Botanic Ciarden, * E<linburg-h.
' t.
Liverp. Mas.;Rep. Sokoira Exped.
Plate XXVI.A.
PWM Trap Cteomo
Km hlh.
EXACUM FORBESII,
534 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOKOTHA AND ABD-EL-KIRI.
PLATE XXVI B.
ALOE FORBESII, B"lf. JH, p. 511, Figs. I, 2. riaii^ of nil fund size, .'ilwwing habit a ml inflori-sccure. Fig. 3..... Bract of race me.
Fig. 4 Perianth ami pedieel.
Fig. 5 Petah removeil from periantli.
Fig. 6 a, Aiitisepalons stamen; b, antipetalouH stamen.
Fig. 7 Gpiarium.
Figs. 3-7 magnified.
Drawn by Mrs. I. B. Balfouu, from a plant grown in the Ruyal Botanic (larden,
Edinburgh.
TT
nmmm^^
L-KlRi.
"fmmi
M
,/
M
)Uiiic Harden,
im
m
i
ii
I it
J
Ziverp.Mus. ;Rep. SohotroyEocped,.
PL XXVI.B.
ABB .del*-
FW.M.Trap imp
ALOE FORBESII.
PLANT>€ CRYPTOGAM/E.
Pteridophyta.
Bij Professor I. B. BALFOUR, F.R.S.
THK FKltNS, MOSSKS. AND IJ VKinVdRTS OF SOKOTIJA. 537
Flowerless Plants. — I.
Witli the exce})ti()ii of a few fcnis and lit-lu'iis, to^e'tluT witli a single Chara in Sokotra and a few licliens and handful of sea weeds from Ahd-el- Kuri — the species of which ha\-e been identified hv Professor Balfour, Di-. Darbishire, and Mr. Holmes no (."ryptogamous plants were collected by the expedition. Foi' in regard to Botany our main object, with the limited time at our disposal, was rather to secure as many living plants, bulbs and seeds for propagation at home as possil)le, than to foi-m a herl)arium. The few specimens collected by us in the larger island ha\e, therefore, been indicated in this list exti'acted from Professor Balfour's i>V>A(//y (/ *SV;/^v;//y/. — HJJ.F.
1.— The Ferns, Mosses, and Liver worts of Sokotra.
FILICIN^. MARSILEACEiE.
Marsilea, Linn.
1. Marsilea coromandelina, IJ'ilhl.
In many of the streams in the middle of the island. — 11. CS., SrJiuriiif.
POLYPODIACE-S.
Adiantum, Linn.
2. Adiantum Capillus Veneris, Linn.
Not frequent. — Jl.C.S., Sr/nvrinf.
3. Adiantum sethiopicum, Linn.
Haghier hills south of Iladibu. — B.C.S.
538 THE NATinAI- IIISTOKY OF SOK(^TKA AM) AI'.D-EL-Kl'RI.
4. t * Adiantum Balfourii, llakn: Balf. til.. Op. cit. Tab. XCIX, A.
Aduna slopes (lOdO ft., No. 1:^5, XII. 1*8). lloiiiliil. This .species oecurs
also oil AlKl-el-Kuri. — //.O./'. Species of this have given us u crop of young phmts in the Koyal Botanic
Garden, and it will be an interesting addition to horticulture. Abundant on the hills at the eastern and centre parts of the island. —
B.l'.S., Srlnrriiif.
Cheilanthes, Swariz.
5. * Cheilanthes (Ak'uiit<)i)teiis) farinosa, Kiuilf. Hot. Mag. t. 4765.
(4el)el Bitzol)ur (rising from the Uarieli Plain) at 'JUO ft. Hills south west of Galonsir. — li.C.S.
Onychium, Kaulf.
6. Onychium melanolepis, 7^:^/. Hooker Icon. PI. t. 902. Hills south-west of Galonsir. — JJ.C.S.
Pellsea, Link.
7. Pellaea (Cheiloplectrou) COnCOlor, Uab-r. Hook. Ic. PI. t. 915. Haghier hills (over 3000 ft.). - Srl> ar inf.
8. Pellaea (Platyloma) Viridis, Ilnkn: Hook. Fil. Exot. t. 50.
Kischen (in Haghier J/«6-.s//), over 1800 ft. — Srl/arinf.
Pteris, Linn.
9. * Pteris longifolia, Linn.
Dahamis (1500 h.).-H.(>.F. Very coninioii. — B.C.S., Sriinrrnf.
10. Pteris quadriaurita, 7.v/;. Hook. Sp. Fil. ii. 179, t. 134 B. Haghier range. — JJ.C.S., Sriavcinf.
Ceratopteris, Brong.
11. Ceratopteris thalictroides, Jlrony. I)edd. Ferns South. Ind. t. 75. Streams near Hadibu. — Sdiarinf.
Asplenia m, Linn.
12. * Asplenium Trichomanes, Linn.
Gebel Kaggit, limestone outlier of Haghier, south-west of Hadibu (800 ft.).
—H.U F. Haghier hills south of Hadibu. — JJ.C.S.
THE FKKXS, IMOSSKS, AND LIVKKWOKTS OK SOKOTKA. 5.39
13. t*Asplenium Schweinfurthii, I'xihn: Balfour til., Op. cit. Tub. C. Slopes of AduiKi (-20(10 it.). Il.n.F.
Hiighier hills south of Hadibu.— /A ^ '.>'., Sr/uirinf.
14. Asplenium prsemorsum, Smni:. Ihdd. Ferns South, liul. t. 144. Haghier bills above Hadibu. — J>.<'.S.
Actinopteris, Link.
15. * Actinopteris dichotoma, Hold., Ferns South. Ind. 4:3, t. 124. Aduna slopes (400-1.500 ft., No. 12G, 21. XII. 9N). Adho Diniellus
(3500 it.).^H.U.F. Common. — h. C.S., ScJi irriiif.
Nephrodium, Rich.
16. * Nephrodium (Lastiea) crenatum, Jxd.rr. Eedd. Feins South
Ind. t. 1)5. Aduna slopes. — H.O.F. Haghier hills above Hadibu. — H.C.S.
17. Nephrodium molle, De^r. Bedd. Ferns South. Ind. t. 84. On the hills. — />.r..S., Sr/ureinf.
Nephrolepis, Schott.
18. Nephrolepis cordifolia, I'n'.^l. Bedd. Ferns South. Ind. t. 92. Haghier hills near Aduna. — B.CS.
Gymnogramme, Desv.
19. Gymnogramme cordata, Srhlcrhf. Hook. iV- Grev. Ic. Fil. t. 156.
^Vbove Kischen. — <S'f7/ u'cinf.
MUSCINKJE. MUSCI.
Campylopus, BHd.
1. Campylopus introflexus, llriil. Haghier hills.— i;.C'.<b'.
Symblepharis, Moniagu.
2. t Symblepharis socotrana, MUt. Balfour fil. Op. cit. Tab. XCIX, B.
Highest points of Haghier. — ll.CS.
Weisia, Hedw.
3. t Weisia (Hymenostylium) socotrana, MUt.
Near Galonsir and Hadibu, and elsewhere common. — B.CS.
540 THK NATlltAI. lllSIOItV OK SOKOTltA AND AI'-D-KL-KITJ.
4. t Weisia (Hyophila) punctulata, MUt. Haghier hills.—/;. r.,s'.
Tortula, Hedw.
5. Tortula csespitosa, Srhtvayr.
Haiihier hills, ;it considerable elevation. — B.C.S.
Anictangium, Hedw.
6. Anictangium Balfourii, Miff.
Sirante Teak of Haghier (over 3000 ft.).— 7;.^..^.
Schlotheimia, Brid.
7. t Schlotheimia Balfourii, Miff.
Higher parts of Haghier. — JIJ'.S., ? Xiiiiiiio.
Philonotis, Brid.
8. Philonotis pungens, Miff.
Haghier hills south of Hadihu. — IIJ'.S.
Brachymenium, Hook.
9. Brachymenium, q).
ILCS.
Bryum, Linn.
10. ? Bryum dichotomum, iJedu:
On slope of Haghier behind Hadibu. — B.C.S.
Fabronia, Ruddi.
11. t Fabronia socotrana. Miff.
Highest peaks of Haghier, neai- Aduna. — Jl.CS.
HEPATIC^.
Lejeunia, Libert
12. Lejeunia serpyllifolia, Lifwrf.
B.C.S.
Frullania, Ruddi.
13. t Frullania socotrana, MtU. l'>alf. til., Op. cit. Tab. XCIX, C. On bark.— y;.r.,S'.
14. Frullania squarrosa, Necs nfi. Esmh. On snifdl stems. — JJ.C.S.
TlIK FKIiNS, MOSSKS, AND TJVEKWOItTS OK SOKOTItA. 541
Otiona, Corda.
15. Otiona Aitonia, Fm-sl:
On the rocks. Coinnioii. — IIJ'.S.
Fimbriaria, Nees ab. Esenb.
16. t Fimbriaria pusilla, Mitt. On rocks ill many pUices. — B.C.S.
542 THE NATIKAI. IllSIOltV OF SOKOTKA AND A 111 i-EL-KT'1'J.
H.— The Ferns of Abd=eI=Kun.
FILICIN^. POLYPODIACE^.
Adiantum, Linn.
1. Adiantum Balfourii, Hnli'r.
Neai- tlic sumniit of (4c'l.el Saleh (1200 h.).— 11.(1. F.
Asplenium, Linn.
2. Asplenium Schweinfurthii, VxiJ^rr.
On slope of (U'l.el Salcli (1000 ft.). Il.O.F.
PLANT/E CRYPTOGAM/E
Thallophyta.
Fungi. \
Characese.
~~ }J,>mI BALFOUR, J!of,nu/ of Snm/ni.
Algae. Diatomaceae.
Lichenes.
Ilf/ OTTO V. DARBISHIRE, Ph.D.
Algag ex Abd=eI = Kun.
B// E. M. HOLMES, F.L.5.
PLATE XXVII.
THE FUNGI, LICHENS, SEA-WEEDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTRA. 5-1:5
Flowerless Plants. — II.
I. — The Fungi, Lichens, Charas, Sea Weeds and Diatoms of Sokotra.
FUNGI. ASCOMYCETES.
Pyrenomycetes. *
SPH/ERIACEI.
Sphseria, Haller.
1. t Sphaeria (Rosellinia) opaca, Coohe. On rotten wood. — B.C.S.
2. t Sphseria (Immersa) hyalodidyma, Oiokc
Immersed in wood. — B.C.S.
3. t Sphseria (Kalmusia) rubronigra, Cooke. On naked wood. — B.C.S.
4. t Sphseria (Thyridium) coUiculus, Cooke. On naked wood. — B.C.S.
Lophiostoma, Fries.
5. t Lophiostoma (Lophiotrema) Socotrse, Cooke.
On naked wood. — B.C.S.
Eutypa, Tu/.
6. Eutypa Acharii, Tul.
On dry rotten wood. Galonsir Plain. — B.C.S.
7. Eutypa aspera (Nits), vai-. lignicola, Cooke.
B.C.S.
Valsa, A dans.
8. Valsa stellulata, Frk.s.
Tree .stump, Galonsir Plain. — B.C.S.
■■■ This list is extracted from Prof. Balfour's Bofainj of Socotru. — H.O.F.
35
r)40 rUK NATUKAL HISTOKV OF SOKOTUA AND AT'.D-EL-Kl'KI.
Ostropa, Fries.
9. Ostropa cinerea, Fries.
Oil wood, hill slopes, near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Doth id ia, Fries.
10. t Dothidia (Dothidclla) Salvadorse, rWv.
On leaves of Salnnloni jinsini — Jl.C.S.
Discomycetes.
Ailopaplum, Lib.
11. t Ailopaplum lirelliforme, Cooke. On diy wood. — Jl.C.S.
Asterina, Lev.
12. t Asterina dichaenoides, Cooke. On livine; bark. — B.C.S.
Sphinctrina, De l\lot.
13. Sphinctrina microcephala, Nyl.
In tballus of Pcfrtisurio rinitrirnxd on branches of BolsiimofJcioh'oi), above AVadi Digal (900 ft.).
Lichenes.
The Lichens of Sokotra ai'C not yet very fully known, l»ut the collections made l)y Drs. Balfour and Schweinfin-th some tw'enty years ago, and l)y the Sokotra Expedition (chiefly collected by Dr. H. 0. Foi'bes) in 1898-99 make up a grand total of 47 genera and 1.3.5 species.
Those brought o^'er by Balfour and Schweinfinth ^vei'e determined by the late .1. Miiller-Argov., and they numbeied in all 47 genera and 1.30 species, of which .3.3 genera and 7-3 species wei'c new to science.! The germs Sphinririna, De. Not., of Miiller's List {Fxitony of Socofro, p. 347) lieing a fungus, is not mentioned hei'e. On the other hand, the genus J^arioloro, Turn., has been introduced, although tlie only species ])elonging to it is not new to Sokotra.
* By Dr. O. V. Darbinhire.
t Dr. J. Miiller, Diayuo-^es Lichi'iniin Socotren.mim norornm a partictjtihuK cxjicdi- tioninn Prof. Baylcy Balfour et Dr. Srhuriiifurth lectornni. — Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, vol. xi. p. 4,'57-47'2 (1882). This paper contains the new genera and new species by Miiller-Argov. only. His complete list is to be found in Balfour's Botnin/ of Socofm, pp. ,343 to .390.
THE FrN(il, LICllKNS, SKA-WEEDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTKA. 547
The Lichen.s collected l)y the For^es-di'unt Expedition on the Islands of ►Sokotra and A])d-cl-Kuii iiinnber 10 <;eii('i'a with 17 species, not including two sterile s])eciinens which 1 am unahle to name. Eight species turned out to he new foi- Sokotia, and these were all known to science previously.
The most interesting additions are the larger specimens of Usncajlorida, Ach., and U. iniiciilafd, Hoffhi.
The following list is made up of the Lichens collected liy Balfour and Schweinfurth, with the additions made hy Dr. H. 0. Forbes. Nearly all those, the specific names of which are due to Miillei'-Argov., have been described only from Sokotra. The names of Di-. Forl»es' plants ai-e mai'ked with an asterisk.
Through the kindness of Mi', ^^'illiam Barbey, the owner of the Herbier Boissier, in which is incorporated the splendid herbarium of J. Midler- Argov., and with the assistance of Mr. luigene Autran, I was able to compai'C scA'eral of the Sokotra Lichens of the present expedition with the original specimens of Miiller-Argov. I wish to thank both these gentlemen for thus materially helping me in the determination of some of the species mentioned in the following list. — O.V.I).
CONIOCARPI.
CALICIACEI.
Calicium, De Not
1. t Calicium leucinum, MdU. An/. Lignicolous. — JJ.C.S.
DISCOCARPI.
GRAPHIDACEI.
Dirina, £/. Fries.
2. Dirina Ceratoniae {Ach.) dc yuf. Corticolous. — B.C.S.
3. t Dirina cinerea, MuU. Anj.
Calcareous rocks. — i>. U.S.
4. t Dirina cinerea, MuU. An/., f. sorediosa, ^fHU. Arg. Calcareous rocks. — B. ( '.S.
5. t Dirina immersa, Mull, Arg.
Calcareous rocks. — B. C.S.
6. t Dirina immersa, Mi/U. Arg., f. sorediata, Mall. Arg. Calcareous rocks. — B. C.S.
7. Dirina repanda, Fries.
On calcareous rocks. — Fj.C.S.
548 THE NATURAL HISTOltY OF SOKOTUA AM) ABD-EL-KURI.
Opegrapha, Ach.
8. Opegrapha (Lecanactis) chloroconia, M>iU. Arg.
On small branches, bark of large branches, and decorticated trunks
9. t Opegrapha (Lecanactis) vestita, Mail. An/.
0)1 decorticated wood. — B.C.S.
10. t Opegrapha (Lecanactis) elegans, Mali. Anj. On decorticated wood. — B.C.S.
11. t Opegrapha (Lecanactis) subcalcarea, J///7/. Arg. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
12. t Opegrapha (Lecanactis) cretacea, ,1/////. Arg. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
13. t Opegrapha Bonplandi, Fee.
On decorticated wood. -Jl.C.S.
14. t Opegrapha Dracaenarum, J^v//. Arg.
On branches of DrKrcena, with (Traphina variam, aljove Wadi Kischen
(2100ft.).--,S'r//HY'//^/.
15. t Opegrapha microspora, .1//;//. Arg. Corticolous. — B>. C.S.
16. t Opegrapha sororiella, MHU. Arg.
On bark of branches. — B.C.S.
17. Opegrapha melanospila, Miill. Arg.
Parasitic in thallus of Fannelia pcrforafa, Ach., and of /'. irrc/'ohifa, Eschw., above "Wadi Kischen (2400 ft.). — Srhwnnf.
Meiaspilea, /VyI.
18. t Meiaspilea stigmatea, Mull. Arg.
Li thallus of Dir'ina rcpawlK, Fries. — B.C.S.
Graphis, Ach.
19. t Graphis brachycarpa, Mull. Arg.
On branches, near Wadi Kischen (2100 ft.). — Srhirrinf.
20. Graphis comma, yyl.
Above Wadi Kischen, on small branches (2100 ft.). — SrJitccitif.
21. Graphis tenella, Ach.
Above Wadi Kischen, on small branches (2100 ft.). — Schwciiif.
THE FUNOI, LK'HKNS, SEA-WKKDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTKA. 549
Phaeographis, Mull. Arg.
22. t Phaeographis inusta, Ach., viir. radians, Midi. Arg. Corticulou.s. — /S.C.S.
23. Phaeographis inusta, .1/"//. An/., var. simpliciuscula, Mull. Anj. Coi'ticolous. — /l.C.S.
Phseo^raphina, Mull. Arg.
24. t Phaeographina Balfourii, Mnll. Anj. Oil tree trunks. — B.C.>>.
Qraphina, Mull. Arg
25. t Graphina varians, Mull. Anj.
On smaller branches of JDracivna near Wadi Kischen (2100 ft.). — B.L'.S. Schwciuf.
26. t Graphina socotrana, MiW. Anj. On bark of trees. — IJ.C.S.
Arthonia, Ach.
27. Arthonia cinnabarina, Fee., var. adspersa, ]Vi/l On tree trunks. — 11. 1 '.S.
28. Arthonia stictaria, Xi/l.
On Sfirfa iiiinifa, above AVadi Kischen (3000 ft.). — Schiceinf.
29. Arthonia polymorpha, Arh..
Bark of smaller branches. — B.C.S. >
30. t Arthonia calospora. Mull. Anj. Bark of larger branches. — B.C.S.
31. t Arthonia complanatula, MhJI. Anj.
On bark of trunk on larger branches of trees. — B.C.S.
Arthothelium, Mass.
32. t Arthothelium leucocarpum, Mnll. Anj. On bark of thick branches. — B.C.S.
33. t Arthothelium emersum, Mull Anj. On tree trunks. — B.C.S.
Enterographa, Fee.
34. t Enterographa affinis, Mnll. Arg. On Itark, among other lichens. — B.C.S.
550 THK NAXrUAL lIlSTOltV (IF SOKoTKA AND AliD-EL-KUUl.
35. t Enterographa lactea, Mull Arg.
Oil l);iik of thickei- liraiiclies. — IIJ'.S.
36. i Enterographa fraterculans, Mull. Arg. Corticoluu.s. — B. C.S.
Minksia, Mull. Arg.
37. t Minksia caesiella, .l//v//. An/.
Corticolous on tlie larger Itraiiehcs. — I!. C.S.
38. t Minksia Candida, Mnll. Arg. Corticolous. — !'>.( '.S.
Chiodecton, Ach.
39. t * Chiodecton nanum, J/////. Arg.
The thallus of the specimen growing on the bai'k of a tree is very thick and of a white colour. The apothecia are well developed. I was able to compare it with original specimens of C. nanum, Miill Arg., C. rirnimscMsimi, Miill. Arg., and C. socotranum, Miill. Arg.
On wood. Matagoti, E. Sokoti-a.— i?.O.i^.
On branches of Draca'nn along with Graphiiui ntrians, and Opcgrirphtt J)r(tc(i')iiinnn, above Wadi Kischen (2100 ft.). — SrJiwcinf.
40. t Chiodecton circumscissum, Mall. Arg. Corticolous on .smaller Iiranches. — B.C.S.
41. t Chiodecton socotranum, J/////. Arg.
On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
42. Chiodecton farinaceum, Fee.
At Wadi Kischen, on small In-auches. — SrJnreinf.
Roccella, DC.
43. Roccella tinctoria, 1)C.
On granite above Wadi Kischen (•'^000 ft.). — Sdnviiif.
44. Roccella Montagnei, BcUmg.
Corticolous on branches of Draraiiyi on Wadi Kischen (2100 ft.), and on BalsamodemlroiL above Wadi Digal (900 ft.). — Sc/iweiiif., II. C.S.
45. * Roccella Balfourii, Mull. Arg. (Plate xxvii. figs. 1, 2.) Homhil; E. Sokotra.— //.rA/'.
The specimens w^ere laiger than any 1 have hitherto seen,* attaining a height of 7-8 cm., and bearing numerous apothecia and spermogonia. The section through an apothecium is shown ( x 55) in fig. 1. The
* Darbishire, 0. V., Moiioijraphia Ji'orcclhonim, p. 43, Stuttgart, 1S98.
THE KUXUI, LICHEN'S, SEA-WEEDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTKA. 551
Strongly developed epithecium, which gives tini white colour to the whole fruit, is very apparent. The thallus sliows the very charac- teristic white colour. On rocks by the sea. — B.C.S.
46. *Roccella fuciformis (A.), .Irli. Not pieviously recorded from Sokotra. E. Sokotra. On rocka.—H.O.F.
LECIDEACEI.
Blastenia, Mass.
47. Blastenia poliotera, .1/"//. Anj.
On northern ascent of Mt. Bagne (1500 ft.). — SrJnveiiif.
48. i Blastenia albido-coerulescens, .1 //'//. Jnj.
On (juartz rocks. — JIJ'.S.
49. t Blastenia cretacea, Mall. Arg.
On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
50. i Blastenia variabilis, Mull. Anj.
On ipiartz rocks, above Wadi Kischen (1800-1950 ii.). — B.C.S., Schiveiiif.
Lecidea, Ach.
51. t Lecidea (Biatora) contractula, Miill. Anj.
On quartz rocks above Wadi Kischen (1800 ft.). — Srhireinf.
52. t Lecidea (Biatora) plumbeella, Miill. Anj.
On quartz rocks above Wadi Kischen (1950 ft.). — Srhweinf.
Patellaria, Mull. Arg.
53. t Patellaria (Biatorina) obfuscata, Mull. Arg.
On quartz rocks.^/AC.N.
54. t Patellaria (Catillaria) sigmoidea, Mull. Arg.
On quartz rocks. — B.C.S.
55. t Patellaria (Bacidia) socotrana, Mull. Arg. On dead wood. — B.C.S.
56. t Patellaria (Kaphiospora) decussata, J/(V//. .J/v/. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
CLADONIACEI.
Cladonia, Hoffm.
57. Cladonia verticillata, Florke.
Terricolous. — AJ.L'.S.
552 THE NATURAL IIISTOUY OF SOKOTI'.A AND ADI)-EL-Kl T.l.
PERTUSARIACEI.
Pertusan'a, DC.
58. t Pertusaria schizostoma, MhU. An/.
On .small l)r;uiches. — IlJ'.S.
59. t Pertusaria cicatricosa, Mull. Ji<j.
On branches of Bal'^amodendron, above Wadi Digal (GOO ft.). — B.C.S., Sell weiiif.
60. I * Pertusaria socotrana, M>iU. Jnj. Adho Uiinellus (4000 ft.), on stone.— //.CA/'.
On calcareous and quartzose rocks. — B.CS., Sr/nv/'iiif.
Miiller's specimens shouted four spores in each ascus, whereas I found eight. The number of the spores in each ascus, however, varies very much in the Pertusarice. I saw original specimens of this species, and of P. .mhjiavcns.
61. Pertusaria flavens, Xifl.
JJ.r.s.
62. t * Pertusaria subflavens, Jfxll. An/.
The spores measured as much as 48-58 x 160 m, MnJI. Arg. putting their
size down as 55 x 1 10-1.30 m. E. Sokotra, on branches. — H.O.F. On small branches of Hi/periciun, above Wadi Kischeu (.3000 h.).~Schweinf.
63. Pertusaria lutescens, KrpJh.
On branches and branchlcts of Bahamodevdron, along with /'. ricdlrinmi, iMlill. Arg., above Wadi Digal (900 it.).—Schwnnf.
Variolaria, Turn.
64. t Variolaria xantholeuca {Mtdl An/.), lhirhi.'<h.
On quartz rocks aljo\'e Wadi Kischen (1800 ft.). — Sc/nceinf.
URCEOLARIACEI.
Urceolaria, Ach.
65. Urceolaria actinostoma, /'r/.s.
On quartz rocks, above Wadi Digal (1650 it.).~Sc/iuriiif.
PARMELIACEI.
Callopisma, De Not
66. Callopisma aurantiacum, vai . salicinum, Mass.
Above AVadi Digal on bark of BaJ.^nmodnidron (900 it.). — B.('.S., Srhvruif.
67. Callopisma aurantiacum, vai. isidiosellum, Midi An/.
On branches of Bahauwdcndrun, above Wadi Digal (990 h.). — B.C.S.
THE FUN(;i, LICHKXS, SEA-WKKDS AND IHATOMS OF SOKOTKA. 55:5
68. Callopisma citrinum, Ma.'^s.
Oil l)ark of tires, with precoding species. — B.C.S.
69. Callopisma steropeum, Knrh.
On (piartz rocks, al)o\c Wadi Kiselieii (2100 ft.). — IJ.C.S., Srliirciiif.
70. Callopisma pyraceum, Mull. Anj.
Oil branches. — iSch uri/if.
Lecanora, Ach.
71. Lecanora atra, A<h.
Oorticok)ns and saxicolous. — IIJ'.S.
72. t Lecanora notha, Mi/ll. Aqi.
Saxicolous, on northern sides of Mt. Biegal (1500 ft.). — Sc/nrriuf.
73. Lecanora snbfusca, Ark., var. chlarona, Jrk.
Above Wadi Digal, on decorticated wood of Bahninoiknulron (900 ft.) —
i).^'..S'., Srhuriiif.
74. Lecanora angulosa, Ach. Ramicolous. — Schweinf.
75. t Lecanora socotrana, Mull. Anj.
On quartz rocks; common and characteristic. — B.C.S. At Wadi Kischen (1800-1950 ft.). — Schweinf.
76. t Lecanora socotrana, Mull. An/., f. livido-nigricans, Mull. Arg.
B.C.S.
Amphiloma, Kbrb.
11. t Amphiloma deplanatum, Mull. Anj. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
78. t Amphiloma Balfourii, Midi. Arg. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
79. t Amphiloma granuliferum, Miill. Anj.
On (juartz rocks near Wadi Kischen, at northern foot of Haghier mountains. — Sc/iuritif.
80. t Amphiloma granuliferum, Mull. Anj., var. subvitellinum, Mull. Anj.
Growing with true species. — Schweinf.
Parmelia, De Not
81. Parmelia latissima, Fee, f. isidiosa, Mull. Anj. On branches. — B.C.S.
On gi'anite rocks above Wadi Kischen (1SOO-.3000 h.).—Schiveinf.
554 THK NATri;AI> IllSTOKV OK SOKOTKA AND A HI )-F,l,-Kri;i.
82. Parmelia latissima, /vv , t. sorediata, Xi/I.
On granite rocks above Kischen (2700 ft.). — Sclnrrinf.
83. Parmelia urceolata, Mull. J >■[/., var. nuda, Mull. .l,y.
Trunks of trees !il)Ove Kischen (2400-3000 ft.). — Srhari,,/.
84. Parmelia Soyauxii, Mull. Jnj.
Saxicolous, above Wadi Kischen (1800 ft ). — Sriiircinf.
85. t Parmelia Schweinfurthii, Miill. Jnj.
On smaller branches of fruiting liutacea', above Kischen (30U0 ft.). — ■ Srhwniif.
86. Parmelia perforata, ./'//., var. cetrata, Xi/l.
On granite rocks, a))OAe Wadi Kischen (."iOOO it.). Sc/itrriiif.
87. Parmelia tiliacea, Arh., var. rimulosa, Mull. .hy.
Corticolous. — }>.('. S.
88. Parmelia conspersa, Jrh., var. hypoclysta, .h-l,.
On gi'anite rocks above Kischen (ll)r)0 it.).— Srhariuf.
89. t Parmelia convexula, Mull. Jiy.
On (juartz rocks. — H.C.S.
90. * Parmelia nilgherrensis, X//1. Not previously i-ecorded from Sokotra.
On bark of trees, Adho Dimellus (4000 h.).—H.U.F.
91. * Parmelia perlata, Monl.
Not hitherto recorded from Sokotra.
PI Sokotra [? above Homhil], probably on trees.— H.O.F.
Usnea, Ach.
92. * Usnea florida, Arli.
Not previously recorded from Sokotra. Adho Dimellus, on trees (4000 it.).—H.i).F.
93. ■* Usnea articulata, Hojf)u.
Not pre\iously recorded from Sokotra. Adho Dimellus, on trees (4000 h.).—II.O.F.
94. Usnea straminea, Mull. Aiy.
Above Wadi Kischen (2100 ft.), and on Gebel Ilaghier (3000 ft.). — /;.r'.,S'., ScJiweinf.
Ramalina, Ach.
95. t Ramalina debilis, Mull. Jnj.
E(ll'l/Hll.
96. * Ramalina dendriscoides, Xi/l., var. minor, .]full. .Irg.
Adho Dimellus, on branches (4000 it.).—H.().F.
On smaller branches of Hi/periruiii above Wadi Kischen (3000 ft.), and similarly on Jihois.—B.C.S., Srhtoniif.
TUK Kl'N(iI, LICHENS, SKA-WKKDS AM) DIATOMS OF SOKOTltA. 555
97. t Ramalina dendriscoides, Nijl, ww. nodulosa, Mull. Jn/.
Siixicolous. — /i.C.S.
98. * Ramalina fastigiata (/V/-,s.), JrJi.
Matayoti, above camp at Homhil (E. Sokotra). On branches. — JI.O.F. New to flora of Sokotra.
99. "Ramalina farinacea (A/////.), Arh.
Matagoti, above Homhil camp (I"]. Sokotra). On liranches. — H.O.F. Above Wadi Kischen (1S001950 ft.). — /AC.s'., Sr/nrrinf.
100. Ramalina dasypoga, 7'/ui:
Above Wadi Kischen {:3000 ft.) — IIJ'.S., Srhnrinf.
101. * Ramalina Curnowii, Croinbir.
Matagoti, above camp at Homhil (E. Sokotra). On rocks. — H.U.F. Not before recorded from Sokotra.
PHYSCIACEI.
Buellia, Dc Nof.
102. Buellia parasema, K<irb.
On smaller branches of BithamoiUivh-on above Wadi Digal (900 ft.). — BJ'.S., Srh'imiif.
103. Buellia parasema, luirh., var. rugulosa, Kurh. On bark of various trees. — IJ.C.S.
104. t Buellia parasema, Kurb., var. subaeruginascens. Mull. An/. On smaller branches of Bohtnaudeitdruii above Wadi Digal. — Schicdnf.
105. t Buellia parasema, KHrb., var. contorta. Mull. Arg. Corticolous. — JJ.C.S.
106. t Buellia parasema, Km-b., var. oblongata. Mull. Anj.
On dry and decorticated smaller branches of trees, above Wadi Kischen (1800 it.).—SrInmiif.
107. t Buellia brachyspora, ^full. An/.
In the thallus of lUicllia liinata, Mull. Arg., on Wadi Kischen (ISOO ft.). — SArwriiif.
108. Buellia stellulata, Tui/L, var. protothallina, Mull. An/. On quartz rocks. — B.C.S.
109. t Buellia albinea. Mull. Anj.
On (piartz rocks. — Ji.CS.
110. t Buellia leucina. Mull. An/. On quartz rocks. — B.i'.S.
55G TllK NATIKAL HISTOltY OF SOKOTUA AM) AliD-KL-KUKI.
111. t Buellia substigmatea, MtiU. Jnj. On porphyr}- rocks. — B.C.S.
112. t Buellia substigmatea, vui. obfuscata, MnU. An/. On porphyry rocks. — JiJ'.S.
113. t Buellia innata, MiiU. Arg.
Saxieolous, al)ove W;uli Kischen (180U h.).—Srhirnuf.
114. Buellia recepta, Midi. Anj.
On quartz rocks. — ll.C.S.
115. Buellia africana, MnU. Arg. On (puirtz rocks.- — ll.C.S.
Rinodina, Ach.
116. Rinodina teichophila, var. corticola, Aniohl.
On branches of shrubs above Wadi Kischen (3000 it.).^SrhHrinf.
117. t Rinodina substellulata, Miill. An/.
On quartz rocks above Wadi Kischen (1950 it.).—Srhweiiif.
118. Rinodina minutula, MnU. Arg.
Rare.— /;.r..s'.
119. t Rinodina granulans, MnU. Arg. On calcareous rocks. — B.C.S.
Physcia, Schreb.
120. Physcia leucomelas, Michx.
On smaller l^ranches of Hhois, above Kischen (3000 iL).-Schceinf.
121. Physcia speciosa, Xi/L, f. sorediifera, Xi/l On granite rocks above Wadi Kischen.— Srhweiuf.
122. Physcia crispa, Xyl.
On granite rocks, on Wadi Kischen (1900 h.).—Srhwemf.
123. Physcia obsessa, XyJ.
On twigs, above Wadi Kischen (LSOO h.).—Sdnceiiif.
124. t Physcia obscurella, MnU. Arg.
On quartz rocks, on Wadi Kischen (1950 h.).—Srhwcinf.
125. t Physcia obscurella, var. fusca, 3mi. Arg.
On quartz rodiS.—Schwcitif.
126. t Physcia endopyxinea, MnU. Arg.
On twigs partly with I'l/xiuc wnvcxa, Midi. Avg.— B.C.S.
THE FUNdl, LICHENS, SEA-WEEDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTRA. ')0 1
127. Physcia picta, A\i/L
Corticolous, on llnhiniiodnitlron, ubove Wadi Digal (900 it.).— B.C. S.
128. Physcia picta, var. rupicola, /hi<jl
On quartz rocks. — JI.CS.
129. Physcia picta, var. sorediata. Mull. An/.
Above Wadi Ki.schen (1800 h.).—B.C.S., Schweinf.
Pyxine, El. Fries.
130. Pyxine Meissneri, 7'//r/,., var. endoleuca, Mull. An/.
On aloe stems.— 11. CS.
131. * Pyxine coccoes, Xi/I. (Plate x.wii. Hi;-. ^^.)
Matagoti, above camp at Homhil, E. Sukotra. On branches. — Jf.O.F.
Not heretofore recorded from Sokotra.
The amphithecium (see fig. -3) in this plant does not apparently keep pace with the growth of the medullary tissue underneath the hypo- thecium. As a result the parathecium soon outgrows its former thalline covering, and from being lecanorine finally becomes lecideiue.
132. t Pyxine convexa, MiUl. An/.
On the smaller brauches of tufts of Hocrclhi MotiUiqnei, Nyl. — B.C.S.
THELOSCHISTACEI.
Placodium, DO.
133. t Placodium buUatum, Mnll. Arg.
On quartz rocks. — B.C.S.
134. Placodium lanuginosum, Mi/ll. Arg.
On stones, under shrubs, slightly covered with earth, near Wadi Kischen (1980 it.).—SrJnmnf.
Theloschistes, Norm.
135. * Theloschistes flavicans, Xorm.
Adho Dimellus (4000 ft.), and in E Sokotra (I at llom\u\).—H.O.F. On branches, above Wadi Kischen (3000 ft.). — B.C.S., Srhwnnf.
136. Theloschistes flavicans. Norm., var. intermedius, Mull. Arg. On branches above Kischen (2400 ft.). — B.C.S., Scliwcinf.
STICTACEI.
Sticta, Schreb.
137. * Sticta aurata, Sm.
On branches, Adho Dimellus (4000 it.).—H.().F.
On small branches, above Wadi Kischen (3000 ft.). — Scliurinf.
558 TlIK XATl'KAl. illSTOItY OF SOKoTltA AND Ai;i)-KI>-Kri;i.
Stictina, Nyl.
138. Stictina Mougeotiana, .\///.
Oil sniuUer bi'anclies, above Wndi Kisclu'ti, and on Schelieli Peak, above Hadibu (3750 ft.). — '^rh'irnnf.
COLLEMACEI.
Collema, Ach.
139. Collema multipartitum, Ifrpji.
Calcieolous. — J>.( '.S.
140. * Collema flaccidum, Ark.
On l)ianchcs, Adiio Dimellus (4000 h.). — II.(>.F.
141. t Collema flaccidum, Arli., var. subnigrescens, Mull. Jnj.
On small branches of Jilmis, aljove AVadi Kischen (2400-."3()0(> It.). — ScJivi'iiif.
142. i Collema flaccidum, JrJi., var. levis, Miill. Arg.
On small branches of Ulioix, above Wadi Kischen (2400-3000 h.'). — Srhvriiif.
143. t Collema flaccidum, Ark., var. subfurvus, Mall. Arg.
On smaller branches of Iiliois, above Wadi Kischen (2400-3000 ft.) ; on
Mt. Scheheli above Hadibu. — B.C.S., Srhweivf. The last three varieties Miiller Arg. enumerates in his first list as
Synerhohhisfas Jiacrhhts, Korb.
Leptogium, Ach.
144. Leptogium diaphanum, .\ ///. On Scheheli (3750 ft.). — ^rhiceinf.
145. Leptogium Menziesii, Mont;/.
On Mt. Scheheli (3750 ft.). — ^rlurrinf.
OMPHALARIACEI.
Anema, Ny/.
146. i Anema exiguum, MiHI. Arg. Calcicolous. — Jj.t'.S.
Synalissa, /\/yl.
147. t Synalissa nitidula. Mull. Arg. Calcicolous. — B.C.S.
PYRENOCARPI.
VERRUCARIACEI.
Normandina, D/y/.
148. Normandina Jungermanniae, A///.
Among lobes of thalli of l'(iriiicli(i\ on branches, above Wadi Kischen (3000 h.).-~Srhimiif.
THE Fr\(a, IJCIIKNS, SKA-WKKDS AXD DIAIOMS oF SOROTUA. 559
Pyrenula, Ach.
149. t Pyrenula obscurata, Mull. .inj.
On l),u-k on liraiichcs. — />.r.,S'.
Verrucaria, Web.
150. t Verrucaria rupestris, Srhnnf., \,iv. alocizoides, ^^liU Arg.
On calcireoiis roclcs. — ll.i'.S.
151. t Verrucaria prominens, MnU. Arg. On (|uaitz rocks. — H.C.S.
Microglaena, Korb.
152. t Microg-lsena saxicola, MnU. Arg.
On quartz rocks ahnve Wadi Kischeu (1950 it.}. — ,Srhiceiiif.
Microthelia, Korb.
153. Microthelia micula, Kerb. Corticolous. On small branches. — IkC.S.
Anthracothecium, Mass.
154. Anthracothecium libricolum, Mull. Arg. On branches. — Sf/nrrinf.
Polyblastia, Th. Fries.
155. t Polyblastia tropica, J/////. Arg.
Corticolous. — />. ( '.S.
Batheiium, Ach.
156. t Batheiium pauperrimum, Mnii. Arg.
On small branches, above ^\'a(li Kischen (2100 ft.). — B.C.S., Sc/nceinf.
157. t Batheiium velatum, J//V//. Arg. Corticolous, on the larger bi'anches. — B.C.S.
PHYCOMYCETES.* Sporidesmium, Link. 1. Sporidesmium maculans, Beilr. ({"■ Curt. On naked wood. — Jl.C.S.
BASIDIOMYCETES.
GASTEROMYCETES.
Batarrea, Pers.
1. Batarrea Stevenii, Fries. Near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
The remainder of this list is taken from Balfour's ]>ot<my of Socotra.
560 THE XATrUAL UISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ABD-EL-KUIU.
Pod axon, Fries.
2. Podaxon pistillare, Frie>^. Galonsir Plain. — 7A C.S.
HYMENOMYCETES.
AGARICINI.
Agaricus, Tournef.
3. Agaricus (Plcmotus) applicatus, rxdarli.
Oil bark.— /A C.S'.
Lentinus, Fries.
4. Lentinus cochleatus, Frirx.
On trunks neai- Hadibu. — Jl.C.S.
POLYPOREI.
Polyporus, Micheli.
5. Polyporus igniarius, F''ries. Near Galonsir. —JL C.S.
Trametes, Fries.
6. t Trametes socotrana, Ob\
Logs on slopes of Haghier south from Hadibu. — B.C.S.
7. Trametes rigida, Berk. <C- Mont., vnv. glabra, C/.-c
Wood near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
HYDNEI.
Kneiffia, Fries.
8. Kneiffia setigera, /'Vie.s\ On bare wood. — JLC.S.
AURICULARINI.
Stereum, Pers.
9. Stereum versiforme, B. d- Ctui. Rotten logs near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
10. Stereum retirugum, Che
On wood near Galonsir. — B.C.S.
Corticium, Pers.
11. Corticium arachnoideum, B. <t Br.
Kotten wood, Galonsir Plain. — -B.C.S.
TIIR FUNOI, IJCHKNS, SEA-WKKDS AND DIA'l'OMS OF SOKOTllA. l)C)\
TREMELLINEiE.
Hirneola, Fries.
12. Hirneola polytricha, Mauhj. Logs ;iiul stumps. — Jl.C.S.
Dacrymyces, Nees.
13. Dacrymyces stellatus, Nees. Ivottcn wo(xl, Gulousir Plain. — IIJ'.S.
UREDINE^.
Uromyces, Link.
14. Uromyces Commelinae, r/.v.
Leaves of species of Coiaiiielinu. — Jl.C.S.
ALG^. CHARACE.E.
Chara, Linn.
1. t * Chara socotrensis, XonL^t. Li rivers in Garieh Plain. — H.O.F.
Near Hadibu. Near Katheiig. — B.C.S., Schurinf.
2. Chara gymnopitys, A. Br.
Ii.r.s.
3. Chara gymnopus, ./. ]h\, var. angolensis, J. Br.
//.r.N.
RHODOPHYCE^.
CERAMIACE/E.
Ceramium, Adans.
4. Ceramium tenuissimum, Lmii/b.
B.as.
5. Ceramium subtile, ./. G. Ag.
Jl.C.S .
LAURENCIACE/E.
Champia, Desv.
6. Champia compressa, Jlarr.
Jl.C.S.
GELIDIACE/E.
Hypnea, Lamourx.
7. Hypnea hamulosa, Miint(j.
B.c.s.
562 THE NATURAL IllSTor.Y OF SOKOTKA AND Ar.D-KL-KURI.
CORALLINE/E.
Jama, Lamourx.
8. Jania rubens, LnnKinrx.
Ji.r.s.
PH^OPHYCE^.
FUCACE/E.
Sargassum, Ag.
9. Sargassum crispum, .-Ifi.
JIC.S.
10. Sargassum asperifolium, ILr. d. Murf.
Ji.C.S.
DICTYOTE/E.
Padina, Adans.
11. Padina pavonia, .l</(ut.'<.
B.C.S.
Dictyota, Lamourx.
12. Dictyota dichotoma, Lanunn-.r.
n.r.s.
13. Dictyota dichotoma, LmiKinrx, var. intricata, (Ircv.
Ji.r.s.
14. Dictyota acuminata, 10:.
B.C.S.
AsperoCOCCUS, Lamourx.
15. Asperococcus sinuosus, Bon/.
Ii.c.s.
16. Asperococcus intricatus, J. C. Aij.
Ii.c.s.
Hydroclathrus, Bory.
17. Hydroclathrus cancellatus, rxn-ij.
li.i'.S.
CHLOROPHYCE^.
ZYGNEMACE/E.
Spirogyra, Link.
18. Spirogyra turpis, A7:.
B.C.S.
THE FrX(iI, IJClfEN'S, SEA-WEEDS AND DIATOMS OF SOKOTltA. ~)C)'^
19. Spirogyra condensata, Kf:.
HJ'.s.
20. Spirogyra decimina, Link.
B.C.S.
21. Spirogyra dubia, A7:., vur. longiarticulata, A7:.
Ii.c.s.
Zygnema, Ag
22. Zygnema Vaucherii, J<j., mw. tenue, h'ahenli.
Jl.C.S.
CONFERVOIDE/E.
Chaetomorpha, Kiz.
23. Chaetomorpha tortuosa, A7-.
B.C.S.
24. Chaetomorpha chlorotica, Kt~.
RC.S.
ULVACE/E.
Ulva, Linn.
25. Ulva latissima, Linn.
CH/ETOPHORACE/E.
Microthamnion, Nag.
26. t Microthamnion breviarticulatum, U. IHrkic
SCHIZOPHYCE^.
NOSTOCACE/E.
Nostoc, Vauch.
27. Nostoc aureum, 7^7:.
B.(\S.
28. Nostoc verrucosum, J'auch.
B.C.S.
RIVULARIE/E.
Schizosiphon, Ktz.
29. Schizosiphon aponinus, Meneyh.
B.C.S.
564 THE NATtnAl. IIISToltV OF SOKOTltA AND Al'.D-FI. K T III.
OSCILLARIE/E.
Lyngbya, ^g.
30. Lyngbya obscura, Ki-.
Ji.c.s.
31. Lyngbya curvata, llnbenh.
ji.as. ■
32. Lyngbya majuscula, Harv.
IJ.C.S.
33. t Lyngbya scabrosa, '!. Didic.
B.C.S.
Oscillaria, Bory.
34. Oscillaria Frblichii, A7:.
B.C.S.
35. Oscillaria anguina, Hen/.
B.C.S.
SCHIZOMYCETES.
Hypheothrix, Ktz.
36. Hypheothrix vulpina, /v7-.
B.CS.
Beggiatoa, Trev.
37. Beggiatoa alba, Tm:
B.C.S.
DIATOMACE^. RAPHIDIE^.
CYMBELL/E.
Amphora, Ehr.
1. Amphora ovalis, Ehr.
B.C.S.
Cymbella, Agh.
2. Cymbella lanceolatum, Ehr.
I'.J'.S.
3. Cymbella bengalensis, Cnmnw.
n.cs.
4. Cymbella cistula, Ehr.
B.C.S.
5. Cymbella cvmbiformis, Eln:
B.C.S
TIIK hi X(;i, LICHKNS, SKA-WKKJ»S AM) DIATOMS OF SOKOTKA. 5G5
NAVICULE/E.
Navicula, Bory.
6. Navicula sphaerophora, A'/:.
ll.C.S.
7. Navicula elliptica, A7..
It.c.s.
8. Navicula mutica, A7.., \;u. Cohnii, Uthc
n.c.s.
Mastogloia, Thwaites.
9. Mastogloia Dansei, Tha-aifrs.
Ji.r.s.
10. Mastogloia lanceolata, TJitvuUcs.
n.c.s.
11. Mastogloia elliptica, .h/h.
JJ.C.S.
5tauroneis, Ehr.
12. Stauroneis anceps, A7//-., xm. amphicephala, /'(//; Hcmrk.
B.a.S.
GOMPHONEME/E.
Qomphonema, Agh.
13. Gomphonema intricatum, 7v7:.
B.C.^.
14. Gomphonema affine, Kt-..
B.C.S.
15. Gomphonema acuminatum, A7//-., Aar. coronatum, I'au Hcind:
lies.
16. Gomphonema Turris, Khr.
I',.f.s.
17. Gomphonema constrictum, A7//-., var. subcapitata, Vnii Jlcimi:
n.c.s.
ACHNANTHE/E.
Achnanthes, Bory.
18. Achnanthes linearis {irm. Smith).
n.c.s.
56G THE NATlltAL IIISTdKY OK SOKOTRA AM) AI!l)-EL-KrKI .
COCCONEIDE/t.
Cocconeis, Ehr.
19. Cocconeis pediculus, Ehr.
Ji.r.s.
PSEUDORAPHIDE^.
FRAGILARIE/E.
Epithemia, De Brebisson.
20. Epithemia gibberula, Kin-., vur. producta, r<in Ilcurrk.
n.r.s.
Eunotia, Ehr.
21. Eunotia pectinalis, Ehr.
U.C.S.
Fragilaria, Lyngbye.
22. Fragilaria Ungeriana, <iruntM\
U.C.S.
CRYPTORAPHIDE^.
BIDDULPHIE/E.
Terpsinoe, Ehr.
23. Terpsinoe musica, Ehr.
B.C.S.
Cerataulus, Ehr.
24. Cerataulus socotrensis, Kitton.
B.C.S.
COSCINODISCE/E.
Cyclotella, Kutz.
25. Cyclotella Meneghiniana, KuL., mw. rectangulata, Brehn^.^on.
n.r.s.
LICIIKXS AM) SEA-WEEDS OF AliD-EL-KrUI. 567
II. — The Lichens and Sea=Weeds of Abd=el=Kuri.
LICHENES.^== DISCOCARPI.
GRAPHIDACEI.
Roccella, Ach.
1. Roccella Balfourii, MnlL.lrg.
On i-oi'ks on (n-l.el Saloli. H.O.F.
2. Roccella fuciformis (A.), -i'/'- On rocks on Gchel Salch. — ll.O.F.
Some small fragments bearing young son i J in.
AI.GJE.
The only Sea-Weeds collected weie a few 1 ul)tained at low tide on the rocks near (jur anchorage in Bander Saleh, wliich were preser^•ed in formal. They were sent to Mr. E. M. Holmes, F.L.S., who kindly examined them, and sends me the list below with the following note : — " I have carefully examined your bottle of Ahju', and, as far as it is possible to identify them from the fragmentary, unfruited, and decolorized material, I find the following species." — H.O.F.
RHODOPHYCE-ffi.
GELIDIACE/E.
Geiidium, Lamourx.
1. Geiidium rigidum, /. <l. . ///.
SPH/EROCEACE/E.
Qracilaria, Grev.
2. Gracilaria corticata, /. .hj.
3. Gracilaria Miillardetii, /. .hj.
The structm'e of these two plants is that of (IniciJarin : l)ut neither are in fructification. I have not hitherto seen Gnirilaria MiiUardetii from anywhere north of the Mascarene Islands. It is plentiful at Mauri- tius.
Jania, Lamourx,
4. Jania rubens, Liinmirx.
* By Dr. O. V. Darbishire.
568 THE XATl'ltAL IIISTdKV OF SOKoTllA AND AliD-P^L-KUUI.
RHODYMENIACE/E.
Desmia, J. Ag.
5. Desmia ambigua, Ilnrv.
RHODOMELACE/E.
Laurencia, Lamourx.
6. Laurencia papillosa, Hm-.
PH^OPHYCE^.
FUCACE/E.
Sargassum, Ag.
7. Sargassum flavicans, ./. . ///.
8. Sargassum cargophyllum, /. Jij.
9. Sargassum virgatum, ./. A<j.
Turbinaria, Lamourx.
10. Turbinaria ornata, J. . I<i.
CHLOROPHYCEiE.
CAULERPACE/E.
Caulerpa, Lamourx.
11. Caulerpa selago, C .hj.
This i(k'iititic'ati(»ii is (li)iil)tful as diiIv two fra^inciits of ('tiiilcrpi were found, which are rather more slender than usual in this species. There is, however, no other species that the fragments reseml)le more closely.
CODIACE/E.
Chlorodesmis, Harv.
12. Chlorodesmis carnosa, Ifdn:
Codium, Ag.
13. Codium tomentosum, Sfnd-Ii.
570 THK \.\TntAl. HISTOIJY OF SOKoTKA ANH AliD-KL-KlMII.
PLATE XXVII.
Fig. I. ROCCELLA BALFOURII, ./. Mnll. .hy. J'niiml .niimi
(if . Ijiiiflicriiiin. X 50, p. 550.
Fig. 2. ROCCELLA BALFOURH, / Mnll. Anj. A siui/k
dx-cclled spore. x 1075, p. 550.
Fig. 3. PYXINE COCCOES, Niil rcrfinil scrtion of J[>othiriain,
P- 557-
LiverpMiis lu'f) S('l,-('/ Id hapcd .
PIXXW.
ep
i^>^Fv'''vV'
Ih.
pa
am.
hyp.
th
ep.
pa
O.V.DarDisTiire del.ad.nat
West,Nev.-ir,an lith.
LICHENS FROM SOKOTRA & ABD-EL-KURI.
Geology
of
Sokotra
and
Abd=el = Kuri
Geology.
Note on the Geology of Sokotra and Abd=el = Kuri.
Bii Prof. J. W. GREGORY, D.5c., F.R.5.
\_Extracted Jrom the Geological Magazine, Decade IV., Vol. VL, No. 426, p. 529, Dec., 1899.]
(JKOI.OCV OF SOKOTIJA. 575
Geology.
The first account of tlie geology of Sokotra we owe to Lieutenant J. R. AYellsted,* who compiled the Admiralty chart and map, and in 1835 described the island in a detailed memoir, in which he showed that it consists of a mass of granite capped hy limestones. Nothing material was added to this description until 1883, when Professor Bonney published his account! of the extensive rock collection made by Professor I. B. Balfour during a six weeks' visit to the island in February and March, 1879. Professor Bonney's study of the rock specimens enables him to prove that Sokotra consists of a block of Archean rocks covered in places by massive limestones, which, on the evidence of their foraminifera. Professor T. R. Jones suggested were probably of Miocene age. It was further shown that both the Archean series and the Cainozoic limestones are cut through l)y dykes of trachyte and basalt, associated with a series of rhyolitic lavas. Professor Balfour's expedition not only proved that the foundations of Sokotra are built of old materials, but that the island is of considerable anti([uity, as is indicated by its rich endemic flora, t
In 1880 Sokotra was ^'isited by Emil Riebeck, who collected some rock specimens containing the mineral which was described in 1888 by Sauer under the name of Rieljeckito. § Further details regarding the Archean and volcanic rocks were gi^'en in the same year in a paper 1)y Miss Raisin.
During the Avinter of 1898-9 Sokotra and the neighbouring island of Abd- el-Kuri were visited by Dr. H. 0. Forbes and Mr. Ogilvie Grant, who made a
*J. R. Wellsted, " Memoir on the Island of Socotra": Journ. Roy. Geogr. Soc, vol. v. (1835), pp. 129-229, and map.
tT. G. Bonney, "On a Collection of Rock Specimens from the Island of Socotra" : Phil. Trans., vol. 174 (1883), pj). 273-294, pis. vi. and vii. Some preliminary remarks on the geology of the island were included in Professor Balfour's re{)ort, "On the Island of Socotra" : Rep. Brit. Assoc, 1881, p. 486.
J According to Balfour ("Botany of Socotra" : Trans. Roy. Soc. Edinb., vol. xx.xi. , 1888, p. Ixxv. ), the island has been a land area since the Permo-Carboniferous, and "an island cei-tainly from Tertiary times."
§ Sauer, " Ueber Riebeckit, ein neues Glied der Hornblendegruppe " : Zeit. deut. geol. Ges., vol. xl. (1888), pp. 138-146).
II C. A. Raisin, " Rock Specimens from Socotra" : (ieol. Mag.. Dec. III., vol. v. (1888), pp. 504-507.
576 THE NATIIIAI. lllsroiJV OF SOK(»TI!A AND ABD-KL-kTIM.
collection of rocks, upon which I have been asked to repoit. Dr. F()il)es has given me an acconnt of the mode of occnrrence and distribution of the prin- cipal rocks. At about the same time both islands were visited by the Austiiaji South Arabian Expedition in the (rofffrinl and a note on their geology has been published by Dr. F. Kossmat, in which he remarks the occurrence of Cenomanian and Eocene limestones.*
The present collection does not necessitate any modification in the geological history of Sokotra, as deciphered by Professor Bonney from the materials available in 1H83. But the collection adds to the knowledge of the distribution of the different rocks in the island.
[Professor Bonney "s conclusions on the geology of the island, ])ased on his examination of the rock specimens l^rought home by Professor Balfour, are : — t " It would appear that in Sokotra we have, as the foundation- stones and ' core ' of the island, if the phrase be permissible for the convenience of the reader, a mass of rock of very great antiquity. There is clear evidence of the presence of gneissic rocks which, in their litho- logical characters, resemble closeh^ those which exist in the north-west of Scotland, the Malvern Hills, and one or two other localities in our own island, in Northern America, and in many other parts of the globe. By whatever name these may be called, and however they may be co-related one with another, it is evident that their antiquity is enormously great, and that they had attained their present mineral condition before the earliest palaeozoic rocks were deposited. Associated with these are granites, which, though of later date, are, probal)ly, also of great anti([uity. In the Sinai peninsula, we have also gneiss, schists, and various granitic rocks. Of the lattei', I possess a small collection, given to me by Professor K. H. Palmer,; and the resemblance of some of the specimens to those of Sokotra is very remarkable. In the geological notes added by the Rev. F. \X. Holland to the Report of the Ord- nance Survey (ch. viii.), we find it stated, indeed, that the prevailing rock, in the Sinai region, is syenite (by which tei'm, probably, horidjlendic gi-anite is meant), so that out of several hundred specimens he oidy possessed two or three of true granite. This may be, but my specimens from the summits of Serbal, of Jebel Musa, and Um Shomer closely resemble some of the Sokotra rocks, especially the first and second, which are coarse reddish granites, com- posed almost wholly of quartz and felspar (pegmatites). From the summit of Serbal also comes a finer-grained granite, and I have an ordinary granite from Wady Sigillia. Other specimens, exactly as in the Sokotra collection, might be either true igneous or highly metamorphic rock. In the Sinai re- gion the old gneiss appears only to have been recognised in the northern part, where it forms an irregular trough to the north of Jebel Serbal, the higher peaks (like the Haggler range in Sokotra) Ijeing granite. I miss, however, from the Sokotra district, or find but feebly represented — for there is one
*F. Kossmat: Sitz. math. nat. CI. k. Akad. Wiss. Wien, 1899, No. ix., pp. 73-82. t This quotation from Professor Bonney's report in the J^hi/osojt/iira/ Transactions (loc. cit. ) ih inserted here hy the editor.
* He was a member of the Sinai Survey Expedition in 1868-9.
ge<m:o(;y of sokotra. 577
specimen which may l)eloiig to it — the friahle variahly-coloured sandstones which form so marked a feature in some parts of the Siuaitic peninsuUi (e.g., Wady Mokatteb).*
" These, after having been assigned to more than one geological epoch, were referred by Mr. Holland, on the evidence of fossils, to the carboniferous. In Sinai, ,as in Sokotra, we have huge masses of limestone, which in like way form great plateaux — as, for example, the Tih — and were deposited in an ocean, in which the well-known peaks of Sinai probably formed rocky islands, but deposition there commenced at an earlier period than we can venture with the evidence at present before us to claim for Sokotra, for the limestones of Sinai are assigned to part of the cretaceous and to the eocene age ; the Nummulitic limestone, for example, being finely developed as in Wady Dhaghadeh. Coraliferous lieds of miocene age are, however, found in that region.! The rocks of Sinai are cut by d3d<;es of ' basalt, greenstone, and porphyrite,' the first of which, as in Sokotra, are probably comparatively modern, but we do not find there, so far as I can learn, representatives of the great group of the quartz-felsites and I'h^'olites which seem so eiiorniously developed in Sokotra, and were certainly connected with active volcanoes. The geological age of these cannot 1)e determined. They are undoubtedly older than the limestone group ; so that, if no part of this is earlier than the middle tertiary, they might l)elong to any geological period between that and the latest Precambrian, to the volcanic rocks of which they have, indeed, considerable resemblance. I am not aware that the 'argillite' of Sokotra — of which I can only say that it is older than the limestone — is represented in Sinai. As here, so also in Sokotra, there are basalts of comparatively late geologic age — post miocene — and in the latter some compact trachytic rocks, which, however, differ from the older rhyolites, and are generally paler in colour.
"We have, then, in Sokotra, as it seems to me, evidence of rocks of an im- mense, and a land surface of a veiy great, antiquity. Excepting this argillite of uncertain age and limited extent, and perhaps some sandstone (also local), there is no evidence in the specimens before me to show that this island was sul)merged during any part of the palaeozoic or mesozoic period.; During the Kainozoic it undoul)tedly shared in the downward movement which affected so large a portion of the globe in and al)()ut the North Afi'ican
* This absence of the sandstones is probably an accident (the rock being very friable), for Professor Balfour mentions "purple .sandstones" (see p. 275).
t Bauerman, Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc, vol. xxv., p. 37.
ij: "Africa south of the Sahara was probably a stable area during many of the alterations of the relative levels of land and sea of the north and of Europe." — Professor P. M. Duncan, Presidential Address to Geol. Soc, 1877, Journal, vol. xxxiii. , p. 86 (Proceedings). West of the Sinai Peninsula old schists and granite crop out in Egypt, and east of it on the opposite side of the Gulf of Akabah, flanked in both cases by "Nubian sandstone." See the map attached to the Presidential Address to the Geologists' Association (delivered November 3, 1882), by Mr. W. H. Hudleston (Pro- ceedings, vol. viii., p. 1), in which is given an admirable summary of the Geology of Palestine and the neighbouring districts.
37
578
THE XATIRAL HISTORY OF SOKOTRA AND ARD-EL-KT'RI.
and mid-Asiatic districts ; l)ut I should infer that the invasion of the sea commenced much earlier in the Sinaitic peninsula, and think it possil)le that the topmost peaks of the Haggier Mountains were at no time wholly sul)- merged. As it again rose from the waves — perhaps being for a while con- nected with the African continent — the meteoric forces resumed their work of sculpture and the waves began their work of insulation. Since then the fauna and flora have undergone their own modifications, but in the Haggler Hills we have probably a fragment of a continental area of great antiquity, and of a land surface which may have l)een aii " ark of refuge " to a terres- trial fauna and flora from one of the very earliest periods of this woi-ld's history."]
I. — Geology of 5okotra.
The rock collection from Sokotra contains representatives of thi'ce gi'oups of rocks — a basal Archean series, some massive limestones, and soine com- paratively recent volcanic rocks.
/^as Haiclaf
Hadilo or
Tamri
i AT^orah
Rhyolife
Felsile ^ Basalt Dukes
Limestone Sem&s
Archean Semes & CranU^
The largest pai't of the collection consists of Archean I'ocks and some associated granites. As a rule, the gneiss is more granitoid than the rock which forms the main mass of the East African Archean plateau ; but a specimen from Thlutid [Jena-agahan], at the height of 900 feet, corresponds
OEOLOdY OF SOKOTP.A. 579
with the typical gtieiss of tlie luainhviHl. With the granitoid gneiss there is a coarse pink granite which forms the sniuuiit of the Haghicir, (Tel)el Dryat, the highest peak in Sokoti-a ; it occurs also at Adho Dimellus, and at the height of inOO feet at Fadeheii.
The second group of the Archean series consists of dark-green amphi- bolite schists, of the typo that forms such a conspicuous feature in the East African gneiss series. This rock was collected hy Dr. Forlies in the Hadibu F^lain near Tamarida.
The Archean rocks of Sokotra therefore resemble those of the East African Nyika series, and the island is simply an outlier of the P]ast African plateau.
Overlying the gneisses is a compact, massive limestone which has been sometimes rendered coarsely crystalline, probably by contact metamorphism. This limestone forms the extensive plateau at the eastern end of the island, and, according to Dr. Forbes, sections cut hy the (loahal river show that the limestone there rests directly on the Archean series. South of the Goahal river the limestone forms a plateau, the southern end of which is continued westward round the southern flanks of the central highlands. From the Hamadari [mt(f Hamaderu. — H.O.F.] plateau a belt of limestone extends westward to beyond Tamarida ; the rivers have cut through it, showing that it rests on the Archean series.
The collection gives no evidence as to the age of the limestones, but fortunately Herr Kossmat has obtained from it a number of mollusca and echinids, which enabled him to determine it as Eocene. Kossmat also records an underlying Cenomanian sandstone with Janira quiiiquecosfata.
The last group of rocks represented in the collection is a series of recent volcanic rocks, of types already descrilied from Sokotra by Professor Bonney and Miss Raisin.
The volcanic rocks include rhyolites, quartz-felsites, and basalt. Most of the specimens are dyke rocks, but one lava is included in the collection. It is a rhyolite with well-marked fluxion structure, and containing many angular fragments ; it was collected on the edge of the plateau, south of the Goahal river. A similar rock has been described and figured by Professor Bonney * from Azorah, and, according to Dr. Forbes, the rounded hill in the Garieh Plain near Kamahanu consists of the same I'hyolite.ft
Quartz-felsites were collected from dykes intrusive in the Archean series at Homhil and Adho Dimellus. The felsites at both localities are intensely altered liy decomposition ; the abundant iron-ores have been altered to leucoxene, and the matrix is stained l)right red. The only unaltered minerals are the large phenocrysts of quartz ; and they are deeply corroded, as illus- trated by Velain, f from the (puirtz-trachytes of Aden, and by Miss Raisin, :|: in a c^uartz-felsite from Sokotra. In one case the quartz shows a zonal
■"' Bonney : op. cit. , p. 287, pi. vii. fig. 5.
t Ch. Velain : " Descript. geol. presqu'ile d' Aden," 1878, p. 18, fig. 2.
+ Raisin : op. cit., p. 505, fig. 1.
ft Prof. Gregory must have misunderstood me here, for Kamahanu hill is entirely
of yranite, — //. 0. F.
580 THE NATlItAI, IIISTOUV OK SOKoTltA AND AP.D-EL-KURT.
arrangement of the inclusions, a feature unusual in volcanic ([uartz crystals ; but the identification of the mineral was contii-med hy the use of convergent polarised light. The felsite from Adho Dinicllus has immerous, somewhat ill-defined spherulites ; in that from Homhil some of the smaller patches of secondary <[uartz are traversed l»y faint lines like cleavages, suggesting that the quartz has been formed by the alteration of ti-idymite aggregates.
The last mcmiber of the rhyolite-felsite sei-ies is an altered, fine-grained trachyte from the (larieh Plain. It is similar in character to the trachyte figured by Professor Bonney * from the Azorah district.
A dyke of a fairly fresh basalt was fouiKl by Dr. Forbes at Thlutid (Jena-agahan) on the north-east t slope of the granite mass of the Haghiert
The most interesting feature in the trachyte and felsite is that the I'ocks resemble those of the Aden volcanic series rather than those of the East African volcanic group. For opportunities of examining some of the Aden rocks I am inde]>ted to Mr. (4. T. Prior.
Hence 8okotra appeal's to l)e an outlier of the Somali plateau, which has been involved in the movements which formed the (iulf of Aden, and has been the scene of the eruption of volcanic rocks of the Aden sei'ies.
* Bonney : op. cit., p. 287, pi. vii. fig. 6.
t Professor (Gregory had in his original paper inadvertently written " north-west " for '-north-east" ; and the " granite mass of Adho Dimellus" for " of the Haghier." Adho Dimellus lies to the west of Thlutid (Jena-agahan), and cpiite in the heart of the Haghier massif. I have, therefore, ventured to correct the passage.— //.O./''.
CKol.dCV OF ABI)-F,I.-KII!I. 58
II. — Geology of Abd=el=Kuri.
West of Sokotra is the small island of Abd-el-Kui'i, where a larger rock collection was made l)y Messrs. Forbes and (xi-ant. It was also visited by Dr. Kossmat, who has described it as composed of amphil)olitcs, penetrated V»y a lu^twork of granites and camptonite dykes, and capped by a limestone which he suggests to be of Turoiiian age. The only previous geological account of the island known to me is by H. J. Carter,! who in his memoir on the geology of the south-east coast of Arabia described Abd-el-Kuri as composed of a mass of granite and diorite, capped by a limestone which reaches to the summit at the level of 1600 feet above the sea.
The collection fi-om Abd-el-Kuri is composed mainly of rocks belonging to the Archean series. They include a series of amphibolite schists, a syenitic gneiss, some specimens of which have a considerable development of epidote, and a white gneiss with hornblende aggregations : the last rock is sti'ikingly like one which is common in the Ulu Mountains of Ukaml)ani in British East Africa. This series of foliated rocks is cut through l)y pegmatite dykes, which are almost as coarse in grain as those of Somaliland : in one specimen collected the nuiscovite occurs in crystals from two to three inches in diameter.
The Archean rocks are covered by limestones which occur at different levels from 40 feet above the sea to the summits of Geltel 8aleh and Gebel Somali, the highest peaks in the island. The limestones appear to be very fossiliferous, and one specimen is crowded with shell fragments ; but the only specimen generically determinal)le is a Xcrina'a in a block of limestone collected by Dr. Forlies at the height of 700 feet. The limestone at that point is, therefore, no doubt Cretaceous.
On the lower parts of the island a reef limestone occurs up to a height of 40 feet above sea-level. As it contains well-preserved specimens of Gonitisfnea. rrfifoniiis, it is no doubt of Pleistocene age.
J " Geol. Papers on Western India," 1857, p. 620. On p. 621 of the same work Carter describes " The Brothers," the islets between Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri, as also formed of granite and diorite capped by limestone.
INDEX.
Abd-el-Kuri, Alg;e of, 567 ; Ijeetles, 289 ; birds, 58 ; botany, 445 ; bugs, 392 ; butterflies, 314 ; centipedes, 439; crustaceans,216 ; D'Albuquer- ([ue on domestic animals of, xxx; diving for pearls, method of, xxvii; dress of natives, xx\ii : ferns of, 542 ; fishing by natives, xxv; Fis- surella on hill-sides, xxvii ; flies, 375 ; flowering plants, 521 ; (4el)el Saleh, highest peak, xxviii ; geo- graphical position, xvii ; gum found on, xxix ; geology, 581 ; grass- hoppers, 424 ; hamlet, description of, xxvii; inhabitants, xxiv; land- shells, 152 ; lichens and sea- weeds, 567 ; literature relating to Arach- nida of, 204 ; mosquitos, xxx ; mammals, 16 ; micro-lepidoptera, 354; moths, 337, 354; native l)arter, xxv; neuroptera, 397, 403, 405 ; species of Otopoma doulitful in, 155 ; pearl-shelling, xxvii ; plants with conspicuous flowers, xxv ; Pterophoridse, 354 ; reptiles, 94 ; rock-faults, xxxi ; scorpions and spiders, 202 ; sea-weeds, 567 ; Expe- (Htion's second visit to, xlv; sick- ness among natives, xxix ; species of S(jkoti'aii flora absent from, xlvii ; stay at, xx ; turtles, chief food of people, xxx ; turtle shell, xxvii ; wasps and l)ees of, 255. Aberia, - - - - 455 Abutilon, - - - - 457 Acacia, - - - 470, 522
Acalypha, - - - 506
Acanthaclisis, -
Acanthodactylus l)oskianus,
Acantholipes,
Acarida, - - - -
Achnanthes,
Achyranthes
Achyrocline
Acidalia, - - - -
Acontia, - - - -
Acra>a, - - - -
Acridium, - - - -
Acridocarpus, -
Acrocercops,
Acrotylus,
Actinopteris,
Adelostoma, - - 2'
Adenium, 485 : flgure of, xH.
Adho-Dimellus, Camp at, xlii ; Pass,
view from, xliv; climate at, xlv;
possible sanatorium for Aden
troops at, xlv.
PA(!E.
404 75 328 201 565 502 479 332 324 304 421 460 353 419 539 f, 291
Adiantum,
^Egialitis,
jEluropus,
^Erua,
Agaricus, -
Agdistis, -
Agelena, -
Ageratum,
Agromyza,
Agrotis,
Ailopaplum,
Aizoon,
Alaus,
537, 542
- 53, 62 520
501, 526 560 354 193 479 374 322 546
475, 523 270
Algie of Sokotra, 561 ; of Abd-el- Kuri, 567 ; Alga>, by Prof . Balfour, F.K.8., E. M. Holmes, F.L.S., 543.
584
INDKX.
pa(;e.
Allecula, - - - - 282
Allophvlus, - - - 465
Aloe, ... - 509
Aloe ex])ort, - - - xxxiv
Alpheus, - - - - 218
Alsodeia, - - - - 454
Alysicarpus, - - - 469
Amarautus, - - - 501
Ambergris, - - - 15 Amber-like gum in Alxl-el-
Kiiri, - - - . xxix
Amefrontia, - - - 327
Ammainiia, - - - 471
Ampelisca, - - - 222
Amphiloma, - - - 553
Amphora, - - - - 564 Amr and Ali, guides in Sokotra,
xxxii ; obstruction by, xxxvi. Amydrus, 22, 58 ; A. creaghi, xhi.
Amyna, - - - - 323
Anagallis, - . - - 483
Anas, - - - - 51
Anax, - - - - 401
Ancalantlius, - - - 497
Andropogon, - - - 518
Anechura, - - - 414
Anema, . - - . 558
Aneptoporus, - - - 437 Angiosperniie, by Professor
Balfour, F.K.S., - - 447
Angriecum, - - - 507
Anictaiigium, - - - 540
Anisolal)is, - - - 414
Anisotes, - - - - 497
A nous, - - . - 55
Anthericum, - - - 512
Anthicus, - - - - 282
Anthistiria, - - 519, 531
Anthomyia, - - - 373
Anthracothecium, - - 559
Anthrax, - - - 367, 375
Anthraxon, - - 518
Anthrocarpum, - - - 468
Anthus, - - - - 34, 60
Anticharis, - - 493, 525
i'A(;k. Antigastra, - - - 338
Antirrhinum, - - - 493 Ant-lions of Sokotra, - - 404
Aphodius, ... 267 Apis, .... 254
Apithesis, ... - 279
Apluda, - - - - 519 Arachnida, l)y K. 1. I'ocock, 175
Arachnida of Sokotra and
Abd-el-Kui-i, Literature of, 204 Araneus, - - - 190, 2U4
Ai-chips, ... - 352 Ardea, . . - - 53
Arenaria, - - - ■. 53, 455 Argemone, - - - 152
Argyope, ISS, 203 ; A. elarkii, xxv,
xxix.
Argyrod(^s,
Argyromo'ba,
Aristida,
Aristolochia,
Arthonia,
Arthothelium,
Arthrocarpum, -
Asanada, -
Asarcina, -
Asparagus,
Asperococcus, -
Asphodelus,
Aspilocoryphus,
Asplenium,
Aspongopus,
185
366, 375 519 502 549 549 468 433 369
509, 530 562
512,530 385
538, 542 389
Ass, Wild, of Sokotra, xxx\iii, 9 ;
probal)l(' origin, xxxviii.
Astata, - ^ - - - 242
Asterina, • . - - 546
Asvstasia, - - - 496
Atella, - - - - 302
Atherigona, - - - 373
Ati'iplex, - - - - 502
Atrophothele, - - 183
Atylopsis, - - - - 222
Audulla, - - - - 225
Aulonogyi'us, - - - 266
Auricula, - - - - 150
INDKX.
585
Australina,
Austrian Hxpeditioii, Kindness towards onr sick, xl : \ isit t"i at Adho Dinu'Ilus, xh.
Aves, I.y W. K. ()i;ilvic- (Trant: H. i). Forltcs, LL.l)., - - - -
Avicennia,
Avifauna of Sokotran Arrln"- pelago, - - - -
Azygophleps,
.\(iE.
507
of,
oni
ID 49,S
63 333
Bal.iana, - - - - 508
Balfoui', F.K.S., Prof. I. 15., Angios-
permie, l)v, 447 ; Pteridophyta,
by, 535 : Thallophyta, hy, 543 ;
exploration of Sokoti'a, Iiy, x\iii.
Ballochia, - - - - 496
Balsaniodendron, - - 462
Baniana, - - - - 328
Barleria, - - - - 495
Barter and currency in
8okotra, - - - xxxviii
Bassaniodes, - - - 198 Basidiomycetes, - - 559
Batarrea, - - - 559
Bathelium, - - - 559
Batrachia, Note on, by Henry
0. Forbes, LL.D.," - - 105 Batrachedra, - - - 347 Bees of Sokotra. 235, 236 ; of Al»d-
el-Kuri, 255. Beetles of Sokotra, 263 ; of Alnl-el- . Kuri, 289.
Beggiatoa, - - - 564
Begonia, - - - - 475 Belenois, - - - - 309 Belenogaster, - - 248
Beml)ex, - - - - 255 Bennett, Mr. E. N., Explora- tion of Sokotra, by, - xviii Bent, Mr. and Mrs. T., Plx-
ploration of Sokotra, l)y, xviii Biantes, - - - 200, 204
Bidens, - - - - 4S1
514
12 272 461
Birds of Sokotra, 22 ; of Abd-el-
Kuii, 58. Blainvillea, - - - 481
Blastenia, - - - 551
Blepharis, - - - 495, 526
Boai-niia, - - - lYM)
Boerhaavia, - - 500, 526
Bombylius, - - - 368
Boiniey, F.K.S., Prof. T. G.,
on geology of Sokotra, 575 ef seq. Borassus, - - - - Bos, . . - -
Bosti'vchus, Boswellia, Botanical collectors who have
visited Sokotra, - - 451
Botany of Sokoti-a and Altd-
el-Kuri, - - - 445
Boucerosia, - - - 487 Boulenger, F.K.S., Mr. G. A.,
Reptilia Ity, - - - 73
Brachymenium, - 540
Brassica, - - - - 453 Breweria, - - 491, 525
Brothers, Island group of
the, - - - - xvii Brown, Mr. N. E., onEdith-
colea, - - - - 451 Bryum, - - - - 540 Buellia, - - - - 555 Buffaloes, - - - - 12
Bugs of Sokotra, 381 ; from Abd-el-
Kuri, 392 Buliminus, 112—130, 152, 170;
Species of, doul )tf ul in Sokotra, 1 30. Burr, F.L.S., Mr. Malcolm,
Orthoptera, by - - 409 Bury, Mr., - - - xx
Buteo, - - - - 48
Buthus, - - - - 178 Butheolus, - - - 180
Butterflies of Sokotra, 295 ; of Abd-
el-Kuri, 314. Buxus, - - - - 504 Byblia, - - - - 303
586
INDKX.
i-A(;k.
Cacyitnis, - - - - 306
Cafiaba, - - - - 454 Cakcsof Jowaii asexchaiige, xxxviii
Calicium, - - - - 547
Calidris, - - - - 54
Calk'ida, - - - 264
Calliphora, - - • 372
Callopistria, - - - 324
Callopisnia, - - - 552
C'al()])U'iius, - - - 420
Calo.soma, - - - 263
Caloti'opis, - - - 4S6
Calpe, ... - 328
Camel of Sokotra, - xxxiv, 14
Camelu.s, - - - - 14
Campanula, - - - 483
Campsomeris, - - - 238
Camy)t()loma, - - - 493
Canipylaiithus, - - 493, 525
Campylopus, - - - 539
Canavalia, - - - - 469
Capparis, - - - 454
Capheris, - - - - 195
Ca])ra, - - - - 13
Caprimulgus, - . - 43
Caradrina, - - 323, 337
Cardisoma, - - - 213
Carissa, . - - - 484
Carum, - - • 476, 523
Cassia, - - - - 470
Cataloipus, - - - 420
Catephia, - - - - 327
Catopsilia, - - 308, 314
Cattle of Sokotra, xxxi\' ; chai'acters
of, xliv ; aiiticiuity of, xlv.
Caulerpa, - - - - 568
Caylusea, - - - - 454
Celama, - - - - 321
Ceiichrus, - - - - 517 Centipedes of Sokotra, 430 : of Al)d-
el-Kuri, 439.
Centropus, ... 43
Ceocephalus, - - - 283
Cephalocroton, - - 506
Ceraraium, - - - 561
|
rA(;E. |
||
|
Cerajjus, - |
- |
229 |
|
Ceratopteris, |
- |
538 |
|
Cerataulus, |
- |
566 |
|
Cerceris, - |
- |
245 |
|
Cerchneis, |
- |
47 |
|
Ceriagrion, |
- |
403 |
|
Cerocala, - |
- |
326 |
|
Cha;rocampa, |
- |
329, 337 |
|
Chii'tomoi'jjha, - |
563 |
|
|
Chii"topoda,byH. 0.1 |
\)rbe!- |
) |
|
LLLX, - ' - |
- |
441 |
|
Clialcides ocellatus. |
- |
75 |
|
Chanueleon, |
- |
87 |
|
Chamieri'hipis, - |
- |
270 |
|
Champia, - |
- |
561 |
|
Chara, |
- |
561 |
|
Characea', by Prof. 1- |
alfoui |
) |
|
F.R.S., - ' - |
- |
543, 561 |
|
Charaxes, 297 ; C. |
velox. |
captures |
|
of, liy Mr. (Irant, |
xlii. |
|
|
C'haulelasmus, - |
- |
51 |
|
Cheilanthes, |
- |
538 |
|
Cheironitis, |
- |
267 |
|
Chelone, - |
- |
- 92, 96 |
|
Chenalopex, |
- |
51 |
|
C'henopodium, - |
- |
502 |
|
Chilades, - |
- |
306 |
|
Chiodecton, |
- |
550 |
|
Chiracanthium, - |
- |
195 |
|
Chhenius, - |
- |
264 |
|
Chloi'is, |
- |
519 |
|
Chloi'odesmis, - |
- |
568 |
|
Chlorojjhyceai, - |
- |
562, 568 |
|
Chroantha, |
- |
392 |
|
Chi'ozophora, |
- |
505 |
|
Chrysopogon, - |
518 |
|
|
Cicadetta, - |
381 |
|
|
Cieads and Bugs of S |
okotr. |
I, 381 |
|
Cidaria, |
- |
331 |
|
Ciiuiyris, - |
- |
36 |
|
Cistanche, - |
- |
494 |
|
Cisticola, - |
- |
39 |
|
Citrus, |
- |
461 |
|
CitruUus, - |
- |
472 |
|
Cladium, - |
- |
516 |
INDEX.
587
VMiK.
Cladoiiia, - - - - 551 Cleome, - - - 453, 521
Clerodendron, - - - 498 Cocconeis, - - - - 566 Cocculus, 452 ; C. Balfourii, xliv. Cochlanthus, 485, 524 ; C. soco-
trauus, xxix. Cockburiiia, - - - 498 Codium, - - - - 568 Cielocarpus, - - - 498 Coenol>ita, - - - 214,217
Coleoptera, l)v C .1. (lahan,
M.A, - ' - - - 201 Collcma, - - - - 558 Collotes, - - - - 256 Commeliiia, - - 513, 530
Coiiiocarpi, - - - 547 Convolvulus, - 491, 524
Coiiyza, - - - - 479 Cophogryllus, - - - 422 Coptops, - - - - 285 Coracias, - - - - 61
Coichoius, - - - 459
Cordia, - - - - 488 Corticium, - - - 560
Corvus, - - - - 22
Cosmophila, - - - 325 Coturnix, - - - - 57, 63 Cotyle, - - - - 42
Craspedia, - - - 331
Creagh, General, V.C, Resident at Aden, Kindness of and assistance given by, xix : guard given l)y, to Ijahej, xxi ; to Sokotra, xxiii. Creagris, - - - - 405 Cressa, - - - - 491 Crickets of .Sokotra, - - 413 Crinum, - - - - 508 Crocisa, - - - - 251 Crocodilus, - - - 93
Crocothemis, - - - 400 Crotolaria, - - 466, 522
Croton, ... - - 505 Crustacea, by K. I. Pocock,
A. 0. Walker, A. Scott, - 209
V.UiK.
Crustaceans from Sokotra, 209 ; Decapod and Sessile-eyed, fi-oni Abd-cl-Kuri, 216. Cryptophlebia, - - - 351 Cryptops, - - - 433 Cryptoraphidete, - - 566 Cryptus, - - - - 237 Cucumis, - - - 472, 522 Culicidte, - - - - 359 Culladia, - - - - 333 Cursorius, - - - - 53 Cuseuta, - - - 492, 525 Cutmorc, Mr. W., taxider- mist to Expedition, - xx. Cyanotis, - - - 513, 530 Cybister, - - - - 265 Cyclostomida3 and Helicidie, Morphological obser\a- tions on, - - - 159 Cyclotella, - - - 566 Cyclotopsis, - • - 145 Cylista, - - - - 469 Cymbella, - - - - 564 Cynodon, - - - - 519 Cyperus, - - - 514, 531 Cypselus, - - - - 43 Cyrtoneura, - - - 372 Cyrtophora, - - - 191 Cystistemon, - - - 490
Dacrymyces, - - - 561 D«mia, - - - - 487 Dahamis, Camp at, - - xxxvi r)"All)U([uer(iue on domestic
animals of Abd-el-Kuri, - xxx Darl)ishire, Dr. Otto V., Lichenes of Sokotra by, 543, 546 ; of Abd-el- Kuri, by, 567. Datura, - - - - 493 Decapods of Sokotra, 212 : from
Al)d-el-Kuri, 216. Dendrosicyos, 473 ; figure of, xli. Deretus, - - - - 281 Dermestes, - - - 266
Desmia, - - 568
588
TXDKX.
|
'ACE. |
PA(iK. |
||
|
Desmodium, |
469 |
Echis, |
91 |
|
I)c Winton, F.L.S., Mr. W. |
Eehidnopsis, |
487 |
|
|
E., Mammalia l)y, - |
;', |
Eclipta, |
481 |
|
Diatomacetu, - - 543 |
564 |
Ectadiopsis, |
485 |
|
Diceratella, |
452 |
Edithcolea, |
486 |
|
I)ich()ii(lr;i, |
491 |
Edotia, |
219 |
|
Dichrucephala, - |
479 |
P^drio])hthaIma, fidm |
Ab(b |
|
Diclipteia, |
497 |
elKuri, - |
218 |
|
Dicoma, - . - |
48 2 |
Ehretia, |
489 |
|
Dicrostachys, |
470 |
El.eocarpus, |
459 |
|
Dictvota, - - - - |
562 |
Elasmopus, |
223 |
|
Digera, - - - - |
501 |
P^lasmoscelis, |
383 |
|
I)imichii-(), Bivmiac in ^^ ady, xxxix |
I^Ieusine, - |
519, 531 |
|
|
Dimizonops, |
199 |
Elbe, Camp at, - |
xlii |
|
Diiiehaii, Ascent of valley (tf, |
xlii |
ElpJiin^tonr of Indian M |
irine |
|
Diueutes, - - - - |
266 |
lent to Expedition, - |
- \ii, xix |
|
Dioscorea, |
509 |
Emidosauria, |
93 |
|
Dipcadi, - - - 512, |
530 |
Enicospilus, |
237 |
|
Diplacodes, |
401 |
Ennea, |
111 |
|
Diptera, by Miss G. iJieardo |
Entada, |
470 |
|
|
and Mr.' F. V. Theobal.l, |
357 |
Enterographa, - |
549 |
|
Dirachma, - - - . |
460 |
Epacromia, |
417 |
|
Dirichletia, - .\:xxi\, |
476 |
Epicrocis, - |
334 |
|
Dirina, . . - - |
547 |
Epilachna, - |
288 |
|
Discocarpi, - - 547, |
567 |
Epithemia, |
566 |
|
Discomycctes, - |
546 |
P^pins, |
9 |
|
Dissosteira, |
418 |
Equus caballus - |
12 |
|
Ditypophis, |
90 |
Eragrostis, |
520, 531 |
|
Dodoniea, - - - . |
465 |
Eremias, - |
84 |
|
Dogs, House- and Sheep-, - |
7 |
Eremocossus, |
333 |
|
Dorstenia, - - xli, xliii. |
506 |
Eriochloa, - |
516 |
|
Dothidia, - - - . |
546 |
Eristalis, - |
369 |
|
Dractena, - - - |
512 |
Erythnea, - |
488 |
|
Dragon's-blood trees, xli : fi |
gure |
Erythrina, |
469 |
|
of, xl. |
Eryxia, |
287, 291 |
|
|
Dragon Flies of Sokotra, bv |
Etiella, |
334 |
|
|
Mr. R.M'Laehlaii,F.i;.S., |
398 |
Eulilemma, |
325 |
|
Dromas, - . - . |
55 |
Euclea, |
484 |
|
Dromedary, good qualities |
luuiiastacidu', - |
417 |
|
|
of Sokotran, - |
xliv |
Eumenes, - |
246 |
|
Eumerus, - |
370 |
||
|
Earias, - - - - |
325 |
Eunotia, - |
566 |
|
Eai-wigs, crickets and gi-ass- |
Euphorbia, 503, 527 |
E. Alxlel- |
|
|
hoppers of Sokotra, |
413 |
knii, xxix. |
|
|
Ecboliuni, - - - - |
497 |
Ku])le.\ia, - |
323 |
INDEX.
589
I'ACK.
Eui'c'i;ui(lra, - - - 4/2
Euiyops, - - - 481
Eusyntelia, - - - 274 Eutelia. - - 325
Eutlu'tus, - - - . 388 Eutypa, - - - 545
Evolvulus, - - - 491
Exacuni, - - - - 487
Exchange media in Sokotra, xxxviii Exoprosopa, - - - 304 Expedition of Imperial Academy of
Sciences, Vienna, Meml)ers of, xx ;
visit from, at Aden, xx ; at Adho
Dimellus, xlv; kindness of, to onr
sick, xl.
540 460
47, 61
452
6
of So-
Fal)ronia, - - -
Fagonia, - - - - Falco, - - . - Farsetia, - - . - Fells, - - . .
Ferns of Abd-el Kuri, 542
kotra, 537. Fever, Severity of, inSokotra, xxxvii Ficus, - " - - - 506 Filicime, - - - - 537 Fiml)riaria, - - - 541 Fimbristvlis, - - 516
Fishes, Sea and fresh-water, of Sokotra, and Alxl-el- Kuri, Note on, - 105, 107
Fissurella, on hill sides at
Abd-el Kuri, - - - xxvii Flies of Sokotra, 359 ; of Abdel-
Kuri, 375. Flowering Plants of Sokotra, 452 ;
of Al)d-el-Knri, 521.
Fliiggea, - - - 505
Ffeniculum, - - - 476
Fontariopsis, - - - 435
Forbes, LL.D., Henry O., Narrative of
Journey,xv; on Acarida, 20 1 ; A^es,
19; Batrachia, 105; Chajtopoda,
441 ; Hiiudinea, 441 ; Mammalia,
3 ; Pseudo-Neuroptera, 395, 397.
TAOE.
Forticula, - - - - 413
FormicicUe, - - 254
Forskohlea, - - 507
Fragilai-ia, - - 566
Fringillaria, - - 29
Frisilia, - ■ - 345
Frogs, - - 107
FruUania, - - - 540
Fuirena, - - - - 516
Fulicaria, - 481,523
Fuligula, - - - - ^y2
Fungi, by Prof. Balfour,
f'r.S., - - - 543,545
(lahan, C. J., M.A., Coleop-
tera, by, - - - 201
(iaiUonia, . . - 478
Galium, - - - - 478
Cxalleridia, - - 329
Gallinago, - - - 54
Gallinula, - - - 56
Garieh Plain, Wild Ass found on,
xxxviii, 9, 10 ; view of Haghier
Range from, xxxix.
Gasteracantha, -
Gasteromycetes,
Gastropoda, V)y E. A. Smith,
F.Z.S., - - - -
Gebel Dryat, highest summit
in Sokotra, - - xliv, 579
Gebel Saleh (Abd-el-Kuri), Ascent
of, xxviii ; vegetation of, xxix ;
invertebrates of, xxix ;
on, xxix.
Gegenes, - - - -
Gelechia, - - - -
Gelidium, - - - -
Geocoris, - - - -
Geology of Sokotra and
Abd-el-Kuri, Geology of Sokotra and Abd- el-Kuri, by Prof. Gregory, F.P.S., - - -
Geotomus,
192 559
109
plants
312 346 567 386
.581
673 390
590
INDEX.
I'ACK. (iCMK. Stele, - - - - iWi)
(ici'aiiinni, - - 4()(), 522
Ghi, chief export from .Sokoti-;i,
xxxiv ; Exchange for, xxxviii. (Ti.shin and Sokotra, Sultan
of, .... XX
(xlauconia, - - - S<S
(xlossonema, - - 4S5, 523
(xluviopsis, - - 181
(xlyphodes, - 33S
(xoahal gorge, - ■ - xxxv
(xoat. Wild, of Sokotra, - 13
Cxodwiu-Austen, F.RS., Lt.-
C'ol. H. H., Morphological
observations on Mollusca,
hy, - . - . 159
(Toniphoiienia, - - - 5G5
(xonia, . - . - 370
Cxoniastra^a retiforniis, - xxviii
Grossypium, - - - 458
(xracilaria, - - - - 567
(xraderia, - - - - 494
Grant, W. R. Ogilvie-, on Aves, 19 ;
Lepidoptera Khopaloceia, 293 ;
Mammalia, 3.
(Iraphina, - - - - 549
txraphis, - - - . 548
Grapsus, - - - - 213
Gi'asshoppers of Sokotra, 411, 413 ;
from Al)d-el-Kui'i, 424. Gregory, F.R.S., Prof. J. W., on Geology of Sokotra
and Abd-el-Kui'i, - - 573
Grewia, - - - - 459
Gruliia, - - - - 22G
Gryllus, - - 422
Gnillainia, - - 168 Gum found on Abd-el-
Kuri, - - - - xxix
Gynuiogi'amme, - - 539
Gynandropsis, - - - 453
Gy[)Sophila, - - 455
Habenaria, Hadena,
507, 530 323
Hadihu, Camp in Plain of, xx.xiii ; description of Plain, xxxiii : of town, xxxiv : of hamlets on IMain, xxxiv ; people of Plain, xxxiv; leave, in EJjiIiiiisfdiii', xhii. Ha'madipsa, - - - 443
Hicmanthus, - - 509
Ha3matobia, - - - 373 Haghier Mountains, View of, from Tamarida Bay, xxxii ; fi'om (xarieh Plain, xxxix. Halictus, - - - - 249 Hampson, Bart., F.E.S., Sir G. F., Lepido])tera Phal- ieuiv, by, - - - 319
Harpactopus, - - - 241 Haulaf, Land at, - - xxxiii
Haya, - - - - 501 Headman and Intei'preter
(Gidaid Klmi), - - xxi Hedyotis, - - - 477, 523
Heleocharis, - - - 515 Helichrysum, - - - 480
Heliotropium, - -' 489, 524 Hellula, - - - - 335 Hemianax, - - - 402
Hcmidactylus, - - xxv, 80, 94 Hemiptera, by Mi'. G. ^\^
Kii-kcaldy, - - - 379 Hemiscorpius, - - - 181
Hepaticjie, - - - - 540 Herpestis, - - - - 493 Heterachina, - - 482, 523
Heterochloa, - - - 531 Heterographis, - - 333, 337
Heteronebo, - - xxv, 202
Heteropogon, - - - 518 Hibiscus, - - - - 458 Hippolyte, - • - 218
Hii'neola, - - - - 561
Hirudinea, by H. O. Foi'l)es,
LL.l). - " - - - 441 Histeromorphus, - 273, 290
Holmes, E. M., Alg* of
Abd-el-Kuri, by, 543, 567
INDEX.
591
l'A(!K.
H..l()tlinx, - - - 507 Honihil, Camp at, x.xxiv ; Tlaiii of,
xl ; Climate at, xlii.
Homothyrea, - - - 269
Hoplistomera, - - - 302 Hunter, Major, formerly
Political Assistant at
Aden, - - -xix, xxii, 451
Hyale, - - - - 219
Hybosorus, - - 207
Hydroclathrus, - 562
Hydrocotyle, - - - 476
Hyetodesia, - - - 373
Hymenomycetes, - - 560 Hymenoptera, by ^^^ F.
Kirln- - - - - 233
Hypena, - - - - 329 Hypericum, 456 ; H. mysorense, and
H. scopulorum, xliv.
Hyperythra, - - - 330
Hyphantornis, - - 33
Hypheothrix, - - - 564
Hyphydrus, - - ■ 265
Hypnea, - - - - 561
Hypoestes, - . - - 49H
Hypogryphia, - - 333
Hypolimnas, - - - 300
Hypsolophus, - - - 345
• lacol), Captain, First Political As- sistant at Aden, vii, xix ; Mrs. Jacob, vii, xix. .laftier, Mohammed, Letter from, to Sultan of Sokoti'a, - - - xxiii
Jania, - - - 562,567
Janira (iuin((uecostata, - 579 Jasminum, - - - 484
Jatropha. - - - - 505 Jena-agahan, Camp at, xxxvii ;
View from, xxxvii. Joppa, - - - - 237 Julodis, - - - - 269 .1 uncus, - - - - 513 Justicia, - - - - 496
Kalanchoe - - 471,522
Kamahanu, Camp at, xxxvii ; sick- ness at, xxxvii. Kirb}^ Mr. W. F., Hymenoptera, by, 233 ; Neuroptei^a Planipennia, by, 395. Kirivaldy, Mr. G. W.,
Hemiptera, by, - - 379 Klinophilos, . - . 383 Kneiffia, - - - - 560
Kossmat, Dr. F., - xx, xlv, 576 Kuhlia taMiiura, - - 108
Kuria, . - - . 228
|
Icaria, |
249 |
256 |
Kyllinga, - |
515 |
|
Ichneumons, AVasps |
and |
|||
|
Bees of Sokoti'a, - |
- |
236 |
Labidura, - |
413 |
|
Idactns, |
- |
285 |
Lacertilia, |
75 |
|
Idia, |
- |
371 |
Lachnocapsa, |
453 |
|
Ilema, |
- |
321 |
Lactuca, - |
482, 523 |
|
Imperata, - |
- |
518 |
Lahej, Sultan of, xxi , |
invites Ex- |
|
Indigofera, |
467 |
522 |
pedition to, xxi ; Gruest-house at, |
|
|
lonidium, - |
- |
454 |
xxii ; Small pox at, |
xxii. |
|
Iphiaulax, |
- |
236 |
Land Shells of Sokotr; |
I, 111 ; Al)d- |
|
Ipomiea, - |
- |
490 |
el-Kuri, 152. |
|
|
Ischnui'a, - |
- |
402 |
Landre\'a, |
423 |
|
Ischruu'us, |
- |
520 |
Lanius, |
38 |
|
Itamus |
- |
364 |
Largarosiphon, - Larus, |
507 - 55, 62 |
59:
INDKX.
PA(iE.
Lasiocarys, - 500
Lasiosyphon, 503
Latr(j(lectus, - 185
Lauiia-a, - - - 483
Laureiicia, • 568
Lavandula, - - 499
Lecaiiora, - 553
Leciflea, - . - - 55 1
Leeches and Worms fi'oni
Sokotta, - - - 443
Lejeuiiia, - - - - 540 Lentinus, - - - . 560 liCpidoptera, I'liahetue, by 8ii- (t. F.
Hampsoji, Bart., 319; Ptei'ophor-
ida* and Tincina, hy Right Hun.
Loi-d Walsingham, F.K.8., 341;
Khupalt)ceia, l»y Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-
ih-imt, 293. Lepteiodins, . . . 53
Leptoc'oris, - - - 387
Leptogium, - - - 558 Lap turns, - - - - 520 Leucania, - - - - 323 Lencas, . - - - 499 Leucospsis, - - - 236
Lichens and Sea Weeds of Al)d-el-
Kuri, 567 ; of Sokotra, 545. Lichenes, hy Otto V. Darl)i-
501,
I'AGK. 415
526 520 545 503 522
xxii 372 472 525 564 220 471
85 363 399 453 284 457
Mammals of AlKl-el-Kui'i, 16 ; Record l)y I)"Allin(|U('r(|ue, xxx ; of Sokoti'a, 6. Mammalia, by W. K. de \\inton, F Z S., Heiny 0. Forbes, LL.D., W. R. Ogilvie-drant, - 3
Mareca, - . - - 52
lioboptei-a Lochia, Lolium, - - . .
Lo})liiostoma, Loratithus,
Lotu.s, - - - 467,
liOvat, Lord, explorer of Abyssinia, Meet with, - Lucilia, . - . .
Ludwigia, . -
liVcium, - - - 492,
Lyngb^'a, - Lysianax, - Lythivnu,
Mabuia, - - - .
Machinuis,
Macrodiplax,
Masrua - - - -
Mallodon, - - - .
Malva, - - - -
|
shire, Ph.D., - |
543, |
546 |
Mar.sdenia, |
- |
487 |
|
Lichenes, - |
- 543, 546, |
567 |
Marsilea, |
- |
537 |
|
Limnas, |
295, |
314 |
Mastogloia, |
- |
565 |
|
Limnobia, - |
359 |
M'Lachlan, F.R.8., |
Mr. R., |
||
|
Linaria, |
493, |
525 |
Neuroptera Amphiliiotica, |
||
|
Ijindenbergia, |
- |
493 |
by, |
395 |
,398 |
|
Linea', |
- |
459 |
Mecistocephalus, |
- |
434 |
|
Linum, |
- |
459 |
Mecopodida% |
- |
421 |
|
Liogryllus, |
422 |
Medicago, - |
- |
466 |
|
|
Lippia, |
- |
498 |
Megachile, |
- |
250 |
|
Lispe, |
- |
373 |
jMegalodes, |
- |
324 |
|
Literature of Sok |
oti-an |
Melania, - |
149 |
||
|
Oithoptera, - |
424 |
Melanocenchi'is, |
519 |
||
|
Lithidion, Species of, ( |
loulitful |
xMelanophora, |
371 |
||
|
in Sokotra, |
- |
148 |
Melanostoma, - |
369 |
|
|
Lithidion, - |
-147, 154, |
162 |
Melaspilea, |
- |
548 |
|
Li\ei'W(jrts of Sokoti |
a. |
537 |
Melhania, - |
459 |
INDEX.
593
|
VAGE. |
PAGE. |
||||
|
Melilotus, - - - - |
467 |
Nephopteryx, |
- |
- |
334 |
|
Meloe, - - - . |
282 |
Nephrodium, |
- |
- |
539 |
|
Melothria, |
472 |
Nephrolepis, |
- |
- |
539 |
|
Melyris, - - - . |
289 |
Nettion, - |
- |
- |
52 |
|
Metachrostis, |
324 |
Neuracanthus, |
- |
- |
496 |
|
Metasia - . . . |
336 |
Neuroptera, by |
H.O.Forbes, |
||
|
IMicroglaina, |
559 |
LL.D.,W.r. |
Kirbv,F.L.S., |
||
|
Micromeria, |
499 |
E. M'Lachlan, |
F.R.S., . |
395 |
|
|
Micros of Sokotra, |
344 |
Newts, |
- |
- |
107 |
|
Microthamnion, |
563 |
Nezara, |
- |
- |
391 |
|
Microthelia, |
559 |
Nirarathamnos |
) |
- |
476 |
|
Mieza, . . . . |
351 |
Normandina, |
- |
- |
558 |
|
Millepedes of Sokotra, |
430 |
Nostoc, |
- |
- |
563 |
|
Miiiksia, . - - . |
550 |
Notogonia, |
- |
- |
243 |
|
Mitolepis, - - - - |
485 |
Nymphula, |
- |
- |
335 |
|
Mollugo - - - - |
476 |
||||
|
Momordica, |
472 |
Ochradenus, |
- |
- |
454 |
|
Monoceutropus, |
182 |
Ochthera, - |
- |
- |
373 |
|
Morphological 01)servations |
Ocimum, - |
- |
- |
499 |
|
|
on CyclostomidcB and |
Ocnera, |
- |
- |
278 |
|
|
Helicid*, by Col. Godwin- |
Ocypode, - |
- |
214 |
, 216 |
|
|
Austen, F.R.S., |
159 |
Ocyptera, - |
- |
- |
370 |
|
Mosses of Sokotra, |
537 |
Odina, |
- |
- |
465 |
|
Mosquitos at AM-el-Kuri, xx> |
: ; at |
Odonata, - |
- |
- |
398 |
|
Hadibu, xxxvi, 361. |
Gllcanthus, |
- |
423 |
||
|
Motacilla,35, 60 ; M. forwoodi, |
XXV. |
ffidaleus, - |
- |
- |
418 |
|
Moths of Sokotra, 321, 34-3 |
; of |
(Erne, |
- |
- |
284 |
|
Abd el-Kuri, 337, 354. |
ffiua, |
- |
- |
57 |
|
|
Miiller, Hofrath Prof. D., of |
Oldenlandia, |
- |
- |
477 |
|
|
Austrian Expedition, |
xix |
Olfersia, - |
- |
- |
376 |
|
Mus, 8 ; M. albipes, 5 ; M. gentilis, |
01igocha3te from Sokotra, - |
443 |
|||
|
5, 6. |
Ommatius, |
- |
- |
375 |
|
|
Musca, - - - 371 |
, 376 |
Onebala, - |
- |
- |
344 |
|
Musci, - - . - |
539 |
Onychium, |
- |
- |
538 |
|
Mussaenda, |
478 |
Opatrum, - |
- |
- |
278 |
|
Mycalesis, |
296 |
Opegrapha, |
- |
- |
548 |
|
Myriapoda, by R. I. Pocock, |
427 |
Ophiusa, - |
- |
• |
328 |
|
Myrsine, - - - . |
483 |
Oplismenus, |
- |
- |
517 |
|
Opomyzinte, |
- |
- |
374 |
||
|
Naias, - - - |
514 |
Orchestiidae, |
- |
- |
219 |
|
Narrative of Journey, |
XV |
Ormocarpum, |
- |
- |
468 |
|
Navicula, - - - - |
565 |
Orobanche, |
- |
494 |
, 525 |
|
Nemoria, - - - - |
333 |
Orthetrum, |
- |
- |
401 |
|
Neophron, |
48 |
Orthoptera, |
\v |
Malcolm |
|
|
Nephila, - - . - |
189 |
Burr, F.L.S. |
> |
- |
409 |
594
INDEX.
|
Orthoptera of |
Sokotra, |
Pennisetum, |
517, 531 |
|
|
Literature relati |
ng to, - |
424 |
Peperomia, |
502 |
|
Orthosiphon, |
499 |
Pereionotus, |
227 |
|
|
Oryctes, - |
- |
268 |
Periplaneta, |
415 |
|
Orygia, - |
4 |
75, 523 |
Peristrophe, |
497 |
|
Oscillaria, - |
- |
564 |
Pertusaria, |
552 |
|
Oscinis, |
- |
374 |
Phjeographina, - |
549 |
|
Ostropa, - |
. |
546 |
Phajographis, - |
549 |
|
Osyris, |
. |
503 |
Phffiophyceae, - |
562, 568 |
|
Otiona, |
- |
541 |
Phalacrocorax, - |
xlvi, 49, 61 |
|
Otopoma, 138, 161 |
Species of, doubt- |
Phaneroptera, - |
421 |
|
|
ful ill Al)(l-el-Kuri, 155. |
Phaulotypus, - |
418 |
||
|
Ovis, |
- |
14 |
Pheropsophus, - |
264 |
|
Oxalis, |
- |
461 |
Philonotis, |
540 |
|
Oxya, |
. |
420 |
Phoinicopterus, |
52 |
|
Oxygrapha, |
- |
352 |
Phffinix, - Phlyctsenodes, - |
514 336 |
|
Pachycalamus, - |
- |
83 |
Phonapate, |
270 |
|
Pacydema, |
- |
268 |
Phora, |
374 |
|
Pachysmopoda, |
- |
421 |
Phorocera, |
371 |
|
Padina, |
- |
562 |
Phthiria, - |
368 |
|
Paliiiurus, |
- |
214 |
Phycomycetes, - |
559 |
|
Palm*, |
- |
514 |
Phyllanthus, |
504 |
|
Paludestrina, |
- |
151 |
Phyllodromia, - |
414 |
|
Pandion, - |
- |
47, 61 |
Phyllodactyllus, |
78 |
|
Panicum, - |
- |
516 |
Phylloscopus, - |
59 |
|
Pantala, - |
- |
398 |
Physalis, |
492 |
|
Papilio, - |
- |
310 |
Physcia, - |
556 |
|
Pappophorum, - |
- |
520 |
Physeter, |
15 |
|
Paraclialcides, - |
- |
86 |
Piazoniias, |
282, 291 |
|
Paragus, - |
- |
368 |
Pisces, Note by H. 0. Forbes, |
|
|
Parambasia, |
- |
221 |
LL.I)., on, |
105 |
|
Paranobium, |
- |
289 |
Placodium, |
557 |
|
Pardosa, - |
- |
193 |
Placopoda, |
477 |
|
Parmelia, |
- |
553 |
Plagiotriptus, - |
417 |
|
Paspalum, |
- |
516 |
Planorbis, |
150 |
|
Passer, 25, 58 ; P. |
hemilencus, xxv. |
Plantago, |
500 |
|
|
xlvi. |
PUxtalea, - |
52 |
||
|
Patellaria, |
- |
551 |
Plectranthus, - |
499 |
|
Paiilay, Dr. Stefan |
(of Austrian Ex- |
Ploceidae, |
33 |
|
|
pedition), xx ; |
advises |
as to |
Pluchea, - |
479 |
|
fever, xl. |
Plusia, |
328 |
||
|
Pavonia, - |
- |
457 |
Pocock, Mr. R. I., on |
Arachnida, |
|
Pedalium, |
- |
495 |
175 ; Crustacea, 209; |
Myriapoda, |
|
Pellaja, - |
- |
538 |
427. |
INDEX.
595
Podalirius, Podaxon,
Pcecilocerus,
Polyblastia,
Polycarp;ea,
Polygala, -
Polygonum,
Polyporus,
Porana,
Portulaca,
Porzana,
Potamon, -
Potamogeton,
PAGE.
252, 257 560 419 559
455, 521
455, 521 502 560 491
456,521
56
212
514
Pottery of Sokotrn,, Manufacture, ornamentation, and uses of, xxxiv ; as barter, xxxviii.
Pouzolzia, - - - 507
Prays, - - - - 350
Precis, - - - - 302
Prenanthes, - - - 482
Priotropis, - - - 466
Pristurus, 75, 94 ; P. crucifer, 75 ;
P. flavipunctatus, 75.
Priva, - - - - 498
Proniachus, - - - 362
Pseudapis, - - - 241
Pseudoraphidese, - - 566
Psiadia, - - - - 479
Psilostachys, - - - 501
Psilocephala, - - - 361
Psoralea, - - - - 467 Pteridophyta, hy Professor
Balfour, F.R.S., - - 535
Pteris, . - - - 538
Pterocles, - - - - 57 Pterophorida?, - - 344,354 Pterophorida3 and Tineina, by Lord Walsingham,
F.R.S., - - - - 341
Pucedanum, - - - 476
Punica, - - - - 471
Pupalia, - - ' - 501
Pyrameis, - - - 302, 314
Pyrenocarpi, - - - 558
Pyrenomycetes, - - - 545
Pyrenula, - Pyrgomorpha, Pyrrhulauda, Pyxine,
I'AUE.
559
424
33, 60
557
Ramalina, - - - - 554
Raphidiciu, . . . ,564
Reduvius, - - - - 384
Reichardia, - - - 482
Remusatia, - - - 513 Reptilia, by CI. A. Boulenger,
F.R.S., - - - - 73
Reptiles of Sokotra, 75 ; of Abd-
el-Kuri, 94.
Reseda, - - - 454,521 Resin found on Abd-el-Kuri, xxix
Rhfesena, - - - - 329
Rhinacanthus, - - - 497
Rhiniaj - - - - 371
Rhinodina, - - - 556
Rhinopoma, ... 6
Rhizopertha, - - - 272
Rhodophyceie, - - 561,567
RhoiDalum, - - - 245
Rhopalocampta, - - 312
Rhus, - - ' - 465
Rhynchelytrum, - - 518
Rhynchium, - - - 247
Rhynchosia, - - - 469
Rhynchostruthus, 26 ; R. louiste,
29.
Rhyothemis, - - - 399
Rhysida, - - - - 432
Rhyssemus, - - - 267
Rhytidonota, - - 273, 290
Ricardo, MissG., Diptera, by, 357
Ricinus, - - - - 506 Riebeck, Dr., Exploration
of Sokotra, by, - - xviii
Roccella, - - - 550, 567
Rolfe, Mr. R. A., - - 451
Romulea, - - - 508, 530
Ruellia, - - - 495, 526
Ruppia, - - - - 514
Ruta, - - - - 461
596
INDEX.
|
PAGE. |
|
|
Salius, |
239 |
|
Salsola, |
526 |
|
Salvadora, - |
484 |
|
Sand-grouse, |
57 |
|
Saprinus, - |
266 |
|
Sarcophaga, |
370 |
|
Sarcostemma, |
486 |
|
Sargassum, |
562, 568 |
|
Saxicola, - |
- 42, 59 |
|
Scarabseiis, |
267 |
|
Scelidomachus, - |
194 |
|
Sceliphron, |
240 |
|
Schizomycetes, - |
564 |
|
Schizophycea3, - |
563 |
|
Schizosiphon, - |
563 |
|
Schlotheimia, |
540 |
Schweinfurth, Pr., Explora- tion of Sokotra, by, - xviii Schweinfurthia, - - 493
Sciara, - - . . 359 Scilla, - - - - 512 Scolopendra, 431, 439 ; S. bal-
fouri, xxix. Scoparia, - - - - 335 Scops, 45 ; S. socotranus, xxxvi. Scorpions and Spiders of Sokotra,
178 ; of Abd-el Kuri, 202. Scott, A., Crustacea, by, 209, 216 Scotosia, - - - - 330 Scrophularia, - - - 493 Scylla, - - - - 212
Scythris, - - - - 348 Secamone, - - - 485
Securinega, - - - ,50) Selenops, - - - - 197 Senecio, - - - - 481 Senra, - . . . 457 Setaria, - - - 517, 531 Sheep, Domestic, of Sokotra, 1 4
Sheikh Othman, Government Bun- galow at, lent to Expedition, xx ; stay at, xxi. Shells, Land and Fresh Water, of Sokotra, 111 ; of Abd-el- Kuri, 152.
PAfJE.
Sida, .... 457
Sideroxylon, - - - 484 Siegesbeckia, - - - 481 Silene, - - - - 455 Simony, Prof. - - - xx
Simplicia, - - - - 329 Si.syml)rium, - - - 453 Smith, Edgar A ., Gastiopoda,
by, - - - - 109 Snipe, Painted, - - - 55
Socotora, - - - - 485 Sokotra and Abd-el-Kuri zoology, 1 ; botany, 445 ; geology, 571. Sokotra, algc«, 543 ; ant lions, 404 ; barter and exchange, xxxviii ; bees, 236 ; l>eetles, 263 ; birds, 22 ; botanical collectors who have visited, 451 ; butterflies, 295 ; camel, xxxiv ; cattle, xxxiv, xlv, 12 ; centipedes and mille- pedes, 430 ; charace^e, 543 ; cicads and bugs, 381 ; decapods, 212; dragon - flies, 398 ; earwigs, crickets, and grasshoppers, 411, 413; exploration of, by Balfour, Schweinfurth, Riebeck, Bent, Beiniett, Hunter, xviii ; fishes, 107 ; flies, 359 ; flowering plants, 449, 452; frogs, 107 ; fungi, 543 ; Gebel Dryat, highest summit, xliv ; geographical position, xvii ; geological anti(iuity, xvii ; geo- logy, 573, 578 ; ichneumons, 236 leeches and Avorms, 443 ; lichens 543 ; mammalia, 3 ; micros, 344 media of exchange, xxxviii moths of, 321, 343; newts, 107 pottery, xxxiv ; pterophoridae and tineina, 341 ; reptiles, 75 ; scorpions and spiders, 178; shells, land and fresh-water. 111 ; Sul- tan, xxxii : interview with, xxxii ; toads, 107; wasps, 235, 236; white ants, 397.
INDEX.
597
|
PAGE. |
PAGE. |
||||||
|
Sokotran Archipelai; |
o, A^■ifauna of, |
Symblephai'is, - |
- |
- |
539 |
||
|
63 ; species |
of flora, |
absent from |
Syrnium, - |
- |
- |
46 |
|
|
Abd-el-Kuri, |
xlvii. |
Syngamia, |
- |
- |
335 |
||
|
Sokotri, the, |
Manners, customs. |
Syrphiis, - |
- |
369 |
376 |
||
|
games, and indust |
ries |
of, xli |
Systates, - |
- |
283, |
291 |
|
|
Solanum, - |
- |
- |
492 |
||||
|
Sonchus, - |
- |
- |
482 |
Tabat\us, - |
- |
- |
375 |
|
Sparassus - |
- |
- |
196 |
Tachytes, - |
- |
242 |
|
|
Sperm whale, |
- |
- |
XXV., 15 |
Talinum, - |
- |
- |
456 |
|
Spermacoce, |
- |
- |
478 |
Tamarindus, |
- |
470 |
|
|
Sphferia, - |
- |
545 |
Tamarix, |
- |
- |
456 |
|
|
Sphseroma, |
- |
- |
218 |
Tarache, - |
- |
- |
324 |
|
Sphex, |
- |
- |
240, 255 |
Tarucus, - |
- |
- |
305 |
|
Sphiiictriiia, |
- |
- |
546 |
Taverniera, |
- |
468 |
|
|
Sphiiigoiiotus, |
- |
- |
424 |
Teddia, - |
- |
- |
415 |
|
Spiders of Sokotra, 178 |
; of Abd-el- |
Temnopterus, - |
- |
- |
266 |
||
|
Kuri, 202. |
Tenebrionidfe, - |
- |
- |
272 |
|||
|
Spirogyra, |
- |
- |
562 |
Tephrosia, |
- |
468 |
,522 |
|
Spodoptera, |
- |
- |
323 |
Teracolus, |
- |
- |
307 |
|
Sporobohis, |
- |
- |
519, 531 |
Teramnus, |
- |
- |
469 |
|
Sporodesmium |
- |
559 |
Terpsinoii, |
- |
- |
566 |
|
|
Stapf, Dr., |
- |
- |
451 |
Testudinidse, |
- |
- |
92 |
|
Statice, |
- |
- |
483, 513 |
Tetragnatha, |
- |
- |
185 |
|
Stauroneis, |
- |
- |
565 |
Tetragonia, |
- |
475 |
|
|
Stegomyia, |
- |
- |
359 |
Tetragonoderus, |
- |
- |
264 |
|
Stenia, |
- |
- |
335 |
Teucrium, |
- |
- |
500 |
|
Stenogyra, |
- |
- |
131 |
Thalassochelys, - |
- |
- |
96 |
|
Sterculia, - |
- |
- |
458 |
Thalophyta, by Prof. |
Bal- |
||
|
Stereum, - |
- |
- |
560 |
four, F.R.S. ; |
Dr. |
0. |
|
|
Sterna, |
- |
- |
- 55, 62 |
Dai-bishire ; IVl |
r. E. |
M. |
|
|
Sticta, |
- |
- |
557 |
Holmes, F.L.S. |
- |
- |
543 |
|
Stictina, - |
- |
- |
558 |
Thamnosma, |
- |
- |
461 |
|
Stilljum, - |
- |
- |
238 |
Thanatus, |
- |
199 |
|
|
Stizoides, - |
- |
- |
244 |
Theloschistes, - |
- |
- |
557 |
|
Stiziis, |
- |
- |
243 |
Theobald, F. V., Culicid |
di of |
||
|
Stomoxys, |
- |
- |
372 |
Sokotra, by, - |
- |
- |
357 |
|
Striga, |
- |
- |
494 |
Thesidium, |
- |
- |
503 |
|
Sua^da |
- |
- |
502, 526 |
Thlutid, see Jena |
agahan. |
||
|
Succinea, - |
- |
112 |
Thomisus, - |
. |
- |
198 |
|
|
Sula, |
- |
- |
- 50, 62 |
Tibellus, - |
- |
- |
199 |
|
Sun, scorching |
effect |
of, |
on |
Tihamah, Life on |
Arab] |
an, |
xxi |
|
skin. |
- |
- |
xlii. |
Tilhea, - |
- |
470 |
|
|
Sybrinus, - |
- |
- |
286 |
Timandra, |
- |
332 |
|
|
Sylvia, |
- |
- |
59 |
Tineina, hy Lord Walsing- |
|||
|
Synalissa, - |
- |
- |
558 |
ham, F.R.S., . |
- |
- |
341 |
598
INDEX.
|
Tiphia, |
238 |
Verrucaria, |
- |
559 |
|
Tipula, |
359 |
Vigna, |
469 |
|
|
Toads, |
107 |
\'inago. |
- |
56 |
|
Tortilla, - |
540 |
Viucetoxiciim, - |
- |
486 |
|
Totaims, - |
54 |
Viola, |
- |
454 |
|
Tragia, |
506 |
Vitis, |
- |
463 |
|
Tragus, - |
518 |
Viverricula, |
7 |
|
|
Tramea, - |
398 |
Vogelia, |
- |
483 |
|
Trametes, - |
560 |
Yolutarella, |
482 |
|
|
Trianthema |
475 |
|||
|
Tril)ulus, - |
460 |
Wahleubergia, - |
- |
483 |
|
Trichocalyx, |
496 |
Walker, A. 0., Crustacea |
i^y, |
209 |
|
Trichodesma, |
490,524 |
Walsingham, F.E.S., Ei |
ght |
|
|
Trichoptilus, |
344, 354 |
Hon. Lord, Pterophoridae |
||
|
Trigouella, |
466 |
and Tineina, by. |
- |
341 |
|
Tringa, |
54 |
Wasps of Sokoti'a, 236 ; |
of |
|
|
Tringoides, |
- 54, 62 |
Abd-elKuri, - |
- |
255 |
|
Tripteris, - |
482 |
Weisia, |
- |
539 |
|
Trithemis, |
400 |
Weld-Blundell, explorer |
of |
|
|
Tropidophora, - |
145, 154, 167 |
Abyssinia, meet with, |
- |
xxii |
|
Triixalis, - |
416 |
Wellstedia, |
- |
500 |
|
Turl)inaria, |
568 |
Whale, Sperm, - |
- XXV, 15 |
|
|
Turtur, |
56 |
White-ants of Sokotra, |
- |
397 |
|
Typhlops, - |
88 |
Withania, - |
- |
492 |
|
Worms from Sokotra, |
- |
443 |
||
|
Uca, - |
213, 216 |
|||
|
Ulva, |
563 |
Xylocalyx, |
- |
494 |
|
Upupa, |
- 43, 61 |
Xylocopa, - |
- |
253 |
|
Urceolaria, |
552 |
|||
|
Urginea, - |
513 |
Zamenis, 89 ; Z. rhodorhachis. |
75. |
|
|
Uromyces, |
561 |
Zinckenia, |
335 |
337 |
|
Usnea, |
554 |
Zizera, - - - |
- |
306 |
|
Utetheisa, - |
322 |
Zizyphus, - Zoology of Sokotra { |
md |
463 |
|
Vaillaiitia, |
478 |
Abd-el-Kuri, - |
- |
1 |
|
Valeriaiiella, |
478 |
Zophosis, - - - _ |
272 |
, 290 |
|
Valsa, |
545 |
Zornia, |
- |
469 |
|
Varanidie, - |
83 |
Zosterops, - |
- |
37 |
|
Variolaria, |
552 |
Zygnema, - |
- |
563 |
|
Vernonia, - |
478 |
Zygophyllum, - |
460 |
,522 |
mm^^2;^¥^m^^mm^mmm
r.u