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FAUNA 1

MAHARASHTRA STATE 

GAZETTEERS 

Government OF Maharashtra 

FAUNA 

DIRECTORATE OF GOVERNMENT 

PRINTING, STATIONERY AND 

PUBLICATION, MAHARASHTRA 

STATE 

GAZETTEER OF INDIA 

FAUNA 2

MAHARASHTRA STATE GAZETTEERS 

GENERAL SERIES : FAUNA 

PRINTED IN INDIA BY THE MANAGER, GOVERNMENT CENTRAL 

PRESS, BOMBAY 

AND PUBLISHED BY THE DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT PRINTING, 

STATIONERY 

AND PUBLICATION, MAHARASHTRA STATE, BOMBAY 

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PREFACE 

CONTENTS 

INTRODUCTORY NOTE .. 

CHAPTER 1 : FISHES 

CHAPTER 2 : MARINE INVERTEBRATES 

CHAPTER 3 : INSECTS 

CHAPTER 4 : SPIDERS 

CHAPTER 5 : BIRDS 

CHAPTER 6 : MAMMALS 

CHAPTER 7 : REPTILES 

CHAPTER 8 : AMPHIBIA 

CHAPTER 9 : LAND AND FRESH WATER 

INVERTEBRATES 

INDEX 

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LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS 

SHRI V. C. AMBEDKAR AND SHRI D. N. MATHEW 

Birds 

SHRI V. K. CHARI 

Land and Fresh Water Invertebrates 

SHRI J. C. DANIEL 

Mammals 

Reptiles 

Amphibia 

SHRI B. F. CHHAPGAR AND SHRI KEVALRAMANI 

Marine Invertebrates 

SHRI C. V. KULKARNI AND SHRI M. R. RANADE 

Fresh Water Fishes 

SHRI N. T. NADKARNI 

Insects 

SHRI B. K. TIKADER 

Spiders 

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PREFACE 

THE HERITAGE OF FAUNA OF MAHARASHTRAas that of India is dwindling over 

the passage of time. Knowledgeable persons have expressed fears about the 

impending extermination of a number of wonderful wild animals in the State 

such as tiger, leopard, blackbuck, spotted deer, sambar and some other 

genera of carnivores. This has mainly been due to the clash of human interest 

with that of wildlife. Shri G. V. Bedekar has very aptly and fervently opined 

in the Introductory Note that : 

'Man has power to conserve as well as to destroy. Are we to lose for ever 

these wonderful creatures for no fault of theirs, when with some effort it is 

possible to avoid their extermination and at some cost it is possible to ensure 

their continuance in numbers? Any person having to deal with any aspect of 

fauna, cannot fail to be disturbed by the destruction of wildlife that is going 

on and the grim prospect of extermination of many species. The world has 

already lost by extinction scores of species, and enough is known at the 

present time regarding the manner of damage to wildlife and the measures 

for conservation of wildlife to enable us to preserve it.' 

It is therefore of considerable interest to study the variegated wildlife in the 

State in several aspects. It was with this intention that this department 

decided to publish this Volume which is the second in the General State 

Series. In the nature of things the Bombay Natural History Society was 

requested to prepare the entire write-up of the Volume. The Chairman of the 

Society accepted the work and completed it within a short period. It is 

needless to say that the scholar associates of the Society have contributed 

valuable knowledge in this branch of science. I have no doubt that experts 

and students of this subject as also knowledgeable citizens will appreciate 

this scholarly work which has also opened scope for further studies. 

I may add here that the Index of only the Family names has been prepared 

chapterwise. 

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I am very much thankful to all the scholar associates of the Bombay Natural 

History Society who have contributed various articles for this Volume and 

who were associated with every stage in the printing and publication of this 

Volume, including proof correction, etc. I am particularly indebted to Shri G. 

V. Bedekar, I.C.S. (Retd.), who coordinated and supervised the work, and 

also wrote the Introductory Note. I am also thankful to the Joint Editor Shri 

K. K. Chaudhari, M.A.; the Statistical Officer, Dr. V. N. Gurav, M.A.,Ph.D., 

as also Sarvashri M. H. Ranade and P. N. Narkhede and other members of 

the staff of this department, for the assistance rendered by them in the 

various stages of the publication. 

My thanks are also due to Shri S. A. Sapre, Director, Government Printing 

and Stationery and Shri R. B. Alva, Manager, and other staff of the 

Government Central Press, Bombay, for execution of the printing work. 

Bombay 

June 2, 1974 

B. G. KUNTE 

Executive Editor and Secretary 

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INTRODUCTORY NOTE 

THE MAIN OBJECT OF THIS NOTEis to introduce to the reader the 

Fauna Volume, which is a special feature of the current series of Maharashtra 

State Gazetteers. The usual arrangement of the India as well as State 

Gazetteers has been to devote the initial volumes to general topics and to 

follow these with a series of alphabetical volumes in case of India and 

district volumes in case of the State Gazetteers. Thus the subject of fauna 

forms Chapter 5 of Volume I of the 1965 edition of the Gazetteer of India, 

relating to 'country and people'. In the 1909 edition of that Gazetteer, the first 

volume was designated 'descriptive' and Chapter 5 was headed ' zoology’. 

For the revised edition of the Maharashtra State Gazetteers, it was proposed 

originally to publish general State volumes on these subjects : Botany, 

Geography, History, People and their Culture, Language and Literature, 

Public Administration. The Fauna Volume was added subsequently. 

2. Genesis of the volume.—It was a happy decision taken by the Editorial 

Board of the Maharashtra District Gazetteers (Revision) in October 1964 to 

bring out a volume of about five hundred pages on the Fauna of 

Maharashtra. When the Secretary of the Editorial Board approached the 

Bombay Natural History Society in October 1964 with an inquiry whether 

the Society would undertake the compilation of this volume, the Society 

readily agreed to the proposal in principle; and in December 1964 it was 

provisionally decided to have eight parts devoted to different animal groups, 

and to request contributors (whose names were suggested) to undertake the 

work. The Executive Committee of the Society entrusted to the writer the 

work of general supervision of the compilation. Eventually, a meeting of the 

proposed contributors to the Fauna Volume was held in March 1965, when a 

scheme for compilation of the various parts was approved along with the 

revised list of contributors and the tentative allocation of approximate pages 

to each part. The number of parts was increased from eight to nine, and the 

general scheme of each part was also indicated. The first contribution to be 

received was the part on Spiders which, however, far exceeded the pages 

allocated, and involved a great deal of condensation and editing. The next 

part received in the middle of 1967 was that on fishes and as the arrangement 

of this part seemed admirable, it was suggested to the other contributors to 

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draft their parts on the same lines. A meeting of contributors was held in 

February 1968, to review progress and to consider the question of 

illustrations. 

As the work progressed, numerous difficulties became apparent. The 

available material was scattered over many books and journals, and there 

was no time to undertake fresh surveys or inquiries for this volume. 

3.Mode of presentation.—In the India Gazetteer 60 to 70 pages are devoted 

to the Chapter on ' Zoology' or ' Fauna'. The references to fauna in the 

general State volumes of Bombay, Central Provinces and Hyderabad were 

somewhat limited; and so were the references in most district volumes. In 

presenting this volume, it is realised that there are many gaps in our 

knowledge of the Fauna of Maharashtra, and that there are many errors and 

omissions in the material. The main purpose has, however, been to present to 

the reader without undue delay all the material that could be readily 

collected, so that readers may draw attention to the lacuna and suggest 

improvements. Each part dealing with a group of animal life is arranged 

broadly into three sections: the first being introductory, the second giving the 

taxonomic list of the animal forms and the third giving short notes on some 

important species found in the State of Maharashtra. As regards Marathi 

names, some have been given but as is to be expected, there are no Marathi 

names for many species, and among names that are current, there is a great 

deal of confusion, because the same species is known by different names and 

the same Marathi word may be used to denote different species in different 

areas. In order to avoid confusion, Latin names have been used in the text. In 

the introduction to his book ‘A CLASSIFICATION OF LIVING ANIMALS' 

Lord Rothschild states that innumerable examples could be given of 

"confusion by the use of vernacular as opposed to Latin names. Where I live, 

the hedgehog, Erinaceus, is sometimes called an urchin. Where I often work, 

an urchin is called Echinus, But members of the orderEchinoida(sea 

urchins), to which Echinus belongs, are also called sea hedgehogs, egg 

urchins, sea eggs, egg-fish, buttonfish, sea thistles, needle shells, chestnuts, 

burrs, spikes, zarts, porcupines and whore's eggs”. It is however useful to the 

general reader to know the Marathi names of the more common species, and 

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it is for this purpose that Marathi names should be given by either adopting 

apt names out of those current or framing suitable words. 

The Bombay Natural History Society would be grateful to receive from 

readers, particularly teachers and students of universities in Maharashtra, 

suggestions for improvement of the material furnished in this volume, and 

precise information as to animal form, name of the village, taluka and 

district, and the time of the year along with the local name if known. 

(Communications may be addressed to the Curator of the Society, Hornbill 

House, Bombay-400 001). There is considerable scope for identification and 

detailed studies of the genera and species included in the volume and others, 

and the publication of this volume may be taken as an opportunity to 

teachers and students and citizens interested in the fauna of Maharashtra to 

check the species and the information available about them with the view to 

building up precise records. 

4.Number of species in Maharashtra.-Before giving a description of the 

geography of the state, it would be interesting to know the approximate 

number of various animal forms of Maharashtra, as compared to those of 

India and the world. A few figures are given below by way of illustration : 

Animal form .. World Total Indian Total MaharashtraTotal 

Mammals .. 4,500 320 85 

Reptiles .. 5,000 440 100 

Birds .. 8,600 1,200 500 

Insects .. 7,00,000 50,000 30,000 

Fishes .. 23,000 1,400 600 

5.Revenue and Forest Divisions.—Maharashtra State was formed on 1st 

May 1960, as a result of bifurcation of the composite Bombay State that 

itself was created in 1956 by adding, to the old Bombay State, the territories 

of Saurashtra, kutch, Vidarbha (from Central Provinces) and Marathwada 

(from Hyderabad State), and by excluding four districts of the old Bombay 

State, namely, Belgaum, Dharwar, Karwar (North Kanara) and Bijapur 

(which went to Mysore State). The present State of Maharashtra has 26 

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Revenue Districts, divided broadly into three regions— (i) Western 

Maharashtra Region with four Konkan Districts (Thana, Greater Bombay, 

Kolaba and Ratnagiri), six above-Ghat Districts (Nasik, Ahmednagar, Poona, 

Satara, Sangli and Kolhapur), two Tapti Valley Districts of Dhulia and 

Jalgaon (formerly known as West and East Khandesh), and the thirteenth 

plains District of Sholapur ; (ii) Vidarbha Region, comprising the four 'Berar' 

Districts of Buldhana, Akola, Amravati and Yeotmal and four eastern 

Districts of Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara and Chandrapur (former Chanda), 

and (iii) Marathwada Region comprising five Districts of Aurangabad, Bhir 

and Osmanabad, in the west and Parbhani and Nanded in the east. Each 

revenue district forms usually a Forest Division except that such districts as 

have little or no forest have no separate forest divisions, and the districts 

with good forests may each have two or more forest divisions. The 26 

Revenue Districts have thus 36 territorial forest divisions. Three Revenue 

Districts without a forest division are, Greater Bombay, Sholapur and Sangli, 

while the five Marathwada Districts have only two forest divisions (Nanded 

and Aurangabad). Nine districts having one forest division each are: Kolaba, 

Ratnagiri (Sawantwadi forest division), Ahmednagar, Satara, Kolhapur, 

Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and Buldhana The remaining nine Revenue Districts 

have 25 forest divisions as shown in brackets: Thana (3), Nasik (2), Dhulia 

(2), Jalgaon (2), Poona (3), Bhandara (2), Amravati (3), Yeotmal (2) and 

Chandrapur (6). 

The details of forest divisions are relevant as habitat of wild animals that can 

live only in forest areas. A reference is requested to the attached maps of 

Maharashtra State showing revenue and forest divisions. 

6.Physiography and rainfall.—The State of Maharashtra has an area of 

about 1,20,000 sq. miles or 3,00,000 sq. km which is just over 10 per cent of 

the area of the Indian Union. The State forms a major part of Peninsular 

India with Arabian Sea in the west, the States of Gujarat and Madhya 

Pradesh (M.P.) in the north ; M.P. in the east, and Goa, Mysore and Andhra 

Pradesh in the south. The State lies between 15.5° and 22° of north latitude 

and 72.6° and 81° of east longitude. The actual sea coast extends from the 

Goa border at Terekhol Creek in the south to about 10 km north of Dahanu 

(or 130 km north of Bombay) i.e. roughly from 15.6° to 20.2° of north 

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latitude, giving a seaboard (on the Arabian Sea) of about 4.6° or a distance of 

about 600 km (which with the creeks and estuaries would go up to about 700 

km). The main physical feature of the State is the range of mountains called 

the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) which runs north-south, almost parallel to the 

coast at a distance of 50 to 80 km, and which has an average elevation of 

about 900 metres. The road and rail passes in this range, such as on Bombay- 

Agra and Bombay-Poona rail lines and roads, are at a height of about 600 to 

700 metres, but there are peaks rising to 1,500—1,640 metres (Kalsubai 

1640 m). At right angles to the Western Ghats, i.e. running west-cast are four 

ranges of hills ; first the Satpura range (between Narbada and Tapti basins) 

which forms the northern boundary of Dhulia and Jalgaon Districts of the 

State. The second is the Ajanta hills range, which lies to the south of the 

Tapti basin, and north of the Godavari basin. The third range is the Balaghat 

range, which lies to the south of the Upper Godavari basin and to the north 

of Bhima River basin. Last is the Mahadeo Hills range which separates the 

Bhima basin from the Upper Krishna River basin. Except for portions of the 

plains District of Sholapur, all districts of the State have hills, large and 

small, and the river basins are not large alluvial plains, but valleys mostly 

narrow. The Deccan plateau slopes gradually away from the Western Ghats 

and is made of basaltic rock overlaid with lavas. 

The rainfall pattern can be best represented by means of strips of land 

running north-south, with varying east-west width. The first strip is the 

coastal area of Konkan which has a rainfall of 200 to 250 cm; to its east is 

the second strip that includes the mountain range of Western Ghats with a 

rainfall of 375 cm at places like Igatpuri, Lonavla and Helwak situated on 

the road passes from the Konkan to the Deccan plateau. The plateau of 

Mahabaleshwar which is at a height of about 1,350 metres, and is not far 

from the Arabian Sea as the crow flies has a rainfall of about 600 cm. The 

next, i.e., third strip of land adjoins the Western Ghats on the east where the 

paddy crop is raised and where the rainfall decreases from 375 cm to about 

100 cm as one goes east, within a distance of 30 to 40 km. The fourth strip 

includes Poona and has a rainfall of 60 to 80 cm. Thus within a distance of 

about 65 km from Lonavala to Poona the rainfall drops sharply from 375 cm 

to about 60 cm. The last or fifth strip is that of "rainfall shadow", which 

includes scarcity areas of Ahmednagar, Poona and Satara Districts, and has a 

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ainfall of only about 50 cm on an average. Some pockets in this shadow 

zone have still less rainfall. As we go eastward from this zone the rainfall 

increases: first in the zone of 60-70 cm of rainfall which includes 

Aurangabad ; next in the 80-100 cm rainfall zone which includes Parbhani 

and Nanded Districts; and lastly, the 100-200 cm rainfall zone which 

includes Nagpur, Bhandara, Wardha and Chandrapur Districts of Vidarbha, 

that have excellent forests. 

7.Forests and wild life.— The rainfall pattern determines the extent and 

nature of the forests. The Western Ghats have moist deciduous forests, the 

best forests of this class being in Sawantwadi, south of Ratnagiri. This forest 

belt is bounded on east and west by dry deciduous forests e.g. in Thana, 

Nasik, Satara and Kolhapur Districts. Beyond the belt of dry deciduous 

forests are the thorn or scrub forests, which at one time covered the eastern 

parts of the above-Ghat Districts but which have recently yielded to 

extension of cultivation in most areas; or to grazing by cattle and browsing 

by sheep and goats. The Satpura forests are in the northern areas of Dhulia 

and Jalgaon Districts, while the Melghat forests are in the north of Amravati 

District. The best forests are in Chandrapur District (formerly Chanda) ; with 

rich forest wealth including teak, bamboo, anjan, tembhurni and several 

vegetations of commercial and medicinal value. 

The area of forests in Maharashtra State is roughly 61.000 sq. km or 21 per 

cent of the State's surface area, which is less than the optimum. In the present 

context, forests provide home for wild animals, particularly the deer, 

antelope, and wild pig, and the carnivores which live on the former. The best 

forests in Yeotmal-Chandrapur area of Vidarbha also have plentiful wild life. 

The forests of the Western Ghats and of the Satpura range are of some 

importance for forest purpose, but have little wild life left. The forests of the 

Western Ghats have perhaps been denuded almost completely of wild life. 

Reference to the District Gazetteers issued in the 19th century and the 

Hyderabad State Gazetteer issued in 1909, will show that a large variety of 

wild life existed in almost all the districts, and areas which constitute the 

present Maharashtra State. The first volume of the India Gazetteer of 1965 

mentions, in Chapter 5, the reduction or disappearance of the Crocodile (p. 

254), the Pinkheaded Duck (p. 258), the Great Indian Bustard (p. 261), the 

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Cheetah (p. 273), the Asiatic or two-horned Rhinoceros (p. 274) and the 

Kashmir Stag (p. 275). The revised editions of the Gazetteers of Poona and 

Satara Districts, published in 1954 and 1963, point out that the Tiger which 

was once plentiful in these districts, particularly in the Ghat areas, and on the 

Mahabaleshwar Plateau, has become rare. The leaflet issued by the Forest 

Department of the Maharashtra Government on the occasion of the wild life 

week in October 1968 points out that the larger wild animals have suffered in 

the last decade a serious reduction, and that the number of tigers is reduced 

to such an extent that there is anxiety about its total disappearance. It is 

stated in the leaflet that during 1966 and 1967 only 22 and 19 permits were 

issued, respectively, for shooting tigers, but actually many more must have 

been killed. It is also stated in The leaflet that Nilgai and Blackbuck have 

practically disappeared from all parts of the State, and that Sambar, 

Chousinga and Chinkara which were plentiful at one time have become rare 

in several parts of the State. It is necessary to analyse and study the factors 

that threaten the survival of birds and animals in order to obtain an idea of 

their quantitative effect. The factors may be enumerated serially as under : 

(1)Extension of cultivation, and reduction of forest areas and grasslands. 

(2)Misuse of crop protection guns for killing of birds and animals. 

(3)Large scale poaching for meat, skins, feathers, etc. by villagers and for 

organised trade. 

(4)Disturbance of wild life in their natural habitat owing to increased human 

activities for collection of firewood, leaves, forest produce, etc. 

(5)Use of pesticides and poisons. 

(6)VIP shoots, shoots on permits and their consequences. 

The first factor, namely, extension of cultivation due to pressure of 

population has been accepted in the past as both inevitable and inexorable; 

but time has now come to consider if reduction of forest areas should be 

halted altogether and reliance be placed on intensive cultivation rather than 

on extension of it by destruction of forest areas (actual and potential). 

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The second factor is of vital importance in the villages adjoining forests and 

— with modern means of transport — in all villages and towns within 

motoring distance. It cannot be denied that crop protection guns, licences for 

which have been issued by thousands in the last two decades, are used for 

illicit killing of birds and animals, mainly for obtaining meat. There is no 

restriction in the licence about the time and the place for carrying these 

weapons; nor the manner in which they may be used. They are carried and 

used at all times of the year irrespective of the fact that there is no crop to be 

protected. They are entrusted to any person who is able to use them, and are 

carried to forests in the neighbourhood. Illicit arms also come out to form a 

line with licit guns. Parties of villagers are formed to track down and kill 

wild animals, and even a solitary wild boar or sambar cannot escape from 

such parties which may chase the animal for hours and days. The common 

deer, antelope and birds generally fall a prey to these guns, and there is no 

control over them. When the forest staff is off duty or having a holiday, these 

guns are brought out and used in forest areas. Most of the havoc caused in 

whatever forests remain after extension of tillage, can be ascribed to these 

guns. Apart from misuse of guns issued for crop protection, on the dwindling 

wild life left in forests, large scale poaching for meat, feathers and skins, is 

carried on — broadly by two agencies. The first is the agency of those who 

set up traps and nets or attack game at drinking places for private gain; this 

includes those who traditionally follow these practices. The increase in 

population of the country has been reflected in increased poaching by this 

agency, which also threatens game in so-called game reserves or wild life 

sanctuaries. The number of village people who live in forest villages or 

hamlets or clusters of huts in the heart of forests constitute a serious threat to 

wild life ; so do people who enter forests for collection of leaves, dry wood, 

minor forest produce, etc. Their number has increased to such an extent that 

wild life in forests is seriously disturbed. Such disturbance cannot but affect 

adversely breeding and particularly the care and survival of young ones. 

Organised trade in skins creates the other agency of poachers. The price of 

tiger skins has in the last two decades shot up ten times and though there is a 

ban on commercial export of tiger skins, it is not very difficult for visitors to 

purchase tiger or panther skins and to take them away as part of their 

baggage. 

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The increasing use of pesticides for protection of agricultural crops has some 

repercussion on animal life. The pesticides used are generally quite potent 

and destroy not only the insects against which they are aimed but also 

surrounding life such as rodents, reptiles, frogs and fishes which may absorb 

the poison through food or water or otherwise. The chemical and other 

factories located on creeks and river banks usually discharge their effluent 

into the nearby waters; and rarely care is taken to ensure that the effluent is 

harmless to aquatic life. Whenever a carnivore like the lion or tiger or 

panther clashes with interests of man or tries to live on his livestock such 

animal is doomed: it is destroyed sooner or later — either being declared 

vermin and openly shot or being poisoned quietly as revenge by owners of 

the livestock. There is no dearth of potent poisons for the purpose, and little 

can be done to save such carnivores. 

Lastly come the organised shoots for dignitaries and VIPs as well as shoots 

allowed on permits. In case of the former, the dignitary himself may be 

content with a modest bag that complies with the game rules but the 

occasion may well be utilised by the entourage and others to take full 

advantage of the facilities provided and to bag as many trophies as possible. 

In case of shoots on permits, too, the same effect can be in evidence 

occasionally; and more animals would be shot than indicated by the records. 

In every such case, however, the villagers living in the neighbourhood who 

witness the shoots (for V.I.P.s or on permits) cannot help feeling why they 

should be deprived of the sport or trophies, merely because they are not rich 

or prominent and it is certain from experience that several animals are killed 

by people who see organised shoots, but cannot participate in them and who 

make their own arrangements for their share of trophies, human nature being 

what it is. 

All in all, wild life is having a trying time, and fears have been expressed by 

knowledgeable persons about the impending extermination of such 

wonderful wild animals of India as the Tiger and the Panther. Already 

blackbuck, spotted deer, sambar and wild pig have been wiped out in large 

areas of Maharashtra State, and the carnivores whose natural food is formed 

by them are bound to go the same way either directly or after clashing with 

human interests in some form or other. 

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8. Wonders of wild life.—It would be a sad day when wild life becomes rare 

or ceases to exist in Maharashtra State. Surely, human beings are not the only 

living creatures with rights upon this earth. Wild life once exterminated 

cannot ever be replaced; forests can be replanted, ruined buildings, palaces 

and temples can be restored or rebuilt, but it is beyond human power to 

replace extinct species. The generations to come will certainly blame those 

of their forefathers who allowed the great beauty and excitement of wild 

animals to disappear. Some wonderful features of wild life may be of interest 

to the general reader, to know what is at stake. 

In the scale of creation of living beings, life has existed on this planet for 

about 3,000 million years and mammals have existed for 200 million years 

against man's span of less than a quarter million years. There are over one 

million species of animals and 3,500 of mammals, and the range of weight is 

from the Shrew of 10 gm to the Blue-Whale of 130 tonnes. Many marvellous 

faculties of animal life have been observed and described. It is known that in 

case of lions and elephants an 'auntie' may help at the birth of cub or calf and 

also remain present to take care of the young ones when the mother is away. 

Elephants are known to help not only the younger ones, but also comrades 

who have been wounded. The marvellous eyesight of eagles, vultures and 

falcons, is well known. An eagle can detect a fish from a distance of over 4 

km. and a falcon is known to swoop on a small bird from a distance of over 2 

km. Vultures have an uncanny way of detecting dead animals while hovering 

hundreds of metres high in the sky. 

To equal these feats, man would need an eyesight that can read a newspaper 

headline at a distance of hundred metres. The power of smell of certain 

animals is phenomenal. It is reported that a polar bear scents seal blubber 

from a distance of 20 km. Elephants have a power of scent that can operate 

at 3 km. A Shark can detect by smell blood diluted to the extent of one part 

of blood in 50 million parts of water. The scenting powers of police dogs are 

well known. Dogs are also known to have a very acute sense of hearing, and 

can detect at some distance the sound of the engine of the master's 

automobile from amongst hundreds of similar motors. The homing instinct 

of dogs and cats is known to many people, but that of salmon and other 

fishes is wonderful. One can only guess how migratory birds travelling 

FAUNA 17

thousands of Kilometres over vast continents in our hemisphere are able to 

reach the same southern haunts for wintering and return to their usual abodes 

for nesting in summer. A human child has no such instinct whatsoever, and 

can get lost at a small exhibition or in a crowd. Many birds have a biological 

clock inside that enables them to know precisely when the sun is going to 

rise, and to start their activities accordingly. The thrift, planning and cooperative 

living of ants, bees and wasps are models for any human 

community. The toughness of certain forms of animal life is noteworthy; 

man can live only a few days without water and only a few weeks without 

food. Camels can live without water for a month. A rattle snake is known to 

live without food for one year. Wild animals such as blackbuck in the Runn 

of Cutch — even bulky animals like the lion — are known to adapt 

themselves to arid conditions, and to live without water altogether or from 

one spell of rains to the next. The firefly produces light almost without heat, 

and man has not yet been able to achieve anything even approaching it. The 

spider's thread can be as thin as a millionth of one centimetre, and several 

strands have to be brought together before they become visible to the human 

eye. The strength and agility of wild cats is proverbial. A tiger of about 200 

kg weight can without a start jump vertically about 6 metres and across 

about 12 metres; his own length without the tail being less than 3 metres. 

Such feats are just impossible for human beings. The tiger is known to have 

moved the carcass of a 550 kg bull a distance of more than 400 metres over 

rough ground, while a leopard has been known to put a 140 kg giraffe (killed 

by it) high up in a tree. The speeds reached by animals are no exception to 

their other powers; a lion can reach in his charge a speed of 80 km (50 

M.P.H.) per hour, and bulky animals like the buffalo and rhinoceros 

weighing around a tonne can reach speeds of 40 km per hour (25 M.P.H.). 

Even the sloth-bear can run at about 50 km per hour (30 M.P.H.) for a short 

distance and a porpoise can exceed the same speed in water without 

difficulty. The wolf is noted for its stamina, and can move at 25 to 30 km per 

hour (15 to 20 M.P.H.) for 12 hours during the night. Finally, a hawk diving 

for its prey may reach a speed of 400 km per hour Man has power to 

conserve as well as to destroy. Are we to lose for ever these wonderful 

creatures for no fault of theirs, when with some effort it is possible to avoid 

their extermination and at some cost it is possible to ensure their continuance 

in numbers ? Any person having to deal with any aspect of fauna, cannot fail 

FAUNA 18

to be disturbed by the destruction of wild life that is going on and the grim 

prospect of extermination of many species. The world has already lost by 

extinction scores of species, and enough is known at the present time 

regarding the manner of damage to wild life and the measures for 

conservation of wild life to enable us to preserve it. 

9. Tiger in Maharashtra State.—Let us consider the case of survival of the 

tiger in Maharashtra State. The area comprising every district of the present 

Maharashtra (with the exception of Sholapur and Osmanabad) had, about a 

century ago, plenty of tigers. They were known to occur in large numbers in 

certain mountains and hilly areas. Today they have totally disappeared from 

such districts as Thana, Kolaba, Nasik, Ahmadnagar, Poona, Satara and 

Kolhapur. A tiger census in Maharashtra State during 1961-62 showed a total 

of 467 animals, comprising 329 males, 101 females and 37 cubs. There has 

been reduction in tigers in recent years as conceded in the wild life week 

leaflet of October 1968. In fact, a recent inquiry shows that tigers exist in 

small numbers only in a few areas viz. Sawantwadi Region of Ratnagiri 

District, Kinvat Taluka of Nanded District and in Bhandara, Yeotmal and 

Chandrapur Districts. Stray animals might be reported from or might be 

rumoured to exist in some other areas, but such reports and rumours need to 

be discounted in the context of regular survival of the tiger. The following 

extracts from old district gazetteers (year of publication and page) will throw 

light not only on tiger population of different areas, but on a number of 

connected matters : 

(a) Ratnagiri and Sawantwadi(1880, p. 44) — Tiger is scarce and is seen 

only in dense cover of Sahyadri. 

(b) Kolaba and Janjira(1883, p. 35) —There are always one or two tigers in 

the district. The Sahyadri range has almost always a tiger. 

(c)Thana(1882, p. 44) — Though becoming rare, the tiger is found at all 

seasons in the forests on the slopes and valleys of the Sahyadri and the 

principal detached ranges and hills, e.g. Tungar, Mahuli and Takmak. About 

1774 the Salsette hills were infested with tigers which sometimes became 

man-eaters. Before the B.B.C.I. (now Western) railway company constructed 

FAUNA 19

the lines and fences, tigers were common in the mangrove swamps of 

Dahanu and Mahim (Palghar) and the Karand —- covered plains near Boisar. 

Man-eating tigers were common because boys tending cattle tried to drive 

off tigers attacking cattle and were themselves seized. During the five years 

ended 1878-79, 53 human beings and 935 heads of cattle were killed by 

tigers and 99 tigers were slain. 

(d)Khandesh(1880, p. 30) — In 1822, wild beasts killed 500 human beings 

and 20,000 heads of cattle. Within 3 months of 1823, 60 tigers were killed. 

Upto 1860 Khandesh was the largest stronghold of tigers. A special tiger 

destruction unit assisted the police. Owing to spread of tillage and increase 

in population the tiger is no longer found in the plains. But he still roams in 

all the hilly tracts. Even there the numbers are declining. During the five 

years ended 1879, 16 human beings and 391 heads of cattle were killed by 

tigers and the ‘return’ shows that the number of tigers slain annually declined 

from 15 in 1866-70 to 10 in 1871-80. 

(e)Nasik(1883, p. 21) — The tiger was within the last twenty years common 

in Baglan, Malegaon and in the west of the district along the line of the 

Sahyadri hills. In the rains, tigers still move among the hills. But in the other 

parts of the district, the thinning of the forests, the spread of tillage and 

destruction of his natural food pig and sambar, have almost entirely driven 

the tiger away. During the five years ending 1879, only 13 tigers were killed. 

(f) Ahmednagar(1884, p. 27) —Big game is almost unknown, 

About twenty years ago, a bison (gava) was shot in the forest above Igatpuri 

in Nasik. An occasional tiger is heard of in the hills about Harishchandragad. 

(g) Poona(1884, p. 69) — The spread of tillage and the increase in 

population constantly reduce the number of wild animals. The tiger is found 

only in the Sahyadris and even there in small numbers. During the eight 

years ending 1882, 4 human beings and 175 cattle were killed by tigers and 

15 tigers were slain, for which rewards were given by government. 

(h) Satara(1885, p. 38) —In the west, chiefly in Koyna valley, ... is found 

the tiger. It is not so numerous as to do much damage, though occasionally 

FAUNA 20

man-eating tigers appear .... Of late years bison have increased in the forests 

on Mala pass hills. A bull bison was shot on Mahabaleshwar in 1873. 

(i) Kolhapur(1886, p. 31)—The tiger is found in the hills of…., in 

Bhudargad, in Panhala and….in Vishalgad. About two tigers on an average 

are slain every year. During the five years ending 1881, loss due to tigers 

was 83 human beings and 2,138 cattle. 

(j) Yeotmal(1908, p. 10) — The Berar Gazetteer of 1870 states "Tigers are so 

numerous that it is dangerous to travel on foot at night through three-fourths 

of the district." Tigers though no longer numerous are found in most of the 

largest reserves; they live largely on sambar, chital and nilgai. 

(k) Wardha(1906, p. 6) — Tigers are now only heard of on the Chanda 

border, where they occasionally kill cattle during the rains. The forests of 

Wardha are isolated and do not afford sufficient harbour for these animals. 

(l) Buldhana(1910, p. 16) — The tiger is found though not frequently in the 

Satpura and rarely in Ajantha hills. 

(m) Akola(1910, p. 8) — Now (1909) cultivation has spread so much that 

wild animals have become scarce. A tiger may be found sometimes near old 

forts in the north. 

(n) Aurangabad(Hyderabad State Gazetteer, 1909, p. 194) — Tigers are 

occasionally found. 

(o) Parbhani(ibid., p. 215) — In the jungles of Jintur, Hingoli and 

Kalamnuri tigers are found. 

(p) Nanded (ibid., p. 224) — In Hadgaon, tigers are found. 

(q) Bhir(ibid., p. 233) — Tigers are occasionally met with in some of the 

wooded hills. 

FAUNA 21

The above extracts clearly establish the causes of reduction of tigers during 

the nineteenth century. The extract at (c) will indicate that the area that now 

forms Greater Bombay had in the eighteenth century its share of tigers, 

including man-eaters. The extract at(h), which mentions Koyna valley as a 

haunt or tigers, underlines another cause of reduction of wild life; the valley 

is now a lake due to construction of the Koyna dam. Such storage reservoirs, 

in remote forest areas, have also led to depletion of wild life, but this is 

inevitable. 

10.Tiger population.— Let us consider statistically the variation of a tiger 

population, and the factors involved. It is obvious that the only addition to a 

given tiger population in an isolated region can occur solely by survival of 

cubs; and that over a period of years, the population will decrease if the 

number of deaths from all causes exceeds the number of cubs surviving to 

adulthood. Normally tigresses start to breed at the age of 3 years and may 

breed every other year, until about the age of 13 years. It is known that after 

the age of about 14 years, wild lions do not survive, because having blunt 

teeth and/or lacking the strength to hunt or having other infirmity, they are 

killed by hyenas wild dogs etc. The same upper age limit may reasonably be 

held to apply to tigers also. A tigress which in season seeks the male, would 

thus breed, during her reproductive age about 4 or 5 times, assuming no 

dearth of male tigers for mating. The number of cubs in a litter is usually 3 to 

4 but cub mortality is high, due to hyenas, wild dogs, birds of prey and even 

ants, apart from disease, and poachers. The size and frequency of litters of 

course depend on stress of living and availability of food and must be 

affected by 'disturbance' referred to in para. 7 above. Two cubs may thus 

reach adulthood safely, and start hunting on their own. Even at this stage, 

casualties occur, owing to inexperience or ineptitude of the probationer and a 

young tiger may suffer death when trying to kill formidable animals like the 

wild boar, buffalo, etc. It may be assumed that one tigress in course of her 

reproductive life span of 10 years will make an addition of not more than 

about 10 cubs, i.e. the average addition is not more than one cub per year per 

tigress of reproductive age. On the debit side we have to take account of 

many factors such as disease, disabling injuries, in addition to the tigers 

killed by poachers or poisoned, shot on permits or by V.I.Ps. and dignitaries 

and the ancillary loss connected with such shoots, as stated earlier. It will 

FAUNA 22

thus be clear that the odds are heavy against an increase in the number of 

tigers in a restricted or isolated area. It may be mentioned as a matter of the 

writer's personal knowledge that the Tungar hill range near Bassein in Thana 

District (which at one time had several tigers) was reported to contain only 

one tigress and two cubs about the year 1945, and that these three animals 

disappeared from the scene by about 1947 just as the other tigers had done 

previously. The tiger is a solitary animal and one of the most important 

factors leading to its extinction is its isolation and its attachment to an area of 

forest. Should the forest area be cut off from other forest areas or hills by 

extension of cultivation or removal of cover or by construction of railway or 

highways and heavy traffic, all the tigers imprisoned in a pocket like the 

Tungar or Mahuli or Takmak hills in Thana District or Lonavla-Khandala 

area in Poona District or the Mahabaleshwar Plateau in Satara District are 

doomed, and are bound to be exterminated within a few years. There will be 

no addition to the population from surrounding areas because of the 

intervening cultivation or highways and traffic; the animals trapped in the 

pocket would not be able to leave for other forests and safe places. The tigers 

in most of the districts of Maharashtra where they were plentiful at one time 

and are now known to be non-existent have disappeared in this manner. By 

way of comparison, the case of lions can be considered. The lion is a social 

animal living in prides of 10 to 15 or more animals. In the Gir forest a 

compact area of some 1,500 sq. km is the home of the Indian lion, and the 

lion population has varied from a dangerous low of 20 or so in the year 1913, 

to about 220 in the year 1949 and about 300 in 1955. Recent reckoning of 

the population in 1963 and 1968 is reported to have disclosed populations of 

about 290 and 180 respectively. In a population 150 lions of both sexes and 

all ages living together in a compact area like the Gir the number of lionesses 

of reproductive age would be about 50 and in the absence of special reasons, 

an average addition of 50 cubs per year may be expected, of which some 30 

to 40 may survive to adult stage. It is assumed that roughly half of the cubs 

will be of each sex. If the mortality from all other causes and old age does 

not exceed 20 or 25 a year there is every reason to believe that the lion 

population will increase. An important consideration must be noticed in this 

discussion. In an isolated tiger population, or in a lion population that has 

fallen below the viable limit owing to adverse conditions, mortality rate 

would be disproportionately high since the number of animals lost on 

FAUNA 23

account of poaching, poisoning, etc., may continue at the old level or may 

even increase. In these circumstances, a small 'big-cat' population of say 

below 100 may not under modern conditions of poaching and wardening be 

able to survive, although the survival of a small group of 20 or 30 lions was 

witnessed more than fifty years ago when conditions were different, pressure 

of human population was less, jeeps and powerful flash lamps were 

unknown, the rifles used were not of latest design, and last but not the least 

the ruler's writ was strictly enforced and implicitly obeyed. Once a 

population falls below the danger or survival level, its extermination 

becomes more rapid than otherwise. Numerically, the females of 

reproductive age are of vital importance. With a population of 100 of a given 

species like lion, tiger or elephant the reproductive age range and next the 

number of females in that range must be determined. Assuming equal sex 

ratio at birth (in absence of information to the contrary) 50 out of 100 would 

be females and of these, excluding immature females, those of reproductive 

age may be 25 or 30. Next we have to consider the number of cubs born on 

an average and the frequency or spacing of litters and mortality of cubs. This 

would give the addition per cent of population per year. Deducting the 

mortality (known or assumed) one gets the net increase if any, or decrease or 

a stationary population. 

A study of wild elephants under normal conditions shows a yearly birthrate 

of 9 per cent, of which not more than six survive beyond one year. Against 

this addition of 5 or 6 percent the adult death rate is about 1.6 per cent, 

giving a survival rate of 4 per cent, to 5 per cent i.e. doubling of the 

population within 20 years or so. Similar statistics for lions can be made 

available but little is known about tigers, and in view of the rapid decline in 

tiger population it seems necessary to err on the safe side. 

11. Conservation of wild life.— If interference with human interests or by 

man is to be avoided — and this issine qua nonfor survival of most species 

of wild life, it is obvious that only national parks will serve the purpose of 

conservation — parks in which no human beings are allowed except game 

wardens (and under strict control a few tourists) with the duty to conserve 

wild life in the park, and in which wild life can live in natural surroundings, 

with adequate natural food, water, prey, predators and the whole cycle of 

nature in a harmonious or balanced operation. The optimum area required for 

FAUNA 24

conserving any given species, and the resulting balance of nature over that 

area will have to be studied carefully; but it seems the time has come for 

initiating such studies with the object of preventing the total extermination of 

several species of wild animals (including the tiger) in Maharashtra State. 

Let us hope that requisite studies will be undertaken and all steps necessary 

to preserve at least the more important species of our wild life will be taken 

before it is too late. 

Bombay, 3rd July 1969 

G. V, BEDEKAR 

FAUNA 25

CHAPTER I — FISHES 

FISH HAS FEATURED IN THE LIFE OF INDIANSsince ancient 

times, when Lord Vishnu, in his first incarnation, the 'Matsyavatara' 

assumed the form of a fish to retrieve the Vedas and warn the wise man 

Manu the impending flood in the mythological era. Leaving aside the 

legend, fishes as part of the animal fauna of Maharashtra have, from times 

immemorial, been an important source of protein food to its people. 

According to science of classification, fishes are included in a group 

technically called Pisces. They are backboned (vertebrate) aquatic animals 

having gills persisting throughout life for aquatic respiration and having 

paired extremities in the form of fins of non-pentadactylus character. They, 

in general, comprise seven classes, covering all the fishes of the world 

both living and extinct. But the living fishes of Maharashtra, so far 

recorded, belong to two main classes, Elasmobranchii and Teleostomi, to 

which most of the living fishes of the world also belong. 

The class Elasmobranchii are cartilaginous fishes. They are 

characterised by possession of gristly or cartilaginous skeleton, 

strengthened by calcification (except teeth which are horny) and by having 

several gill apertures or clefts, 5 to 7 in number, opening separately on 

each side of the body. The class Teleostomi as the name implies (teleosts 

means completely bony) are bony fishes, wherein the gill clefts of the 

Elasmobranchii are replaced by a more advanced single gill chamber or 

cavity protected by a cover (opercle) on each side. Besides these main 

features, there are other differences between the two classes for which 

reference is invited to books on ichthyology, the science of fishes. 

These two classes (Elasmobranchii and Teleostomi) are further 

divided into groups having similar characteristics, namely orders, families, 

genera and finally the species. Another grouping is based on environment, 

i.e. the type of water such as marine (saline), estuarine (brackish) and 

fresh water in which the fish live. The estuarine fish frequent the coastal 

FAUNA 26

sea also and, therefore, both these are included in marine category, 

whereas fresh water forms remain separate. Both these categories are dealt 

with in this chapter separately. However migratory fish like Hilsa or Palla 

appear in both. 

Incidentally, it may be mentioned that although animals like prawns, 

lobsters, oysters, bivalves etc. are considered as fishery products in 

common parlance, they are excluded from this chapter as they cannot 

scientifically be classed as fishes or Pisces. Only the above-mentioned two 

classes of fishes are, therefore, listed below, arranged according to their 

orders, families etc. Marine fishes are listed first and fresh water fishes 

listed thereafter. 

Classification of fishes followed in this chapter is the same as 

indicated by the Russian author L. S. Berg.1 As regards scientific names, 

there have been considerable changes from time to time according to 

international rules of nomenclature and also on account of more detailed 

knowledge about our fishes being available through recent observations 

and research. For this reason, the latest and comparatively prevalent names 

are given wherever possible but along with these, the names adopted by 

Day2 are also given as equivalents, because his book is yet the only 

available standard taxonomic book on Indian fishes. Apart from names, 

even in the case of spellings of names, there is disagreement among 

authors. For example, Day had called a genus of sharks,Charcharias; 

Misra3 thought it fit to alter it to Carcharhinus but Smith5 preferred to 

keep it asCarcharinuswhereas Munro4 gave a different name for the genus 

namely,Eulamia. Similarly, a well-known name likeHilsais changed 

toTenualosa. There are several such cases. The changes may be on account 

of rules of nomenclature, but this creates confusion. On account of this 

situation, comparatively more conventional names and spellings are 

retained in this section. 

As regards total number of fishes, it can be stated that the entire 

world has about 21,000 species of fishes. Out of these, India has more than 

1,600, though Day2 has recorded 1,300 and Misra3 only 402. In 

FAUNA 27

Maharashtra there are more than 600 species but in the present 

compilation only 582 have been recorded, 414 being marine and 168 fresh 

water forms. 

The aforesaid list includes indigenous varieties of small fishes which 

are used for aquarium purposes but does mention several exotic aquarium 

fishes which are often found in small aquarium tanks maintained in the 

houses of aquarists. These are either bred by the aquarists and distributed 

to their fellow workers or they are imported from outside as and when 

required. This population thus not being stable and not found in natural 

waters does not find place in the present compilation. 

1. Berg, L.S. —1940 Classification of Fishes, Recent and 

fossil. Inst. Zool. Acad. Sci., 

Leningrad,U. S.S. R. 

2 Day, F. — 1878— 

88 

3. Misra, K. S.— 

1951 

4. Munro, I. S. R. — 

1955 

5 Smith, J. L. B. — 

1953 

The fishes of India, London. 

.. An aid to the identification of Fishes of 

.. An aid to the identification of Fishes of 

India. Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol. XLIX 

.. The Sea fishes of Southern Africa. 

Central News Agency, S. Africa. 

Section II -Taxonomic List of Marine Fishes of Maharashtra 

Serial 

No. 

Scientific name Popular 

English name 

Series : PISCES 

Marathi 

name 

FAUNA 28

Class : ELASMOBRA 

NCHII 

Sub class : SELACHII 

(SELACHOO 

DEI) 

Order LAMNIFORM 

ES 

1 Chiloscyllium griseum 

(Muller and Henle) 

= Day : Chiloscyllium 

griseum. 

2 Chiloscyllium 

indicum (Gmelin). 

=Day : Chiloscyllium 

indicum 

3 Nebrius ferrugineum 

(Lesson) 

= Day : 

Ginglymostoma 

mulleri. 

4 Rhincodon typus 

Smith 

= Day : Rhinodon 

typicus 

5 Stegostoma varium 

(Seba) 

= Day : Stegostoma 

Family : Orectolobidae 

Dog fish .. Baravla. 

.. Banded dog 

fish 

.. Baravla. 

.. Rusty shark .. Sunera. 

.. Whale shark .. .. Deomushi, 

Karanj, 

Bahiri. 

.. Zebra shark .. Shinavla. 

FAUNA 29

tigrinum 

6 Stegostoma fasciatum … … 

7 Carcharias 

tricuspidatus Day 

=Day : Odontaspis 

tricuspidatus 

Serial 

No. 

Family : Odontaspidae 

.. Shark .. Waghir. 


English name 

8 Physodon mulleri 

(Muller and Henle). 

= Day : Charcharias 

mulleri 

9 Scoliodon palasorrah 

(Cuvier) 


acutus 

10 Scoliodon sorrakowah 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Characharias 

laticaudus 

11 Scoliodon walbeehmi 

Bleeker 


walbeehmii. 

Family : Carcharhinidae 

Marathi 

name 

Shark .. Mushi. 

.. Grey-dog shark .. Mori. 

.. Yellow-dog 

shark 

.. Sharp-nosed 

shark. 

.. Sonmushi. 

.. Mushi. 

FAUNA 30

12 Scoliodon ceylonensis 

Setna and Sarangdhar. 

13 Hypoprion macloti 


=Day : Charcharias 

macloti. 

14 Carcharhinus bleekeri 

(Dumeril) 

-Day : Charcharias 

bleekeri. 

15 Carcharhinus 

dussumieri (Muller 

and Henle). 

=Day : Charcharias 

dussumieri. 


gangeticus (Muller 

and Henle). 

- Day : Charcharias 

gangeticus. 

17 Carcharhinus limbatus 



limbatus. 


melanopterus (Quoy 

and Gaimard). 


melanopterus. 



.. Shark .. Mushi. 

White- cheeked 

Shark 

Mushi. 

Gangetic Shark .. Mushi. 

Shark .. Balda or 

Pisori. 

Black-finned 

shark 

Khada. 

FAUNA 31


menisorrah (Muller 

and Henle). 


menisorrah. 

20 Carcharhinus sorrah 



sorrah. 

21 Carcharhinus watu 



temminckii (Muller 

and Henle). 


temminckii. 

23 Galeocerdo arcticus 

(Faber) 

= Day : Galeocerdo 

tigrinus. 

24 Hemigaleus balfouri 

Day 

- Day : Hemigaleus 

balfouri. 

25 Hemipristis pingali 


26 Murmille mustellus 

(Linnaeus) 

Shark .. Ghari 

Mushi. 

Shark .. Khirwa. 

Shark .. Watu. 


.. Tiger shark .. Waghbeer. 

.. Shark .. Chichundri. 

Shark .. Pingal 

.. Shark .. Mushi. 

FAUNA 32

27 Sphyrna blochii 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Zygaena 

blochii. 

Serial 

No. 

Family : Sphyrnidae 

.. Hammer-head 

shark. 


English name 

28 Sphyrna tudes 

(Valenciennes) 


tudes. 

29 Sphyrna zygaena 

(Linnaeus) 


malleus 

30 Rhinobatos armatus 

(Gray) 

= Day : Rhinobatus 

granulatus. 

31 Rhinobatos granulatus 

(Cuvier) 


granulatus. 

32 Rhinobatos obtusus 



shark. 


shark. 

Sub-class: BATOIDEI 

Order : RAJIFORMES 

Family : Rhinobatidae 

Kanar 

Marathi name 

Kanmushi. 

Boot. 

Skate .. Lanj. 

.. Skate .. Lanj. 

Skate .. Lanj. 

FAUNA 33


halavi. 

33 Rohinobatos thoumi 

34 Rhynchobatus 

djiddensis (Forskal) 

= Day : Rhynchobatus 

djeddensis 

35 Rhina ancylostomus 

Bloch and Schneider. 

= Day : Rhynchobatus 

ancylostomus. 

36 Pristis cuspidatus 

Latham 

= Day : Pristis 

cuspidatus 

37 Pristis microdon 

Latham 

= Day : Pristis 

perrotieti. 

38 Dasyatis (Hiniantura) 

(Blyth) 

= Day : Trygon 

bleekeri. 

.. Shovelnose 

skate 

Bow-mouthed 

skate. 

Family : Pristidace 

Ranja, Pok, 

Lanj. 

.. .. Sawfish .. Nali. 

.. .. Saw fish .. Win, 

Khandere. 

Family: Trygonidae 

bleekeri 

Whiptail 

stingray. 

Chamli. 

39 Dasyatis (Himantura) uarnak Banded Waghya 

FAUNA 34

(Forskal). 

= Day : Trygon uarnak 

40 Dasyatis (Himantura) 

verigatus (Annandale). 


(Annandale). 


(Gray). 


walga (Muller and 

Henle), 

= Day : Trygon walga. 

44 Dasyatis (Pastinachus) 

(Forskal). 

= Day : Trygon 

sephen, 

45 Dasyatis 

(Amphotistius) (Bloch 

and Schneider). 

= Day : 1 rigon 

imbricata. 

Seria 

l No. 

whiptail 

stingray. 

uarnak 

Whiptail 

stingray. 

Pakat. 

Waghya 

Pakat. 

alcocki Ray .. Goras. 

Gerrardi Ray .. Goras. 

Ray .. Pakat. 

sephen Cowtail 

ray 

imbricata Scaly 

stingray 


English name 

46 Dasyatis (Amphotistius) 


= Day : Trygon kuhlii. 

.. Goval 

Pakat. 

.. Pakat. 

Marathi 

name 

kuhlii Stingray .. Pakat. 

FAUNA 35

47 Dasyatis (Amphotistius) 


= Day : Trygon zugei. 

48 Gymnura (Gymnura) 

(Shaw). 

= Day : Pteroplatea 

micrura. 

49 Aetomyealus milvus 


50 Aetomylaeus nichofii 

(Bloch and Schneider). 

= Day : Myliobatis 

nieuhofii. 

51 Aetomylaeus maculatus 

(Gray) 

= Day : Myliobatis 

maculata. 

52 Aetobatus flagellum 

(Schneider) 

= Day : Aetobatis 

narinari. 

53 Taeniura melanospilos 

(Bleeker) 

zugei Paleedged 

stingray. 

poecilura 

Butterfly ray 

Family: Myliobatidae 

. 

. 

.. Pakat. 

.. Randgi, 

Shevta. 

Eagle ray .. Bolad. 

Eagle ray .. Bolad. 

Mottled eagle 

ray 

Spotted eagle 

ray 

Family : Rhinopteridae 

.. Bolad, 

Wagli. 

.. Bolad, 

Wagli. 

Black stingray …Kali Balad 

54 Rhinoptera javanica Gow-nosed ray .. Bolad, 

FAUNA 36

Muller and Henle. 

= Day : Rhinoptera 

javanica. 

55 Mobula diabolus (Shaw) 

= Day : Dicerobatis 

eregoodoo, 

56 Mobula mobulur 

(Bonnaterre) 

57 Narcine indica Henle 

= Day : Narcine timlei. 

58 Torpedo marmorata 

Risso 

59 Narke dipterygia (Bloch 


= Day : Astrape 

dipterygia. 

60 Torpedo zugmayeri 

Engelhart 

Family : Mobulidae 

Order : TORPEDINIFORMES 

. 

. 

. 

. 

Family : Torpedinidae 

Class : Teleostomi 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

Wagli. 

Devil ray .. Shing 

Pakat. 

Devil ray .. Shing 

Pakat. 

.. Electric ray .. Zinzina. 

.. Electric ray .. Bijali, 

Zinzina. 

Sub-class : Actinopterygii 

Numb fish .. Zinzina 

Electric ray .. Zinzina 

FAUNA 37

61 Elops saurus (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Elops saurus. 

Order : Clupeiformesi 

62 Megalops cyprinoides 

(Broussonet) 

= Day : Megalops 

cyprinoides. 

Seria 

l No. 

Family: Elopidae 

. 

. 

Family : Megalopidae 


English 

name 

Family: Dussumieridae. 

63 Dussumieria acuta 

Valenciennes 

= Day : Dussumieria acuta 

64 Dussumieria hasselti 

Bleeker 

= Day : Dussumieria 

hasselti. 

Family : Clupeidae 

65 Harengula punctata 

(Ruppel) 

= Day : Clupea klunzei. 

66 Sardinella fimbriata 


Dandeli, 

Shonas. 

Indian Tarpon .. Chirai, 

Vadas. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

Common 

rainbow 

sardine. 

Common 

rainbow 

sardine. 

Spotted 

herring .. 

White 

sardine 

Marathi name 

…. 

Sprat Tok. 

Sprat Tok. 

.. Pedwa. 

FAUNA 38

Serial 

No. 

= Day : Clupea fimbriata. 

Giant Herring (Marathi : Bhing) (Hilsa sinensis) 


English 

name 

67 Sardinella longiceps 

Valenciennes 

= Day : Clupea longiceps. 

68 Sardinella melanura 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Clupea atricauda. 

69 Sardinella sindensis (Day) 

= Day : Clupea sindensis. 

Oil 

sardine 

.. Blacktipped 

sardine. .. 

.. sardine. .. …. 

Marathi name 

.. Tarli, Haid. 

FAUNA 39

70 Sardinella dayi Regan 

= Day : Clupea dayi. 

71 Hilsa ilisha (Hamilton) 

= Day : Clupea ilisha. 

72 Hilsa kelee (Cuvier) 

= Day : Clupea kanagurta. 

73 Hilsa sinensis (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Clupea toli. 

74 Kowala coval (Cuvier) 

= Day : Clupea lile. 

75 Ilisha brachysoma (Bleeker) 

= Day : Pellona 

brachysoma. 

76 Ilisha filigera 


= Day : Pellona filigera. 

77 Pellona indica (Swainson) 

= Day : Pellona indica. 

78 Pellona megaloptera 

(Swainson) 

79 Opisthopterus tartoor 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Opisthopterus 

tartoor 

80 Raconda russelliana Gray 

= Day : Raconda 

.. sardine. .. …. 

.. Indian 

shad .. 

.. Indian 

shad 

.. Giant 

herring 

.. Palla. 

.. 

.. Bhing. 

.. Whiting .. Bhiljee. 

.. … .. Gubar. 

.. Jewelled 

shad 

.. Gubar. 

.. … .. Gubar. 

.. 

.. Longfinned 

herring. 

.. Smoothbacked 

… 

.. Palfurda. 

FAUNA 40

usselliana. herring. 

81 Nematalosa nasus (Bloch) 

= Day : Chatoessus nasus. 

82 Anodontostoma chacunda 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Chatoessus 

chacunda. 

Family : Engraulidae 

83 Coilia dussumieri 

Valenciennes 

= Day : Coilia dussumieri. 

Seria 

l No. 

.. … .. 

… .. 

Golden 

anchovie 


English 

name 

84 Anchoviella tri (Bleeker) 

= Day : Engraulis tri. 

85 Anchoviella indica (van 

Hasselt) 

= Day : Engraulis indicus. 

86 Thrissocles dussumieri 


= Day : Engraulis 

dussumieri. 

87 Thrissocles malabaricus 

(Bloch) 


.. Mandeli. 

Marathi name 

.. Anchovie .. Dindus. 

.. Anchovie .. Dindus. 

Anchovie .. Kati. 

Malabar 

anchovie. 

.. Kati. 

FAUNA 41

malabaricus. 

88 Thrissocles mystax (Bloch 


= Day : Engraulis mystax. 

89 Thrissocles purava 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Engraulis purava. 

90 Thrissocles setirostris 

(Broussonet) 

= Day : Engrualis setirostris. 

91 Thrissocles hamiltonni 


hamiltonni. 

92 Stolephorus malabaricus 

(Day) 

= Day : Spratelloides 

malabaricus 

Anchovie .. Dandetar. 

.. Anchovie .. Khavli.. 

Anchovie .. Dandetar. 

.. Anchovie .. Khavli. 

.. White 

bait 

Family : Chiroecntridae 

93 Chirocentrus dorab 

(Forskål) 

= Day : Chirocentrus dorab. 

Family : Chanidae 

94 Chanos chanos (Forskål) 

= Day : Chanos salmoneus 

.. Katali. 

.. Silver bar .. Karli. 

.. Milk fish. … 

Order : SCOPELIFORMES 

FAUNA 42

Family: Synodidae 

95 Harpodon nehereus 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Harpodon nehereus. 

96 Saurida tumbil (Bloch) 

= Day : Saurida tumbil. 

97 Trachinocephalus myops 

(Bloch & Schneider). 

= Day : Saurus myops. 

.. Bombay 

duck 

.. Lizard 

fish 

Lizard 

fish 

Order: CYPRINIFORMES 

Family : Plotosidae 

98 Plotosus anguillaris (Bloch) 

= Day : Plotosus arab. 

99 Plotosus canius Hamilton- 

Buchanan 

= Day : Plotosus canius. 

.. Cat-fish 

eel 

Cat-fish 

eel 

Family : Tachysuridae 

100 Osteogeneosus militaris 

(Linnaeus) 

= Day : Osteogeniosus 

militaris. 

101 Tachysurus sumatranus 

(Bennett) 

= Day : Arius sumatranus. 

102 Tachysurus caelatus 


Soldier 

cat-fish 

.. Bombil. 

.. Chor Bombil 

.. Chor Bombil 

.. Nal shingali. 

.. Nal shingali. 

.. Shingala. 

Cat-fish .. Shingala. 

Engrava 

cat-fish 

.. Shingala. 

FAUNA 43

Seria 

l No. 

= Day : Arius caelatus. 


English 

name 

103 Tachysurus nenga 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Arius nenga 

104 Tachysurus macultus 

(Thunberg) 

= Day : Arius maculatus. 

105 Tachysurus sagor 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Arius sagor. 

106 Tachysurus dussumieri 


= Day : Arius dussumieri. 

107 Netuma thalassinus 

(Ruppell) 

= Day : Arius thalassinus. 

108 Hcxanematichthys sona 

(Hamilton-Buchanan) 

= Day : Arius sona. 

109 Pseudarius Jella (Day) 

= Day : Arius jella. 

110 Netuma serratus (Day) 

= Day : Arius serratus. 

Marathi name 


Spotted 

cat-fish 

.. Shingala. 



Giant catfish 

Dusky 

cat-fish 

Small eye 

cat-fish. 

Sawedged 

cat-fish. 

.. Shingala. 

.. Shingala. 

.. Shingala. 

.. Shingala. 

FAUNA 44

Order: ANGUILLIFORMES 

Family : Muraenidae 

111 Muraena pseudothyrsoidea 

Bleeker 

=Day: Muraena 

pseudothyrsoidea. 

Moray 

eel 

Family : Muraenesocidae 

112 Muraenesox cinereus 

(Forskftl) 

= Day : Muraenesox 

cinereus 

113 Muraenesox talabon 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Muraenesox 

talabon. 

114 Neenchelys buitendijke 

Weeber deBeaufort 

115 Muraenichthys gymnopterus 

(Bleeker) 

116 Thyrsoidea macrurus 

(Bleeker) 

117 Muraena (Gymnothorax) 

picta Ahl,. 


meleagris Shaw. 

Silver 

eel. 

Common 

eel 

.. Killis. 

.. Vam. 

.. Vam. 

FAUNA 45


flavaginea (Bloch and 

Schndr.) 

120 Mu raena (G y mnothorax) 

tessel lata. 


undulate (Lacepede). 

Family : Congridae 

122 Ariosoma anago (Schlegal) 

= Day : Congromuraena 

anago 

123 Uroconger lepturus 

(Richardson) 

= Day : Uroconger lepturus 

.. Sea 

conger 

.. Slender 

conger 

eel 

Family : Ophiclithyidae 

124 Pisoodonophis boro 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Ophichthys boro 

Serial 

No. 

.. Vam. 

.. Vam. 

.. Sand eel .. Munderi. 


English 

name 

125 Pisoodonophis cancrivorus 

(Richardson) 

126 Ophichthys caphalogona 

(Bleeker) 

.. 

Marathi 

name 

FAUNA 46

127 Ophichthys apicalis 

(Bennet) 

Order: BELONIFORMES 

Family: Belonidae 

128 Strongylura crocodilus 

(Lesueur) 

= Day : Belone choram. 

129 Strongylura strongylurus 

(Van Hasselt). 

= Day : Belone 

strongylura. 

130 Strongylura choram 

(Forsk&l) 

= Day : Belone choram. 

131 Thalassosteus 

appendiculatus 

(Klunzinger). 

.. 

.. Fork-tail gar 

fish 

Round-tail 

gar fish. 

Family : Hemirhamphidae 

132 Hemirhamphus far 

(Forsk&l) 

-Day : Hemirhamphus far 

133 Hemirhamphus gaimardi 

Valenciennes. 

= Day : Hemirhamphus 

limbatus. 

134 Hemirhamphus georgii 

Valenciennes 

.. Tol. 

.. Roundtail 

gar fish. 

Gar fish .. Tol. 

Half-beak .. Sumb, 

Toli. 


Toli. 

Long billed 

half beak. 

.. Sumb, 

Toli. 

FAUNA 47

= Day: Hemirhamphus 

georgii. 

135 Hemirhamphus 

xanthopterus 

(Valenciennes). 


xanthopterus. 

136 Hemirhamphus cantori 

Bleeker 


cantori. 

137 Zenarchopterus buffonis 



buffonis. 

138 Zenarchopterus dispar 

(Valen ciennes). 


dispar 

Family : Exocoetidae 

139 Parexocoetus brachypterus 

(Richardson) 

= Day : Exocoetus mento. 

140 Exocoetus volitans 

Linnaeus 

-Day : Exocoetus evolans. 

141 Cypselurus altipennis 


Red-tipped 

half beak. 

.. Sumb, 

Toli. 


Toli. 

Half-beak .. Sumb. 

.. Viviparous 

half beak. 

.. Sumb. 

Flying fish .. Pakharu 

masa. 


masa. 


masa. 

FAUNA 48

= Day : Exocoetus 

altipennis. 

142 Cypsilurus poecilopterus 

(Cuvier and Valenciennes). 

= Day : Exocoetus 

poecilopterus. 

143 Bregmaceros atripinnis 

Tickell 

Order : GADIFORMES 

Family : Bregmacerotidae 


masa. 

Little cod .. Tenali or 

khada. 

FAUNA 49

Bombay Duck (Marathi : Bombil ) (Harpodon neherus) 

FAUNA 50

Comman Eel (Marathi : Vam ) 

(Muraenesox telabon) 

Order : SYNGNATH1FORMES 

Family : Fistularidae 

FAUNA 51

144 Fistularia villosa 

Kluzinger 

= Day : Fistularia serrata. 

Serial 

No. 

.. Flute mouth. 


English 

name 

Family : Solenostomidae 

145 Solenostomus cynopterus 

(Bloch) 

.. False pipe 

fish. 

Family : Syngnathidae 

146 Hippocampus trimaculatus 

Leach 

= Day : Hippocampus 

trimaculatus. 

147 Hippocampus kuda 

Bleeker 

= Day : Hippocampus 

kuda. 

148 Syngnathus intermedins 

(Kaup) 

Marathi 

name 

.. Sea horse .. Ghoda 

Masa.. 

Order; CYPRINODONIIFORMES 

Family : Horaicluhyidae 

149 Horaichthys setnai 

Kulkarni 

.. 

Sea horse .. Ghoda 

Masa.. 

Thready 

Top-minow 

Order: BERYCIFC)RMES 

Family : Ifoluft-ntridae 

Anu, 

Motake 

FAUNA 52

150 Holocentrus rubrum 

(Forskal) 

= Day : Holocentrum 

rubrum 

Red soldier 

fish. 

Order: MUGILIFORMES 

Family: Sphyraenidae 

151 Sphyraena acutipinnis Day 

= Day : Sphyraena 

acutipinnis 

152 Sphyraena jello Cuvier 

= Day : Sphyraena jello. 

153 Sphyraena obtusata Cuvier 

= Day : Sphyraena 

obtusata 

154 Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 

= Day : Mugil oeur 

Family Mugilidae 

155 Liza parsia HamiltDn- 

Buchanan 

= Day : Mugil parsia. 

156 Mugil dussumieri 

Day : Mugil dussumieri. 

157 Mugil Kelaartii Gunther 

Day : Mugil kelaartii. 

Pointed tin 

barracuda. 

Giant 

barracuda 

Blunt jawed 

barracuda. 

Badvi, 

Tanvar. 

Badvi. 

Badvi. 

Gray mullet Boi, 

Mangan, 

Pilsa. 

Gold spot 

mullet 

.. Boi. 

Mullet .. Boi, 

Bhadvi. 

158 Mugil carinatus Cuvier Mullet .. Boi. 

FAUNA 53

and Valeniciennes. 

= Day : Mugil carinatus. 

159 Mugil cunnesius Cuvier 

and Valeniciennes. 

- Day : Mugil cunnesius. 

160 Mugil speigleri Bleeker 

- Day : Mugil speigleri. 

161 Chelon waigiensis (Quoy 

and Gaimard). 

= Day : Mugil waigiensis. 

162 Chelon oligolepis 

(Bleeker) 

= Day : Mugil oligolepis. 

163 Atherina forskalii 

(Ruppell) 

Serial 

No. 

Family : Atherinidae 

Mullet .. Boi. 

Mullet .. Boi. 

Diamond 

scaled 

mullet. 

Large scaled 

mullet. 

.. Hardy-head … 


English 

name 

164 Eleutheronema 

tetradactylus (Shaw) 

- Day : Polynemus 

tetradactylus 

Order: POLYNEMIFORMES 

Family : Polynemidae 

Indian 

salmon, 

Bamin. 

.. Boi. 

.. Boi. 

Marathi 

name 

Rawas, 

165 Polydactylus indious Monk fish, Giant 

FAUNA 54

(Shaw) 

= Day : Polynemus indicus 

166 Polydactylus sextarius 

(Schneider) 

- Day : Polynemus 

sextarius 

167 Polydactylus plebeius 

(Broussonet) 

= Day : Polynemus 

plebeius 

168 Polynemus paradiscus 

Linnaeus 

= Day : Polynemus 

paradiseus 

169 Polynemus heptadactylus 

Cuvier 

Order: PERCIFORMES 

Family : Latidae 

170 Latcs calcarifer (Bloch) 

- Day : Lates calcarifer. 

thread fin. Dadha, 

Dara. 

Black spot 

thread fin. 

Shende. 

Thread fin .. Do. 

Paradise fin. thread 

Seven thread 

fin. 

.. Cock up' 

Bekti 

Family : Ambassidue 

171 Ambassis commersonii 

(Cuvier) 

- Day : Ambassis 

commersonii 

Khajura, 

Jitada, 

Khajari 

.. Glass fish Kachki. 

FAUNA 55

172 Ambassis thomassi Day 

- Day : Ambassis thomassi 

Family : Apogonidae 

173 Apogon fasciatus (White) 

= Day : Apogon fasciatus. 

174 Apogon frenatus 

Valenciennes 

= Day : Apogon frenatus 

175 Apogon macropterus 


= Day : Apogon 

macropterus. 

176 Apogon kalosoma Bleeker 

- Day : Apogon kalosoma. 

177 Apogonichthys ellioti 

Family : Serranidae 

178 Epinephelus diacanthus 


= Day : Serranus 

diacanthus 

179 Epinephelus lanceolatus 

(Bleeker) 


lanceolatus. 

180 Epinephelus sonnerati 

(Cuvier) 

Glass fish Kachki. 

Cardinal fish .. 

Kombada. 


Kombada. 


Kombada. 


Kombada. 

Six barred 

grouper 

Yellow 

grouper 

Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

Grouper Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

FAUNA 56

= Day : Serranus sonnerati. 

181 Epinephelus tauvina 

(Forskal) 


salmoides. 

182 Epinephelus undulosus 

(Quoy and Gaimard). 


undulosus. 

Seria 

l No. 

.. Giant 

grouper 

Brown lined 

grouper. 


English 

name 

183 Epinephelus malabaricus 


184 Epinephelus maculates 

(Bloch) 


maculatus. 

185 Epinephelus boenack 

(Bloch) 

= Day Serranus boenack. 

Speckled 

grouper 

.. Spotted 

grouper 

Family : Theraponidac 

186 Therapon jarbua (Forskal) 

= Day : Therapon jarbua. 

187 Therapon puta (Cuvier) 

= Day : Therapon puta. 

.. Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

Marathi name 

Hekaru, Gobra. 

.. Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

Grouper .. Hekaru, 

Gobra. 

.. Target 

perch 

.. Small 

scaled 

perch. 

.. Naveri. 

Naveri 

FAUNA 57

188 Therapon theraps (Cuvier) 

= Day : Therapon theraps. 

189 Therapon quadrilineatus 

(Bloch) 

- Day : Therapon 

quadrilineatus. 

190 Priacanthus hamrur 

(Forskal) 

191 Sillago sihama (Forskal) 

= Day : Sillago sihama. 

.. Large 

scaled 

perch. 

.. Trumpeter 

perch. 

Family : Priacanthidae 

.. 

. 

Family : Sillaginidae 

Family : Lactariidae 

192 Lactarius lactarius 

(Schneider) 

= Day : Lactarius 

delicatulus. 

193 Atropus atropus (Bloch) 

= Day : Caranx atropus. 

194 Alectis ciliaris (Bloch) 

= Day : Caranx ciliaris. 

195 Alectis indicus (Ruppell) 

= Day : Caranx gallus. 

Bullseye. 

Dadadada. 

.. Lady Fish .. Renvl, 

Mudadi. 

.. Big jawed 

jumper 

Family : Carangidae 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

.. S a u n d a I 

a. 

.. Kat bangada. 

.. Kat bangada. 

.. Thread fin .. Bhagat. 

FAUNA 58

196 Decapterus russellii 

(Ruppell) 

= Day : Caranx kurra. 

197 Megalaspis cordyala 

Linnaeus 

= Day : Caranx rottleri 

198 Selar crumenophthalumus 

(Bloch) 

- Day: Caranx 

crumenophthalmus. 

199 Gnathanodon speciosus 

(Forskal) 

= Day : Caranx speciosus. 

200 Selar boops (Cuvier) 

= Day : Caranx boops. 

201 Selar djeddaba (Forskal) 

- Day : Caranx djeddaba. 

202 Selar kalla (Cuvier) 

- Day : Caranx kalla. 

203 Selar mate (Cuvier) 

= Day : Caranx affinis. 

Serial 

No. 

.. Thread fin .. Shitap. 

.. Thread fin .. K a r k a t a 

Bangada. 

.. Thread fin .. Do. 

.. Golden 

Horse 

mackerel. 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

.. One finlet 

Horse 

mackerel. 


English 

name 

204 Citula armata (ForskAl) 

- Day : Caranx armatus 

.. Armed 

horse 

.. Shitap. 

.. Do. 

.. Kala 

bangada. 

Lalbi bangada. 

Marathi name 

Kat bangada. 

FAUNA 59

205 Citula malabaricus 

(Schneider) 

- Day : Caranx 

malabaricus. 

206 Citula oblongus (Cuvier) 

- Day : Caranx oblongus. 

207 Caranx carangus (Bloch) 

- Day : Caranx carangus 

208 Caranx sexfasciatusQuoy 

andGaimard. 

209 Caranx sansun (ForskAl) 

- Day : Caranx jarra. 

210 Caranx chrysophrys 

(Cuvier & Valen-ciennes). 

Day : Caranx chrysophrys 

211 Caranx melampygus Cuvier 

- Day : Caranx 

melampygus. 

212 Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy 

and Gaimard), 

- Day : Seriolichthys 

bipinnulatus 

mackerel. 

.. Malabar 

horse 

mackerel. 

.. Oblong 

horse, 

mackerel. 

.. Horse 

mackerel 

Six 

banded 

horse 

mackerel. 

.. Horse 

mackerel. 

.. Block 

tipped 

horse 

mackerel 

.. 

Kat bangada. 

Kat bangada. 

Shitap. 

Shitap. 

FAUNA 60

213 Seriola nigrofasciatus 

(Ruppell) 

- Day : Seriola 

nigrofasciatus. 

214 Scomberoides lysan 

(Forskal) 

- Day : Chorinemus lysan. 

215 Scomberoides sanctipetri 

(Cuvier) 

- Day : Chorinemus 

sanctipetri. 

216 Scomberoides tala (Cuvier) 

- Day : Chorinemus tala. 

217 Scomberoides tol (Cuvier) 

- Day : Chorinemus 

moadetta. 

218 Trachinotus baillonii 

(Lacepede) 

- Day : Trachynotus 

baillonii. 

219 Trachinotus blochii 

(Lacepede) 


blochii. 

220 Trachinotus russellii Cuvier 


russellii. 

.. Port hole 

fish 

.. Port hole 

fish 

.. Port hole 

fish 

.. Port hole 

fish 

.. Pseudo 

pomfret, 

pampano 

.. Pseudo 

pomfret, 

pampano 

.. Pseudo 

pomfret, 

pampano 

.. Dagol. 

.. Dagol. 

.. Dagol. 

.. Dagol. 

.. Ladagoo.. 

.. Ladagoo.. 

.. Ladagoo.. 

221 Rachycentroo canadus .. Black Modusa, Sakta. 

FAUNA 61

(Linnaeus) 

- Day : Elacate nigra 

kingfish. 

Butter 

fish. 

Dagol - Parthole Fish (Schomberoides tala )(Cuvier) 

Rawas - Bamin or Indian Salmon(Eleutheronema tetradactylus) 

(S haw) 

Family: Menidae 

222 Mene maculata (Bloch) 

- Day : Mene maculata. 

.. Moon fish .. Chandva. 

FAUNA 62

Seria 

l No. 


English 

name 

Family: Coryphaenidae 

223 Coryphaena hippurus 

Linnaeus 

- Day : Coryphaena hippurus 

. 

. 

Family: Lutianidae 

224 Lutianus apgentimaculatus 

(Forskal) 

- Day : Lutianus 

argeniimaculatus 

225 Lutianus johnii (Bloch) 

- Day ; Lutianus johnii 

226 Lutianus lutianus Bloch 

- Day : Lutianus madras. 

227 Lutianus rivulatus (Cuvier) 

= Day : Lutianus rivulatus. 

228 Lutianus sanguineus 

(Cuvier) 

- Day : Lutianus annularis. 

229 Lutianus waigiensis (Quoy 

and Gaimard. 


marginatum. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

Dolphin 

fish 

Red 

snapper 

Marathi name 

.. Abanoos. 

.. Tamb. 

snapper .. Chavri tamb. 

Rosy 

snapper 

Blue 

lined 

snapper. 

Blood 

red 

snapper. 

.. Tamb. 

.. Tamb. 

.. Tamb. 

Snapper .. Tamb. 

FAUNA 63

230 Lutianus chrysotaenia 

(Bleeker) 


chorysotaenia. 

231 Lutianus 

qjainquelineatufr(Bloch) 


qtiinquehncatus. 

232 Lutianus reseus Day . 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 



Rosy 

snapper 

Family : Nemipteridae 

233 Nemipterus bleekeri Day 

- Day : Synagris bleekeri. 

234 Nemipterus japonicus 

(Bloch) 

- Day : Synagris japonicus. 

. 

. 

Family: Lobotidae 

235 Lobotes surinamensis Bloch . 

. 

Family: Leiognathidae 

236 Leiognathus blochii 


- Day : Equula blochii. 

237 Leiognathus fasciatus 

(Lacepcde) 

- Day : Equula fasciata. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

.. Tambusa. 

.. Bamni. 

… .. Bamni. 

Pony fish .. Kap. 


FAUNA 64

238 Leiognathus lincolatus 

(Valenciennes), 

- Day : Equula lineolata. 

239 Leiognathus ruconius 

(Hamilton) 

- Day : Equula ruconius. 

240 Leiognathus insidiator 

(Bloch) 

- Day : Equula insidiator. 

241 Leiognathus brevirostris 


- Day : Equula brevirostris. 

242 Leiognathus bindus 


- Day : Equula bindus. 

243 Leiognathus splendens 

(Cuvier) 

- Day : Equula splendens. 

Seria 

l No. 


English 

name 

244 Gazza minuta (Bloch) 

- Day : Gazza minuta. 

245 Gerres filamentosus Cuvier 

= Day : Gerres filamentosus. 

246 Gerres oblongus Cuvier 

= Day : Gerres oblongus. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 







Marathi name 

.. Pony fish .. Kap. 

.. Silver 

bellies 

.. Silver 

bellies 

.. Charbat. 

.. Charbat. 

FAUNA 65

247 Gerres poeti Cuvier 

= Day : Gerres poeti. 

248 Gerres setifer (Hamilton) 

= Day : Gerres setifer. 

249 Gerres abbreviates Bleeker 

= Day : Gerres abbreviates. 

.. Silver 

bellies 

.. Silver 

bellies 

.. Silver 

bellies 

Family: Pomadasyidae 

250 Pomadasys furcatus 

(Schneider) 

= Day : Pristipoma 

furcatum. 

251 Pomadosys hasta (Bloch) 

= Day : Pristipoma hasta. 

252 Pomadosys maculatus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Pristipoma macula 

turn. 

.. Charbat. 

.. Charbat. 

.. Charbat. 

.. Grunter .. Karkara. 

.. Silver 

grunter 

.. Spotted 

grunter 

Family: Scolopsidae 

253 Seolopsis vosmeri (Bloch) 

= Day : Seolopsis vosmeri. 

254 Seolopsis leucotaenia 

(Bleeker) 

= Day : Seolopsis 

leucotaenia. 

.. Monocle 

Bream 

.. Monocle 

Bream 

Family: Plectorhynchidae 

.. Karkara. 

.. Karkara. 

.. Karkara. 

.. Karkara. 

255 Plectorhynchus niger .. Black .. Harvil. 

FAUNA 66

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Diagramma 

crassispinum 

256 Plectorhynchus picta 

(Thunberg) 

= Day : Diagramma pietuui. 

257 Plectorhynchus schotaf 

(Forskål) 

= Day : Diagramma 

griseum. 

258 Plectorhynchus cinctum 

Temm. and Schlegal. 

= Day : Diagrama cinctum. 

sweet lip 

.. Painted 

sweet lip 

.. Gray 

sweet lip 

… … 

.. Harvil. 

.. Harvil. 

FAUNA 67

Dori (Marathi : Koth) 

( Otilithoides brunneus ) 

Family : Sciaenidae 

259 Sciaena dussumieri 


.. Jew fish .. Dhoma. 

FAUNA 68

= Day : Sciaena dussumieri. 

260 Sciaena russelli (Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena russelii. 

261 Pseudosciaena axillaris 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena axillaris. 

262 Pseudosciaena diacanthus 

(Lac6pede). 

= Day : Sciaena diacanthus. 

263 Pseudosciaena coibor 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Sciaena albida. 

264 Pseudosciaena sina (Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena sina. 

Seria 

l No. 


English 

name 

265 Pseudosciaena soldado 

(Lacèpéde) 

= Day : Sciaena miles. 

266 Johnius belengeri (Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena belengeri. 

267 Johnius carutta Bloch 

= Day : Sciaena carutta. 

268 Johnius dussumieri (Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena glaucus 






Marathi name 





FAUNA 69

269 Johnius osseus (Day) 

= Day : Sciaena osseus. 

270 Johnius semiluctosus 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Sciaena 

semiluctuosa. 

271 Johnius bleekeri Day 

= Day : Sciaena bleekeri. 

272 Pama pama (Hamilton) 

= Day : Sciaenoides pama. 

273 Otolithoides brunneus (Day) 

= Day : Sciaenoides 

brunneus. 

274 Otolithus argenteus Cuvier 

= Day : Otolithus argenteus. 

275 Otolithus maculatus Cuvier 

= Day : Otolithus maculatus. 

276 Otolithus ruber (Bloch and 

Schneider) 

= Day: Otolithus ruber. 

Family : Lethrinidae 

277 Lethrinus miniata .. Pig face 

Bream 

Family : MuIIidae 





.. Dori .. Koth. 

.. Croaker .. Dhoma. 



278 Upeneus sulphureus Cuvier .. Goat fiah .. Chidi. 

FAUNA 70 

…

= Day : Upeneoides 

sulphureus. 

279 Upeneus vittatus (Forskål) 

= Day : Upeneoides vittatus. 

Family : Psettidae 

280 Monodactylus argenteus 

(Linnaeus). 

= Day : Psettus argenteus. 

281 Monodactylus falciformis 

Lacèpéde 

= Day : Psettus falciformis. 

Family : Sparidae 

282 Argyrops spinifer (Forskål) 

= Day : Pagrus spinifer. 

283 Sparus berda Forskal 

= Day : Chrysophrys berda. 

284 Sparus datnia (Hamilton) 

= Day : Chrysophrys datnia. 

285 Sparus sarba (Forskal) 

= Day : Chrysophrys sarba. 

286 Sparus cuvieri (Day). 

287 Pempheris moluca Cuvier 

= Day : Pempheris moluca. 

.. Goat fiah .. Chidi. 

Silver 

angel fish 

Silver 

angel fish 

.. Long 

spined 

bream. 

.. Black 

bream 

.. Gray 

bream 

.. Silver 

bream 

Family : Pempheridae 

.. Moluccan 

sweeper. 

.. Chandluk. 

.. Chandluk. 

Palu. 

.. Khadak 

paalu. 

.. Palu 

.. Palu 

FAUNA 71

288 Ephippus orbis (Bloch) 

- Day : Ephippus orbis. 

289 Platax pinnatus (Linnaeus) 

- Day : Platax teira. 

Family : Ephippidae 

Family : Platacidae 

Family : Drepanidae 

290 Drepane punctata 

(Linnaeus) 

- Day : Drepane punctata. 

Family : Scatophagidae 

291 Scatophagus argus 

(Linnaeus) 

- Day : Scatophagus argus. 

.. Spade fish .. Chandwa. 

.. Bat fish .. Kawla. 

.. Moon fish .. Chand. 

.. Hundred eye 

fish, Wada. 

Scat, 

Argush. 

Family : Pomacanthidae 

292 Pomaconthodes annularis 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Holacanthus 

annularis. 

293 Heniochus acuminatus 

(Linnaeus) 

= Day : Heniochus 

marcolepidotus. 

.. Blue ring 

butterfly 

Dand pattu. 

fish 

Family : Chaetodontidae 

.. Pennant 

coral fish. 

FAUNA 72

294 Chaetodon vagabundus 

Linnaeus. 

= Day : Chaetodon 

vagabundus. 

295 Chaetodon auriga (Forskål) 

= Day : Chaetodon auriga. 

296 Chaetodon collaris (Bloch) 

= Day : Chaetodon collaris. 

297 Chaetodon (rhabdophorus) 

xanthocephalus 

298 Chaetodon 

(chaetodontopus) lunula .. 

299 Anisochaetodon 

(oxychaetodon) lineolatus. 

.. Butterfly 

fish 

.. Butterfly 

fish 

.. Butterfly 

fish 

Family : Cichlidae 

300 Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) 

= Day : Etroplus suratensis. 

301 Etroplus maculatus (Bloch) 

= Day : Etroplus maculatus. 

302 Tilapia mossambica 

(Peters) 

303 Cepola abbreviata 

Valenciennes. 

= Day : Celpola abbriviata. 

.. Paradeshi. 

.. Paradeshi. 

.. Paradeshi. 

.. Pearl spot .. Kalundar. 

.. Orange 

chromid 

Family : Cepolidae 

.. Tilapia. .. Tilapia. 

Sergent 

major 

FAUNA 73 

..

Family : Pomaccntridae 

304 Abudefduf saxafilis 

vaigiensis (Quoy Sergent 

major and Gaimard). 

= Day : Glyphidodon 

caelestinus. 

305 Abudefduf sordidus 

(Forskal) 

= Day : Glyphidodon 

leucopleura. 

306 Dascyllus trimacultus 

(Ruppell) 

307 Pomacentrus tripunctatus 

Cuvier 

.. Sergent 

major 

.. Demoiselle 

fish. 

.. Demoiselle 

fish. 

Family : Labridae 

308 Platyglossus dussumieri 

(Cuvier and Parrot fish 

Valenciennes). 

= Day : Platyglossus 

dussumieri. 

309 Platyglossus kawarin .. 

310 Callyodon dussumieri Day .. 

311 Callyodon fasciatus 


312 Callyodon revalatus (Kuhl 

and Van Hass) 

.. Parrot fish .. Popat. 

.. 

.. Parrot fish .. Popat. 

FAUNA 74

313 Fissilabrus dimidiatus 


= Day : Labroides 

dimidiatus. 

314 Ichthyoscopus lebeck 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Ichthyoscopus 

inermis. 

Family : Blenniidae 

315 Petroscirtes punctatus 

(Cuvier and Blenny 


= Day : Petroscirtes 

punctatus. 

316 Salarius dussumieri (Cuvier 

and Blenny Valenciennes). 

= Day : Salarius 

dussumieri. 

317 Callionymus sagitta Pallas 

= Day : Callionymus 

sagitta. 

318 Siganus javus (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Teuthis java. 

Family : Callionymidae 

Family : Siganidae 

Doctor fish .. 

.. Star gazer .. Vardolya. 

.. Dragonet .. Sutera 

.. Rabit fish .. Kuwar. 

319 Siganus oramin (Bloch and .. Rabit fish .. Kutri. 

FAUNA 75 

.. 

..

Schneider) 

= Day : Teuthis oramin. 

320 Siganus Vermiculatus 


= Day : Teuthis 

vermiculatus. 

321 Siganus margaritifera 


= Day : Teuthis 

margaritifera. 

322 Signanus marmorata (Quoy 

and Rabit fish Gaimard). 

= Day : Teuthis marmorata. 

323 Zanclus cornutus 

(Linnaeus) 

324 Acanthurus gahm (Forskal) 

= Day : Acanthurus mata. 

Family : Zanelidae 

Jigsaw 

puzzle fish. 

Thavus. 

Rabit fish .. Dhagvir. 

Rabit fish .. Dhagvir. 

.. Moorish 

idol. 

Family : Acanthuridae 

Family : Trichiuridae 

325 Trichiurus lepturus 

Linnaeus 

= Day : Trichiurus haumela. 

326 Lepturacanthus savala 

(Gray) 

= Day : Trichiurus savala. 

Surgeon fish Suraiya. 

.. Ribbon fish .. Bala. 

.. Ribbon fish .. Wagti. 

FAUNA 76

327 Eupleurogrammus muticus 

(Gray) 

= Day : Trichiurus muticus. 

328 Rastrelliger kanagurta 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Scomber 

microlepidotus. 

329 Scomberomorus 

commersoni Lacèpéde 

= Day : Cybium 

commersonii. 

Family : Scombridae 

Family: Scomberomoridae 

330 Scomberomorus guttatus 


= Day : Cybium guttatum. 

331 Scomberomorus lineolatus 

(Cuvier) 

= Day : Cybium lineolatus. 

.. Ribbon fish .. Wagti. 

.. Mackerel .. Bangada. 

Seer fish .. Iswan, 

Surmai,Towar 

. 

Seer fish .. Iswan, 

Surmai,Towar 

. 

.. Seer fish .. Iswan, 

Surmai,Towar 

. 

FAUNA 77

Seer Fish ( Marathi : Surmai) 

(Scomberomorus commmerson) 

FAUNA 78

1 Silver Pomfret ( Marathi : Saranga) (Pampas argenteus) 

2 Grey Pomfret (Marathi : Khalwad ) (Pampas chinensis) 

3 Black Pomfret (Marathi : Halwa) (Parastromateus niger) 

332 Auxis thazard (Lacèpéde) 

Family : Katsuwonidae 

333 Euthynnus alletteratus 

affinis (Cantor) 

= Day : Thynnus thunnina. 

334 Katsuwonus pelamis 

(Linnaeus) 

FAUNA 79

= Day : Thynnus pelamys. 

Family : Thunnidae 

335 Kishinoella tonggol .. Blue fin tuna .. Khavalya 

gedar, Kuppa. 

336 Neothunnus macropterus 

(Schlegel) . 

= Day : Thynnus 

macropterus. 

337 Istiophorus gladius (Bloch) 

= Day : Histiophorus 

gladius. 

.. Yellow fin 

tuna 

Family : Istiophoridae 

338 Tctrapturus bievirostris 

(Playfair) 

= Day : Histiophorus 

brevirostris. 

339 Butis butis (Hamilton and 

Buchanan) 

= Day : Eleotris 

amboinensis. 

340 Butis fusca (Schneider) 

= Day : Eleotris fusca. 

341 Parioglassus tacniatus 

Regan 

Family : Eleotridae 

.. Pimp. 

.. Sail fin fish .. Tadmasa. 

.. Marlni .. Tadmasa. 

.. Gudgaon .. 

.. Schneider .. 

.. Marine 

pencil fish. 

342 Parioglossus rainfordi Me .. Marine 

FAUNA 80

Cull pencil fish. 

Family : Stromateidae 

343 Pampus argenteus 

(Euphrasen) 

= Day : Stromateus 

cinereus. 

344 Pampus chinensis 

(Euphrasen) 

= Day : Stromateus 

sinensis. 

345 Parastrqmateus niger 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Stromateus niger. 

346 Acentrogobius 

viridipunctatus 

(Valcncicnnes). 

= Day : Gobius 

viridipunctatus. 

.. Silver 

pomfret 

.. Grey 

pomfret 

.. Black 

pomfret 

Family : Gobiidae 

347 Acentrogobius dayi .. 

348 Acentrogobius griseus 

(Day) 

349 Acentrogobius masani 

(day) 

350 Acentrogobius cynomos .. 

351 Acentrogobius ornatus .. 

.. 

.. 

.. 

Saranga,Paple 

t. 

.. Khalwad, 

Kafrisaranga. 

Halwa. 

Goby .. Kharbi. 

FAUNA 81

(Rtippell) 

352 Acentrogobius reichei .. 

353 Acentrogobius neilli (Day) .. Goby .. Kharbi. 

354 Awaous stamincus 

(Valcncicnnes) 

= Day : Gobius striatus, 

355 Parachaeturichthys 

ocejlatus (Day) 

= Day : Gobius ocellatus. 

356 Ctenogobius crinigcr 

Cuvier and Valenciennes. 

= Day : Gobius criniger. 

357 Parachaeturichthys 

polynema (Bleeker) 

358 Smilogobius inexplicatus .. 

359 Oxyurichthys microlepis 

(Bleeker) 

360 Oligolepis cylindriceps 

(Hora) 

361 Barbatogobius asanai 

Kaumans 

362 Quisquilius eugenius 

lordama Evermann. 

363 Stigmatogobius javanicus 

(Bleeker) 

.. Goby .. Kharbi. 



FAUNA 82 

.. 

.. 

.. 

.. 

.. 

..

364 Bathygobius fuscus 

(Ruppell) 

365 Mugilogobim valigouva 

(Deraniyagala). 

366 Glossogobius biocellatus 


Family : Periopthalmidae 

367 Periopthalmodon scholsseri 

(Pallas) 

= Day : Periopthalmus 

schlosseri. 

368 Boleopthalmus dussumieri 

(Cuvier and Valenciennes) 

369 Boleopthalmus boddaerti 

(Pallas) 

Family : Trypauchenidae 

370 Trypauchen vagina (Bloch 


= Day : Trypauchen vagina. 

371 Pterois russelli Bennett 

= Day : Pterois ruselli. 

.. 

.. 

.. 

.. Mud skipper .. Nivti. 



.. Burrowing 

Gobi. 

Family : Scorpuenidae 

372 Scorpaenopsis rose us 

(Day) 

= Day : Scorpaenopsis 

rosea. 

.. Turky fish .. Kombada. 

.. Scorpean 

fish 

.. Kombada. 

FAUNA 83

373 Scorpaenopsis cirrhosus 

(Thunberg). 

= Day : Scorpaenopsis 

oxycephala. 

Scorpaenopsis bleekeri 

Day. 

.. Scorpean 

fish 

Family : Platycephalidae 

374 Platycephalus indicus 

Bloch 

= Day : Platycephalus 

insidiator. 

375 Platycephalus 

macracanthus (Bleeker) 


macracanthus. 

376 Platycephalus punctatus 

(Tilesius) 


punctatus. 

.. Flat head 

fish 

.. Flat head 

fish 

.. Flat head 

fish 

Order : DACTYLOPTERIFORMES 

Family : Dactylopteridae 

377 Dactylopterus orientalis 

(Cuvier) 

.. Flying 

Gurnard. 

Family : Psettodidae 

378 Psettodes erumei (Bloch) .. Indian 

halibut 

Family : Bothidae 

.. Kombada. 

.. Mench 

.. Mench 

.. Mench 

.. .. Bhakas. 

FAUNA 84

379 Pseudorhombus arsius 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Pseudorhombus 

arsius. 

380 Pseudorhombus javanicus 

(Bleeker) 


javanicus. 

381 Pseudorhombus trioeclkitus 

(Schneider). 


triocellatus. 

382 Solea ova-ta Richardson 

= Day : Solea ovata. 

383 Brachirus albomaculata 

(Kaup) 

= Day : Synaptura 

albomaculata. 

.. Large 

toothed 

flounder. 

.. Javanese 

flounder 

Family : Soleidae 

384 Brachirus orientalis 

(Schneider) 

= Day : Synaptura 

orientalis. 

385 Brachirus zebra (Kaup) 

= Day : Synaptura zebra. 

386 Brachirus cornuta (Kaup) 

= Day : Synaptura cornuta. 

.. Three spot 

flounder. 

.. Lep. 

.. Lep. 

.. Lep. 

.. Oval sole .. Lep. 

.. Sole .. Lep. 

.. Oriental sole .. Lep. 

.. Zebra sole .. Lep. 

.. Horned sole .. Lep. 

FAUNA 85

Family : Cynoglossidae 

387 Paraplagusia bilineata 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Plagusia 

marmorata. 

388 Cynoglossus 

brachycephalas (Bleeker) 

= Day : Cynoglossus 

brevirostris 

389 Cynoglossus brevis 

Gunther 


brevis. 

390 Cynoglossus semifasciatus 

Day 


scmifasciatus 

391 Cynoglossus lingua 

Hamilton and Buchanan. 


lingua. 

392 Cynoglossus dispar Day 

= Day : Cynoglossus dispar. 

393 Cynoglossus bilineatus 

(Lacèpéde) 


sindcnsis. 

.. Two lined 

tongue sole. 

.. Short headed 

tongue sole. 

.. Lep. 

.. Lep. 

.. Tongue sole .. Lep. 


.. Long tongue 

sole 

.. Lep. 



394 Cynoglossus .. Sole .. Lep. 

FAUNA 86

macrolepidotus (Bieeker) 

= Pay : Cynoglossus 

macrolepidotus. 

Order : ECHENEIFORMES 

Family : Fchencidae 

395 Echeneis naucrates 

Linnaeus 

= Day : Echcneis naucratus. 

396 Remora remora (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Echcncis remora. 

.. Sucker fish .. Lachuk. 

.. Sucker fish .. Lachuk. 

Order : TETRODONTIFORMES 

Family : Tricanthidae 

397 Triacanthus brevirostris 

Schlegel 

= Day : Triacanthus 

brevirostris 

398 Paramonacanthus 

choirocephalus (Bleeker). 

= Day : Mpnacanthus 

choirocephalus. 

399 Paramonacanthus 

monoceros Day 

= Day : Monacanthus 

monoceros. 

400 Lactoria cornuta (Linnaeus) 

Day : Ostracion cornutus. 

.. Tripod fish .. Bail masa. 

.. File fish. 

Family : Ostraciontidae 

.. 

.. Cow fish, 

Box fish. 

.. Gai. 

FAUNA 87

401 Ostracion lentiginosa .. 

Family : Lagocephalidae 

402 Forquigener oblongus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Tetrodon oblongus. 

403 Gastrophysus lunaris 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Tetrodon lunaris. 

404 Chelonodon patoca 

(Hamilton and Buchanan). 

= Day : Tetrodon patoca. 

405 Arothron immaculatus 

(Bloch) = Day : Tetrodon 

immaculatus. 

406 Arothron reticularis (Bloch) 

= Day : Tetrodon 

reticularis. 

407 Arothron hispidus. 

= Day : Tetrodon hispidus. 

.. Blow fish .. Kend. 

.. Globe fish .. Kend. 




408 Arothron stellatus .. Ostracion 

lentiginosa 

Family : Balistidae 

409 Abalistis stellaris 

(Schneider) 

= Day : Balistis stellatus. 

.. Trigger fish. 

410 Abalistis mitis .. Trigger fish. 

FAUNA 88

= Day : Balistis mitis. 

411 Diodon hystrix (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Diodon hystrix. 

Family : Diodontidae 

.. Porcupine 

fish. 

Order : BATRACHOIDIFORMES 

Family : Batrachoididae 

412 Batrachus grunniens 

(Linnaeus) 

= Day : Batrachus 

grunniens. 

Order : LOPI fIFORMES 

Family : Antennariidae 

413 Antennarius hispidus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Antennarius 

hispidus. 

414 Histrio histrio (Linnaeus) 

= Day : Antennarius 

marmoratus. 

.. Frog fish .. Gongcha., 

.. Angler fish. 

.. Angler fish. 

MARINE FISHES 

Fishes enumerated in the foregoing taxonomic list are usually referred to, 

in common parlance, under the group-names, such as sharks, mullets, 

sardines etc., each group containing species of similar characters and 

habits. In some cases even a single species may have special 

characteristics worth mentioning. These characteristics, either specieswise 

or group-wise are furnished in the following short notes :— 

FAUNA 89

CLASS : ELASMOBRANCHII (Cartilaginous fishes) 

The sharks, skates and rays together constitute this group called Selachii, 

represented in Maharashtra waters by two super-orders Selachoidei (the 

true sharks) and Batoidei (the rays) including 11 families, 26 genera and 

57 species. The fishes are greatly variable in size and shape, ranging from 

2 feet to varitable monsters of 52 feet or more in length and all are marked 

by possession of cartilage in place of bones. 

(1) SHARKS (Selachoidei) 

The word shark is generally associated with apprehensions of sleek and 

sinister monsters, waiting to grab anything by their mouth, lined by sharp 

and formidable teeth. In reality, amongst the several species found in 

Maharashtra waters, only a few are really dangerous to man. 

To scientists, they are of great biological significance for they represent 

the group of fishes, which have survived unchanged since remote 

geological times and can, therefore, be called as “living fossils”. 

Sharks are found in all the seas of the world and at different depths. They 

are necessarily marine in habitat, though some ascend rivers and one 

species, not represented in Maharashtra, is a permanent resident of fresh 

water (river Ganga). 

Feeding habit of sharks is essentially that of a predatory scavenger. With 

its mouth on the under side, the shark goes about picking up any item of 

food on the bottom, as it comes in its way. With poor eyesight, the food 

detection is believed to be accomplished by its highly developed sense of 

smell; by sight, it may not detect even at a distance of 10 yards. 

Experiments conducted on sharks by plugging their nostrils with cotton, 

have shown that they do not care for food at a short distance, but when 

plugs are removed, food is immediately detected and attacked. 

FAUNA 90

Sharks are of considerable commercial importance. Unlike other fishes, 

most of the parts of sharks can be profitably utilised. The shark fins are 

dried and mainly exported for making soup, a great delicacy in many 

countries; flesh is eaten and skin can be processed to make Shagrin 

leather, for hand-bags etc. Liver of sharks yields oil rich in Vitamin A to 

the extent of about 25,000 litres per annum in Maharashtra. 

Although considered primitive otherwise, in the method of reproduction 

sharks are more advanced, suggesting that they form a curious mixture of 

ancient and modern creatures. Fertilization is internal; in some species 

females lay horny capsules, called “mermaid's purse” of different shapes, 

containing 2 to 4 eggs, and in others there is a noteworthy adaptation for 

bringing fourth young ones as in mammals, by the formation of a special 

“foetal chamber” and also a placenta through which the developing 

embryos feed on the nutritive fluids produced by the mother. Their 

average production (catch) together with rays, is about 600 tonnes every 

year in Maharashtra. 

THE WHALE SHARK (Rhincodon typus Smith) 

The whale shark known in Bombay as Karanj enjoys the reputation of 

being the largest fish in the world. This shark grows to a size of 70 feet in 

length and several tons in weight. Despite its monstrosity in size and 

appearance, it is one of the most harmless sharks, feeding on small 

crustaceans and planktonic creatures, with its wide terminal mouth. Its 

liver is small and yields oil but the oil is poor in vitamin potency. The fish 

is also known as basking shark because of its habit of swimming near the 

surface of water. 

THE TIGER SHARK (Galeocerdo arcticus) 

The fish has earned its name because of its colour pattern resembling that 

of a tiger particularly in young specimens which tends to disappear with 

age. In Marathi it is known as ' Waghbeer '. It grows to a length of about 

20 feet and is reported to attack human beings. Amongst sharks, Tiger 

FAUNA 91

shark is a prolific breeder, giving birth to as many as a record of 57 young 

ones at a time. It's liver yields comparatively large quantity of oil but it is 

not very rich in vitamin potency. 

BLUE SHARK (Genus Carcharhinus) 

This genus comprises many species and is characterized by the absence of 

spiracles and by the presence of a pit at the root of the caudal fin. The 

members of this genus have uniform bluish-gray colour and streamlined 

bodies. Their fierce nature and voracious feeding habit have earned them a 

name as "hungry dogs " or " wolves of the sea “. These are the sharks 

mainly sought for by commercial fishermen. 

HAMMER-HEAD SHARKS (Genus Sphyrna) 

These sharks which are known as ' Kanar' or ' Boot' in Marathi, have heads 

which are flattened and drawn out laterally in the form of a hammer, with 

eyes situated at the extremities of the lobes. They are powerful swimmers 

and inhabit most of the warm seas. Some of them grow to a size of 15 feet. 

Their liver oil is usually rich in Vitamin A. 

(2) SKATES AND RAYS (Batoidei) 

Unlike sharks, the skates and rays have a dorso-ventrally flattened body 

which may be guitar-shaped or quadrangular or roughly circular in shape. 

These fishes are admirably suited to live a life entirely at the bottom of the 

sea with their mouth on the lower (ventral) side. Most of then have 

camouflage coloration, resembling the sea floor. As a rule, they are not 

active swimmers like sharks. Skates, lying mostly half buried in the sand 

or mud, are considered as less active than rays; the only active members of 

this group are saw-fishes. The food of all these fishes consists of almost all 

types of animals found on the sea-floor. 

FAUNA 92

Son mushi-Dog fish (Scoliodon sorrakowha) (Guveir) 

Waghbeer-Tiger Shark (Gabocerdo Arcticus) (Faber) (a 12-foot 

Monster) 

Kanar—Hammer-head Shark (Sphyrna zygaena) (Linnaeus) 

FAUNA 93

Kilis—speckled eel [Muraena (Gymnothorax) undulata] (lacepede) 

Kilis (Muraena pseudothyrsoidea) (Bleeker) 

Waghya kilis [Muraena (Gymnothorax) favaginea] Painted moray 

Shing pakat—Devil ray (Mobula dibolus) (Shaw) 

Kabra bolad—Mottled eagleray (Aetomylaes macutalas) (Gray) 

Gores or Goraspaket—Spotted ray [Dasyalis (Himenture) gerrardii] 

(Gray) (Ebctric ray) 

Bijali or Zingina—Electric ray (Torpedo marmorata) (Risso) 

bottom of the sea with their mouth on the lower (ventral) side. Most of 

then have camouflage coloration, resembling the sea floor. As a rule, they 

FAUNA 94

are not active swimmers like sharks. Skates, lying mostly half buried in 

the sand or mud, are considered as less active than rays; the only active 

members of this group are saw-fishes. The food of all these fishes consists 

of almost all types of animals found on the sea-floor. 

SKATES 

GUITAR FISHES (FAM. Rhinobatidae) 

This family is represented by three genera in the Maharashtra water : (1) 

Rhina ancylostomus the Mud-skate, with upper surface of the body 

marked with a number of round white spots, (2) Rhynchobatus djiddensis 

the Plough-head skate, and (3) the genus Rhinobatus the true Guitar fish. 

All these are widely distributed in the Indian Ocean and have acquired the 

name because of their somewhat guitar shaped bodies. 

SAW FISHES (Genus Pristis) 

The basic anatomical peculiarity of these fishes is that the ' nose' is 

produced into a double-edged, saw-toothed sword. The saw fish is a ray, as 

is shown by the position of the gills on the underside of the pectoral fins. 

These fishes are represented in our waters by two species, Pristis 

cuspidatus and P. microdon, which are readily distinguishable by the 

number of teeth, the former having 23-25 pairs and the latter only 17-20 

pairs. These fishes grow to a size of 18 to 20 feet in length. The saw of 

these fishes, specially of younger fish, is considered a popular article of 

curio with lovers of marine life. Liver of these fish yields oil rich in 

Vitamin A. 

RAYS 

The marine waters off the coast of Maharashtra abound in rays such as the 

sting rays, the eagle rays, the cow-nosed rays, the devil rays and the 

electric rays, all represented by 22 species belonging to five families. The 

principal feature of the sting rays is the presence of one or more spines 

with jagged saw-like edges, as formidable weapons on the tail, the length 

FAUNA 95

of which varies from 3 inches to 12 inches. These spines when worn out 

are usually replaced by others. A sting from these spines can inflict a nasty 

and painful wound. Along each edge of a spine is a narrow groove 

containing glandular tissue. The cells of this tissue secrete a virulent 

poison which enters the wound when inflicted. The poison is at times fatal 

to human beings. Eleven species of sting rays recorded from Maharashtra 

belong to the family Trygonidae. The eagle rays are represented by four 

species belonging to the family Myliobatidae, and the cow-nosed ray is 

represented by a single species Rhinoptera javanica. Two species of 

Mobula, of the family Mobulidae represent the devil rays, which are 

known to grow to a size of 18 feet across the disc. These fishes can be 

easily detected by the presence of two cephalic horns present on the head. 

All these rays feed on clams, oysters and other shell-fish, benthic animals 

etc. 

The electric rays are represented by four species of the family Fishes 

Torpedinidae, of which Torpedo marmorata is the commonest. As the 

name suggests these fishes are capable of discharging electric current, 

produced by a special paired electric organs situated between the pectoral 

fins and the head. The electric discharge is either under control of the fish 

or may result on account of simple reflex action. The electrical discharge 

is used by the fish to kill the prey or in self-defence against potential 

enemy. 

CLASS : TELEOSTOMI (Bony Fishes) 

Bony fishes are marked by possession of true bone in place of cartilage of 

sharks and rays. Bony fishes are divided in different groups as under : 

(1) SARDINES AND RELATED SPECIES 

The order Clupeiformes which comprises the sardines, anchovies, Indianshad, 

Tarpon etc., is commercially the most important group, contributing 

nearly one-fourth of the total marine fish landed in India. In maritime 

Maharashtra, it is represented by 6 families covering 18 genera and 31 

FAUNA 96

species. Members of this group are generally small, rarely more than 12 

inches except a few forms like tarpon, chanos and Shad. They feed mostly 

on plankton. Ehoaling and migration are the characteristic habits of these 

fishes. When the shoals are near the coastal regions mainly during the 

winter season, these are exploited by operating gill nets, cast nets and 

shore-seins called ' rampan’.Besides being an important source of food, 

Clupeiformes contributes largely to the industrial production of body fish 

oils and fish-meal, the latter well-known as an essential constituent in the 

diet of cattle, poultry and pigs. 

(a) THE INDIAN TARPON (Megalops cyprinoides) 

The Indian tarpon, also known as ox-eyed herring or silver king, belongs 

to the family Megalopidae. Its distribution is mainly in coastal waters and 

estuaries, and it may even enter fresh waters. Tarpon is a very active fish, 

pursuing shoals of smaller fish, especially mullets, its favourite food; 

occassionally it leaps out of water, like salmon, in sportive manifestation 

of its intense vitality. Unlike other Clupei-formes, it grows to about two 

feet. These qualities make Indian Tarpon a goodgame fish. It is bony but 

good eating when fresh. 

It breeds in sea prior to monsoon and a large number of larvae are seen 

ascending estuaries. The larva of this fish, like the Leptocephalus larva of 

eels, is elongate, ribbon-like and transparent with tiny head and fins and 

air bladder visible as a prominent structure. 

(b) SARDINES 

Although sardines are represented in Maharashtra by 5 species, only 2 

species Sardinella longiceps — the oil sardine, ' Tarli' or ' Haid’, and 

Sardinella fimbriala — the white sardine or ' Pedwa' are of considerable 

commercial importance along the Ratnagiri Coast. Vast fluctuations in 

sardine fisheries are known the world over, and maritime Maharashtra is 

no exception. They are mainly caught in shore seins or ' rampans.' 

FAUNA 97

The average span of life of oil sardines is about 3 to 4 years; they grow to 

10, 15 and 19 cm at the end of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year respectively. It is a 

plankton feeder, the favourite food being a diatom Fragilaria oceanica. The 

sardines are reported to spawn only once in their life span, as they attain 

maturity only in the third year. The normal catch (2,350 tonnes) mainly 

comprises immature specimens. Sardines are mostly cured, though a small 

portion is eaten in fresh condition. When landings are heavy they are used 

for extraction of oil (body oil). 

(c) THE INDIAN SHAD AND GIANT HERRING 

The Indian shad and the giant herring, locally known as ' Palla' and ' 

Bhing' respectively, are the two species of Hilsa viz. H. ilisha and H. 

sinensis belonging to the family Clupeidae. Though these fishes look 

similar and are similarly distributed from Persian Gulf to Burma, they 

prefer different habitats. H. sinensis inhabits the coastal waters, rarely 

coming into estuaries, while H. ilisha ascends into fresh waters. The 

former constitutes a sizable fishery (2,000 tonnes p. a.) in the coastal 

waters of northern Maharashtra extending up to Bankot creek (Savitri 

river). H. ilisha has now been of lesser significance to Maharashtra as it is 

available in small qualities only in Ulhas river near Kalyan and in a few 

smaller ones up to Savitri river near Bankot, the main abode on the west 

Indian coast being the Narbada. 

Like Salmon, H. ilisha can be considered a truly anadromous fish, 

spending a part of its life in the sea and ascending rivers for the purpose of 

spawning. Because of this habit, any obstructions such as dams and weirs 

are detrimental to Hilsa fisheries, unless "fish passes" or ladders are 

provided for them to continue their spawning migration successfully. In 

Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery rivers, the extent of migration 

of Hilsa has been greatly affected on account of the construction of anicuts 

or dams. Similar danger exist in the Narbada; the Hilsa fishery in Ulhas 

river near Kalyan is on the verge of extinction on account of pollution 

caused by factory effluents near Kalyan, in the vicinity of Bombay. 

FAUNA 98

Both these species can be considered as large Clupeids, but H. ilisha is 

slightly smaller of the two, growing to about 24 inches in total length 

whereas H. sinensis grows to about 28 inches. There is, at present, a 

general belief that Hilsa fisheries are gradually depleting. It has been 

observed in the past that there is a five-year cycle in Hilsa fishery, but it is 

essential that concerted efforts to study the biology and fishery of Hilsa 

are made. 

(d) ANCHOVIES 

Anchovies are represented in the Maharashtra waters by 8 species, most 

important being, Coilia dussumieri — the Golden anchovy or ' Mandeli' 

which is commonly caught in the bag-nets along the coast of northern 

Maharashtra. They are popular as food among middle classes and are 

consumed in fresh condition in and around Bombay. At distant centres, 

they are dried for later use. 

Incidentally, anchovies have assumed an important place in world 

fisheries, because of the unprecedented catches off Peru, making that 

country foremost amongst all in fish-production. 

(e) RAINBOW SARDINES 

Elongated body, rounded belly, desiduous scales and absence of lateral 

line characterize the family Dussumieridae to which these sardines belong. 

They are represented in our waters by two species Dassumieria acuta and 

D. hasselti. Coloration of bluish green on the dorsal side, silvery on the 

sides and a golden lateral band on the belly has earned the fish a popular 

name as rainbow sardine. 

(2) SILVER BAR (Chirocentrums dorab) 

It is one of the commercially important fishes of Maharashtra with an 

average production of about 2,000 tonnes annually. Though the average 

size caught varies between 1 to 4 feet, it is known to attain larger size up 

FAUNA 99

to 12 feet, in length. The body is elongated, laterally compressed, of 

uniform height and silver in colour and hence the name — the silver bar. It 

is good for eating, but full of bones. 

(3) CHANOS 

The Milk fish chanos chanos, though not a very common fish in 

Maharashtra, is one that is occasionally found in estuaries or in the coastal 

waters. In the southern part of western India, it is found in large numbers. 

Young ones (fry) of the fish are collected and fattened in fresh or estuarine 

ponds for food purposes. The fish attains a maximum length of 4 to 6 feet. 

During April-June, millions of transparent larvae are caught in bays and 

estuaries in South India, particularly in the Gulf of Manaar. These larvae 

can be directly transferred to fresh water and are quite hardly for transport. 

In India, it is known to grow to 15 inches in sea-water, 19 inches in 

brackish water and 25 inches in fresh water, in the first year, under ideal 

conditions. 

(4) BOMBAY DUCK 

The Bombay duck, Harpodon nehereus, is one of the most important 

fishes of Maharashtra, with an average annual landing of about 40,000 

tons, contributing 16 per cent, of the total marine catch in the State. The 

fish has a limited distribution in our waters, being restricted to northern 

Maharashtra, its southern limit being Paj — Harnai. It extends northwards 

up to Veraval in Gujarat State. The fish is mainly 

Karali or Datal –Silver barfush (chirocentras dorab) (Forskal) 

FAUNA 100

Khajura, Jitoda or Bekti-Cock-up (Lates calcarifer) (Bloch) 

Kat-bangad-Horse mackerel (Megalispis cordyla) (Linnaeus) 

FAUNA 101

Bombay-duck (Bombil) being dried on scaffolds 

caught in ' dol ' nets, and is mostly sun-dried as food for the common man. 

It is also exported in dried condition to Mauritius, Burma, Singapore etc., 

and recently to European countries. 

It is characteristically a deep water fish with soft cylindrical body and 

large mouth beset with numerous sharp teeth but peculiar in its habit of 

visiting in-shore waters and even creeks. Prawns and shrimp are its 

favourite food. Maturity is attained at the end of the second year or 

beginning of third year when the length is about 9 inches or 230 mm. It is 

a continuous breeder, having two peak spawning periods one during May 

to July and another during November to December. 

(5) CAT FISHES (Techysuridae, Plotosidae) 

Catfishes, comprising about 13 species out of which 11 are commer-cially 

important, have earned the name of catfishes on account of possession of 

the prominent barbels resembling the mustaches of cats. Scaleless body 

with adipose fin, serrated dorsal, pectoral spines and presence of barbels 

characterize the cat fishes. The serrated spines are known to inflict 

FAUNA 102

dangerous wounds. They mostly inhabit coastal waters and estuaries. The 

most interesting behaviour among some of the marine catfishes is that the 

male takes over the onerous responsibility of incubating eggs in the mouth 

until the young are hatched. It is, therefore, not uncommon during 

breeding season to get males with developing eggs in their mouth. 

They are mainly caught by long lines and gill nets. Catfishes constitute an 

important supplementary food of the poor. They are cured and transported 

to the hinterland. The average annual catch in Maharashtra is about 5,000 

tonnes. 

(6) EELS AND MORAYS 

Eels have a snake-like elongated body; dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are 

united to form a frill. In Maharashtra, eels are represented by 6 species 

belonging to 4 families. From commercial point of view, Muraenesox 

talabotioides is the only important species; it is a bottom dweller, off shore 

in habitat and contributes about 4200 tonnes p.a. Other eels, popularly 

called Morays, are found in the coastal regions, specially in crevices of 

rocks and stones and are displayed in the public aquaria all the world over. 

Only one member, Pisodonophis boro — the mud eel of the family 

Ophichthyidae inhabits estuaries and is mostly found in sand. 

(7) GAR FISHES 

The gar fishes are represented in Maharashtra waters by two families, 

Belonidae and Hemirhamphidae, and constitute a group of good food 

fishes. They arc known in Marathi as " Toli " or " Toki " and are always in 

demand. 

Family : Belonidae.—It comprises full beak gar-fishes, also known as 

needle-fishes or long-toms, They have both the jaws drawn out to form a 

long beak armed with sharp teeth, they have slender long body with 

characteristic coloration iridescent sea-green or bluish-green on the back, 

and silvery-white beneath. They are active and gregarious in habit, often 

FAUNA 103

thrusting themselves out of water to skim the surface with great speed, 

with only the tail remaining submerged. They generally grow up to about 

18" in length but some of the larger species are known to grow to a length 

of 5 to 6 feet. 

Four species that are mainly caught off Maharashtra coast are residents of 

open sea, migrating usually into coastal waters and some-times into 

estuaries for breeding, as evidenced by the availability of their 

characteristic spawn in these areas, as a mass of globular jellies, light- 

pink in colour, with eggs, each measuring 3 mm. in diameter, huddled 

together by means of sticky threads, generally adhered to seaweeds. 

Family : Hemirhamphidae.—The family includes half-beak fishes in 

which only the lower jaw is drawn out, the upper remaining short. They 

are represented in our waters by seven species belonging to two genera. 

Habits of these fishes are very similar to those of full-beak gar fishes. 

They are usually caught in in-shore water with the help of gill nets and are 

always in demand for the table. 

(8) FLYING FISHES 

Flying fish, near relative of gar-fishes and represented in our waters by 

four species of the family Exocoetidae, are characterised by slender 

subcylendrical body, longer lower lobe of the forked caudal fin, greatly 

enlarged pectoral fins helping the fish to glide, and a large air bladder. 

These fishes have a metallic blue or bluish green colour on the back, 

shading to silvery white beneath, with pectorals and pelvie fins often 

barred or blotched, They are found in all warm seas and are mainly 

inhabitants of open oceans. They are called Pakharu masa in Marathi near 

Ratnagiri where they occur occasionally. 

Flight of these fishes represents an improvement upon the spasmodic leap 

of the gar fishes. It involves a four stage operation, breaking the surface, 

taxying, flying and landing, in a manner very similar to that of an 

aeroplane. During the first part, the fish swims rapidly near the surface of 

FAUNA 104

the sea with fins folded, then spreads the pectorals to support the body, the 

propulsive power being supplied bv vigorous movement of tht tail, 

especially the strong lower caudal lobe, It then takes off at the crest of a 

wave and glides through the air, landing with a splash or a graceful dive 

into the water. It is estimated that flying fishes are capable of a sustained 

flight of about 200 to 300 yards at a speed of some 40 miles per hour. 

Sometimes, to the joy of sailors, these fishes land on the decks of ships. 

The breeding habits of these fishes are similar to those of gar fishes, the 

eggs being deposited in the mass of drifting weeds. The young of 

1 Ghodamasa—Seahorse (.Hippocampus trimaculatus) (Leach) 

2 Wata—Pipefish (Sygethas intermedins) (Kanp) 

FAUNA 105

some flying fishes have a single or double barbel hanging from chin, 

sometimes quite long and elaborately fringed. 

The flying fish fishery in Ratnagiri is seasonal; only during winter a small 

quantity is landed; it, however, forms a major fishery on the Coromandal 

coast. The flesh of these fishes is firm and palatable and is considered a 

delicacy. These fishes, besides being of commercial importance, play an 

important part in the life history of many giant fishes such as dolphines, 

bill fishes, tunnies and bonitos, whose principal food happens to be the 

flying fishes. 

(9) SEA-HORSE AND ITS RELATIVES 

The order syngnathiformes, as the name implies ( ' syn ' meaning ' together 

' and ‘ gnaths ' meaning ' jaw '), includes fishes such as sea-horses, pipefishes, 

flute-mouths and ghost pipe-fishes, in which the jaws are fused or 

held together. In waters of Maharashtra, it is represented by three families, 

four genera and five species 

. 

Every one has seen a horse with four legs, but believe it or not, the seahorse 

has none. While creating a sea-horse, the King Neptune appears to 

have combined all sorts of oddities. Sea horses, in our waters, belong to 

the genus Hippocampus, meaning in Greek horse and monster, and are 

represented by two species, H. trimaculatus and H. kuda. The members of 

this group are the quaintest creatures having a head like a horse, body 

encased in an armour, and a prehensile tail. With these oddities, they have 

become the delight of souvenir-hunters and the idol of fish-fanciers. 

The breeding habits of these fish are unique. They display a sexual 

diamorphism, the males have a pouch Wherein the female deposits the 

eggs. The eggs undergo development in the pouch until the male after 

suffering the labour pains, brings forth the young ' pony ' fishes 

. 

No wonder such a fish should appear in ancient and medieval literature 

with many legends associated with it. For centuries, sea-horse was 

credited with having strong magical and medical qualities, considered as a 

FAUNA 106

sovereign remedy for the bite of a mad dog. In Java, people place seahorse 

in the water, intended for real horses to drink and consider it an 

excellent tonic for them. 

Pipe fishes, as the name suggests, are more slender and unlike sea-horses 

they do not have a prehensile tail. Their breeding habits are similar to 

those of sea-horses; the eggs are carried by the male enveloped in folds of 

skin which form a sort of brood-pouch under the belly. Majority of pipe 

fishes like sea-horses are marine, inhabiting coastal waters and reefs, but a 

few are fresh-water forms. 

The pipe fishes on an average grow to a length of 6 to 8 inches; the 

smallest species recorded is less than an inch and the biggest about 22 

inches. 

FLUTE MOUTHS 

Flute-mouths or the Tobacco-pipe fish are represented in our waters bya 

single species, Fistularia villiosa. It has a flute like snout, an elongated 

scaleless body and weak and pointed fins. The tail fin is unique in having a 

long filament extending back from the caudal fotk (middle portion of the 

fin), like a whiplash. It is formed of two fused caudal rays. 

Compared to sea-horse and pipe-fishes, the flute-fish is considered a giant, 

as it grows to a length of 6 ft. and a weight of 8 pounds. 

Last in the series are the ghost pipe-fishes or false pipe-fishes, represented 

in our waters by a single species Solenostomus cynopterus, belonging to 

the family Solenostomidae. So far, only one female specimen has been 

captured in Maharashtra waters near Ratnagiri. It was found among 

floating weeds. This weird little fish has two dorsal fins and large ventral 

fins; in females ventrals are united to form a brood pouch in which the 

eggs are fastened by stalks on filaments of the abdominal skin. 

FAUNA 107

This is the only fish in the order Syngnathiformes which defies the general 

rule of ' father turn mother ‘, since the incubation of eggs takes place in the 

so called brood pouch of the female described above. 

(10) BARRACUDAS 

Barracudas, also called Sea-pikes, are represented in waters of 

Maharashtra by three species viz. Sphyraena acutipinnis, S. jello and S. 

obtusata, belonging to the family Sphyraenidae. Of these, S. obtusata, the 

striped barracuda, is known to grow to a length of 6 feet and weight of 100 

pounds. 

In some parts of the world, particularly in Florida and West Indies, the 

barracudas arc more dreaded than sharks, because they are not only 

ferocious but are liable to attack human beings without any provocation. 

The barracudas have powerful jaws, armed with strong dagger like teeth. 

Barracudas, in general, are voracious eaters, their food consisting mainly 

of smaller fishes of all types. 

They are readily taken on rod and line and are considered good food- 

fishes, except that there is a certain prejudice against eating them in 

certain seasons, when the flesh has an ill reputation of being poisonous. 

(11) DOLPHIN FISH 

Dolphin fish or the ‘ dorado’,Coryphaena hippurus, an oceanic fish with 

world wide distribution, is the only species known of the- family 

Coryphaenidae. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, with a 

curiously shaped head provided with a vertically cutting edge in front. The 

dorsal fin is long extending from the nape to the tail, The fish has brilliant 

colour when fresh, the back being emerald green dotted with brilliant blue 

spots, dorsal fin purple with light-coloured stripes, the belly golden and 

the tail yellow. 

FAUNA 108

Dara—Monk fish or giant threadfin 

(polydactylus indicus) (show) 

The dorado, a rapid swimmer, is a good game and spectacular fighter 

when hooked. It grows to a length of 6 ½ feet. Its most favourite food is 

the flying fishes. 

FAUNA 109

(12) BLACK KINGFISH OR BUTTERFISH 

As the popular names suggests, Rachycentron canadas, family 

Rachycentridae is black in colour and very delicate in taste. It is not 

common on our coast. It is reported to grow to a weight of 150 lbs. and is 

a good sporting fish, giving a spectacular fight. It is known as 'Modosa' in 

Ratnagiri. 

(13) MULLETS 

Mullets, family Mugilidae, have a world wide distribution, inhabiting both 

temperate and tropical waters. In general these fishes are small sided but a 

few of them are known to grow to a size of three feet. Blunt head, 

toothless mouth, large scales, absence of lateral line and first dorsal of 4 

rays only, are the chief characteristics of these fish. 

In waters of Maharashtra, 8 species have been recorded. These are mainly 

estuarine and can ascend freshwaters. They are known as ‘ Boi ’ or ‘ 

Bhadvi ’ when small and Mangan' or Pilsa when large. Impoundment of 

fry of mullets in brackish water for fattening is not uncommon, especially 

in 'khar' lands and salt-pan areas in the monsoon. Fry coming with tidal 

waters in the month of June and July are impounded and allowed to grow 

for four or five months. Mullets are common all along the coast and are 

excellent food when fresh and are highly valued. 

Out of the 8 species recorded Mugil cephalus is the largest and most 

widely distributed. Mullets mainly feed on filamentous and planktonic 

alagae and vegetable debris on the bottom. Mullets mostly breed during 

the early part of monsoon. 

(14) THREADFINS 

FAUNA 110

Threadfins are characterised by the pectoral fin, the lower portion of 

which consists of distinct elongated rays that gave them the name thread 

fins. These rays are known to serve as organs of touch. Of the six species 

recorded from Maharashtra, Polydactylus indicus and Eleutheronema 

tetradactylus, popularly called ‘ Dara ’ and ' Rawas ' respectively are some 

of the most important species of our prime food fishes, growing to a size 

of 4 to 6 feet in length. Air-bladders of Dara are dried and exported for 

manufacture of isinglass and for refinement of brewery products. Average 

annual production of 'Rawas' and 'Dara' together is about 2,000 tons per 

annum in Maharashtra. Rawas prefers inshore waters and frequents creeks 

and estuaries during breeding season; whereas Dara prefers deeper 

portions of the sea Rawas is caught in gill nets and is also popular with 

anglers. Dara being a bottom dweller is caught in bottom-set nets. It is a 

valuable fish for the trawl fisheries of Maharashtra. 

(15) COCK-UP 

Lates calcarifer, the giant perch, popularly called ' Jitada ’, ‘Khajura or ‘ 

Bhekti ’, is a great delicacy and a popular game fish, growing to a length 

of about 5 feet. It breeds during monsoon, and fingerlings are collected for 

fattening in inundated salt-pans. It is carnivorous, feeding mainly on 

fishes, shrimps and snails. Being estuarine in habitat, it is tolerant to 

dilution in salinity. Young ones frequent flooded rice fields in search of 

their favourite food and when they grow up are captured by farmers in 

temporary ponds in their fields for their occasional feasts. This is observed 

near Pen and Panvel in Kolaba District. 

(16) GROUPERS 

These wide mouthed fishes of the family Serranidae are mainly inhabitant 

of rocky shores. They are known as Hekru or Gobra and are represented in 

waters of Maharashtra by 8 species, of which Epinephelus lanceolatus is 

the largest, growing to a length, sometimes above 6 feet. These are 

voracious in habit; at the Taraporevala Aquarium, these fish are sometimes 

seen to devour even a spiny lobster. They are very tenacious and remain 

FAUNA 111

alive for a long time after they are caught. They are, therefore, highly 

prized where " halal " is necessary. 

(17) TARGET PERCHES 

These are small fishes belonging to the family Theraponidae and are so 

called (target perch) because of concentric dark rings on the body and a 

dark spot on the dorsal fin, giving an appearance of bull's eye of a 

shooting target.. Of the four species, Therapon jarbua and Therapon 

theraps are common, the former in the inshore waters and the latter in the 

off-shore waters. T. jarbua is known as "navera " it breeds freely in 

estuarine waters, young ones frequenting shallow freshwater streams in 

large numbers. 

(18) LADY FISH 

Sillago sihama, lady fish or sand whiting, is one of the very popular food 

fishes of Maharashtra. It has an elongated, sleek and slender body, with 

olive green colour along the back becoming light on the abdomen. It 

prefers regions of coastal waters and estuaries. Poly- chaete worms form 

major item of its food. Spawning season extends from August to February. 

A study of sex ratio has revealed that males out-number the female in the 

commercial catches in the proportion of 56.0 : 44.0. It attains a length of 

15, 20, 25 cms. and 28 cms. (about 6, 8, 10 and 11 inches) in the 1st, 2nd, 

3rd and 4th year of its life respectively. It is known as " Murdi, " " nagli " 

or " Renavi ". 

(19) HORSE MACKERELS 

The family Carangidae, which contains horse mackerels, has a large 

number of genera and species, and has a world wide distribution, playing 

an important role in the commercial fisheries. In Maharashtra, as many 

FAUNA 112

1 Pivla Hekru—Yellow grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) (Bleeker) 

2 Khavdya Hekru—Speckled grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus) 

(Bloch & Schor) 

3 Ganesh or Tambusa—Rosy snapper (Lutianus roseus) (Day) 

FAUNA 113

1 Wada—Scat 

(Scatophagusargus) 

2 Dhagir—Blue ring 

(Holocanthus annularis) 

3 Chand—Spotted dory 

(Drepane punctata) (Juvenile) 

4 Nayada or Navhera—Target 

Perch (Therapon jairhna) 

as 27 species, belonging to 11 genera have been recorded. Most of these 

fishes are fast swimmers, inhabiting surface waters. They have a tendency 

to form schools, hunting smaller fishes for food. 

FAUNA 114

Though most of die members do not grow to more than a foot in length, 

some like Megcilaspis cordyala and Scombroides tala are large varieties. 

Most of the lesser varieties are commonly known as horse mackerels 

(species of the genus Selar, Citule and Caranx). The three species of 

Trachynotus are commonly known as the pseudo-pomfrets. Scombraides 

tala, also called port hole fish because of the circular marks on the body 

resembling port holes, is one of the very few carangids growing to about 4 

to 5 feet in length. As a group, horse mackeral are not very popular as food 

fish, but when cured with salt, they are acceptable to many. Their catch 

averages 1,300 tonnes per annum. 

The snappers, belonging to the family Lutianidae, are so called because of 

their habit of snapping at baits, rendering them easy to be caught on lines. 

They are mostly inhabitants of rocky regions and coral reefs in tropical 

waters. This family is represented in our waters by nine species and most 

of them, being colourful, are good aquarium fishes. As food fish also, they 

are appreciated by all classes. 

(21) LEOGNATH1DS AND GERRIDS 

The families of Leognathidae and Gerridae are represented by 9 species 

and 5 species respectively. Leognathidae are small fishes, rarely exceeding 

3 inches in size, and are caught in large numbers in trawl and shore-seine. 

Gerrids grow larger to about 6" in size. Though not very much prized as 

food fish, they are welcome to the fisherman because of their quantity. 

(22) CROAKERS OR DRUM FISHES 

The croakers belonging to family Sciaenidae, are known to make a 

peculiar grunting noise by means of their large air bladder. This has earned 

them a popular name of croakers or drum fishes. They are widely 

distributed in warm waters of the world ; in maritime Maharashtra 17 

species have so far been recorded. Out of these, the ‘ Ghol ' Pseudosciaena 

diacanthus and the " Koth' Otolithoides brunneus growing to a large size 

are commercially more important than the remaining small species of 

FAUNA 115

Sciaenids, popularly called ‘Dhoma ’,which are very common in trawl 

catches, comprising nearly 30 per cent, of the total catch. The average 

annual production of ‘ Dhoma ’ in Maharashtra is about 9000 tons. In 

Bombay, they are eaten fresh, but in distant place like Ratnagiri, they are 

sundried and cured. It is mainly a poor man's fish. The ‘ Ghol ’ and ‘ Koth 

’ fishery is of considerable importance to Maharashtra. Average landings 

of ' Ghol ' and ' Koth ' together are about 1700 tons per annum; their large 

air-bladders are dried and exported for use in preparation of isinglass and 

in refinement of brewery products. 

(23) EMPEROR BREAMS 

Emperor Breams belong to the family Lethrinidae of which only one 

species Lethrinus miniata is recorded from our waters though more species 

are likely to exist. Some of them change their colour pattern on capture or 

when disturbed. These fish inhabit tropical and subtropical waters and are 

gaily coloured and are given popular names at emperor, warrior, lancer, 

admirals etc. 

(24) BUTTERFLY FISHES 

These fish mostly belong to the families Pomacanthidae, Chaetodontidae, 

Pomacentridae and Zanclidae; common amongst them are the blue-ring 

butterfly fish, Heniochus, chaetodons, the sergeant majors and the 

Moorish idols known for their exquisite beauty in having variegated 

colours. As such, they are attractive fishes for display in aquarium tanks. 

They abound in rocks and reefs of our coastal waters but do not form a 

fishery as such. 

(25) CICHLIDS 

The family Cichlidae is represented by two species, Etroplus suratensis — 

the pearl-spot and E. maculatus — the orange-chromide, The Pearl spot is 

so called because of the whitish pearly spots on the entire body and is 

cultured in some places. It is known as ' Kalundar ' because it. turns black 

FAUNA 116

after death. It is essentially algivorous and breeds almost throughout the 

year, it is always considered good food fish. Both these fish live equally 

well in marine and fresh water, and are known for their parental care. 

(26) RIBBON FISHES 

Of the 3 species of ribbon fishes, family Trichiuridae, found in 

Maharashtra, Trichiurus lepturus and Lepturacauthus savala are common. 

They are respectively known as Wagti and Baga or Bale, and form a 

sizable fishery contributing about 6.500 tonnes per annum. Baga is much 

larger, nearly four feet in length, but the body in both is extremely 

elongated and laterally compressed so as to look like a silvery ribbon. 

They are voraciously carnivores, feeding when young on prawns, and 

mainly, when in adult condition, on fishes. These fishes breed around June 

when they migrate to off-shore waters. 

Ribbon fishes are mainly caught in ' dol ' nets, trawl nets and ‘ rampans ’, 

The fish are mostly sun-dried or salted. Though not very much in demand 

in coastal areas, they serve as poor man's food in the interior tracts. 

(27) MACKERELS 

The family Scombridae, to which mackerels belong, includes most 

important food fishes, contributing large quantities to the total catch all the 

world over. In Indian waters, it is represented by a single species, 

Rastrelliger kanagurta, constituting sometimes as much as 25 to 30 per 

cent, in the total production of marine fishes in the country. Although it 

has a distribution on the west and east coasts of India, the major pan of the 

fishery, more than 90 per cent, is confined to the west coast, extending 

from Ratnagiri to Cape Comorin. 

Rastrelliger kanagurata is a streamlined and speedy fish, gregarious in 

habit. Its food consists of macroscopic zooplanktonic and phyto planktonic 

organisms. Intensity of feeding is observed to be high when the mackerel 

are maturing, and low when they are in an advanced stage of sexual 

FAUNA 117

maturity. The sexes are indistinguishable up to a size of about 5 inches or 

12 cms. and minimum size attained at first maturity is about 8-9 in. or 22- 

23 cms. The spawning season is considered to be from April to September. 

Majority of the catch comprises individuals in the range of 18 to 22 cm., 

indicating that the main catch is composed of second year class and 

immature mackerel. Specimens as large as 31 cm. have, however, been 

recorded. 

On maritime Maharashtra, the fish occurs in the southern zone, 

thenorthernmost limit being Ratnagiri. On an average 4,000 tonnes of 

mackerel are landed annually. 

The fishing season on Ratnagiri coast commences from October- 

November and lasts till February-March. Mackerel is mainly caught by 

shore-seine or ‘Rampan’ It is a good food-fish and finds ready market in 

fresh condition. As such, large quantities of meckerel are brought in ice to 

Bombay from Ratnagiri by fish-carrier launches. The remaining quantity 

is either salt-cured by dry or wet process or canned. Cured mackerel has 

good export demand, particularly in Ceylon. Being a shoaling fish i.e. 

visiting our shores from distant oceanic regions, its occurrence is 

uncertain; in some years the shoals visit in large quantities while in others 

landings being very poor. 

(28) SEER FISHES 

Seer fishes, family Scomberomoridae, are represented in Maharashtra by 

three species viz. Scomberomorus commersoni. S. guttatus and S. 

lineohtus, contributing nearly 2000 tons per annum forming approximately 

20 per cent of the total catch of seer fishes in the country. They are known 

as " Surmai ", “ Iswan ” or “ Towar ” and being highly prized as food, are 

always in demand. They are essentially off-shore pelagic fishes; during 

winter i.e. November to January, particularly along Ratnagiri coast, they 

seem to move inshore when they are caught by surface gill-nets. Food of 

these fish consists of such items as squids, small fish and prawns. On 

FAUNA 118

Ratnagiri coast, when large catches are landed, they are carefully cured 

and despatched to flourishing markets for iternal consumption. 

(29) TUNAS 

Tunas have lately come into importance in world fisheries because of the 

vast potential resources which till very recently remained untapped. 

Canned tuna, considered as a luxury fish in many western countries and 

especially in U.S.A., commands highest price. Treated in the manner of 

thekl canning process, the tuna develops a consistency and flavour not 

unlike chicken, and is frequently referred to as “ chicken of the sea”. 

As sharks are rovers of open ocean, the tunas are masters of all the three 

oceans the Atlantic, the Indian and the Pacific. They are widely distributed 

in tropical as well as temperate regions of the immense marine expanses. 

They are powerful swimmers, every line of their body or contour 

suggestive of rapid motion through water, like that of a torpedo. The 

streamlined body, bullet-shaped head, close-set jaws, spinous dorsal, 

pectoral and pelvic fins fitting into grooves and depressions, minimise the 

resistance in water to a great extent. The soft dorsal, and anal finlets set as 

stabilizers, and the powerful caudal fin actuated by muscular movements 

of the body, are all adapted to provide speedy motion cutting through 

water like a torpedo; they are known to have a speed of about 20 knots (or 

23 miles per hour). Another unique feature of tunas is that their body 

temperature is higher, sometimes by 8° C than that of the surroundings. As 

such, they are essentially stenothermal living in a temperature range 

between 14°C to 20°C. 

Tuna were well-known from ancient times as great migratory fishes. The 

migrations of common tuna was a subject of interest and speculation since 

Aristotle's time. " Whence they come and where they go" was a mystery 

and many theories were advanced to account for their seasonal occurrence. 

It is now known, fairly well, that the tuna undertake a migration for 

spawning and after spawnning a migration for feeding. 

FAUNA 119

In the waters off Maharashtra, tuna are represented by five species, of 

which the skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis, and the yellow-fin tuna 

Neothunnus macropterus, are not as common as the other three species, 

Euthynnus alletteratus affinis — the little tuna, Kishinoella tonggol — the 

blue fin tuna, and Auxis thazard — the frigate — mackerel. Their fishery 

is mainly confined to the Southern Maharashtra, with Ratnagiri as the 

main landing centre, where it ts estimated that, on an average, about 500 

tons of tuna are landed annually. Though the chief methods for capture of 

tuna are pole and line, long line and purse seines in other parts of the 

world, on the coast of Maharashtra they are ma;nly caught by surface gill 

nets within a region of 10 to 20 fathoms during winter months of 

November and December. 

Most of the tuna available on the Ratnagiri coast have red flesh in contrast 

with the white flesh of all other fish. So the red flesh (meat) tuna is not 

very popular in fresh condition. The fish is, therefore, usually cured and 

sold in the interior villages. 

(30) MARLINS AND SAILFIN FISHES 

The family, Istiophoridae is represented in waters of Maharashtra bv two 

species viz. Tetrapturus brevirostris the marlin or spear fishe, and 

Istiophorus gladius— the sailfin fish. These two fishes can be easily 

FAUNA 120

Kalundar— Pearl spot (Etroplus suratcnsis) (Bloch) 

Chand—Spotted dory (Drepane punctata) (Linnaeus) (a hill grown 

form) 

FAUNA 121

distinguished from each other by their first dorsal fin; in the former the 

dorsal fin, though long, is very low except at the beginning, whereas in the 

latter, as the name suggests, it is very high all throughout like a sail of a 

boat. Both have an elongated compressed body with a long pointed 

rostrum, made of snout and upperjaw which are prolonged together, 

forming a sword-like structure from which they derive the name ‘sword 

fish’. 

(31) POMFRETS 

Pomfrets are represented by three species viz. the silver pomfret 

“Saranga” or “poplet”, Pampus argenteus, the black pomfret or Halwa, 

Parastromateus niger and the grey pomfret, Pampus chinensis. Of the three 

species, the silver pomfret is considered as the prime fish in the State. In 

quantity, this fishery contributing 7,000 tonnes p.a, yields only 4 per cent. 

of the total production, but it is so highly priced that its value is estimated 

at about Rs. fourteen million i.e. 20 per cent of the total catch value per 

annum. 

The pomfrets are caught in 1 ‘dol’ nets as well as in surface and bottomset 

gill-nets. Recent change that has now taken place in this fishery is the 

utilisation of synthetic fibre, such as nylon in the fabrication of gill nets, 

which has brought about considerable improvement in the catch of this 

fish. 

Though pomfrets are found all over maritime regions of the State, their 

occurrence is in greater abundance in northern Maharashtra mainly in 

Bombay and Thana districts. Distribution of the fish extends beyond 

Saurashtra coast but a major concentration appears to be in the neighbourhood 

of Veraval from where large quantities are sent to Bombay and 

Delhi. 

FAUNA 122

(32) SCORPION FISHES 

The family Scorpaenidae comprises the scorpion-fishes which have a 

world wide distribution in all tropical and temperate seas. As the name 

suggests, many of the species of the family Scorpaenidae are venomous, 

the deadliest being the stonefish, Synanceia horrida which inhabits Indian 

Ocean, Three species occur in the coastal waters of Maharashtra, viz. 

Pterois russelli — the Turkey fish or Lion fish, Scorpaenopsis roseus and 

S. cirrhosus. The Turkey fish has found favour with marine aquarists on 

account of its brilliant colours. It has acquired the name Turkey fish on 

account of its habit of slow and majestic swimming, with pectoral fins 

only, comparable to a turkey gobbler displaying its plumes. The venom 

apparatus of Turkey fishes consists of the 13 dorsal, 3 anal and 2 pelvic 

spines, channeled on the front and lined by venom glands. The other two 

species of scorpion fishes have also a similar venom apparatus but the 

number of spines is variable and their colours are not so bright and 

outstanding as those of Turkey fish. 

(33) FLATFISHES 

The flat fishes, also known as sole-fishes, belonging to order 

Pleuronectiformes are represented in Maharashtra waters by 4 families. 

Family Psettodidae is represented by a single species, Psettodes erumel, 

popularly known as Indian turbot; family Bothidae is represented by three 

species of which Pseudorhombus arsius is the largest, growing to about 15 

inches in length. Family Soleidae comprises the oval Sole, Solea ovata and 

4 species of Brachirus of which B. zebra is the banded sole. Family 

Cynoglossidae is represented by Paraplagusia bilineata and 7 species of 

Cynoglossus of which C. semifasciatus is, commercially the most 

important species and ranks first in order of quantity landed. 

Flatfishes do not form a composite fishery on our coast as the catches are 

mostly scattered and in small quantities. Secondly they are not popular as 

good food-fish. Psettodes erumei, which is known in Bombay as 

“Bhakas”, grows to about 20” and is good in taste and without many small 

FAUNA 123

ones, but it does not command popularity, may be on account of its look 

and colour. One more factor for aversion is the bottom dwelling habit, the 

gentry not looking with favour on such forms for edible purposes. 

Flat fishes, in newly hatched larval stage, are symmetrical and bilateral 

with eyes on both sides of the head. At this stage the fish swims vertically. 

When it is about an inch and a half in length, the larva undergoes 

metamorphosis during which one eye crosses over to the other side, thus 

having both eyes on one side which is pigmented, and the other side 

becomes white. From this stage onwards, the metamorphosed larva 

continues to live at the bottom of the sea, with both eyes on the upper side. 

These fishes include in their diet almost all types of animals which 

frequent the benthic zone such as small fishes, crustaceans and polychaete 

worms. 

Our flatfishes are small in size, varying from 6 inches to about 20 inches 

in length, though the European halibut, Hippoglossus vulgaris, not found 

in our waters, is known to grow to a length of 10 feet and a weight of 600 

lbs. 

(34) REMORAS OR SUCKER FISHES 

Sucker-fishes, which are known as ‘Luchak’ in Bombay, belong to the 

family Echeneidae which is represented in waters of Maharashtra by two 

species, Echeneis naucrates and Remora remora. These fishes, growing to 

a length of 16 to 20 inches, have a structural peculiarity in having on 

upper side of the head a suction-disc, a modification of the dorsal fin, with 

the help of which they get themselves attached to sharks and ot her larger 

oceanic fishes and some times even to the bottom of ships; the power of 

adhesion is so great as to require a weight of 24 lbs. to separate them. 

Although sharks are ferocious creatures, oddly enough, the Remoras make 

a sucker out of a shark. Sharks evidently do not derive any benefit from 

these fish; why the shark tolerates the sucker-fish is a marine mystery. The 

FAUNA 124

sucker-fish, on the other hand, derives certain benefits from the sharks by 

getting protected against its enemies, by sharing the meal of the host and 

by enjoying free rides. 

This habit of remoras, of getting attached to sharks and other floating 

objects has been profitably utilized by native fishermen of East Africa to 

catch turties. Live fish are kept on board in buckets of water each with a 

ring round the tail to which a cord is attached. When a turtle is sighted, 

these fishes, either one, two or three, depending on the size of the turtle, 

are released into the sea, where they fasten themselves to the breast plate 

of the turtles. Some skill is required to haul the line and bring the turtle 

along side the boat. 

No wonder, such an interesting fish, should find its way in the ancient 

classical and medieval literature. Several myths, attributed to this fish, are 

in vogue. According to Roman author Pliny, the death of the Emperor 

Caligula was on account of remoras stopping his great galley. Mark 

Antony's defeat at Actium was attributed to these fishes, which 

immobilized his ship at a critical point in the battle. The witch doctors of 

Africa have also found favour with sucker fishes, who in Madagascan 

magic prescribe a sucking disc as a sure remedy to hold back or bring back 

an unfaithful wife. 

The scientific names Echeneis and Remora are Greek and Latin words 

meaning holding-back-ship and holding-back respectively. Norman and 

Fraser have aptly said, " both (names) refer to this alleged power of 

impeding vessels, a power which is, of course, purely mythical." 

(35) PUFFERS, PORCUPINES AND BOX FISHES 

These fishes are really the queer creatures of the king Neptune's world, 

unique in many ways. The puffers and porcupine fishes are globular, 

whereas the box fishes, as the name suggests, are box like, made of 

hexagonal plates fused rigidly together. 

FAUNA 125

The puffer fishes, represented in Maharashtra waters by 4 species of the 

family Logocephalidae, have the uncanny power of swallowing air in case 

of emergency and inflating their body like a balloon. In this condition they 

float or drift passively with the water currents. Their puffy and grotesque 

appcarence with wide set eyes, though giving them a startled and surprised 

look, is enough for protection. In addition to the name of Puffer fish, they 

are also known as coffer fish, globe fish or swallow fish. 

The porcupine fish, Diodon hystrix of family Diodontidae, has spinelike 

projections all over the body, like a porcupine and when inflated it gives a 

repulsive appearance. The box fish is represented by one species Lactoria 

cornuta belonging to the family Ostraciontidae; it is also known as seacow, 

because of two horn like spines in front of the head. 

The puffers and porcupine fishes are poisonous, and may cause Ciguatera 

a deadly disease, when these fish are eaten without prior treatment. A 

powerful nerve poison, known to cause rapid and violent death, is said to 

be present in their liver, gonads and skin. Oddly enough, inspite of high 

toxicity, a puffer fish called “fugu” commands the highest price in Japan 

as a food fish, where specially trained "fugu cooks” are employed by 

exclusive restaurants. As Halstead puts it, “Unless you feel that you are a 

professional ‘fugu’ connoisseur, leave puffers alone — you will probably 

live longer”. 

(30) TOAD FISHES 

Toadfishes, which belong to the family Batrachoididae, are small bottom 

dwelling fishes, inhabiting tropical marine waters; their appearance is 

repulsive owing to a broad depressed head and large mouth. They have an 

ability to change their colour at will to camouflage with the environment. 

The only representative of toad fish found in Maharashtra is Batrachus 

grunniens. It is poisonous, the venom apparatus consisting of two spines 

of dorsal fin and two opercular spines and their associated glands. 

(37) DRAGONETS 

FAUNA 126

The dragonets belonging to the family Callionymidae are represented in 

waters of Maharashtra by a single species Callionymus sagitta. It is mostly 

inhabitant of shallow bays and is brightly variegated in colour. Its head is 

flat and body is scaleless. There is sexual dimorphism in this fish, the 

males having first dorsal ray more elongated than in the females. The 

preopercle is armed with 5 strong spines which are said to be venomous. 

(38) SURGEON FISHES 

The surgeon fishes are represented in our waters by a single species 

Acanthurus gahm belonging to the family Acanthuridae. It is characterised 

by the presence of a lance-like, sharp movable spine on each side of the 

caudal peduncle. 

When the fish is excited, the spine or the surgeon's knife, which is 

pointing forward, is extended out at right angles to the body and with 

lashing movements of the tail, it inflicts a deep and painful wound. 

(39) MARINE NEONS, STAR GAZERS AND 

DOCTOR FISHES 

The fishes belonging to the family Labridae, represented in the waters of 

Maharashtra are Platyglossus dussumieri — the parrot fish, Callyodon 

jasciatus — the giant parrot fish, Fissilabrus dimidiatus — the delicate 

marine neon fish also known as Doctor Fish which has brilliant colours, 

and the star-gazer Ichthyoscopus lebeck. The star- gazer aquired this 

popular name on account of its habit of remaining buried in the sand with 

only the eyes and mouth protruding above, lying all the time at the bottom 

of the sea as if to gaze at the stars above. This habit has resulted in certain 

structural modifications such as the month becoming almost dorsal in 

position and the eyes, instead of being on the sides, have shifted to the top 

of the head. The star-gazer is also endowed with venom apparatus, which 

consists of two shoulder spines with venom glands attached to them. 

Besides, it has electric organs, in the form of two oval areas behind the 

FAUNA 127

eyes, complicated in structure, being made up of many layers of electric 

plates and capable Fishes of giving a shock of painful intensity. 

Doctor fishes are tiny fishes about 3 to 6 inches in size, brilliantly 

coloured in blue and black with horizontal strips and are found on the 

coast of Maharashtra in the littoral areas. Of the several varieties, the little 

cleaner — Fissilabrus dimidiatus is the most curious of sea dwellers, 

cleaning the teeth and infected tissues of other fishes and removing their 

parasites. It does all this in order to have its meal from other fishes. They 

doctor such fishes as squirrel fishes, groupers, vicious moray-eels and 

even poisonous scorpion fish. At one cleaning station, or as we may say a 

clinical centre, an ichthyologist observed that as many as 300 fishes were 

attended to, in a period of about six hours — pretty good going. 

(40) RABBIT FISHES 

The rabbit fishes, known as ' Thavus' in Bombay, are represented in 

Maharashtra waters by 5 species of the genus Siganus belonging to the 

family Siganidae. The fish are of moderate size and inhabit rocks and 

reefs. Some of them are intricately designed, so much so that one of the 

species, Siganus vermiculatus is popularly known as the jigsaw- puzzle 

fish. The dorsal, pelvic anal spines are very sharp and are said to be 

associated with venom glands and these need to be handled with care. 

(41) LITTLE COD 

Little cod, Brigmaceros atripinnis, known as ' Tenali' or ' Khada' in 

Marathi, is the only representative in India of the well-known cod family 

Gadidae, now placed under Brigmacerotidae. It is a slender fish hardly 

growing to about 3 inches or 7 cm. in length. Its tiny size is compensated 

by very large numbers in which it is caught in ' dol' nets in the coastal sea 

off Kolaba and Greater Bombay districts. Annual catch of this fish 

averages 3,000 tonnes. Being small and slender, it can be easily dried in 

sun and sent to the hinterland for sale in non- fishing season (monsoon). 

Being comparatively cheap, it is favoured by people of slender means. 

FAUNA 128

(42) OCEAN SUN FISH 

The two species recorded from the Maharashtra coast are the common 

round-tailed ocean sun sfih, Mola mola and Ranzania. Sun fish has an oval 

body with thick leathery skin; the mouth is small with teeth fused together 

forming a single, sharp edged bony plate or beak in each jaw. The pelvic 

fins and the air-bladder are absent. It has a uniformly gray to olive-brown 

colouration with silvery reflections on the sides. The fish is reputed to 

grow to a size of 8 to 10 feet and a weight of more than a ton. Because of 

the dorsal and the anal fins being situated far back on the body, the fish 

appears to have an enormous head and, therefore, many times they are also 

referred to as "Head- Fishes". 

Sun fish is an inhabitant of open oceans, often seen basking in the sun 

lying on its side at the surface of the sea during calm weather. It drifts 

more or less passively with the ocean currents, feeding upon small fish, 

jelly fishes and crustaceans. 

Because of the curious shape, huge size, especially of the head region and 

its habit of basking in the sun, many myths are in existence about this fish. 

People in the past had attributed intelligence to this fish on account of the 

enormous head region and because of its habit of basking in the sun 

people thought it offered prayers to sun. But, this so-called scholarly fish 

is now known for its stupidity; it will allow a boat to come right up to it 

without making any efforts to escape. Though it is known to dive deep 

with great agility, it rarely does so, even when in danger. 

The sunfish is discredited for its lack of intelligence from the anatomical 

point of view also; although it may weigh about a ton, it has a brain 

weighing about 6 ozs. only. The fish has, under its skin, two to three inch 

layer of hard gristly material, making harpooning difficult. It is said to be 

impervious even to a bullet fired from Winchester rifles. The fish, when 

captured, is said to make grunting noise. 

FAUNA 129

Very little information is available on the breeding habits of this fish but 

the ovary is reported to contain over 300 million eggs. The newly hatched 

larva is extremely tiny compared to the size of the fish. 

(43) HORAICHTHYS OR ANU 

This is one of the most remarkable fishes of Maharashtra ichthyo- 

logically i.e. in the science of fishes. Though the smallest known fish in 

India, it is outstanding in manifesting distinct sexual dimorphism unlike 

all other fishes of our country, the male having a specialised organ, called 

gonopodium. In addition, it possesses several other specia¬lised structures 

not found in other fishes of the old world. The fish is one of the 

Cyprinodonts belonging to the order Cyprinodontiformes (Top- minnows). 

Most of the Indian members of this order are fresh water forms but this 

(Horaichthys) is an estuarine form capable of living temporarily in fresh 

water. It is so distinct from other fishes of the order that it has been placed 

in a separate family known as Horaichthyidae. Structurally it is akin to 

Gambusia of Poecilidae of American waters but genealogically it is wide 

aprat. 

In Marathi, it is known as "Anu" indicating small size. Anu is hardly 2 cm 

in length and very slender, inhabiting quiet nooks and corners of creeks 

and backwaters. Being always on the surface of water, like the 'Piku' 

(Aplocheilus), it destroys the early instars of mosquitos and other insects, 

its favourite food being copepods. The fish has no English name as it was 

discovered in 1938, but can be called "Thready Top-minnow" because of 

its slender, thread like body on the surface of water. 

FAUNA 130

Tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) (Petebrs) 

Anu or Motak—Thread top minnow (Horaichthys setnai) Kulkarni 

(Upper figure—male fish Lower figure—female fish) 

TAXANOMIC LIST OF FRESH WATER FISHES OF 

MAHARASHTRA 

Series : Pisces 

Class : Teleostomi 

Sub-clasa : Actlnopterygil 

FAUNA 131

Serial 

No. 


English name 

Marathi 

name 

Order : CLUPEIFORMES 

Sub-order : Clupeoidei 

1 Gudusia chapra 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Clupea chapra 

Family : Clupeidae 

Sub-order : Notopteroidei 

Family : Notopteridae 

2 Notopterus chitala 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Notopterus chitala. 

3 Notopterus notopterus 

(Pallas) 

= Day : Notopterus kapirat. 

.. 

.. Feather back .. 

Patre,Chalat. 

.. Feather back .. 

Patre,Chalhal. 

Order : CYPRINIFORMES 

Sub-order : Cyprinoidei 

FAUNA 132

Family : Cyprinidae 

Sub-family : Abramidinae 

4 Oxygaster bacaila 

= Day : Chela bacaila. 

5 Oxygaster boopis (Day) 

= Day : Chela boopis. 

6 Oxygaster untrahi (Day) 

= Day : Chela untrahi Day 

7 Oxygaster phulo 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Chela phulo. 

8 Oxygaster clupeoides 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Chela clupeoides. 

9 Laubuca laubuca 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Perilampus laubuca. 

10 Laubuca dadyburjori Menon .. 

11 Esomus danrica 


= Day : Nuria danrica 

(Hamilton- Buchanan). 

.. Chilwa .. Alkut. 

.. Chilwa .. Alkut, Amli. 



.. Chilwa .. Balshi, 

Alkut. 

Flying barb .. 

Kurria,Dahwi. 

Serial Scientific name Popular Marathi 

FAUNA 133

No. English name name 

Sub-family Rasborinae 

12 Biirilius barna (Hamilton) 

= Day : Barilius barna. 

13 Barilius bendelisis 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Barilius bendelisis. 

14 Barilius evazardi (Day) 

= Day : Barilius evazardi 

15 Barilius gatensis (Cuvier and 

Valenciennes) 

= Day : Barilius gatensis. 

16 Rasbora daniconius 

(Hamilton- Buchanan) 

= Day : Rasbora daniconius. 

.. Jhorya. 

.. Jhorya 

.. Jhorya 

Jhorya 

Rasbora .. Dandai, 

Gana or 

Dawvan. 

17 Rasbora labiosa Mukerji .. Rasbora .. Dandai. 

18 Rasbora rasbora (Hamilton) 

= Day : Rasbora buchanani. 

.. Rasbora .. Dandai. 

19 Danio fraseri (Hora) .. Danio .. Pidtuli. 

20 Danio aequipinnatus 

(McClelland) 

= Day : Danio aequipinnatus. 

21 Danio devario (Hamilton) 

= Day : Danio devario. 

Giant danio .. Balooki. 

.. Danio .. 

FAUNA 134

22 Perilampus atpar 

(Hamilton.) 

= Day : Perilampus atpar. 

23 Brachydanio rerio 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Danio rerio 

.. Sonukli. 

.. Zebra fish .. Pidtuli. 

Sub-family : Cyprininae 

24 Amblypharyngodon 

melettinus (Cuvier and 

Valenciennes) 

= Day : A m b 1 y p h a r y n 

godon melettinus. 

25 Amblypharyngodon mola 

(Hamilton) 

= Day – A m b l yp h a r y n 

godon mola. 

26 Aspidoparia morar 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Aspidoparia morar. 

27 Balitora shimogensis Silas and 

Kalawar 

28 Tor khudree (Sykes) 

= Day : Barbus tor. 

Attentive 

Carplet .. 

Carplet. 

.. Amlee. 

P h a t t a 

r. 

Chatu. 

.. Mahseer M h a s h e 

e r , 

Khadra, 

FAUNA 135

29 Tor mussulah (Sykes) 

= Day : Barbus tor 

Serial 

No. 

Khadashi. 

.. Mahseer M h a s h e 

e r , 

Mhaslya. 


English name 

30 Puntius amphibius 


= Day : Barbus amphibius. 

31 Puntius arenatus Day 

= Day : Barbus arenatus. 

32 Puntius arulius (Jerdon) 

= Day : Barbus arulius. 

33 Puntius conchonius 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Barbus conchonius. 

34 Puntius hexasticus Mc 

Clelland 

35 Puniius chrysopterus 

(McClelland) 

= Day : Barbus chrysopterus. 

36 Puntius chola (Hamilton 

Buchanan) 

= Day : Barbus chola. 

.. Scarlet 

banded barb. 

Marathi 

name 

Khavli. 

.. Barb .. Khavli. 

.. Aruli Barb .. Khavli 


.. 

.. Barb .. Khavli.. 

Green barb .. Khavli.. 

37 Puntius cosuatis (Hamilton) .. Barb .. Khavli.. 

FAUNA 136

= Day : Barbus cosuatis. 

38 Puntius chrysopoma 

(Jerdon) 

= Day : Barbus chrysopoma. 

39 Puntius dobsoni (Day) 

= Day : Barbus dobsoni. 

.. Barb .. Khavli.. 

.. Barb .. Parag. 

40 Puntius fraseri (Hora & Misra) .. Barb .. Kadwi. 

41 Puntius filamentosus 


= Day : Barbus mahicola. 

42 Puntius gelius (Hamilton) 

= Day : Barbus gelius. 

43 Puntius jerdoni (Day) 

= Day : Barbus jerdoni. 

44 Puntius kolus (Sykes) 

= Day : Barbus kolus. 

45 Puntius melanostigma (Day) 

= Day : Barbus melanostigma. 

46 Puntius neilli Day 

= Day : Barbus neilli. 

Cola Barb 

.. Gelius Barb .. Khavli. 

.. Jerdon’s carp .. Potil. 

.. Kolshi .. Kolshi. 



47 Puntius punctatus (Day) .. Barb .. Khavli. 

48 Puntius parrah Day 

= Day : Barbus parrah. 

49 Puntius pinnauratus Day 

= Day : Barbus pinnauratus. 



FAUNA 137

50 Puntius sophore (Hamilton) 

= Day : Barbus sophore. 

51 Puntius sarana (Hamilton- 

Buchanan). 

= Day : Barbus sarana. 

52 Puntius stigma (Cuvier and 


= Day : Barbus stigma. 


Olive carp .. Darai. 

Two spot barb .. 

53 Puntius sahyadriensis (Silas) .. Barb .. Khavli. 

54 Puntius ticto (Hamilton- 

Buchanan) 

= Day : Barbus ticto. 

Serial 

No. 

.. Firefin barb .. Khavli. 


English name 

55 Puntius ambassis (Day) 

= Day : Barbus ambassis Day. 

56 Puntius malabaricus Day 

= Day : Barbus malabaricus. 

57 Puntius tetrarupagus 

(McClelland) 

= Day : Barbus tetrarupagus. 

58 Puntius vittatus (Day) 

= Day : Barbus vittatus. 

.. 

.. 

Marathi 

name 


.. Striped barb .. Khavli. 

59 Puntius Wynaadenisis (Day) .. Barb .. Khavli. 

FAUNA 138

60 Catla catla (Hamilton- 

Buchanan) 

= Day : Catla buchanani. 

61 Cirrhina cirrhosa (Bloch) 

= Day : Cirrhina cirrhosa. 

62 Cirrhina fulungee (Sykes) 

= Day : Cirrhina fulungee 

63 Cirrhina rnrigala (Hamilton) 

= Day ; Cirrhina mrigala. 

64 Cirrhina reba (Hamilton) 

= Day : Cirrhina reba. 

65 Labeo boggut (Sykes) 

= Day : Labeo boggut. 

66 Labeo bata (Hamilton) 

= Day : Labeo bata. 

67 Labeo dussumieri 


= Day : Labeo dussumieri. 

68 Labeo ariza (Hamilton) 

= Day : Labeo ariza. 

69 Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch) 

= Day : Labeo fimbriata. 

70 Labeo calbasu (Hamilton) 

= Day : Labes calbasu. 

.. Catla .. Khavli. 

.. Carp 

.. Carp .. Mulih, 

ganna. 

.. Mrigal .. Mrigal. 

.. Carp 

.. Carp .. Sandshi. 

.. Carp .. Tambti. 

.. Carp 

.. Carp 

71 Labeo kawrus (Sykes) .. Carp 

.. Co//er carp .. Tambti. 

.. Calbasu .. Kanas. 

FAUNA 139

= Day : Labeo kawrus. 

72 Labeo potail (Sykes) 

= Day : Labeo potail 

73 Labeo pangusia (Hamilton) 

= Day : Labeo pangusia. 

74 Labeo porcellus (Heckel) 

= Day : Labeo porcellus. 

75 Labeo rohita (Hamilton) 

= Day : Labeo rohita. 

76 Labeo sindensis (Day) 

= Day : Labeo sindensis. 

77 Cyprinus carpio. Carassius 

carassius (Linnaeus). 

= Day : Carassius auratus Day. 

Serial 

No. 

.. Carp 

.. Carp 

.. Carp .. 

Tambudki. 

.. Rohu .. Rohu. 

.. Carp 

Gold fish .. Soneri 

masa. 


English name 

78 Garra mullya (Hamilton) 

= Day : Discognathus lamta. 

Marathi 

name 

.. Stone sucker .. Mallya. 

79 Garra bicornuata Rao .. Stone sucker .. 

Shingacha 

Mallya. 

80 Garra gotyla (Gray) 

= Day : Discongnathus lamta. 

.. Stone sucker .. 

Shingacha 

Mallya. 

FAUNA 140

81 Schismatorhynchus (Nukta) 

nukta (Syker) 

= Day : Labeo nukta. 

82 Osteobrama cotio 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Rohtee cotio. 

83 Osteobrama cotio var. 

cunma Day 

= Day : Rohtee cotia var. 

cunma. 

84 Osteobrama cotio var. 

peninsularis Silas. 

= Day : Rohtee cotia var. 

cunma. 

Seria 

l No. Scientific name 

85 Osteobrama vigorsii 

(Sykes) 

= Day : Rohtee vigorsii. 

86 Osteobrama neilli (Day) 

= Day : Rohtee neilli, 

87 Rohtee alfrediana (Cuvier 

and Valenciennes). 

= Day : Rohtee Alfrediana. 

88 Rohtee ogilbii (Sykes) 

= Day : Rohtee ogilbii. 

Nakta .. Nakta. 

.. Bhongi. 

.. Barb Bhongi. 

Barb Bhongi. 

Popular 

English 

Name 

Marathi Name 

.. …. Phankut. 

.. …. 

…. 

.. …. Vatani 

FAUNA 141

89 Osteochilus 

(Osteochilichthys) 

nashii (Day). 

= Day : Scaphiodon nashii. 

90 Osteochilus 

(Osteochilichthys) 

thomassi (Day). 

= Day : Scaphiodon 

thomassi. 

91 Crossocheilus (latius) latius 

(Hamilton- Buchanan). 

= Day : Cirrhina latia. 

92 Thynnichthys sandkhol 

(Sykes) 

= Day : Thynnicthys 

sandkhol. 

93 Lepidocephalus guntea 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Lepidocephalus 

guntea. 

94 Lepidocephalus thermalis 

(Cuvier and Valenciennes) 

= Day : Lepidocephalus 

thermalis. 

95 Psilorhynchus prateri Hora. 

96 Parapsilorhynchus 

tentacultus (Annandale). 

…. 

…. 

…. 

Sandkol .. Sandkol. 

Family : Cobitidae 

Lesser 

loach 

Lesser 

loach 

.. Mori. 

.. Mori. 

FAUNA 142

97 Nemacheilus botia 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Nemacheilus botia. 

98 Nemacheilus beavani 

Gunther. 

99 Nemacheilus botia var. 

aureus (Day). 

= Day : Nemacheilus botia 

var. aureus. 

100 Nemacheilus anguilla 

(Annandale) .. 

101 Nemacheilus denisonii 

Day .. 

Striped 

loach 

Striped 

loach. 

Chikli 

Chikli 

Loach .. Chikli. 

Loach .. Murunga 

102 Nemacheilus dayi (Hora) Loach .. Chikli. 

103 Nemacheilus evezardi 

(Day) 

104 Nemacheilus poonaensis 

Menon 



105 Nemacheilus sinuatus Day Loach .. Chikli. 

106 Nemacheilus striatus Day Loach .. Chikli. 

107 Nemacheilus savona 

(Hamilton- 

Buchanan). 

108 Nemacheilichthys ruppelli 

(Sykes) 

= Day : Nemacheilichthys 



FAUNA 143

Seria 

l No. 

ruppelli. 

Scientific name 

109 Botia striata var. 

kolhapurensis 

Kalawar and Kelkar. 

110 Ompok bimaculatus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : Callichrous 

bimaculatus. .. 

111 Ompok pabo 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Callichrous 

pabo. .. 

112 Wallago attu (Bloch 

and Schneither 

= Day: Wallago attu 

113 Ailia coila (Hamilton) 

= Day : Ailia coila. .. 

114 Clupisoma garua 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : 

Pseudeutropius garua. 

Tiger 

loach 

Sub-order: Siluriidei 

Family : siluridad 

Butter 

cat 

fish 

Butter 

cat 

fish 

Fresh 

water 

shark 

Wolly 

Family : Schilbeidae 

Popular 

EnglishName 

.. Cat fish 

… Cat fish 

Marathi 

Name 

.. Wagha masa 

.. Wanz,Valanj 

.. Kaliwanz 

Valashivda, 

Padin Shivda. 

FAUNA 144

115 Silonia childrenii 

(Sykes) 

= Day : Silundia 

sykesii. 

116 Pseudotropius 

atherinoides 

(Bloch) .. 

117 Pseudotropichthys 

taakree (Sykes) .. 

118 Neotropius 

khavalchor Kulkarni 

119 Heteropneustes 

fossilis (Bloch) 

= Day : 

Saccobranchus 

fossilis. 

120 Clarias batrachus 

(Linnaeus) 

Day : Clarias magur. 

121 Rita rita (Hamilton) 

= Day : Rita 

buchanani .. 

.. White cat 

fish 

Cat 

fish 

Family: Saccobranchidae 

Silan 

.. Sura 

Cat fish Munvi 

Cat fish Khavalchor. 

.. Stinging cat 

fish 

Family : Claridae 

Shingi 

.. Cat fish Magur 

Family Bagridae 

Cat fish 

122 Rita kuturnee (Sykes) Cat fish Katarnee. 

FAUNA 145

= Day : Rita 

hastata. .. 

123 Rita pavimentata 


= Day : Rita 

pavimentata. 

124 Mystus aor 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Macrones 

aor. 

125 Mystus bleekeri 

(Day) 


Bleekeri. 

126 Mystus cavasius 

(Hamilton) 

=Day : Macrones 

cavasius. 

127 Mystus gulio 

(Hamilton) 

Day : Macrones 

gulio. 

128 Mystus montanus 

(Jerdon) 


montanus. 

Seria 

l No. 


Cat fish Ghoghrya. 

Cat fish Shingala. 

Cat fish Shingala. 

Cat fish Katirna. 

.. Cat fish Shingati. 


Popular 

EnglishName 

Marathi 

Name 

FAUNA 146

129 Mystus malabaricus 

(Jerdon) 


malabaricus. 

130 Mystus seenghala 

(Sykes) 


seenghala. 

131 Bagarius bagarius 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Bagarius 

yarrellii. 

132 Glyptothorax lonah 

(Sykes) 

= Day : 

Glyptosternum lonah 

133 Glyptothorax 

madraspatanunl Day 


annandeli (Hora) 


trewavasae Hora 


conirostre var, 

poonaensis (Hora). 


Family : Sisordae 

Long nose 

cat fish 

.. Giant 

banded cat 

fish 

Shingala. 

Khirit 

Rock sucker Phattar 

chattu 


chattu 

…. ….. Phattar 

chattu 

…. Phattar 

chattu 


chattu 

137 Gagata itchkeea Itchaka Itchka 

FAUNA 147

(Syskes) 

= Day : Gagata 

itchkeea. 

138 Nengra viridescens 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Nengra 

viridescens. 

139 Euglyptosternum 

saisii (Jenkins) 

140 Anguilla anguilla 

(Hamilton) 

=Day : Anguilla 

bengalensis. 

141 Anguilla australis 

Rich 

Family : Belonidae 

142 Xenentodon cancila 

(Hamilton-Buchanan. 

= Day : Belone 

cancila. 

Family: Anguillidae 

.. Fresh water 

eel 

Order : BELONIFORMS 

Sub-order : Scombersocoidei 

Fresh 

water 

gas 

fish 

Aheer 

Tokali masa Kutra 

Order : CYPRINODONTIFORMES 

Sub order : Cyprinodontoidei 

Family : Cyprinodontidae 

143 l llllllApplocheilus Top minnow Pikoo 

FAUNA 148

lineatus (Cuvier and 

Valencienners) 

+++ d =Day: 

Haplochilus lineatus. 

144 Aplocheilus blochii 

(Armold) 

145 Aplocheilus panchax 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Haplochilus 

panchax. .. 

146 Gambusia affinis 

paltruelis (Baird and 

Girard). 

147 Channa gachua 

(Hamilton)= Day : 

Ophiocephalus 

gachua. 

Seria 

l No. 

Family: Poecilidae 

Top minnow Pikoo 

Top minnow Pikoo 

Gambusis Gambusis 

Order : OPHIOCEPHALIFORMES 

Family : Ophiocephalidae (Channidae) 


148 Channa 

leucopunctatus 

Dwarf 

murrel 

or 

dwarf 

snake 

head 

fish 

Dokrya 

Dhok 

Popular 

EnglishName 

Murrel or 

snake head 

Daku, 

Marathi 

Name 

Maral 

FAUNA 149

(Sykes) 

= Day : 

Ophiocephalus 

leucopunctatus. 

149 Channa marulius 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : 

Ophiocephalus 

marulius. 

150 Channa punctatus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : 

Ophiocephalus 

punctatus. 

151 Channa striatus 

(Bloch) 

= Day : 

Ophiocephalus 

striatus. 

152 Amphipnous cuchia 

(Hamilton) 

= Day : Amphipnous 

cuchia. 

153 Amphipnous indicus 

Silas and Dawson 

fish, 

Murrel or 

snake head 

fish 

Murrel or 

snake head 

fish 

Murrel or 

snake head 

fish 

Family: Amphipnoidae 

Order : PERCIFORMES 

Kala Maral. 

Maral. 

Mangsha 

FAUNA 150

154 Ambassidae baculis 

(Hamilton- 

Buchanan) 

= Day : Ambassis 

baculis. 

155 Ambassis name 


=Day: Ambassis 

name 

156 Ambassis ranga 

(Hamilton- 

Buchanan) 

=Day: Ambassis 

ranga. 

157 Nandus nandus 

(Hamilton- 

Buchanan). 

158 Badis badis 


159 Anabas testudineus 

(Bloch) 

= Day: Anabas 

scandens 

Sub-order : Percoidel 

Family : Ambassida 

Family Nandidae 

Glass fish Kachki 

Chembardi 


Chembardi 


Chembardi 

Sub-order : Anabantoidei 

Family : Anabantidae 

.. Climbing 

peach 

FAUNA 151

160 Osphromenus 

gouramy lacepede 

= Day: Osphromenus 

olfax 

161 Trichogaster lalia 

Day = Colisa lalia 

162 Macropodus cupanus 

(Cuvier) 

=Day : Polacanthus 

cupanus 

163 Glossogobius giuris 

(Hamilton) 

=Day ; Gobius giuris. 

.. 

164 Glossogobius 

bombayensis 

(Annandale) 

Seria 

l No. 


Family: Osphronemidea 

Family : Polycanthidae 

Gorami Gorami 

.. Indian 

Paradise 

Fish 

Sub- order : Gobioidel 

Family : Gobiidae 

Chhoti 

Khajuri. 

Goby Kharpya 

Kharbi, 

Goby Kharpya 

Kharbi. 

Popular 

EnglishName 

Order : MASTACEMBELIFORMES 

Family: Mastacembelidae 

Marathi 

Name 

165 Mastacembelus Sping ell Vam. 

FAUNA 152

armatus (Lacepede) 

= Day : 

Mastacembelus 

armatus. 

166 Mastacembelus 

pancalus (Hamilton) 

=Day: 

Mastacembelus 

panalus 

167 Macrognathus 

aculeatus (Bloch) 

= Day: 

Rhynchobdella 

aculeata 

Fresh water 

ell 

Fresh water 

ell 

FRESHWATER FISHES 

Vam, Vambat. 

Vam. 

Freshwater fish fauna of Maharashtra belongs largely to three water 

shades namely the Godawari river basin, the Krishna basin and the coastal 

streams like Vaitarna, Ulhas, Savitri, etc. As the coastal streams are usually 

short and shallow and only the upper reaches of Godavari and Krishna ri 

vers are located within the State boundry, indigenous fish fauna does not 

include many large forms. Secondly, commercially important varieties of 

fish like Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, which are suitable for cultivation in ponds 

do not also occur indigenously. These (latter) useful forms from Northern 

India along with many other exotic fish like Gourami, Tilapia, Cyprinus 

and grass and silver carp have been introduced for piscicultural purposes 

and they, now, do occur in several sheets of water in the State. Despite 

these introductions, the indigenous fish fauna can be considered as fairly 

varied and numerous. Scientific names of these fishes along with English 

and local Marathi names have already been given in section IV of this 

FAUNA 153

part. However, group-wise notes giving further details of these forms are 

given below :— 

PALL A OR INDIAN SHAD (Hilsa ilisha) 

Palla or Pala is one of the popular seasonal fishes of Bombay. It is an 

anadromous fish spending part of its life in the sea and ascending rivers 

for breeding. It is, therefore, claimed both as marine as well as fresh-water 

fish. It ascends rivers for breeding in the months of July and August and is 

caught during that period only. The adults return to the sea after breeding 

and the young ones go to sea after four or five months' growth in 

freshwater. 

Palla is one of the large clupeids growing to about 24 inches or 60 cm. in 

length and weighing 2 kg. when full grown, Though it has a number of 

small bones, it is highly esteemed as food-fish. It is quite popular even on 

the eastern coast of India where it occurs in the tributaries of the Ganges, 

Godavari and Krishna. On the west coast it is found in the Narbada. In 

Maharashtra, it was only in the Ulhas river that the fish used to ascend, but 

because of recent pollution on account of effluents discharged from 

Industrial concerns near Kalyan, the fishery is now almost extinct. The 

fish is seen in small numbers in other streams such as the Vaitarna, Savitri, 

Amba etc., but does not form a sizeable fishery. Fishes ascending these 

small rivers are also small in size. 

(2) FEATHERBACK OR RAZOR FISH 

A small tuft-like dorsal fin and also a thin razor sharp anal fin have earned 

the common popular names of these fishes. Only two species of the family 

Notopteridae occur in Maharashtra, the most common being Notopterus, 

known as 'Chalat' or ‘Patre’. This is a small bony fish not very much 

prized as food fish, but is common in most of the rivers. It does not grow 

beyond a foot in length. Its another cousin, N. chitala grows to a large size 

but is found only in a few eastern streams in the Vidarbha region. It is a 

carnivorous fish and is usually excluded from culturable waters. 

FAUNA 154

(3) CHILWAS (ChelaorOxygaster spp.) 

Chilwas, known locally as 'Amli' or 'Alkut’, are small, laterally flattened, 

silvery bony fishes, commonly found in most of the rivers and reservoirs 

in large numbers. Being surface swimmers they are usually seen jumping 

and breaking the surface of water especially when a large fish is 

approaching them from below. The group is represented by three or four 

species in Maharashtra. Though the fish are small, not exceeding 4 inches 

or 10 cm., they are caught in abundance and thus serve as poor man's food 

in the interior. They are usually made into a curry but are tasty when fried 

crisp with spices. 

(4) RASBORA GROUP OF FISHES 

This group consists of three or four genera of small size. Genus Barilius 

has four species. These are also small fish commonly found in shallow 

streams but are quite active in their movements. Rasbora, known as ' 

Dandai' in Maharashtra has three species. R. daniconius is by far the most 

commonly found form in streams and ponds. It is a small, slender, active 

fish growing to about 4 inches or 10 cm. and thriving even in difficult 

environment. Danio which is known at some places as 'Pidtuli' has three 

genera. They live in the same habitat as the Barilius and Rasbora. All these 

three genera being quite active and inhabiting shallow waters are 

insectivorous and serve as useful agents for destroying mosquito larvae as 

well as cyclops and other copepods from our waters. Natural restriction on 

the population of mosquitos and guinea worm (through destruction of 

cyclops) is largely due to these apparently insignificant forms. Among 

these fishes, one known as Brachydanio rerio is a good aquarium fish 

commonly known as Zebra because of yellow and blue stripes on its body. 

It is found mostly in the Vidarbha region in small shallow streams and 

FAUNA 155

ponds. It is also bred extensively by aquarium keepers and sent abroad as 

aquarium pet. 

(5) MAHASEERS 

Mahaseer which belongs to the family Cyprinidae and 

genusTor(formerlyBarbus tor) is very popular as game fish. Three species 

ofthis genera occur in Maharashtra where they are known as ' Khadri', 

‘Mhaslya', ‘Baras' or 'Khadas’. They have elegent streamlined bodyand 

large attractive scales. They inhabit running streams and are alsofound in 

reservoirs into which small streams debouch in the monsoon.They are 

known to take live bait and give a wonderful fight after theyare hooked. 

Some anglers with worldwide experience considerMahaseer as better fish 

for angling than even the trout. Several bookshave been written on the 

methods of hooking a Mahaseer and thethrills enjoyed while landing it. 

Mahaseer grow to a large size, sayeven up to 50 kg. in weight. They arc 

also good eating when they are up to about 5 kg; in larger fish the flesh is 

known to be rather coarse.Mahaseers normally breed in clear, running 

waters and take small fish as their food 

. 

(6) BENGAL CARP (Catla, Rohu and Mrigal) 

As mentioned earlier, these three carps have been introduced in 

Maharashtra on account of their usefulness in pisciculture in ponds and 

lakes. As young ones of these fish (fry) are being stocked every year in 

different sheets of water and as they are also being bred indigenously by 

hormone injections, these fishes are common everywhere in the State. 

(i) Catla, also known as ' Catla' in Marathi, is the most favourite, with fish 

farmers, because of its rapid growth. It is known to grow to a size of 15 to 

18 inches and a weight of two to three kg. in the first year in well manured 

ponds. With upturned mouth and large gill rakers, catla is a surface and 

column feeder mainly feeding on plankton. It attains maturity at the end of 

FAUNA 156

second year of its life and breeds in the third season. The breeding period 

is restricted mainly to June and July, when the rivers are in spate 

immediately after the first rains. The adult fish reach their spawning 

grounds which are mostly the shallow inundated fields by the side of the 

river and lay their eggs. They do not breed in confined waters such as 

ponds, reservoirs etc. However, in recent years the Maharashtra State 

Fisheries have succeeded in inducing these fishes to spawn in captivity in 

small enclosures of cloth nets called 'hapas' by administering pituitary 

hormone injections to well-grown parents, both male and female. 

Catla is not only popular with fish farmers but also with anglers. It is taken 

on rod and line and is known to give a good fight. The Maharashtra State 

Angling Association procures Catla seed (baby fish) for stocking in their 

lake at Powai near Bombay. The record size of Catla taken on line so far, 

is a specimen of 55 lbs. The highest recorded weight of Catla is, however, 

90 lbs. 

(ii) Rohu.— This is another quick-growing carp, mostly sought by 

customers because of its popular taste. It is herbivorous, feeding on 

vegetable debris. Its mouth with fringed lips is well suited to browsing on 

the pond bottom. However, in young stage, it feeds on planktonic 

creatures such as water-fleas and animalcules. Rohu grows a little slower 

than Catla and is known to grow to a size of 14 to 16 inches in the first 

year, attaining sexual maturity at the end of second year. It is known to 

grow over 3feet and weigh over 20 kg. The breeding habits of Rohu are 

similar to those of Catla. It is elegent in form and being very active fish is 

not easily caught like the Catla. It is the most favourite fish of Bengal and 

is extensively used for pond culture throughout India. 

(iii) Mrigal.— It is the third major carp having economicimportance next 

to Catla and Rohu. Like the other two varieties, the young are plankton 

feeders, but soon they start feeding on vegetable debris, decaying leaves of 

aquatic plants together with some sand and mud. It grows at the rate of 8 

FAUNA 157

to 10 inches in the first year. Its sexual maturity, breeding habits and 

season are similar to those of Catla and Rohu. It grows to over three feet. 

(7) OTHER SMALLER CARPS AND BARBS 

There are other varieties of carps which are of lesser importance from 

culturable point of view, though they are important for food value. The 

Kalbasu (Labeo calbasu) grows to about 8 to 10 inches in a year, feeding 

on algae, snails and worms in the ponds. The fringed-lipped carp (Labeo 

fimbriatus) is the commonest carp in Maharashtra waters and is locally 

called 'Tambir’. This fish is also a bottom feeder. It is almost as good as 

Rohu in taste and flavour but comparatively slow in growth. 

The white carp (Cirrhina cirrhosa), whic h is a bottom and column feeder 

like Mrigal, grows to about 20 inches in size. It is not very common in 

Maharashtra, but is found occasionally in some streams. The pig-mouth 

carp (Labeo kontius) is a vegetable feeder mainly feeding on filamentous 

algae. It is known to grow to a length of about 2 feet. The Reba (Cirrhina 

reba) is widely distributed in Vidarbha region. It is a slender form, mainly 

feeding on plank tonic algae and growing to about 11 inches in one year. 

The Bata (Labeo bata) though slow growing attains a length of about two 

feet. All these carps breed in monsoon. 

There are about 28 species of the genus Puntius commonly called barbs, 

recorded from Maharashtra. Of these, P. kolus (Kolshi), P. dobsonii (Potil 

or Parag) and P. sarana (Posti or Darai) are medium sized fish. Although 

not very much prized as food fish, they do constitute a fishery of a minor 

nature on account of their comparatively frequent occurrence in the 

Deccan waters. P. dobsonii and P. jerdoni are considered as synonyms. 

According to market demand, the ' Potil' is considered to be the best of the 

three and is known to grow to about 6 kg. in deep pools and reservoirs. 

The Sarana barb (Puntius sarana) or the olive carp which is distributed 

throughout India, grows to a length of about a foot. It is a voracious 

feeder, feeding mainly on decaying plants, gastropods, worms, insects etc. 

FAUNA 158

They attain sexual maturity when they are about ten months old and about 

ten inches in length. 

(8) STONE CARP 

Garra mullya, which is known locally as 'Mallya’, is one of the stone 

carps. Though there are two more species only G. mallya is most common. 

Growing only up to about 4 in. or 10 cm., it is very widely spread in 

shallow streams of Maharashtra. It has acquired the name stone carp 

because of its habi,t of moving about among stones and submerged rocks 

and browsing on the green matter (algae) grown on the substratum in the 

streams. It has a stone gray camouflaging colour. Itis good eating and 

breeds freely in the early part of monsoon. 

(9) ROHTEES 

Rohtees are represented by two genera, namely Rohtee and Osteobrama. 

Like the Notopterus and other small barbs Rohtees are common in the 

streams of Deccan, though they are not very popular as food fish. They are 

bony but being available in all the seasons are common in the catches of 

fishermen. 

(10) LOACHES 

Loaches form a group of small fish commonly available in the gravelly 

part of the river beds and streams. They are represented by four or five 

genera in this State as indicated in the taxanomic list. In the Konkan 

region they are known as “Muri’. Though' small, they are quite abundant. 

During monsoon they spread themselves into different shallow areas and 

especially into rice fields of the Konkan tract and when the fields and the 

streams are drying, they are caught in baskets or traps by cultivators and 

other field workers. They are always prized as good food for the poor and 

FAUNA 159

even for the rich who have a taste for this soft morsel of flesh. The bones 

being very small the fish are easily eaten as a whole in curry or when 

fried. 

(11) CATFISHES 

Catfishes, like the barbs, form a very large group of fish in the State, some 

remaining very small, say about three inches, and others growing as large 

as 60 in. or 150 cm. The catfish have derived the name because of the 

catlike whiskers or barbels around their mouth. These barbels (whiskers) 

serve as tactile organs. Some of the catfishes have powerful trenchant 

spines, which are capable of inflicting painful wounds. Some of the 

important catfishes are detailed as under : 

Wolly or Wallago: This fish, which is known in Maharashtra as ‘Shivda’, ‘ 

Walshivda' or 'Padin’, is common in all waters. It has a large mouth 

studded with sharp teeth and a laterally compressed elongaged slim body. 

It is so voracious and destructive in habit that it has acquired the name 

'freshwater shark' and because of this predatory habit the fish is usually 

excluded from culturable waters. It is, however, prized as a good food fish. 

It inhabits rivers, streams as well as big reservoirs. It breeds in the 

beginning of monsoon and the young ones spread into different sheets of 

water. The adult fish is usually caught in gill nets as well as on hooks and 

lines. It feeds on live fish, prawns or even frogs. The latter are sometimes 

used as bait on hook and line. The fish grows up to a length of about 72 in. 

or 180 cm. and weighs about 50 kg. Though destructive, it is an important 

commercial fish in our waters. 

Shingala :Two species of Shingala, namely Mystus aor and Mystus 

seenghala, occur in Maharashtra. Like Wallago they are also carnivorous, 

grow to large size and are popular as food fish. They have fewer bones and 

are always prized high in the market. 

In the Schilbeid group of fishes, Silonia, known in Poona as 'Shilan’, 

forms an important food fish. It is usually available in monsoon. Other 

FAUNA 160

Schilbeid fishes known as 'Valanj' (Ompak) are also common along with 

Clupisoma and Pseudotropius. One more fish in this group is Neotropius 

khavalchor. It has special short pointed teeth on the protruded part of the 

snout forming a rasplike structure. With this rasp-like teeth, they remove 

the scales of other larger fish and feed on the scales. Hence the name 

Khavalchor. It is a small fish growing to about 6 in. or 15 cm. and occurs 

in river Krishna in its upper reaches. 

Magur and Shingi : This group comprising two genera, Hetero- pneustus 

(Shingi) and Clarius (Magur), represents the air-breathing catfishes of 

Maharashtra. As they live out of water for a long time and are tenacious, 

they are usually sold in live condition. Because of this, they are very 

popular especially with certain classes and are called 'Jeol' fish. They 

inhabit muddy waters and feed on small insects and bottom debris. They 

are usually dark grey in colour but in Magur, an albino form is sometimes 

met with. It is yellowish white with red eyes. They have a habit of 

remaining huddled up in one place. Magur occurs only in Vidarbha. 

Gunj or Khiret: Bagarius bagarius, which is known as 'Gunj' or 'Khiret' is 

the largest growing catfish. It is known to grow to about 200 kg. Young 

ones are banded yellowish brown and grey and are liked by some people 

but after the fish attains 20 kg. in weight, the flesh is considered rather 

coarse. With its thick rostral barbel pointing backwards, depressed head 

and greyish brown (banded) colour, the fish looks rather repulsive. 

Smaller catfishes : Other catfishes such as Rita, Mystus (other than 

Shingala), Glyptothorax, Nengra. Gagata etc. are all small in size. As some 

of these occur in abundance they are considered commercially useful. 

Their specific names are already mentioned in the taxanomic list. 

(12) GLASS FISH 

FAUNA 161

Three freshwater species of Ambassidae, Ambassis baculis, A. lalaand A. 

ranga constitute the freshwater glass fishes of Maharashtra. Theyare very 

small, hardly 4 cm. in length and are of indifferent value asfood fish. They 

are, however, prized as attractive aquarium fish. Inanother less known way 

they are useful to human race. They are veryfond of cyclops, a water flea 

commonly found in freshwater. Cyclopsbeing a carrier of guinea worm 

pest, its destruction adds to the possibilityof reducing the incidence of this 

dreaded disease. In this respect theglass fish do play an important role, like 

Rasbora group at (4) above. 

(13) FRESH WATER EELS 

In this group, two different families are involved, namely the Anguillidae 

and Mastacembelidae. Anguilla anguila of the family Anguillidae is 

known as 'Ahir' whereas members of Mastacembelidae are known as ‘ 

Wam '. Both are prized as food and are very much sought for. 'Ahir' is 

supposed to have special nutritional value. In some places the mucus from 

this fish along with gram flour is converted into pillets and given to people 

suffering from nervous debility. The scientific value of this is, of course, 

not known. The warn is known for its firm flesh and commands best price 

in the market. The fish lives in small crevices in the embankment of ponds 

and reservoirs or river banks. It is also known as Sawback because of sawlike 

spines on its dorsal side. 

(14) CLIMBING PERCH 

Anabas testudineus is remarkable because of the climbing habits attributed 

to it. Though its capacity to climb is doubted and never endorsed by 

anybody in recent years, it is, no doubt, a migrating form and is known to 

travel on soft grassy land particularly in the beginning of monsoon. This 

migration from pond to pond by travelling on grassy or soft wet land is 

possible because of the air breathing ability of the fish. It has developed a 

chambered or labyrinthic strueture in a cavity near its head. Blood 

FAUNA 162

capillaries are distributed over this structure. The fish comes to surface of 

water and takes bubbles of air which then enter the aforesaid cavity or 

chamber. Haemoglobin of the blood corpuscles having come in contact 

with the air, oxygenation of the blood is achieved. This labyrinthic 

structure is an accessory respiratory organ, the normal one being the gills. 

But these gills in this climbing perch are reduced in size and the fish 

depends largely on aerial respiration. On account of this specialisation, the 

fish can remain out of water for hours together in moist condition and can 

travel on land. 

The fish occurs in ponds in the coastal area. Though it forms an important 

fishery in Bengal where it is known as ' Koi’, the fish is available only in 

small numbers in Maharashtra. 

(15) GOBIES 

Freshwater Gobies in Maharashtra are represented only by a single genus 

Glassogobius with two species, G. guiris and G. bombayensis. Both are 

known as 'Kharbi’, G. guiris is important because of its wide-spread 

distribution and common occurrence. It has a comparatively large mouth 

and sharp teeth. Having fewer bones it is popular as food fish. It is a 

slender elongated fish and grows to about 30 cm. in length and 300 gm. in 

weight. It is carnivorous in habits and breeds in small ponds and 

reservoirs. 

(16) MURRELS 

Murrels, by far, form the most important and a very valuable group of 

fishes occurring in fresh waters of Maharashtra especially from point of 

view of general popularity as food fish in inland tracts. The popularity can 

largely be ascribed to the flavour of their flesh and presence of fewer 

bones. They are known in English as Snakeheaded fish because of their 

snake-like head and elongated body. They have accessory respiratory 

organs and can take bubbles of air from surface of water to supplement 

their oxygen requirements. They thus frequent the surface of water and 

FAUNA 163

thereby make themselves available to hunters who many times kill them 

with the help of guns and pistols. The hunter waits near the bank of a river 

and as Murrel approaches the surface for taking bubbles of air, it is hit by 

bullet. 

There are different species of the Murrel. They are included in the family 

Ophiocephalidae and under genus Chana (old name Ophiocephalus). Of 

the five species, C. marulius and C. leucopunctatus grow to large size, 

may be upto about 5 ft. in length and about 30 kg. in weight. They are 

carnivorous forms, feeding on other live fish. Because of this destructive 

habit they are avoided in culturable waters for the fear of their feeding on 

baby fish stocked in those waters. 

Murrels have a sort of parental care. They build a nest of small weeds and 

lay eggs. They guard the nest, the eggs and thereafter the young ones also. 

The young ones move on the surface of water in thick groups, the parents 

remaining below and guiding the baby fish. In this way they guide the 

growing babies to places where they can get minute organisms for feeding. 

After the babies grow to about 3", parents compulsorily make them 

disperse; if they (babies) do not, the parents do not even hesitate to devour 

a few of them to compel the rest to go and follow an independent life. 

Murrels breed in the months of April and May. 

(17) CYPRINODONTS (Top-Minnows) 

This group of small minnows is represented in Maharashtra by two 

families, Cyprinodontidae and Horaichthyidae. Of the former, the genus 

Aplocheilus has three species A. lineatus, A. blochii and A. panchax. A. 

lineatus is known as ' Piku' in Bombay. They are usually found on the 

surface of water, keeping a constant vigil and actively looking for insect 

larvae or other living organisms. Because of their habit of remaining on 

the surface, they are also known as 'Tarangya’, meaning a floating fish. 

They are very useful as destroyers of insect larvae and because of their 

capacity to swim on the surface they can approach even shallow sheets of 

FAUNA 164

water and destroy the mosquito larvae commonly found on the margins. 

They are capable of standing a wide range of salinity and temperatures and 

thus are a great help in ridding the coastal waters of mosquito larvae. The 

other two species are usually found in the inland tracts like Vidarbha and 

Marathwada. They are also reared as attractive aquarium fishes. 

(18) GAMBUSIA 

Gambusia, which is also known as mosquito fish, is another small fish 

which is a great friend of men. Like the ' Piku’, Gambusia is also a surface 

fish and specialises in destroying mosquito larvae. It is not an Indian fish 

but has been imported into our country from Central America specially as 

a biological control of mosquito larvae for eradication of malaria. For this 

purpose, the fish has been grown and nurtured by many municipalities. As, 

in this way, the fish is abundantly available at different places, it looks like 

an indigenous form to the layman. The fish is very outstanding in one 

more respect. Unlike all other known freshwater fishes of Maharashtra, 

nay India, it gives birth to young ones and does not lay eggs. It is, 

therefore, known as viviparous fish and belongs to a separate family 

Poecilidae. 

(19) COMMON CARP 

Of the exotic fishes introduced in Maharashtra waters, the common carp, 

Cyprinus carpio, and its three varieties, the mirror carp, the scale carp and 

the leather carp, are important from point of view of pisciculture. Though 

these are essentially cold water varieties, because of their hardy nature, 

they have well adapted themselves to tropical conditions. It is reported that 

these fishes were first brought to India in the year 1939 and stocked in 

Nilgiri hills. Later on a stock acclimatised to lower altitudes was imported 

from Thailand and bred at Cuttack for distribution to States. It is known to 

grow to a length of 3 feet and a weight of 32 lbs. Originally from China, 

the fish was introduced in European countries centuries ago. From there, it 

was taken to the American continent. It is found in Japan and many other 

countries also. 

FAUNA 165

The fish has an omnivorous feeding habit which includes decaying plants, 

worms, crustaceans etc., though young are plankton feeders. It grows to a 

size of 15 to 18 inches in a year, also attaining maturity at this age and 

size. The fish breeds throughout the year, the peak breeding period, 

however, being from January to February. The speciality of this carp is 

that unlike other major carps, it breeds in ponds and tanks. Having been 

domesticated for centuries, the fish is sluggish in habit. The eggs which 

are adhesive are found sticking to leaves of submerged plants. 

The three varieties of Cyprinus carpio can be distinguished as follows: The 

mirror carp, C. carpio var specularis, has a yellowish golden colour with 

large and shiny scales, the scale carp, C. carpio var communis, has small 

scales whereas the leather carp, C. carpio var nudus, has a leathery 

appearance on account of scales being almost absent 

Gourami (Osphronemus goramy) 

(20) GOURAMI 

FAUNA 166

Giant Gourami :The Gourami (Osphronemus goramy) is a native of Java 

and Mauritius. It was first introduced into India in 1865 by Sir William 

Denison at Madras, where it established fairly well. The fish was 

successfully transplanted to Bombay in 1937. As the name suggests, it is a 

giant form in the group of gouramies, growing to about 24 in. or 60 cm. in 

total length and weighing 9 kg. 

The fish is a vegetable feeder mainly feeding on aquatic plants such as 

water-lilies, lotus, submerged weeds and marginal grass. It is a very hardy 

fish and, therefore, easy for transport. Gourami breeds in captivity almost 

throughout the year and is a good table fish with few bones. For breeding, 

the fish builds an under-water nest on the margins of tanks in which the 

eggs are laid. The nest and the eggs are zealously guarded by both parents. 

The larvae hatch out in ten days. At a time as many as 3,000 eggs are laid. 

The larvae or fry grow to fingerlings size in three months. At the end of 

first year the fish attains a growth of about nine inches. 

Dwarf Gourami :As the name indicates, the dwarf gourami (Tricho- 

gaster lalia), growing to about 3 in. or 7 to 8 cm., is one of the small 

gouramies as compared to the giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy) 

mentioned above; still smaller forms occur in Singapore and Malaysian 

waters. Though an insignificant fish in size, T. lalia is widely travelled and 

well-known in the aquarium world. The male is delicately coloured having 

fine alternating red and blue-green oblique bars on its body. The female is 

larger than the male but plain and dull in colouration. Like other small 

gouramies, they build simple bubble nests and breed in aquarium tanks. 

Being a labyrinthini form (having chambered accessory respiratory 

organs) they come to surface of water for taking a bubble of air. In nature, 

they inhabit stagnant puddles and feed on mosquito larvae, thus serving 

mankind. The fish occurs largely in Bhandara and Chanda district of 

Vidarbha region. 

FAUNA 167

(21) BADIS AND NANDUS 

Bad is badis is known more as an aquarium fish than anything else. It is a 

small 5 to 7 cm. form remarkable for its ability to change its colour to suit 

the surroundings as a camouflage. It is normally brownish in colour with 

three or four black and green edged bands in double series. It inhabits 

shallow puddles and stagnant pools. In the aquarium it has a habit of 

remaining at the bottom and nibbling at vegetable detritus. 

Nandus nandus (H.B.), though not popular as an aquarium form because 

of its size and carnivorous habit, is noted for its three black oblique bands 

on olive body colouration. These bands along with a few blotches on the 

head and yellowish-brown eyes make the fish resemble the juvenile or fry 

stage colouration of Lates calcarifer ('Jitada' or 'Bekti'). Even the snout in 

both forms is very similar. The fish (Nandus) usually grows to 15 to 20 

cm. in length but may reach 30 cm. in rare cases. It is considered good 

eating. 

Both these forms occur in Vidarbha region and especially in Chanda and 

Bhandara districts. 

(22) TILAPIA 

The Tilapia (Tilapia mossambica), which is a member of the family 

Chichlidae enumerated in the taxonomic list of marine fishes because of 

their estuarine habits, is a native of South Africa, which has been 

successfully transplanted in some of the South-East Asian countries. Into 

Maharashtra, it was introduced from Ceylon. It is one of the hardiest fish 

known to live in any adverse conditions. It thrives in fresh water as well as 

estuarine or saline waters and feeds on aquatic vegetation as well as small 

animalcules. In ideal conditions, it grows to about 30 cm. and weighs a kg. 

It is a prolific breeder breeding almost throughout the year. It is called a 

mouth breeder because of the female hatching the eggs in her mouth. In 

FAUNA 168

case of danger, the young ones also are sucked into the mouth and 

protected. When the danger is over, they are thrown out. Being a very 

prolific breeder and adaptable in different ways, it pervades different 

waters especially in coastal areas and is likely to be a pest when stunted in 

growth. 

(23) ORANGE CHROMIDE 

Another Chichlid found in Maharashtra is Etroplus maculatus. It has been 

introduced from Andhra waters (Sunkesula). It is a small 8 cm. fish not 

very useful as food fish, but is popular as an aquarium fish under the name 

'Orange chromide'. Local fishermen call it 'Thikree.' It is commonly met 

with in the fresh and estuarine waters around Bombay. 

(24) GOLD FISH 

Many are familiar with Gold fish, Carassius carassius, occurring in garden 

ponds and aquarium tanks. It is not a native of India but has been 

introduced from China and Japan several decades ago. Being of an 

attractive scarlet red colour and capable of thriving on variety of foods and 

climatic conditions, the fish has spread the world over and is considerably 

domesticated. In Maharashtra also, it is often seen in garden ponds and 

tanks in the compounds of mosques where they are fondly fed on bread 

and other articles of food. Its original colour was simple olive green but 

being easily bred, several colour varieties have been obtained by selective 

breeding over centuries. It is always popular as an ornamental fish. 

FAUNA 169

CHAPTER2—MARINE INVERTEBRATE 

General Introduction 

The maritime region of Maharashtra comprises an extensive coastline of 

720 kilometres and the sea waters around it, with the sea bottom mainly 

consisting of fairly hard clayey mud, interspersed with sandy patches. The 

bottom slopes gradually in northern Maharashtra, but is steeper in the 

southern half. Because of a number of streams and rivulets flowing into 

the sea, marshes are common. At intervals, hilly coastal tracts abutting into 

the sea give rise to rocky foreshores; rock however, does not extend far 

out into the sea. Coral is almost completely absent. 

This maritime region is inhabited by a rich variety of invertebrate 

communities, living at different depths of water and sea bottom, mainly 

concealed from view and requiring special devices for their collection and 

study. A maritime region where collection can be easily made and which, 

consequently, has been studied the most, is the region influenced by tides, 

commonly called the inter-tidal zone. 

A majority of the marine invertebrates are minute creatures, either 

throughout their life cycle or at some stage of their life history, rendering 

the compilation of such groups a difficult task in marine invertebrate 

taxonomy. As such the list of marine invertebrates presented in this 

chapter pertains mostly to the intertidal zones, particularly off Bombay 

and Ratnagiri, where such taxonomic studies have been more 

comprehensively undertaken. 

Much of the work, especially at Bombay, was done as part of theses 

submitted for postgraduate degrees, and some of this has still remained 

unpublished. The present part of the Fauna volume cannot, therefore, be 

anything more than a compilation of the faunal lists extracted from these 

theses, as well as from some published papers. It may here be mentioned 

that, in some cases, workers have not realized the significance of usage of 

FAUNA 170

authors’ names in parentheses. Thus, Subrahmanyam, Karandikar, and 

Murti, in the first part of their paper dealing with bivalve Mollusca, have 

inserted all the authors' names within parenthesis, whereas in the second 

part dealing with Gastropoda the authors' names are not in parenthesis. 

Similarly, Joshi, in his list of Isopoda, has used authors' names without 

parenthesis, while Deshpande, in her list of Amphipoda, has inserted them 

within parenthesis. An attempt has been made here to correct these; 

otherwise the names of the animals and their authorship have not been 

altered, but have been retained as they were treated by the workers. 

The list of marine invertebrates has been compiled from the following 

sources:— 

General intertidal fauna — Ph.D. thesis of late Dr. Y. M. Bhatt, entitled " a 

study of the intertidal organisms of Bombay" — Institute of Science, 

Bombay, 1959. 

Hydromedusae — Lele, S. H. & Gae, P. B. ; " some common Hydro- 

medusae of the Bombay harbour. " Journ. Univ. Bombay 3 (5), pp. 90-101, 

pls. i-iii, text fig. 1, 1935. 

Actinozoa — M.Sc. thesis of Kum. M. J. Dave, entitled " study of 

Anthozoa" — Institute of Science, Bombay, 1957. 

Bryozoa — Chhapgar, B. F. & Sane, S. R.; intertidal Entoprocta and 

Ectoprocta (Bryozoa) of Bombay." J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 63 (2), pp. 

449-454, pl. i, 1967. 

Chaetognatha — Lele, S. H. & Gae, P. B;. " common Sagittae of the 

Bombay harbour." Journ. Univ. Bombay 4 (5), pp. 105-113, pl. i, text figs. 

1-3, 1936. 

Cestoda — Ph.D. thesis of late Dr. F. S. Khambata, entitled " Cestodes of 

marine fishes of Bombay ", Institute of Science, Bombay, 1952. 

Polychaeta — Bhatt, Y. M. & Bal, D. V.; "an account of the Poly- chaetous 

annelids of Bombay." Journ. Univ. Bombay 32 (3-5), pp. 24-51, text figs. 

1-12, 1963-64. 

Echinodermata — Sane, S. R. & Chhapgar, B. F.; "intertidal Echi- 

nodermata of Bombay." J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 59 (2), pp. 672-676, pls. 

i, ii, 1962. 

FAUNA 171

Copepoda (parasitic) —Bassett-Smith, P. W.; "some new parasitic 

copepods found on fish at Bombay." Ann. Mag. nat Hist. (7) 1, pp. 1-17, 7 

pls., 18. 

A series of papers by Redkar, M., Rangnekar, P. G., & Murti, N. N., 

published in J. Zool. Soc. India 5 (2), 1953, Rec. Ind. Mus. 53 (3,4), 1955, 

and Journ. Univ. Bombay 18-24, 1950-1956. 

Cirripedia — Karande, A. A.; "on Cirriped crustaceans (barnacles), an 

important fouling group in Bombay waters." Proceedings of the 

Symposium on Crustacea, 1965. Mar. Biol. Assoc. India, part iv, pp. 1245- 

1253, pls. i, ii, figs. 15, 16, 1967. 

Isopoda — M.Sc. thesis of U. N. Joshi. 

Amphipoda — M.Sc. thesis of Kum. K. B. Deshpande, entitled " a study 

of Amphipods of Bombay" — Institute of Science, Bombay, 1959. 

Macrura (prawns)—Kunju, M.M.; "observations on the prawn fishery of 

Maharashtra coast." Proceedings of the Symposium on Crustacea, vtfe, 

Mar. Biol, Assoc, India, part iv, pp. 1382-1397, fig. 1, 1967, 

(lobsters) —Chhapgar, B. F. & Deshmukh, S. K.; " on the occurrence of 

the spiny lobster, Panulirus dasypus (H. Milne-Edwards) in Bombay 

waters, with a note on the systematics of Bombay lobsters." J.Bombay nat. 

Hist. Soc. 58 (3), pp. 632-638, fig. 1, 1961. 

Chhapgar, B. F. & Deshmukh, S. K.; " further records of lobsters from 

Bombay." J. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 61 (1), pp. 203-207, pl. i, 1964. 

Anomura — M.Sc. thesis of K. N. Sankolli, entitled "intertidal Paguridae 

of Bombay" — Taraporevala Marine Biological Research Station, 

Bombay, 1959. 

Ph.D. thesis of Dr. K. N. Sankolli, entitled " studies on Anomura 

(Decapoda, Crustacea), except Paguroidea, of Ratnagiri"— Taraporevala 

Marine Biological Research Station, Bombay, 1965. 

Brachyura — Chhapgar, B. F,; on the marine crabs (Decapoda Brachyura) 

of Bombay State, " Parts I & II. J. Bombay nat. Hisi. Soc. 54 (2), pp. 399- 

439, 503, 549, pls. A, B, 1-10, text figs. 1-3, 1957. 

Chhapgar, B, F.; "additions to the crab fauna of Bombay State. " J. 

Bombay nat. Hist. Soc, 55 (3), pp. 582-585, i, ii, 1958. 

Chhapgar, B, F.; " more additions to the crab fauna of Bombay. " J. 

Bombay nat. Hist. Soc. 65 (3); pp. 608-617, pls, i, ii, 1969. 

FAUNA 172

Stomatopoda — Chhapgar, B. F. & Sane, S. R,; " the Stomatopoda of 

Bombay". Journ. Biol. Sci. 9 (1 & 2), pp. 43-46, 1966. 

Mollusca — Subrahmanyam, T. V., Karandikar, K. R., & Murti, N. N.; " 

Marine Gastropoda of Bombay ". Journ. Univ. Bombay 21 (3), pp. 26-73, 

figs. 1-181, 1952. 

Subrahmanyam, T. V., Karandikar, K. R., & Murti, N. N.; " the marine 

Pelecypoda of Bombay". Journ. Univ. Bombay 17 (5), pp. 50-81, 1949. 

Faunal list of Ratnagiri was supplied by Dr. M. R. Ranade, Research 

Officer, Marine Biological Research Station, Ratnagiri. 

Short Notes on PhyLa and Lists of Species 

(1) PROTOZOA 

Although no study has been made of this phylum in Maharashtra, a brief 

note is given here. 

Animals belonging to this phylum are unicellular, mostly microscopic, and 

may be amoeboid, with cilia or flagella. They are common in the sea, 

ranging from the seashore to below 3000 fathoms. The best known marine 

forms are the Foraminifera and Radiolaria, which have chambered shells 

of calcium carbonate or silica, and which form the Globigerina ooze on 

the sea bottom, or rock formations such as chalk and limestone. The 

Dinoflagellata sometimes reproduce in such enormous numbers as to 

cause a brown or red discoloration of sea water, resulting in mass 

mortality of fishes. Noctiluca, a Cystoflagellate is a pelagic form, presence 

of which produces luminescence in the sea. 

The Sporozoa are a group of parasitic forms occurring both in fishes as 

well as invertebrates. A very common form infecting the skin and fins of 

fishes is Oodinium. 

FAUNA 173

(2) PORIJFERA 

This phylum constitutes the most primitive multicellular animals called 

sponges. Most of the forms are marine, and all are sessile. The sponges 

may either form encrustations or assume various shapes, such as stalks, 

cups, vases or irregular shapes. There is an internal skeleton of spicules 

made of spongin, silica or lime. They occur from the intertidal zone to the 

deepest waters. A few are of commercial importance, such as the common 

bath sponge, this being the cleaned spongin skeleton of the animal. 

Class Demospongiae 

Subclass Tetractinellida 

Order Choristida 

Suborder Astrophora 

Family Tetillidae 

Genus Tetilla Schmidt 

Tetilla dactyloidea(Carter) 

Order Hadromarina (or Astromonaxoncllida) 

Suborder Monaxonida 

Family Tethyidae 

Genus Tethya Lamarck 

Tethya lyncuriumLinnaeus 

(3) COELENTERATA 

This phylum consists of a wide range of numerous and diversified species. 

The body wall of these animals is made up of two layers of cells — the 

ectoderm and endoderm, with a jelly-like substance mesogloea in 

between. The body wall encloses a single cavity which serves as a 

digestive tract, called coelenteron, with only a single opening through 

which undigested material is also discharged. Another important feature 

which characterizes the members of this phylum is their radial symmetry. 

The animals in this phylum may have one of two types of body form, or 

they may go through both the forms at different stages of their life cycle. 

FAUNA 174

One form is the jelly-fish or umbrella shape — called medusa, and the 

other is a tubular form called polype. There are three classes. 

The Hydrozoa include animals with the polype as the predominant form, 

although there might be an alternation of generations involving a medusa 

stage. Most of them are marine, and most are colonial. Most of the 

Hydrozoa arc small in size and form branched colonies encrusted on 

stones, etc.; there are, however, some pelagic forms which swim by means 

of a float. The characteristic means of defence is by nematocysts which, in 

some animals,, like the Portuguese Man-of-war, may be deadly. In the 

pelagic forms, the different polypes assume different roles, such as 

flotation, defence, digestion, and reproduction. 

In tihe Scyphozoa, or jelly-fishes the predominant stage is the swimming 

medusa, but there may be an alternation of generations with a temporary 

polype-like planula stage. 

The Actinozoa include the sea anemones and corals. While the former are 

single and lack a skeleton, the latter form colonies and have a hard limy 

skeleton. Some, like the sea pens and sea fans, may lack a calcareous 

skeleton. 

Class Hydrozoa 

Order Hydroida 

Family Pennaridae 

Genus Pennaria Oken 

Pennaria distichaGoldfuss 

Family Tubulariidae 

Genus Tubularia van Beneden 

Tubularia crocea(Agassiz) 

Phylum COELENTERATA 

FAUNA 175

Tubularia larynxEll. & Sol. 

Tubularia (Ectopleura) pacifica(Thornely) 

GenusCorymorphaHartlanb 

Corymorpha nutansSars 

Family Clavidae 

GenusHydractinia 

Hydractinia gallensis( Thornely) 

Family Bougainvillidae 

Genus Bougainvillia Lesson 

Bougainvillia ramosum(van Beneden) 

Order Anthomedusae 

Family Tubulariidae 

Genus Steenstrupia Forbes 

Steenstrupia bigelowi(Maas) 

Order Leptomedusae 

Family Phialuciidae 

Genus Phialucium Maas 

Phialucium virens(Bigelow) 

Family Eirinidae 

Genus Eirene Eschscholtz 

Eirene ceylonensis(Browne) 

Family Aequoreidae 

Genus Aequorea Peron & Lesueur 

Aequorea pensilis(Eschscholtz) 

Aequorea conica Browne 

Order Trachymedusae Family Geryoniidae 

Genus Liriope Lesson 

Liriope tetraphylla (Chamisso & Eysenhardt) Family Rhopalonematidae 

Genus Aglaura Peron and Lesueur 

A glaura hemistoma Peron and Lesueur 

FAUNA 176

Order Narcomedusae 

Family Aeginidae 

Genus Solmundella Haeckel 

Solmundella bitentaculata (Quoy and Gaimard) Order Semaeostomeae 

Family Pelagiidae 

Genus Dactylometra. 

Dactylometra quinquecirrha(Desor) 

GenusPelagiaPerson and Lesueur 

Pelagia noctiluca (Forskal) 

Class Actinozoa 

Subclass Alcyonaria 

Order Pennatulacea 

Family Veretillidae 

Genus Cavernularia Valenciennes 

Cavernularia orientalis Thomson and Simpson Family Virgulariidae 

Genus Virgularia Lamarck 

Virgularia rumphii Kolliker 

Subclass Zoantharia 

Order Actiniaria 

Suborder Nynantheae 

Tribe Athenaria 

Family Edwardsiidae 

Genus Edwardsia Quatrefages 

Edwardsia tinctrix Annandale 

Family Haloclavidae 

Genus Metapeachia Carlgren 

Metapeachia tropica(Panikkar) 

Family Haliactiidae 

Genus Pelocoetes Annandale 

Pelocoetes exulAnnandale 

GenusPhytocoetesAnnandale 

Phytocoetes gangetioui(Annandale) 

Tribe Thenaria 

Subtribe Endomyaria 

Family Actiniidae 

FAUNA 177

Genus Anemonia Risso 

Anemonia indicus Parulekar 

GenusParacondyactisCarlgren 

Paracondylactis indicusDave 

Family Acontiophoridae 

GenusAcontiophorum 

Acontiophorum bombayensisParulekar 

Family Diadumenidae 

Genus Diadumene Stephenson 

Diadumene schilleriana (Stoliczka) . 

(4) Platyhelminthes 

Commonly known as flatworms, these are soft-bodied, bilaterally 

symmetrical animals devoid of true segmentation. A mesoderm is present. 

They may be either free-living, like the planaria, or parasitic such as flukes 

and tapeworms. The parasites may occur on the body or gills or inside the 

body. Only the cestodes have been studied at Bombay. 

Class Cestoda 

Order Eucestoda 

Superfamily Tetrarhynchoidea 

Family Pterobothriidae 

Genus Pterobothrium Diesing 

Pterobothrium heteracanthumDiesing [onCarcharhnus bleekeri 

(Dumeril) ]* 

Family Otobothriidae 

Subfamily Otobothriinae 

Genus Otobothrium Linton 

Otobothrium balliSouthwell [onSphyrna blochii(Cuv.)] 

Superfamily Phyllobothriodea 

Family Phyllobothriidae 

Genus Anthobothrium van Beneden 

__________________________________________________ 

FAUNA 178

*Names of hosts are those given by the original worker (late Dr. 

Khambata). 

Anthobothrium laciniatumLinton [onSphyrna zygaena(Linn.) 

andCarcharhinus bleekeri(Dumeril) ] 

Anthobothrium floraformis(Southwell) [onGaleocerdo tigrinus(Muller and 

Henle)] 

Genus Echeneibothrium van Beneden 

Echeneibothrium cancellatum(Linton) [onRhinoptera javanica(Muller and 

Henle) andAetobatis narinari(Euphrasen)] 

Echeneibothrium flexile(Linton) [onTrygon sephen(Forskal) andTrygon 

walga(Muller and Henle)] 

Family Onchobothriidae 

Genus Acanthobothrium van Beneden 

Acanthobothrium coronatum(Rud.) [onChiloscyllium griseumMuller and 

Henle] 

Acanthobothrium capsulorchisumKhambata 

[onRhynchobatusdjeddensis(Forskal),Trygon walga(Muller and Henle), 

andTrygon uarnak(Forskal) ] 

Acanthobothrium benedeniiLoennberg [onTrygon uarnak(Forskal)] 

GenusPlatybothriumLinton 

Platybothrium spinulifera(Southwell) [onGaleocerdo tigrinus(Muller and 

Henle)] 

GenusPedibothriumLinton 

Pedibothrium longispineLinton [onStegostoma tigrinum(Forster ) ] 

GenusPhoreibothriumLinton 

Phoreibothrium exceptumLinton [onSphyrna blochii(Cuv.)] 

Genus Spiniloculus Southwell 

Spiniloculus mavensisSouthwell [onChiloscyllium griseumMullerand 

Henle]. 

FAUNA 179

(5)Aschelminthes 

This is a heterogenous phylum, of unsegmented or superficially 

segmented, free-living or parasitic animals. The main group, Nematoda, 

comprises the round worms which, as the name suggests, are cylindrical. 

The Kinorhyncha are minute, spiny 13-14 segmented forms found at the 

bottom of shallow seas. The Priapulida are also represented in the seas. 

Here the body has a distinet trunk with a proboscis which can be everted. 

In the Nematomorpha the body is long, thread-like and irregularly coiled 

when at rest. The Rotifera are mainly freshwater animals, but a few marine 

forms occur. Some are parasitic. 

(6)Entoprocta and Ectoprocta 

These two minor phyla, previously grouped together under Bryozoa or 

Polyzoa, are mostly marine and colonial forms, commonly known as seamats 

or sea-mosses, and resemble Hydroid zoophytes. While in the 

Endoprocta both the mouth and the anus are within the lophophore, in the 

Ectoprocta the latter lies outside. Majority of the forms are found in the 

seashore region, as extensive growths on stones, inside seashells, or as 

encrustations on boat hulls ; their occurrence has been recorded as deep as 

3000 fathoms. 

Phylum ENTOPROCTA Family Pedicellinidae Genus Pedicellina Sars 

Pedicellina cernua(Pallas) 

Genus Barentsia Hincks 

Barentsia gracilis(Sars) 

Phylum ECTOPROCTA 

Class Gymnolaemata 

Order Ctenostomata 

Suborder Stolonifera 

Family Vesiculariidae 

Genus Amathia Lamouroux 

Amathia convolutaLamouroux 

GenusBowerbankiaFarre 

FAUNA 180

Bowerbankia imbricataAdams 

Order Cheilostomata Suborder Anasca Division Malacostega Family 

Electridae 

Genus Electra Lamouroux 

Electra pilosa (Linnaeus) 

Family Membraniporidae 

Genus Acanthodesia Canu and Bassler Acanthodesia savartii (Audouin) 

GenusNelliaBusk 

Nellia oculata quadrilateraD'Orbigny 

Division Coelostega 

Family Poricellariidae 

Genus Poricellaria D'Orbigny 

Poricellaria ratoniensis (Waters) Division Cellularina 

Family Bugulidae 

Genus Caulibugula Verrill 

Caulibugula zanzibariensis(Waters) 

Suborder Ascophora 

Family Celleporidae 

Genus Celleporaria 

Celleporaria pilaefera 

(7)Brachiopoda 

Superficially resembling the Mollusca because of their bivalved shell, 

members of this phylum are considered “ living fossils" as they have 

flourished from Cambrian times to the present. The body is usually 

attached by a stalk. A lophophore is present. 

Lingula, a representative of this phylum, occurs commonly at Ratnagiri 

(8)Sipunculida 

The animals belonging to this minor phylum are all marine, found from 

the seashore down to 5000 fathoms. They are unsegmented wormlike 

creatures with a slender, evertible introvert and a thicker muscular body. 

The tip of the introvert bears tentacles. The intestine is spirally coiled. One 

FAUNA 181

or two metanephridia are present. Only one representative has been 

recorded from Maharashtra State. 

Sipunculida 

GenusDendrostomumGrubeDendrostomum signiferSelenka and de Man 

(9)Chaetognatha 

This is a minor phylum comprising pelagic arrow-shaped worms without a 

vascular system or excretory canals. A coelomic cavity is present. In their 

musculature they resemble the Nematodes. 

Chaetognatha 

Genus Sagitta 

Sagitta bedoti Berane 

Sagitta enflataGrassi 

Sagitta pulchraDoncaster 

Sagitta regularisAida 

GenusKrohnitta 

Krohnitta pacificaAida 

(10 )Annelida 

This is a heterogenous group comprising not only the familiar ' worms' but 

also other more primitive forms. Typically, the body is divided into a 

number of similar segments, The organs of excretion are nephridia. A 

trochophore larva is present. 

The sub-class Polychaeta is the one most represented in the sea. Having a 

distinct head with eyes and tentacles, the motile forms have parapodia for 

swimming, Some forms live within tubes constructed by them, which may 

be. parchment-like, hardened by sandgrains and bits of shells, or 

calcareous. 

The class Hirudinaria is almost exclusively parasitic, at least in the marine 

forms. Marine leeches infest turtles and fishes, mostly Elasmobranchs. 

FAUNA 182

The class Myzostomida is a very primitive one, comprising parasites of 

Echinodermata. They are disc-shaped, without any external segmentation. 

These forms have been collected from fenther stars at Bombay, but have 

not been identified. 

The class Archiannelida has not been recorded from Maharashtra, while 

the Echiurida has only one representative, recorded from Bombay. It is 

unsegmented, without parapodia, but has a pair of setae near the anterior 

end, and a large proboscis. 

Phylum ANNELIDA 

Polychaeta Phanerocephal 

Suborder Nereidiformia Family Syllidae 

Genus Syllis Savigny 

Syllis (Syllis) gracilisGrube 

Syllis (Typosyllis) variegataGrubc 

Syllis (Typosyllis) closterobranchiaSchmarda 

Family Hesionidae Genus Leocrates Kinberg 

Leocrates claparedii(Costa) 

Leocrates diplognathusMonro 

Genus Leocratides Ehlers 

Leocratides ehlersi(Horst) 

Family Aphroditidae Subfamily Polynoinae 

Genus Lepidonotus Leach 

Lepidonotus tenuisetosus(Gravier) 

GenusGattyanaMcIntosh 

Gattyana deludensFauvel 

Genus Harmothoe Kinberg 

Harmothoe ampullifera (Grube) 

Subfamily Sigalioninae 

Genus Sthenelais Kinberg 

Sthenelais boa(Johnston) 

Genus Leanira Kinberg 

Leanira japonicaMcIntosh 

Subfamily Acoetinae 

FAUNA 183

Genus Panthalis Kinberg 

Panthalis oerstediKinberg 

Family Phyllodocidae 

Subfamily Phyllodocinae 

Genus Phyllodoce Savigny 

Phyllodoce (Anaitides) madeirensisLangerhans 

Family Nereidae 

GenusDendronereidesSouthern 

Dendronereides heteropodaSouthern 

GenusNereisCuvier 

Nereis (Nereis) talehsapensisFauvel 

Nereis (Nereis) capensisWilley 

Nereis (Ceratonereis) costaeGrube 

Nereis (Ceratonereis) burmensisMonro 

GenusPerinereisKinberg 

Perinereis vancaurica typica(Ehlers)Perinereis cultrifera typicaGrube 

Perinereis vancaurica indicaBhatt 

Perinereis cultrifera helleriGrube 

Perinereis nuntia typica(Savigny) 

Perinereis nuntia brevicirris(Grube) 

Perinereis nuntia vallataGrube 

Perinereis nuntia bombayensisBhatt 

Perinereis aibuhitensisGrube 

Perinereis nigropunctataHorst 

GenusEurythoeKinberg 

Eurythoe complanata(Pallas) 

Family Eunicidae 

Subfamily Eunicinae 

GenusEuniceCuvier 

Eunice savignyiGrube 

Eunice siciliensisGrube 

Genus Marphysa Quatrefages 

Marphysa mossambica Peters 

Genus Lysidice Savigny 

FAUNA 184

Lysidice collarisGrube 

Subfamily Onuphidinae 

Genus Diopatra Aud. and M.Edw. 

Diopatra neapolitanaDelle Chiaje 

Sub-family Lumbriconereinae Genus Lumbriconereis Blainville 

Lumbriconereis heteropodaMarenzeller 

Genus Arabella Grube 

Arabella iricolor (Montagu) 

Suborder Spiontiformia 

Family Spionidae 

Genus Polydora Bose 

Polydora (Polydora) coecaOersted 

Family Cirratulidae 

Genus Cirratulus Lamarck 

Cirratulus cirratus(Muller) 

Family Chaetopteridae 

Genus Phyllochaetopterus Grube 

Phyllochaetopterus socialis Claparede 

Family Chloraemidae 

Genus Flabelligera Sars 

Flabelligera diplochaitos Otto Suborder Terebelliformia 

Family Terebellidae 

Subfamily Amphitritinae 

Genus Loimia Malmgren 

Loimia medusa (Savigny) 

Suborder Scoleciformia 

Family Arenicolidae 

Genus Arenicola 

Arenicola bombayensis Kewalramani, Wagh and Ranade 

Cryptocephala 

Suborder Sabelliformia 

Family Sabellidae 

Genus Spirographis Viviani 

Spirographis spallanzanii Viviani 

Genus Dasychone Sars 

FAUNA 185

Dasychone serratibranchis Grube 

Genus Potamilla Malmgren 

Potamilla leptochaeta Southern 

Family Serpulidae 

Genus Vermiliopsis Saint-Joseph 

Vermiliopsis glandigerusGravier 

GenusSpirorbisDaudin 

Spirorbis foraminosusMoore 

Class Echiurida 

Order Echiuroinea 

Family Echiuridae 

Genus Ochetosoma Leuckart and Ruppell 

Ochetosoma bombayensis (Prashad and Awati) 

(11) Crustacea 

This class of aquatic Arthropoda is akin to the insects on land in 

complexity of organisation, profusion in number, and economic 

importance to man. Crustaceans range from microscopic forms, on the 

richness of which depends fish life, to animals of the size of nearly 30 

cms. Most of the Crustacea, as the name implies, are covered with a 

chitinous cuticle, which may be impregnated with lime salts. The body is 

typically divided into a head, thorax and abdomen, but the former two may 

be fused. 

Sub-class Branchiopoda 

A large number of body segments with leaf-like appendages on the 

anterior region characterize this subclass. The carapace may be absent, 

shield-shaped, or divided into two shell-like valves. It includes one of the 

most adaptive animals of the marine habitat—Artemia salina, commonly 

found in the evaporating works of salt pans. This animal can accustom 

itself from fresh water to saturated brine. Their eggs are impervious to 

outside influences, and therefore can remain viable for several years. They 

FAUNA 186

are gathered and used for hatching into the nauplius for feeding young of 

fishes. Other examples are A pus and Branchipus. 

Sub-class Ostracoda 

In this group, the unsegmented and laterally compressed body is enclosed 

in a bivalved carapace, which gives them a superficial resemblance to tiny 

transparent clams. Example Cypris. 

Sub-class Copepoda 

It includes a vast number of small Crustacea, playing an important role in 

the economy of the sea, because they constitute the main link in the food 

chain between diatoms and the larger animals. 

They have an elongated segmented body, bearing usually five pairs of 

limbs, and a posterior abdomen without appendages. The free-living forms 

are found in both fresh and sea waters and form one of the most numerous 

items of plankton. Others are parasitic forms which have undergone a 

fantastic degeneration. The Branchiura are external parasites on fishes and 

have a flat, shield-like body with large compound eyes (e.g. Argulus) 

Sub-class Cirripedia 

These are shrimp-like animals, enclosed in a calcareous shell. The young 

are free-swimming, but as they grow they become permanently attached. 

They are popularly known as goose barnacles (Lepas) and acorn barnacles 

(Balanus). The Rhizocephala are extremely degenerate forms, mostly 

parasites of crabs and hermit crabs. A tumour- like part attached to the 

abdomen of the host extends as a network of filaments within the host. 

Sub-class Malacostraca 

These are highly developed animals. The thoracic and abdominal 

appendages are different. Paired compound eyes are present. The 

FAUNA 187

mandibles are provided with a palp. Except in the Leptostraca (e.g. 

Nebalia) the thoracic limbs are leg-like. 

This subclass, of which the lobsters, prawns and crabs are the most 

popularly known and are of considerable commercial importance, also 

comprises the following groups ; 

The Mysidacea are small, transparent shrimp-like forms, but with 

biramous legs. 

The Cumacea are also shrimp-like, but with sessile eyes and a short 

carapace. 

The Isopoda have a depressed body, without a carapace, with sessile eyes. 

They may be either free-living or parasitic on the skin or gills of fishes or 

higher Crustacea. 

The Amphipoda are similar to Isopoda, but the body is laterally 

compressed. 

The Decapoda — it is the members of this group which, together with 

Mollusca, constitute the important " shell” fisheries. Most important of the 

group are the prawns. More than 75% of the total prawn production of 

India is from Maharashtra. From the prawns listed below only 10 species 

are so abundant as to be of commercial importance. However, of these, the 

smaller varieties (shrimps) such as Acetes indicus and Palaemon tenuipes 

form more than half of the catch. The larger prawns, Metapenaeus affinis, 

Parapenaeopsis spp. etc. are more abundant near Ratnagiri and are 

exported, deep frozen, to Japan and western countries. 

Lobsters are also in great demand both in the State and outside, and " 

lobster tails " are an important item of export. 

Crabs are also a favourite item of sea food. They differ from the prawns 

and lobsters in that their abdomen is hidden under the carapace. 

FAUNA 188

The Stomatopoda (e.g. Squilla) have a large abdomen, a carapace leaving 

the last three cephalothoracic segments uncovered, subchelate second 

maxillipeds, and pleopods serving as branchiae. 

Class Copepoda 

Sub-Order Calanoida 

Family Calanidae 

Genus Undinula Sewell 

Undinula vulgaris(Dana) 

Family Eucalanidae Genus Eucalanus Dana 

Eucalanus orassusGiesbrecht 

Eucalanus suborassus(Giesbrecht) 

Family Paracalanidae 

Genus Acrocalanus Giesbrecht 

Acrocalanus longicornisGiesbrecht 

Acrocalanus monachus(Giesbrecht) GenusParacalanus 

Paracalanus parvus (Giesbrecht) Family Euchaetidae 

Genus Euchaeta Philippi 

Euchaeta marina (Prestandrea) Family Centropagidae 

Genus Centropages Kroyer 

Centropages furcatus(Dana) 

Centropages typicus(Kroyer) 

Centropages dorsispinatus (Thompson and Scott) 

Family Diaptomidae 

Genus Pseudodiaptomus Herrick 

Pseudodiaptomus ardjuna Brehm 

Family Temoridae 

Genus Temora Baird 

Temora turbinata (Dana) 

Family Pontellidae 

Genus Labidocera Lubbock 

Labidocera acuta (Dana) 

Family Acartiidae 

Genus Acartia 

Acartia spinicauda (Giesbrecht) 

FAUNA 189

Sub-Order Cyclopoida 

Family Sapphirinidae 

Genus Sapphirina Thompson 

Sapphirina scarlata Giesbrecht 

Family Oithonidae 

Genus Oithona Baird 

Oithona similis Claus 

Family Clausidiidae 

Genus Conchyliurus 

Conchyliurus gracilis 

Conchyliurus bombasticus 

Suborder Monstrilloida 

Family Monstrillidae 

GenusMonstrillaDana 

Monstrilla lataDesai and Bal 

Genus Cymbasoma Thompson 

Cymbasoma bali Desai and Krishnaswamy 

GenusThaumaleusKroyer 

Thaumaleus thompsoni 

Suborder Harpacticoida 

Family Tachidiidae 

Genus Euterpina Norman 

Euterpina acutifrons(Dana) 

Suborder Caligoida 

Family Pennellidae 

Genus Pennella Oken 

Pennella instructaWilson 

Pennella orthagorisciWright 

Family Bomolochidae 

Genus Bomolochus Nordmann 

Bomolochus tricerosBassett-Smith (onStromateus cinereus*) 

Bomolochus tetradonisBassett-Smith (onTetrodon oblongus) 

Bomolochus megacerosBassett-Smith (onStromateus niger) 

Family Ergasilidae 

Genus Ergasilus Nordmann 

FAUNA 190

Ergasilus polynemiRedkar, Rangnekar and Murti 

(onPolynemustetradactylus) 

Family Caligidae 

Subfamily Anuretinae 

Genus Anuretes Heller 

Anuretes branchialisRangnekar (onThynnus pelamys) 

Subfamily Caliginae 

GenusCaligusMuller 

Caligus parvusBassett-Smith (onTetrodon oblongus) 

Caligus cybiiBassett-Smith (onCybium lineolatum) 

Caligus hirsutusBassett-Smith (onPolynemus tetradactylus)Caligus 

phipsoniBassett-Smith (onCybium guttatum) 

Caligus longicaudusBassett-Smith (onTrichiurus haumelaandChirocentrus 

dorab) 

*Namesofhosts are those given by the original workers (Bassett— Smith, 

and Redkar, Rangnekar, Murti, etc.). 

Caligus furcisetifer Redkar, Rangnekar and Murti (on Sphyrnablochii) 

Caligus nengai Rangnekar, Rangnekar and Murti (on Ariusnenga) 

Caligus bombayensisRangnekar (onMugil cephalus) 

Caligus djedabaeRangnekar (onAtule djedaba) 

Caligus unguidentatusRangnekar and Murti (onClupea toli) 

Genus Sciaenophilus van Beneden 

Sciaenophilus benedeniBassett-Smith (onSciaena diacanthus) 

GenusPseudocaligusScott 

Pseudocaligus laminatusRangnekar (onSpheroides lunaris) 

Genus Parapetalus Steenstrup and Lutken 

Parapetalus hirsutusBassett-Smith (onPolynemus tetradactylus) 

ParapetaluslongipennatusRangnekar (onCaranx nigrescens) 

Parapetalus formicoidesRedkar, Rangnekar and Murti (onDussumieria 

acuta) 

Sub-family Lepeophtheirinae 

Genus Diphyllogaster Brian 

Diphyllogaster aliuncusRangnekar (onPampus argenteus) 

Subfamily Mappates 

FAUNA 191

GenusMappatesRangnekar 

Mappates plataxusRangnekar (onPlatax teira) 

Family Euryphoridae 

Subfamily Tuxophorinae 

Genus Midias Wilson 

Midias carangis Rangnekar (on Caranx nigrescens) 

GenusTuxophorusWilson 

Tuxophorus tylosuriRangnekar (onTylosurus strongylurus) 

Superfamily Dichelesthioidea 

Family Anthosomatidae 

Genus Lernanthropus Blainville 

Lernanthropus trifoliatusBassett-Smith (onPolynemus tetra-dactyus) 

Lernanthropus forficatus Redkar, Rangnekar and Murti (onTrichiurus 

haumela) 

Lernanthropus rubiginosusRedkar, Rangnekar and Murti (onChatoessus 

nasus) 

Family Dichelesthiidae 

Genus Cybicola Bassett-Smith 

Cybicola armataBassett-Smith (onCybium guttatum) 

GenusPseudocongericolaYu 

Pseudocongericola chefoonensisYu (onMuraenesox talabonoides)Family 

Eudactylinidae 

GenusKroyeriavan Beneden 

Kroyeria echinatus Rangnekar (on Sphyrna zygaena) 

Superfamily Lernaeoidea 

Family Lernaeidae 

Subfamily Lernaeenieinae 

Genus Lernaeenicus Le Sueur 

Lernaeenicus polynemiBassett-Smith (onPolynemus 

tetradactylus)GenusLerneonemaMilne-Edwards 

Lerneonema polynemiBassett-Smith (onPolynemus tetradactylus)Family 

Perodermatidae 

GenusPerodermaHeller 

Peroderma cylindricum Heller (on Coilia dussumieri) 

Order Lerneopodidea 

FAUNA 192

Family Chondracanthinae 

Genus Chondracanthus De la Roche 

Chondracanthus elongatus Bassett-Smith (on sole) 

Family Lerneopodidae 

Subfamily Clavellinae 

Genus Brachiella Cuvier 

Brachiella appendiculosaBassett-Smith (onStromateus nigerandPolynemus 

tetradactylus) 

GenusCharopinusKroyer 

Charopinus albidusRangnekar (onPseudosciaena albida) 

Family Naobranchiidae 

GenusNaobranchiaHesse 

Naobranchia vermiformisRangnekar (onChatoessus nasus) 

Cirripedia 

Suborder Balanomorpha 

Family Balanidae 

Subfamily Balaninae 

Genus Balanus Da Costa Subgenus Megabalanus Hoek 

Balanus tintinnabulum tintinnabulumLinnaeus 

Balanus tintinnabulum zebraDarwin 

SubgenusBalanusDa Costa 

Balanus amphitrite variegatusDarwin 

Balanus amphitrite communisDarwin 

Balanus amphitrite hawaiiensisBroch 

Balanus amphitrite denticulataBroch 

Balanus amphitrite cochinensisNilsson-Cantell 

Balanus amphitrite insignisNilsson-Cantell 

Balanus amphitrite venustusDarwin 

Balanus amphitrite niveusDarwin 

Balanus amphitrite stutsburiDarwin 

Balanus amphitrite cirratusDarwin 

Balanus poecilothecaKruger 

Balanus patellarisSpengler 

Balanus calidusPilsbry 

Subgenus Chirona Gray 

FAUNA 193

Balanus amaryllisDarwin formaeuamaryllisBroch 

Balanus amaryllisDarwin formaniveaGruvel 

Balanus ciliatusHoek 

Balanus socialisHoek 

Subfamily Tetraclitinae 

Genus Tetraclita Schumacher 

Tetraclita squamosa viridisDarwin 

Tetraclita squamosa rufotinctaPilsbry 

Tetraclita purpurascensWood 

Subfamily Chelonibiinae Genus Chelonobia 

Chelonobia testudinarisLinnaeus 

Chelonobia patulaRanzari 

Subfamily Coronulinae 

Genus Platylepas 

Platylepas ophiophilusLanchester 

Family Chthamalidae 

Genus Chthamalus Ranzani 

Chthamalus malayensisPilsbry 

Chthamalus withersiPilsbry 

Isopoda 

Flabellifera 

Family Eurydicidae 

Genus Cirolana 

Cirolana bombayensisJoshi 

Family Corallanidae 

Genus Lanocira 

Lanocira zeylanicaStebbing 

GenusAlcirona 

Alcirona indicaNiertsz 

GenusArgathona 

Argathona muraeniJoshi (onMuraena tessellata)* 

Family Cymothoidae 

Genus Nerocila 

Nerocila serraSch. and Mein (onAriusdussumieri) 

NerocilaorbignyiGuer. Mein (onAriusdussumieri) 

FAUNA 194

Nerocila phaeopleuraBleeker (onHistiophorus gladius) 

Nerocila pigmentaJoshi (onOpisthopterus turtoor) 

GenusAnilocra 

Anilocra leptosoma Bleeker (onChaetossus nasus) 

GenusCymothoa 

CymothoastromateiSch. and Mein (onParastromateusniger) 

Cymothoa cineriusJoshi (onStromateus cinerium) 

Family Sphaeromidae 

GenusSphaeroma 

Sphaeroma walkeri Stebbing 

Sphaeroma annandalei Stebbing 

Valvifera 

Family Idoteidae 

Genus Synidotea 

Synidotea variegataCollinge 

SynidoteaworliensisJoshi 

Epicaridea 

Family Bopyridae 

GenusEpipenaeon 

Epipenaeon ovalisPillai (onParapenaeopsis stylifera) 

Epipenaeon abovalisJoshi (onPenaeus semisulcatus) 

GenusParapenaeon 

ParapenaeonrotundaJoshi (onMetapenaeus dobsoni) 

Amphipoda 

Family Lyssianassidae 

Genus Lyssianassa Milne-Edwards 

Lyssianassa certaina (Walker) 

Family Leucothoidae 

Genus Leucothoe Leach 

Leucothoe richiardii (Less.) 

Family Tironidae 

Genus Tiron Lilljeborg 

Tiron bombayensis Deshpande 

Family Gammaridae 

Genus Melita Leach 

FAUNA 195

Melitafresnelli(Audouin) 

* Names of hosts are those given by the original worker (Shri Joshi). 

Melita subchelata(Schellenburg) 

Genus Elasmopus Costa 

Elasmopus subpectenicrus Deshpande 

Elasmopus palpifera Deshpande 

Elasmopus pectenicrus (Bate) 

Genus Maera Leach 

Mara grossimana ( Montagu) 

Maera mastersii (Haswell) 

Maera spinosa Deshpande 

Family Dexaminidae 

Genus Guernea Chevreux 

Guernea dentata Deshpande 

Family Talitridae 

Genus Parhyale Stebbing 

Parhyale fasciger(Stebbing) 

Genus Parhyalella 

Parhyalella indica ( Barnard) 

Family Podoceridae 

Genus Podocerus Leach 

Podocerus brasiliensis(Dana) 

Family Aoridae 

GenusGrandidierella 

Grandidierella gravipes (Barnard) 

Family Ampithoidae 

Genus Ampithoe Leach 

Ampithoe ramondi(Audouin) 

Ampithoe africana (Barnard) 

Family Corophiidae 

Genus Ericthonius Milne-Edwards 

Ericthonius colabaensisDeshpande 

Ericthonius plumosa Deshpande 

Penaeidea 

Family Penaeidae 

FAUNA 196

Subfamily Penaeinae 

Genus Penaeus Fabricius 

Penaeus canaliculatusOlivier 

Penaeus semisulcatusDe Haan 

Penaeus monodonFabricius 

Penaeus indicusMilne-Edwards 

Penaeus merguiensisAlcock 

Penaeus penicillatusAlcock 

GenusMiyadiella 

Miyadiella pedunculataKubo 

GenusMetapenaeusWood Mason 

Metapenaeus monoceros(Fabricius) 

Metapenaeus affinis(Milne-Edwards) 

Metapenaeus dobsoni(Miers) 

Metapenaeus brevicornis(Milne-Edwards) 

Metapenaeus ensis(De Haan) 

GenusParapenaeopsisWood Mason 

Parapenaeopsis stylifera(Milne-Edwards) 

Parapenaeopsis sculptilis(Heller) 

Parapenaeopsis uncta(Alcock) 

Parapenaeopsis cornutus(Kishinouye) 

Parapenaeopsis maxillipedo(Alcock) 

Parapenaeopsis hardwickii(Miers) 

GenusTrachypenaeus 

Trachypenaeus curvirostris(Stimpson) 

GenusMetapenaeopsis 

Metapenaeopsis novae-guineae(Haswell) 

Metapenaeopsis mogiensis(Rathbun) 

Genus Atypopenaeus 

Atypopenaeus compressipes (Henderson) 

Subfamily Solenocerinae 

Genus Solenocera Lucas 

Solenocera indicus Nataraj 

Family Sergestidae 

Genus Acetes H. Milne-Edwards 

FAUNA 197

Acetes indicus Milne-Edwards 

Section Caridea 

Family Caridae 

Genus Caridina 

Caridina weberi sumatrensisde Man 

Caridina gracilirostrisde Man 

Family Hippolytidae 

GenusSaronThallwitz 

Saron marmoratus(Olivier) 

GenusLatreutesStimpson 

Latreutes mucronatusStimpson 

GenusHippolysmataStimpson 

Hippolysmata dentataKemp 

Hippolysmata ensirostrisKemp 

Hippolysmata ensirostrispunctata Kemp 

Family Crangonidae 

GenusPontocaris 

Pontocaris lacazei (Gourret) 

Family Palaemonidae 

Genus Palaemon Stimpson 

Subgenus Nematopalaemon 

Palaemon tenuipesHenderson 

SubgenusExopalaemon 

Palaemon styliferusMilne-Edwards 

GenusMacrobrachium 

Macrobrachium rosenbergii(de Man) 

Macrobrachium idae(Heller) 

Macrobrachium malcolmsonii(Milne-Edwards) 

Macrobrachium scabriculum(Heller) 

Macrobrachium equidens 

GenusLeander 

LeandercarinatusOrtmann 

Leander styliferusMilne-Edwards 

Leander maniSollaud 

Leander serriferStimpson 

FAUNA 198

Leander potamiscusKemp 

Family Palinuridae 

GenusPanulirusWhite 

Panulirus polyphagus(Herbst) 

Panulirus homarus(Linnaeus) 

Panulirus versicolor(Latreille) 

Panulirus ornatus(Fabricius) 

Family Scyllaridae 

GenusScyllarusFabricius 

Scyllarus sordidus(Stimpson) 

GenusThermsLeach 

Thenus orientalis(Lund) 

ANOMURA 

Family Paguridae 

Subfamily Pagurinae 

Genus Paguristes Dana 

Paguristes incomitatusAlcock 

GenusClibanariusDana 

Clibanarius infraspinatusHilgendorf 

Clibanarius padavensisde Man 

Clibanarius arethusade Man 

Clibanarius aequabilis merguensisde Man 

GenusDiogenesDana 

Diogenes diogenes(Herbst) 

Diogenes custos(Fabricius) 

Diogenes custos affinisHenderson 

Diogenes custos planimanus Henderson 

Diogenes miles( Herbst) 

Diogenes avarusHeller 

Diogenes gardineriAlcock 

Genus Troglopagurus Henderson 

Troglopagurus jubatus Nobili 

Subfamily Eupagurinae 

Genus Pagurus 

Pagurus kulkarnii Sankolli 

FAUNA 199

Superfamily Galatheoidea 

Family Porcellianidae 

Genus Petrolisthes Stimpson 

Petrolisthes boscii(Audouin) 

Petrolisthes lamarckii(Leach) 

GenusPachychelesStimpson 

Pachycheles natalensis(Krauss) 

GenusPorcellanaLamarck 

Porcellana ornataStimpson 

Porcellana graveleiSankolli 

GenusPisidiaLeach 

Pisidia spinulifrons(Miers) 

Pisidia dehaani(Krauss) 

Genus Polyonyx Stimpson 

Polyonyx hendersoni Southwell 

Polyonyx splendidus Sankolli 

Polyonyx loimicola Sankolli 

Superfamily Thalassinoidea 

Family Laomediidae 

Genus Laomedia De Haan 

Laomedia astacina De Haan 

Family Callianassidae 

Subfamily Callianassinae 

Genus Callianassa Leach 

Callianassa (Callichirus) kewalramaniiSankolli 

Subfamily Upogebiinae 

GenusUpogebiaLeach 

Upogebia (Upogebia) kempiSankolli 

FamilyThalassinidae 

Thalassina anomala(Herbst) 

Superfamily Hippoidea 

Family Hippidae 

Genus Emerita Scopoli 

Emerita holthuisi Sankolli 

Emerita omeritus (L) 

FAUNA 200

Brachyur 

Tribe Dromiacea 

Subtribe Dromiidea 

Family Dromiidae 

Genus Dromia Fabricius 

Dromia dormia(Linnaeus) 

Genus Conchoecetes Stimpson 

Conchoecetes artificiosus (Fabricius) 

Tribe Oxystomata 

Family Calappidae 

Subfamily Calappinae 

Genus Calappa Fabricius 

Calappa lophos(Herbst) 

Subfamily Matutinae 

Genus Matuta Milne-Edwards 

Matulalunar is(Forskal) 

Matuta planipesFabricius 

Family Leucosiidae 

Subfamily Leucosunae 

Genus Leucosia Fabricius 

Leucosia pubescensMiers 

Leucosia perlataDe Haan 

Leucosia vittataStimpson 

Leucosia longifrons neocaledonicaDe Haan 

Genus Philyra Leach 

Philyra globosa (Fabricius) 

Philyra corallicola Alcock 

Genus Nursia Leach 

Nursia abbreviata Bell 

Subfamily Iliinae 

Genus Arcania Leach 

Arcania septemspinosa(Fabricius) 

GenusMyraLeach 

Myra fugax (Fabricius) 

Family Dorippidae 

FAUNA 201

Subfamily Dorippinae 

Genus Dorippe Fabricius 

Dorippe astuta Fabricius 

Tribe Brachygnatha 

Subtribe Oxyrhyncha 

Family Hymenosomidae 

Genus Elamena Milne-Edwards 

Elamena cristatipesGravely 

Elamena sindensisAlcock 

Genus Rhynchoplax Stimpson 

Rhynchoplax prox. octagonalis Kemp 

Family Maiidae 

Subfamily Acanthonychinae 

Genus Menaethius Milne-Edwards 

Menaethius monocerosLatreille 

GenusAcanthonyx 

Acanthonyx limbatus Milne-Edwards 

Subfamily Inachinae 

Genus Achaeus 

Achaeus lacertosus Stimpson 

Subfamily Pisinae 

Genus Hyastenus White 

Hyastenus planasius (Adams and White) 

Genus Doclea Leach 

Doclea gracilipes Stimpson 

Subfamily Maiinae 

Genus Paramithrax Milne-Edwards 

Paramithrax (Chlorinoides) aculeatus(Milne-Edwards) 

GenusSchizophrysWhite 

Schizophrys aspera (Milne-Edwards) 

Family Parthenopidae 

Subfamily Parthenopinae 

Genus Lambrus Leach 

Lambrus (Platylambrus) prensorHerbst 

GenusCryptopodiaMilne-Edwards 

FAUNA 202

Cryptopodia angulata Milne-Edwards and Lucas 

Subtribe Brachyrhyncha 

Family Portunidae 

Subfamily Lupinae 

Genus Scylla De Haan 

Scylla serrala(Forskal) 

GenusPortunu 

Portunus sanguinolentus(Herbst) 

Portunus pelagicus(Linnaeus) 

Portunus hastatoidesFabricius 

GenusCharybdisDe Haan 

Charybdis (Goniosoma) cruciata(Herbst) 

Charybdis (Goniosoma) lucifera(Fabricius) 

Charybdis (Goniosoma) annulata(Fabricius) 

Charybdis (Goniosoma) callianassa(Herbst) 

Charybdis (Goniosoma) orientalis(Dana) 

Charybdis (Goniohellenus) hoplites(Wood-Mason) 

GenusThalamitaMilne-Edwards 

Thalamita crenataMilne-Edwards 

Family Xanthidae 

Subfamily Xanthinae 

Genus Atergatis De Haan 

Atergatis integerrimus(Lamarck) 

Atergatis floridus(Rumph.) 

GenusXanthoLeach 

Xantho (Lophoxanthus) scaberrimus baccalipesAlcock 

GenusLeptodiusMilne-Edwards 

Leptodius exaratus(Milne-Edwards) 

Leptodius crassimanusMilne-Edwards 

Leptodius euglyptus quadrispinosusChhapgar 

GenusMedaeusDana 

Medaeus granulosus(Haswell) 

Genus Etisus Milne-Edwards 

Etisus laevimanus Randall 

Genus Galene De Haan 

FAUNA 203

Galene bispinosa (Herbst) 

Subfamily Actaeinae 

Genus Actaea De Haan 

Actaea obesa Milne-Edwards 

Subfamily Menippinae 

Genus Myomenippe Hilgendorf 

Myomenippe hardwickii(Gray) 

Genus Sphaerozius 

Sphaerozius nudus (Milne-Edwards) 

Subfamily Oziinae 

Genus Ozius Milne-Edwards 

Ozius rugulosusStimpson 

Genus Epixanthus Helle 

Epixanthus frontalis (Mflne-Edwards) 

Subfamily Pilumninae 

Genus Pilumnus Leach 

Pilumnus vespertilio(Fabricius) 

GenusHeteropanopeStimpson 

Heteropanope laevis(Dana) 

Genus Eurycarcinus Milne-Edwards 

Eurycarcinus orientalis (Milne-Edwards) 

Family Goneplacidae 

Subfamily Pseudorhombilinae 

Genus Eucrate De Haan 

Eucrate crenata dentata(Stimpson) 

GenusLitoeheiraKinahan 

Litocheira angustifrons Alcock 

Family Pinnotheridae 

Subfamily Pinnotherinae 

Genus Pinnotheres Latreille 

Pinnotheres placunae Hornell and Southwell 

Pinnotheres vicajii Chhapgar 

Subfamily Xenophthalminae 

Genus Xenophthalmus White 

FAUNA 204

Xenophthalmus pinnotheroides White 

Family Ocypopidae 

Subfamily Ocypodinae 

Genus Ocypoda Fabricius 

Ocypoda ceratophthalma (Pallas) 

Genus Gelasimus Latreille 

Gelasimus annulipes Latreille 

Gelasimus marionis (Desmarest) 

Gelasimus marionis nitidus Dana 

Subfamily Scopimerinae 

Genus Dotilla De Haan 

Dotilla myctiroides (Milne-Edwards) 

Subfamily Macrophthalminae 

Genus Macrophthalmus Latreille 

Macrophthalmus sulcaius Milne-Edwards 

Macrophthalmus latreillei Desmarest 

Macrophthalmus depressus Ruppell 

Family Grapsidae 

Subfamily Grapsinae 

Genus Grapsus Lamarck 

Grapsusstrigosus (Herbst 

Genus Metopograpsus Milne-Edwards 

Metopograpsus messor(Forskal 

Subfamily Varuninae 

Genus varum Milne-Edwards 

Varuna litteraia(Fabricius) 

Genus Pseudograpsus Milne-Edwrdas 

Pseudograpsus intermedius Chhapgar 

Subfamily Sesarminae 

Genus Sesarma Say 

Sesarma (Sesarma) taeniolaiaWhite 

Sesarma (Sesarma) minutade Man 

Order Stomatopoda 

Genus Squilla Fabricius 

FAUNA 205

Cloridopsis scorpio(Latreille) 

Clorida latreillei Eydoux and Souleyet 

Clorida denticauda (Chhapgar and Sane) 

Clorida bombayensis (Chhapgar and Sane) 

Clorida microphthalma(Milne-Edwards) 

Alima supplex (Wood-Mason) 

Oratosquilla quinquedentata(Brooks) 

Oratosquilla nepa(Latreille) 

Oratosquilla interrupta(Kemp) 

GenusHarpiosquillaHolthuis 

Harpiosquilla raphidea(Fabricius) 

Harpiosquilla harpax(De Haan) 

GenusManningiaSerene 

Manningia pilaensis(de Man) 

GenusAcanthosquillaManning 

Acanthosquilla acanthocarpus(Claus) 

Acanthosquilla multifasciata(Wood-Mason) 

GenusGonodactylusLatreille 

Gonodactylus falcatus(Forskal)Gonodactylus 

chiragra(Fabricius)Gonodactylus demaniiHenderson 

(12)Mollusca 

Animals belonging to this phylum are characterized by the absence of 

segmentation and have usually a shell which may, however, be internal 

and thus hidden. 

Amphineura 

These are bilaterally symmetrical forms with terminal mouth and anus, 

either without a shell or with eight, separate shell plates, e.g. Chiton. 

FAUNA 206

Pelecypoda 

This class includes the Mollusca having a shell consisting of two valves. 

Movement may he by means of a plough-like muscular foot. Plume = or 

plate = like gills are present, and there may also be tubular siphons, for 

taking in and throwing out water for respiration. Most of the economically 

important Molluscs are from this class, such as the oysters, clams, and 

mussels, all of which comprise the shell fishery . The pearl oyster, 

although not normally used for food, is equally important commercially 

because of the pearls it yields. In this class are also the marine woodborers 

which cause considerable damage to wooden boats, piers, etc. 

Gastropoda 

The body is asymmetrical, with a well-developed muscular foot. A head 

with eyes and tentacles is present. Majority have a spirally twisted shell. In 

some, this may be concealed (e. g. Aplysia) within the body. In this class 

are the snails, shells of which are popular with collectors. Larger and small 

varieties of snails are eaten 

Scaphopoda 

Popularly called elephant's tusk shells, they have an elongated body with 

bilateral symmetry, inside a tubular shell with open ends. 

Cephalopoda 

Highest developed of all Mollusea, there is a distinct head, with well 

developed eyes, surrounded by 8 to 10 tentacles. The body is bilaterally 

symmetrical. A shell may be present. They are active animals, e.g. squid, 

cuttlefish, octopus. 

FAUNA 207

Mollusca 

Gastropoda 

Family Haliotidae 

Genus Haliotis Linnaeus 

Haliotis semistriata (Reeve) 

Genus Fissurellidae 

Genus Diodora Gray 

Diodora• hombayana (Sowerby) 

GenusEmarginulaLamarck 

Emarginula elongata(Phil) 

Emarginula radiata(Gould) 

GenusScutusMontfort 

Scutus unguis(Linnaeus) 

Genus Clypidina 

Clypidina notata (Linnaeus) 

Family Patellidac 

Genus Cellana Adams 

Cellana radiata(Born) 

Family Trochidae 

Genus Euchelus Philippi 

Euchelus asper(Gmelin) 

Euchelus horrida(Phil) 

Euchelus tricarinata(Lam.) 

Euchelus indicus(Ad.) 

GenusTrochusLinn. 

Trochus radiatusGml. 

Trochus stellatusGmelin 

Genus Monilea Swainson 

Monilea solariformisSowerby 

GenusClanculusMontfort 

Clanculus depictus(Ad.) 

Clanculus ceylanicus(Nevill) 

GenusIsanda 

Isanda crenulifera(Ad.) 

GeniusGibbulaRisso 

FAUNA 208

Gibbula swainsonii(Ad.) 

Genus Calliostoma Swainson 

Calliostoma scobinatum(Ad.) 

GenusUmboniumLink 

Umbonium vestiarum (Linn.) 

Family Cyclostrematidae 

Genus Cyclostrema Marryatt 

Cyclostrema vingulatum(Dkr.) 

Cyclostrema solariellum (Mel.) 

Family Turbinidae 

Genus Liotia Gray 

Liotia pulchella(Dkr.) 

Genus Turbo Linnaeus 

Turbo brunneus (Roding) 

Genus Astraea Roding 

Astraea stellata(Gml.) 

GenusTricoliaRisso 

Tricolia minima (Mel.) 

Family Neritidae 

Genus Nerita Linnaeus 

Nerita oryzarum(Recl.) 

Nerita politaLinn. 

Nerita albicillaLinn. 

Genus Neritina Lamarck 

Neritina crepidularia Lam. 

Neritina pulchella (Reeve) 

Family Littorinidae 

Genus Littorina Ferussac 

Littorina intermedia(Phil.) 

Littorina ventricosa(Phil.) 

GenusTectarius 

Tectarius malaccanus(Phil.) 

Family Hydrobiidae 

GenusStenothyra 

Stenothyra woodmasonia(Nevill) 

FAUNA 209

GenusIravadia 

Iravadia trochlearis(Gould) 

GenusFairbankia 

Fairbankia bombayana(Blan.) 

Family Rissoidae 

GenusAlvaniaRisso 

Alvania mahimensis(Mel.) 

Alvania versoverana(Mel.) 

GenusPyramidelloides 

Pyramidelloides insolita(Desh.) 

GenusRissoinaOrbigny 

Rissoina seguenzina(Issel) 

Rissoina pachystoma(Mel.) 

Rissoina canaliculata(Sch.) 

Rissoina applanata(Mel.) 

Family Turritellidae 

GenusTurritellaLamarck 

Turritella duplicata(Linn.) 

Turritella columnarisKiener 

Turritella cerea(Reeve) 

Turritella maculataReeve 

Family Architectonicidae 

GenusHeliacus 

Heliacus delectabilis(Mel.) 

Heliacus homalaxis(Mel.) 

Genus Architectonica Roding 

Architectonica laevigata (Lam.) 

Family Tiaridae 

Genus Tiara 

Tiara (Melanoides) tuberculata(Muller) 

Family Planaxidae 

Genus Planaxis Lamarck 

Planaxis sulcatus(Born) 

Planaxis similisSmith 

Planaxis acutus (Krauss) 

FAUNA 210

Family Potamididae 

Genus Potamides 

Potamides cingulatus(Gmelin) 

GenusTelescopium 

Telescopium telescopium (Linn.) 

Family Finellidae 

Genus Finella 

Finella cerithina (Phil.) 

Family Cerithididae 

Genus Diala A. Adams 

Diala leithii(Smith) 

Genus Alaba H. and A. Adams 

Allaba rectangulata(Craven) 

GenusCerithium 

Cerithium morus(Lam.) 

Cerithium rubus (Desh.) 

Family Cerithiopsidae 

Genus Seila Adams 

Seila bandorensis (Mel.) 

Family Triphoridae 

Genus Triphora Blainville 

Triphora acuta (Kiener) 

Family Epitonidae 

Genus Epitonium Roding 

Epitonium pretiosum(Lam.) 

Epitonium aculeatum(Sowerby) 

Epitonium consors(C. and F.) 

GenusAcrilla 

Acrilla acuminata (Sowerby) 

Family Janthinidae 

Genus Recluzia 

Recluzia rollandina(Petit) 

GenusJanthinaRoding 

Janthina roseolaReeve 

Janthina globosa Swainson 

FAUNA 211

Family Fossaridae 

Genus Fossarus 

Fossarus tornatillis (Gould) 

Fossarus fenestratus (Adams) 

Fossarus trochlearis(Adams) 

Family Capulidae 

GenusCapulusMontfort 

Capulus violaceus (Carp) 

Family Calyptraeidae 

Genus Calyptraea Lamarck 

Calyptraea pellucida(Reeve) 

Genus Ergaea 

Ergaea walshi(Herrmannsen) 

Family Xenophoridae 

Genus Xenophora Fischer von Weldheim 

Xenophora solaris (Linnaeus) 

Family Strombidae 

Genus Lambis 

Lambis lambis(Linn.) 

GenusTibia 

Tibia curta (Lam.) 

Genus Strombus Linnaeus 

Strombus gibberulus Linnaeus 

Family Naticidae 

Genus Natica Scopoli 

Natica lineeataLamarck 

Naticamaculosa(Lam.) 

NaticapictaRecluz 

Naticarufa(Born) 

Naticaala papilionis(Roding) 

GenusNeveritaRisso 

Neverita didyma (Bolten) 

Genus Mamilla 

Mamilla zanzibarica(Recl.) 

Mamillamelanostomoides (Q. and G.) 

FAUNA 212

GenusEunaticinaFischer 

Eunaticinapomatiella (Mel.) 

Eunaticinapapilla (Gmelin) 

Eunaticinafibula (Reeve) 

GenusSigaretus 

Sigaretusplanulatum Recl . 

FamilyCypraeidae 

GenusErato 

Erato pellucida(Reeve) 

GenusCypraeaLinnaeus 

Cypraea arabicaLinnaeus 

Cypraea arabica histrio Gmelin 

Cypraea ocellataLinnaeus 

CypraeaLamarckiiGray 

Cypraea pallidaGray 

Cypraea lentiginosaGray 

Cypraea monetaLinnaeus 

Cypraea annulusLinnaeus 

Cypraea onyxLinnaeus 

Cypraea vitellusLinnaeus 

Cypraea tigrisLinnaeus 

GenusVolva 

VolvaSowerbyana(Weinkauff) 

FamilyAmphiperatidae 

GenusPrimovula 

Primovula trailii(Adams) 

Primovula pudica(Adams) 

GenusNeosimnia Fischer 

Neosimnia spelta (Linnaeus) 

Neosimnia indica(Reeve) 

FamilyCymatidae 

GenusCymatiumRoding 

Cymatium pileare(Linnaeus) 

Cymatium aquatile (Reeve) 

Cymatium cingulatum (Lamarck) 

FAUNA 213

Family Bursidae 

GenusBursa Roding 

Bursa tuberculata (Brod.) 

Bursa granulans (Roding) Bursa spinosa (Lamarck) 

FamilyTonnidae 

Genus Tonna 

BrunnichTonna dolium(Linnaeus) 

FamilyPyrulidae 

Genus Pyrula 

Pyrula ficus(Linnaeus) 

FamilyMuricidae 

Genus Murex Linnaeus 

Murex tribulusLinnaeus 

Murex adustusLamarck 

Murex maurus(Brod.) 

Murex virgineus(Roding) 

Genus DrupaRoding 

Drupa contracta(Reeve) 

Drupa tuberculata(Blainville) 

Drupa konkanensis(Mel.) 

Drupa subnodulosa(Mel.) 

Drupa xuthedra(Mel.) 

Genus ThaisRoding 

Thais carinifera(Lam.) 

Thais echinulata(Lam.) 

Thais rudolphi(Lam.) 

Thais bufo(Lam.) 

Thais tissoti(Petit) 

Thois hippocastamum(Lam.) 

Thais blanfordi(Mel.) 

Thais sacellum(Lam.) 

Genus OcenebraGray 

Occenebra bombayana(Mel.) 

FamilyPyrenidae 

GenusPyreneRoding 

FAUNA 214

Pyrene scripta(Lam.) 

Pyrene marquessa(Gaskoin) 

Pyrene terpsichora(Sowerby) 

Pyrene euterpe(Mel.) 

Pyrene atrata(Lam.) 

Pyrene atomella(Duclos) 

FamilyBuccinidae 

GenusNassaria 

Nassaria suturalis(Adams) 

GenusEnginaGray 

Engina zea(Mel.) 

GenusCanthurusRoding 

Canthurus spiralis (Gray) 

GenusPollia 

Pollia rubiginosa(Reeve) 

GenusBabylonia Schluter 

Babylonia spirata (Linn.) 

FamilyMagilidae 

GenusCoralliophilaH. and A. Adams 

Coralliophila jereysi(Smith) 

FamilyXancidae 

GenusXancusRoding 

Xancus pyrum (Linnaeus) 

FamilyVolemidae 

GenusHemifusus Swainson 

Hemijusus pugilins(Born) 

FamilyNassariidae 

GenusBulliaGriffith 

Bullia mauritiana(Gray) 

Bullia lineolata(Wood) 

Bullia malabarica(Hanley) 

Bullia vittata (Linnaeus) 

GenusNassarius Froriep 

Nassarius olivacea(Brug) 

Nassarius jacksoniana(Quoy and Gaimard) 

FAUNA 215

Nassarius nodifera(Powis) 

Nassarius ornatus(Kiener) 

Nassarius puha (Linnaeus) 

Nassarius thersites(Bruguiere) 

Nassarius canaliculata(Schepman) 

Nassarius pictus(Dkr.) 

Nassarius mucronatus(Adams) 

Nassarius lentiginosus(Adams) 

Nassarius eranea(Mel. and St.) 

Nassarius nevilliana (Preston) 

Nassarius varicifera(Adams) 

GenusCyllene 

Cyllene fuscataAdams 

FamilyFasciolaridae 

GenusFasciolariaLamarck 

Fasciolaria trapeziumLamarck 

GenusFusinus Refinesque 

Fusinus townsendi(Mel.) 

GenusPersisternia 

Persisternia syracusanus 

Persisternia pulchella(Reeve) 

FamilyOlividae 

GenusOlivaBruguiere 

Oliva nebulosa intricata(Marrat) 

Oliva oliva (Linnaeus) 

Oliva gibbosa(Born ) 

Oliva lepidaDuclos 

Oliva ispidula (Linnaeus) 

GenusOlivellaSwainson 

Olivella nympha(Adams) 

FamilyMitridae 

GenusMitraLamarck 

Mitra proscissaReeve 

Mitra (Costellaria) obeliscus (Reeve) 

Mitra chinensis (Gray) 

FAUNA 216

Mitra amphorella 

FamilyHarpidae 

GenusHarpa Walch 

Harpa conoidalisLamarck 

FamilyCancellariidae 

GenusCancellariaLamarck 

Cancellaria costiferaLamarck 

Cancellaria scalarina Lamarck 

Cancellaria bifasciata(Desh.) 

FamilyMarginellidae 

GenusMarginella Lamarck 

Marginella mazagonicaMel. 

FamilyConidae 

GenusConus Linnaeus 

Conus monachusLinnaeus 

Conus monachus achatinus( Brug.) 

Conus textileLinnaeus 

Conus piperatusDillwyn 

Conus mutabilis(Reeve) 

Conus lentiginosus(Reeve) 

Conus insculpius(Kiener) 

Conus figulinusLinnaeus 

Conus monile Brug. 

FamilyTurridae 

GenusClavatula 

Clavatula Virginia(Reeve) 

GenusSurcula 

Surcula javana (Linnaeus) 

Surcula amicta(Smith) 

Surcula fulminata (Kiener) 

GenusDrilla 

Drilla atkinsonii(Smith) 

GenusClavus 

Clavus crassa(Smith) 

Clavus sacra (Reeve) 

FAUNA 217

Clavus praeclara(Mel.) 

GenusMangelia Risso 

Mangelia fulvocincta(Nevill) 

Mangelia lemniscata(Nevill) 

Mangelia fortistriata(Smith) 

FamilyTerebridae 

GenusTerebraBruguiere 

Terebra cinctella 

Terebra teneraHinds 

Terebra persicaSmith 

Terebra duplicata (Linnaeus) 

Terebra capensis(Smith) 

Terebra tnuscaria(Lam.) 

Terebra affinis (Gray) 

Terebra spectabilis(Hinds) 

FamilyHydatinidae 

GenusHydatinaSchumacher 

Hydatina velum (Gmelin) 

FamilyActeonidae 

GenusBullina 

Bullina zic-zac(Megerle) 

FamilyRingiculidae 

GenusRingicula 

Ringicula propinquansHinds 

FamilyBullidae 

GenusBullaLinnaeus 

Bulla ampulaLinnaeus 

FamilyAtyidae 

GenusHaminoeaTurton 

Haminoea galba(Pease) 

GenusSmaragdinella 

Smaragdinella andersonii(Mel.) 

FamilyRetusidae 

GenusRetusaBrown 

Retusa involuta(Nevill) 

FAUNA 218

GenusPyrunculus 

Pyrunculus pellyi(Smith) 

FamilyScaphandridae 

GenusCylichnaLoven 

Cylichna cylindracea(Pennant) 

GenusActeocinaGray 

Acteocina townsendi(Mel.) 

FamilyCavolinidae 

GenusCavolina Abilagaard 

Carolinalongirosiris (Lesuer) 

FamilyEllobiidae 

GenusEllobium 

Ellobium auris judae (Linnaeus) 

GenusCassidula 

Cassidula nucleus (Gmelin) 

GenusMelampus Montfort 

Melampus fasciatus (Desh.) 

Melampus coffea 

Melampus sincaporensis Pfeiffer 

FamilySiphonariidae 

GenusSiphonariaSowerby 

Siphonaria basseinensis(Mel.) 

Siphonaria kurracheensis(Reeve) 

FamilyLymnaeidae 

GenusLymnaea 

Lymnaea pinguis (Dohm) 

Pelecypoda 

FamilyNuculidae 

GenusNuculaLamarck 

Nucula layardiAdams 

GenusYoldia Moller 

Yoldia nicobaricaBrug. 

FamilyNuculanidae 

GenusNuculana Link 

Nuculana mauritianaSowerby 

FAUNA 219

FamilyArcidae 

GenusArca 

Arca bistrigataDkr. 

Arca requiescensMel. 

Arca inaequivalvis Brug. 

Arca japonicaReeve 

Arca rhombeaBorn 

Arca granosaLam. 

Arca obliquataWood 

Arca lacteaLinnaeus 

Arca tenebricaReeve 

Arca symmetricaReeve 

Arca pauluccianaT. Conefri 

Arca tortuosa Linnaeu 

FamilyMytilidae 

GenusMytilusLinnaeus 

Mytilus viridisLinnaeus 

GenusModiolusLamarck 

Modiolus emarginatus Benson 

GenusBrachyodontes 

Brachyodontes karachiensisMel. 

FamilyPinnidae 

GenusPinna 

Pinna nigraDil. 

FamilyPectinidac 

GenusChlamysRoding 

Chlamys senatoriaGml. 

Chlamys singaporina Sowerby 

Chlamys tranquebariusGml. 

GenusSpondylus 

Spondylus rubicundusReeve 

Spondylus hystrixRoding 

FamilyLimidae 

GenusLima Bruguiere 

Limalima (Linnaeus) 

FAUNA 220

FamilyAnomiidae 

GenusAnomiaLinnaeus 

Anomia achaeusGray 

Anomia aenigmatica Ant. 

GenusPlacenta 

Placenta placenta (Linnaeus) 

FamilyOstreidae 

GenusOstreaLinnaeus 

Ostrea crenuliferaSowerby 

Ostrea bicolorHam. 

Ostrea lacertaHam. 

FamilyCarditidae 

GenusCardita Bruguiere 

Cardita antiquataLam. 

Cardita calyculataLam. 

FamilyTrapeziidae 

GenusTrapezium 

Trapezium vellicatumReeve 

FamilyUngulinidae 

GenusDiplodontaBronn 

Diplodonta indicaDesh. 

Diplodonta rotundataTurton 

FamilyLucinidae 

GenusLucina 

Lucina fibulaReeve 

FamilyChamidae 

GenusChamaLinnaeus 

Chama macrophyllaChem. 

FamilyCardiidae 

GenusCardium 

Cardium asiaticumBruguiere 

Cardium latumBorn 

Cardium oxygonumSowerby 

FamilyVeneridae 

GenusGafrarium 

FAUNA 221

Gafrarium divaritacum (Chemnitz) 

GenusSunetta 

Sunetta effossaHam. 

Sunetta solandriGray 

Sunetta donaeina (Gml.) 

Sunetta scripta (Linnaeus) 

Sunetta meroe (Linnaeus) 

GenusMeretrix 

Meretrix meretrixLinnaeus 

GenusDosinia 

Dosinia pubescensPhil. 

Dosinia gibbaAdams 

Dosinia rusticaRomer 

Dosinia prostrata (Linnaeus) 

Dosinia excisaGml. 

GenusChione Megerlevon Muhlfeld 

Chione imbricataSowerby 

Chione layardiReeve 

Chione isabellinaPhil. 

Chione calophyllaHam. 

GenusKatelysia 

Katelysia opima(Gml). 

Katelysia marmorataLam. 

GenusVenerupis 

Venerupis macrophyllaDesh. 


GenusPaphia 

Paphia malabarica(Dil) 

Paphia textileGml. 

Paphia indicaSowerby 

Paphia corSowerby 

GenusClementia 

Clementia papyracea (Gray) 

FamilyPetricolidae 

GenusPetricolaLamarck 

FAUNA 222

Petricola bipartitaDesh. 

GenusMactraLinnaeus 

Mactra CorneaDesh. 

Mactra luzonicaDesh. 

Mactra meraReeve 

Mactra plicataria (Linnaeus) 

GenusStandella 

Standella capillaceaDesh. 

Standella pellucida (Gml.) 

GenusRaetaGray 

Raeta bercrombieiMel. 

GenusLutraria 

Lutraria planata Dil. 

GenusCoecella 

Coecella transversalisDesh. 

FamilyDonacidae 

GenusDonaxLinnaeus 

Donax scortumLinnaeus 

Donax incarnatusGml. 

Donax abbreviatusLam. 

Donax cuneatusLinnaeus 

FamilyGaridae 

GenusAsaphis 

Asaphis deflorataLinnaeus 

GenusSoletellina 

Soletellina atrataDesh. 

Soletellina diphosLinnaeus 

GenusGari schumacher 

Gari malaccanaReeve 

Gari amethystusPrashad 

GenusSolecurtus 

Solecurtus exaratusPhil. 

GenusSanguinolaria 

Sanguinolaria hendersoniMel. 

FamilySemelidae 

FAUNA 223

GenusSemele Schumacher 

Semele cordiformisSowerby 

Semele regularisSmith 

GenusAbra 

Arcopagia capsoidesLam. 

GenusTellinella 

Tellinella kolabanaMel. 

GenusA poly metis 

A poly metis edentulusSpeng. 

GenusGastrana 

Gastrana polygonaGml. 

GenusMacoma Leach 

Macoma truncataJonas 

Macoma alaHam. 

GenusAngulus 

Angulus rubraDesh. 

Angulus rubellaDesh. 

Angulus lechriogrammaMel. 

Angulus thymaresMel. 

Angulus emarginataSowerby 

Angulus sinuata Speng. 

FamilyGlaucomyidae 

GenusGlaucomya 

Glaucomya cereaReeve 

FamilySolenidae 

GenusSiliqua Megerlevon Muhlfeld 

Siliqua albida (Dkr.) 

Siliqua radiata (Linnaeus) 

GenusCultellus 

Cultellus cultellusLinnaeus 

Cultellus maximus (Gml.) 

GenusSolenLinnaeus 

Solen truncatusSowerby 

Solen brevisHam. 

SolenLamarckiiDesh. 

FAUNA 224

Solen linearisSpg. 

FamilyAloididae 

GenusAloidis Megerlevon Muhlfeld 

Aloidis modesta(Hinds) 

FamilyMyidae 

GenusCryptomyaConrad 

Cryptomya philippinarum(Adams) 

FamilyPholadidac 

GenusPholasPholas bakeriDesh. 

Pholas orientalisGml. 

GenusMartesia 

Martesia striata (Linnaeus) 

FamilyTeredinidae 

GenusBankiaGray 

Bankia setaceaTryon 

GenusTeredoLinnaeus 

Teredo (Kuphus) manni Wright 

FamilyPandoridae 

GenusPandoraChemnitz 

Pandora flexuosaSowerby 

FamilyThraciidae 

GenusThraciaSowerby 

Thracia salsettensisMel. 

FamilyLaternulidae 

GenusLaternula 

Laternula labiataReeve 

FAUNA 225

(13) Echinodermata 

This phylum consists of exclusively marine animals, with a radial 

symmetry. There is an exoskeleton of calcareous plates. A system of 

vessels, called the ambulacral system, is present; locomotion, if any, is by 

tube-feet. 

Class Asteroidea 

These are popularly called starfish, having a central disc with usually five 

arms. The anus is on the aboral surface. The larva is a bipinnaria or 

brachiolaria. 

Class Ophiuroidea 

The brittle stars have a central disc from which arms are sharply marked 

off. There is no anus. The larva is a pluteus. 

Class Echinoidea 

These have a globular, or heart or disc-shaped body enclosed in a shell. 

The anus is aboral. The larva is a pluteus. Popularly called sea urchins, 

heart urchins, and sand dollars. 

Class Holothuroidea 

These have an elongated cylindrical soft body with mouth and anus at 

opposite ends. There is a circlet of tentacles surrounding the mouth. The 

larva is an auricularia. Popularly called sea cucumbers, they are of edible 

value. 

FAUNA 226

Class Crinoidea 

Usually stalked, they have a theca of five radial and five basal plates, 

giving off five jointed arms. The anus is on the oral surface. E.g. feather 

stars. 

Sub-phylum Pelmatozoa 

Class Crinoidea 

Order Articulata 

Suborder Comatulida 

Family Mariametridae 

Lamprometra palmata palmata(Muller) 

Sub-phylum Eleutherozoa 

Class Holothuroidea 

Order Aspidochirota 

Holothuria pardalisSelenka 

Holothuria scabra Jagar 

Order Dendrochirota 

Family Cucumariidae 

Actinocucumis typicaLudwig 

Thyone conjugens(Semper) 

Order Apoda 

Family Synaptidae 

A napta gracilis 

Class Echinoidea 

Subclass Regularia 

Order Diadematoida 

Suborder Camarodonta 

Family Temnopleuridae 

Temnopleurus toreumaticus(Leske) 

Subclass Irregularia 

Order Clypeastroida 

Family Clypeastridae 

Clypeaster rarispinusMeijere 

Class Asteroidea 

Order Spinulosa 

Family Asterinidae 

FAUNA 227

Asterina lorioliKoehler 

Class Ophiuroidea 

Order Ophiurae 

Family Amphiuridae 

Amphipholis squamata(Della Chiaje) 

Family Ophiactidae 

Ophiactis savignyi(Muller and Troschel) 

Family Ophiothrichidae 

Ophiothela danaeVerrill 

Macrophiothrix aspidota(Muller and Troschel) 

Family Ophiochitonidae 

Ophionereis dubia(Muller and Troschel) 

Plate I 

(a) A Foraminiferan Protozoon, showing shell filled with protoplasm, and 

pseudopodia ; 

(b) a " sun-animalcule " (Heliozoa), with stiff filamentous pseudopodia ; 

(c) Noctiluca, a phosphorescent flagellate ; 

(d) a " slipper-animalcule or Ciliate ; 

(e) a calcareous sponge ; 

(f) part of a Hydroid colony with polyps enclosed in cup-like 

hydrothecae ; 

(g) a “ Portugese man-of-war" (Physalia), showing float and different 

types of polyps; 

(h) a typical jelly-fish (Scyphozoa); 

(i) a sea-anemone (Actinozoa); 

g) Gorgonium or sea-fun, colony with polyps ; 

(k) brain coral. 

FAUNA 228

FAUNA 229

Plate II 

(a)Pleurobrachia, a Ctenophore ; 

(b)Beroe, another Ctenophore ; 

(c) a Planarian or" flat-worm " ; 

(d) Gyrodactylus,a fluke parasitic on fish ; 

(e) a Cestode parasite of fish ; 

(f) a Nemertine " worm " ; 

(g) a Rotifer or " wheel-animalcule " ; 

(h) a Nematode parasite ; 

(i) Sagitta(arrow-worm), a Chaetognath ; 

(j) part of a Bryozoan colony (further magnified within circle); 

(k) Lingula, a Molluscoid ; 

(l) Myzostomum, a parasite on Echinoderms ; 

(m) an Echiurid worm ; 

(n) a Terebellid worm ; 

(o) Nereis, a typical Polychaete worm ; 

(p) Arenicola, another Polychaete worm ; 

(q) Branchellion, a leech parasitic on fish. 

FAUNA 230

FAUNA 231

Plate III 

(a)Branchipus, an Anostracan fairy shrimp ; 

(b)Apus,a Notostracan, showing shield-shaped carapace ; 

(c)Daphnia, a Cladoceran ; 

(d)Cypris, an Ostracod with bivalved carapace ; 

(e)a free-living Copepod ; 

(f)Lermaea, a parasitic Copepod ; 

(g)Lepas, or goose barnacle ; 

(h)Balanusor acorn barnacle ; 

(i)a free-living Isopod or "sand-bug " ; 

(j)Nebalia(Leptostraca) ; 

(k)a Bopyrid (parasitic) Isopod. 

FAUNA 232

FAUNA 233

Plate IV 

(b)Mysis; 

(c)Gammarus, a typical Amphipod ; 

(d)Caprella, a prehensile Amphipod ; 

(e) a typical prawn (Decapoda Natantia) ; 

(f) a hermit crab (Anomura) ; 

(f)Petrolisthes, a " porcelain crab " (Anomura) ; 

(g) a typical crab (Brachyura) ; 

(h)Squilla(Stomatopoda) ; 

(i) a starfish (Asteroidea) ; 

(j) a sea cucumber (Holothurian) ; 

(k) a sea urchin (spines on half removed to show test) ; 

(I) a brittle star (Ophiuroidea) ; 

(m) a feather star (Crinoid). 

FAUNA 234

FAUNA 235

Plate V 

(a)Chiton(coat-of-mail shell); 

(b)Dentaliumor elephant's tusk shell; 

(c)Cardiumor cockle, showing muscular foot and siphons; 

(d)Mytilusor mussel, showing byssus threads for attachment 

(e)Turritella; 

(f)Triton; 

(g)Teredo, a wood boring Mollusc ; 

(h)a pteropod Mollusc ; 

(i)Eolis,a nudibranch ; 

(j)Doris, another nudibranch ; 

(k)Sepia,a squid (Cephalopod); 

(l)octopus 

FAUNA 236

FAUNA 237

CHAPTER 3—INSECTS 

INTRODUCTION 

Insects are arthropods — invertebrates, made of chitinous material with 

three distinct divisions of body and possessing three pairs of legs and one 

or two pairs of wings in the adult stage. Possession of six legs in the adult 

stage which gives them the name ‘Hexapoda' is sufficient to distinguish 

this class from all others. The body of an insect is made up of a series of 

segments, connected together one behind the other to give it an easy 

movement. 

Divisions of the body (Fig. 1 see p. 288).—The body is divided into 3 

parts: head, thorax and abdomen. (1) Head consists of mouth parts which 

may be biting or sucking, antennae made up of a number of joints, true 

eyes or ocelli and compound eyes, bigger and composed of innumerable 

lenses. (2) Thorax is composed of 3 compact segments, pro, meta and 

meso thorax. These segments may be separate or fused together and mixed 

up. The prothorax connects head with body and has a pair of legs 

underneath. The other two segments have a pair of legs and a pair of wings 

each. Legs are typical jointed organs, possessing 5 parts each—coxa, 

trochanter, femur, Tibia and tarsus. Tarsus is segmented again, the last 

section being the claws. Wings are thin expansions of body integument, 

unlike those of birds, which are separate organs of the body. Wings, 

however, are not an essential attribute of the insect body. Some orders of 

insects do not possess them at all, while in some the families, or genera or 

species or even individual sexes have lost them due to degeneration. In a 

few cases like the flies, there is only one pair of wings and the hind pair is 

completely missing or reduced to a small rod—halteres. The back of the 

thorax is known as notum. (3) Abdomen is the last part of the body, 

consisting of about 11 segments of which only some are distinctly visible. 

The last segments carry the genitalia (sexual organs), styles, stings, 

ovipositor, cerci, etc. Generally this is the longest and softest part of the 

body. 

FAUNA 238

There are two types of development in insects. Complete metamor ¬phosis 

i.e. a complete change of form from egg to larva, larva to pupa and pupa to 

adult, each stage distinctly different from the other. The other type of 

growth is the incomplete or gradual metamorphosis in which the egg gives 

rise to a nymph or larva which is almost like the parent, in most cases, 

except for its small size, winglessness and sexual immaturity. It grows into 

an adult by moulting. There are some intermediate forms and a few do not 

go through any of these processes at all. 

Classification.—The total number of world insect species, so far described 

is variously estimated at 7,00,000 to 15,00,000 by various authorities. 

These have been classified by authors variously, each giving importance to 

particular characters and so there is much confu¬ sion created in working 

at it. H. M. Lefroy, the noted Indian Entomo¬ logist says in " Indian Insect 

Life ": " Entomologists have arrived at no definite conclusions which are 

generally accepted. The most diverse views prevail and there is no 

standard classification that is or can be universally employed, even if it be 

admittedly not academically accurate but sufficiently so for practical 

purposes. " That position still remains. But as this chapter is faunistic and 

not taxonomical in its aim, it was considered enough, if we follow the 

Fauna of India volumes as far as possible, without entering into 

taxonomical controversies in the arrange¬ ment of families, genera and 

species and make changes where found quite necessary. Generally the subfamilies, 

tribes, super-families etc. are ignored except when they help to 

reduce the generic or specific descriptions. In the arrangement of orders 

A.D. Imms is followed. (Text book of Entomology 1957). 

The total number of species dealt with here is nearly 3000, with 1500 

genera in about 200 families, belonging to 24 orders, which are found in 

Maharashtra. Attempts have been made to cite available literature on each 

group or even individual insect species, according to its importance and 

availability of such literature, which can be referred to, for details. A list of 

the recorded species is given first and the descriptions follow in the notes. 

Generally the following books have been consulted and the same would be 

useful for detailed information desired by any reader (1) Fauna of British 

FAUNA 239

India volumes, (2) Indian Insect Life by H M. Lefroy 1909, (3) Ecology 

and Control of Forest Insects by C. F. C. Beeson 1941, (4) General Text 

Book of Entomology by A.D. Imms 1957, (5) Reports of the Proceedings 

of the Entomological Meetings Pusa Nos. 2 to 5, (6) Bulletins by T.V.R. 

Ayyar and T. B. Fletcher, (7) Records of the Indian Museum, (8) Indian 

Forest Records, (9) Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, (10) 

Ihe Indian Journal of Entomology. Besides these a number of useful 

publications have been referred to but no claim is made that the list of 

insects of Maharashtra is complete. The descriptions given are naturally 

brief and the life history and habits have been given only for groups— 

Family, Genus etc. Localities of cosmopolitan species are not mentioned. 

Some species which are fairly common in India hut which have not yet 

been recorded in Maharashtra are mentioned briefly for general 

information, Figures of some important families of insects are included to 

facilitate identification. Most of them have been copied from both ' 

Instructions for collectors No. 4A' of the British Museum (Natural 

History). They do not represent the natural size. 

FAUNA 240

Serial Scientific name 

No. 

INSECT FAUNA OF MAHARASHTRA 

1. Assmuthia spinosissima Esch. 

2. Assmuthia inermis Esch, 

3. Platystelea barbifer Esch, 

4. Machilis palipoda. 

Class : INSECTA 

Sub-class : APTERYGOTA 

Order Thysanura (Bristletails) 

Family Machilidae 

Fam. Lepismatidae (Silverfish) 

1. Lepisma (Acrotelsa) collaris Fab. 

Campodea staphylinus Westwd. 

1. Indjapyx annandalei Silv. 

2. Indjapyx seymourii Silv. 

1. Japyx indicus Oud. 

1. Isotoma minos D. 

1. Anagenesia minor (Eaton). 

Order Diplura 

Fam. Campodeidae 1. 

Fam. Projapygidae 

Fam. Japygidae 

Order Collembola (Spring tails) 

Sub-class : PTERYGOTA 

Order Ephemeroptera (Mayflies) 

Fam. Palingeniidae 

FAUNA 241

1. Povilla corporaali (Lest). 

2. Polymitarsys indicus Pict. 

1. Ephemera fulvata Nav. 

Fam. Polymitarcidae 

Fam. Ephemeridae 

Fam. Potamanthidae 

1. Potamauthus subcostalis Nav. 

1. Lestes praemorsa selys. 

2. Lestes viridula Ramb. 

3. Protosticta mortoni Fras. 

4. Copera marginipes (Ramb). 

5. Copera, vittata (Sel.). 

6. C. vittata deccanensis (Sel.). 

Order : ODONATA (Dragonflies) 

Sub-order : ZYGOPTERA 

Fam. Coenaqridae 

7. Caconeura verticalis annandalei Fr. 

8. Disparoneura nigerimma Laid. 

9. Disparoneura tetrica Laid. 

10. Chloroneura quadrimaculata (Ramb.). 

11. Pseudagrion microcephalum (Ramb,). 

12. Pseudagrion decorum (Ramb.). 

13. P. hypermelas Sel. 

14 Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fab.). 

15. Ceriagrion rubiae Laid. 

FAUNA 242

16. C. olivaceum auranticum Fr. 

17. Aciagrion hisopa (Sel.) 

18. Aciagrion pallidum Sel. 

19. Ischneura senegalensis (Ramb). 

20. Rhodischneura nursei (Mort.) 

21. Enallagma parvum Selys. 

22. Agriocnemis pieris Laid. 

23. Agriocnemis splendidissima Laid. 

24. Mortanagrion varralli Fr. 

25. Coenagrion dyeri Fr. 

26. Rhinocypha bisignata Sel. 

27. Libellago lineata indica (Fr). 

28. Neurobasis chinensis Linn. 

29. Vestalis gracilis (Ramb.). 

1. Cyclogomphus ypsilon Sel. 

2. Cyclogomphus heterostylus Sel, 

3. Burmagomphus pyramidalis Laid. 

4. Mesogomphus lineatus (Sel.) 

5. Macrogomphus annulatus (Sel.). 

6. Microgomphus torquatus (Sel.) 

7. Ietimus rapax (Ramb.). 

8. Gomphidia T-nigrum Sel. 

1. Gynacantha millardi Fr. 

2. Hemianax ephippiger (Burm.). 

Sub-order: ANISOPTBRA 

Fam. Gomphidae 

Fam. Aeshnidae 

FAUNA 243

1. Macromia flavicincta Sel. 

2. Macromia cingulata (Ramb.). 

3. Epopthalmia vittata Burm. 

4. Potamarcha obscura (Ramb.). 

Fam. Libellulidae 

5. Orthetrum chrysostigma luzonicum (Brau.) 

6. Orthetrum sabina (Dr.). 

7. O. Glaucum (Brau.) 

8. Brachydiplax sobrina (Ramb.) 

9. Diplocodes trivialis (Ramb.) 

10. Indothemis caesia (Ramb.) 

11. Neurothemis fulvia (Dr.) 

12. Neurothemis intermedia (Ramb.) 

13. N. tullia (Dr.) 

14. Rhodothemis rufa (Ramb.) 

15. Trithemis aurora (Burm.) 

16. Trithemis festiva (Ramb.) 

17. T. pallidinervis (Kirb.) 

18. Zyxomna petiolatum Ramb. 

19. Tholymis tillarga (Fab.) 

20. Pantala flavescens (Feb.) 

21. Hydrobasileus croceus (Brau.) 

22. Urothemis signata (Ramb.) 

FAUNA 244

ORDER ORTHOPTERA 

Fam. Acridiidae (Short horned grass-hoppers) 

1. Scelimena herpago serv. 

2. Scelimena uncinata Serv. 

3. Tettix (Paratettix) dorsifer Wlk. 

4. Hedotettix gracilis De haan. 

5. Hedotettix lineifera Wlk. 

6. Acantholobus curticornis Hane. 

Sub-Family Acridinae 

Sub-Family Tryxalinae 

7. Gymnobothrus (Stenobothrus) simplex. 

8. Dociostaurus apicalis Wlk. 

9. Dociostaurus turbatus Wlk. 

10. D. mundus Wlk. 

11. D. epacromoides Wlk. 

12. D. decisus Wlk. 

13. Stenobothrus luteipes Wlk. 

14. Aelopus tamulus Fab=Epacromia dorsalis Th. 

15. Aelopus affinis Bol. 

16. Stauroderus bicolor Charp. 

17. Chloebora crassa Wlk. 

18. Quirogesia blanchardiana Saus. 

19. Pternoscirta cinctifemur Wlk. 

Sub-Family Oedipodinae 

20. Gastrimargus marmoratus Thumb. 

21. Heteroptarnis respondens Wlk. 

22. Sphingonotus baltiatus Serv. 

FAUNA 245

23. Eremopeza granulosa Wlk. 

24. Chrotogonus pallidus Bl. 

25. Chrotogonus trachypterus Bl. 

26. C. liaspis Bl. (=lugubris Bl.) 

27. C. sordidus Kirb. 

28. Aularches scabiose Fab. 

29. Aularches miliaris Linn. 

30. Poecilocerus punctiventris Serv. 

31. Poecilocerus pictus Fab. 

32. Attractomorpha crenulata Fab. 

33. Colemania sphenarioides Bol. 

34. Oxya valox Fab. 

35. Oxya furcifera. 

36. Hieroglyphus concolor W. 

37. Hieroglyphus banian Fab. 

38. H. bilineatus Saund. 

39. H. battoni Kirb. 

40. H. nigrorepletus Bol. 

Sub-Family Betracotetrigiilae 

Sub-Family Pyrgomorphinae 

Sub- Family Catantopinae 

41. Spathosternum prasiniferum Wlk. 

42. Gelastorrhinus laticornis Serv. 

43. Leptacris fififormis Wlk. 

FAUNA 246

44. Cyrtacanthacris (Patanga) succincta L. 

45. Cyrtacanthacris ranacea Std. 

46. Catantops humilis Serv. 

47. Teratodes monticollis Gra. 

48. Gerenia pastulipennis Wlk. 

49. Eucoplacra praemorsa Stal. 

50. Acridium (Schistocerca) peregrinum O . 

51. Euprepocnemis alacris Serv. 

52. Caloptenus erubescens. 

53. C. caliginosus. 

Fam. Tettigoniidae (Long horned grass-hoppers) 

1. Gryllacris signigera Wlk. 

2. Euremus basalis Wlk. 

3. Conocephalus indicus Rcdt. 

4. Xiphiodopsis straminula Wlk. 

5. Morsimus carinatus Wlk. 

6. Sathrophyllia rugosa Linn. 

7. Callimenellus opacus Brun. 

8. Mecopoda elongata Linn. 

9. Elimaea rufonotata Thunb. 

10. Elimaea securigera Brun. 

11. Ducetia japonica Thunb. 

12. Ducetia thymifolia Fab. 

13. Letana nigrosparsa Wlk. 

14. Trigonocorypha unicolor Stol. 

FAUNA 247

15. Himerta kinneari Uv. 

1. Gryllotalpa africana Pal. 

2. Brachytrypes portentosus Licht. 

3. Gymnogryllus humeralis Wlk. 

4. Liogryllus bimaculatus De Geer. 

5. Gryllus domesticus Steph. 

6. Gryllodes sigillatus Wlk. 

7. Gryllodes parviceps Wlk. 

8. Oecanthus indicus Saus. 

9. Nemobius vagus Wlk. 

10. Gymnogryllus fascialis Wlk. 

11. Gryllus configuratus Wlk. 

12. Gryllus guttiventris Wlk. 

13. G. signipes Wlk. 

14. G. lineiceps Wlk. 

15. G. ferricollis Wlk. 

16. Cyrtoxipha concolor Wlk. 

17. Cyrtoxipha alboatra Wlk. 

1. Phyllium scythe Gr. 

Fam. Gryllidae (Crickets) 

Order Phasmida (Leaf and stick insects) 

FAUNA 248

1. Diplatys lefroyi Bur. 

1. Psalis dohrni Kirb. 

2. Psalis lefroyi Bur. 

3. Anosolabis annulipes Luc. 

4. Borellia stali Dohr. 

ORDER DERMAPTERA (EARWIGS) 

Fam. Pygidicranidae 

Fam. Labiduridae 

5. Labidura (Forcipula) trispinosa Dohr. 

6. Labidura lividipes Duf. 

7. L. riparia Pall. 

1. Labia arachidis Yer. 

1. Proreus simulans Stal. 

2. Proreus melanocephalus Dohr. 

3. Adiathetus nigrocastaneus Bur. 

4. Eudohrnia metallica Dohrn. 

1. Oligotoma saundersii Westw. 

2. Oligotoma ceylonica indica Dav. 

3. O. asymetrica Men. Geo. 

1. Embia bramina Saus. 

Fam Labiidae 

Fam. Forficulidae 

ORDER EMBIOPTERA 

Fam. Oligotomidae 

Fam. Embiidae. 

FAUNA 249

2. Embia latreillei Ramb. 

1. Ischnoptera continua Wlk. 

ORDER DICTYOPTERA 

Fam. Blattaria (Cockroaches) 

2. Phyllodromia (Blatella) germanica Linn. 

3. Phyllodromia figurata Wlk. 

4. P. subcolorata Wlk. 

5. P. annulifera Wlk. 

6. P. fasciceps Wlk. 

7. P. beviceps Wlk. 

8. P. lycoides Wlk. 

9. P. inexacta Wlk. 

10. Allacta transversalis .Wlk. 

11. Allacta subrotundata Wlk. 

12. A. telephoroides Wlk. 

13. Blatta curta Wlk. 

14. Blatta sexpunctata Wlk. 

15. Blatta (Stylopyga) rhombifolia Stde. 

16. Periplaneta americana Linn. 

17. Periplaneta australasiae. 

18. P. monochroma Wlk. 

19. Leucophaea surinamensis. 

20. Theganopteryx indica Sauss. 

21. Cosmozosterix ruficornis Wlk. 

22. Cutila coxalis Wlk. 

23. Rhyparobia maderiae Fab. 

FAUNA 250

24. Corydia ornata Sauss. 

25. Trichoblatta guerini Sauss. 

1. Humbertiella indica Sauss. 

2. Hierodula unimaculata Oliv. 

3. Hierodula coarctata Sauss. 

4. Eremoplana microptera Westw. 

5. E. Iaticeps W. M. 

6. Creoboter urbana Fab. 

7. Aethalochroa ashmoliana Westw. 

8. Gongylus gongylodes Linn. 

9. Toxoderopsis curtipes Westw. 

10. Toxoderopsis spinigera W.M. 

Fam Mantidae 

ORDER ISOPTERA (TERMITES) 

Fam. Kalotermitidae (Drywood termites) 

1. Kalotermes (Neotermes) assmuthi Hdm. 

1. Hodotermes macrocephalus Desn. 

Fam. Hodotermitidae 

Fam. Rhinotermitidae 

1. Heterotermes (Leucotermes) Indicola Wasm. 

2. Captotermes heimi Wasm. 

3. Coptotermes parvulus Holm. 

Fam. Termitidae 

1. Termes (Odontotermes) faea Wasm. 

2. Odontotermes (Oyclotermes) obesus Ramb. 

3. Odontotermes wallonensis Wasm. 

4. O, brunneus Hag. 

FAUNA 251

5. 0. horni Wasm. 

6. Microtermes incertus Hag. 

7. Microtermes annandalei forma curvignathus Holm. 

8. M. mycophagus Desn. 

9. M. heimi Wasm. 

10. M. obesi Holm. 

11. Hamitermes quadriceps Wasm. 

12. Trinervitermes (Eutermes) biformis Wasm. 

13. Trinervitermes heimi Wasm. 

14. T. rubidus Hag. 

15. Capritermes unicolor Wasm. 

16. Capritermes gravelyi Silv. 

17. C. longirostris var. cornutella Silv, 

1. Atropos species. 

Order Psocoptera (Booklice) 

Order Mallophaga (Bird lice—Biting lice) 

1 Nirmus sp. on pheasants, crows. 

2 Goniocotes sp. on pheasants. 

Fam. Philopteridae 

3 Lipeurus sp. on pheasants, vultures and pigeons. 

4 Docophorus sp. on crows. 

5 Nitzschia sp. on swifts. 

Fam. Menoponidae 

1 Colpocephalum sp. on pheasants and crows. 

2 Menopon sp. on pheasants and crows. 

FAUNA 252

Order Siphunculata—Anoplura (Sucking lice) 

1 Pediculus capitis De G. 

2 Pediculus corporis De G. 

3 P vestimenti De G. 

4 Pthiris pubis Lea. 

1 Haematopinus suis. 

2 Haematopinus tuberculatus. 

3 H. eurystermus. 

4 H. vituli End. 

5 R. spinulosus Burm. 

1 Platypleura polita Wlk. 

2 Platypleura coelebs Stal. 

3 P. basiviridis Wlk. 

4 P. octoguttata Fab. 

5 Cryptotympana vesta Dist. 

6 Dundubia emanatura Dist. 

7 Platylomia larus Wlk. 

8 Eamathia segrota Stal. 

9 Eamathia diminuta Wlk. 

10 Lethona locusta Wlk. 

Fam. Pediculidae 

Fam. Haematopinidae 

Order Rhynchota (Hemiptera) Bugs 

Sub-order Homoptcra 

Fam. Cicadidae 

FAUNA 253

11 Scieroptera crocea Guer. 

12 Lemuriana apicalis Germ. 

1 Kalidasa albiflos Wlk. 

2 Eurybrachys tomentosa Fab. 

3 Dichoptera hyalinita Fab. 

4 Dictyophara pallida Don. 

5 Dictyophara lineata Dist.Insects 

6 D. dixoni Dist. 

7 Putala maculata Dist. 

8 Udugama splendens Germ. 

9 Dictyopharina viridissima Mel. 

10 Brixia abomaculata Dist. 

11 Kinnara fumata Mel. 

12 Assamia moesta Westw. 

13 Diotrombus carnosus Westw. 

14 Pyrilla aberrans Kirb. 

15 Pyrilla perpusilla Wlk. 

16 Kusuma carinata Dist. 

17 Tatwa bufo Dist. 

18 Ricania marginalis Dist. 

19 Phromnia viridula Atk. 

20 Summanus indicus Dist. 

21 Satapa granulosa Dist. 

22 Flata ferrugata Fab. 

23 Melicharia lutescens Wlk. 

Fam. Fulgoridae (Lanternflies) 

FAUNA 254

24 Hilavrita discolorata Dist. 

25 Seliza ferruginea Wlk. 

26 Pundaluoya simplicia Dist. 

27 Sardia rostrata Mel. 

1. Oxyrhachis rufescens Wlk. 

2. Dograna duffulta Dist. 

3. Leptocentrus substitutus Wlk. 

4. Centrotypus securis Buckt. 

5. Otinotus oneratus Wlk. 

6. Otinotus pallescens Dist. 

7. Anchon pilosum Wlk. 

8. Tricentrus bicolor Dist. 

9. Tricentrus albomaculatus Dist. 

10. Gargara affinis Dist. 

11 Gargara mixta. 

Fam. Membracidae 

Fam. Cercopidae (Frog hoppers—Cuckoo spits) 

1. Machearota planitiae Dist. 

2. Poophilus costalis Wlk. 

3. Phyctus nebulosus Fab. 

4. Phyctus affinis Dist. 

5. P. inconspicuus Dist. 

6. P. sexvittatus Wlk. 

7. P. jayakari Dist. 

8. Clovia puncta Wlk. 

FAUNA 255

9. Aphrophora sigellifera Wlk. 

10. Callitettix versicolor Fab. 

11. Caloscarta capitata Stal. 

12. Caloscarta relata Dist. 

13. C. trimaculata Dist. 

1 Petalocephala umbrosa Dist. 

2 P. uniformis Dist. 

3 P. latifrons Wlk. 

4 P. bombayensis Dist. 

5 P. nigrilinea Wlk. 

6 Ledra mutica Fab. 

7 Idiocerus niveosparsus Leth. 

8 Idiocerus atkinsoni Leth. 

9 Tettigoniella ferruginea Fab. 

10 Tettigoniella spectra Dist. 

11 Penthimia compacta Wlk. 

12 Penthimia maculosa Dist. 

13 Tambila gravelyi Dist. 

14 Conedaeus horvathi Dist. 

15 Krisna strigicollis Spin. 

16 Jassus indicus Dist. 

17 Jassus elegans Dist. 

18 Nepotettix bipunctatus Fab 

19 Deltocephalus brunnescens Dist. 

20 Paralimnus lateralis Wlk. 

Fam. Jassidae 

FAUNA 256

21 Empoasca devastans Dist. 

22 Typhlocyba dubia District. 

1 Phacopteron lentiginosum Buckt. 

2 Arytaina punctipennis S. 

3 Diaphorina citri K. 

4 Trioza jambulanae Cr. 

5 Trioza obsoleta Buckt. 

6 Pauropsylla depressa Cr. 

7 Psylla obsoleta Buckt. 

8 Megatrioza hirsuta Cr. 

Fam. Psylidae (Jumping bugs) 

Fam. Aleurodidae (Aleyrodidae) White flies—Mealy wings. 

1 Aleurolobus barodensis W. 

2 Aleurocanthus spiniferus Q. 

3 Dialeurodes vulgaris K. 

4 Dialeurodes eugeniae M. 

5 D. citri A. 

6 Neomaskellia bergi S. 

7 Trialeurodes ricini M. 

8 Siphonimus finitumus S. 

1 Aphis maidis F. 

2 Aphis gossypii G. 

3 A. medicagenis k. 

4 A. taveresi D. 

Fam. Aphidiidae, (Plant lice—Green flies) 

FAUNA 257

5 A. odinae V. D. 

6 A. malvae K. 

7 A. nerii B. 

8 A. rumicis L. 

9 Macrosiphum solidagenis F. 

10 Macrosiphum rosaeformis D. 

11 Toxoptera graminum R. 

12 Tetraneura hirsuta B. 

13 Tetraneura ulmi K. 

14 Myzus persicae S. 

15 Greenidae artocarpi W. 

16 Oregama bamboosae B. 

17 Pentatonia nigronervosa Coq. 

18 Setaphis bougainvellae Thumb. 

19 Brevicoryne pseudobrassicae Dav. 

1 Aspidiotus destructor Sign. 

2 Aspidiotus ficus Ashrn. 

3 A. hartii Ckll. 

4 A. lantaniae Sign. 

5 A. rosei Mask. 

6 A. orientalis News. 

7 A. curcumae Gr. 

Fam. Coccidae (Scale insects—Mealy bugs) 

8 A. (Chrysomphalus) triglandulosus Gr. 

9 A. aonidum Ril. 

10 A. ceydoniae C. 

FAUNA 258

11 A. (Chrysomphalus) aurantii Mask. 

12 Vinsonia stellifera Westw. 

13 Parlatoria proteus Curt. 

14 Parlatoria proteus nyctilaspiformis. 

15 Chionaspis dilatata Gr. 

16 C. decurvata Gr. 

17 C. vitis Gr. 

18 Hemichionaspis (Pinnaspis) aspidistrae Sign 

19 Hemichionaspis buxi Bouc. 

20 Fiorinia frontecontracta Gr. 

21 Fiorinia sapindi Gr. 

22 Diaspis echinocaeti Bouc. 

23 Diaspis barberi Gr. 

24 Lucaspis indica Marl. 

25 Lepidosaphes piperis Gr. 

26 Lecanium hemisphaericum Sign. 

27 L. nigrum Niet. 

28 Ceroplastis actinoformis. 

29 Ceroplastis rubeus Mask. 

30 C. cerifenis And. 

31 Pulvinaria psidii Mask. 

32 Dactylopius virgatusCkll 

33 Dactylopius nipac Mask. 

34 Ripersia (Pseudococcus) sachari Gr. 

35 Ripersia oryzae Gr. 

36 Phenococcus hirsutus Gr. 

37 Antonina anceps Gr. 

FAUNA 259

38 Saissetia hemisphaericum T. 

39 Saissetia niger N. 

40 Asterolecanum miliaris Bors. 

41 Cerococcus hibisci Gr. 

42 lcerya seychellarum Westw. 

43 lcerya aegptiaca Doug, 

1. Brachyplatys vahlii Fab. 

2. Coptosoma cribrarium Fab 

3. Cantao ocellatus Thumb. 

4. Scutellaria fasciata Pauz. 

5. Scutellaria nobilis Fab. 

6. Chrysocoris stockerus Linn. 

7. Chrysocoris purpureus Westw. 

8. C. marginellus Westw. 

9. Alphocoris lixoides Germ. 

10. Melanodema apicifera Dist. 

11. Podops bispinosa Fab. 

12. Burrus spicatus Dist. 

13. Laetistes vicinus Sign. 

14. Cydnus indicus Westw. 

15. Cydnus variance Fab. 

16. C. perpunctatus Sign. 

17. C. tanna Dist, 

18. Macroscytus subaeneus Dall. 

Sub-order : HETEROPTERA 

Fam, Pentatomidae 

FAUNA 260

19. Macroscytus expansus Sign, 

20. Geotomus pygmaeus Dall. 

21. Brachypelta aterrima Forst. 

22. Chilocor is assmuthi Bred. 

23. Chilocoris solenopsides Br. 

24. Dalpada clavata Fab. 

25. Halys dentatus Fab. 

26. Menedemus hieroglyphicus Dist. 

27. Laprius varicornis Dall. 

28. Hippota dorsalis Stal. 

29. Bonacialus dixoni Dist. 

30. Gulielmus marmoratus Dist. 

31. Gulielmus laterarius Dist. 

32. Aeliomorpha lineaticollis West. 

33. Adria parvula Dall. 

34. Mecidia indica Dall. 

35. Ochrophara montana Dist. 

36. Nipha subferruginea Westw. 

37. Nipha vittativentris Stal. 

38. Halyomorpha picus Fab. 

39. Halyomorpha scutellata Dist. 

40. Codophila maculicollis Dall. 

41. Dolycoris indicus Stal 

42. Eusarcocoris guttiger Th. 

43. Eusarcocoris ventralis Westw. 

44. Carbula scutellata Dist. 

45. Carbula socia Wlk. 

FAUNA 261

46. C. biguttata Fab. 

47. C. insocia Wlk. 

48. Plantia fimbriata Fab. 

49. Antestia cruciata Fab. 

50. Apines concinna Dall. 

51. Gynenica affinis Dist. 

52. Agonoscelis nubila Fab. 

53. Stenozygum speciosum Dall. 

54. Bagrada picta Fab. 

55. Degonatus serratus Dist. 

56. Placosternum alces Stal. 

57. Catacanthus incarnatus Dr. 

58. Nezara viridula Linn. 

59. Zangis albomaculata Dist. 

60. Piezodorus rubrofasciatus Fab. 

61. Menida formosa Westw. 

62. Menida flavovaria Dall. 

63. Cresphontes monsone Westw. 

64. Canthecona furcellata Wolf. 

65. Amyotea malabaricus Fab. 

66. Tassaratoma javanica Thumb. 

67. Aurangabada singularis Dist. 

68. Euthenis polyphemus Stal. 

69. Cyclopelta siccifolia Westw. 

70. Aspongopus janus Fab. 

71. Aspongopus brunneus Thumb. 

72. obscurus Jab. 

FAUNA 262

73. nugriventris Westw 

74. fuscus Westw. 

75. Gonopsis diversa Wlk. 

76. Gellia nigripennis Dall. 

77. Microdeutems megacephalus Herr Seb. 

1. Anoplocnemis phasiana Fab. 

2. Petillia lobipes Westw. 

3. Petillia calear Dall. 

4. Dalader planiventris Westw. 

5. Brachytes bicolor Westw. 

6. Homoescerus signatus Wlk. 

7. Homoescerus prominulus Dall. 

8. H. striicornis Scot. 

9. H. albiventris Dall. 

10. H. laevilineus Stal. 

11. Notobitus mileagris Fab. 

12. Notobitus dorsalis Westw. 

13. Physomerus grossipes Fab. 

14. Acanthocoris scabrator Fab. 

15. Petalocncmis obscura Dall. 

16. Pendulinus rostratus Dist. 

17. Plinactus acicularis Fab. 

18. Plinactus basalis Westw. 

19. Cletus bipunctatus Westw. 

20. Cletus rubidiventris Westw. 

Fam. Coreidae 

FAUNA 263

21. Cletomorpha hastata Fab. 

22. Haidara producta Dist. 

23. Haidara admota Dist. 

24. Clavigralla gibbosa Spin. 

25. Clavigralla horren Dist. 

26. Stenocephalus lateralis Sign. 

27. Dulichius inflatus Kirb. 

28. Leptocorisa variconis Fab. 

29. Riptortus pedestris Fab. 

30. Akbaretus fisheri Dist. 

31. Corizus bengalensis Dall. 

32. Corizus rubicundus Sign. 

33. Serinetha abdominalis Fab. 

34. Serinetha augur Feb. 

1. Oncopeltus nigriceps Dall. 

2. Lygaeus militaris Fab. 

3. Lygaeus hospes Fab. 

4. Graptosteltus servus Fab. 

5. Graptosteltus argentatus Fab. 

6. G. dixoni Dist. 

7. Aspilocryphus modestus Dist. 

8. Melanotelus bipunctatus Dall. 

9. Lygaeosoma pussilum Dall. 

10. Caenocoris nerii Germ. 

11. Nysius inconspicuus Dist. 

12. Blissus gibbus Fab, 

Fam Lygaeidae 

FAUNA 264

13. Ischnodemus crebus Dist, 

14. Ischnodemus atromaculatus Dist. 

15. Geocoris tricolor Fab. 

16. Dactylopius nipae Mask. 

17. Chauliops fallax Scot 

18. Esmus typicus Dist. 

19. Pachygrontha dixoni Dist. 

20. Oxycarenus laetus Kirb. 

21. Paromius seychellesus Wlk. 

22. Palmera pallicornis Dall. 

23. Palmera vincta Say. 

24. P. nietneri Dohro. 

25. Caridops gibba Berg. 

26. Fontejanus wasmanni Bred. 

27. Prostemmidia mimica Reut 

28. Lachnophorus singalensis Dohrn. 

29. Diniella trabeata Dist. 

30. Aphanus sordidus Fab. 

31. Aphanus lineosus Dist. 

32. orientalis Dist. 

33. sparsus Dist. 

34. latus Dist, 

35. Dieuches uniguttatus Thumb, 

36. Dieuches leucoceras Wlk. 

37. Poeantius festivus Dist. 

38. Poeantius lineatus Stal 

Fam. Pyrrhocoridae 

FAUNA 265

1. Physopelta apicalis Wlk. 

2. Antilochus coqueberti Fab. 

3. Euscopus albatus Dist. 

4. Odontopus ngricornis Stal. 

5. Odontopus Scutellaria Wlk. 

6. Dermatinus lugubris Dist. 

7. Scantius volucris Gerst 

8. Scantius pallens Dist. 

9. Dysdercus cingulatus Fab. 

10. Dysdercus evanescens Dist. 

1. Stephanitis typicus Dist. 

2. Urentius echinus Dist. 

3. Monanthia globulifera Wlk. 

4. Haedus lectus (Dr.) 

1. Hydrometra vittata stal. 

2. Gerris fluviorum fab. 

3. Gerris fossarum fab. 

4. G- armata spin. 

5. Cylindrostethus produotus spin. 

6. Halobates germanus buch 

Fam. Tingidae (Lace bugs) 

Fam. Hydrometridae 

Fam. Henicocephalidae (Enicocephalidae) 

1. Henicocephalus basalis Westw. 

FAUNA 266

1. Eugubinus araneus Dist. 

2. Bagauda avidus Berg. 

3. Tribelocephala indica Wlk. 

4. Tribelocephala orientalis Dist. 

5. Sastrapada baerensprungi Stal. 

6. Oncocephalus notatus Klug. 

7. Oncocephalus annulipes Stal. 

8. Thodelmus falleni Stal. 

Fam. Reduviidae (Assassin bugs) 

9. Allaeocranum biannulipes Mont&Sign. 

10. Reduvius angiportus Dist. 

11. Garbelius ornatus Dist. 

12. Pasira perpusilla Wlk. 

13. Pasiropsis nigerrima Berg. 

14. Acanthaspis quinquespinosa Fab. 

15. Acanthaspis luteipes Wlk. 

16. Acanthaspis flavipes Stal. 

17. A. angularis Stal. 

18 A. regulosa Stal. 

19. A.megaspila Wlk . 

20. A.apicata Dist. 

21. A.concinnata Stal. 

22. A.fusconigra Doh. 

23. A.trimaculata Rout 

24. A.bombayensis Dist. 

25. Conorhinus rubrofasciatus de Geer. 

FAUNA 267

26. Androclus granulatus Stal. 

27. Androclus pictus Her.Seh. 

28. Ectomocoris quadriguttatus Fab 

29. Ectomocoris Tibialis Dist. 

30. E.cordiger Stal. 

31. E.vishnu Dist. 

32. Piralis affinis Serv. 

33. Piralis mundulus Stal. 

34. P.arcuatus Stal. 

35. P.lepturoides Wolf. 

36. Quercetanus atromaculatus Dist. 

37. Ectrychotes dispar Reut. 

38. Lophocephala guerini Lap. 

39. Harpacter fuscipes Fab. 

40. Harpactcr costalis Stal. 

41. H.marginalis Fab. 

42. Sphedanolestes stigmatillus Dist 

43. Sphedanolestes signatus Dist. 

44. Syncanus indagator Stal. 

45. Agriosphodrus dohrni Sign. 

46. Cydnocoris crocatus Stal. 

47. Euagoras plagiatus Burm. 

48. Endochus umbrinus Dist. 

49. Endochus enornatus Stal. 

50. Isyndus heros Fab. 

51. Coranus spiniscutis Reut. 

52. Coranus fuscipennis. 

FAUNA 268

53. Nagusta macroloba Berg. 

54. Polididus armatissimus Stal. 

55. Pachynomus biguttatus Std. 

56. Prostemma flavomaculatum Leth. 

57. Allacorhynchus vinulus Stal. 

58. Nabis capsiformis Germ. 

59. Nabis nigrescens Dist. 

1. Salda dixoni Dist. 

2. Leptopus greeni (Dist) 

1. Cimex rotundatus S. (hemipterus) 

1. Tancredus sandaracatus Dist. 

2. Helopeltis antonii Sign. 

3. Disphinctus politus Wlk. 

4. Eurycyrtus lanarius (Dist.) 

5. Calocoris angustatus Linn. 

6. Poecilascytus consanguineus Dist. 

7. Poecilascytus pigmaeus Dist. 

8. Tyraquellus albofasciatus Mots. 

9. Gallobelicus crassicornis Dist. 

Fam. Saldidae 

Fam. Cimicidae 

Fam. Capsidae 

Fam. Anthocoridae 

FAUNA 269

1. Triphleps tantilus Mots. 

1. Laccotrephes ruber Linn. 

2. Laccotrephes elongatus Mount. 

3. Ranatra filiformis Fab. 

1. Heliocoris breviceps Mont. 

2. Heliocoris obliquatus Spin. 

3. H. acuta Spin. 

1. Sphaerodema rusticum Fam. 

Fam. Nepidae (Water scorpions) 

Fam. Naucoridae 

Fam. Belostomatidae (Giant water bugs) 

2. Belostoma indicum Lep. & serv. 

1. Enithares indica Fab. 

2. Enithares templetoni Kirb. 

3. Anisops sardia Herr. V. Sehif. 

4. Anisops niveus Fab. 

1. Corixa hieroglyphica Duf. 

2. Corixa lima Dist. 

Fam. Notonectidae (Backswimmers) 

Fam. Corixidae (Water Boatmen) 

Order Thysanoptera (Thrips) 

Sub-order Terebrantia 

Fam. Aeolothripidae 

FAUNA 270

1. Aeolothrips fasciatus Linn. 

Fam. Heliothripidae 

1. Hercothrips (Heliothrips) indicus Bagn. 

2. Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus Hood. 

3. Tryphactothrips rutherfordi Bagn. 

4. Taeneothrips brunneicornis Bgn. 

5. Taeneothrips distalis Kar. 

6. T. longistylus Kar (=nigricornis Sehm). 

1. Chirothrips manicatus Hal. 

Fam. Thripidae 

2. Neocorynothrips (Ramakrishnothrips) jonnaphila Ram. 

3. Anaphothrips flavicinctus Kar. 

4. Anaphothrips (Dantabahuthrips) sacchari Shun. 

5. A. (Scirtothrips) dorsalis Hood. 

6. Avyaria chaetophora Kar. 

7. Frankliniella sulphurea Sch. 

8. Microphalothrips brevipalpis Kar. 

9. Scolothrips asura Ram. Marg. 

10. Scolothrips sexmaculatus Perz. 

11. Thrips (Isothrips) orientalis Bagn. 

12. Thrips tabaci Lind. 

13. T. florum Sch. 

1. Haplothrips ceylonicus Schm. 

SUB-ORDER TUBULIEERA 

Fam. Phloeothripidae 

FAUNA 271

2. Haplotarips ganglbaueri Schm. 

3. H. schunltzei Pries. 

Order Neuroptera (Lacewings and Ant lions) 

1. Myrmelion singulare Westw. 

2. Myrmelion formicarius Hag. 

3. Palpares contrarius Wlk. 

4. Palpares pardus Rbr. 

1. Helicomitus dicax Wlk. 

1. Chrysopa Khandalina Nav. 

1. Micromus australis Hag. 

1. Panorpa apendiculata Westw. 

Fam. Myrmelionidae (Ant lions) 

Fam. Ascalphidae 

Fam. Chrysopidae 

Fam. Hemerobiidae 

Order Mecoptera (Scorpionflies) 

Fam. Panorpidae 

Order Lcpidoptera (Moths and Butterflies) 

Sub-order Rhopalocera (Butterflies) 

Fam. Danaidae 

1. Hestia lynceus Mo & de N. (The Tree Nymph). 

2. Danaus aglea aglea Cr. ( The Glassy Tiger). 

FAUNA 272

3. Danaus limniace Cr. V. mutina (The Blue Tiger). 

4. D. genutia (Cr.) (The Common Tiger). 

5. D. chrysippus (Linn) (The Plain Tiger). 

6. D. melissa septentrionis But. (Dark Blue Tiger). 

7. Euploea core (Cr.) (The Common Indian Crow). 

8. H. crassa But (kollari Fd.) (The Brown King Crow). 

Fam. Satyridae (Browns) 

1. Mycalesis mineus (L) (The Dark brand Bush Brown). 

2. Mycalesis visala M. ( Ihe Long brand Bush Brown). 

3. M. lepcha M. (The Bush Brown). 

4. M. perseus (Fab.) (The common Bush Brown). 

5. Lethe rohria nilgiriensis Guer. (Tlie common Tree Brown). 

6. Ypthima baldus F. (The common Five ring). 

7. Ypthima hubneri Kirb. (The common Four ring). 

8. Zipoetis saitis Hew. (The Tamil Cats eye). 

9. Ostrioena medus (Fab) (The Nigger). 

10. Melanitis leda (Dr.) (The common Evening Brown). 

11. Melanitis ismene Cr. (Common Evening Brown). 

12. M. phedina Cr. ( The Dark Evening Brown). 

13. Elymnias hypermnestra L. (The common Palm fly). 

14. Elymnias hyp. Var. caudate But. 

Fam, Amathusiidae 

1. Discophora lepida (M.) (Southern Duffer). 

Fam. Nymphalidae (Nymphs) 

1. Charaxes polyxena (Cr.) (The Tawny Raja), 

FAUNA 273

2. Ch. pol. imna But. 

3. C. fabius (Fab.) (The Black Raja), 

4. Eriboea schreiberi (God) (The Blue Nawab). 

5. Eriboea athamas Dr. (The common Nawab). 

6. Apatura parisatis Westw & var. camiba M. (Ihe Black Prince). 

7. Euthelia lubentina (Cr.) (The Gaudy Baron). 

8. Euthalia evalina (St.) (The Red spot Duke). 

9. E. nais (Fors.) (The Baronet). 

10. E. garuda anagama Fruh. (The Baron). 

11. Parthenos sylvia virens (M) (The Clipper). 

12. Limenitis procris (Cr.) (The Commander). 

13. Neptis jumbah M. (The Chestnut streaked Sailer). 

14. Neptis hylas M. and var. varuna (The common Sailer). 

15. N. viraja M. (The Yellow jack Sailer). 

16. N. columella nilgirica M. (The Short banded Sailer). 

17. Hypolimnas bolina (Linn) (The Great Egg fly). 

18. H. misippus (Linn) (The Danaid Egg fly). 

19. Kallima philarchus ( Westw) and K. p. horsfieldii Koll. (The Blue Oak 

leaf). 

20. Precis hierta (Fab.) (The Yellow Pansy). 

21. Precis orithyia Linn. (The Blue Pansy). 

22 P. lemonias vaisya Fruh. (The Lemon Pansy). 

23. P. almana Linn. (The Peacock Pansy). 

24. P.iphita Cr. And P. i. pluviatalis Fruh. (The Chocolate Pancy) 

25. Vanessa cardui Linn. (The Painted Lady). 

26. Argynnis hyperbius (Joh.) (The Indian Fritillary). 

27. Atella phalantha (Dr.) (The common Leopard). 

28. Atella alcippe Cr. (The small Leopard). 

FAUNA 274

29. Cynthia erota (Fab.) (The Cruiser). 

30. Cirrochroa thais (Fab.) (The Tamil Yeoman). 

31. Cethosia nietneri mahratta Feld. (The Tamil Lace wing). 

32. Byblia ilithyia (Dr.) (The Joker). 

33. Ergolis ariadne (Joh.) (The Angled Castor). 

34. Ergolis merione taprobana Wd. (The common Castor-Castor butterfly). 

Fam. Acraeidae 

1. Telchinia violae Fab. (The Tawny Coster). 

Fam. Erycinidae 

1. Libythea myrrha (God.) (The Club Beak). 

2. Abisara echerius prunosa M. (The Plum Judy). 

Fam. Lycaenidae (The Blues) 

1. Spalgis epius Westw. (The Ape fly). 

2. Talicada nyceus (Guerin) (The Red Pierrot). 

3. Castalius rosimon Fab. (The common Pierrot). 

4. Castalius caleta (Hew.) (The Angled Pierrot). 

5. C. c. decidia Hew. 

6. C. ethion (Doubl. Hew.) The Banded Blue Pierrot). 

7. Taracus ananda de Nec. (The Dark Pierrot). 

8. Taracus alteratus M. (The Rusty Pierrot). 

9. T. theophrastus Ev. (The Pointed Pierrot). 

10. T. extricatus But. (The Rounded Pierrot). 

11. T. nara Koll. (The Striped Pierrot). 

12. Syntarucus plinius (Fab.) (The Zebra Blue), 

FAUNA 275

13. Azanus ubaldus Cr. (The Bright Babul Blue). 

14. Azanus uranus Butl. (The Dull Babul Blue). 

15. Azanus jesous Guer. (The African Babul Blue). 

16. Neopithecops zalmora But. (The Quaker). 

17. Megisba malaya thwaitesi M. (The Malayan). 

18. Lycaenopsis puspa Fruh. (The common Hedge Blue). 

19. Chilades laius Cr. (The Lime Blue). 

20. Zizeeria putli Koll. (The Grass Jewel). 

21. Zizeeria maha Koll. (The Grass Blue). 

22. Z. lysimon Hubn. (The Dark Grass Blue). 

23. Z. gaika Tri. (The Tiny Grass Blue). 

24. Z. otis F. (The Lesser Grass Blue). 

25. Euchrysops cnejus Fab. (The Gram Blue) = (Pod butterfly). 

26. Euchrysops pandava Hors. (The Plains Cupid). 

27. Catochrysops strabo Fab. (The Forget-me-not). 

28. Lampides boeticus Linn. (The Pea Blue). 

29. Loxura atymnus Cr. (The yam fly). 

30. Lycaenesthes lycaenina Feld. (The Pointed Ciliate Blue). 

31. Jamides celeno Cr. (The common Cerulean). 

32. Jamides bochus Cr. (The Dark Cerulean). 

33. Nacaduba nora Feld. (The common Line blue). 

34. Nacaduba Viola M. (The Pointed Line blue). 

35. Curetis thetis Dr. (The Indian Sunbeam). 

36. Horsfieldia anita Hew (The Leaf Blue). 

37. Apharitis lilacinus M. (Lilac Silverline). 

38. Spindasis vulcanus F. (The common Silverline). 

39. Spindasis ictis Hew (The common shot Silverline). 

FAUNA 276

40. S. lohita M. and S. 1. lazularia M. (The Long banded Silver- line). 

41. Zesius chrysomallus Hubn. (The Red Spot). 

42. Pratapa cleobis God. (The Broad tail Royal). 

43. Pratapa deva M. (The White Royal). 

44. Tajuria cippus Fab. (The Peacock Royal). 

45. Tajuria jehana M. (The Plains blue Royal). 

46. Cheritra freja Fab. (The common Imperial). 

47. Rathinda amor Fab. (The Monkey Puzzle). 

48. Catapoecilma elegans Dr. (The common Tinsel). 

49. Chliaria othona Hew (The Orchid Tit). 

50. Deudoryx epijarbus M. (The Cornelian). 

51. Virachola isocrates F. (The Common Guava Blue). 

52. Virachola perse ghela Fruh. (The Large Guava blue). 

53. Rapala varuna M. (The Indigo Flash). 

54. R. melampus Cr. (The Indian Red Flash). 

55. Rapala schistacea M. (The Slate Flash). 

56. Amblypodia alemon De N. (The Silky Oak blue). 

57. A. centaurus F. (The Centaur Oak blue). 

58. Amblypodia amantes Hew. (The Large Oak blue). 

59. Bindahara phocides Fab. (The Plane). 

60. Surendra biplagiata But. (The common Acacia Blue). 

61. Iraota timoleon Stoll. (The Silverstreak Blue). 

Fam. Papilionidae (Swallow tails) 

1. Troides helena (Linn.) (The Bird wings). 

2. Polydorus hector Linn. (The Crimson Rose). 

3. Polydorus aristolochiae Fab. (The common Rose). 

FAUNA 277

4. Chilasa clytia clytia Linn and var. dissimilis L. (The common Mime). 

5. Papilio polymnestor Cr. (The Blue Mormon). 

6. Papilio helenus L. var daksha M. (The Red Helen). 

7. Papilio polytes Linn. var. 

(a) cyrus F. 

(b) romulus Cr. 

(c) stichius Hub. 

(The common Mormon). 

8. Papilio demoleus Linn. (Lime Butterfly). 

9. Graphium agamemnon menides Fruh. (The Tailed Jay). 

10. Graphium nomius (Esp.) (The Spot Swordtail). 

11. Graphium sarpedon teredon Fd. (The common Blue bottle) 

Fam. Pieridae (The Whites and Yellows) 

1. Leptosia nina Fab. (The Psyche). 

2. Delias eucharis Dr. (The common Jezebel). 

3. Cepora nerissa (Fab.) var. phryne F. (The common Gull). 

4. Cepora nadina (Luc.) (The Lesser Gull). 

5. Anaphaeis aurota Fab. (The Pioneer). 

6. Appias libythea Fab. (The Striped Albatross. 

7. Appias albina (Boisd.) (The common Albatross). 

8. Ixias marianne (Cr.) (The White Orange tip). 

9. Ixias pyrene Linn. (The Yellow Orange tip). 

10. Colotis Calais Cr. (The Small Salmon Arab). 

11. Colotis fausta fulvia Wall. (The Large Salmon Arab). 

12. Colotis etrida (Boisd.) (The Little Orange tip). 

13. Colotis eucharis Fab. (The Plain Orange tip). 

FAUNA 278

14. C. amata F. (The Small Salmon Arab). 

15. C. danae F. (The Crimson tip). 

16. Hebomoia glaucippe Lin. australis But. (The Great Orange tip). 

17. Valeria Valeria (Cr.) hippia F. (The Common Wanderer). 

18. Catopsilia crocale Cr. (The Common Emigrant). 

19. Catopsilia pomona Fab. var catilla Cr. (The Lemon Emigrant). 

20. C. pyranthe Linn. (The Mottled Emigrant). 

21. C. florella Fab. (The African Emigrant). 

22. Eurema brigitta Cr. (= libythia Fab.). (The Small Grass Yellow). 

23. Eurema laeta Boisd. (The Spotless Grass yellow). 

24. E. hecabe Linn. var simulata M. (The Common Grass yellow). 

25. E. blanda Boisd. (The Three Spot Grass yellow). 

26. E. venata. venata M. (The Spotless Grass yellow). 

Fam. Hesperiidae (The Skippers) 

1. Celaenorhinus leucocera (Koll) (The Common Spotted Flat). 

2. Celaenorhinus ruficomis (Mab.) (TheTamil Spotted Flat). 

3. C. ambareesa M. (The Malabar Flat). 

4. Tagiades litigiosa Mos. (The Water snow Flat). 

5. Sarangesa purendra M. (The Spotted Small Flat). 

6. Sarangesa dasahara M. (The Common small Flat). 

7. Odontoptilum angulata Feld. (The Chestnut Angle). 

8. Caprona ransonnetti Feld ( The Golden Angle). 

9. Spialia (Syrictus) galba Fab. (The Indian Skipper). 

10. Gomalia elma albofasciata M. (The African Marble Skipper). 

11. Chromus (Hasora) alexis (Fab.) (The Common bandc Awl). 

12. Chromus (Hasora) taminatus (Hubn). (The white bandc Awl). 

13. C. badra M. (The Common Awl). 

FAUNA 279

14. Bibasis (Ismene) jaina M. (The Orange Awlet). 

15. Badamia exclamationis Fab, (The Brown Awl). 

16. Suastus grcmius Fab. (The Indian Palm Bob). 

17. Arnetta vindhiana M. (The Vindhyan Bob.) 

18. Matapa aria M. (The Common Red eye). 

19. Gangara thyrsis Fab. (The Giant Red eye). 

20. Taratrocera maevius Fab. (The Common Grass dart). 

21. Taratrocera ceramus (Hew) (The Tamil Grass dart). 

22. Ampittia diascorides Fab. (The Bush Hopper). 

23. Telicota (Astychus) ancilla (The Palm dart). 

24. Telicota pythias M. (The Dark Palm dart). 

25. Thoressa (Halpe) honorei de N. (The Madras Ace). 

26. Pelopidas (Baoris) conjuncta M. (The Conjoined Swift) 

27. Pelopidas mathias Fab. (Paddy skipper) (The Small brande Swift). 

28. Padraona (Potanthus) dara Koll. (The Common Dart), 

29. Borbo cinnara Wall (=Baoris zelleri Led) (The Rice Swift) 

30. Parnara (Baoris) guttatus Br. (The Straight Swift). 

31. Baoris kumara M. (Caltoris kumara). (The Blank Swift; 

32. Baoris (Borbo) bevani M. (The Bevans Swift). 

33. Hyarotis adrastus Cr. (The Tree Flitter). 

34. Udaspes folus Cr. (The Grass Demon). 

35. Coladenia indrani indra Ev. (The Tricolour Pied Flat). 

36. Iambrix salsala M. (The Chestnut Bob). 

1. Ceryx imaon Stoll. 

Sub-order : Heterocera (Moths) 

Fam. Syntomidae (= Amatidae) 

FAUNA 280

2. Amata cyssia Stoll. 

3. Amata extensa Wlk. 

4. A. hubneri Boisd. 

5. A. passalis Fab. 

6. Eressa musa Swin. 

7. Euchromia polymena Linn. 

Fam. Arctiidae (Lithosiidae) 

1. Spilosonia (Diacrisia) mona Sw. insects 

2. Spilosoma brunneus M. 

3. Spilosoma casignatum Koll. 

4. Diacrisia indica Guen. 

5. Pericallia (Arctia) ricinj Fab. 

6. Pcricallia matheraua M. 

7. Estigmene (Alphaea) lactinea Cr 

8. Estigmene nigricans M. 

9. E, dentata Wlk. 

10. E. sipahi M. 

11. Creatonotus (Amsacta) albistriga Wlk. 

12. Amsacta moorei But. 

13. Amsacta gongis Linn. 

14. A, lineola Fab. (emittens Wlk). 

15. A simplex Wlk. 

16. Phissama (Creatonotus) transiens Wlk. 

17. Rhodogastria astria Dr. 

18. Eligma narcissus Cr. 

19. Deiopia pulchella Linn. 

FAUNA 281

20. Cyana (Chionaema) peregrina Wlk. 

21. Cyana puella Dr. 

22. C. subornata Wlk. 

23. C. guttifera Wlk. 

24. Paraona splendens But 

25. Philagria (Oeonistis) entella Cr. 

26. Lithosia (Eilema) chota Swin. 

27. L. basigera Wlk. 

28. Aemene (Stictane) tenebrosa M. 

29. Gurna (Miltochrista) indica M. 

30. Asura (Nepita) coni'erta Wlk. 

31. Asura ruhricosta M. 

32. Diacrisia obliqua Wlk. 

33. Celama (Nola) crelacea Hamp. 

34. Celama internella Wlk. 

35. C pascua Swin. 

1. Exsula (Eusamia) adulatrix Koll. 

2. Aegocera venulia Cr. 

3. Aegocera bimaculata Wlk. 

Fam. Agaristidae 

Fam. Noctuidae 

1. Glottula dominica Cr. = (Brithys crini F.) 

2. Polytela gloriosae Fab. 

3. Adisura straminea Hamp. 

4. Adisura atkinsoni M. 

FAUNA 282

5. A. (Chariclea) marginalis Wlk. 

6. Heliothis obsoleta F. 

7. Heliothis assulta Guen. 

8. Timora (Chariclea) flavia Hamp, 

9. Timora bivittata Wlk. 

10. T. sanguinolenta M. 

11. Chariclea sinuata M. 

12. Chariclea auriola Wlk 

13. C. uneta Sw. 

14 C. artaxoides M. 

15. C. dora Swin. 

16. Agrotis ypsilon Rott. 

17. Agrotis c—nigrum L. 

1. A. triangularis M. 

19. Euxoa segetis Sch. 

20. Euxoa bicornica KolL 

21. Hadena consanguis Guen. (= Crateresta subterminata H.) 

22. Trachea (Euplexia) indistans (ir 

23. Trachea consumata Wlk. 

24. T. melanospila Koll. 

25. Perigea (Euplexia) conducta Wlk. 

26. Euplexia semifascia Wlk. 

27. Euplexia metallica Wlk. 

28. E. gemmifera Wlk. 

29. Magusa tenebrosa M. 

30. Aucha necteus Wlk. 

31. Aucha minor Hamp. 

FAUNA 283

32. Prodenia litura Fab. (=littoralis Boisd). 

33. Spodoptera mauritia Boisd. 

34. Amyna selenampha Guen. 

35 Amyna octo Guen. 

36. Eriopus recurvata M, 

37. Laphygma exigua Hubn. 

38. Athetis cognata M. 

39. Athetis bremusa Swin. 

40. A fasciata (M.). 

41. Catamecia furtiva (Swin). 

42. Cirphis albistigma M. 

43. Cirphis unipuncta (Haw). 

44. C vana Swin. 

45. C. subsignata M. 

46. C, moorei Swin. 

47. C. loreyi Dup. 

48. C. fragilis But. 

49. C micacea Hamp. 

50. C. polemusa Sw. 

51. Delta (Achmis) intermedia (Brem). 

52. Sesamia inferens Wlk. 

53. Sesamia uniformis Dudg. 

54. Chasmina cygnus Wlk. 

55. Lithacodia (Hyclopsis) signifera Wlk. 

56 Cytocanis denticulosa Wlk. 

57. Megalodes insocia Wlk. 

58. Tarache nitidula Fab 

FAUNA 284

59. Tarache upsilon Wlk. 

60. Tarache opalinoides Guer. 

61. Tarache catena Sw. 

62. T. binominata But. 

63. T. tropica Guen. 

64. T. basifera Wlk. 

65. T. embuta Wlk. 

66. T. crocata Guen, 

67. T. flavonigra Sw. 

68. T. (Calloecia) swinhoei But. 

69. Xanthoptera rubrifusa Hmp. 

70. Earias fabia Stoll. ) 71. Earias insulana Boisd ) Now transferrcd to 

Arctiidae. 72. E. chromataria Wlk. ) 

73. Gabala polyspilalis Wlk. 

74. Neomilichia veprecola Sw. 

75. Perigea specea Guen. 

76. Perigea dolerosa Wlk. 

77. Acontia graellsi Feis. 

78. Acontia malvae Esp 

79. A. transversa Guen. 

80. A. intersepta Guen. 

81. Swinhoea vegeta Swin. 

82. Metachrostis punctigera Wlk. 

83. Metachrostis itwarra Swin. 

84. M. badia Swin. 

85. M. mallarba Sw. 

86. M. uberosa Sw. 

87. Periambia pulla Sw 

FAUNA 285

88. Naranga difusa Wlk. 

89. Eublema rosita Guen, 

90. Eublema divisa M. 

91. Eublema abrupta Wlk. 

92. E. trifasciata M. 

93. E. parva Hab. 

94. E, olivacea M. 

95. E albida M. 

96. E silicula Sw. 

97. Zagira irrecta Wlk. 

98. Zagira divisa Wlk. 

99. Callyna siderea Guen. 

100. Callyna jugaria Wlk. 

101. C. costiplaga M. 

102. Westermannia superba Hubn. 

103. Plotheia celtis M. 

104. Hyblaea puera Cr. 

105. Hyblaea constellata Guen. 

106. Homodes vivida Guen. 

107. Barasa alopha Hamp. 

108. Labanda semipars Wlk. 

109. Blemina accipiens Wlk. 

110. Argyrothripa occulta Sw. 

111. Lophothripa vitea Sw. 

112. Cletharra sceptica Sw. 

113. Eutelia delabrix Guen. 

114. Eutelia jacosatrix Guen. 

FAUNA 286

115. E. nugatrix Guen. 

116. E. apicifascia Habn. 

117. E. flavillatrix Wlk. 

118. Risoba obstructa M. 

119. Odontodes aleuca Guen. 

120. Stictoptera cuculioides Guen. 

121. Churia arcuata Wlk. 

122. Cosmophila (Anomis) flava Fb. 

123. Cosmophila mesogona Wlk. 

124. C. trilineata M. 

125. C. fulvida Guen. 

126. Carea subtilis Wlk. 

127. Carea obsolescens M. 

128. Beara diehromella Wlk. 

129. Trisula variegata M. 

130. Erygia apicalis Guen. 

131. Ercheia cyttaria Cr. 

132. Anisoneura selebrosa Guen. 

133. Spiredonia anops Guen. 

134. Spiredonia feducia Stoll. 

135. Catocala trisa Sw. 

136. Nyctipao macrops L. 

137. Nyctypao hieroglyphica Dr. 

138. N. caprimulgus Fab. 

139. N. crepuscularis L. 

140. Polydesma quenevadi Guen. 

141. Polydesma umbricola Boisd. 

FAUNA 287

142. P. spessa Guen. 

143. P. metaspila Wlk. 

144. P. inangulata Guen. 

145. P. ornata M. 

146. P. terminigera Wlk. 

147. P. frateraa M. 

148. Hylodes caramea Cr. 

149. Homoptera umbrina Guen. 

150. Homoptera glaucinans Guen. 

151. Panilla dispila Wlk. 

152. Lyncestis amphix Cr. 

153. Lyncestis unilinea Sw. 

154. Catephia linteola Guen, 

155. Catephia acronyctoides Guen. 

156. C. inquieta Wlk. 

157. Arete cearulea Guen. 

158. Sphingomorpha chlorea Cr. 

159. Lacera alope Cr. 

160. Achaea janata L. 

161. Ophiusa illibata Fab. 

162. Ophiusa palumba Guen. 

163. O. dotata F. 

164. O. mejanesi Guen. 

165. O. arcuata M. 

166. O. maturata Wlk. 

167. O. renalis Hamp. 

168. O. joviana Cr. 

FAUNA 288

169. O. (Parallelia) algira L. 

170. O. arctolaenia Guen. 

171. O. conficiens Wlk. 

172. O. (Parallelia) analis Guen. 

173. O. crameri M. 

174. O. onelia Guen. 

175. O. (Anua) coronata Jab. 

176. O. tirrhaca Cr. 

177. O. honesta Hub. 

178. O. fulvotaenia Guen. 

179. Serrodes inara Cr. 

180. Sympis rutibasis Guen. 

181. Buniana divulsa Wlk. 

182. Buniana intorta Swin. 

183. Bocula (Borsippa) pallens M. 

184. Plecoptera rellexa Cr. 

185. Plecoptera resistens Wlk. 

186. P. erica Sw. 

187. Acantholepis circumdatus Wlk. 

188. Acantholepis trajectus Wlk. 

189. A. inscitius Sw. 

190. A. obeditalis Walk. 

191. A. gemma Swin. 

192. A. pansalis Wlk. 

193. Remigia archesia Cr. 

194. Remigia frugalis F. 

195. Trigonodes hyppasia Cr. 

FAUNA 289

196. Trigonodes geometrica F. 

197. T. stolida F. 

198. Entomogramma fautrix Guen. 

199. E. tortum Guen. 

200. Thermesia rubricans Boisd. 

201. Thermesia bolinoides Guen. 

202. Ischyja manlia Cr. 

203. Platyja umminea Cr. 

204. Episparis varialis Wlk. 

205. Amphigonia hepatizans Guen. 

206. Oxyodes scrobiculata F. 

207. Hamodes orientica Guen. 

208. Pleurona perhamata Hamp. 

209. Spirama retorta Cr. 

210. Spirama vespertilio F. 

211. Ophideres salaminia F. 

212. Ophideres ancilla F. 

213. O.fullonica Linn. 

214. O. materna Linn. 

215. O. hypermnestra Cr. 

216. Calpe emarginata Guen. 

217. Calpe minuticornis Guen. 

218. Pseudocalpe angulifera M. 

219. Arsacia satu-ralis Wlk. 

220. Plusia furcifera Wlk. 

221. Plusia eriosoma Doub. 

222. P. obtusisigna Wlk. 

FAUNA 290

223. P. orichalcea F. 

224. P. agramma Guen. 

225. Plusiodonta coelonota Koll. 

226. Basilodes chryosticta Hamp. 

227. Tinolus eburnigutta Wlk. 

228. Calesia satellitia M. 

229. Calesia dasyptera Koll. 

230. Egnasia accingalis Wlk. 

231. Capnodes ceylonica Wlk. 

232. Raparna diagramma Wlk. 

233. Raparna ochreipennis M. 

234. R. imparata Wlk. 

235. R. nigriceps Hamp. 

236. R. tantilla Sw. 

237. R. aenigmatica Sw. 

238. Avitta surrigens Wlk (=subsignans Wlk.) 

239. Dierna strigata M. 

240. Simplicia marginata M. 

241. Simplicia robustalis Guen. 

242. Hydrillodes lentalis Guen. 

243. Hydrillodes abavalis Wlk. 

244. Nodaria extensalis Guen. 

245. Nodaria fractalis Guen. 

246. Catada suffuscalis Sw. 

247. Dichromia erosia Cr. 

248. Dichromia pullata M. 

249. Rhynchina abductalis Wlk. 

FAUNA 291

250. Rhynchina ferreipars Hamp. 

251. R. parvulgaris Sw. 

252. Hypena masurialis Guen. 

253. Hypena lividalis Hubn. 

254. H. mimicalis Sw. 

255. H. iconicalis Wlk. 

256. H. rectivittalis M. 

257. H. abyssinialis Guen. 

258. H. molpusalis Wlk. 

259. H. obstupidalis Sw. 

260. H. mandatalis Wlk. 

261. H. nigrescens M. 

262. H. indicatalis Wlk. 

263. H. thermesialis Wlk 

264. H. ineffectalis Wlk. 

265. H. thermophaea Ham. 

FAM. Lymantriidae (Liparidae) Tussock Moths 

1. Laelia exclamationis Koll. 

2. Laelia divestita Wlk. 

3. L. testacae Wlk. 

4. Thiacidas postica Wlk. 

5. Dasychira horsfieldi Saund. 

6. Dasychira olearia Sw. 

7. D. mendosa Hab. 

8. D. inclusa Wlk. 

9. D securis Hab. 

FAUNA 292

10. Lymantria incerta Wlk. 

11. Lymantria ampla Wlk. 

12. L. obsoleta Wlk. 

13. L. beatrix Stoll. 

14. L. viola Sw. 

15. Euproctis lunata Wlk. 

16. Euproctis guttata Wlk. (=flava F.) 

17. E. fraterna M. 

1. E. scintillans Wlk. 

19. E. semisignata Wlk. 

20. E. flavinata Wlk. 

21. E. varians Wlk. 

22. E. digrama Guer. 

23. Porthesia xanthorrhoea Koll. 

24. Perina nuda F 

25. Leucoma submarginata Wlk. 

1. Hypsa (Asota) alciphron Cr. 

2. Hypsa sericea M. 

3. H. (Aganais) ficus F. 

4. Diagama hearsayana M. 

5. Diagama marcbali Guer. 

6. Argina cribraria CI. 

7. Argina syringa Cr. 

8. A argus Koll. 

9. Nyctemera lacticinia Cr. 

10. Nyctemera latistriga Wlk. 

Fam, Hypsidae 

FAUNA 293

11. N. plagifera Wlk. 

1. Acherontia lachesis F. 

2. Acherontia styx Westw. 

3. Herse convolvuli (Linn). 

4. Psilogramma menephron Cr. 

5. Campsogene panopus (Cr.) 

6. Leucophlebia emittens Wlk. 

7. Polyptychus dentatus (Cr.) 

8. Marumba dyras Wlk. 

9. Cephonodes hylas (Linn). 

10. Deilephila nerii (Linn). 

11. Deilephila minima (But). 

12. Nephele didyma (F.). 

13. Gurclca hyas (Wlk.). 

14. Cclcrio lineata livornica (Esp.). 

15. Hippotion celerio (Linn). 

1. Eupterote undata Bl. 

2. Eupterote fabia Cr. 

3. E. mollifera Wlk. 

4. E. geminata Wlk. 

5. E. undans Wlk. 

6. E. translata Sw. 

7. E. flavida M. 

8. E. citrina Wlk. 

9. E. Nisaga simplex Wlk. 

Fam. Sphingidae (Hawk Moths) 

Fam. Eupterotidae 

FAUNA 294

10. Sangatessa subcurvifera Wlk. 

1. Dudusa nobilis WIk. 

2. Phalera procera Feld. 

3. Phalera raya M. 

4. Turnaca acuta Wlk. 

5. Anticyra combusta Wlk. 

6. Antheua servula Dr. 

7. Stauropus alternus Wlk. 

8. Cerura liturata Wlk. 

9. Ichthyura anachoreta F. 

1. .Thinopteryx crocoptera Koll. 

2. Aplochlora vivilaca Wlk. 

3. Plutodes transmutata Wlk. 

4. Scardenia metallaria Guen. 

5. Stegania urbica Sw. 

6. Prionia rondelaria F. 

7. P. incitata Wlk 

8. Luxiaria contigaria Wlk. 

9. Macaria frugaliata Guen. 

10. Macaria fasciata F. 

11. M. inchota Wlk. 

12. M. nora Wlk. 

13. M. elvirata Guen. 

14. M. sufflata Guen. 

15. M. pervolgata Wlk. 

Fam. Notodontidae 

Fam. Geometridae 

FAUNA 295

16. M. emersaria Wlk. 

17. Tephrina disputaria Guen. 

18. Tephrina catalaunaria Guen. 

19. Orsonoba clelia Cr. 

20. Hyposidra talaea Wlk. 

21. Hyposidra successaria Wlk. 

22. Dilinia medardaria Her & Seh. 

23. Dilinia capitata Wlk. 

24. Hyperyihra lutea Cr. (rufifimbhia Warr.) 

25. Biston varianaria Sw. 

26. Boarmia bhurmitra Wlk. 

27. Boarmia cornaria Guen. 

28. B contactaria Wlk. 

29. B. acaciaria B. 

30. B. sublavaria Guen. 

31. B. infexaria Wlk. 

32. B. hybernaria Sw. 

33. Medasina objectaria Wlk. 

34. Eumelea rosalia Cr. 

35. Rambara infelix Sw. 

36. Sauris postalba Hamp. 

37. Cambogia grataria Wlk. 

38. Craspedia (Scopula)fluidaria Sw. 

39. Craspedia nietata Guen. 

40. C. addictaria Wlk (=pulchellata F.) 

41. C. idearia Sw. 

42. C. adeptaria Wlk. 

FAUNA 296

43. C. fibulata Guen. 

44. C. actuaria Wlk. 

45. C. remotata Guen. 

46. C. conscensa Sw. 

47. Acidalia (Sterrha) chotaria Sw. 

48. Acidalia testacea Sw. 

49. A. bilinea Sw. 

50. A. volutaria Sw. 

51. Anysephyra albannularia Wlk.=(Ephyra invexata Wlk.) 

52. Anisodes obrinaria Guen. 

53. Anisodes obstataria Wlk. 

54. Gnamptolonia aventiaria Guen. 

55. Trygodes divisaria Wlk. 

56. Problepsis deliaria Guen. 

57. Problepsis delphiaria Guen. 

58. Somatina anthophilata Guen. 

59. Euschema (Dysphania) Palmyra Stoll. 

60. Euschema percota Sw. 

61. Pseudoterpna ruginaria Guen. 

62. Pseudoterpna chlora Cr. 

63. P. (Terpna) similis M. 

64. Agathia lyeaenaria Koll. 

65. Agathia lactata F. 

66. Euchloris (Cocochloris) uvidula Sw. 

67. Euchloris quantula Sw. 

68. Nemoria (Chlorissa) solidaria Guen. 

69. Nemoria (Cornibaena) detenta W. 

FAUNA 297

70. N. directa Wlk. 

71. Euchrostes disparata Wlk.(Hemithea punctifimbria War.) 

72. Euchrostes (Pyrrhachis) pyrrhogona Wlk. 

73. Mexates coelataria Wlk. 

74. Thalassodes quadraria Guen. 

75. Ihalassodes (Lophomachia) semialba Wlk. 

76. T. (Gelasma) acutissima Wlk. 

77. T. (Diplodesma) obnupta Sw. 

1. Actias selene Hubn. 

2. Attacus atlas Linn. 

3. Attacus ricini Boisd. 

4. Antheraea paphia Linn. 

5. Cricula trifenestrata Helf. 

1. Bombyx mori Linn. 

2. Ocinara varians Wlk. 

1. Micronia aculeata Guen. 

1. Orudiza protheclaria Wlk. 

2. Epiplema instabilata Wlk. 

3. Dirades theclata Guen. 

4. Gathynia miraria Wlk. 

Fam. Saturnidae (Wild silk moths) 

Fam. Bombycidae (Silk worms) 

Fam. Uranidae 

Fam. Epiplemidae 

FAUNA 298

1. Clania crameri Westw. 

Fam. Psychidae (Bag or Case worm moths) 

2. Acanthopsyche (Oeceticoides) bipars Wlk. 

Fam. Arbelidae—Inderbelidae (Bark caterpillars) 

1. Arbela (Inderbela) tetraonis M. 

Fam. Cossidae (Goat or Carpentermoths) 

1. Cossus acronyctoides M. 

2. Duomitus leuconotus Wlk. 

3. Azygophleps pusilla Wlk. 

1. Taragama dorsalis Wlk. 

2. Taragama siva Lef. 

3. Suana concolor Wlk. 

4. Metanastria hyrtaca Cr. 

5. Trabala vishnu Lef. 

6. Lenodora signata M. 

7. Estigcna pardalis Wlk. 

1. Thosia cana Wlk. 

2. Natada velutina Koll. 

3. Contheyla propexa Sw. 

4. Miresa albipuncta Her. Sch. 

5. Miresa metathermistis Hamp. 

6. Parasa lepida Cr. 

Fam. Lasiocampidae 

Fam. Limacodidae (cochlidiidae) 

FAUNA 299

7. Parasa hilaris Westw. 

8. P. bicolor Wlk. 

9. Altha nivea Wlk. 

10. Altha peralba Swin. 

1. Heterusia virescens But. 

2. Chalcosia affinis Guen. 

1. Phalacra vidhisara Wlk. 

2. Orecta extensa Wlk. 

1. Striglina scitaria Wlk. 

2. Dixoa albatalis Sw. 

3. Rhodoneura myrsusalis Wlk. 

4. Rhodoneura myrtaca Dr. 

5. R. ferrofusa Hamp. 

6. Hypolamprus striatalis Sw. 

7. Dysodia ignata Wlk. 

Fam. Zygaenidae 

Fam. Drepanidae 

Fam. Thyrididae 

Fam. Pyralidae 

1. Lamoria planalis Wlk. (=Pempelia adeptilla Wlk.) 

2. Galleria melonella L. (=Vindana obliquella Wlk. ) 

3. Crambus nigricilielius Zell. 

4. Platytes trichialis Hamp. 

5. Platytes ictericalis Sw. 

6. Eromene ocellea Haw. 

7. Chilo simplex But. (zonellus Sw.) 

FAUNA 300

8. Surattha invectalis Wlk. 

9. Ancylolomia chrysographella Koll. 

10. Ancylolomia saundersiella Zell. 

11. Charltona Kala Sw. 

12. Charltona cervinella M. 

13. C. bivitella M. 

14. C. inconspicuella M. 

15. Niphopyralis albida Hamp. 

16. Scirpophaga auriflua Zell. 

17. Scirpophaga monostigma Zell. 

18. Schoenobius bipunctifer Wlk. 

19. Cirrhochrista brizoalis Wlk. 

20. Anerastia brunneovitella Rag. 

21. Ponjadia (Saluria) paucigraphella Rag. 

22. Polyocha (Monoctenocera) aurifusella Wlk. 

23. Polyocha depressella Sw. (=saccharella Dud.) 

24. Ephestia cautella Wlk. 

25. Homoesoma fuscella Rag. 

26. Ancylosis (Eurozopherodes) niveicostella Ham. 

27. Nephoteryx praetextalla Chr. 

28. Nephoteryx akbarella Reg. 

29. Epicrosis aegnusalis Wlk. 

30. Epicrosis lateritialis Wlk. 

31. Phycita infusella Meyr. 

32. Phycita clientella Zell. 

33. Rhodophaea aetiocella Wlk. 

34. Tephris inanitilla Rag. 

FAUNA 301

35. Etiella zinckenella Treit. 

36. Orthaga roseiplaga Hamp. 

37. Endotricha mesenterialis Wlk. 

38. Diplopseustis perieresalis Wlk. 

39. Hypsopygia mauritialis Boisd. 

40. Hypsopygia olivalis Sev. 

41. Pyralis recisalis Sw. 

42. Stemotophora bicoloralis Leech. 

43. Tamraca torridalis Led. 

44. Herculia tenuis But. 

45. Herculia suffusalis Wlk. 

46. Euryzona latifascia Hamp. 

47. Triphassa xylinalis Sw. 

48. Omphalocera accerseta Sw. 

49. Sacada rufina Hamp. 

50. Paractenia rubicundalis Sw. 

51. Paractenia quisqualis Sw. 

52. Bostra vibicalis Led. 

53. Loryma recusata Wlk. 

54. Tydis hypotialis Sw. 

55. Discordia evulsa Sw. 

56. Nymphula affinialis Guen. 

57. Nymphula dimunitalis Sn. 

58. N, depunctalis Guen. 

59. Cataclysta blandialis Wlk. 

60. Olacodes colonialis Guen. 

61. Talanga sexpunctalis M. 

FAUNA 302

62. Bradina admixtalis Wlk. 

63. Scoparia phacalis Hamp, 

64. Zinckenia fascialis Hamp. 

65. Eurrhyparodes bracteolalis Zell. 

66. Agrotera basinotata Hamp. 

67. Aetholix flavibasalis Guen. 

68. Pagyda salvalis Wlk. 

69. Cnaphalocrosis medinalis Guen. 

70. Marasmia venilialis Wlk. 

71. Marasmia trapizalis Guen. 

72. Syngamia abmptalis Wlk. 

73. Syngamia latimarginalis Wlk. 

74. S. floridalis Zell. 

75. Bocchoris incisalis Snell, 

76. Bocchoris onychinalis Guen. 

77. B. acamasalis Wlk. 

78. Ulopeza idyalis Wlk. 

79. Caprinia conchylalis Guen. 

80. Filodes fulvidorsalis Hubn. 

81. Nevrina procopia Cr. (= Euglyphis falsalis Sw.) 

82. Dichocrosis punetiferalis Guen. 

83. Dichocrosis festivalis Sw. 

84. D. nigrilinealis Wlk. 

85. Nacoleia barcalis Wlk. 

86. Nacoleia niphealis Wlk. 

87. N. scilalis Sw. 

88. Botyodes asialis Guen. 

FAUNA 303

89. Sylepta sabinusalis Wlk. 

90. Sylepta (Pyralis) derogata Fab. 

91. S. aurantiacalis Fisc. 

92. S. lunalis Wlk. 

93. S. tentalis Led. 

94. S. arclalis Guen. 

95. Lygropia quaternalis Zell. 

96. Lygropia amyntusalis Wlk. 

97. Agathodes ostentalis Hub. 

98. Glyphodes (Margaronia) laticostalis Guen. 

99. Glyphodes capriniodes Hamp. 

100. G. negatalis Wlk. 

101. G. psittacalis Hub. 

102. G. vertumnalis Guen. 

103. G. glauculalis Guen. 

104. G. glaucus Guen. 

105. G. pomonalis Guen. 

106. G. celsalis Wlk. 

107. G. bivitralis Guen. 

108. G. canthusalis Wlk. 

109. G. pyloalis Wlk. 

110. G. bicolor Swain. 

111. G. indica Saund. 

112. Pygospila tyres Cr. 

113. Pygospila costiflexalis Guen. 

114. Euclasta defamatalis Wlk. 

115. Lepyrodes neptis Cr. (perspicata) Fab. 

FAUNA 304

116. Lepyrodes geometralis Guen. 

117. Analyta melanopalis Guen. 

118. Leucenodes orbonalis Guen. 

119. Crocidolonia binotalis Zell. 

120. Helula undalis F. 

121. Sameodes cancellalis Zell. 

122. Thliptocera cascata Sw. 

123. Archernis tropicalis Wlk. 

124. Isocentris filalis Guen. 

125. Maruca testulalis Gey. 

126. Pachynoa spilosomoides M. 

127. Pachynoa pectinicornalis Guen. 

128. Pachyzancla phoeopteralis Guen. 

129. Pachyzancla stultalis Wlk. 

130. Phlyclaenodes massalis Wlk. 

131. Antigastra catalaunalis Dup. 

132. Protrigonia zizanialis Sw. 

133. Noorda blilealis, Wlk. 

134. Melasia Sabulosalis War. 

135. Pionia (Hapalia) ablactalis Wlk. 

136. Pyrausta (Hapalia) coclesalis Wlk. 

137. Pionia (Hapalia) phoenicealis Hub. 

138. Pyrausta (Hapalia) machoeralis Wlk. 

139. Pyrausta fuscalis Warr. 

140. P. incoloralis Guen. 

141. Tegostoma comparale Hub. 

142. Noctuelia fioralis Hub. 

FAUNA 305

Fam. Sesiidae (Aegeriidae) Clearwings 

1. Ceretocorema postcristatum Hamp. 

2. Melithia eurytion Westw, 

3. Melithia chalciformis F. 

1. Buckleria xerodes Meyr. 

2. Buckleria wahlbergi Zell. 

3. Sphenarches caffer Zell. 

4. Platyptilia pusillidactyla Wlk. 

5. Stenoptilia zophodactvla Dup. 

6. Exelastis liophanes Meyr. 

7. Exelastis atomosa Wlsm. 

8. Steganodactyla concursa Wlm. 

9. Meridarchis reprobata Meyr. 

10. Sitotroga cereallela Oliv. 

11. Stomopteryx nerteria M. 

12. Gnorimoschema heliopa L. 

13. Phthorimaea blapsigona M. 

14. Phthorimaea operculella Zell 

15. Platyedra gossypiella Saund. 

16. Lecithocera crypsilychna Meyr. 

17. Trichotaphe geochrota Meyr. 

Fam. Tineidae (Microlepidoptera) 

Sub- Family Pterophoridae 

Sub-Fam, Carposinidae 

Sub-fam. Gelechiadae 

FAUNA 306

18. Anarsia ephippias Meyr 

19. Melasina isopoda Meyr. 

20. Tonica zizyphi S. 

21. Hypatima doleropa Meyr. 

Sub-fam. Oecophoridae 

Sub-fam. Zyloryctidae 

22. Nephantis serinopa Meyr. (Black headed caterpillar). 

23. Amorbaea hepatica Meyr. 

24. Odites centrias Meyr. 

25. Odites spoliatrix Meyr. 

26. Hyponomeuta malinellus Zell. 

27. Atteva fabriciella Sw. 

28. Acrocercops svngramma Meyr. 

29. Acrocercops bifrenis Meyr. 

30. Cyphosticha coerulea Meyr, 

31. Gracillaria soyella van Des. 

32. Plutella maculipennis Curt. 

33. Phycodes radiata Och. 

34. Opogona lachanitis Meyr. 

35. Pylaetis mimosae Stain. 

36. Phyllocnistis citrella St. 

37. Phyllocnistis toparcha Mevr. 

Sub-fam. Hyponomeutidae 

Sub-fam. Graciliaridae 

Sub-fam. Plutellidae 

Sub-fam. Lyonetiadae 

Sub-fam. Tineidoe 

FAUNA 307

38. Setomorpha insectella Fb. 

39. Tinea pellionella L. 

40. Trichophaga abruptella Woll. 

41. Monopis monachella Hubn. 

Fam. Hepialidae (Swift moths) 

1. Phassus aboe M. (= salsettensis M.) 

1. Asotocerus flexuosus Mart. 

2. Anisocentropus kempi Mart. 

1. Montanna sp. 

1. Cetodes postica Banks 

2. S. furcata Nav 

3. S. viridella Nav. 

4. Oecetis insignis Bank. 

5. O. punctulata Nav. 

6. O. rufescens Nav. 

1. Goera nigricornis Nav. 

2. Ignasata fuscata Nav. 

Order : Trichoptera (Caddis flies) 

Fam. Calamoceratidae 

Fam. Molannidae 

Fam. Leptoceridae 

Fam. Sericostomatidae 

FAUNA 308

3. Maniconeura indica Mart. 

Order : Diptera (Flies) 

1. Pselliophora laeta F. 

2. Pachyrhina bombayensis Mae. 

Sub-order Nematocera 

Fam. Tipulidae 

Fam. Psychodidae (Moth flies, Sand flies) 

1. Phloebotomus minutus Rond. 

2. P. argentipes An. Br. 

3. P. papatasii Scop. 

1. Anopheles aitkeni Jam. 

2. Anopheles culiciformis Cog. 

3. A. hyrcanus var. nigerrimus Giles. 

4. A. barbirostris van. W. 

5. A. tassellatus Thao. 

6. A. culicifaceis Giles. 

7. A. fluviatalis Jam. 

8. A. minutus Theo. 

9. A. aconitus Don. 

10. A. jeyporiensis Jam. 

11. A. subpictus Gras. 

12. A. vagus Don. 

13. A. turkhudi List. 

14. A. moghulensis Chr. 

Fam. Culicidae (Mosquitoes) 

FAUNA 309

15. A. stephensi List. 

16. A. maculatus Theo. 

17. A. theobaldi G. 

18. A. Karwari Ja. 

19. A. jamesi Theo 

20. A. splendidus Koid. 

21. A. annularis Van. W. 

22. A. pullidus Theo. 

23. Aedes aegypti Dya. 

24. Culex concolor R. V. D. 

25. Culex fasciata F. (= rossii Gel) 

26. C. tritaeniorhynchus Gil. 

27. C. tigripes Gr. & Ch. 

28. C. fatigans Weid. 

29. C. trimaculatus Theo. 

Fam. Cecidomyidae—Itomididae (Gall midges) 

1. Dasyneura gossypii Felt. 

2. Asphondylia sesami Felt. 

3. Contarinia andropogonis F 

4. Pachydiplosis oryzae (Wood M.) Mani. 

1. Plecia fulvicollis F. 

1. Simulium rufithorax Br. 

Fam. Bibionidae 

Fam. Simuliidae 

FAUNA 310

2. Simulium auriohirtum Brun. 

1. Bezzia vaga Kief. 

2. Bezzia hamifera Kief. 

Fam. Ceratopogonidae (Biting midges) 

3. Culicoides oxystoma Kief (= schultzie End.) 

1. Wallacea argentia Dol. 

2. Evaza indica Kert. 

3. Sargus metallinus F. 

4. Microchrysa flaviventris Wied. 

Sub-order Brachycera 

Fam. Stratiomyidae 

Fam. Tabanidae (Horse & Cattle flies, Gad flies, Clegs) 

1. Tabanus rubidus Wied. 

2. Tabanus speciosus Ric. 

3. T. indianus Ric. 

4. T. abconicus Wlk. 

5. T. subhirtus Ric. 

6. T. striatus Fab. (= hilaris W. partitus W.) 

7. Haematopota rosalis Fab. 

8. Haematopota montana Ric. 

9. H. cana Wlk. 

10. H. bilineata Ric. 

11. H. inconspicua Ric. 

12. H. immaculata Ric. 

FAUNA 311

13. Corizoneura taprobanes Wlk. 

14. Chrysops dispar F. 

1. Hieroneura annandalei Lich. 

1. Oncodes octomaculatus Brun. 

1. Phycus brunneus Wied. 

1. Hyperalonia sphinx F. 

2. Hyperalonia semifuscata Br. 

3. Exoprosopa lar F. 

4. 4 Exoprosopa lateralis Br. 

5. E. insulata Wlk. 

6. E. vitripennis Brun. 

7. E. vitrea Big. 

8. Argyramoeba distigma Wicd. 

9. Argyramoeba gastroa Br. 

10. A. argentiapicalis Brun. 

11. A. nigrofemorata Brun. 

12. Anthrax afra F. 

Fam. Nemestrinidae (Hirmoneuridae) 

Fam. Cyrtidae (= Acroceridae) 

Fam. Therevidae 

Fam. Bombylidae (Bee flies) 

FAUNA 312

13. Bombylius wulpi Brun. 

14. Bombylius comastes Brun. 

15. B. fulvipes Big. 

16. Geron argentifrons Brun. 

17. Geron albescens Brun. 

1. Syneches fuscipennis Brun. 

2. Acarterus pallipes Bez. 

3. Hybos bisetosus Bez. 

4. Drapetis discoidalis Bez. 

5. Elaphropeza variegata Brun. 

1. Dolichopus saphirus Beck. 

2. Paraclius pilosellus Beck. 

3. Paraclius nudus Beck. 

4. Hereostomus compositus Beck. 

5. Tachytrochus salinarius Beck 

6. Medetera grisescens Meij. 

7. Diaphorus mandarimus Wied. 

8. Sympienus bisuleus Beck. 

9. Chrysosoma leucopogon Wied. 

1. Pipunculus limpidipennis Br, 

Fam. Empidae 

Fam. Dolichopodidae 

Fam. Pipunculidae 

FAUNA 313

1. Paragus scrratus F. 

2. Syrphus balteatus De Geer. 

3. Sphaerophora indiana Big. 

4. Baccha pulchrefrons Aust. 

5. Eristalis taphicus Wied. 

6. Eristalis obscuritarsis de. M. 

7. Megaspis crassus F. 

8. Xylota bistriata Brun. 

9. Syretta rufifacies Big. 

10. Eumerus aurifrons Wied. 

11. Ceria trinotata de Meij. 

12. Ceria eumenioides Saund. 

1. Oecemyia flavipes Brum. 

1. Dacus longistylus Wied. 

2. Dacus brevistylus Bez. 

Fam. Syrphidae (Hoverflies) 

Fam. Conopidae 

Fam. Trypetidae (Fruit flies) 

3. D (= Chaetodacus) cucurbitae Coq. 

4. D. diversus Coq. 

5. D. ferrugeneous F. 

6. D. zonatus Saund. 

7. Carpomyia vesuviana Bez. 

8. Carpedoxantha octopunctata Bez. 

1. Agromyza obtusa M. 

Fam. Agromyzidae 

FAUNA 314

2. Agromyza phaseoli 

3. C. Ophiomyia lantanae F. 

1. Calobata sp. 

1. Siphunculina funicola M. 

2. Formosina flavipes M. 

3. Chalcidomyia atricornis M. 

1. Oestrus ovis L. 

2. Gastrophelus equi CI. 

1. Lucilia papuensis Macq. 

2. Lucilia sericata (Meig.) 

3. L. cuprina (Wied.) 

4. Bengalia jejuna (Fab.) 

5. Bengalia lateralis Macq. 

6. B. bezzi Sr. Wb. 

7. Polenia asiatica (Sr. Wh.) 

Fam. Micropezidae 

Fam. Chloropidae (Eye flies) 

Fam. Oestridae (Bot flies and Warble flies) 

Fam. Calliphoridae 

8. Strongyloneura pseudonebulosa Sr. Wh. 

9. Metallia pollinosa (Toa.) 

10. Rhina testacea Rob. 

FAUNA 315

11. Sarcophaga albiceps Meig. 

12. Sarcophaga hirtipes Wied. 

13. S. orientaloides Sr. Wh. 

14. S. futilis Sr. Wh. 

15. S. martellata Sr. Wh. 

16. S. dux Thorn. 

17. S. fuscficauda Boll. 

1. Actia aegyptia Vill. 

2. Actia hyalinata. 

3. Carcelia baitenzorgiensis. 

4. Carcelia kockiana. 

5. C. sumatrensis. 

6. C. concinnata. 

7. Erycia nymphalidophaga. 

8. Eutachina civiloides. 

9. Exorista quadrimaculata. 

10. Gonia cinerascens. 

11. Masicera oculata. 

12. Ptychomyia remota. 

13. Thrycolyga sorbilans. 

14. Winthemia albiceps. 

1. Musca vicina Macq. 

2. Musca domestica L. 

3. M. nebulo F. 

4. M. sorbens Wied. 

Fam. Tachinidae 

Fam. Muscidae 

FAUNA 316

5. M. vetustissima Wlk. 

6. M. ventrosa Wied. 

7. M planiceps Wied (= formosana MalL) 

8. M. bezzii Pat & Cr. 

9. M. crassirostris Stein. 

10. Pyrellia proferens Wlk. 

11. Bolellolarynx sanguindentus Aust. 

12. Stomoxys calcitrans L. 

13. Lyperosia exigua Meij. 

14. Haematobia sanguinolenta Aust. 

15. Dichaetomyia simulans (Stern). 

16. Dichaetomyia nubiana (Bigot). 

17. Dichaetomyia pallens (Stun). 

18. Xenosia steini V. E. 

19. Xenosia sordida (St.) 

20. Graphomyia stipata rufiTibia St. 

21. Atherigona idica M. (Anthomyiad fly). 

22. Passcromyia heterochaeta (Vill). 

1. Hippobosca maculata Lch. 

2. Hippobosca capcnsis Olf. 

Fam. Hippoboscidae 

3. Lynchia (Pseudolynchia) exornata Sp. 

Fam. Nycteribiidae 

1. Penicellidia jenynsi (Westw) indica. 

2. Pcnicellidia bothyra—fletcheri var. pumela (Scot). 

FAUNA 317

3. Nycteribia (Listropodia) allotopa (Scot). 

4. Nycteribia parvula Sp. 

5. N (Stylidia) annandalei Scot. 

6. N (Acrocholidia) euxesta (Sp.). 

7. Cyclopodia (Paracyclopodia) roylei Westw. 

8. Paracyclopodia sykensii Westw. 

1. Xynopsylla cheopis (Roth). 

2. Xynopsylla astia Roth. 

Order Siphonaptera (Aphaniptera) Fleas 

3. Xynopsylla brasiliensis (Bak.) 

4. Ctenocephalus felis (Bon.) 

5. Ctenocephalus felis orientis Jord. 

1. Athalia proxima Klug. 

Fam. Pulicidae 

Order Hymenoptera Sub-order Symphita 

1. Echthromorpha notulatoria F. 

2. Xanthopimpla pedator F. 

3. Xanthopimpla nursei Cam. 

4. X. candiensis Cam. 

5. X. punctata F. 

6. Orientotheronea maculipcs M. 

7. Syzeuctus zanthorius Cam. 

Fam. Tenthredinidae 

Sub-order Apocrita 

Fam. Ichneumonidae 

FAUNA 318

8. Metopius pulehripes Cam. 

9. Metopius rufus Cam. 

10. Bassus multicolor Grav. 

11. Bassus clotho Morl. 

12. Colpotrochia pilosa Cam. 

13. Paniscus testaceus Grav. 

14. Paniscus orientalis Cam. 

15. Ophion asiaticus kok. 

16. Stauropodoctonus orientalis Mor. 

17. Henicospilus (Enicospilus) flavicaput Marl 

1. Henicospilus merdarius Gr. 

19. H. melanocampus Cam. 

20. H. atricornis Mori. 

21. H. orientalis Cam. 

22. H. horsfieldi Cam. 

23. Nototrachys foliator F 

24. Charops obtusus Morl. 

25. Campoplex perditor Forst. 

26. Dioctes dcbilis Mori. 

27. Dioctes argenteopilosa Cam. 

28. Pristomerus testaceus Morl. 

29. Cratocryptus rufepes Cam. 

30. Melcha nursei Cam. 

31. Friona octobalteata Cam. 

1. Iphiaulax spilocephalus Cam. 

Fam. Braconidae 

FAUNA 319

2. Microdus fumipennis Cam. 

3. Microdus tuberculatus Cam. 

4. Apanteles glomeratus L. 

5. Apanteles chiloceda R. 

6. A. (Urogaster) indicus Cam. 

7. A. depressariae. 

8. Rhogas lefroyi D. & G. (testaceus) D. G. 

9. Microbracon lefroyi D. G. (greeni Ash). 

1. Wroughtonis cornuta Cam. 

1. Evania antennalis Westw. 

2. Evania apendigaster (L.) Fab. 

3. Trichofoenus coryne-tes Kief. 

1. Leucospis bombayensis Mani, 

2. Oncochalcis nursei Cam, 

3. Brachvmeria eccentris Cam. 

1. Elasmus anticles Wlk. 

Fam. Stephanidae 

Fam. Evanidae 

Fam. Chalcididae 

Fam. Elasmidae 

Fam. Chrysidae (chrysididae) 

1. Hedychridium wroughtoni du Buy. 

FAUNA 320

2. Hedychridium rugosum Sm. 

3. Chrysogona pumila Klug. 

4. Stilbum cyanurum splendidum F. 

5. Chrysis wroughtoni du Buy. 

6. Chrysis bayadera du Buy. 

7. C. dissimilanda du Buy. 

8. C. obliterata Moc. 

9. C. speculata du Buy. 

10. C. fuscipennis Brul. 

11. C. cotesi du Buy. 

12. C saraksensis Rad. 

13. C. libita du Buy. 

14. C. bengalensis Mocs. 

15. C. lusea F. 

16. C. orientalis Guer. 

17. C. schioedtei Dadl. 

18. C. principalis Sm. 

1. Tiphia rufofemorata Sm. 

2. Tiphia fulvohirta Cam. 

3. Iswara luteus Westw. 

4. Myzine dimidiata Guer 

5. Myzine madraspatana Sm. 

6. M. bengalensis Cam. 

7. M. petiolata Sm. 

8. Scolia auriepennis Lep 

Fam. Scollidae 

FAUNA 321

9. Scolia bilunata Sauss. 

10. S. quadripustulata F. var. binotata F. 

11. S. vivida Sm. 

12. Elis eregone Bing. 

13. Elis rubromaculata Sm. 

14. E. ceylonica Kirb. 

15. E. fumbriata Klug. 

16. E. reticulata Cam. 

17. E. thoracica F. 

18. E. asiatica Sauss. 

19. Liacos analis F. 

1. Mutilla lilliputiana Andr. 

2. Mutilla pulchriceps Cam. 

3. M. niveosignata Andra. 

4. M. dimidiata Lep. 

5. M. colabensis Andr. 

6. M. wroughtoni Cam. 

7. M. pulla Andr 

8. M. constancae Cam. 

9. M. budha Cam. 

10. M. trimaculata Cam. 

11. M. argenteomaculata Sm. 

12. M. sexmaculata Swed. 

13. M. serratula Cam. 

14. M. maculiceps Andr. 

Fam. Mutilidae 

FAUNA 322

15. M. arenaria Fab. 

16. M. nudiceps Andr. 

17. M. erythrocera Cam. 

18. M. aurifcx Sm. 

19. M. placida Sm. 

20. M. veda Red. 

21. M. lunarifasciata Andr. 

22. M. poonaensis Cam. 

23. M. auropalliata Andr. 

24. M. pulchriventris Cam. 

25. M. argentipes Sm. 

26. M. provida Cam. 

27. M. pedunculata Klug. 

28. M. valida Cam. 

29. M. nobilis Sm. 

30. M. emeryi Magr. 

31. M. regia Sm. 

32. M. indefensa Cam. 

33. M. spinulosa And. 

34. M. phaola Cam. 

35. M. foveiscutis Cam. 

1. Dorylus labiatus shuck. 

2. Dorylus orientalis Westw. 

3. Aenictus ambiguus Sp. 

4. Aenictus westwoodi For. 

Fam. Formicidae (Ants) 

FAUNA 323

5. A.shuckardi For. 

6. A. latiscapus For. 

7. A. wroughtoni For 

8. A.fergusoni For. 

9. A. aitkeni For. 

10. A.punensis For. 

11. A. clavatus For. 

12. Lioponera longitarsus Mag. 

13. Lioponera parva For. 

14. Cerapachys aitkeni For. 

15. Stigmatonmia belli For. 

16. Anochetus sedilloti Em. 

17. Anochetus laylori For. 

18. A. kanariensis For. 

19. Drepanognathus saltator Jer. 

20. Lobopelta dentilobis For. 

21. Lobopelta diminuta Sm. 

22. L. hysterica For. 

23. L. dalyi For. 

24. L. chinensis Mayr. 

25. Diacamma vagans Sm. 

26. Ponera confines Rog. 

27. Ponera gleadowi For. 

28. Bothroponera sulcata Fr. 

29. Bothroponera rubiginosa Em. 

30. B. rufipes Jer. 

31. Mesoponera melanaria Em. 

FAUNA 324

32. Sima rufonigra Jer. 

33. Sima nigra Jer. 

34. S. allaborans Wlk. 

35. S. binghami For. 

36. Myrmicaria brunnea Saund. 

37. Crematogaster wroughtoni For. 

38. Crematogaster contemplata May. 

39. C.ebenina For. 

40. C. soror For. 

41. C.eberrans For. 

42. C.dalyi For. 

43. C. rothneyi May. 

44. C. rogenhoferi May. 

45. C. perelegans For. 

46. Solenopsis geminata F. 

47. Phidologiton diversus Jer. 

48. Phidologiton affinis Jer. 

49. P. lamellifrons For. 

50. Meranophus bicolor Guer. 

51. Meranophus belli For. 

52. Triglyphothrix walshi For. 

53. Triglyphothrix obesa Er. And. 

54. Tetramorium wroughtoni For. 

55. Tetramorium guineense F. 

56. T. smithi May. 

57. T. belgaense For. 

58. Monomorium wroughtoni For. 

FAUNA 325

59. Monomorium indicum For. 

60. M. atomus For. 

61. M. destructor Jer. 

62. M. floricola Jer. 

63. M. latinode May. 

64. Phidole naorojii For. 

65. Phidole hoogwerfi For. 

66. P. latinoda Rog. 

67. P. sykesi For. 

68. P. woodmasoni For. 

69. P. rhombinoda May. 

70. P. striativentris May. 

71. P. multidens For. 

72. P. indica May. 

73. Aphaenogaster beccasii Em. 

74. Holcomyrmex creniceps May. 

75. Holcomyrmex scabriceps May. 

76. Holcomyrmex glabber Andr. 

77. Trigonogaster recurvispinosa For. 

78. Cardiocondyla wroughtoni For. 

79. Cardiocondyla parvinoda For. 

80. Dolicoderus taprobanae Sm. 

81. Iridomyrmex inceps Rog. 

82. Iridomyrmex glober May. 

83. Technomyrmex albipes Sm. 

84. Technomyrmex brunneus For. 

85. Tapinoma melanocephalum F. 

FAUNA 326

86. Tapinoma indicum For. 

87. Bothriomyrmex myops For. 

88. Bothriomyrmex dalyi For. 

89. B. wroughtoni For. 

90. Oecophylla smaragdina F. 

91. Acantholepis capensis May. 

92. Acantholepis opacae For. 

93. A. pulchella For. 

94. Plagiolepis longipes Jerd. 

95. Plagiolepis rothneyi For. 

96. P. exigua For. 

97. P. jerdoni For. 

98. P. rogeri For. 

99. Prenolepis longicorais Lat. 

100. Prenolepis indica For. 

101. Acropyga acutiventris Rog. 

102. Lasius fuliginosus Lat. 

103. Camponotus compressus F. 

104. Camponotus taylori For. 

105. C. mitis Sm. 

106. C. rufoglaucus Jerd. 

107. C. paria Em. 

108. C. angusticollis Jerd. 

109. C. sericeus F. 

110. Polyrhachis simplex May. 

111. Polyrhachis clypeata May. 

112. P. rastellata Lat. 

FAUNA 327

1. Macromeris violacea Lep. 

2. Pseudagenia blanda Guer. 

3. Pseudagenia tincta Sm. 

4. P. veda Cam. 

5. Salius aureocericeous (Sm.). 

6. Salius fulvipennis F. 

7. S. consanguineus Saus. 

8. S. madraspatanus Sm. 

9. S. flavus F. 

10. Pompilus wroughtoni Cam. 

11. Pompilus fenestratus Sm. 

12. P. decoratus Sm. 

13. P. mitis Sm. 

14. P. ephippiatus Sm. 

15. Ceropales annulitarsis Cam. 

16. Ceropales claripennis Cam. 

1. Eumenes affinissima Saus. 

2. Eumenes peliolata F. 

3. E. dimidiatipennis Saus. 

4. E. essuriens F. 

5. E. conica F. 

6. E. edwardsii Saus. 

7. E. flavopicta Bl. 

Fam. Pompilidae 

Fam. Eumenidae 

FAUNA 328

8. E. arcuata F. 

9. Rhynchium brunneum F. 

10. Rhynchium abdominalis Saus. 

11. R. nitidulum F. 

12. R. leviscutis Cam. 

13. R. metallicum Saus. 

14. Odynerus sechellii Saus. 

15. Odynerus ornatus Sm. 

16. O. punctum F. 

17. O. punctatipennis Saus. 

18. O. miniatus Saus. 

19. O. diffinis Saus. 

20. O. ovalis Saus. 

21. O. guttatus Saus. 

22. O. erebodes Cam. 

23. O. wroughtoni Cam. 

24. O. henricus Cam. 

25. O. orNaticaudis Cam. 

26. Katamenes interstitialis Cam. 

27. Petrochilus fulvipennis Cam. 

1. Belonogaster indica Saus. 

2. Icaria ferruginea F. 

3. Icaria wroughtoni Cam. 

4. Icaria marginata Lep. 

5. Icaria variegata Sm. 

Fam, Vespidae 

FAUNA 329

6. I. artifex Saus. 

7. Polistes stigma F. 

8. Polistes hebraeus F. 

9. Vespa cincta F. 

10. Vespa orientalis F. 

11. V. ducalis sorror D'Bug. 

1. Astata nigricans Cam. 

2. Astata agilis Sm. 

3. Tachytes monataria Sm. 

4. Tachytes nitidula F. 

5. Tachysphex auriceps Cam. 

6. Tachysphex erythrogaster Cam, 

7. T. selectus Nurs. 

8. Larra nigriventris Cam. 

Fam, Sphegidae (Sphecidae) 

9. Notogonia (Motes) subtessellata Sm. 

10. N. (Motes) jaculatrix Sm. 

11. Liris aurata F. 

12. Liris nigripennis Cam. 

13. L. haemerrhoidalis F. 

14. Piagetia ruficornis Cam. 

15. Pison rugosus Sm. 

16. Pison argentatum Shuck. 

17. Trypoxylon intrudens Sm. 

1. Trypoxylon bicolor Sm, 

19. Ammophila laevigata Sm. 

20. Ammophila elegans Sm. 

FAUNA 330

21. A. brevipennis Bing. 

22. A. apicata Bing. 

23. A. erythrocephala F. 

24. Sceliphron spinola Lep. 

25. Sceliphron madraspatanam F. 

26. S. coromandelicum Lep. 

27. S. bilineatum Sm. 

28. S. violaceum F. 

29. Sphex lobatus F. 

30. Sphex splendidus F. 

31. S. vicinus Lep. 

32. S. luteipeimis Mocs. 

33. S. umbrosus Chr. F. 

34. S. aurulentus F. 

35. Ampulex compressa F. 

36. Ampulex constanceae Cam. 

37. Trirhogma cearulea Westw. 

38. Psen clavatus Cam. 

39. Stigmus niger Mots. 

40. Gorytes (Mellinus) alipes Bing. 

41. Gorytes (Mel.) amatorius Sm. 

42. G. (M) politus Bing. 

43. Stizus cornutus Sm. 

44. Stizus rufescens Sm. 

45. S. reversus Sm. 

46. Bembex lunata F. 

47. Bembex trepanda Dahlb. 

FAUNA 331

48. B. indica Hand. 

49. Philanthus basalis Sm. 

50. Philanthus pulcherrimus Sm. 

51. Cerceris albopicta Sm. 

52. Cerceris humbertiana Sa. 

53. C.dentata Cam. 

54. C. tetradonta Cam. 

55. C. sulphuria Cam. 

56. C. pectiventris Dahlb. 

57. C. wroughtoni Cam. 

58. C. instabilis Sm. 

59. C. pulchra Cam. 

60. C. vishnu Cam. 

61. C. vigilans Sm. 

62. C. flavopicta Sm. 

63. C. novarae Saus. 

64. C. belli Turn. 

65. C. melaina Turn. 

66. C. dolosa. 

67. Oxybelus robustus Cam. 

68. Oxybelus agilis Sm. 

69. O. forticarniatus Cam. 

70. Crabro buddha Cam. 

71. Crabro orientalis Cam. 

72. C. ardens Cam. 

73. C. bellus Cam. 

74. C. aswad Nur. 

FAUNA 332

1. Halictus sonescens Sm. 

2. H. torridus Cam. 

3. H. matheranensis Cam. 

4. H. latisignatus Cam. 

5. H. emergendus Cam. 

6. H. salsettensis Ckll. 

7. H. nasicensis Ckll. 

8. Sphecodes albifrons Sm. 

9. Sphecodes rubripes Sm. 

10. Nomia vvestwoodi Gri, 

11. Nomia curvipes F. 

12. N. antennata Sm. 

13. N. combusta Sm. 

14. N. fervida Sm. 

15. N. oxybeloides Sm. 

16. N. maculitarsis Cam. 

17. NT. aliena Cam. 

18. N. aurohirta Cam. 

19. N. erythrogaster Cam. 

20. N. mahratta Cam. 

21. N. comperta Ckll. 

22. N. parsiformis Ckll. 

1. Andrena torrida Sm. 

Fam. Halictdae 

Fam. Andrenidae 

FAUNA 333

2. Andrena mollis Sm. 

1. Megachile anthracina Sm. 

2. Megachile fulvovestita Sm. 

3. M. bicolor F. 

4. M. disjuncta F. 

5. M. lanata F. 

6. M. cephalotes Sm. 

7. M. albifrons Sm. 

8. M. femorata Sm. 

9. M. Katinka Nur. 

10. M. ubrica Nur. 

11. M. lefroma Cam. 

12. M. saphira Cam. 

13. M. bombayensis Cam. 

14. M. lissopoda Cam. 

15. M. cathena Cam. 

16. M. subfuscus Cam. 

17. M. lerma Cam. 

18. Aglaoapis brevipennis Cam. 

19. Anthidium lachrymosum Sm. 

Fam. Megachilidae (Leaf cutter bees) 

20. Anthidium flavomaculatum Cam. 

21. A. flaviventre Cam. 

22. A. viaticum Nur. 

23. A.pulchellum Klug. 

24. A.ardens Sm. 

FAUNA 334

25. A.ordinatum Sm. 

26. A.rasorium Sm. 

27. Ceratina eburneopicta Ckll. 

28. viridessema Dall. 

29. Coelioxys decipiens Spin. 

30. Coelioxys minutus Sm. 

31. Coelioxys latus Cam. 

32. Tetralonia punctata Cam. 

33. Tetralonia leucopoda Ckll. 

34. Tetralioniella aliena Ckll. 

35. Tetralioniella calidula Ckll. 

36. A. cellularis Cam. 

37. A. comberi Ckll. 

38. Epeolus peregrinus Ckll. 

1. Colletis dentata Cam. 

1. Anthophora zonata Linn. 

2. Anthophora confusa Sm. 

3. A. fallax Sm. 

4. A. violacea Lep. 

5. Allodape parvula Sm. 

6. Crocissa emarginata Lep. 

7. Crocissa ramosa Lep. 

8. Xylocopa latipes Dr. 

Fam. Colletidae 

Fam. Apidae (Bees) 

FAUNA 335

9. Xyolcopa dissimilis Lep. 

10. X. auripennis Lep. 

11. X. fenestrata F. 

12. X. amethystina F. 

13. X. leucothorax (de Guer). 

14. X tranquebarica (F.) 

15. Apis (= Megapis) dorsata F 

16. Apis indica F. 

17. Apis (Micrapis) rnellifica L. 

18. A.florea F. 

19. Melipona laeviceps Sm. 

20. Melipona iridipennis Sm. 

21. Steganomus fulvipennis Cam. 

22. Thaumantosoma testaceicome Cam. 

1. Collyris brevipennis Horn. 

2. Prothyma proxima Chaud. 

3. Cicindela indica Flent. 

4. Cicindela melancholica F. 

5. C. imperfecta Ch. 

6. C. sumatrensis Hlst. 

7. C. funerea Mc. L. 

8. C. sexpunctata F. 

9. C. bicolor F. 

10. C. gyllenhali Dej. 

Order Coleoptera (Beetles and Weevils) 

Fam. Cicindelidae (Tiger-beetless) 

FAUNA 336

Fam. Carabidae (Predaceous ground beetles) 

1. Colosoma orientale Hope. 

2. Omophron lunatus Ban. 

3. Siagona fabricii Andr. 

4. Siagona flesus F. 

5. S. rubescens Andr. 

6. S. pumila Andr. 

7. S. pygmaea Andr. 

8. S. Kulla Andr. 

9. S. dilutipes Chaud. 

10. S. depressa Mot. 

11. S. pubescens Chaud. 

12. Luperca laevigata F. 

13. Scarites semirugosus Chaud. 

14. Scarites ceylonicus Chaud. 

15. S. inconspicuus Chaud. 

16. S. guineensis Dej. 

17. S. mahratta Andr. 

18. Oxylobus mahratta Andr. 

19. Oxylobus dispar Andr. 

20. O. punctatosulcatus Chaud. 

21. O. bipunctatus Andr. 

22. O. lateralis Dej. 

23. Thlibops filiformis Andr. 

24. Coryza maculata Nietn. 

Sub-Family Carabinae 

FAUNA 337

25. Clivina westwoodi Putz. 

26. Clivina lobata Bon. 

27. C. attenuata Herb. 

28. Trilophus interpunctatus hispidulus Putz. 

29. Dyschirius mahratta paucipunctus Andr. 

30. Dyschirius perfectus Andr. 

31. Sparostes striatulus Putz 

32. Apotomus atripennis Mots. 

33. Apotomus hirsutulus Bates. 

34. Tachys impressipennis Mots. 

35. Tachys Klugi Neitn. 

36. T. ornatus Apet. 

37. T. pallidicornis Andr. 

38. T. babaulti Andr. 

39. T. charis Andr. 

40. T. blandus Andr. 

41. T. comptus Andr. 

42. T. haliploides Bates. 

43. T. latissimus var gracilis Mots. 

44. Pogonus biroi Csiki. 

45. Perileptus ceylonicus Nietn. 

Sub-fam. Harpalinae 

Fam. Dytiscidae 

1. Cybister tripunctatus asiaticus Shp. 

2. Cybister confusus Shp. 

FAUNA 338

3. C. lineatus F. 

4. C. sugillatus E. 

5. C. limbatus F. 

6. C. rugulosus Red. 

7. Hydraticus dejeani Aub. 

8. H. vittatus F. 

9. H. luczonicus Aub. 

10. H. fabricii M. & L. 

11. Sandracottus festivus III. 

12. Eunectes sticticus Lin. 

13. Laccophilus elegans Shp. 

14. Laccophilus chinensis inefficiens Boh. 

15. L. parvulus Andr. 

16. L. anticatus Sh. 

17. Bidessus antinnalis Reg. 

18. Bidessus inconstans Reg. 

19. Hyphoporus aper Shp. 

20. Rhantaticus congestus Klug. 

21. Eretes sticticus L. 

22. Hyphydrus indicus Shp. 

23. Peschetius quadricostatus Aub. 

24. Yola consanguinea Reg. 

1. Dineutus indicus Aub. 

2. Orectochilus limbatus Rig. 

3. Orectochilus discifer Wlk. 

Fam. Gyrinidae (Whirling beetles) 

FAUNA 339

1. Hydrophilus piceus L. 

2. Hydrophilus olivaceous (F.) 

3. H. indicus Bed. 

4. Stethoxus olivaceous F. 

Fam. Hydrophilidae 

5. Stethoxus cashmeriensis Rest. (japonicus Shp.) 

6. S. senegalensis Perch. 

7. Sternolophus unicolor Cast. 

8. Sternolophus brachyacanthus Reg. 

9. S. rufipes (F.) 

10. Paracymus evanascens Shp. 

11. Paracymus crenatus Reg. 

12. Cyclonotum orbiculare P. 

13. Sphaeridium rectus Shp. 

14. Philhydrus luteus Reg. 

15. Deronectus belli F. 

16. Regimbartia attenuata Fab. 

17. Hydraena quadricollis Woll. 

1. Ceratoderios andrewesi Desn. 

2. Platyrhopalus denticornis Don. 

3. Platyrhopalus mellyi Westw. 

4. Paussus hearsayanus Westw. 

5. Paussus wroughtoni Wasm. 

6. P. soleatus Wasm. 

FAM. PAUSSIDAE 

FAUNA 340

7. P. suavis Wasm. 

8. P. denticulatus Westw. 

9. P. assmuthi Wasm. 

Fam. Staphylinidae (Rove beetles) 

1. Trogophloeus (Teoginus) exiguus Er 

2. Oxytelus (Tanycracrus) micans Kr. 

3. Oxytelus (Anotylus) pygmaeus Kr. 

4. O. (Anotylus) latiusculus Kr. 

5. Platystethus cornutus Gr. 

6. Stenus annamita Faun. 

7. Stenus (Hypostenus) ventricosus Fauv. 

8. Stenus tricarinatus Kr. 

9. Pinophilus bomfordi Epp. 

10. Pinophilus piceus Fauv. 

11. Oedichirus dimidiatus Epp. 

12. Paederus sondaicus Fauv. 

13. Paederus fuscipes Curt (= peregrinus Cam.) 

14. P. cornicollis Mots. 

15. P. gratiosus Fauv. 

16. Astenus gratellus Fauv. 

17. Astenus melanurus Kust. 

18. Charichirus Chinensis Boh. 

19. Scopaeus testaceus Mots. 

20. Scopaeus velutinus Mots. 

21. Seimbalium indicum Epp. 

FAUNA 341

22. Cryptobium nigrobadium Epp. 

23. Cryptobium abdominale Mots. 

24. Leptacinus parumpunctatus Gyll. 

25. Philonthus notabilis Kr. 

26. Philonthus cinctus Gr. 

27. P. aencipennis Boh. 

28. P. cinctipennis Faur. 

29. P. longicornis Step. 

30. P. thermarum Aub. 

31. Staphylinus (Platydracus) semipurpureus Kr. 

32. Discoxenus lepisma Wasm. 

33. Discoxenus assmuthi Wasm. 

34. Doryloxenus termitophilus Wasm, 

35. D. eutermitis Wasm. 

36. Coproporus minimus Mots. 

37. Coproporus atomus Kr. 

38. Schistogenia crenicollis Kr. 

39. Astilbus impressicollis Kr. 

40. Zyras (Glossacantha) armifrons Epp. 

41. Zyras (Glossacantha) heimi Wasm. 

42. Z. (G.) obscurus F. 

43. Z. (G.) hastatus Fauv. 

44. Dinusa heimi Wasm. 

1. Platysoma dufali Mars. 

2. Paromalus ceylonicus Mots. 

Fam. Histeridae 

FAUNA 342

3. Hister chinensis Quen, 

4. Hister coelestis May. 

5. H. bimaculatus L. 

6. Cypturus aenescens Er. 

7. Abroeus parea Mrs. 

1. Lycostomus nigripes F. 

2. Lycostomus praeustus F. 

3. L. restitutus Bou. 

Fam. Lycidae 

Fam. Lampyridae (Fireflies and Glow worms) 

1. Lamprophorus tenebrosus Wlk. 

2. Lampyris marginella Boh 

3. Lucida species. 

1. Hapalochrus fasciatus F. 

2. Idiga belli Gorh. 

3. Idiga cardoni Bourg. 

1. Mecrobia rufipes F. 

2. Mecrobia vidacea L. 

3. Tillus notatus Klug. 

Fam. Melyridae 

Fam. Cleridae 

Fam. Meloidae (Blister beetles) 

FAUNA 343

1. Zonabris pustulata Thumb. 

2. Mylabris balteata Pall (indica F.) 

3. Gnathospastoides rouxi Cast. 

4. Lytta rufficollis O. 

5. Lytta tenuicollis P. 

6. Epicauta sp. 

7. Cantharis setacea F. 

1. Agrypnus fuscipes F. 

2. I.acon sinensis Col. 

3. Heteroderus macroderus Caud. 

4. Melanozanthus melanocephalus F. 

5. Cardiophorus cmbraculatus Caud. 

6. Cardiophorus eximius Caud. 

7. Cardiophorus anaticus Caud. 

1. Sphenoptera gossypii K. 

2. Sphenoptera parotteti G. 

3. Aemaeodera kerremansi, 

4. Aemaeodera fasciatipennis. 

5. Belinota prasina Th. 

6. Psiloptera fastuosa F. 

7. Trachys bicolor K. 

8. Trachys ipomoea Th. 

Fam. Elateridae 

Fam. Buprestidae 

FAUNA 344

1. Anthrenus vorax Wat, 

2. Anthrenus pimpinella F. 

3. A. fasciatus. 

4. Dermestes vulpjnus F. 

5. Trogoderma versicolor, 

Fam. Dermestidae (Wooly bears) 

Fam. Trogositidae (Ostomidae) 

1. Tenebroides (Trogosita) mauritanica L. — ' Cadelle’. 

1. Meligethes cribrosus Gro. 

2. Carpophilus hebetatus Grov. 

3. Carpophilus hemipterus L. 

4. C. plagiatipennis Mots. 

5. Epuraea indica Gro. 

6. Macroura orientalis Nietn 

7. Macroura subrugosa Gro. 

8. Cybocephalus major Mots. 

1. Cathartus advena. 

2. Hectarthrum depressum. 

3. Hectarthrum heros. 

4. H. trigeminum. 

Fam Nitidulidae 

Fam. Cucujidae 

5 Oryzaephilus (Silvanus) surinamensis L. 

FAUNA 345

Fam. Erotylidae including (Languridae) 

1.Microsternus cribricollis Gorh. 

2.Megalodaene singhalensis Csik. 

3.Megalodaene hislopi Cro. 

4.Amblyopus triplacoides Gorh. 

5.Cycloxenus hispidus Arr. 

6.Andastus bombayensis Arr. (Languridae). 

1.Eugonius vicinus Arr. 

2.Stenotarsus bicoior Girst, 

3.Saula ferruginea Girst. 

1.Coccinella septempunctata F. 

Fam. Endomychidae 

Fam. Coccinellidae (Lady bird beetles) 

2.Coccinella repanda Th. (= transversalis F.) 

3.Thea (Halysia) cincta F. 

4.Alesia univittata Hope. 

5.Chilomenes sexmaculata F. 

6.Chilocorus nigritus F. 

7.Brunus suturalis F. 

8.Epilachna dodecastigma Muls. 

9.E. Vigintioctopunctata F. 

10.Symnus xerampelinus Muls. 

1. Melarachnica parvipennis Frm. 

Fam. Tenebrionidae 

FAUNA 346

2. Rhytinota insidiosa Frm, 

3. Rhytinota impolita Frm. 

4. Pachycera {Oedonocera) longula Kr. 

5. Penthicoides seriatoporus Frm. 

6. Derosphoerus sp. 

7. Encyalesthus aspiratus Bat. 

8. Platydema scriptipennis Frm. 

9. Ceropria induta Wied. 

10. Ceropria violacea Bl. 

11. Tribolium castanium Hb. 

12. Tribolium ferruginium F. 

13. Amarygmus purpureofossus Frm. 

14. Gonocephalum oblongum F. 

15. Gonocephalum depressum F. 

16. G. dorsograsosum F. 

17. G. hoffmaineseggi Slev. 

18. G. bengalensis Berh. 

19. Mesomorphus villiger Bl. 

20. Sleron reitheri Geb. 

21. Sleron latipes Guer. 

22. Heterotarsus indicus Mars. 

23. Lyprops indicus Wied. 

24. Cossyphus depressus F. 

25. Dastarcus indicus (Fai) 

26. Sitophagus sp. 

27. Opetiopalpus sp. 

FAUNA 347

1. Ptinus fur L. 

Fam. Ptinidae and Anobiidae 

2. Anobium (Sirodrepa) panicea L. (Death Watch). 

3. Lasioderma testacea Duff. 

1.Bostrychopsis bengalensis. 

2.Bostrychopsis parallela. 

3.Heterobostrychus equalis. 

Fam. Bostrychidae (Powder post beetles) 

4.Heterobostrychus hamatipennis Les. 

5.Sinoxylon anale Lesn. 

6.S. atratum Les. 

7.S. capillatum. 

8.S. crassum Les. 

9.S. pygmaeum. 

10. Schistoceros anobioides Watti. 

11. Xylodectes ornatus. 

12. Xylothrips flavipes IIl. 

13. Dinoderus minutus F. 

14. Rhizopertha dominica F. 

1. Diceros cuvera Newn. 

2. Heterorrhina micans Guer. 

3. Heterorrhina sinuatocollis Sch. 

4. Anatona stillata Newm. 

5. Anatona castanoptera Burm. 

Fam. Scarabaeidae (Lamellicornia) 

Group 1—Cetoninae 

FAUNA 348

6. Pogonopus argentifer Westw. 

7. Protaetia pereginea Herb. 

8. Protaetia regalis B1. 

9. P. terrosa G. & P. 

10. P. alboguttata Vig. 

11. Chiloloba acuta Wied. 

12. Clinteria klugi Hope. 

13. Agestrata orichalcea Linn. 

14. Spilophorus cretosus Hope. 

15. Coenochilus brunneus Saund. 

16. Coenochilus acutipes Arr, 

17. C. pygidialis Jan. 

18. C. trabecula Sch. 

19. Xenoreodcrus occidentals Arr. 

20. Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. 

21. Eophileurus platypterus Wied. 

22. Eophileurus perforatus Arr. 

23. Phyllognathus dionysius F. 

24. Apogonia ferruginea F. 

25. Apogonia nigricans. 

26. Holotrichia pulvinosa Shp, 

27. Tdionycha excisa. 

28. Lachnosterna serrata. 

29. Microtricha cotesi. 

Group 2—Dynastinae 

Group 3—Melolonthinae 

FAUNA 349

30. Serica lugubris Brsk. 

31. Serica iridescens Bl. 

32. S. globosa (Hbst.) 

33. S. prunosa Brun. 

34. Leucophorus lepidophora. 

35. Antoserica marginella Hope. 

36. Tropiorrhynchus orientalis (Newm). 

37. Tropiorrhynchus podagricus Bum. 

38. Popilia nasuta Newm. 

39. Popilia adamas Newn. 

40. Mimela macleana Vig. 

41. Anomala dorsalis F. 

42. Anomala varians Ol 

43. A. polita Bl. 

44. A. ruficapilla Burm. 

45. A. communis Burm. 

46. A. pomona Arr. 

47. Rhinyptia indica Burm. 

48. Adorhinyptia dorsalis Burm. 

49. Adorhinyptia fusca Arr. 

50. Prodoretus bombayanus. 

51. Adoretus lobiceps Arr. 

52. Adoretus excisus Oh. 

53. A. iucurvatus Oh. 

54. A. stoliczkae Oh. 

55. A. sorex Arr. 

Group 4 - Rutelinae 

FAUNA 350

56. A. andrewesi Oh. 

57. A. decanus Oh. 

58. A. latirostis Oh. 

59. A. pusillus Arr. 

60. A. caliginosus Burm. 

61. A. ovalis B. 

62. Scarabaeus sanctus F. 

63. Gymnopleurus cyaneus F. 

64. Gymnopleurus meliaris F. 

65. G. gemmatus Har. 

66. G. maculosus Macl. 

67. G. dejeani Cast. 

68. G. bombayensis Arr. 

69. Sisyphus longipes Oliv. 

70. Sisyphus hirtus Wied. 

71. Heliocopris bucephalus F. 

72. Catharsius hirtus Wied. 

73. Catharsius sagax Quens. 

74. C.pithecius F. 

75. Copris repertus Wlk. 

76. Copris imitans F. 

77. Copris andrewesi Wr. 

78. C. signatus W. 

79. Phalops candezei Laus. 

80. Caecobius aterrimus F. 

81. Caecobius diminutivus Wlk. 

Group 5—Coprinae 

FAUNA 351

82. C. inermis Arr. 

83. C. ultor Sh. 

84. C. vulcanus Syst. 

85. Onthophagus hystrix Bou. 

86. Onthophagus gulo Arr. 

87. O. cavia Bou 

88. O. imperator Cast. 

89. O. tardus F. 

90. O. coeruleicollis Arr. 

91. O. obacus Bon. 

92. O. vultur Arr. 

93. O. spinifex F. 

94. O. pactolus F. 

95. O. parvulus F. 

96. O. ramosellus Bat. 

97. O. catta F. 

98. O. bonasus F. 

99. O. ramosus Wied. 

100. O. laborans Arr. 

101. O. quaestus Sh. 

102. O. iiliputanus Laus. 

103. O. tritinctus Bon. 

104. O. circulifer Arr. 

105. O. dama F. 

106. O. quadridentatus F. 

107. O. pardalis F. 

108. O. hindu Arr. 

FAUNA 352

109. O. ephippioderus Arr 

110. O. semicinctus d'Orb. 

111. O. tragus F. 

112. O. fasciatus Bon. 

113. O. favrie Bon. 

114. O. truncaticornis Sch. 

115. O. turbatus Wlk. 

116. O. unifasciatus Sch. 

117. O. centricornis F. 

118. O. malabarensis Bom. 

119. O. ludio Bom. 

120. O. ceros F. 

121. Liatongus rhadamistus F 

122. Oniticellus pallipes F, 

123. Oniticellus spinipes Roth. 

124. O. cinctus F. 

125. Drepanocerus setosus Wied. 

126. Onitis falcatus Wulf. 

127. Onitis virens Lous. 

128. Chironitis indicus Laus. 

129. Haroldius heimi Wasm. 

Fam. Lucanidae (Lamellicornia) Stag beetles. 

1. Dorcus (Cladognathus) curvipes Hope. 

2. Figulus caviceps Boil 

Fam. Cerambycidae (Long horned beetles or Longicornia) 

FAUNA 353

1. Dissosternus pertii Hope. 

2. Priotyrannus mordax Wh. 

3. Cantherocnemis downesi Pasc. 

4. Macrotoma crenata F. 

5. Melegena flavipes Gah. 

6. Hypoeschrus indicus Gah. 

7. Xystrocera globosa Oliv. 

8. Ploederus humeralis Wh. 

9. Aeolesthes holosericea F. 

10. Rhytidodera robusta Gah. 

11. Nyphasia fuscipennis Gah. 

12. Purpuricenus sanguinolentus Oliv. 

13. Pachyteria fasciata F. 

14. Pachylocerus corallinus Hope. 

15. Xylotrichus subcutalatus Che. 

16. Caloclatus patricius Gah. 

17. Epipedocera affinis Chev. 

18. Batocera rubus L. 

19. Coelesterna scabrata F. 

20. Olenocamptus bilobus F. 

21. Apomecyna pertigera Th. 

22. Glana spilota Th. 

23. Monohammus nivosus Wh. 

1. Sagra femorata Dr. 

2. Lema flavimana Jac. 

Fam. Chrysomelidae (Leaf beetles) 

FAUNA 354

3. Lema subiridea Jac. 

4. L. downesi Bal. 

5. L. lycaon Jac. 

6. L. belgaumensis Jac. 

7. Crioceris impressa F. 

8. Pseudoclytra andrewesi Jac 

9. Gynandrophthalmaorientalis Jac. 

10. Gynandrophthalma cornuta Jac. 

11. G. minuta Jac. 

12. G. divisa Jac. 

13. Aetheomorpha nigropicta Lef 

14. Pantocometis downesi Bal. 

15. Clytrasoma palliata Fr. 

16. Ceretobasis natr La. 

17. Ceretobasis cevlonensis Jac. 

18. Cryptocephalus angustomarginatus Jac. 

19. Cryptocephalus inconstans Jac. 

20. C. bombayensis Jac. 

21. C. belgaumensis Jac. 

22. C. sandrocottus Suff. 

23. C. andrewesi Jac, 

24. C. lefevrei Jac. 

25. C. indicus Suff. 

26. C. leopardus Jac. 

27. C. vahli F. 

28. C. raja Jac. 

29. C. guttifer Suff. 

FAUNA 355

30. C. senarius Sutf. 

31. Nodina indica Jac. 

32. N. belgaumensis Jac. 

33. Nodostoma thoracicum Jac. 

34. Pagria flavopustulata Bal. 

35. Pagria costatipennis Jac. 

36. Pagria kanaraesis Jac. 

37. Callisina promenula Jac. 

38. Callisina balyi Jac. 

39. Neculla pollinaria Bal. 

40. Hyperascis fulvohirsuta Jac. 

41. Eubrachis orientalis Jac. 

42. Colasposoma metallicum CI. 

43. Colasposoma coeruleatum Bal. 

44. C. bicoloratum Jac. 

45. C. ornatum Jac. 

46. Tricliona punctices Duv. 

47. Tricliona variabilis Jac. 

48. T. apicata Jac. 

49. T. bifasciata Jac. 

50. T. bicolor Jac. 

51. T. marginata Jac. 

52. Cleoporus maculicollis Jac. 

53. Heminodes uniclor Duv. 

54. Chrysolina fulvoaenea Jac. 

55. Oides bipunctata (F.) 

56. Hoplosomaunicolor Ill. 

FAUNA 356

57. Aulacophora foveicollis (Luc.) = (abdominalis Gcr.) 

58. Aulacophora intermedia Jac. 

59. A. impressa (F.) 

60. Galerucella birmanca (Jac.) 

61. Anastena nigromaculata (Jac.) 

62. Monolepta longitarsis Jac. 

63. Monolepta nigrobilineata Mots. 

64. M. scripta (Mots.) 

65. M. orientalis Jac. 

66. M. trifasciata Jac. 

67. M. puncticollis (Jac.) 

68. M. pilosa (Jac.) 

69. M. severini (Jac.) 

70. M. andrewesi Jac. 

71. M. fascipennis (Jac.) 

72. M. multipunctata (Jac.) 

73. M. indica Jac. 

74. M. irratica (Jac.) 

75. M. maculosa All 

76. Hyphaenia obscuripennis Jac. 

77. Mimastra scutellata Jac. 

78. Palpoxena truncatipennis (Jac.) 

79. Palpoxcna dilaticornis (Jac) 

80. P. peliennis Jac. 

81. P. pallida (Jac.) 

82. P. modcsta Jac. 

83. Philopoma signata Duv. 

FAUNA 357

84. Hyphosoma thoracica Jac. 

85. Hyphosoma discoidalis Jac. 

86. Bimala indica Jac, 

87. Chaetocnema basalis But. 

88. Chaetocnema minuta Jac. 

89. C. belli Jac. 

90. Ophrida hirsuta Steb. 

91. Clitia indica Jac. 

92. Podagrica striatipennis Jac. 

93. Argopistes lamprotcs Maul. 

94. Longitarsus belgaumensis Jac. 

95. Longitarsus sari Maul. 

96. Luperomorpha nigripennis Duv. 

97. Luperomorpha bombayensis Jac. 

98. Aphihona hugeli Jac. 

99. Phyllotreta downesi Bal. 

100. Sebaethe nigricornis Bal. 

101. Haltica cyanea Web. 

102. Estigmena chinensis Hope. 

103. Callispa duodecimmaculata Chap. 

104. Amblispa laevigata Guer. 

105. Leptispa pygmaea Bal. 

106. Oncocephala tuberculata Olive. 

107. Oncocehala dorsalis Wied. 

108. Scellodonta strigicollis Mots. 

109. Hispella brachycera Gcst, 

110. Hispella stygia Chap. 

FAUNA 358

111. Dactylispa filiola Weis. 

112. Dactylispa severini Ges. 

113. D.pracfica Weis. 

114. D. nalika Maul. 

115. D. soror Weis. 

116. Hispa armigera Oliv. 

117. Hispa aerea Gest. 

118. H. palliscens Guer. 

119. Platypriya erinaceus F. 

120. Platypriya andrewesi Weis. 

121. P. echidna Guer. 

122. Hoplionota tenuicula Spa 

123. Calopepla leayana Latr. 

124. Calopepla andrewesi W. 

125. Aspidomorpha furcata Thun. 

126. Conchyloctenia nigrovittata Boh. 

127. Sindia eathrata F 

128. Laccoptera quadrimaculata Th 

129. Oocassida pudihunda Boh. 

130. Cassida enervis Boh. 

131. Cassida subtilis Weis. 

132. C. avia. 

133. C. belli Weis. 

134. C. dorsata Duv. 

135. C. ruralis Boh. 

136. C. flavoscutata, spaeth. 

137. C. informis Boh. 

FAUNA 359

138. Chirida hina Maul. 

139. Chirida promiscua Boh. 

140. Chirida bipunctata L. 

1. Bruchus chinensis L. 

2. Bruchus aflinis Fr. 

3. Bruchus quadrimacuatus F. 

4. B. pesorum. 

5. B analis F 

6. B theobromae (L.) F. 

7. Caryoborus gonagra F. 

1. Cyphagogus silvanus Sen. 

2. Cyphagogus west woodi Par. 

3. Callipariens faca Sen. 

4. Allacometrus breviceps Sen. 

5. Cerobates fossulatus Mots. 

6. Cerobates tristiatus F. 

7. Trachalizus bisulcatus F. 

8. Symmorphocerus cardoni Sen, 

9. Caenorvchodes planicollis Wlk. 

10. Euphenges delibratus Kln. 

11. Opisthinoplus cavus F. Wlk. 

Fam. Bruchidae (Lariidae) 

Fam. Brenthidae 

Fam. Curculionidae (Weevils) 

FAUNA 360

1. Blosyrus inequalis Boh. 

2. Blosyrus unisulcatus Mars. 

3. Tanymecus andrewesi Fst. 

4. Tanymecus lentus Fst. 

5. T.pinceps Fst. 

6. T. tetricus Fst. 

7. Dereodus sparsus Boh. 

8. Lepidospyris angustula Mars. 

9. Parapionus varicolor Mars. 

10. Episomus lacerta F. 

11. Episomus arrogans Boh. 

12. Ptochus horridulus Fst. 

13. Ptochus nodulosus Fst. 

14. Drepanoderus veridifasciatus Wtsh 

15. Myllocerus paetus Mars. 

16. Myllocerus catechu Mshl. 

17. M. pretiosus Fst. 

18. M, simplex Fst. 

19. M. disquamatus Mshl. 

20. M. dorsatus F. 

21. M- tenuicomis Fst. 

22. M. pauper Fst. 

23. M. procerus Fst. 

24. M. minutus Fst. 

25. M. trammarinus Hbst. 

26. M. subfasciatus Guer. 

27. M. spurcates Wlk. 

FAUNA 361

28. M. discolor Var. variegatus Boh. 

29. M.ll pustulatus Var. marmoratus Fst. 

30. Xanthotrachelus faunus Oliv. 

31. Xanthotrachelus supersiliosus Gyll. 

32. Lixus brachrrhinus Boh. 

33. Paramecops farinosus Wied. 

34. Cylas formicarius F. 

35. Balaninus C.-album Fst. 

36. Alcides bubo F. 

37. Alcides fabrici F. 

38. Metialma balsaminae Mots. 

39. Ceuthorrhynchus asperulus Fst. 

40. Cryptorrhynchus mangiferae F. 

41. Pachyonyx quadridens Chev. 

42. Acythopeus citrulli Mshl. 

43. Rhynchophorus ferrugineus F. 

44. Cosmopolitus sordidus Gern. 

45. Calandra oryzae L.(Rice weevil). 

46. Calandra stigmaticollis Gyll. 

Fam. Platypodidae and Scolytidae (Pinhole borers) 

1. Xyleborus andrcwesi, 

2. Xyleborus laticollis. 

3. Xyleborus parvulus. 

4. Xyleborus perforans (All Scolytidae). 

5. Platypus solidus (Platypodidae). 

FAUNA 362

SHORT NOTES ON ORDERS, FAMILIES AND SOME SPECIES 

OF 

INSECTS WITH MARATHI NAMES 

{Note—Marathi names of some have been included. 

APTERYGOTA—PRIMITIVE WINGLESS INSECTS 

order thysanura (bristle tails) 

A small order. About 350 described species in the world. Insects 

wingless with strong, biting mouth parts, long antennae, triangular longish 

abdomen of 11 segments, long appendages and circi. The adult generally 

flat, scaly, greasy, shining. No metamorphosis, moult, grow in size upto 

15-30 mm., silvergrey or white or brownnish. Live concealed. Not well 

studied. Some household pests. Divided into 2 families. 

Fam. Machilidae, Large compound eyes, no scales or appendages to 

the young, which develop as the insect grows. Moults 6 times to attain 

adulthood. 3 species recorded in termites nests. One—M. palipoda dark 

grev, elongate, tapering on both sides, 6-8 mm. long, 3 anal cerci, the 

middle one the longest with some more appendages, lives in cracks in soil, 

feeds on lichens. Nocturnal in habit. 

Fam. Lepismatidae (Silverfish) कसर (Plate 1 Fig. 1) Compound eyes 

conspicuous, three long anal appendages. Active, hide in debris, crevices 

etc Eggs laid in crevices. Reach adult stage after more than a year casting 

45-60 moults, but begins laying eggs after 12-15 moults, rather uncommon 

among insects, mates often. L. (Acrotelsa) collaris, F., silvergrey to black, 

haunts dark places destroys books, clothes, photoes etc., sometimes eating 

surfaces only. See Paiva C. A (1906) J, Asi. Soc. Bengal 2:346 Notes on 

rare insects. 

FAUNA 363

order diplura 

Similar to Thysanura but no eyes, anal appendages only 2, Generally 

found in decaying vegetable matter, damp soil, under stones. Not studied 

well. Described world species about 400, a few in India. Divided into 3 

families. 

Fam. Campodedae. Abdomenal segments with lobe like appendages, 

anal cerci long, 2 jointed. Common species C. staphvlinusWestw. White, 

cylindrical; feeds in moss and decaying vegetation. 

Fam. Projapygidae. Circi short, stout, few segments. One species 

recorded in Koyna valley and another in Nagpur. 

Fam Japygidae, Anal appendages modified into forceps as in earwigs. 

J. indicus recorded in Nagpur; small larva like in decaying vegetable 

matter. 

Refer, Sylvestry F. (1930) Rec. Ind Mus 32:439. Contributions 

to................ Japygidae. 

Order Collembola (Spring Tails) (Plate 1 Fig. 2) 

Very small, with 6 abdomenal segments, a tube attached to the first 

vertically. Mostly jumping with special apparatus. Unnoticed in the plains, 

more common in temperate zones like the Himalayas. Generally live 

insoil, sometimes on surface of water, in swarms, feed on decom¬posing 

material or on epidermis of plants or rootlets. Make irregular holes in 

leaves. Feed in wounds made by beetles. Commonly found in groups. 

About 1,500 species described less than 100 in the Indian region, none in 

Maharashtra except I. minos common in damp situations. 

FAUNA 364

pterygota—winged or secondarily apterous insects 

Order Ephemeroptera (May Flies) (Plate 1 Fig. 3) 

Delicate insects. Large forewings, small hind wings, short antennae, 

two or three long anal processes conspicuous when wings held over the 

body. Eyes large in males, smaller in females, sometimes raised above 

head. Mouth parts absent. Thorax well developed, abdomen tapering, 

hairy. Colour pearly or grey. Wings transparent with markings or darker 

tinge. 

Eggs laid in masses in gelatinous strings or under stones in water. 

Nymphal life long, adult short lived. Males die soon after mating, females 

after laying eggs. Dance in air. Of no economic value. About 1000 species 

known ; less than 100 in the Indian region, mostly from hill stations. Some 

found damaging wood work. Nymphs of Anaganesia damage wood of 

boats on lakes, some like Povilla bore into trunks of partially submerged 

trees. 

Read. Chopra B. N. (1927) Rec. Ind. Mus. 29:91 Indian 

Ephemeroptera. 

Eaton A. E. (1892) J. Asi. Soc. Bengal 60:406. Notes on Ephemeridae 

of Ind. Mus. 

Hafiz A. A. (1937) Rec. Ind. Mus. 39:351 Indian Ephemeroptera. 

Order Odonata ( Dragon-Flies) (Plate 1 Fig. 4) 

Adult with large mobile head, big eyes, compact thorax, a long thin 

abdomen ending in a pair of claspers. Body brightly coloured, wings long 

transparent, full of veins, coarse, plain or coloured, iridiscent, a deep 

nodus (= a cross vein) and a Pterostigma (= thick dark short vein) on the 

upper margin. 

Eggs laid in or near water. Larva aquatic flattish, active, with 3 pairs 

of legs abdomenal segments clearly seen, carnivorous, occa¬sionally 

eating their own kith and kin. Breathe with gills. Eject water from anal 

FAUNA 365

end. Full fed larve comes out of water, breaks the skin dorsally and the 

adult emerges. The young adult may differ from the old and the male from 

the female. Economically useful, destroying obnoxious insects like 

mosquitoes. More common in heavy rainfall tracts like the Konkan and W. 

Ghats. Some specics migrate. About 4,500 species described, about 200 in 

the Indian region and about 60 in Maharashtra. Divided into 2 sub-orders 

—Zygoptera, Anisoptera. 

(In the descriptions below in the measurements, Ab = abdomen and 

H.W. — hind wing). 

Sub-order Zygoptera (टाचणी)

27 mm. H.W. 17 mm. Blue. Blue spots on head, female greenish head. 

Migrates P. decorum. Slightly bigger, blue or greenish, blue spots and 

blackish lines on head, white below. A plains species. Migrates. P. 

hypermelas Ab. 23-24 mm. H.W. 14-15 mm. Black, thorax with purplish 

brown stripes, white below. Abdomen brown, marked black. Female with 

restricted markings, paler. 

C. coromandelianum. Ab. 28-30 mm. H.W. 18-20 mm. Yellow, white 

below, female duller. C. rubiae Ab. 26-29 mm. H.W. 17 mm. Yellow with 

brown tinges, abdomen vermilion tint. C. olivaceum auranticum Ab. 34-3 

mm. H.W. 22-33 mm. Red or brownish, legs blackish. A. hisopa Ab. 24-26 

mm. H.W, 15-16 mm. Black and blue, violet stripes on sides of thorax, 

pinkish beneath. A. pallidum. Ab. 31 mm. H.W. 1 mm. Brown, blue 

stripes, abdomen long, broaden¬ing at end, white with black markings. 

I. senegalensis, Ab. 21-23 mm. H.W. 13-15 mm, Black, sides blue. 

Thorax with yellow stripes. Scarce, scattered. T. nursei. Ab. 14 mm. H.W. 

9-10 mm. Black, greenish stripes. Abdomen crimson at thorax with black 

spots, yellow and black lower down. E. parvum. Ab. 17 mm. H.W. 11 mm. 

Black, thorax with blue stripes, sides paler, white below. Abdomen blue 

marked black. 

A. pieris Ab. 16-18 mm. H.W. 9-10 mm. Black with pink marks and 

stripes, sides bluish, white below. Abdomen pale blue marked black. A 

splendidissima Ab. 18 mm. H.W. 10 mm. Black, blue spots and stripes, 

white below. M. varalli Ab. 23-25 mm. H.W. 14-15 mm. Reddish, bluish 

spot near eye, stripes on sides. C. dyeri Ab. 22-23 mm. H.W. 16 mm. 

Black with blue spots and stripes, thorax grey with black lines. Abdomen 

greenish with black. Female : Thorax black, pale green stripes above, sides 

bluish and white, abdomen greenish with white. 

R. bisignata Sel. Ab. 20 mm. H.W. 24-26 mm. Velvety black, yellow 

and pink spots. Forewing long, narrow, hyaline, yellow and black. L. 

lineata indica Ab. 14-16 mm. H.W. 15-18 mm. Black, yellow spots. 

Brownish tinge. Wing base amber, tips black. No nodus in forewing. N. 

chinensis Ab. 45-50 mm. H.W. 32-38 mm. Green. Blue, yellow below. 

FAUNA 367

Brownish stripes on sides, white below. Wings pigmented. V. gracilis Ab. 

45-56 mm. H.W. 34-38 mm. Green marked yellow and black, yellow 

underneath. Wings hyaline with the lustre of mother of pearls. 

Sub-order Anisoptera (चतुर)

mm. H.W. 22-23 mm. Thorax bluish, light yellow in females and young, 

minutely spotted, black lines on sides. Yellow dot in hind wing centre. 

I. caesia. Ab. 25-26 mm. H.W. 28-31 mm. Thorax blackish to violet, 

greenish in females and young, yellow patch on hind wing. Abdomen 

brown, pale yellow markings. N. fulvia. Ab. 21-26 mm. H.W. 27-32 mm. 

Brown, fine black borders to thorax and abdomen. Wings opaque, reddish, 

a clear patch at top. N. intermedia. Ab. 22-24 mm. H.W. 24-27 mm. 

Thorax greenish, reddish stripes. Wing base amber. Abdomen reddish, 

brownish stripe. N. tullia Ab. 16-20 mm. H.W, 19-23 mm. Black, yellow 

narrow line on thorax white stripe on abdomen. Wing basal half blue 

black. Female yellow, thorax greenish with yellow stripe, wings amber at 

base, paler in centre, blackish brown above. Black band on abdomen. 

R. rufa. Ab. 25-29 mm. H.W. 32-37 mm. Head and thorax reddish 

brown. Abdomen scarlet, yellow patch in wings at base. Female yellow 

with a white stripe on thorax and yellow on abdomen. T. aurora. Ab. 21-29 

mm. H.W. 24-34 mm. Thorax purplish, brown and black stripes. Wings 

hyaline, crimson nerves, reddish stripe at base. 

Abdomen yellow, constricted in the middle. Female thorax yellowish 

with stripes. Abdomen brown and black. T. festiva Ab. 22-28 mm. H.W. 

26-32 mm. Thorax black with shades of purple. Wings opaque, hind wing 

base brown, dark rays above. Abdomen black. Female yellow marked with 

black. T. pallidinervis. Ab. 28-32 mm. H.W. 30-36 mm. Head and thorax 

yellow and purple, Wing nerves, front wing base yellow. Abdomen black 

marked yellow. 

Z. petiolatum. Ab. 37-42 mm. H.W. 32-35 mm. Reddish brown, 

wings hyaline or brownish, deep at top. Abdomenal tip black. T. tillarga. 

Ab. 28-33 mm. H.W. 33-37 mm. Brown and reddish. Irregular brown 

mark and a white spot in hind wing. P. flavescens. Ab. 29-35 mm. H.W. 

38-40 mm. Yellowish brown sides bluish and reddish, thorax bluish or 

greenish. Hind wing base yellowish, brown spot at apex. Black spots at 

abdomenal end. H. croceus. Ab.29-33 mm. H.W. 40-42 mm. Yellow with 

tinges. Wings pale brown at top, hind wing reddish at base and on one 

FAUNA 369

side. Abdomen marked black. U. signata. Ab. 27-28 mm. H.W. 34-37 mm. 

Red, lower side yellowish, black marks on abdomen and thorax. Wing 

veins crimson, base of front amber in the hind extended. 

Refer. Fraser F. C. (1933-36) Fauna Br. India. Odonata Vol. 1 to 3. 

ORDER PLECOPTERN—PERLIDAE (STONE FLIES) (PLATE 1 

FIG. 5) 

Soft bodied, biggish, odonata type. Antennae long, weak mouth parts. 

Wings membranous, flat on back at repose. Processes at the end of 

abdomen. Weak fliers. Breed in water, rarely leave the surroundings. 

Adults rest on stones, tree trunks etc. 

Eggs laid in clear water, stony beds preferred. Nymphs similar to 

Odonata but with long antennae and cerri, lone hairy legs with claws. 

insects Feed on algae, mosses etc. Moult 12-36 times to attain adulthood. 

About 1300 species described, a few known from India, none noted in 

Maharashtra. 

See Lefroy H.M. (1909) Indian Insect Life P. 124 Perlidae, Imms A.D 

(1959) General Text Book of Entomology, P. 311. 

ORDER ORTHOPTERA 

Vary in size, 8-100 mm. Undergo gradual development. Possess two 

pairs of wings, upper pair (tegmina) thick, parchment like, lower pair thin, 

net of nerves, kept folded under tegmina when not in use. Hind legs 

strongly developed for leaping. 3 families. 

Fam. Acrididae. Short-horned grass hoppers टाचणी)

Sub-family Acridinae. Subaquatic, small, mostly recorded from 

Bombay or round about. Most of them dull brown, full of protuberances, 

spines on thorax, tegmina ending in a thin process. L, 24-26 mm. S. 

uncinata L. 11 mm. In some species like T. dorsifer thorax ridged, fawn 

coloured eyes raised, in some front legs compressed. Length 10-26 mm. 

Sub-family Tryxalinae. Legs generally spiny. Recorded generally in 

Bombay and round about, G. simplex. Darkish brown, black band on head, 

thorax with 3 ridges. Tegmina long. L. 18 mm. Dociostaurus spp. are with 

slight differencesbrown above, yellow below, yellow stripes on thorax, 

black spots at the end. Tegmina hyaline with spots and stripes. Length 13- 

23 mm. A. tamulus. Green, brow n or reddish, tegnmia with brown or 

whitish spaces. Hind femur slender, banded brown, tarsi yellow, blue and 

red. Length 18 mm. Pest on cultivated grasses, legumes, cotton etc. A. 

affinis, Reddish brown, abdomen yellowish with dark spots. Tegmina 

spotted. L. 19-24 mm. Pest on sugarcane, jawar etc, S bicolor small, green, 

brown, etc, universally feeding on grasses. 

Sub-family Oedipodinae. Very common in Western Ghats. Fairly big 

20-40 mm. brown or greenish with markings on tegmina. Wings 

transparent, big, partly coloured, G. marmoratus. Green and brown, 

whitish marks at base of tegmina, a curved black central band in the 

wings. Feeds on paddy, lucern etc. L. 35-40 mm. H. respondens. Reddish 

yellow spotted with black, thorax velvety, wings tinged red and yellow, 

black markings above, L. 19-22 mm. Feeds on low grasses. 

Sub-family Batracotetriginae. E. granulosa noted in Bombay. Female 

with traces of black spots and bands on thorax, tegmina reddish, dark 

spotted, wings hyaline, yellowish at base, interrupted brown band beyond. 

L. 38-50 mm. 

Sub-family Pyrgomorphinae. Surface grass-hoppers, with short 

tegmina. Chrotogonus spp. (खरपुडी, नाडी, नाडत , नाडतोडे) डी, नाडततुर)

tegmina greenish or brown with yellow spots. L. 44-60 mm. Attacks 

palms, Erythrina etc. Often a serious pest on forest trees. A miliaria. 

Similar; the yellow band missing. 

Poecilocerus spp. (Painted grass hoppers) Green or blue, yellow lines 

and spots. Tegmina blotched yellow, wings vermilion at base. L. 38-40 

mm. Feed on calotropis, bomboos and occasionally on cultivated crops. 

Nymphs yellow painted black, red spots. A crenulata. Green pubescent 

abdomen, wings rosy. L. l6-26 mm. Pest on brinjal, tobacco, Amaranthus 

etc. C. sphenerioides (Deccan Wingless grass hopper). (बिनपंखी नाडतोडे)पुडी, नाख टाचणी)

and Goa forests. Nymphs green, antennae yellow, change to brown, then 

black with white rings. Cosmopolitan pest. 

T. monticollis (Hooded grass-hcpptr). Green or brownish, antennae, 

top margin of hood, knees, spines lines on hindlegs, Yellow.Tegmina 

opaque. Front part of thorax raised enormously into a hood with coarse 

structure. L. 35-65 mm. Common voraceous eater. C. humilis. Greenish 

brown, tegmina long, abdomen and legs yellowish, red below. L. 22-30 

mm. Feeds on grasses, cotton etc. 

Fam. Tettigoniidae. Long-horned grass-hoppers (ल मिशांचे शांचे टो च टाचणी)

loud sound bv rapid vibrations of wings. Described species about 900, 

about 150 in the Indian region, a few found in Maharashtra. 

G. africana (Mole cricket). Plate 1, Fig. 9. Light brown, powerful 

digging forelegs, head and thorax hard, antennae short, hind wing 

extending beyond short tegmina and into thin processes. Cerci 

promi¬nent, Body soft. L. 30-40 mm. Breeds in burrows under trees. Feed 

on young plants and roots. Mother takes care of the eggs and young. 

Attracted to light. B, portentosus (Brown cricket). Blackish brown, short 

tegmina. Nymphs burrow deep in soil, throwing earth above ground, live 

there. Life cycle 8-12 months. Feed on young seedlings and low shoots of 

vegetation at night, hide by day. Extremely noisy. L. 50-55 mm. 

Destructive to Casuarina plantations. Used as food by some tribes in N. 

India (Beeson 1941). G. humeralis. Smallish grey cricket, attacking 

Casuarina, Eucalyptus, Sissoo etc. L. bimaculatus. Greyish black, hiding 

under stones, logs etc. Adult about 20-30 mm. Two yellowish spots below 

thorax, tarsi spiny. Feeds on decaying vegitauon, insects. Cuts leguminous 

crops at ground level. 

G. domesticus (Black headed cricket). Greyish, head black, long 

Insects antennae. Breeds in dry, barren soil. Hide by day, feed in clusters at 

night. Do not fly though winged, L. 25-30 mm. Omnivorous Gryllodes 

spp. Common house crickets. Blackish, feed on greasy and tatty matter or 

paper, cloth, leather etc. Also attacks nursery- seedling. L 20 mm. O. 

indicus. Delicate, greenish white, flat, wings almost transparent, antennae 

thin, long hind legs spiny. Often found on tobacco but not doing harm. 

Probably predaceous on some other small insects. Also noted on paddy 

and other dense vegetation. 

See Fletcher T.B. (1920.) Rep. Pro. Ento Meet. Pusa. Annotated list 

of Crop pests. 

Uvarov B. P. (1928) Locusts and grass hoppers. Imp. Bur Ent, Lond. 

FAUNA 374

ORDER PHASMIDA (LEAF AND STICK INSECTS) 

Assume the shape of leaf or stick More common in thick moist 

forests. Entirely herbivorous. life history, habits not known fully. About 

2,000 species known, 65 from the Indian region, mostly in the norih. 

General life :—Hard coated eggs laid broadcast or cemented to a sheltered 

surface in rows. Nymphal life a few weeks to some months.Feed on plant 

leaves. Found in a variety of forms and colours, some looking like fallen 

sticks some like blades of grasses and some like leaves. Resemble the 

habitat completely and escape enemy notice. 

Leaf insects : (Plate 1, Fig. 10a). All parts flat, leaf like. Prothorax 

small, meso and meta longer, forewings small, hind pair bigger resembling 

leaf. A few species wingless. May be green, yellowish, brownish like dry 

leaf. Stick insects : (Plate 1, Fig. 10b). Round, long with long legs. All of 

greyish colour and of uniform width from head downwards. Forewings 

short if present, hind wings longer closely covering the body at rest. Many 

wingless. 

ORDER DERMAPTERA (EARWIGS) (बिनपंखी वचव च वशांचे टो ) 

(Plate I, Fig. II) 

Known by various synonyms, e.g. Labidura, Foriculidae, Dermaptera, 

Euplexoptera, Harmoptera, Forficularia etc. Household or outside 

scavenging insects, Eggs laid under stones, barks of trees, decaying 

vegetation, in flowers or near roots of plants like sugarcane. Commonly, 

mother incubates the eggs. Larvae resemble adult, active, get protection 

from mother for sometime. Feed almost on any food but insects like 

Dipterous larvae preferred. Adult slender with short homy forewings 

(Elytra) covering the larger radially folded hind wings, lower portions of 

which are exposed. Abdomen extends below wings, ending in a pair of 

thick processes, known as forceps. L. 5-25 mm Rarely fly. Can run about 

quickly. Possess strong mandibles. Some species wingless. Forceps of 

males greatly differ from the female forceps. Most active in damp and 

rainy reason. Breed all through the year in irrigated fields. Considered 

FAUNA 375

eneficial, being insect feeders. About 900 species known, 100 in Indian 

region, less than 20 in Maharashtra, representing 4 families. 

Fam. Pygidicranidae. D lefroyi. Large, black, abdomen blackish red, 

widening downwards. Forceps, stout, trigonal, gently tapered, pale 

yellow, tip black. Common in eastern side of Western Ghats. 

Fam. Labiduridae. P. dohrni. Black, brilliant oily lustre. Forceps 

short, stout, hooked at end. P. lefroyi. Shining blackish red, elytra cut 

slantingly at apex. Forceps red. stout, conical, straight. Feed on plantain 

roots. Medium size. A. annulipes. Med. size. Head black. Wingless. 

Abdomen parallel sided, last segment largest. Forceps stout, strongly 

curving inside, right crossing above left at apex. B. stali. Small, black, 

shining, ovate flaps on sides of neck. Forceps trigonal in first half, 

tapering, cylindrical next Riglit curved more than left. 

L. trispinosa (Forcipula). Medium size. Dark, dense yellowish hair. 

Wings black, tips yellowish. 2 fine spines at the end of abdomen. Forceps 

long straight for about two-thirds of length. A spine on inner side in the 

middle of the straight part, 2nd tooth at bend, then straight ending in a 

hook inwards. Cosmopolitan. L. lividipes. Small, blackish, wings pointed. 

Abdomen last segment broad, big, ball like structure at base of forceps. 

Forceps bowed inward at an angle, overlapping at end, a tooth a little 

above apex. Breeds in grass, attracted to light. L. riparia. Big, white alive. 

brownish when dead. Red band at suture of elytra, smoky band in the 

middle. Forceps taper gradually, often a spine at end. Breeds in grasses. 

Fam. Labiidae. L. arachides. Medium size. Dark brown. Wings 

abortive, abdomen slightly hairy. Forceps short, gently curve in, small 

tooth in inner margin at base, another below. Cosmopolitan. 

Fam. Forficulidae. P. simulans. Medium sized, slender, brick red, 

wings orange, dark band at the edge. Abdomen broad, flat. Forceps arched 

inwards, tooth in inner margin one-third from base, often one more at 

apex. P. melanocephalus. Small, brown to black, elytra and wings long, 

yellowish brown. Forceps reddish, simple, straight in female, short, broad, 

FAUNA 376

gently curved in and blunt at end with a tooth in male. Common in 

sugarcane roots and in tunnels made by borers. A, nigrocastaneous. 

Medium sized, smooth, black. Wings orange, black margins. Forceps 

short, stout, three teeth in curved. E. metallica. Large, reddish, parts 

metallic, greenish. Wings smoky. Forceps nearly straight, fine teeth in 

inner margin, distinct tooth in the middle. 

Read. Burr M. (1910) Fauna Br. India—Derniaptera. 

Hebard M. (1923) Mem. Dept. Agr. 7: 195-242 Studies in Ind. 

Derm 

ORDER EMBIOPTERA (PLATE 1, FIG. 12) 

Of no economic importance. Mouth parts like those of Orthoptera, 

wings like termites. Delicate brownish. Prothorax small, meso and meta 

longer, abdomen generally of ten segments. Wings smoky. Few Insects 

veins, Front pair of legs stout, middle reduced, hind pair with swollen 

parts. Generally males winged, females wingless. Usually found under 

stones or some sheltered place. Some live as commensal in spiders nests. 

Readily come to light, enter houses. Live in webs, thread prepared by 

themselves by fore feet. Eggs laid in groups in silken tunnels. Mother 

takes care of the young. Carnivorous but can live on vegetarian food. 

More than one and often many live in the same tunnel. Move backwards 

and forwards if disturbed. Life cycle 55- 70 days. About 140 species are 

described so far, only a few in India and about 3 in Maharashtra. O. 

saundersii ( E. bramina = E. latreillei). Pale chocolate brown, wing veins 

and bands also brown. L. 7 mm. O. ceylonica lives as a commensal in 

spiders nest, has dark smoky wings. L. 5-7 mm. O. asymetrica, dark 

brown, head and thorax blackish, wings greyish, black veined. L. 9-10 

mm. 

ORDER DICTYOPTERA 

Consists of 2 families—Blattaria and Mantidae.— Fam. Blattaria 

(Cockroaches) (झुरळ) (Pरळ) (Plate 1, Fig. 13) Flattened. Large fore-wings 

FAUNA 377

covering the hindwings flatly over abdomen. Legs large, spiny, cover 

lower side of thorax. Head generally turned below thorax. Usually brown 

or mahogany, a few green, yellow or spotted. Some species wingless, in a 

few only females apterous. Live on ground, homes, caves, plants etc. 

Omnivorous. Serious household pests. 

Methods of reproduction three. (1) Oviparous, eggs covered by a 

capsule (Oothica) carried by mother for short time protruding from the 

body and then laid in a crevice. (2) Ovoviviparous, egg capsule carried by 

the female for most of the egg period and (3) Viviparous, egg capsule not 

seen outside but young emerge directly. The insect has strong biting 

mouth parts, slippery to touch, hides in dark corners or crevices. Long 

lived both as nymphs and adults. Nocturnal except tree cockroaches. 

Some are disease carriers. About 3500 species known, 200 in India, about 

25 in Maharashtra. 

P. germanica. Small, brown, wings longer than body, dark brown 

streaks on thorax. L. 10-12 mm. Allacta spp. 6-10 mm. similar to above 

but wings shorter than body, legs weakly spined. Blatta spp. Long 

antennae, trapezoidal thorax, wings in males shorter than abdomen, 

females wingless. Legs with 3 rows of weak spines. B. rhombifolia 40-50 

mm. with varied yellow markings, common in homes. P. americana. 

Large, 30-35 mm. reddish brown, infests houses and stores. Thorax 

trapezoid, sides whitish, antennae long, slender, legs long spines in 3 

rows. Oviparous. Nymphs feed on organic matter for 8-15 months, adults 

also live long. Emanate obnoxious smell. Flv in houses just before rains. 

P. australasiae similar but 20-25 mm. lighter in colour, thorax with 

complete light coloured ring, a yellowish narrow patch in the corner of 

the forewing. C. ornata, a tree cockroach almost circular, wingless. 

Fam, Mantidae (Praying or Preying mantids) (खडी, नाडत च घोडा) (P डी, नाडत ) (Plate 

1, Fig. 14) Posture of sitting as for prayers. Raptorial forelegs thick set 

and folded under head and thorax, sitting motionless for long periods, 

with head and thorax raised. Wholly carnivorous. Spiny forelegs, seize 

any insect including other mantids and even its own male approaching for 

FAUNA 378

mating. Vary in form. Get completely assimilated in the surroundings and 

so can prey better unnoticed. Eggs laid on a twig in masses in a viscid 

liquid froth exuded by the mother, which assumes a solid mass of layers 

and is known as oothica. Nymphs emerge in masses, prey like parents, 

moult, develops attain adult stage in about a year. About 1800 species 

known, less than 100 in the Indian region, about 10 in Maharashtra. 

H. indica. Dull grey, L. 25-30 mm. found on barks of trees, 

Hieradula spp. robust, green, 65-70 mm. familiar in gardens and field 

crops. Euremoplana spp. long, slender, dull brown, common in plains. 

Attracted to light. C. urbana., Common, green, a black ringed eye spot on 

tigmina, 35-40 mm. A, ashmoliana. Elongate dark brown, 100-110 mm. 

G. gongylodes Queer, inhabits forests. 80-120 mm. long, thorax long, 

stick like, triangular leaf like expansions on sides of head. Two hind pairs 

of legs long, thin with thin circular expansions at joints. Abdomen leaf 

like, short, almost circular. Male winged, female with attenuated wings. 

Indistinguishable from surroundings. 

Read : B. M, Giglio Tos, E., Rehn J. etal. Genera Insectorum pts. 

119, 144, 177, 196-203. 

Fletcher T. B. (1914) Some South Indian Insects. P. 195. 

Williams C. E. (1904) Tr. Ent. Soc. Lond. P. 126. Notes on the life 

history of Gongylus. 

Order Isoptera (Termites) (व ळव , उदयी)

functional. (3) Soldiers of all sizes. Wingless with large red head, big 

mandibles and both sexes non-functional. 

Breeding habits of all species similar with slight variations. Sexual 

forms mature at a certain time of the year, produce wings, swarm in air, 

shed wings and mate. A large number perish. Mated pair digs a hole in 

earth and lays eggs. The first progeny cared for by parents. Later this 

brood takes charge of the nest, feed the later borns, keep nest clean, 

forage, look after the royal pan etc. These are workers. Parents mate 

often. Soldiers, also born with workers, protect the 

colony and act as scavengers. Eggs are produced by thousands a day. The 

queen becomes a white, big mass of 8-10 cms. length, the king grows 

slightly. 

Termites live on cellulose or other organic matter in soil e.g. humus, 

fungi, lichen etc., Some species cultivate in the nests gardens of fungi, 

which look like honey combs, for feeding purposes. Some useful as 

ground scavengers but most are harmful. Nests of various types. About 

1700 species known, nearly 200 in India, a few in Maharashtra divided 

into 5 families, 4 represented in India and Maharashtra 

Fam. Kalotermitidae (Dry wood termites). From colonies inside 

sound dry wood, rarely go to ground or moisture. Common in houses and 

heart wood of living trees. K. assmuthi found in fields, not in buildings. 

No worker class. Nymphs develope into reproductives. Soldiers have 

quadrangular head, flattened in front, mandibles toothed. Nests of 

excavations and tunnels without coating. 

Fam. Hodotermitidae. Similar to Kalotermitidae but has worker 

class. H. macrocephalus found in sandy soils. Feed on irrigated 

transplants or on grasses. 

Fam. Rhinotermitidae. Nests underground but attacks buildings 

overground. Protozoa in intestines digest wood. H. indicola General wood 

destroyer. Nests independently or with O. obesus, close to royal cell. 

Attacks soft wood, glass surfaces etc., fills cavities with excrements. 

FAUNA 380

Swarm in the morning with first monsoon showers. C. heimi. Important 

dry wood species, making irregular galleries in wood in houses and in 

open. Outer surface of constructional timber left in tact. Destroys electric 

installations. Workers white with deep brown head. Swarm at sun set from 

January to March. C. parvulus attacks logs on ground and tree trunks 

through galleries covered with earth. 

Fam. Termitidae. Big family. Different habits. No protozoa in 

intestines. Do not feed on hard timber, confine to decayed wood, grass, 

humus, fungi etc. 

T. faea a serious household pest; covers of mud conspicuous, 

crumble easily. Very common. Worker blackish, head brownish. No 

mounds formed. Swarm at night-fall at the close of the rainy season. O. 

obesus very conspicuous in black soils. Individuals vary considerably in 

size. Builds huge mounds cultivates fungus gardens extensively. Destroys 

anything including sugarcane setts, palms etc. Royal cell at ground level 

by the side of the fungus garden. Swarms at break of monsoons at dusk. 

M. incertus etc. found in nests of O. obesus or independently. Their 

tunnels smooth, soldiers few. M. annandalei attacks wood on floor. No big 

nests. Swarm at the beginning of monsoons. M. heimi has small nests of 

hard organic material, with minute holes and has many queens. Attack 

dead wood in fields. M obesi found in nests of obesus. Pest on wheat, 

crucifers etc. 

T. biformis form small galleries on ground or under stones, workers 

yellow, legs long. Soldiers with pear shaped head ending in a tube. Cut 

grass tops and carry to nests by thousands at sunset. T. heimi and T. 

rubidus similar, the former with aromatic odour, latter attacks wood on 

ground. Captotermes spp. tunnel in pillars of obesus, destroying wood. 

Mandibles twisted, cannot bite. 

Read : J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. Vol. 22. 23 and 30 by Assmuth and 

Annandale respectively and Vol. 52, 53 and 56 by Roonwall M.L. 

FAUNA 381

ORDER PSOCOPTERA (BOOK LICE ) (पुडी, नास्तकांतीतुर)

ORDER SIPHUNCULATA, ANOPLURA, SUCKING LICE 

(उव ) 

(Plate II, Fig 17) 

Small wingless flat, blood sucking. Head protruded with pointed 

beak, retracted when not in use. Fused thorax distinct. Legs stout, 

conspicuous claws. Parasitic on mammals including man. Not sufficiently 

studied. Described species about 225, a few recorded in India. Divided 

into five families but only One, Pediculidae is important. 

P. capitis is the human head louse. P. corporis slightly smaller found 

on human body under clothes. Both disease carriers, e.g. typhus, 

relapsing fever, trench fever etc. P. pubis (Crab louse) breeds in the pubic 

region and looks like a crab. Not a disease carrier, Goa records H. 

tuberculatus on buffalo, H. eurystermus on domestic cattle. 

See Hopkins G. H. H. (1949) Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 119:387 Host 

association of the lice of mammals. 

ORDER HEMIPTERA—RHYNCHOTA (BUGS) (PLATE II). 

Many species affecting human life Suck food by beak which remains 

folded under body when not in use. Four wings in adult stage with a few 

exceptions. Divided into 2 sub orders, Homoptera and Heteroptera. each 

distinct from the other. 

SUB-ORDER HOMOPTERA 

Small insects of different types. Front of the head bent, wings held 

over the body as a roof, sloping on sides, consistency uniform. Many 

apterous in adult stage. Pronotum small, tarsi 1 to 3 jointed, 

metamorphosis complete or incomplete or may differ in sexes. Mostly 

plant feeders, appear singly or in groups. Multiply rapidly. Nine families. 

FAUNA 383

Fam. Cicadidae. (Plate II, Fig. 18) Ocelli on vertex of head in 

triangle. Tarsi 3 jointed, male with a musical apparatus (opercula) 

attached to base of abdomen as flaps. Fairly big, head well developed, 

antennae ending in bristles. Wings large, often coloured veins 

conspicuous. Thorax well developed, abdomen broadly connected. 

Female with ovipositor. Mostly found in thick moist forests. Eggs laid 

under tree barks in slits. Nymphs drop to ground, feed on tender roots for 

a long time, sometimes for years, attached to a branch when full grown 

cast the final skin, split open outer cover for the adult to come out. Adults 

feed on plant sap for a year or so. Feed often in one position ejecting a 

fluid excreta which bursts into a fine spray. If in numbers a mild rain is 

caused. Males produce shrill notes. About 1,500 species described, about 

200 in India, About 12 from Maharashtra known. 

Platypleura species. Brownish yellow, black spots and stripes on 

head. Tegmina with brown markings. L. 20-25 mm. C. vesta. Head 

truncate black, prothorax reddish, yellowish line. L. 58, f 22 mm. Pest on 

sandal. P. larus (Knife grinder). Thorax greenish, abdomen reddish, black 

markings. Wing veins prominent. L. 32-38 mm. Produces shrill noise 

reechoeing in forests. Khimbya spp. Brownish yellow with spots. L. 24 

mm, S. crocea. Black and yellow, mimics honey bee. L. 15-20 mm. 

Fam. Fulgoridae (Lantern flies) गवतुर)

E. tomentosa. short, oblong, greenish and red. Tegmina spotted. L. 6- 

9 mm. Cosmopolitan pest e.g. on Cajanus, Cassia. Calotropis etc. 

Dichoptera spp. L. 19-20 mm. Brown and black. D, pallida. Brown, legs 

striped, tegmina, stigma brown. L. 7-8 mm. Pest on sugarcane leaves. 

Springs at touch, A. moesta. Body short, 2-3 mm., red and black, tegmina 

very long 13-14 mm., black with white spotted border, patches in the 

middle. Pest on sugarcane, Palm leaves etc. D. carnosus similar but 

patches brown, on maize at Nagpur. 

P. aberrans (उस च्या पानयी)

3-4 mm. Found on Cassia, Tur (Cajanus cajan) Phyllanthus etc. L. 

substitutus. Process produced forwards, back process almost straight. 

Black, legs reddish. L. 6-7 mm. Proccss 4-5 mm. Breeds in thorny 

Capparis and other bushes. Mimics thorns. G. securis also found in 

bushes. Black, tegmina yellowish, body 10 mm. Process 10 mm. Otinotus 

spp. Reddish brown, lateral process upturned, back process long. L. 6-7 

mm. Process 3-4 mm. On sandal. A. pilosum. Brownish grey. Lateral 

process direct, obliquely upwards. Tegmina with 2 spots. L 5 mm. Process 

4 mm. On legumes. Gargara spp, 

Purplish brown, legs reddish, back process short, robust. No lateral 

processes. L. 4 mm. Process 2 mm. Widespread, breeds in Sissoo, 

Dalbergia etc. 

Refer Ind. For, Rec. Vol. 19, 26 and 17 Ent. (10) Membracidae of 

India. 

Fam. Cercopidae (Frog hoppers, Cuckoo spit insects) थुंक किडक किडा (Plकडी, नाडत 

(Plate II. Fig. 21) Small, prothorax simple. Adults generally straw 

coloured, wedge shaped, can leap. Nymphs live in cuckoo spits—the 

watery liquid produced by them in a froth. This may solidify into tubes to 

form a nest. About 150 species recorded in India, about 15 in 

Maharashtra. 

M. planitiae. Brown, black spot on head and in 3 rows on thorax, 

curved spine on scutellum going over the back. Nymph in self made 

tubes. Found in Zizyphus, Bel (Aeagle sp.) cotton etc. P. nebulosus. 

Yellowish grey, 9-10 mm. spots and bands on tegmina. Nymphs discharge 

a mist. Feed on sandal, grasses etc. P. aifinis. Larger, brown, on jack fruit 

tree. C lineaticollis about 10 mm. Brown, yellow stripes on body, on jack 

fniit tree. C. relata. Reddish yellow, forewing bluish black, red markings. 

Nymphs purple and yellow. Pest on jack fruit stalk. 

See Chaterjee and Bose (1933) Ind. For. Rec. 18 (I) : 1 and 19(2) : 8 

Cercopidae of Sandal. 

FAUNA 386

Fam. Jassidae (Jassids) ( तुर)

Pruthi H. S. (1930-36 and 40) Ind, For. Rec. 6 (4) and Mem. Ind. 

Mus. 11:1. 

Fam, Psylidae (Jumping bugs). Small, one or two pairs of sparsely 

veined transparent wings. Thick, well developed body. Live in tender 

shoots, free or in galls of various shapes and sizes. Stalked eggs laid 

scattered on young foliage. Flat nymphs moult 5-6 times to reach 

adulthood. Often very injurious to young seedlings. About 8 species noted 

in the State of Maharashtra. 

P. lentiginosum. Brown, wings black spotted. L. 2.5 mm. Pest on 

mosquito tree (Goruga pinnata) and pepper. Forms big galls, A 

punctipennis. Light brown. L. 2 mm. Active, wings spotted, swarm on 

indigo and twist the plant. Nymphs yellowish. D. citri Greenish brown, 

active, 2 mm. Attacks citrus plants. Trioza spp. on tender shoots of 

Eugenia and Diospyros, P. depressa. Larva yellow, adult red. Makes galls 

on ficus leaves and cinnamon. 

Read: Crawford D. L. (1912-1924) Rec. Ind. Mus. 7 and 26 Indian 

Psylids, 

Laing F. 1930. Ind. For. Rec. 14: 166. Some records of Indo- 

Malayan Psylids. 

Fam. Aleurodidae (White flies. Mealy wings) ( पुडी, ना ढर शांचे टो ) Small. 

Resemble scale insects except in adult stage. Nymphs scale like with an 

orifice. Adults white winged with few veins, of equal size, sometimes 

with markings and bristles. Can walk and fly. Eggs with short stalk, laid 

on leaves in a circular band. Larva active, legs flat, fixes itself in a 

convenient and favourable spot, drops legs in second instar, gets covered 

with wax except for a small orifice from which honey dew exudes, 

attracting ants and causing mould. Life cycle 22-30 days. These are pests 

on sugarcane, citrus, jasmine, castor, pomogranate, ‘jambul’ etc. 

See : Misra C. S. (1921) Bull, 103 Agr. Res. Inst. Pusa. Some Ind, 

Economic Aleurodidae. 

FAUNA 388

Peal H. W. (1903) J. Asi. Soc. Bengal 72:61 

contribution............................... Aleurodidae, 

Singh K. (1931) Mem. Dept. Agr, India 12:l-98 contribution.. 

……….....Aleurodidae. 

Vf 3481—-14 

Fam, Aphidiidae (Plant lice—Green flies) ( व ) Very small, 

insects 1-2 mm., yellowish green or Hack, roundish. Generally a pair of 

tubes at the sides of the anal end. Winged or wingless. Head prominent, 

antennae long, beak underneath. Wings when present hyaline, front pair 

long with few veins. Always found in colonies including both winged and 

wingless. Breeding and multiplication peculiar. Generally parthogenic and 

viviparous. New borns generally female, reproduce in 3-4 days, multiply 

rapidly. Produce wings at will to establish new colonies. Winged forms, 

both male and female, mate and produce eggs. Found almost on every 

type of plant, sucking juice from leaves and tender parts, contorting or 

crumbling them, arresting growth. A few form galls. Exude a waxy fluid 

from anal tubes for protection; honey dew from anus which attracts ants 

and produces sooty mould. Number of described species not available. 

Literature on aphids vast; only some important points mentioned here. 

Das B, (1918) Mem. Ind. Mus. 6:132 Aphididae of Lahore. 

David S. K. (1955 & 1958) J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. 53:479 and 

55:110. 

Additions to aphids of India. 

Deshpande V. G. (1937) Ibid 39:470 Preliminary account of Aphids 

in Poona. 

George C. (1927) J. Asi. Soc. Bengal (n.s.) 23:1 Some Indian 

Aphididae. 

FAUNA 389

Fam, Coccidae (Mealy bugs, Scale insects) (मिशांचे चकट्या). Sयी)

together, mostly on plants. Some species predators. Produce noxious 

odour. Life history simple. Eggs laid on food or near it, nymphs moult 

produce slight wings in third or fourth instar attain adulthood after 5th to 

7th. Many change colour during this period. Numerous families. 

Fam. Pentatomidae (Plate II, Fig, 23 a and b). Striking colours. 

Almost all similar in structure—a small shielded head, antennae at the 

lower side of the head, beak four segmented, folded underneath. Most of 

them vegetable feeders, a few predators. About 3400 species known, 600 

in the Indian region, about 85 in Maharashtra. 

B. vahlii. Black, shining, yellow lines and spots. L. 7-8 mm. C. 

cribrarium. Brownish or yellowish, black beneath. L 4-5 mm. Gregarious 

in rains. Both pests on Val (D, lab lab.) C. ocellatus brown or reddish, 

bluish black underneath, spots with brownish rings. L. 16-28 mm. 

Gregarious on moon tree—Macaranga roxburghii. Helps fertilization. 

Scutellaria spp. bluish green to purple brown, spotted, L. 17-22 mm. Feed 

on grape vines and forest trees—Phyllanthus, Casearia etc. Chrysocoris 

spp. Bluish or brassy green, black spots. L. 14-17 mm. Common on 

Lantana, Phyllanthus, garden bushes etc. Bombay southwards. P 

bispinosa. Brownish 2 spines to sides of thorax. L. 7-8 mm. on paddy in 

Deecan. 

Cydnus spp. Widely distributed, known as ‘geranum bugs’ or 

‘gundis’, create great nuisance. Live under stones, soil or fallen leaves. 

Attracted to light in rainy season, in swarms. Brownish black, antennae 

thickened at top, 4-7 mm. Macroscytus spp. Cydnus habits, widely 

distributed. Black. L. 3-10 mm. B. aterrima oval, elongate, black, front 

pairs of legs with 2 spines. L. 12-13 mm. Wide spread in early parts of the 

year. Chilocoris spp. Small, 3-4 mm. Black or brown, head with errect 

spinules, eyes prominent. Cydnus habits. Breed at roots of grasses. 

1. H. dentatus. Brownish yellow, partly black, patches of spots and 

bands. L. 17-23 mm. on Babul (A. arabica) and Casuarina. Probably 

predaceous. Gulieimus spp. Brownish, black spots on back, L. 9-10 mm. 

Attracted to light. A. parvula. Brown, scutellum with 2 spots, a band, often 

FAUNA 391

a spot at apex. L. 7-8 mm. Comes to light. O. montana. Elongate, 

brownish yellow, antennae partly red, L. 12- 13 mm. Recorded in Chanda. 

Damages bamboo seed crop, in swarms. (See Fletcher T.B.—1919 Bull. 

89 Agr. Res. Inst, Pusa) 

D. indicus. Brownish, narrow, black spots near legs and abdomen. L. 

10 mm. Minor pest on jowar (Sorghum) maize, lucern etc. in the Deccan. 

E. guttiger. Yellow, punctured black, often 2 spots on scutellum. Apex 

yellow, abdomen black, L. 5 mm. Minor pest on bajri (P. typhoideum). E. 

ventralis. Brownish, head black, antennae brownish. L. 5-7 mm. Pest on 

Til (Sesamum). Carbula spp. Golden yellow or brown, black spines to 

thorax, spotted. L. 8 mm. P. fimbriata. Green and red, 2 spots on 

membrane. Common pest, chiefly on Lantana. A. cruciata. Yellowish, 

black markings, two lines to head and 2 spots. Spots on back. Pest on 

coffee berries, citrus, jasmine, mango, Zizyphus etc. A. concinna. Black, 

shining, spotted, legs white and black. L. 6-7 mm. Pest on rabi crops. A. 

nubila. Brownish or orange yellow, membrane sooty, black spots beneath. 

L. 10-11 mm. Pest on Dolichos, Mistaken for Dolycoris but here wings 

cover the body. 

B. picta. Painted bug. ( रग किडा (Pl1पुडी, नाक्याचा ढयी)

membrane brownish or yellowish. L. 11-16 mm. Attacks leguminous 

plants. Aspongopus spp. found in low crops, amongst roots, stones etc. A. 

janus brownish yellow or red. Head, bands on body and membrane black, 

abdomenal margin red, L. 16-20 mm. A, branneus. Brownish-yellow, 

cloudy beneath, abdomen red. 

Fam. Coreidae ( Plate II, Fig, 24) Larger varieties mostly brownish, 

smaller green, a few red. Head small, 4 jointed beak folded below. 

Prohorax large, spines at angles. Leaf like expansions of legs or antennae 

not uncommon. About 2,000 species described, 150 in India and about 35 

in Maharashtra. 

A. phasiana. Variable, brown. Abdomen above red. Hind leg curved 

at base expanded inwardly below, broadly dentate at apex. L. 22-28 mm. 

Destroys shoots of plants. Throws a jet of fluid backwards upto about 18 

inches (350-450 mm). See Chatterjee N. (1936) Ind. For. Rec. Ent. Ser. 2 : 

159 and Hingston (1929) J. Bomb. Nat Hist. Soc. 33:341 Study in insect 

protection. D, planiventris. Brownish 

yellow, prothorax produced, dentate, membrane with spots. L. 23-28 mm. 

on shrubs and grasses in hilly tracts . B. bicolor. Brownish yellow or 

reddish, parts black, spots on thorax. L. 22-25 mm. on Asparagus. 

H, signatus. Brownish yellow, a band on thorax, elytra reddish, 

margin yellowish, a spot at top. L. 19-21 mm. on trees and weeds. 

Attracted to light. N. mileagris. Blackish greenish, elytra brownish at 

apex. Abdomen above black with 2 spots. L 18-23 mm. P. grossipes. 

Brownish yellow, a line on head and prothorax, hind legs irregular, 

promient spine. L. 20-24 mm. Common pest. A. scabrator. Brown with 

reddish points, margins of prothorax and elytra spiny, speckled beneath, 

hind legs slightly thickened, spiny. Abdomen expanded. L. 13-15 mm. 

Agricultural pest. 

C. bipunctatus. Brownish yellow and roseate, yellow spots on elytra, 

abdomen with black markings. L. 9-10 mm. C. rubidiventris. Slender 

elongate, reddish brown, spots beneath. Cosmopolitan pest. C. gibbosa 

FAUNA 393

(तुर)

3 mm. On green plants. B. gilbbus. Black, elytra pale brown with a spot, 

membrane dirty white. L. 4-5 mm. Nymphs at roots of sugarcane and 

grasses. 

D. nipae in twisted cotton shoots. O. laetus. Dusky cotton bug. 

क पुडी, नास वर ल पुडी, ना ढ/ रक ढकण्या)

[See Mem. Dept. Agr. Ind. Ent. Ser. 2(3)] 

Fam. Tingidae (Lace bugs) Small, beautifully scultptured, upper 

surface with lace like markings. Dull colours, gregarious, feed on plant 

sap. Eggs thrust into plant tissue, nymphs feed with mother. About 700 

species known, only a few in India and less in Maharashtra. 

S. typicus. Pale, hyaline, margins of areolets (feathery part of elytra) 

and abdomen dark brown. L. 4 mm. to apex of elytra. Pest on turmeric 

and plantain. U. echinus. Pale brownish yellow, areolets hyaline, below 

reedish and black. L. 3 mm. On brinjal. M. globulifera. Brownish yellow, 

corium margins brown, centre hyaline. L. 3 mm. On Tulsi (Ocinum sp.) 

and safflower. H. lectus on Elephantia in Bombay. 

Fam. Hydrometridae ( पुडी, ना ण्या)

Fam. Reduviidae. (Assassin bugs) ( मिशांचे शांचे टोक र ढक/णी)

near eyes, brown bands and spots. L. 8-9 mm. Live in grasses. Suck up 

caterpillars. 

Fam. Saldidae. Aquatic or semiaquatic, a few away from water. 

Short broad head, large eyes, 3 segmented beak, not folded below. About 

150 species recorded, very few in India, only 2 in Maharashtra. 

S. dixoni. Greenish black with brownish hair, margins of corium 

yellow, membrane blackish. L. 3 mm. In wet vegetation. L. greeni. Black 

with yellow spots and streaks, leg joints brown. L. 5-6 mm. Active. Flies 

easily. 

Fam. Cimicidae (Bed bugs) (घोडा) (Pर तुर)

Fam. Anthocoridae. Similar to Capsidae. Dark coloured, flattened. 

Legs and antennae long. Small in size. Found in flowers, feeding on 

pollen or thrips. About 10 species recorded in India, one in this State. T. 

tantilus. Black, L. 2 mm. Looks like Oxycaraenus laetus. Widespread in 

plains in sunflowers and other green plants. 

Fam. Nepidae (Water scorpions) ( पुडी, ना णी)

15-16 mm. B. indicum. Dark brownish yellow, membrane small. L. 62-82 

mm. Sluggish, breathing tubes visible outside, Feed on large insects and 

small animals e.g. Oryctes, Grasshoppers, toads and tadpoles. 

Fam. Notonectidae (Back swimmers) (पुडी, ना 15वर पुडी, ना हणी)

yellow, metallic bluish or greenish. The largest species may be about 5 

mm. 

Divided into 2 sub-orders (1) Terebrantia, (2) Tubulifera. The former 

lays eggs in slits made by ovipositor, in plants. The latter lays openly on 

leaves, stems or under bark. Nymphs resemble mohter in character, feed 

the same way. Terebrantia becomes inactive after 2 moults, enters a sort of 

pupal stage and emerges as adult, shortly after. Tubulifera, after two 

moults enters a pupal stage, develops wing pads and then full wings. Life 

cycles of species vary from 1 to 7 a year. Hibernate in any stage. 

Generally lay eggs after mating but parthenogenesis not uncommon. In 

some species males are rare. Majority feed on tissues of plants by piercing 

their beaks inside. Sometimes serious pests, specially for young, tender 

crops. May feed on leaves, flowers, under bark, form galls or transmit 

virus. Migrate in large numbers, but rarely. Some found in debris. About 

1,500 species known, 300 in India and about 50 in Maharashtra. 

SUB-ORDER TEREBRANTIA 

Fam. Aelothripidae. A. fasciatus attacks flowers of mango, Brassica 

etc. and leaves of Medicago. A. collaris Pest on wheat. 

Fam. Heliothripidae. H. indicus. A serious pest on Solanaceous 

plants—potato, tomato, brinjal etc. Also attacks crucifers, palms and 

legumes. R. cruentatus. A cosmopolitan pest. T. rutherfordi on Calotropis, 

Acalypha, Santalum etc. T. brunneicornis on rose. T. distalis on Val and 

pulses. T. longistylus on legumes, Crotalaria etc. 

Fam. Thripidae. C. manicatus on tobacco and grasses. N. jonnaphila 

on grasses and crucifers. A. mundus on sweet potato. A. flavicinctus on 

grasses mainly, on tobacco, arrowroot etc. A. sachari on grasses. A. 

dorsalis. Serious pest on chillies, causes ‘leaf curl’ disease ( डी, नाडत 8). Also 

recorded on castor, cotton, brinjal, Poinciana. A. chaetophora on crotons 

and legumes. F. sulphurea. Common pest on almost all crops. M. 

brevipalpis on flowers of chrysanthemum, cosmos, zinnia etc. S. asura on 

banana and santalam leaves. S. sexmaculatus, predator on mites of jowar 

FAUNA 401

leaves, chillies, calocasia and cotton. S. orientalis on flowers of jasmine, 

morinda etc. T. tabaci Serious cosmopolitan pest, more on onion. T. 

florum on a variety of plants, noted in Vidarbha. 

SUB-ORDER TUBULIFERA 

Fam. Phloeothripidae. H. ceylonicus in crotalaria flowers. H. 

ganglbaueri on Petraea and Solanum species. H. schultzae a rare pest on 

mango. Vast literature on the subject. Some important pieces are : 

Ayyar T. V. R. and Margabandhu V. (1931) J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. 

34:1029. Notes on Indian Thysanoptera with descriptions of new species. 

(1939) Ind. J. Ent. 1:35 .Ibid. 

Karny H. H. (1926) Mem. Dept. Agr. Ind. Ent. Ser. 9(6) Studies on 

Indian Thysan. 

Patel N. G. (1954) J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. 51:597. Thrips of 

Bombay Presidency. 

Shumsher Singh (1949) Ind. J. Ent. 4:111. A contribution to our 

knowledge of Indian Thysanoptera. 

Order Neuroptera (Lace wings and Ant lions) 

Small to fairly big, soft bodied, longish antennae, biting mouth parts, 

2 pairs of membranous wings with numerous veins, held roof like over 

body when at rest. Larvae carnivorous, some aquatic. Adults weak fliers, 

feed on soft bodied insects, honeydew etc. A large number of families but 

only 5 of fair importance in the State. 

Fam. Myrmelionidae. (Ant lions)(भातावरील वर रतुर)

earth. Larva with large flat head, moveable all round, thorax stout, 

mandibles long, sawlike forming a sucking tube. Some species live in 

debris, some form pits in soil to capture insects. All carnivorous. Larval 

period long. Pupate in soil in cocoons. Adults generally nocturnal but may 

fly by day. Attracted to light. 4 species noted. See Gravely F. H. (1911) 

Rec. Ind. Mus. 6 : 101 Development of some Indian Ascalaphid. 

Fam. Ascalaphidae. Adults similar to Myrmelions, but with straight 

longer antennae, smaller wings, less marked, eyes divided into 2 parts. 

Attracted to light. Eggs laid on plants, larvae flat, square headed with long 

sawlike mandibles, spiny body. Feed on small insects. Head not moveable 

independently. Only 1 species noted in the State. 

See Ghosh C. C. (1913) J. Bomb. nat. Hist. soc. 22 : 643 Life history 

of H. dicax Wlk. 

Fam. Nemopteridae. Adults like big mosquitoes, haunt houses. Front 

wings normal, hind wings very narrow, longer than body, neck long, head 

round, strong jaws. Fly at dusk. Larvae in debris in dark corners of 

houses, preying on small insects. 

Fam. Chrysopidae (Plate IV, Fig. 35) Delicate, longish, green. Eyes 

shining, unpleasant odour. Eggs with white long stalks laid in 

clusters of 15-20. Larvae with long mandibles, suck up the body fluid of 

aphis and throw their skins over own body. Very active, voraceous. Pupate 

on plant in white silken cocoons. One species common. 

See Chatterjee N. C. (1934) Ind. For. Rec. 19:5 Neuroptera of 

sandal. 

Fam. Hemerobiidae. Two types of insects. One aquatic, not recorded 

in Maharashtra. Second similar to Chrysopa feeding on aphis on plants 

but skins not cast on body in larval stage. Adult larger in size. 1 species 

noted. 

FAUNA 403

See Chatterjee N. C. (1934) Ind For. Rec. 19: (5):2 spike disease of 

sandal. 

ORDER MECQPTERA (SCORPION FLIES) 

Delicate, carnivorous. Peculiar long head, antennae long, hairlike, 

legs long and thin, all wings of equal size, slightly bigger than body, 

membranous, held flat open at an angle over the body at repose. Some 

wingless. Abdomen longish with cerci, male with apical joint swollen and 

turned up, imitating a scorpion. Tarsi five jointed. Eggs laid in ground in a 

mass. Larvae like caterpillars, possess legs, spines, spots on body 

segments, mandibular mouth parts. Feed on decaying vegetable matter, 

underground. Pupate in soil. Adults acitve predaceous. 

See Lefroy H. M. (1909) Ind. Ins. Life P. 145. 

Needham J. G. (1909) Rec. Ind. Mus. 3:195 Neuroptera at the Ind. 

Museum. 

ORDER LEPIDOPTERA (BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS) 

Distinct in character in all stages of growth. Adults with 2 pairs of 

scaly wings of different colours. Generally proboscis coiled under head, 

stretched when feeding. Body full of scales. Size 5 to 300 mm. Eggs of 3 

types, flat, scalelike of small moths, round and sculptured of bigger 

moths, dome shaped and sculptured of butterflies. Larva— Caterpillar. 

Head distinct, a plate behind, 3 pairs of jointed thoracic legs, 2-5 pairs of 

simple abdomenal legs and biting mouth parts. Pupa, generally brown 

elongate, compact, usually enclosed in a cocoon made of chitin, often 

enclosed in sand or soil particles, silk or other material. Life history and 

habits uniform but vary in detail. Adults copulate soon after emergence. 

Female lays eggs singly or in masses nearest the food. Caterpillars 

longish, cylindrical, with soft chitinous skin, coloured differently in 

different species, with sparse hair or thick tufts, emerges and feeds on its 

food, moults a number of times, often changing colour at every moult. 

FAUNA 404

Pupates in a safe place, till which time it feeds and defecates continuously 

unless it is in a resting condition. Pupa immobile but moves the 

abdomenal tip if disturbed. Pupa also may rest. 

Classification of L.epidoptera is a complex matter as authors differ 

in opinion vastly. It is difficult to be very precise on this point. Similarly 

the generic, specific and even family names have been changed often, 

leaving the readers and students of the subject confused at the end. It is 

convenient, however, both for the authors and students, to follow 

Hampson (Catalogue of Lepidoptera Phalaenae in the British Museum— 

1895—1920) in this regard and his classification for moths has been 

generally adopted here. For the sake of easy reference, the names given in 

the Fauna of Br. India by Hampson have been given and wherever 

changes have taken place, attempts have been made to give the new 

names in brackets. The Forest Entomologist Dr. P. N. Chatterjee was 

consulted in this matter. Butterflies have been dealt with separately and 

the latest publication on this subject, viz. Butterflies of the Indian Region 

by Wynter Blyth 1957 is followed in this case, with slight modifications 

wherever necessary. The order is thus divided into two sub-orders, 

butterflies (Rhopalocera), moths (Heterocera). 

SUB-ORDER RHOPALOCERA (BUTTERFLIES) फलपुडी, ना खर 

(Plate III, Fig. 36) 

Fam. Danaidae Large, tough, forelegs undeveloped. Flight slow, 

possess unpleasant smell and evil tasting juices for protection from 

natural enemies, like birds, lizards etc. Larva cylindrical, smooth, 

coloured, marked with spots and bands. Pupa green with spots. Small 

family, less than 50 recorded in India, a few in Maharashtra. 

H. lynceus, Large, semitransparent, greyish white wings with black 

spots. Exp. 110-160 mm. In Western Ghats above 1,000 ft. D. aglea. Deep 

brown, front wings extensively marked bluish white. Exp. 70- 80 mm. D, 

limniace. (and race mutina). Black, large irregular, white or pale blue 

markings on forewing. Exp. 90-100 mm. D. genutia (so far known as D. 

FAUNA 405

plexippus). Wings reddish brown, white spotted black apex to forewing, 

veins broadly black. Exp. 75-95 mm. A great migrant. Universal. D. 

chrysippus. Very common throughout the year. Reddish brown, light 

veins, 4 black spots, in irregular line in forewing. Exp. 70-80 mm. A 

migrant, (variety septemtrionis also noted). E. core. Large, blackish 

brown, wings with marginal white spots in 2 lines. Exp. 85-95 mm. 

Migrant Enters houses. The other two species are similar. 

Fam. Satyridae (The Browns). Inconspicuous, dull brown or 

blackish, wings short, broad, with eye spots, often bands. Forelegs small. 

Larva brown, green, pink or yellow, rough, slightly hairy, spindleshaped. 

Two tail and two head points. Pupa generally green with golden or dark 

spots. About 200 species in India, mostly breeding in grasses or bamboos. 

Mycalesis spp. Brown above, yellow ringed spots between lines on 

border of front wing. Variable, Exp. 40-55 mm. At low elevations. M. 

lepcha only at higher altitudes, is darker, spots white ringed with 

the 3rd raising. L. rohria. Oceli in under hind wing distorted, apical one 

larger, apical costal white spots in forewing upper side. Y. baldus. Very 

common. Brown, a white band on hindwing, a coarse striation on 

underside. Exp. 32-48 mm. 

Z. saitis. Velvety black, broad white band on each wing, prominent 

rings under hindwing. Exp. 60-65 mm. Live in thick forests, W. Ghats, 

1,000-3,000 ft. Hide, shy. O. medus. Small brown, 2 pale lines on border 

of wings. Below white band across both wings. 2 eye spots in front wing 

and 3 in hind, Exp. 45-55 mm. M. leda. Brownish, corner of wing 

produced, one big, one small white centred black spots. Border of 

hindwing uneven, one point produced. Underside striated. Exp. 60-80 

mm. Crepuscular, mimics dry leaves, fond of toddy palms, over ripe fruits 

etc. M. ismene very similar. Caterpillars light green, tapering on both 

sides, roughened skin, horned head, processes at anal end. Pest on paddy 

leaves. M. phedina has no black spot in forewing, faint if present. Darker 

in colour, Exp. 60-85 mm. Inhabits higher elevations. E. hypermnestra. 

Four races. One in Maharashtra. E. h. caudata. Breeds on palms. Blackish 

FAUNA 406

purple gloss, blue bands and spots in forewing margin. Hindwing 

produced, broad chestnut border above. Female differs slightly. Exp. 65- 

80 mm. Palm plantations or thick forests preferred. Female rare. 

Fam. Amathusiidae. Large, sombre, some brilliantly coloured, 

antennae long, slender, gradually thickening. Forelegs, undeveloped. 

Wings broad, forewings strongly arched. Larva brown or blackish, a band 

on the back red, yellow or black marks, two tail points. Sparse long hairs 

on body. About 30 species recorded in India, one in Maharashtra. D. 

lepida. Dark brown, bluish white spots or a band on pointed forewing, 

hindwing plain brown, often with spot. Exp. 85-110 mm. Rare. Shy, In W. 

Ghats in bamboos. 

Fam. Nymphalidae (Nymphs). Brightly coloured, tawny with black 

markings, banded, spotted, blotched, striped or variegated with different 

patterns. Hind wing plain, tailed, toothed or angled. Thorax robust, 

abdomen short. Antennae long, knobbed at top. Larva green or brown 

with branched spines, varying in srrueture. Some with head and tail 

points. A very big family, India records about 250 species, A few in 

Maharashtra. 

C, polyxena. Reddish brown, thick dark border in forewing (female 

with a white band), white centred dots in hind. Tailed. Exp. 90-100 mm. 

Confined to thick jungles. C. p. imna similar. C. fabius. Dark brown, band 

across wings broken to spots in forewing. Two tails to hind wing. Exp. 

70-80 mm. Fond of overripe fruits, toddy palms. E. athamus. Discal band 

pale yellow of varying width. Exp. 60-75 mm. E. schreiberi. Dark brown, 

white discal band, broadly blue edged small white spots at outer border. 

Exp. 90-100 mm. 

P. sylvia virens. Big, green, large, semi transparent white spots on 

forewing, black veins, 2 black lines and black markings in hindwing. Exp. 

115-130 mm. Likes thick forests, heavy rainfall tracts. L procris. Reddish 

brown, white bands on bolh wings, 2 rows of marginal black spots on 

hindwing, two wavy lines on fore. Exp. 60-75 mm. 

FAUNA 407

P. nephte inara. Dark brown with bluish band, a white spot in forewing, 

orange band in hind. Exp. 55-70 mm. Inhabits wet regions of W. Ghats. P. 

perius. Brown, 4 patches of broad white lines in forewing, a white band 

across both wings, a line of white spots below it. Exp. 60-70 mm. In open 

country. N. jumbah resembles P. perius but white row of spots faint or 

absent, under forewing with chestnut streaks and hindwing with spots, 

Exp. 60-70 mm. N. hylas and varuna. Upper forewing with 3 spots not in 

line, the white band in hindwing conjoined, markings yellow, not streaked 

below, violet bands under side. Exp. 55-75 mm. N. colomella similar but 

white spots on under forewing separated, prominent. 

H. bolina. Male black, white centred iridescent blue oval patch in each 

wing. 60-70 mm. Female dark brown, wings bordered with white elongate 

spots. Small bluish spots on forewing. Exp. 80-110 mm. Enter houses. 

Common in rains. H. misippus. Male black, blue ringed white spots in 

each wing. Female reddish brown, mimics, D. chrysippus. Black wing 

margins more waved, one or two black spots on hindwing. Universal. 

Exp. 70-85 mm. K. philarchus (and race horsfieldii). Blue to dark green 

above, wings pointed at apex. Pale blue band, black tip in forewing. 

Under side dry leaflike. Exp. 85-110 mm. Found in thick forests, Nasik 

southwards. Likes overripe jack, mango and toddy. 

Precis found throughout the year, first two in dry and others in wet areas. 

P. hierta. Bright yellow, forewing borders black, yellow spots at top, 

hindwing blue with black border. Exp. 45-60 mm. P. orithyia. Bluish, 

forewing black, apex pale brown, white bands and coloured spots. Hind 

wing blue, coloured spots. Variable. Exp. 40-60 mm. P. lemonias (var. 

vaisya). Dark brown, yellow spots in notched forewing. Two ringed spots, 

one big one small in each wing. Exp. 45-60 mm. P. almana, Yellowish red. 

Forewings with black bars in the upper corner, a ringed spot below. 

Hindwing tip produced, a big ringed spot. Margins dark. Under side 

leaflike. Exp. 60-65 mm. P. iphita. Dark brown, obscure bands in wings, 

row of spots of same colour in hindwing. Exp. 55-80 mm. 

V. cardui. Pinkish red, black markings, Forewing slightly concave 2 rows 

of 4 and 3 white spots, hindwing with whitish patches, a border of spots. 

FAUNA 408

Exp. 55-70 mm. Common migrant. A. hyperbius. Bright tawny, lines of 

black spots on wings. Under hindwing greenish with silver markings. 

Exp. 65-85 mm. Hill dweller, migrates to plains in winter. A. phalantha. 

Similar to Arcynnis but no silver markings. 

Black spots under forewing, 4-5 black lines upper side. Exp. 50-60 mm. 

Common in dry weather. A alcippe similar, smaller Exp. 35-50 mm. 

C. erota. Male yellowish brown, female greenish brown, forewing with 2 

lines of white spots. Hindwing toothed with 2 ringed spots. Borders of 

black wavy lines. Exp. 70-110 mm. In thick forests of W. Ghats. C. thais. 

Tawny, black margin to forewing, a line of black spots in hindwing. Exp. 

60-70 mm. Evergreen shady places haunted. C nietneri mahratta. Orange 

red, hindwing deeply toothed, borders of wings black with white designs. 

Possess obnoxious odour. Common in W, Ghats, B ilithyia. Bright tawny, 

veins black, a broad black band cut into 2 in forewing. Black bars and 

spots. Variable. Exp. 45-55 mm. Common in plains. 

E. ariadne. Bronwish black, slender wavy lines on wings, forewing 

concave. Varies seasonally. Exp. 45-60 mm. Prefers plains. E. merione 

(and var, taprobana). Similar but forewing not concave, lines on wings 

double and wavy. Exp. 45-60 mm. Prefers hills and forested country. 

Larva green, spiny, whitish band on back, feeds voraciously on castor 

leaves, leaving only ribs. Pupates on twig. (Known as Castor butterfly). 

Fam, Acraeidae. About 200 known species, only 2 or 3 Indian, one 

recorded in Maharashtra. T. violae. Wings sparsely scaled, brick red, 

spotted, black margin on one side, Hindwing border black with white 

spots, Exp. 50-65 mm. 

Fam. Erycinidae. Small family. India records 21 species, 2 in 

Maharashtra. Forelegs in males brush like, in females fully developed. L 

myrrha. Dark brown, palpi beaklike, forewing produced and cut, a 

clublike band in the middle, another at top. Broad band in hindwing. Exp. 

45-55 mm. A. echerius (var. prunosa). Dark brown, hindwing toothed, 

FAUNA 409

male purple spot, faint white bands on forewing, Exp. 40-50 mm. Likes 

shade. 

Fam. Lycaenidae (Blues). Medium to small, blue colour predominating. 

Many possess tails. Designs generally on under side. Forelegs well 

developed. Larvae woodlouse shaped, head hidden below, smooth, hairy 

or tuberculate, Often with 2 anal tubes to exude honey dew and attract 

ants. Pupa variable. Species of Indian region about 450. about 70 in 

Maharashtra. S. epius. Small, brown, centre forewing white. Grey below 

with fine brown wavy lines, Exp. 20-30 mm. Eggs laid amongst scale 

insects. Larva covers body with sucked up scale skins, attracts ants. Pupa 

resembles monkey head. T. nyceus. Blackish brown, hindwing end red. 

Below white, forewing end black with white spots. Hindwing spotted, 

margin red and black, Exp 30- 36 mm. C rosimon. White. Wings spotted, 

dark bordered, bases bluish. Below white with black spots and streaks. 

Tailed. Exp. 24- 32 mm. C. caleta, Blackish forewing, white underside, a 

triangular band at base, 3 elongated spots one each side. Exp. 26-32 mm. 

C ethion. Violet. Broad white band on each wing. Under side white with 2 

black oblique lines. Forewing with 2 elongated rows of small black spots. 

Exp. 26-32 mm. Larvae in Zizyphus, attract ants. 

T. ananda. Male purplish blue, dark border. Female brown, spot in centre 

of wings underneath. Exp. 22-28 mm. Reared by Crematogaster ants. T. 

alteratus. Bright blue, a spot in forewing, border black. Below cream, 

reddish streaks. Exp. 20-30 mm. S. plinius. Violet blue, female with blue 

and brown wings, dark spotted white areas. Below white with brown 

bands, spotted borders. Tailed. Exp. 22-30 mm. Azanus spp. All similar. 

Male bright blue, brown border. Female brown. Under side light marginal 

spots, dark spots on hindwing. No tail. Exp. 20-25 mm. Haunt deserts. N. 

zalmora. Brown, white patch on forewing, hindwing generally white. 

Below white with black spots. Exp. 20-30 mm. Breeds in thick forests on 

Rutaceae. 

M. malaya thwaitesi. Dark brown, white patch on forewing. Below white, 

a black spot at one end, four at base of hindwing. Variable. Tailless. 20-30 

FAUNA 410

mm. L. puspa. Violet blue, black margins, broader in female. White 

patches on wings generally. Exp. 25-35 mm. C. laius. Male purple blue, 

dark border. Female brown, wing base blue. Below pale brown or grey, 

wavy borders and dark spots. Exp. 26-30 mm. Breeds in lime and pomelo 

gardens. Z. putli. Brown above, row of orange spots on hindwing margin 

underneath. Tailless. Smallest. 15-20 mm. Z. maha, male pale blue, broad 

dark borders, female brown, blue basal scaling. Under hindwing border of 

2 wavy lines, one spot, 3 spots at base. Ex. 26-30 mm. E. cnejus (Pod 

butterfly). Pale violet blue, borders darker. Under hindwing a band of 

black spots. 2 black spots in corner in males. Exp. 25-30 mm. Minor pest 

on gram. Larva light green, spiny. Pupates in soil. E. pandava. Darker, 

brownish grey below. Borders of wings with wavy lines. Dark spots, 4 at 

base, 2-3 at corner, one away. C. strabo. Similar to E. cnejus but spots 

below one or two only. 25-35 mm. L. boeticus. Male blue, female brown, 

hindwing bordered with crescents. Below pale brown, brown lines. Two 

crowned spots in corner of hindwing. Exp. 24-36 mm. Tailed. 

L. lycaenina. Forewing pointed, hindwing angled at corner. Under 

hindwing base a spot. Male blue, female brown, blue bases, dark marginal 

spots on hindwing. Exp. 24-29 mm. J. celeno. Pale blue, female wings 

broad dark bordered; White lines under forewing. Tailed. Exp. 27-40 mm. 

J. bochus. Male bright blue, black border. Female dull. No shining. Below 

dark brown with whitish disconnected lines. Tailed, a black spot above it. 

Exp. 25-34 mm. N. nora. Blue, tailed. Variable underside. Dark brown 

with white lines to yellow or grey with dark bands. Exp. 18-25 mm. C. 

thetis. Male red, female white. Both with black borders. Forewing apex 

pointed. White below with parallel lines. Tail-less. Exp. 40-48 mm. 

H. anita. Male deep purple or blue with black borders, narrow on 

hindwing. Female brown, bright purple patches. Below leaflike. Tailed. 

Exp. 45-52 mm. A lilacinus. Male iridescent blue, top end dusky. Female 

bluish brown. Exp. 32-36 mm. S. vulcanus. Male faintly blue shot. Both 

sexes above, forewing black spotted, orange areas. Underside pale yellow, 

black edged red bands. 2 tails to a spot. Exp. 26-32 mm. Larvae reared by 

Crematogaster ants. S. ictis. Below pale yellow or khaki with deeper 

FAUNA 411

ands. Exp. 27-35 mm. S. lohita. Male above blue, female brown. Creamy 

or reddish below with black or reddish bands. Exp. 30-42 mm. 

Z. chrysomallus. Male copper red, dark border. Female pale blue, brown 

border. Hindwing with 2 spots and 2 tails in male 3 in female. Below 

greyish with lined loose spots. Exp. 30-42 mm. Tended by Oecophylla 

ants. P. cleobis. Blue, wings produced, forewing apex black, less 

extensive in female. Inner tail broad. Below brownish. Exp. 27-38 mm. T. 

cippus. Shining greenish blue, forewing top black, female like jehana, 

wing fringe brownish or whitish. Below pale. Exp. 31-45 mm. J. jehana. 

Blue, corner forewing pale in female, wavy lines on forewing, fringes 

white. Below grey to white. Exp. 30- 37 mm. C. freja. Brown, male 

purplish. Hindwing border white, spotted black. Below faint whitish bars, 

black spots at corner of hindwing, metallic scales. Two tails, one long and 

broad. Exp. 38- 42 mm. 

R. amor. Dark brown. Band of white spots in forewing, hind with 2 black 

and a band of reddish spots. Below white to brown. Forewing with dark 

markings, white lines. Three tails, central longest. Exp. 26-28 mm. C. 

elegans. Violet blue, narrow border. Female paler, border broader. Below 

grey-brown, black and silver edged bands and spots. 3 tails, middle 

longest. Exp. 28-32 mm. C. othona. Male bluish, forewing apex, and 

hindwing border black. Female brown lower part whitish. Below white 

with black bars and markings, a black spot. Two thin tails with an orange 

spot at top of each. Exp. 24- 27 mm. Rare. 

D. epijarbus. Male red. forewing border brown, centre black. Hindwing 

dark, veins black. Female brown, forewing pale. Below brown with bars, 

a band in centre. Hindwing partly black, yellow ringed spot, slender tail. 

Exp. 34-44 mm. V. isocrates. (Pomegranate butterfly) (सर , सरस 

डी, नाडत मिशांचे ळ वर ल फलपुडी, ना खर) Bluish brown. Orange patch in forewing, orange 

and black spots in hindwing in female. Exp. 34-50 mm. Larva pest on 

pomegranate, guava, loquat, tamarind, orange etc. feeding inside fruit. 

Full grown caterpillar dirty brown, short, stout, a few hairs. 15-20 mm. 

long. Pupates in fruit. R. varuna. Dull, shining blue, forewing shading to 

FAUNA 412

dark border. Female paler. Below brown with gloss, broad bands on 

forewing, curved in hind. Exp. 28-32 mm. R. schistacea. Dark slaty blue, 

brilliant lower down. Female darker more purple than varuna. Below 

brown, a band in forewing. Exp. 30-33 mm. R. melampus. Red. Forewing 

border black. Female paler. Below slaty. Exp. 33-38 mm. B. phocides. 

Male black, hindwing end and tail yellowish, margin brilliant blue. Below 

brownish. Female brown. White tail and corner. Hindwing black, spot in 

the middle. Below white. Exp. 38-42 mm. Found in evergreen forests. 

Fam. Papilionidae (Swallow tails) Large, generally black or dark brown 

with designs. Wings usually long and narrow. Most have tails to 

hindwing. Forelegs fully developed. Larva conspicuously coloured, 

spindle shaped large flexible head, 2 tube like attachments behind. Pupa 

variable. About 600 species known, about 100 in India, 11 in Maharastra. 

T. helena. Forewing black, hind golden, black veins in males, rows of 

spots in females. Largest in Indian butterflies. Exp. 140-190 mm. W. 

Ghats, south of Bombay. Strays out. P. hector. Black, abdomen red. 

Forewing with irregular white marks, hind with rows of crimson spots. 

Tailed. Exp. 90-110 mm. P. aristolochiae. Black, hindwing with elongate 

white spots, dirty red crescents on margin. Exp. 80- 110 mm. Tailed. 

C. clytia. Dark brown, cream markings above, margins of wings with 

elongated and round yellowish spots, yellow spot in the corner. No tail. 

Exp. 90-100 mm. P. polymnestor. Black, pale blue band to forewing, 

hind-wing black at base, bluish above, black spots. Tailless. Exp. 120-150 

mm. P. helenus Var. daksha. Black, tailed, Hindwing with white patch, 

usually a series of crescents on margins. Under side marginal red spot. 

Exp. 110-130 mm. Not common. P. polytes. Male black, tailed, forewing 

bordered white spots, a row inside the hindwing. Usually red marginal 

spots. Female 3 forms. (а) cyrus. Similar to male, red marginal spots 

strongly marked. (b) romulus. Similar to P. hector but body not red. (c) 

stichius. Similar to P. aristolochiae, but hindwing with an additional row 

of red spots, usually. No red markings on body. Exp. 90-100 mm. 

FAUNA 413

P. demoleus(मिशांचे ल वर ल फलपुडी, ना खर) Pest on orange leaves and other 

Rutacae. Wings black, big yellow spots and one red and blue ringed spot 

in lower wing. Tailless. Exp. 80-100 mm. Larva changing colours, grey at 

first, greenish white and then opaque green, irregular broad white mark on 

back, sparse blunt spines. Pupates on host plant. G. agamemnon. Black 

with a stumpy tail, bright green stripes and spots all over. Exp. 85-100 

mm. G. nomius, Forewing with dark margin, white spots and dark bars. 

Hindwing with black band, white crescents and grey patch at a corner. 

Below red spots in centre. A sword like tail. Exp. 75-100 mm. 

Fam. Pieridae (Whites and Yellows). Small to medium, white, yellow or 

orange with black markings generally. Foreleg fully developed. Generally 

inhabit open country. Larva cylindrical, smooth, slightl hairy tubercles. 

Green with pale stripes. Feed in Capparidaceae. About 100 species 

recorded in India, about 26 in Maharashtra. 

L. nina. White, a spot and tip black in forewing. Delicate Exp. 35-50 mm. 

D. eucharis. White, veins black, wing borders black, white elongate spots 

in fore and reddish in hindwing. Below hindwing red spots. Exp. 66-83 

mm. C. nerissa (var. phryne). White, wing veins black, black border to 

forewing, white spots in corner. Hindwing with black terminal border. 

Below yellow, veins green. Black markings more extensive in female. 

Variable. Exp. 40-65 mm. C. nadina. Dusky white, forewing black at top, 

hindwing border black. Female brownish black, central wing area white. 

Under hindwing greenish with darker areas. Varies seasonally. Exp. 55-65 

mm. 

A. aurota. White, forewing apex black with white streaks, black arrow in 

centre. Hindwing with white spotted black border. Female darker. Exp. 

45-55 mm. A. libythea. White, forewing border black, arrow in centre. 

Male with white steaks. Hindwing white. Female with black spotted 

border. Exp. 50-60 mm. Migrant. I. marianne. White, forewing apex 

orange, black borders, 4 black spots in female. Hindwing terminal border 

black. Variable. Exp. 50-55 mm. I. pyreme. Similar to above but yellow, 

female white or yellow, band of the same colour with 2 black spots on 

FAUNA 414

apex. Exp. 50-70 mm. C. calais. Pink, wing borders broadly black, spotted 

pink. Some females white. Exp. 35-50 mm. C. fausta fulvia. Similar, 

hindwing margin black spotted. Exp. 40-50 mm. C. etrida. White, black 

edged orange apical patch to forewing. Hindwing border black spotted. 

Spots less in female. Exp. 25-45 mm. C. eucharis. Bigger but almost the 

same as etrida. Exp. 40-45 mm. 

H. glaucippe. White, Forewing top orange with black edges and spots. 

Hindwing often with marginal spots and in female brownish spots. A row 

of discal spots below. Exp. 80-100 mm. V. Valeria (var. hippia). Male 

bluish green, dark veins, fairly broad black margins to forewing with 

spots, increasing in size at apex. Female whiter, hindwing markings 

prominent. Exp. 65-80 mm. C. crocale. Sulphur yellow basally, female 

usually. Under side unmarked. Antennae black, wings bordered black, 

spotted with ground colour in males. Exp. 55-75 mm. C. pomona (var. 

catilla). Similar but with one or two black spots above and 1 or 2 black 

margined silver spots below. Antennae red. Exp. 55-80 mm. C. pyranthe 

and C. florella. Smaller, reddish or blackish markings to wings. Under 

hindwing with green or brown fine lines. Exp. 50-70 mm. All migrants. 

Eurema spp. Common all over on legumes. Exp. 30-40 mm. Bright 

yellow with slight differences in markings. E. brigitta. Forewing border 

evenly rounded inside, 2 black spots underside, black edge to hindwing. 

E. laeta. Inner side of border uneven. One black spot underneath. E. 

hecabe (simulata). Forewing border broadly black with an excavation in 

the middle hindwing border black. Irregular ring spots on both wings 

below and 2 dark spots. Variable. E. blanda. Similar but with 3 spots 

below. 

Fam. Hesperiidae (Skippers). Look like moths with hooked antennae, 

beyond the club. Larva smooth, slightly flattened with a distinct neck. 

Pupa in folds of leaf, General food grasses, Scitamin plants, palms, 

bamboos etc. Known species about 3,000, about 500 in the Indian region 

and 36 in Maharashtra, 

FAUNA 415

C. leucocera. Brown, a band of white transparent spots in forewing, small 

spots at upper end. Hindwing bordered with yellow spots. Variable. Exp. 

45-55 mm. C. ruficornis, Similar but hindwing spots not clear. In C. 

ambareesa, three rows of yellowish spots in hindwing. T. litigiosa. Black 

to brown, minute spots in upper half of forewing, hindwing apex white 

with black spots. Exp. 37-44 mm. S. purendra. Blackish brown, forewing 

with spots one large quadrate. Hindwing with large dark spots above 

white speeks below. Exp. 30-35 mm. S. dasahara. Spots smaller, less, 

quadrate spot absent. Dark spots under hindwing. 30-35 mm. O. angulata. 

Pale brown and chestnut, angular wings, white transparent spots in fore 

and lines in hindwing. Exp. 40-45 mm. Breeds in Sapindaceae. 

C. ransonnetti. Brown with yellowish areas and white spots in forewing, 

Hindwing dark, central area yellowish, dark veins. Wings angular. Exp. 

35-45 mm. S. galba. Brown with white spots. Wing fringe chequered. 

Exp. 24-27 mm. G. elma albofasciata. Olive brown, a black band in 

forewing. White spots, a white band in hindwing. Exp. 25 mm. C. aiexis. 

Male brown, unmarked. Two large, one small white spots in forewing 

apex. Both sexes. Hindwing below glossed blue, a whitish band and at 

apex a black patch. Exp. 45-50 mm. B. jaina. Brown, upper border 

forewing orange, hindwing fringe orange also veins. Exp. 60-70 mm. 

B. exclamationis. Brown, wing base paler. Forewing elongated with 

whitish elongated spots. Exp. 50-55 mm. S. gremius. Brown, under 

hindwing greyish with black spots. Exp. 32-42 mm. Breeds in palms. A. 

vindhiana. Brown. 2 or 3 spots in centre, 3 small at apex of forewing. 

Under hindwing obscure spots. Exp. 25-32 mm. Breeds in bamboos in 

hills. M. aria. Brown, hindwing fringe grey or pale yellow. Exp. 40-55 

mm. Breeds in bamboos. G. thyrsis. Brown, 3 quadrate spots in mid 

forewing, 2-3 smaller at apex. Exp. 70-76 mm. Large butterfly. Pest on 

palms. 

T. maevius. Forewing with small spots in a line, central and end ones 

shifted a little. Under hindwing whitish or greenish with a spot. Exp. 22- 

28 mm. T, ceramus. Spots conjoined in 2 or 3 groups in outer half of 

wing. Exp. 23-30 mm. A. diascorides. Brown with yellow markings. In 

FAUNA 416

forewing a broad band at base 3 elongate spots and a white patch, veins 

black. Under hindwing yellow with irregular black spots. Exp. 22-28 mm. 

Breeds in paddy and grasses. T. ancilla. Two forms T. augias. Brown, 

yellowish band on both wings, yellow 

veins in forewing, On sugarcane. T. pythias. Yellow veins absent, Exp. 

32-36 mm. on bamboos. T. honorei. Three rectangular spots in line in 

forewing. Hindwing yellow in centre, black spots underneath. Exp 30-38 

mm. P, conjuncta. Forewing with 3 irregular spots in centre in line. 4 

smaller in apex, one away, 2 at costa. Small spots under hindwing, Exp. 

45-52 mm. In bamboos and grasses. P. mathias (Paddy skipper) (पुडी, ना नाडतोडे) 

गडी, नाडत ळणी)

SUB-ORDER : HETEROCERA (MOTHS) पुडी, नातुर)

yellow with black bands, dark spots on wings, yellowish border to 

forewing, Exp. 44 mm. Larvae blackish brown, long black hairs, orange 

stripe on back. Pest on cereals and legumes. A. moorei. Very similar. 

P. transiens. Blackish with orange abdomen. Exp. 50-60 mm. R. 

astria. Blackish with black spots on body, hyaline wings, smoky borders, 

50-70 mm. E. narcissus. Yellow, forewing olive above, grey brown below, 

a white band in centre. 70-80 mm. D. pulchella. White, thorax yellow 

with spots, scarlet bands and black spots to forewing, Exp. 40-45 mm, 

Larva grey, a white band on back, red spots on sides. A serious pest on 

Sann (crotalaria). Cyana spp. White, abdomen reddish, scarlet bands, 

three black spots on forewings, hindwing pale crimson. Exp. 25-30 mm. 

P, entella. Orange, thorax green, green irregular band on forewing. 

42-46 mm. Lithosia spp. Brownish black. G. indica. Brown, parts orange, 

2 yellow spots on forewing. Exp. 28-30 mm. A. conferta. Orange, black 

bands on wings. Exp. 25-35 mm. Larva dark with orange spots and tufts 

of hair, abundant in rainy season on house walls, paths, verandahs etc. 

Feed on lichen. D. obliqua. Similar but paler, oblique line in forewing, 

abdomen blackish with yellowish tufts. Larva black and yellow with long 

black or black and white hairs. Omnivorous. Known as Bihar hairy 

caterpillar. Celama spp. Common. White and brown moths, not of any 

economic importance. 

Fam, Aqaristidae. Small, economically unimportant. Diurnal, 

brightly coloured. Resemble Noctuids. Antennae dilated at tips. Clicking 

sound produced in flight. Larva with tufts of hair on sides. About 300 

species in the world, 40 Indian, 3-4 in Maharashtra. 

E. adulatrix. Black, forewing banded yellow, blue spots at base, 

hindwing with reddish spots. Exp. 80 mm. Aegocera spp. Mouth covered 

with hairs. Antennae dilated, forewing red brown, a streak in the middle. 

Exp. 33-45 mm. 

Fam. Noctuidae. Short, robust, moderate to big. Antennae simple, 

hairy or feathery. Forewing narrow, hindwing larger. Colours sombre, 

FAUNA 419

criptic. Proboscis present. Nocturnal. Most attracted to light. Larvae 

smooth or lightly haired, cylindrical, 3 pairs of thoracic and 2-5 pairs of 

prolegs. Generally vegetable feeders, some cut seedlings at ground level 

and known as cut worms. Total described species about 10,000 more than 

2,000 in the Indian region, mostly in the hill areas. About 300 found in the 

plains. Only economically important species mentioned here. 

G. dominica. Dull brown, forewing border spotted, hind white. EXP. 

36-38 mm. P. gloriosae. Blue black, orange and yellow markings, 

hindwing blackish, border orange. Exp. 30-40 mm. Larvae of both thick, 

black, velvety, white spots, red marks. Pest on lilies. Adisura spp. 

Brownish, wings pinkish speckled yellow. Exp. 24-30 mm. H. obsoleta. 

(घोडा) (P ट्या). Sयी)

(Tobacco caterpillar) (तुर)

Earias spp. (Spotted boll worms) (क पुडी, नास तुर)

spot in centre, broad black border. Exp. 80-105 mm. Larva hairy, red 

brown, blue, warts, feeds on F. religiosa. 

C. trisa. Yellowish, forewing deep brown with 2 waved lines, 

hindwing blackish. Exp. 42 mm. N. macrops. Exp. 134-160 mm. and 

other species 90-110 mm. are common moths, black with a large 

yellowish or brownish eye spot in the centre of the wing and faint black 

lines. Fly at night fall, make clicking sound at flying. Polydesma spp. 

Exp. 45-55 mm. Breed in grasses or barks of trees. All brown with 

different tints. Larva semilooper, green or brownish. H. carenea. Stout, 

brown, wing ends lighter. Exp. 80-90 mm. Larva looper, green with black 

specks, bands, whitish blotches and 2 anal tubercles. Feed on 

Acanthaceae. 

Homoptera spp. Red brown, wings lined. Exp. 35-50 mm. Catephia 

sp. Black with dark irregular bands in forewing, a ringed spot. Larva grey, 

red stripes, yellow lines, a white spot at anal end, pest on sweet potato 

leaves. A. cearulea. Stout, hairy, black and brown, wings with bluish 

patches, a curved spot on forewing. Exp. 80-85 mm. S. Chlorea looks like 

a hawk moth. Brown, yellowish lines on tapering body. Wings striated 

with irregular patches and spots. Exp. 60-84 mm. Larva green, white 

marks, a bar of orange and blue, feeds on Acacia. A. janata (Castor 

semilooper) (एरडी, नाडत वर ल उटाचणी)

specks above. Exp. 40 mm. on Dalbergia. P. reflexa. Grey brown, 3 

waved lines, black spots in forewing. Exp. 30 mm. Pest on Dalbergia. A. 

circumdatus, yellowish brown with oblique band, black patches and spots 

in forewing. Exp. 24- 28 mm. R. archesia. Brown, angled and waved lines 

to forewing, red band on border. Hindwing blackish with bands. Exp. 42- 

54 ram. Larva yellowish green, black stripes, feeds on legumes. R. 

frugalis. Greyish moth, larva brown. Pest on graminae—paddy, jowar etc. 

T. hyppasia. Brown, white band divides forewing, a black patch. Exp. 46 

mm. Larva, semilooper, yellowish, feeds on legumes. I. manlia. Dark 

brown, blue band on hindwing. Males smaller, dark blotches on forewing. 

Exp. 80-100 mm. Larva brown with streaks, back points raised, feeds on 

Terminalia, cinnamon etc. 

E. varialis. Brownish, forewing angled, pointed, white lined, yellow 

and white patches at apex, red in centre. Exp. 50 mm. Spirama spp. Larva 

darkish brown, large 6 (inverted comma) mark on forewing. Ophideres 

spp. destructive to orange fruits in the adult stage, a rare instance. O. 

fullonica (फळ च रस शांचे टो षणी)

Larvae green semiloopers, speckled with dots. Defoliate Lantana, Abrus, 

Desmodium etc. 

See Lefroy H. M. (1907) Mem. Dept. Agr. Ent. 1-11 and Ind. Ins. 

Life pp. 440-458. 

Fam. Lymantridae (Tussock moths) क ळ किडा (Plकडी, नाडत Clothed with hairlike 

scales. Antennae feathery in males, tufts of hair at abdominal end of 

females. Proboscis absent. Larvae with errect tufts of hair, often 

poisonous or irritating. Pupate in cocoons of silk and hair under debris. 

About 200 species recorded in India, about 30 in Maharashtra. 

L. exclamationis. Brown, a black line on forewing. Exp. 36-44 mm. 

L. divestita. Yellowish, yellow head, collar. L. testacae with a black patch 

on forewing. All breed in grasses. T. postica. Greyish brown, forewing 

with double lines obliquely curved. Hindwing with a brown patch. Exp. 

38-44 mm. Pest on Zizyphus leaves. D. horsfieldi. Grey, abdomen orange, 

waved lines to forewing, hind pale with a dark spot. Exp. 70-86 mm. 

Abundant in forests after rains. D. mendosa. Brownish, 4 curved lines on 

forewing. 34-54 mm. Larva blackish, red spots, white lines, tufts of hair, 

feeds on leaves of potato, country almond etc. Lymantria spp. Red brown 

to yellow brown, abdomen banded, wings crimson and/or greyish brown, 

forewings with lines and spots. Exp. 36-54 mm. L. incerta & L. ampla. 

Larvae feed on rose, tur (Cajanus) Quisqualis etc. Euproctis lunata. 

Yellowish brown, black spot in forewing in male, brownish anal tuft in 

female. Exp. 34-38 mm. Larva brown, tufts of long hair, quadrate white 

marks, feeds on Acacia, Zizyhus, rose etc. E. fraterna. Orange, and black 

spots on forewing. Exp. 20-25 mm. Larva feeds on rose and castor leaves. 

E. scintillans. Brown thorax, abdomen black or yellow, anal tuft orange, 

wing brown, 2 dark streaks. Exp. 32-38 mm. Larva with tufts of grey hair, 

omnivorous—linseed, hibiscus, bajra etc. P. xanthorrhoea. Blackish 

white, anal tuft orange, hindwing blackish in male. Exp. 28-37 mm. Larva 

black with black tufts of hair, crimson lines, yellow spots, on Cassia, 

grasses, cereals etc. 

FAUNA 425

Fam. Hypsidae. Moderate size, colours conspicuous. Legs smooth 

with spurs, proboscis present. Larva hairy, brightly coloured, feeds openly 

by day but rarely attacked by birds. Pupate in leaves in soil. About 50 

species recorded in India, about 10 in Maharashtra, 

H. alciphron. Forewing blackish brown, white streaks, orange at 

base with 5 spots, hindwing orange, black spotted. Exp. 62-76 mm. Larva 

with black and yellow lines feeds on Ficus, droppings making perceptible 

sound. Diagama spp. Dusky, black spots in forewing, hindwing orange. 

Exp. 36 mm. Larva pest on Caressa. A. cribraria. (सरवटाचणी)

own, short black lines on sides, yellow stripes, or green with yellow or 

pink black edged bars. Pest on udid (black gram) and sweet potato leaves. 

P. menephron. Grey, brown bands on sides of thorax, black stripes 

on abdomen, brown patches on sides. Variable. Exp. 80-140 mm. Rapid 

flier. Makes clicking noise if disturbed. Larva bluish green, 

yellowish tubercles, oblique etripga Feeds on Jasniinum, Olea etc. C. 

panopus. Dark chocolate, pink bands on abdomen and wings. Larva 

green, back, white, yellow stripes and tubercles. Exp. 110 mm. Feeds on 

mango leaves. Oxyambulyx spp. Small, yellowish or reddish, greenish 

spots on forewing and stripes on abdomen and thorax. Larvae green with 

yellow and white markings. Feed on Anacardiaceae. Clanis spp. Reddish, 

black patch at hindwing base. Larva greenish, yellow tubercles. Exp. 100 

mm. Pest on legumes rarely found. 

M. dyras. Pale brown, a dark line, Forewing with wavv edge and 

curved lines, hind with 2 spots. Exp. 94-114 mm. Larva blue green, a 

white spot, streaks and spines. Feeds on Bombax, Sapindas etc. C. hylas 

(Humming bird hawk moth), ग णी)

lined. Hindwing red generally. Exp. 54-84 mm. Larvae feed on various 

plants. 

Theretra spp. Brown or chestnut with at least one dark line from 

apex to inner margin of forewing. Hingwing red or dusky. Wings narrow, 

pointed. Abdomen sharply pointed. Larvae with small round head, body 

tapering towards head, hind part cylindrical, horn medium sized. Dull and 

smooth. Feed on variety of food plants, R. acteus. Purplish grey, a stripe 

on back. Forewing centre greenish, hindwing blackish. Exp. 64-80 mm. 

Larva green or brown with stripes and spots. Feeds on variety of plants 

e.g. Vitis, Begonia, Colocasia. Etc. 

Fam. Eupterotidae. Generally large, mouth parts hairy, no proboscis, 

antennae feathery on one side. Spurs on legs. Colours dull. Inhabit hilly 

areas. Larvae stout with tufts of hair. Feed gregariously. Hair poisonous, 

easily get detached when larva gets excited. Pupate in cocoons of silk and 

hair and rest in it from end of rain to beginning of next year. About 50 

species recorded in the Indian region, a few in Maharashtra. 

E. undata. Varies in colour. Pale brown, yellowish to deep brown, 

waved lines on wings. Exp. 74-110 mm. Pest on Bombax, Careya, 

Dalbergia etc. E. fabia. Yellow, Exp. 90-130 mm. Pest on Erythrina. E 

geminata. Forewing with a curved line, another line crossing both wings. 

Exp. 60-80 mm. Larva pest on Moringa, Cajanus, tea, cotton, cacao etc. 

N. simplex. Forewing whitish, yellowish or reddish, generally with red 

brown streaks. Exp. 40-50 mm. In grasses in W. Ghats 

Fam. Notadontidae. Resemble Noctuidae. Generally grey or brown, 

long tapering abdomen ending in long scales or tufts. Mostly hill forms. 

Larvae peculiar. Anal proleg absent, that part tapering up often bears 

paired processes. Thorax compact, About 200 species recorded in India, 

less than 15 in Maharashtra, 

D. nobilis. Yellowish buff and brownish, wing margins spotted, 

brown band in forewing, tuft of hair at anal end. Exp. 75-100 mm. Found 

in thick jungles. (See T. R. Bell—1935 J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. 38:124) P. 

FAUNA 428

procera and P, raya. Brown, black bands on abdomen, forewing silvery 

grey, base dark, patch at apex. Exp. 81-84 mm. A. combusta, Thorax 

brown, abdomen orange, spotted black. Forewing yellowish with streaks. 

Exp. 52-74 mm. Larva green, sparsely hairy, whitish bands, green stripes, 

feed on maize. S. alternus. Grey with dark tufts on abdomen forewing 

narrow with waved lines, red spots. Exp. 44-62 mm. Larva red brown, 

pale line and protuberences on back, both ends swollen, two processes at 

anal end. Feed on Cajanus, Acacias etc. C, liturata. White with black 

waved lines and spots. Abdomen black or banded with black. Exp. 46-90 

mm. 

Fam. Geometridae. Moths medium to big, slender, large papery 

wings, flight weak. Proboscis present, Females of some species wingless. 

Larvae elongate, slender, loop while moving. Mimic twigs. About 12,000 

species known, nearly 1,500 in the Indian region and less than 100 in 

Maharashtra, mostly near Bombay and Poona. 

P. transmuiata. Yellow, reddish patches on wings, silvery border to 

lower patch, Exp. 28 mm. L, contigaria. Brown irrorated with black, a 

spot in centre and bands in each wing. Hindwing toothed. Exp. 40-45 mm. 

Macaria spp. feed on Acacias. M. frugaliata. Pale red, irrorated with 

black. 28 mm. M. fasciata. Slaty grey, white band on wings. Exp. 42 mm. 

M. emersaria. Grey, dark spots on abdomen, curved lines and a basal spot 

on forewing. Exp. 32-40 mm. 

Tephrina spp. Whitish, wings with broad bands, end portion purplish 

grey, Exp. 28-30 mm. Larva in Acacia and grasses. O. clelia. Pale reddish 

brown, angled lines and specks on dentated wings. Exp. 40-60 mm. Larva 

greenish black, slightly hairy, 2 protuberances on back, feeds on 

Convolvulacae. H. talaca. Blackish grey, forewing tip produced, hindwing 

pointed in the middle, both with wavy lines. Exp. 45-60 mm. Larva 

pinkish green feeds on Ficus, Combretum, Jumbrona etc. and on rose. H, 

successaria. Similar but brick red, D. capitata. Red 4 lines on fore and 2 

on hindwing. Exp. 34 mm Larva feeds on Zizyphus, 

FAUNA 429

B. varianaria. Reddish, covered with purplish black spots, Exp. 50-80 

mm. Larvae attack Acacias. (See J. Bomb. nat. Hist. Soc. 11:691) 

Boarmia spp. Some bad pests on forest trees. B. acaciaria larvae feed on 

Cassia, Dalbergia, Shorea etc. Moth with reddish band on abdomen, 

designs of red and white on wings. M. objectaria. Reddish brown with 

blackish scales, faint grey lines and spots on forewing border. Exp. 50 

mm. R. infelix. White, yellow spots in traces. Exp. 20 mm. Craspedia spp. 

Pests on Kohl-rabi, spinach, hedge plants etc. Acidalia spp. Forewing 

generally acute, produced, hindwing rounded. Exp. 15-16 mm. Found in 

forests near Bombay and Poona. Anisodes spp. Pinkish, specks on wings. 

Exp. 25-32 mm. 

Problepsis spp. White, wings with two ringed olive patches. Exp. 40- 

45 mm. Euschema spp. Beautiful moths, blue thorax, yellow tipped 

abdomen with purplish bands, pale blue wings with purple markings. 

About 90 mm. Larva yellow, spotted black, bluish bands. Feeds on 

Carallia. Pseudoterpna spp. White wings sculptured brown or olive. Exp. 

45-55 mm. Agathia spp. Green, brownish specks and patches on wings, 

hindwing angled and pointed. Exp. 40-45 mm. Pests on forest trees. 

Euchloris spp. Brown or green, lines and specks on wings. Exp. 25-30 

mm. Nemoria spp. Green, white lines on wings. Exp. 22 mm. N. dentata. 

Yellow green, forewing with oblique lines, specks on margin. Exp. 30-36 

mm. 

T. quadraria. Bluish green, delicate lines, wing border yellowish, 

under side white. Exp. 38 mm. Larva green, pair of orange processes on 

head, feeds on litchi (Nephelum) maize, Wagata etc. T. semialba. Wings 

green, base reddish in forewing, white lines. Exp. 28 mm. 

See Prout L. B. (1926) J. Bomb, nat. Hist. Soc. 31:129, 308, 780 Ind. 

Geom. 

Mem. Dept. Agr. India 9:247 Indian Geometridae. 

Fam. Saturnidae (Wild Silk moths) र नाडतोडे)टाचणी)

wings with eye spots. Almost all pupate in silk cocoon. Larvae feed on 

forest trees. About 40 species recorded in India, about 4-5 in Maharashtra. 

A. selene. Light green, long curved tail to hindwing, transparent 

reddish eye spot in each wing. Exp. 130-180 mm. A. atlas. Red brown 

wings with pale and black lines, hyaline triangular spots, black border. 

Largest moth, exp. 250-300 mm. A. ricini. Domesticated and distributed 

all over India for sericulture on castor leaves. Moth greyish brown, white 

lines on thorax, eye spot at expanded tip of forewing, white bands and a 

semi circular white spot on each wing. Larva white, green, grey etc. 

changing colours. Spines on body. Spins fine white cocoons. (See Ayyar 

T.V.R.—1932. Mad. Agr. Jour. 20 : 395, 483. Silk-worm rearing as 

Cottage Industry). A. paphia, Reddish or yellowish, a band on border, eye 

spot on each wing. Exp. 140-190 mm. Larva green, pairs of yellow humps 

and white 

spots 0n each side. Silk cocoon hard, brownish grey, oval, attached by a 

silken peduncle, gives Tusser silk. Larva feeds on Bassia, Dalbergia, 

Shorea (See Beeson—1941 P. 695 Eco. Cont. For. Ins.) trifenestrata. 

Brown, yellowish or reddish, a dark continuous line from forewing tip to 

mid hindwing. White spot on each wing. Exp. 60-90 mm. Larva black 

brown, with 6 tubercles, reddish stripe on sides and poisonous spines. 

Cocoon of golden silk in a net work. Feeds on forest trees, mango leaves 

etc. 

Fam. Bombycidae (Silk worms) (रशांचे टो च किडा (Plकडी, नाडत) Medium. No 

proboscis. Antennae feathery. Legs hairy, front wing with a wavy border. 

About 15 species recorded in India, 2 in Maharashtra. 

Bombyx mori fully domesticated. Many races differing in silk 

production and habits according to environment, some with one brood in 

a year (univotine) others more (Multivoltine). Moths can hardly fly 

though fully winged. Larvae feed only on mulberry leaves. Reared on a 

large scale. Moth pale cream, wings half spread, 35-40 mm. Whitish hard 

eggs laid in bunches. Larva dirty white, clear segments, a horn on last 

segment. Length 50 mm. when full grown. Spin yellowish white cocoon 

FAUNA 431

of pure silk and pupate inside. Moth emerges after 10-12 days. Such 

cocoons give broken thread. For getting fully long one thread from single 

cocoons, moths are smothered by boiling cocoons. Moths allowed to 

emerge only for further breeding. (See Lefroy and Ansorge—1916— 

Report on an enquiry into the Silk Industry in India and report of 

proceedings of the All-India Sericultural Conference 1939 Government of 

India). O. varians. Brownish or grey, 4 curved wavy lines and a dark 

patch below apex. Exp. 26-32 mm. Larva feeds on Ficus, Gular etc. (See 

Trop Agr. 86:263, 1936. Some pests of fruit trees). 

Fam. Uranidae. Resemble butterflies and Geometrid moths. 

Confined mostly to hills. Day flying, large. Larva stout, tuberculated. 

Indian species few, only one recorded in Maharashtra. M. aculeata. 

Blackish white, wings closely striated with black, hindwing pointed, a 

black spot at end. Exp. 45-50 mm. 

Fam. Epiplemidae. Similar to Uranidae. Moths night fliers, rest 

during day with forewings rolled up, hindwings folded over body. Look 

like spiders. About 500 species known, less than 50 Indian, 4-5 in 

Maharashtra, near about Bombay. 

E. instabilata. Blackish, thorax white, forewing thickly speckled with 

brown, yellow and black, white spot in centre. Exp. 24 mm. D. theclata. 

Greenish grey, abdomen yellowish, forewing with a triangular patch with 

brown border. Exp. 22 mm. Larva voraciously feeds on Adina, Randia etc. 

Fam. Psychidae T. (bag or case worn moths). बिनपंखी पुडी, नाशांचे टोव तुर)

vegetable matter interwoven by silk, open at both ends. Larva half comes 

out for feeding. Full fed male closes one end and pupates inside. The 

female rests for sometime and attains adult hood. Life cycle may last more 

than a year. About 800 species recorded, 50-60 in India, mostly in hills, 

about 3 in or near Bombay. 

C. crameri. Brown, forewing reddish, hindwing smoky, both short 

and broad. Exp. 30 mm. Larval case formed of twigs of Acacias, Bombax, 

Cassuarina. Tamarindus etc. Exp. 18-28 mm. Food, apple, tea, Acacias. 

(See Fletcher T. B. (1919) Proc. 3rd Ent. Meet. Pusa pp. 137-139 

and 322. 

Fam. Arbelidae (Bark caterpillars) (झुरळ) (P डी, नाडत च्या पानयी)

hairy. No proboscis. Eggs in clusters covered with hair. Larva with long 

tufts pointing downwards. Feed on leaves. Pupate in soil in cocoons of 

silk and hair, rest in this stage after rains. Less than 100 species recorded 

in India, about 7 in Maharashtra. 

T. dorsalis. White and red, 2 white spots on forewing. T. siva. White 

abdomen forewing grey with 2 brown spots, 2 whitish lines. Exp. 48-84 

mm. Larva brownish, larga dark hairy patches, black spots behind. Bad 

pests on Acacias, Zizyphos, rose, tamarind etc. (See Fletcher T. B.—1919 

Bull. 89 Agr. Res. Inst. Posa.). 

S. concolor. Red brown, forewing spotted, border greyish, a few 

Insects whitish lines. Exp. 52-146 mm. Larva brown black, humped, pest 

on a variety of plants. M. hyrtaca. Reddish brown, forewing with 4 pale 

lines, black patch with white spots in centre, border of spotted line. Both 

absent in female. Exp. 48-74 mm. Larva feeds on jambool (Eugenia), 

Bassia, Acacia, Eucalyptus etc. T. vishnu. Male pale green, 2 pale lines 

and dark spots on forewing. Hindwings extended on sides in sitting 

posture. Head not seen. Looks like leaf. Female yellowish, bigger with 

big brown patches on forewings. Exp. 50-90 mm. Larva red spots on 

yellow head, long side tufts of brown and grey, black spots. Varies—Pest 

on Eugenis, Terminalia, Shorea, Castor. E. pardalis. Brown. Exp. 38-76 

mm. At rest resembles a dried leaf with the projecting palpi forming a 

black twig. 

Fam. Limacodidae Thick set, wings short, broad, rounded, 

hindwings comparatively small. Flat scale like eggs laid in rows. Larvae 

with retractile head, glide with their legs. Smooth round swellings. 

Known as slug caterpillar. Irritant spiny or with thick smooth skin or with 

segments invisible. Rare in plains. Pupate in hard round cocoons with a 

lid and diapause generally on tree trunks. About 150 species recorded in 

India, about 10 in Maharashtra. 

T. cana. Dull brown, forewing with 2 lines, a dark speck. Exp. 25-30 

mm. Spiny, green larva with yellow stripe, feeds on castor, Cassia etc. N. 

velutina. Red brown with a seal skin line. Exp. 60-78 mm. Larva green, 

FAUNA 434

spiny protuberances and 4 white patches feeds on mango, Bombax leaves. 

P. lepida. Abdomen brown, forewing green with a reddish patch at base 

and top. Exp. 30-50 mm. Larva greenish, 3 bands on back, short spinous 

tubercles on sides. Polyphagous, on leaves of mango, palms, castor, 

Eugenia, Butea etc. A. nivea. White, 3 black spots in forewing and 2 in 

hindwing. Exp. 30 mm. Larva feeds on castor, Bombax etc. 

Fam. Zyqaenidae. Moths of divergent appearance, some like 

Syntomidae, some like butterflies etc. Diurnal. Generally in thick forests 

and cold regions. Larva short, cylindrical with protuberances shooting out 

short hairs. Feeds on leaves exposed. 2-3 species recorded in Maharashtra 

out of about 300 listed in India. 

H. virescens mimics butterfly. Forewing dark green, yellow spots, 

Exp. 76 mm. Larva feeds on tea. C. affinis. Wings metallic green and blue 

marked black with a white band. Exp. 50 mm. 

Fam. Drepanidae (Hook tips). Small, slender. Apex of front wing 

produced generally. Mostly hill dwellers. Larva smooth, last prolegs 

missing, humps on segments, long processes at anal end. Less than 100 

species recorded in India, 2 in Maharashtra. 

P. vidhisara. Reddish with waved lines and black specks in wings, 

28-38 mm. O. extensa. Pinkish yellow, forewing produced, with dark 

spots and yellow line. Exp. 40-54 mm. 

Fam. Thyrididae. Moderate size. Antennae simple, hyaline patches 

and bands on wings, mid tibiae with one pair, hind with two pairs of 

spurs. Recorded species about 100; Indian about 60 and in Maharashtra 

about 7. 

S. scitaria. Reddish, wings paler brown, a brown band across both 

wings. Exp. 24-48 mm. Larva green, black head and black dots. Pest on 

forest trees. R. mirsusalis. Grey brown, forewing with 3 brown patches, 

border yellow, underside silvery. Exp. 22-26 mm. R. myrtaca, more red. 

Larva feeds on Loranthus, Bassia, Achras etc. Dignata. Brownish, wings 

FAUNA 435

full of small lines with irregular dark patches. Variable. Exp. 32-38 mm. 

Larva feeds on crotons. Bores in wood. 

Fam. Pyralidae. Large family. Moths medium to small, delicate, 

diverse colours but cryptic or warning type. Antennae usually simple, 

thorax and abdomen slender, densely scaled, legs long with conspicuous 

spurs. Wings slender. Eggs laid conspicuously on food singly or in 

clusters. Larva cylindrical, generally with dark tubercles and slight hairs. 

Live concealed boring in stems, fruits, barks or in decaying or rolled 

leaves. A few aquatic, a few household pests rests in larval stage. Pupa 

brown, sheltered. A few do not rest. Bad agricultural and store pests. 

Indian species about 1,500, nearly 200 in Maharashtra. 

G. melonella (Wax caterpillar). Larva feeds on wax in beehives, in 

silken galleries. Dirty white, stout, very destructive. Moth yellowish 

brown with black scales. Exp. 20-40 mm. C. simplex (C. zonellus) 

(जव र च्या पानयी)

Nephoteryx spp. Straw coloured, slightly blackish, black specks on 

forewing. Exp. 20-26 mm. Larvae feed on green leaves. Phvcita infusella. 

Serious pest on cotton shoots (Cotton shoots roller) (क पुडी, नास च्या पानयी)

20 mm. Larva folds paddy and grass leaves, feeds inside. M. trapizalis. 

Blackish brown, lines and 2 spots on forewing. Exp. 22 mm. Larva in 

folded leaves of jowar, maize. 

S. abruptalis. Yellow, black and grey lines on wings. Exp. 18 mm. 

Green larva feeds in folded leaves of Tulsi (Ocinum). C. conchylalis. 

White, transluscent, shining forewing with golden brown costal band. 

Exp. 40-45 mm. Larva feeds in folded leaves of forest trees. F. fulvi- 

dorsalis. Brightly coloured. Brown wings patched orange, abdomen long, 

tufts on sides. 30-44 mm. Larva green, whitish bands, black spots, feeds 

on Thunbergia. D. punctiferalis. Castor capsule borer (एरडी, नाडत च्या पानयी)

Ficus. G, bicolor. Black brown marked with white patches on wings. 

Larva pest on Apocyanaceae spp. G. indica. Black brown, part of 

abdomen white, wings white bordered black. Exp, 24-28 mm. Larva feeds 

on cucurbits and cotton. P. tyres. Black, shot with purple, white spots and 

stripes. Exp. 42-46 mm. Larva creamy with black spots feeds on forest 

trees. L, neptis. Brown, white bands on abdomen, elongate spots on 

wings.. Exp. 32 mm. L. geometralis. Yellow striated with black. Exp. 26 

mm. Larvae of both feed on mogra (Jasminum). 

L. orbonalis. (व ग्यातील यी)

almost hyaline. Many mimic Hymenoptera species. Larva fleshy, 

colourless, feeds on bark or pith. Only a few species known. 

C. postcristatum. Reddish, anal tuft black, wings yellowish hyaline. Exp. 

16 mm. M, eurytion. Black, thorax greenish, silvery bands on abdomen, 

forewing hyaline, banded, Exp. 24-30 mm. Larva forms galls in snake 

gourd stems. 

Fam. Tincidae. A large family of small moths with narrow wings, broad 

fringes, dull colours. Generally nocturnal. Legs long and spurred. Eggs 

laid singly. Larva thin, smooth with various colours, and habits. Generally 

harmful to agriculture and stored products. About 2,400 species recorded. 

Indian species not properly listed yet. The large number of sub-families 

are now treated as families. The few species recorded in Maharashtra 

mentioned. 

S. nerteria. Dark brown, while dot on costa of forewing. Exp. 6-10 mm. 

Larva green, black head. 5-6 mm. mines in groundnut leaves, soyabeans 

etc. joins the leaves and feeds inside. P| gossypiella (क पुडी, नास वर ल गल 

अळ ) (pink boll worm). A world cotton pest. Moth blackish brown, 

nocturnal. Eggs laid under bracts of bolls. Whitish larvae bore in, enter 

seed, feed, grow, become pink, drop down and pupate in soil or debris. 

Attack cotton buds also. Larva diapauses in seed, in store or in fields from 

November-December to June-July, Can rest in seed cotton or soil also. P. 

operculella. ( टाचणी)

T. zizyphi. Moth small, brown. Larva greenish, feeds in folded citrus 

leaves. N. serinopa (Black headed caterpillar). (क ळ्या) Moयी)

P. aboe. Dull brown with 10 dark angular marks on forewing, two 

indistinct marks on hindwing. Exp. 70-88 mm. Larva bores in various 

forest trees. 

ORDER TRICHOPTFRA (CADDIS FLIES) 

(PI. III, Fig. 38) 

Resemble Lepidoptera. Pass through similar stages but in water. Eggs 

laid in masses in a gelatinous secretion in water on plants over hanging. 

Larvae in water, weave tough cases of sand particles, shells, weed bits 

etc., at the bottom according to the habits of the species. Feed on algae or 

minute animals. Larvae of a few species live openly in water under 

stones. Pupa in water. Adults come out in a bubble, live just for 

reproduction. Cannot feed in adult stage. Total world species 3,000, 

Indian records not available, about 12 in Maharashtra. 

Fam. Calamoceratidae. A. flexuosus. Yellowish-brownish, rufous haired, 

truncated wings. L. 7-5 mm. A. kempi, yellow, wings with yellowish 

hairs. L. 8 mm. 

Fam. Molannidae. Montana species. Brown, yellow wings with rufous 

hairs. 

Fam. Sericostomatidae. M. indica. Brown, two dark warts behind the 

head, wings greyish yellowish with yellowish hairs. L. 5 mm. 

Read : Martinov A. Moscow (1935-36) Rec. Ind. Mus. 37:95 and 38:239 

Collection of Trichoptera from the Indian Museum. 

Mosely M.E. (1933-41) J. Bom. Nat. Hist Soc. 36-42. 

Indian Caddis flies. 

FAUNA 442

Order Diptera. Flies ( श्या) (Pयी)

P. laeta. Bright orange, abdomen with black lines or almost black, legs 

partly black, 3 orange spots on wings. L. 10-15 mm, P. bombayensis. 

Reddish, 3 black stripes on thorax, 3 black spots on abdomen, wings 

yellowish. L. 13-21 mm. 

Fam. Psychodidae. (Moth flies, Sand flies) Very small, covered with 

long, coarse hair and scales. No ocelli. Larvae in decaying vegetable 

matter, stagnant water etc. with a tube at anal end. Attracted to moist 

spots. Adult capable of sucking blood. Found in water sheds, windows, 

some attracted to light. Some vectors of diseases like ‘Kala azar’. Run 

round in little circles. Only one genus known in Maharashtra. 

P. minutus. Silver grey, golden hairs, wings narrow, blunt. L. 2-3 mm. P. 

argentipes. Females blood suckers. L. 2 mm. Brownish, bunches of black 

hair, side of thorax cream colour. Eyes large, black. 

See: Sinton J. A. (1924-33) Ind. J Med. Res. 11 and 21, Notes on Ind. 

Phloebotomus. 

Fam. Culicidae (Mosquitoes) (डी, नाडत स, च्या पानGर) (Plate III, Fig. 40) Slender 

flies with long proboscis, stiff palpi, legs thin, antennae long, feathery in 

males. Wings fringed with scales at posterior margin and veins. Larvae 

and pupae aquatic, very active, breathe air from surface. About 1,600 

species known, about 300 in the Indian region. About 30 in Maharashtra. 

More abundant in tropics. Some vectors of widespread diseases. 

Eggs laid in or near the surface of water. Larvae with well developed 

head and thorax, minute and large eyes, tufts of hair for gathering food. 

Abdomen ends with 4 gills. Breathing tube on 8th segment. Anophe- lene 

larvae float near surface of water horizontally, culex hang head 

downwards, at an angle, breathing tube touching surface. Generally feed 

on minute algae, but a few carnivorous, preying mostly on their own kind. 

A number destroyed by fish. Pupae active, moving, float at surface. Adult 

Anophelene sits at an angle but Culex parallel to wall. 

FAUNA 444

Life cycle lasts 15-20 days generally. Adult can feed at 23°C or above 

(70°F.). Remains inactive at lower temperature. Females of most species 

suck animal blood, males take nectar from flowers or water. Carry 

diseases like malaria, filaria, yellow fever, dengue etc. Most of the 

mosquitoes look alike but differ greatly in detail. One species A. aegypti, 

Tiger mosquito, common in west coast near big rivers is banded black and 

white, man hunting, day biting, more common in cities and towns. Breeds 

in artificial collections of water eg. pots jars, bottles etc. Carrier of 

Dengue fever. 

See: Purl I. M. (1935 & 1938) Rec. Mai. Surv. Ind. 5 Shematic table for 

identification of Anophelene mosquitoes. Pts, 1 and 2 Health Bull. 10 and 

16. 

— (1936) Ibid. 6. Distribution of Anop. mosquito H. B. 17. 

Strickland C. and Chowdhari K. L. (1927) Illustrated Key to Identification 

of Ano. larva. 

Fam, Cecidomyidae (Gall midges). Very small, 1-8 mm. tender slender 

flies. Longish antennae with whorls of hair, broad wings with a few 

straight veins. Legs simple. Larvae with various habits (1) Live on plant 

tissue, make galls, pass pre-adult stages in them. (2) Live in galls made by 

other insects, eg. Coleoptera, Trypetidae etc. (3) Feed on plant tissues 

without forming galls. (4) Live in decaying material, and (5) Live as 

predators on other small insects, mainly Coccids, aphids, psyllids, mites 

etc. About 3,000 species described, about 150 in the Indian region, and 6 


D. gossypii. Attacks cotton buds, Larvae, yellow, white and red, crowd in 

buds. L. 1-2 mm. A. sesami attacks Til (Sesatuum), produces wrinkles and 

twisted galls. Whitish maggots live inside. Fly small, 

thin, mosquito like. C. andropogonis (Jowar gall midge.) Small, pinkish. 

Larvae bore into tender ears of jowar. Adults look like mealy wings. A. 

oryzae (Paddy gall fly) (बिनपंखी पुडी, नाल , क नाडतोडे)) Adult, mosquito like, yellowish 

FAUNA 445

own, hairy, antennae reddish brown. L. 3 mm. Larvae cause galls on 

paddy shoots, prevent earhead formation, cause ‘silver shoots’. 

See: Mani M. S. (1936-39) Rec, Ind. Mus. 36:371, 37:425, 38:193 and 39: 

281 Indian Itomidiae. 

Fam. Bibionidae. Medium size, antennae thick jointed close segmented. 

front femora thick, front wing vein thick. Wings dark or dark spotted, 

large. Black or orange red, sluggish. Larvae with horny head and jaws, 

generally feed on decaying matter. Occasionally found attacking fresh 

vegetables. Pupae free or in last larval skin, breathing tubes projecting. 

About 400 species known, one in Maharashtra. P. fulvicollis. Antennae 

reddish brown or black, thorax orange, abdomen black, wings pale brown 

or blackish. Length 6-7 mm. 

Fam. Simulidae. Only one genus. Short thick body, broad wings, short 

legs, squat appearance. Front wing veins thick, rest faint. Wrongly called 

eye flies in India. Do not hover round eyes. Males harmless, live in 

woods, feed on honeydew or leaf juice. Females vicious, bite men, cattle, 

etc. Attack any orifice of body, like eye, ear, nose, etc. L. 2-3 nun. Larvae 

aquatic, attached by tail end to rocks in running water, feed on algae. 

Pupa fastened to water plants. Fly emerges in air bubbles. Eggs laid in 

gelatinous masses on stems of water plants. 

S. rufithorax. Reddish, a row of white hairs on the back of head. 

Abdomen blackish. S. auriohirtum. Reddish, yellowish hairs, abdomen 

and often thorax black. 

Fam. Chironomidae (Midges)—Resemble mosquitoes. Male antennae 

feathery, head small, concealed at times under robust humped thorax. 

Mouth parts weak, forelegs elongate, wings unsealed, veins in front 

marked, fainter down. Earlier life aquatic. Dance in swarms. Adults do 

not feed, die early. About 2,000 species described. 150 in Indian region, 

none noted in Maharashtra so far. 

Read Kieffer J. J. (1911 & 13) Rec. Ind. Mus. 6 and 9. Description of 

Chironomidae. 

FAUNA 446

Fam. Ceratopogonidae (Biting midges). Adults like Chironomids but 

thorax not humped, mouth parts piercing, forelegs not elongate. Larvae 

aquatic or terrestrial, no legs. Adults predatory. Some larvae aquatic, 

snakelike, transparent, live in surface water of stagnant pools or slow 

streams, wriggle rapidly, a tuft of long bristles at tail end. Terrestrial type 

live in decaying vegetable matter, under bark cte. caterpillar like, pair of 

processes at both ends. Bristly body. Fly hairy winged. About 400-500 

species known, less than 100 in India, 3 in Maharashtra, Poona and 

Igatpuri. 

Sub-order Brachycera 

Larval head retractile, pupa exposed with spines. Adult antennae short, 3 

segmented, often a terminal style. 

Fam. Stratiomyidae. Bristleless, 3rd antennal segment annulated, mid 

tibiae with no spurs. Small to rather large, flattened with white, yellow or 

green markings. Larvae (Rat tailed maggot) elongate, leathery, flattened. 

Live in earth, dung, decaying matter. Some aquatic. Adult sluggish, 

frequents grasses in marshes. 

About 1,400 species described, Indian species not properly listed, a few 

noted round about Bombay. W. argentia. Antennae and legs yellow, thorax 

black with golden band, abdomen shining black. L. 3 mm. E. indica. Flat, 

black, sparse yellowish or whitish pubescence, abdomen metallic, 

yellowish, bronze or cupreous in male, violet or blue in female. L. 9-10 

mm. M. flaviventris. Head black, body shining metallic green, yellowish 

pubescence in male, abdomen brownish yellow in female. L. 4 mm. 

Fam. Tabanidae (Horse or Cattle flies, Clegs, Gad flies. Dan flies). (घोडा) (P डी, नाडत 

शांचे टो ग शांचे टो ) (Plate III, Fig. 41). 

Troublesome to cattle in India. Body broad, flat, head large, eyes large 

touching each other in males, often spotted or striped, antennae clear, 

FAUNA 447

proboscis strong, pointing downwards, often horizontal and long. Wings 

large, body not covered at rest. Females blood suckers, males live on 

flower nectar or juice. Females live on juices in the absence of blood. 

Make humming sound while approaching the victim. Wound painful but 

does not swell. Spread ' Sura' disease in cattle. Heamatopota feed on 

human blood in damp places and are known as Clegs. 

Eggs laid in masses in marshy plants. Larvae with retractile head, strong 

mouth hooks. Taper at both ends. Carnivorous. About 2,000 species 

described, less than 200 in India, about 15 in Maharashtra. 

Tabanus spp. Reddish brown, generally with stripes and spots. L. 8-22 

mm. T. speciosus. Black, 3 series of white spots on abdomen, antennae 

red. L. 19 mm. Most common on cattle. H. rosalis. Wings with white 

spots, abdomen elongate, brown with 3 stripes and white spots. L. 9-11 

mm. Bad cattle pest. Breeds in rice fields, resting in larval stage in soil for 

nearly 8 months. C. dispar. 2nd abdomenal segment pale with a black half 

moon, wings white with a black band. Attack animals including man at 

night, live concealed during day in bushes, leaves etc. 

Fam. Nemestrinidae (Hirmoneuridae). Large, bristleless flies, many 

veins running parallel to the hind margin of the wing. Antennae short, 

terminal style thin. Hover over flowers, suck nectar by long proboscis. 

Eggs laid in burrows of Coleoptera. Larvae with small retractile head, 

blown by wind get attached to female beetles, go to their burrow and feed 

on their grubs. About 200 species known. One recorded in Maharashtra. 

H. annandalie, grey with bands on abdomen, legs, antennae and proboscis 

bright yellow. Thorax blackish, with black and yellow pubescence. L. 11- 

13 mm. 

Fam. Cyrtidae. Bristleless flies, head covered by eyes, thorax humped, 

abdomen inflated, globular. Larvae parasitic on spiders. Thick, short, head 

very small, large plates to hind spiracles. About 200 species known, one in 

FAUNA 448

Igatpuri. O. octomaculatus. Thorax brownish with 3 black stripes, 

abdomen blackish, light yellow pubescence. Wings enormous, yellowish 

grey, a black mark at base. L. 4 mm. 

Fam. Therevidae. Elongate, pubescent, broad head, slender legs, 

antennae short. Adult and larvae predaceous. Larvae in rotten wood or 

earth. Pupae free. Adults sit on twigs waiting for prey, head up, abdomen 

depressed. Dance in groups early morning. About 500 species described, 

about a score in India, one in Maharashtra. 

P. brunneus. Head covered with silver grey pubescence, proboscis, thick, 

protruding. Body shining black, with grey and yellowish bands. L. 6-7 

mm. 

Fam. Asilidae (Robber flies) (दर डी, नाडत शांचे टो ) (Plate III, Fig. 42 a & b). 

Usually moderate to large, elongate, bristly, strong, piercing proboscis. 

Entirely predaceous. Attack insects larger and stronger than themselves. 

Larva elongate, cylindrical, dark head, hard skin. Lives in decaying 

material. Some predaceous on coleopterous larvae, some scavengers. Pupa 

crawls out for fly emergence. About 4,000 species known, 150 in India, 

mostly on slopes of the Himalayas, a few in South. None recorded in 

Maharashtra though species of Promachus and Laxenecera are commonly 

seen. 

See Bromley S. W. (1935) Rec. Ind. Mus. 37:219 New Asilidae from 

India. 

—(1938) Ind. J. Agr. Sci. 5:863 New Asilidae from India. 

Fam. Bombylidae (Bee flies) (Plate III, Fig. 43). Densely pubescent, 

large to moderate, long projecting proboscis, slender legs, wings generally 

darkly marbled, half open at sitting posture. Larvae change in structure 

considerably. 

FAUNA 449

Full grown larva cylindrical or slightly flattened, a small retractile head, 

predaceous. About 2,000 species described more than 100 recorded in 

India. Inhabit dry and unpromising areas. Adult flight rapid. 

Hyperalonia spp. Black to reddish, bright yellow hair, bands on abdomen 

in one species. L. 9-12 mm. Exoprosopa spp. mostly black with red and 

yellow marking and hairs. L. 7-18 mm. Argyramoeba spp. Black with 

yellow or white hair and spots and bands. L. 5-11 mm. A. afra. Blackish, 

yellow and white scales, 2 white bands on abdomen, oblique band on 

wings. L. 5-7 mm. B. wulpi. Black, yellow and black hairs, 2 white spots 

on thorax. Abdomen with silvery white scales, (female small reddish 

yellow hairs, 2 white spots on each side) Wings smoky brown. L. 4-5 mm. 

G. argentifrons. Black, face whitish, white hair on sides of abdomen. L. 3- 

4 mm. 

Fam. Empidae. Small, 2-5 mm, rather bristly, distinct neck, small round 

head, homy proboscis projecting. Legs spined or thickened. Grey, 

yellowish or dark, thin long abdomen. Suck flower or insect juices. Dance 

in air, inhabit moist situations. Larvae in earth or humus, predaceous, 

transverse swellings on ventral side. About 2,600 species known, less than 

100 recorded in India, mostly in the Himalayan region and hills, about 5 in 

Maharashtra. 

A. pallipes. Black, antennae and bristles yellow, wings yellowish at base. 

L. 5 mm. E. variegata. Thorax brick red, blackish at base of wings, 

abdomen yellowish with a black band. L. 2 mm. 

Fam. Dolichopodidae. Small, thin with long legs, metallic green or blue, 

short thick proboscis, antennae with two visible joints. Wings generally 

clouded or with dark markings. Thorax flat, rows of bristles along the 

back, inhabit generally moist situations. A few on sea shores. Predaceous 

on soft bodied insects in adult stage. Some walk on water. Larvae in soil or 

decaying material or aquatic. Some predaceous on Coleopterous larvae or 

pupae. Elongate, cylindrical, swellings on abdomenal segments, last one 

FAUNA 450

with 4 protuberances. Adults common in rains flitting from leaf to leaf. 

About 2,000 species described, about 100 found in India, 10 in 

Maharashtra. Clear descriptions not available. 

See Ribetro S. (1923). Rec. Ind. Mus. 25:335 Corrections and 

amplifications. Dolichopodidae. 

Fam. Pipunculidae. Hovering flies with big mobile head. Frequent 

flowers and moist herbage. Antennal tip sometimes beaklike. Larvae 

parasitic on Homoptera, narrow at head, pupate in soil. Very few species 

known, hardly 25 in India, one at Igatpuri. P. limpidipennis. Grey, bare, 

head with silvery shimmer, abdomen greenish, a process at the end. L. 2 

mm. 

Fam. Syrphidae (Hoverflies). (PI. Ill, Fig. 44). Brightly coloured, fairly 

big, generally bristleless. Hover over flowers on sunny days, almost 

stationery or with jerky movements, quivering wings. Feed on nectar or 

pollen. Larvae generally predaceous, feeding on aphids or other 

Homoptera on open plants, some in decaying material, some others in 

water. The first type flattish, triangular back, thin end, faint green or 

brown. Second cylindrical with short respiratory tubes and 3 pairs of 

fleshy protuberances on 11th segment. Water living ones rat tailed, body 

terminating in a long flexible respiratory process. More than 3,000 species 

known about 100 recorded in India, mostly in hills, about 10 in 

Maharashtra. 

S. balteatus. Orange, 3 stripes on thorax, yellow pubescence. Abdomen 

with a black spot and line. L. 8-11, mm. Larvae feed on aphids, Coccids. 

S. Indian. Black, 2 greyish stripes on thorax, spots on sides, yellow band 

on abdomen. L. 6-7 mm. Feeds voraciously on aphids. E. taphicus. 

Yellowish grey with brownish pubescence. 

Thorax with 4 stripes, abdomen shining, wings with brownish stigma. L. 9 

mm. M. crassus. Black, abdomen bare with yellowish spots. L. 12 mm. S. 

rufifacies. Dul! black, hind femora orange an elongated spot on abdomen. 

FAUNA 451

L. 8 mm. C. trinotata. Black, 2 stripes and spot on thorax. Abdomen with 2 

spots, wings grey and brown. L. 18- 21 mm. 

See Bhatia H. L. (1931 and 1933) Ind. J. Agr. Sci. 4:503 and 6:543 Studies 

in life histories of Indian Syrphidae. 

Fam. Conopidae. Resemble Hymenoptera, often with a waist, elongate, 

almost bare. Antennae 3 jointed with style. Wings often coloured. Slow 

fliers. Generally parasitic on Hymenoptera, chase the victim and lay eggs 

on its body. Life cycle passed inside the body, larva entering it as soon as 

born. Less than 50 species recorded in India almost all in hills. One 

recorded in Mahableshwar. O. fiavipes. Black, covered with ashy grey 

dust, antennae orange brown, three stripes and three spots on thorax. L. 4- 

5 mm. 

Fam. Trypetidae (Fruit flies) (फळ शांचे टो ) (PI. HI, Fig. 45) Bright yellow 

or orange patterns on wings. Size moderate. Head hemispherical, front 

broad. Includes serious pests on fruits and vegetables. Long white eggs 

laid on host plant by a strong ovipositor. Maggots feed for about a 

fortnight inside, generally fall and pupate in soil. Full grown larva round. 

Often forms galls. About 1,200 species recorded, 150 in India, about 10 in 

Maharashtra. 

D. cucurbitae. Orange, wings with wide brown border, black bristles on 

body. Pest on all cucurbits. D. ferrugeneous. Brown, yellow markings on 

thorax, hyaline wings, fore border and end cell brown. Variable. Universal 

pest on mango, guava, peach, brinjal etc. D. zonatus with brown spot on 

wing, on custard apple. C. vesuviana. Yellow, black spotted, banded 

wings. Serious pest on zizyphus fruits (Bor). Controlled considerably by a 

braconid-Bracon fletcheri Sil. 

Refer : Bezzi M. (1913) Mem. Ind. Mus. 3:53 Indian Trypaneidae 

(Fruit flies). 

FAUNA 452

Munro H. K. (1934) Rec. Ind. Mus. 37:15. Rec. Ind. 

Trypetidae............................................................................... new species. 

Fam.Agromyzidae. Small to minute, not well defined. Look like small 

house flies. Blackish grey or silvery. Front broad, antennae short. Larvae 

leaf miners. A few live in 

stems and galls made by other insects. One predaceous. Small white 

maggots, tapering towards head which consists of 2 hooks only, mine in 

leaves. Pupate in the mine or in soil. Very few species found in India, 3 

from Maharashtra. 

A. obtusa (Gram pod fly). Black, eggs thrust in the pod. Maggots burrow 

in seed of red gram (Tur) Cajanus. Pupate there. A phaseoli 

on cow pea (Dolichos). Fly blue black. O. lantanae destroys the weed 

Lantaua. 

See Ramachandra Rao Y. (1920) Mem. Dept. Agr, 5 and 6 Lantana 

Insects. 

Fam. Micropezidac. Rather large, body and legs long, slender, face 

retracting in profile. Wings often marked or spotted. Found in decaying 

vegetable matter. Not much known about the family. A species of Calobata 

(larva) bores into the rhizomes of turmeric and ginger 

Fam. Chloropidae (Eye Hies) ( मिशांचे चलटाचणी)

stomach and feed there, of Warble flies cause swelling under skin and live 

inside it. Full fed larvae, cylindrical or barrel shaped, not tapering, become 

spiny in last moult, come out by perforating skin, pupate in soil or surface 

litre- Those in stomach pass out with faeces and pupate in soil. Hosts 

generally specific. Hardly 10 species recorded in India ; less in 

Maharashtra. 

O. ovis. Bare, silvery reflections, dark, pinple like spots. L. 11 mm. Eggs 

laid in nostrills of sheep, goat, antelope etc. Larvae develop in frontal 

sinuses. G. equi. Brownish yellow, pubescent, 3 rows of dark spots on 

abdomen. A band across the wing. A parasite on horses. 400-500 eggs laid 

in the knee or fet lock. Larvae transferred by animals toungue to mouth 

ana stomach. 

Fam. Calliphoridae. Metallic blue or green flies, ovi or viviparous, 

Larvae generally saprophytic, some carnivorous and produce myiasis or 

parasitic on arthropods or man ctusing mvi asis of ear, nose, eyes etc. 

Important in medical and veterinary sciences. Very large number of world 

species known, about 250 recorded in the Indian region, Maharashtra 

records less than 20. 

Lucilia spp. Common 'Green bottle'. Shining green or purple, bristles on 

sides of thorax. L. 6-8 mna. Pest on sheep. Some deposit eggs in fresh 

meat, offal etc. Bengalis spp. Brown or grey, bands on abdomen, borders 

whitish. L. 1M5 mm. Steals ant pupae on the march. M. pollinosa. Thorax 

greenish reddish, pubescence yellowish, abdomen yellowish with black 

stripes, L, 5-6 mm. S. albiceps. Grey, 

abdomenal end black. L. 8-11 mm. Breeds in filth, Parasitic on moth 

Nonagria, causes myiasis in bulbs. S. hiriipes var. orchidea causes human 

intestinal myiasis. Other species breed in any dead or decaying matter. 

Most species attracted to Aristolochae. 

See Patton W. S. (1917) Rec. Ind. Mus. 12:185 Indian flies of 

the sub-family Rhininae. 

FAUNA 454

(1920-22) Ind. J. Med. Research 8 and 9. 

(1929) Insects, ticks, mites and venomous animals. 

Medical. 

Fam. Tachinidae.. (PI. MI, Fig. 46). Resemble house flies. Almost all 

parasitic on lepidopterous larvae or other insects. Body bristly, arista 

(antennal end) bare, proboscis long. Larva parasitic, adults nectar feeders. 

Egg laying mostly indiscriminate but generally on host body. Larvae feed 

internally. Full grown larva segmented, thick, fat. Pupate in soil. Life cycle 

15-20 days. About 100 Indian species recorded, a number occur in 

Maharashtra. 

A. aegyptia. Small, grey. Parasitic on Earias spp. Laphygma, Spodoptera 

etc. A. hyalinata. Parasitic on Noctuids, Pyralids, Gelichids. Carcelia spp. 

Common on caterpillars of Arctidae, Lymantriidae etc. E. civiloides on 

Noctuids. Pyralids, Hyblaeids and Sphingids. M. oculata on Buoris, 

Parnara, Plusia etc, Pfychomyia spp. on any lepidopterous larvae. Slunnia 

spp. also similar. Thrycolyga spp. attack almost any caterpillar, W. 

albiceps on Noctuids, Pierids, Sphingids. 

Refer : Beeson and Chatterjee S. N. (1935) Ind. For. Rec. Ent. 1(9) on the 

Biology of Tachimds. 

Russel H ,(1922) J, Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 28 : 703 Indian Parasitic. 

Flies. 

Fam. Muscidae (House flies) ( शांचे टो , घोडा) (Pर शांचे टो ) (PL HI, Fig. 47) Includes 

Anthomyidae and Cordyluridae. All look like house flies. Small to 

medium, a few blood sucking. Body compact, 4 visible abdomenal 

segments, no bristles at base. Antenna! arista (end) plumose, one or both 

sides. Majority of larvae scavengers in dung or decaying matter, taper at 

FAUNA 455

head, possess mouth hooks" Pupae in earth, rounded at both endsy brown. 

About 500 species recorded in the Indian region, about 20 in Maharashtra. 

M. vicina. Common domestic fly of oriental region, similar to M. 

domestica L. ot' colder regions. Grey, 3 thoracic stripes, abdomen orange 

and yellow with black stripe. Breeds in moist corners and crevices, never 

in dung. Carrier of diseases. M. nebulo. Four thoracic stripes, otherwise 

similar. M. sorbens. Two uninterrupted thoracic stripes. Abdomen wit'h 

silvery stripes, spots and patches. Breeds in dung. Carries bacterial eye 

diseases. M. planiceps. Thorax with 4 narrow stripes, abdome n yellow, 

upper harder black, silvery spots, a median stripe. Cattle blood sucker. M- 

crassirostris. Abdomen black at base, grey below, blat, stnpes. Blood 

sucking. Stomoxys (Biting house flies) breed in horse dung, sewage, 

refuse etc, found in slaughter houses in Bombay. B. sanguindentus, Grey, 

two stripes on thorax. A brown stripe and triangular patches on abdomen. 

S, calcitrans " occurs wherever a civilised man is found and seen every 

where all the year round Thorax whitish, 2 stripes and 2 patches, a small 

stripe just above the wing. Abdomen yellow grey. 

A. indica (Anthomyiad fly) (ज्वारीचीव र च ख डी, नाडत शांचे टो ) Dark grey, 3 mm., 

active. A serious pest on jowar (Sorghum). Life stages passed in shoots, 

causing death. P. heterochaeta. Larvae live with wi retailed swallows, feed 

on debris, feather dust etc. and later bore into flesh of the bird and kill it. 

Fam. Uippoboscidae (ग शांचे टो ) (PL HI, Fig. 48). Head sunk into thorax, 

with a proboscis, antennae one segmented, legs short and stout, claws 

strong, generally toothed. Wings present or absent. Flat, tough, leathery 

ecto-parasites. Known as ‘ Kuku mashi’, Cattle flies ‘ Scaters’, ‘Dog flies 

’,etc. Common on dogs in India. 

Egg and larval period passed in the body of the mother. Larva pupates as 

soon as laid, on hard dry surfaces, floors, window sills etc. Only one laid 

at a time. 3 species common all over India. H. maculata on cattle, H. 

capensis on dogs and L. exornata on pigeons. 

FAUNA 456

Fam. Nycteribiidae ( व गळ शांचे टो ) Small, wingless, almost like lice or 

spiders, sticking to the body of the host. Entirely parasitic on bats. Head 

bent back over thorax when at rest. Legs long with strong claws, clutch at 

the hair of the host, dorsal side to host body. As the head is bent back, can 

feed in that position. About 50 species in India, a number in Maharashtra. 

See Scott H. (1914) Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (8) 14:209 Some oriental 

Nycteribidae. 

(1925) Rec. Ind Mus. 27:351 Nycteribidae of India, Ceylon, 

Burma. 

Speicer (1907) Rec. Ind. Mus. 1:295 New Nycteribidae of India. 

Order Siphonaptera (Fleas) (बिनपंखी पुडी, नास) 

Small, laterally compressed. No eyes. Antennae short and stout, mouth 

parts piercing and sucking, thoracic segments clear. Last 3 segments of 

abdomen modified for sexual purposes with prominent pair of claspers, 

acdigus projecting between them in males, slightly different in females. 

Larvae t 'ongate, legless. Pupae enclosed in cocoons. Adults blood sucking 

etoparasites on man, birds, rodents etc. Can never live in cold dead bodies. 

Can jump upto about 20 cms. and leap forward upto 35 cms. Breed in 

unclean premises in houses, in cracks, under floor mat or dirtycorners. Rat 

fleas breed in store houses, barns etc. Larvae active, illness, grow upto 4 

mm. feed on dirt and dust on floor or from the host body. Not parasites. 

Pupate in cocoons. The adult remains dormant till it finds a host and issue 

out in numbers to any stimulus such as a mass movement in the vicinity. 

The female requires host blood before laying fertile eggs. 

Adults bite host, suck blood, infect the host with diseases like Bubonic 

plague. 

FAUNA 457

Contains about 100 species in 17 families. Comparatively few studied in 

India. Only one family is important. 

Fam. Pulicidae. E. gallinaceus on bandicoot, poultry, cat, dog, porcupine 

etc. P. irritans on man. dogs, near rats, on fox etc. X. cheopis, Common all 

over India. Chief hosts rat and man. A carrier of Bubonic plague, supposed 

to have been introduced into India by this species in 1896 or so from the 

Nile valley. Comparatively rare in plains of Bengal, Madras etc. 

Read: Sharif M. (1930) Rec. Ind. Mus. 32:20 Revision of Siphonaptera 

(1937) Parasitology 29:225 Life history and biology of Rat Ilea. 

ORdlr Hymenoptera (PI, IV) 

Contains 3-4 apparently different kinds of insects e.g. saw flies, wasps, 

ants, bees. Common important characters are (1) Abdomen joined to 

thorax by a flexible joint, not easily visible in saw flies and bees, (2) Four 

membranous wings, front pair much larger, few nerves and enclosed 

spaces, (3) Thorax compact, united, (4) Females furnished with a sting, 

ovipositor, a saw or a borer, (5) Three natural sections, head, thorax and 

abdomen distinct. Mandibles always present even when other parts of the 

mouth modified. 

Larvae vermiform, footless except in a few, eg. saw flies. Pupa enclosed 

in membrane clearly seen. Generally highly organised, living in 

communities. Some produce useful products like honey, some parasitise 

destructive insects, a few hannful plant pests. Classification changed often. 

At present divided into 2 sub-orders (1) Symphyta (Calastogaster) 

including families having abdomen broadly attached to thorax, larvae with 

abdomenal legs. (2) Apocrita (Clistogaster) — Abdomen deeply 

constricted between 1st and 2nd segments. Larvae without legs. 

_________________________ Sub-order Symphyta 

Fam. Tenthredinidae( PI. IV, Fig. 49)—Saw-flies. More than 2,500 

species described, about 100 known in India. One serious pest on 

FAUNA 458

cruciferous crops. A, proxmia ( क वर ल क ळ शांचे टो ) Soft, dark, thorax 

red, smoky wings. l< 5-7 mm. Ovipositor converted into a saw. Eggs in 

plant tissue. Greenish, grey larvae with 3 pairs of thoracic legs and 8 pairs 

of abdomenal legs feed on leaves, grow to 25-30 mm. change to black 

velvety, Curl and fall down, feigning death, if disturbed. Pupate in soil, 

rest in this stage, (See Malaise R. 1932. Rec Ind. Mus. 36:435 Saw flies of 

the Ind. Mus.). 

Sub-order Apocri (ग धील माश् ल श्या) (Pयी)

abdomen red. Parasitic on Pterophoridae. D. argenteopilosa. Similar with 

tarsi black, 9 mm. On Noctuids and Pyralids. P. testaceus. Brownish 

yellow, mandibular apices, abdomenal base black. 7-8 mm. Parasitic on 

lac predator Holcocera pulverea. M. nursei. Reddish yellow, white marks 

on body, white after petiole, antennae black, red and white. L. 8-10 mm. 

Variable. Parasitic on Noctuids eg. Earias sp. 

Literature: 

Beeson and Chatterjee S. N. (1935 & 39) Ind. For. Records Ent. 1 & 5 

Biology of Ichnumon. 

Cushman R, A. (1927) Rec. Ind. Mus. 29:241. New Ind. 

Ichneumonidae. 

(1934 & 37) Ibid 20:141 New Ichneumonidae from India. 

Fam, Braconidae. Similar to Ichneumonidae, some difference in wing 

venation. Head large, antennae straight, long, abdomen long, slender. Size 

and shape vary. Generally parasitic on lepidopterous larvae but also on 

Coleoptera, Diptera, Rhynchota. Life cycle 10-12 days. Eggs generally 

laid on the body of the host, larva may feed inside or out. About 300 

species described in India, some known in Maharashtra. 

I. spilocephalus. Reddish, antennae black, abdomen pale golden. L. 7- 

10 mm. A. avenae on wheat aphis. A. chilocida on Chilo in sugarcane. A. 

depressariae on Platyedra (Pink boll worm). R. lefroyi. On Earias spp. M. 

lefroyi (greeni) Parasitises almost any caterpillar. (See literature quoted 

under Ichneumonidae). 

II. 

Fam. Stephanidae. Small, antennae closely knitted, about 30 segments , 

longish abdomen and ovipositor. Hind femora usually swollen and spined, 

hindwing with no enclosed spaces. Few species known, one in Bombay. 

FAUNA 460

Fam. Evanidae.. (PI. IV Fig. 51). Very distinct. Abdomen fixed to thorax 

on the dorsal side on the median segment by a thin petiole. Antennae thin 

straight, 13 segments. About 300 species known, about 50 in India, only 3- 

4 in Maharashtra. The original 3 genera take the status of families now but 

here they are treated as 3 genera. 

Evania most common, parasitise eggs of cockroaches, enter houses, 

steamers etc. for the purpose. Trichofaenus parasitic on aphids or 

Sphecids. 

Fam. Chalcidoidae. Antennae elbowed, 2 jointed trochanter, wings with 

one or two veins, no stigma or closed cells. Abdomen hard, no folds. 

Ovipositor attached a little above anal end. Generally black, often 

iridescent. Head large, thorax compact, femur often swollen. 

Now divided into 14-18 families, only 2 or 3 represented in Maharashtra 

and only a few species. Almost all parasitic on eggs, larvae, pupae of other 

insects, including Hymenoptera. Some hyper- parasites. Some found in 

galls as parasites, some live in galllike structures in figs etc. The following 

Chalcididae is part of this. 

Fam. Chalcididae. (PL IV, Fig. 52) L. bombayensis. Black, spotted and 

striped white, legs brownish red. L. 5-6 mm. O, nursei. Black, shining, 

legs yellow and black, silvery pubescence. L. 5 mm. 

Fam. Elasmidae. E. anticles. Elongate, 7-8 mm., abdomen flat, wings 

narrow, hyaline. 

Fam. Trichogrammatidae. Attack eggs of Lepidoptera. 

Fam. Bethyloidae including Chrysididae (Cuckoo wasps). Only the latter 

represented in Maharashtra. Brilliantly metallic green, blue or ruby. 

Integument hard, coarsely sculptured, abdomen flexible, generally carved 

below thorax. When touched or attacked form a ball or thick ring, wings 

FAUNA 461

projecting on sides. Ovipositor concealed in a thick tube. Generally 

parasitise the parasitic solitary bees and wasps. More than 1,000 species 

described, nearly 100 in India about 18 in Maharashtra. 

Hedychridium spp. Bright green, mesonotum bluish, abdomen margined 

black. L. 6-7 mm. S. cyanurum splendidum. Metallic green, 3rd 

abdomenal segment purple, blue in certain lights. L. 9-12 mm. male 12-16 

mm. female. Universal. Chrysis spp. Narrow, elongate, blue or greenish, 

scutellum golden, black spots on ventral side of abdomen. L. 6-7 mm. C. 

obliterata. Metallic green, parts violet blue, legs green and brown. 

Variable. L. 6-9 mm. C. fuscipennis. Green and blue, blackish spot on 

mesonotum, antennae and tarsi blackish. 3 groves at base of abdomen. L. 

8-12 mm. Parasitic on Eumenis spp. Cosmopolitan. 

Fam. Scoliidae (PL IV, Fig. 53) lnmluding Tiphudae ana sapygiaue. 

Generally inhabit warm countries, Fairly big, black with red and yellow 

markings, big. iridiscent wings, consp'euous mandibles. Males generally 

slender with spines at anal end. Females robust with ovipositor. Both 

hairy. Legs stout, short, spiny. Parasitic on Coleoptera. A big family, 

thousands described, about 100 in India, only a few in Maharashtra. 

T. rufofemorata. Small, black, mandibles and parts of hind legs red, 

black base to wings. L. 12 mm. M. dimidiata. Jet black, abdomen with 

tints, wings violet at tip. L. 15 mm. M. madraspatana. Black, abdomenal 

base red, wings blackish, hindwmg hyaline at base. L. 19 mm, Scolia spp. 

Black, w r ings shining coppery. S, bilunata. Densely punctured, 2-4 yellow 

spots on abdomen. L. 15-25 mm. Elis spp. Black, with or without yellow 

bands and coloured pubescence, L. 10 mm. to 33 mm. E. asiatica. Entirely 

black. L. 24-32 mm. L. analis. Black, apical segments red, wings 

iridescent. L. 19-22 mm. male 26-33 mm. Females. 

Fam. Mutilidae (Solitary ants). (PL IV t Fig. 54) Male winged, female 

apterous. Pronotum produced in angles upto wings, apex of abdomen with 

teeth. Female legs stout for digging, tibiae with spines. breeding habits 

peculiar. Male siezes the wingless female, carries her to a convement place 

FAUNA 462

and mates with her. Preys on other beneficial wasps e.g. Eumencs, Crabro 

etc. Thousands of species recorded in the L .analis. Black, apical segments 

red, wings iridescent. L. 19-22 mm. male. 26-33 mm, female. 

Mutilla spp. all black with spots and lines. M. lilliputiana. 2 spots each 

on head and abdomen, thorax red, a golden abdominal segment. L- 3 mm, 

M. colabensis. 2 pairs of white spots on abdomen. L, 6 mm. M. budha. 

Thorax brownish, a golden spot and band on abdomen. 11 mm. M. 

serratula. Thorax red, yellow band on abdomen. L. 5 mm. M. aurifex. 

Head and thorax red, a pointed spot, 3 bands on abdomen golden. L. 9 

mm. M. poonaenSis. Brownish, abdomen black purplish with a white spot 

and band at apex. L. 6 mm. M. pedunculata. Browish, lower part of 

abdomen black, pubescence white, forewing apex brownish. L. 10-11 mm. 

Fam. Formicidae (Ants) ( ग्यातील यी)

Dorylus spp. Long, narrow bodied, workers blind, possess stings, one 

node to pedicel. Male winged, female apterous. Resemble termites, 

attracted to light, cut plants at ground level or roots, (See Huston T. C. 

1936 Trop. Agr. £7:293. The Root eating ant). Aenictus spp. Akin to 

Dorylus but pedicel 2 jointed. Hunt in columns of 3 and 4 abreast. Very 

feroceous. Male attracted to light. Brown or yellow, head black. L, 2.3-7 

mm. (See Wroughton 1892. i. Bomb. Nat. Hist. Soc. 7:177 Our ants.) 

Lioponera spp. Black, thorax red shining. Antennae close together. Pedicel 

one jointed, rectangular, L. 2-4 mm. C. aitkeni. Red, elongate, narrow, 

eyes small, lateral. Abdomen black. L. 5 mm. Anochetus spp. Reddish 

brown, abdomen darker. Head irregularly rectangular, eyes prominent, L. 

3-7 mm. Lobopelta spp. Black with reddish tinge, metallic lustre, pedicel 

one jointed. Head longish, eyes higher up. Make sound audible to man. 

Move in columns of 2-4 in military formation, feed on termites, other 

animals. L. 5-6 nun. 

D. vagans. Black, greenish tint, tips of appendages, legs red. Mandibles 

large, body lined. L. 8-13 mm. Nest under stone, brick work etc. Possess 

pungent sting. Probably feed on Camponotus spp. and caterpillars. Ponera 

spp. 2.5 to 3.5 mm. Yellowish, head broader behind, oval, no mandibles. 

Thorax narrow, node conspicuous. Bothroponera spp. Head quadrangular, 

no mandibles, pedicel one jointed, sting conspicuous, powerful. Dull 

black, antennae and legs reddish. Abdominal tip red. L. 5 mm. to 15 mm, 

Sima spp. Black, pedicel 2 jointed. Thorax elongate constricted in the 

middle, hind portion raised conspicuously. Abdomen long with sting. 

Thorax, antennae red, L, 10-12 mm. Virulent sting causes inflamation. 

Mimicked by many spiders and wasps. Nests in tree hollows, bamboos etc. 

M. brunnea. Brown, shining. L. 5-8 mm. Head short rounded, thorax 

with spines at both ends, petiole long. Nests in ground, heaps earth in 

grains at entrance. Bites tips of buds, feeds on exuding juice in groups and 

on plant tissues. Pest in citrus groves. Crematogaster spp. (Tree ants) make 

globular nests of papery material in trees or nest in tree trunk hollows, 

attack mantid eggs and other insects. Bite freely. Keep ant cattle. Turn up 

FAUNA 464

abdomen as if for slinging and therefore 1 Cock-tailed antsHead square, 

thorax narrow, constricted in the middle. Yellowish or blackish red, 

shining, 3-5 min. long. 

S. geminata. Reddish yellow, abdomen oval, marked brown, thorax 

narrow, pedicel thin, L. 3-4.5 mm. May damage seedlings, sometimes very 

useful as a scavenger (See P. S. Negi, J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 36:1018 The 

small red ant. .. .useful to man & Pro. 3rd Ent. Meeting Pusa P. 34:1919). 

Phidologiton spp. Common in Maharashtra. Size small to very big, 

smaller more ferocious. Soldiers look fierce. Nest in sheltered places, 

enter houses, carry away things. Generally march through covered ways. 

Bite viciously. Head large, thorax raised with 2 spines at back. Meranoplus 

spp. Reddish, hairy, 3-5 mm. Head trapezoidal, broader behind, thorax 

compact, spines pointing backwards. M. bicolor. Red, abdomen black, 

long soft hair, 3-5 mm. A minor pest on pulse leaves. Triglyphothrix spp. 

Stout built. Brown, peculiar wooly appearance, thorax with spines bihind. 

Nodes broad, flattish. L. 3-3.5 mm. 

Tetramorium spp. Head rectangular, posterior margin distinct, pedicel 

nodes rounded, 1st petiolate anteriorly. Light to deep brown or yellowish. 

L. 2.5 to 3.5 mm. Monomorium spp. 1.5 to 3 mm. Reddish, abdomen 

black, head rectangular, thorax long, narrow, slightly broader in front, 1st 

node of pedicel higher than 2nd. Nests in floorings or walls, invades 

houses, attacks meat, sweets and even wire insulations. Phidole spp. Large 

heads, 2 lobes posteriorly. Front of thorax raised, convex, 2 tuburcles on 

sides, metanotum sloping to a spine on each side. Pedicel 2 jointed, nodes 

above. Known as Harvester ants. Gather grains in nests. Supposed to be 

intelligent. (See Fauna Br. Ind. Hym. 2:220. Bingham C. T. 1903). Small, 

2-3 mm. Brown and yellow, smooth. 

Holcomyrmex (Harvester ants'). Collect grains and store in nests. Head 

large rectangular, sides straight, corners behind rounded, thorax massive, 

raised, convex in front, flattish behind. Brown, abdomen dark red to black, 

FAUNA 465

L. 3.5 to 7 mm. T. recurvispinosa. Tawny olive, head elongate, narrow, 

thorax convex, two recurved spines behind. Two nodes of pedicel close 

together. L. 2 mm. Cardiocondyla spp. Widespread. Thorax short, stout, 2 

spines behind. Pedicel long, 2nd node broader. Abdomen oval, 1st segment 

large. Red, abdomen black, L. 2 mm. Iridomyrmex spp. Triangular head, 

thorax slender, 3 segments clear—1st broad convex, 2nd cylindrical, 3rd 

raised. Abdomen short, broad, oval. Nest in sandy soils near plants with 

aphids, coccids etc. Carry off dead bodies. Emit unpleasant odour. 

Technomyrmex spp. Heartshaped head, thorax broad, cut at 2nd joint, 

convex, 3rd joint separated, (See David A. S. 1962. J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 

55:289 Biology of tree ant.) Tapinoma sp. Body pubescent, few hairs, head 

elongate, oval, thorax constricted at 2nd joint, legs stout, pedicel short, 

abdomen elongate oval. L. 1.5-2 mm. Cut plants and eat inside. Fond Qf 

sweets, visits aphids, coccids etc. 

Nests deep underground, populous. Bothriomyrmex, similar to Tapinoma. 

O. smaragdina (Red tree ant) ( ओँबोल ) K ल ) Rusty or yellowish red, slightly 

pubescent. Mandibles long, dentate, eyes large. Thorax long very narrow 

in front, last section rounded above. Legs long, slender. Pedicel long, 

swollen in centre. Abdomen short, oval with anal point. L. 7-11 mm. 

Vicious, common in orchard trees, mostly on mango. Weaves leaves 

together for nests, holding larvae in mouth and using them as shuttles. 

Moves rapidly with raised abdomen. Stings severely. Distributes in 

orchards aphids, coccids etc. from which it derives honeydew. (See 

Aitken E. H. 1889. J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 4:151 and 5:422. (Green E. 

(1900) J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 73:181 and Wroughton (1893) J. Bom. Nat. 

Hist. Soc. 7:39). 

Acantholepis spp. Head quadrangular, rounded above. Divisions of 

thorax clear, constricted in the middle, 2 spines behind. Pedicel one 

jointed, a spine on each side. Abdomen oval, pointed. L. 2- 3 mm. 

Generally nest in soil or hollow in masonry. Visit aphids, coccids etc. 

attack caterpillars and collect dead insects. Plagiolepis spp. Similar to 

FAUNA 466

Oecophylla but abdomen massive. Some yellowish or some black very 

small to 5 mm. Prenolepis spp. Segments of thorax distinct, first 2 convex, 

third broad, flat at apex. Pedicel short. Abdomen high, convex, over 

hanging pedicel. L. 2-3 mm. Brownish. Nest under fallen leaves or 

decaying trees. Rears Paus- sidae (Beetles) Camponotus spp. Segments of 

thorax clear, broad in front, compressed behind, pedicel one jointed 

surmounted by a node. Abdomen oval, 1st segment less than half of 

whole. C. compressus. Black, opaque, legs and parts of antennae brown or 

red. Head triangular. L. 6-16 mm. Keep ‘ ant cattle '. Large workers invade 

houses. Generally rest under trees, throw up heaps of soil. May rest in 

walls. Feed also on termites, caterpillars etc. Winged, attracted to light. 

(See Ayyar P. N. K.—1937 J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 39:750 and Wroughton 

—1892 J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 7:30). Polyrhachis spp. Resemble 

Camponotus but thorax and node of pedicel armed with spines or angular 

points, abdomen short, 1st segment more than half of total. L. 4-7 mm. 

Nest in low bushes, high trees, under bamboo sheaths and sugar-cane 

leaves, not easily visible. Tend cattle. (See Ind. Ins. Life P. 232). 

Fam. Pompilidae. (PI. IV, Fig. 56). Brilliantly coloured, conspicuous, 

large or small, legs long. Pronotum extending upto wing base. Parasitic on 

spiders, a few on cockroach, crickets etc. Live in mud nests, holes 

underground etc. 

M. violacea. Black, purple and blue reflections, wings with purple 

effulgence. Thickly powdered. L. 22-30 mm. Pseudagenia spp. bear 

silvery hair. P. blanda. Smooth, shining, metallic blue, antennae and legs 

black. L. 12-14 mm. 

MI. 

P. tincta. Black, abdomen yellowish brown partly, powdered. L. 7-9 mm. 

Salius spp. Very common in Lonavla, Matheran. Ample wings, long legs, 

claws with teeth under margins. Abdomen broadly attached. Generally red 

or black, golden hair, wings reddish or yellow or smoky. L. 17-38 mm. (S. 

veda only 9 mm.) S. madraspatanus, a cosmopolitan species, black, hairy, 

FAUNA 467

abdomen bluish, wings brown, purple effulgence. L. 24-28 mm. Pompilus 

spp. 

Front legs hairy, hind spiny. Nest in burrows in ground, hunt spiders, at 

times cockroaches. Black with brilliant colours, abdomen attached 

broadly, covered with grey powder, upper part of wings black generally. 

Ceropales spp. Rather rare in India. Long legs, plain, abdomen short.C. 

claripennis. Black, shining, yellow stripes, 2 yellow marks on thorax, 

abdomen rusty red. L. 8-9 mm. 

Fam. Eumenidae. (PI. IV, Fig. 57). Solitary wasps of temperate regions. 

Wings folded longitudinally, spine at apex of mid tibiae, claws with teeth, 

slender, 8-20 mm. Warning colours, petiole well marked, females with 

stings. Tunnel in the ground, some known as mason or potter wasps, 

construct oval or globular vaselike nests of mud, fastened to twigs, walls, 

furniture etc. Predaceous on lepidopterous larvae, sometimes others, about 

5-10 larvae for each cell. Egg deposited on a filament attached to wall of 

nest and the nest scaled. Some enter houses. Less than 100 recorded in 

India, about 20 in Maharashtra. 

E. essuriens. Yellow, parts of the thorax black, hind legs and petiole 

reddish. L. 16-20 mm. E. conica. Red with black bands, wings clouded. L. 

18-25 mm. builds nests anywhere. E. arcuata. Black, two curved spots and 

2 lines on thorax, 2 broad bands, lines and spots on abdomen yellow. L. 

19-26 mm. Enters houses. Eumenes have a number of enemies. 

Rhynchium spp. Small, no petiole. First abdomenal segment cupshaped, 

slightly constricted or narrowed. Solitary. Enter houses freely, build little 

round shells of clay, often use ready holes for nests closing them with clay 

lids, feed young on caterpillars. Brownish red with black spots and lines or 

black, red with bands, silvery hair. L, 12-20 mm. Odynerus spp. Very 

similar to Rhynchium. More slender. Use crevices or holes for nests 

generally, close with mud lids, larval food small caterpillars. Black, 

shining with spots and bands or red with yellow bands or markings, L. 6- 

11 mm. 

FAUNA 468

See Cretin (1909) J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 74:820 Eumenis dimidiatipennis 

S. 

Hingston R. W. G. (1926 & 27) Ibid 31:241, 754, 890 and 32:98, 

246. Potter wasps. 

Fam. Vespidae (True wasps) (ग धील माश् ल शांचे टो ) (PI. IV, Fig. 58) Wings 

longitudinally folded at rest. Mid tibiae with 2 spurs, Warning colours. 

Petiole long, slender fore tibiae with comb. Social. Nests for one season or 

more. Workers present in some species. Generally virulent, irritable, sting 

badly. Nests of papery material of chewed vegetable fibre, hexagonal. 

Generally open all- Insects round with many cells. Feed on insect or fruit 

juices, sugar, sweets etc. Young feed on crushed material. Destroy 

considerable number of insects. Adult impregnated females hibernate in 

winter in houses, found colonies next season. Hornets belong to this 

family. About 100 species in India, 10 in Maharashtra. 

B. indica. Dark brown, yellow and black bands on abdomen. L. 18-24 

mm. Icaria form small nests of 5-40 cells haging to a twig, leaf or wall, 

generally in two rows. Adult generally reddish with yellow bands or spots. 

L. 8-15 mm. Polistes spp. Make nests on house verandahs, sheltered 

places, form horizontal combs, complex with a diameter of 125-150 mm. 

Hibernate in winter in cracks and clinks in houses. Brown and yellow with 

black marks. L. 11-14 mm. P. hebraeus. Yellow or brownish, fine black 

lines. L. 20-24 mm. A nuisance in houses. Hypsopygia larva (Pyralid) 

feeds on the wasp larvae and the nest. Vespa spp. Cosmopolitan. Build 

nests in trees, on ground, at roots of trees, under eves of houses. Fierce, 

irritable. Stings dangerous. Found in sweetmeat shops. Combs completely 

enclosed, keeping free passage to each comb. V. cincta. Brownish, red or 

black, yellow band on abdomen. Vary. Stout, L. 20-35 mm. in forests. V. 

orientalis. Similar, common in sweetmeat market. Does no harm to man. 

(See Burton R. W.—1950 J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 49:796. Stings by the 

Indian Hornets.) 

FAUNA 469

See also Bingham C. T. (1890) J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc. 5:233-252 

Hymenoptera. 

Dover C. (1922) J. Asi. Soc. Beng. 18 : 17 

Resume............................. ...... 

Ind. Wasps and Bees. 

Fam. Sphegidae. (PI. IV, Fig. 59) Pronotum transverse, side angles not 

prolonged to base of wings. Generally bright coloured, metallic. Thorax 

massive, petiole long. Solitary 

digging wasps. Larvae legless, soft, white. Pupate in silken cocoons. 

Predaceous on insects, generally lepidoptera. 

Astata spp. Resemble Diptera. Burrow in hard sandy banks, store bug 

nymphs to feed the young. A. nigricans. Black, pubescence white, 

abdomenal tip and tarsi bronzy. L. 8-9 mm. A. agilis. Black, red band on 

abdomen. L. 7-8 mm. Tachytes. Beautiful sand wasps, small, 

inconspicuous, storing nymphs of Orthoptera for the young. Black, 

pubescence silvery, abdomen rusty golden. L. 12-20 mm. Tachysphex. 

Similar to Tachytes but longer and slenderer. Black, golden pubescence, 

legs partiy or fully red, abdomen red or a red band, silvery hairy bands to 

segments. L. 9-13 mm. L. nigriventris. Black with glittering silver haired 

bands on abdomen. L. 10-12 mm. Notogonia spp. Predaceous on crickets. 

Some build mud nests fixed to stones. Black, silvery hair. N. subtessellata. 

Patches of gold, hind femora blood red. L. 8-13 mm. N. jaculatrix. Wings 

yellowish. L. 12-14 mm. (See F. L. Wain J. Bomb. Nat. Hist. Soc. 54:957) 

Liris spp. Similar habits, very active. Black with golden hair, silvery 

CHAPTER 3 band on abdomen. L. aurata. Orange, legs and parts of 

antennae red. L. 15-2U mm. Nest under thick bushes. P. ruficornis. Black, 

petiole, legs and parts of body red, silvery hair in the middle. L, 9- 10 mm. 

Pison spp. Black, silvery pubescence or bands. Common in plains. L. 8- 

10 mm. Hunt spiders, Trypoxylon construct nests of clay in straw, hollow 

FAUNA 470

eeds, cane holes of furniture etc. partitioned off into cells, each containing 

small spiders. Black with red, yellowish legs. L. 9-10 mm. Ammophila 

spp. Store caterpillars or spiders for the young, burrow in soil. Body large, 

long, narrow abdomen. Black, glistening silvery hair, abdomen partly or 

fully rtd, wings clear or yollowish. L. 20-23 mm. A. erythrocephala. Red, 

abdomen blue black, wingg with purple shine, L. 32-34 mm. Sceliphron. ( 

कभातावरील र णी)

am. Bembex nest in sandy banks, dig their own tunnels, keep open door 

and feed the young often, unlike other wasps or insects- Prey on Dipterous 

larvae. Gregarious, broad head, large eyes, flattened thorax, legs stout, 

spiny, abdomen broad, massive, no petiole. Black or reddish, yellow 

marking, 1,. 18-25 mm. Philanthus. Head wider than thorax, thorax ovate, 

legs stout spiny. Abdomen with 1st segment narrow at base, Mimic bees, 

visit flowers with them and hunt them down. Nest in narrow tunnels in 

sandy banks. P. basalis. yellowish white lines and spots on body. L. 12 

mm. P. pulcherrimus, carries hive bees and others to its nest. Cerceris. 

Head as w ide as thorax, broad, triangular space below thorax with 

convergent furrows. Legs stout, spiny. Abdomen oblong joining thorax by 

narrow 1st Segment. Black or brownish, spots and bands on abdomen, in 

some species parts of abdomen red. L. 7-10 mm. Only C. vigilans. 

.12- 15 mm. Oxybelusi spp. Peculiar spines on post scutellum, Barrow in 

soil, prey on Diptera. Head and thorax of equal width, petiole thin, 

abdomen conical, short and broad, hmd legs spiny. Black and whitish, L. 

7-9 mm. Crabro. Big roundish head, a triangular enclosed space at thorax, 

legs short, stout, spiny. Abdomen oval, joined to thorax by a thinnish 

segment. Construct burrows in soil, in rotten wood or plant stems. Usually 

prey on Diptera but others are not spared. Black, silvery hair on face, 

yellow markings on body. L, 5-9 mm. 

Fam. Apidae (Now super family Apoidae). Includes bees, social or 

solitary. Fam. Colletidae not represented in Maharashtra. Apidae of 

Bingham (Fauna Br. Ind.) split into 5 families, only 4 in India. Thousands 

described, about 400 in India, a good number in Maharashtra. Adults help 

pollination. Most carry a pollen basket, a few which do not, stay as guests 

in other colonies. Both adult and larvae feed on pollen, flower nectar, 

larvae fed by workers. Lead social life like ants and termites. New families 

shown in brackets. 

(Fam, Halictidae) Live in tunnels in soil, fertilized females survive 

winter, produce brood next season which takes charge of the colony. H, 

FAUNA 472

sonescens. Black or brownish, white pubescent bands on abdomen, partly 

straw coloured, L. 8-9 mm. Spheeodes spp. Black, abdomen red, shining. 

L. 11-12 mm. Parasitise Halictus spp. Nomia. Extensive genus. Nests in 

hard earthen banks or under house plinths. Store pollen for young. Small 

7-8 mm. rarely upto 15 mm. Black, glittering on legs, parts reddish yellow. 

Generally bands on abdomen, (Fam. Andreriidae) Hill dwellers, Only 2-3 

recorded in plains. Solitary bees, building nests separately in colonies in 

earth. Gather pollen from particular flowers. Play host to Nomada and 

Strepsiptera. Andrena spp. Black, abdomen red or yellow, wings hyaline. 

L. 8- 13 mm. 

(Fam. Megachtlidae—Lcsii cutter bees) (पुडी, ना नाडतोडे) क पुडी, नाणी)

legs stout, wings broad, abdomen conical. C. ramosa. Black with spots on 

thorax, an inverted V, white broad lines on sides. L. 10- 13 mm. Xylocopa 

(Carpenter Bees) ( भातावरीलग ). Robust, hairy on sides, short thorax. Enter houses 

with buzzing" noise, cut neat round holes in beams to make nest. Some 

active at night. 7 species common. Four black; black pubescence on sides, 

wings dark, coppery green effulgence, tibiae twisted in males. L. 20-35 

mm. X. amethystina with wings of purple lustre 12-17 mm. X. 

tranquebarica. Reddish black hair, wings yellowish. L. 28-30 mm. 

Apis (Honey bees) ( धील माश् श्या) (Pयी)

Galleria melonella L. feed on wax. Besides birds, bears, foxes cause 

damage. 

Three species of bees are common. (1) A. dorsata (Rock bee) (आंब्यावरग्यातील यी)

(Plate V) 

Largest order of insects of small to large size. First pair of wings— 

elytra, hard thick, covers very much bigger, well folded lower wings and 

the body tightly. Some genera and 

families with abreviated wings, some wingless. Mouth parts strong, 

biting. Legs strong, body fairly hard. Metamorphosis complete. Larva 

generally round, almost smooth, three pairs of thoracic legs, no prolegs. 

Some species aquatic, some semi-aquatic, a large number terrestrial. 

Generally herbivorous, some parasitic, some store pests, a few 

carnivorous. Mouth parts biting, strong. 

Classification rather confused as in most big insect orders. Here, 

however, Leng is followed (1920 Catalogue of Coleoptera of America 

north of Mexico.) in arrangement of families, as is common now. A 

number of families, not found in this tract are omitted from the list. Total 

number of described species 2,20,000. Indian species estimated at about 

15-16 thousand, less than a thousand in Maharashtra. 

Fam. Cicindelidae (Tiger beetles) (^rt) (PI. V, Fig. 61). Generally 

brightly coloured, green, brown or black with spots or bands of white. L. 

10-25 mm. Head short, thick-set, constricted behind the prominent eyes in 

many genera. Mouth parts conspicuous. Prothorax large cylindrical. Legs 

long, slender, spined. Predaceous on other insects in larval and adult stage. 

Adults hunt for insects, larvae wait for the prey to come to their tunnels or 

hiding places. Eggs laid in moist soil or on twings. Larva with broad flat 

head tunnels and enters it. Body strong with protuberances and curves, 

powerful jaws. Less than 300 species known in the Indian region. Most 

species of Maharashtra recorded in Bombay area. 

C. brevipennis. Violet, elytra deeply punctured. L. 24 mm. P. proxima. 

Dark blue, front green or black, a line on pronotum, 2 whitish spots on 

elytra. L. 10-12 mm. Cicindela spp. Metallic black, green, blue etc. with 

FAUNA 476

spots and lines, generally legs longlsh and red. L. 7-8 mm. to 15-17 mm. 

with intermediate sizes. 

CI. 

See Gravely F. H. (1912) Rec. Ind. Mus. 7:207 Habits of some Tiger 

beetles of Orissa. 

Fam. Carabidae (Predaceous ground beetles) (PI. V, Fig. 62). Similar to 

Cicindelidae. Black or brown, some with large patches of yellow, oval, 

more flattened. In some species elytra soldered together, no wings. Legs 

long or short and stout. All hunting, carnivorous. Single eggs laid in soil or 

twig. Larva slender, active, large head, long mandibles, thorax and 

abdomen smooth, tapering, cerci at end. Black or dull. Predaceous in 

groups. A few nibble at plant roots. Pupate in soil. Generally rest in adult 

stage, open or buried in soil. Diurnal or nocturnal. Come to light. Known 

as 'Bombardier beetles’ as most can produce a mild sound by squirting a 

liquid through their anus to frighten pursuers. (See New Scientist No. 233 

of 4/5/1961 P. 261). About 20,000 species known, 500—600 in the Indian 

region 50-60 in Maharashtra. 

C. orientale. "Black, bronze upper side, punctures greenish, head flat. L. 

22-28 mm. O. lunatus. Yellowish, partly brown, 3 patches on thorax, 3 on 

green elytra. L. 6-7 mm. Siagona spp. Generally brownish, some with one 

or two spots, legs red or reddish. One species S. pigmaea, apterous, dark 

red stripes on prothorax. L. 8-9 mm. found in rice fields. Scarites spp. 

Black, legs with redidish pubescence. L. 18-25 mm. Oxylobus spp. 

Apterous, shining, black, elytra oval, convex, hides under stones or dung. 

Vary in length 14-25 mm. S. striatulus. Black, base of antennae, stout legs, 

red. L. 16-20 mm. 

CI. 

C. attenuata. Black, shining, antennae brownish, legs red. L. 6-9 mm. 

, C. westwoodi. Brown, antennae and legs yellowish. L. 6-7 mm. 

D. m. paucipunctus. Brown, elytral border red. L. 3 mm, under stones. 

FAUNA 477

A. atripennis. Black or brown, legs brick red. L. 3-4 mm. P. ceylonicus. 

Brick red, antennae brownish, elytral borders blackish. L. 3 mm. B. 

xanthacrum. Bronze green and yellow, blackish beneath. L. 4- 5 mm. 

Tachys spp. Brassy, shining, reddish, black, green etc. with spots. L. 2-3 

mm. 

Read Andrews H. E. (1936) Ind. For Rec. Ent. Ser. 77(8): 177 New 

Carabidae of India. 

Fam. Dytiscidae. (PI. V, Fig. 63) Aquatic beetles. Hind legs enlarged for 

swimming, spiny, filattish, front tarsi of males swollen, colours sombre. 

Oval, no part projecting, head broad, tightly fixed to thorax. Biting, 

carnivorous. If caught excrete a white fluid at the joint of head and thorax 

and an unpleasant fluid at the anus. Eggs laid singly in water weeds. Larva 

aquatic, voracious, preys on molluscs, aquatic insects, 

small fish, tadpoles etc. Swims with oarlike legs fringed with hair. Takes 

air by 2 terminal lobes of abdomen with head down in water. Pupates in 

moist soil. Adult has air enclosed under elytra and in felted hair. Hind legs 

flat with long hairs, help swimming. Can live and fly on land freely. 

Habitat flowing or stagnant water, sweet, brackish or hot. About 4,000 

species known, less than 200 in the Indian region. No detailed list of 

Indian species available. A few species, almost all collected by T. R. Bell 

in Khandesh, mentioned. 

Cybister spp. Black, brick red border all round. L. 25-30 mm. One species, 

C, sugillatus fully black. Hydraticus spp. Seedlike, black, broad, irregular, 

brick red lines on body. L. 12-15 mm. Laccophilus spp. Brown, tapering at 

tail end. Small, 2-3 mm. Bidessus spp. Brown. 1-2 mm. 

Fam. Gyrinidae. (Whirling beetles) ( ग ळणी)

species described less than 50 In the Indian region. A few collected in 

Khandesh. 

D. indicus. Bluish black, sloping on sides slightly, oval, abdomenal end 

exposed. O. limbatus. Elongate, brown, 3-4 mm. O. discifer. Elongate, 

elytra truncated, abdomenal end exposed. L. 9-10 mm. 

Fam. Hydrophilidae. Basal joints of antennae long, apical broadened, 

clubbed. Resemble Dytiscidae but less compact. Aquatic or terrestrial. The 

latter black, less than 15 mm., smooth, shining. The former with 

legs slightly flattancd, hair) 1 for paddling. Live in water or damp, marshy 

places. Mostly herbivorous, a few carnivorous. About 2,000 species 

known, about 100 in India, 12 in Maharashtra, mostly in Khandesh. 

Hi piceus. Large, black, head bent, a large spine running below thorax 

beyond hind coxae. Stethoxus spp. Black, elongate, about 30 mm, 

Sternolophus spp. Black. Elongate, 7-11 mm, Paracynus spp. Brownish, 

slightly longer than broad 1-6 mm. P. luteus. Brownish, elongate, 3-4 mm. 

Fam. Paussidae. Small, rectangular, antennae peculiarly expanded, elytra 

generally truncated, last abdominal segment exposed. Legs often 

expanded, leaflike, usually slender, meant for walking. Found wandering 

in ant nests, Fly suddenly and settle down quickly as IX dropped down. 

Discharge fluid from the anus which explodes. Secrete liquid to attract 

ants which tend them. Attracted to light. Life history not studied well. 

Larvae described as carnivorous adapted for myrmego- philus life. Broad, 

segments swollen, eyes rudimentary if present, Similar to Carabid larvae. 

About 400 species described, sixty found in India, about 10 in 

Maharashtra. 

C. andrewesi. Reddish brown, black band from head. Antennae a broad 

flat club. L. 5 mm. P. denlicornis. Reddish (variable), 2 longitudinal 

patches. Antennae broad, oval, convex, L. 7-10 mm. P. mellyi with round 

antennae. Passus spp. Red and black or brownish, antennae like inverted 

jug without handle or triangular. L. 6-7 mm. 

FAUNA 479

Fam, Staphylinidae. (Rove beetles) (PI. V, Fig. 64) Look like earwigs. 

Short elytra cover fully developed wings. Antennae long 10-11 jointed, 

abdomen long exposed, Small, brightly coloured. Breed in decaying 

organic matter e.g. dung, dead animals etc. Some predaceous. Life not 

known fully. Larvae of 3 types. Pupae like those of lepidoptera but 

exposed. About 20,000 species described, less than 600 in India, about 50 


T. exiguus, Cylindrical, black, lustrous, legs brown or yellowish. L. 1.5 

mm. Found in vicinity of water. Oxytelus spp. Black, shining, elytra 

yellow, legs brownish, L, 1.5 to 3 mm. frequent dung, carrion, rotton fruit 

etc. P. cornutus. 

Black, elytra brownish, black at base and sides. Legs brownish yellow. 

L. 3-4 mm. Sfenus spp. Shining, black, parts brownish or reddish. L. 3-6 

mm. Pinophilus spp. Black, abdomenal margins, antennae, legs reddish. L. 

6-10 mm. D. dimidiatus. Shining red, elytra, apex of abdomen black. L. 8 

mm. Paederus spp. Shining red and blue black. L. 9 mm. or less. Astenus 

spp. Elongate, narrow, red and black, 3-5 mm. Scopaeus spp. Yellow, red 

and black. L. 3-4 mm. S. indicum. Reddish yellow, elytra brownish, L, 4- 

5 mm. Cryptobium spp. Elongate, depressed, red and black, antennae 

yellow, L. parumpunctatus. Brown, antennae reddish, legs yellowish. L. 6- 

7 mm. Philonthus spp. Black, inner borders of elytra, legs, antennae 

reddish. L. varies from 4-5 mm. to 9-12 mm. P, aencipennis. Black, 

elytra green, legs reddish. L. 8 mm. S. semipurpureus. 

Black with violet reflex, golden pubescence on elytra, 2 stripes on 

abdomen. L-23 mm. Discoxenus spp. Reddish, L. 2-3 mm. T. heimi. 

Brown, apex of abdomen yellow. L. 2 ram. and Dory- loxenus spp, 

Reddish yellow, black anal end, L. 2.5 mm. all live in termites nests. A. 

impressicollis. Reddish, abdomen black with yellowish bands. L. 3 ram. in 

termite nests. Zyras spp. Black, thorax red, legs reddish yellow. L, 3-8 

mm. D. heimi. Shining brown, blackish markings. L. 2.2 mm. 

FAUNA 480

Fam, Histeridae. Compact, hard, shining. Antennae clubbed. Elytra 

truncated, abdominal end exposed. Black or brown, a few marked with 

red. Some metallic. Feign death when frightened. Live under bark, dung or 

carrion, some in burrows of wood boring insects, a few in the nests of 

termites or ants. Larvae short with short legs, wrinkled, carnivorous. 

About 2,500 species described, about 150 recorded in India, No regular 

list for Maharashtra. 

P, dufali, Rat, black, predaceous on bark feeding insects, L. 3 mm. P. 

ceylonicus. Black, shining, 1 inm. H. ehinensis. Black, oval. L. 8-11 mm. 

Generally in cow dung, H, bimaculatus. Black, broad, big. L. 17-20 mm. 

A. parea. Black, roundish L. 1-2 mm. 

See Gardner J.C.M. (1935) Genera Insectorum. Histeridae- Niponina. 

Fam, Lycidae. Big family of minor importance, Not studied well. 

Diurnal, clustering on plants. Brightly coloured, conspicuous, distasteful 

to birds, About 2,800 species known, 400 in India (Klein 1931 Cat. Ind. 

Ins). larvae flat, small head, elytra corrugated, often brightly coloured. 

Only 3 known from Maharashtra. 

Lycostomus spp. Feed on sandal flowers. 

See Gravely F. H. (1915) Rec, Ind, Mus. /7:358 Lyropaeus and Trilobite 

larvae. 

Fam. Lampyridae (Fire flies and Glow worms) ( क जव) (Pt. V, Fig. 65 a 

& b), Nocturnal. Possess photogenic organs or tissues. All or only one 

stage may be luminiscent Winged adult male a ' fire fly’, wingless female ' 

glow worm ‘ More common in the rainy season. Eggs laid in soil, 

protected by mother in some species. Larvae flat, feed on soil insects, 

worms, snails etc. Pupate in soil or rotting wood. Generally adults do not 

feed but the male takes droplets of water and some females are 

cannibalastic. Life cycle may last a year or two. In fire flies the ventral 

FAUNA 481

portion of the abdomen luminous at its will. Females flat, each segment 

separate. 3 pairs of legs spread out. Males flat with sawlike artennae and 

striated elytra. About 1,100 species known, Indian species not listed, a few 

known from Maharashtra. 

L tenebrosus (Indian glow worm) Luminiscent in all stages, Male. Head 

black, pronotum brown, elytra soft, brown, shorter than abdomen. L. 20- 

30 mm. Female. Pale yellow, wingless, flat, thread like processes at tail 

end. Larva similar. Feeds on snails voraciously. Lampyris and Luciola spp. 

Males brownish yellow and black, large eyes, long elytra, L. 5-10 mm. 

Common in rains in shrubs. Good fireflies. Females feeble light producers, 

remain on ground. Diaphenes spp. rather similar. 

(See Paiva C. A.—1919 Rec. Ind, Mus. 16:19-28 Notes on Ind. 

Glowworm). 

Fam. Melyridae. Resemble Cleridae—brightly coloured cylindrical, 

perallel sided. Carnivorous or herbivorous. Larvae flattish; active, move 

fast on trees in search of insect larvae, molluscs etc. About 4,000 species 

known. Indian species not listed, a few in Maharashtra. 

H. fasciatus. Blue, orange stripes. L. 6 mm. Run about on crops and 

small plants. Idiga spp. Elongate, brown or blue elytra folded rooflike on 

body. L. about 10 mm. Feed on flowers. 

Fam. Cleridae. Brightly coloured, small, head and thorax smaller than 

elytra, sides parallel, body cylindrical, antennae slightly knobbed, head 

prominent, prothorax distinct. Active, found on trees, flowers, grasses etc. 

Some predaceous on boring insects. Larvae bright, slightly flattened, 

pronotum strongly protected, fleshy abdomen, often with swellings. About 

3,000 species described, less than 200 in India, a few in Maharashtra. 

Mecrobia spp. Elongate, cylindrical, blue. L. 4 mm. Household pests on 

ammal products like horns. T. notatus found with Bostrichid beetles, 

parasitic on them in bamboo roofs. L. 6-7 mm. 

FAUNA 482

Fam. Meloidae (Blister beetles) (PI. Y, Fig. 66") (किडा (Plहग, ळ, स स) 

Distinct neck joining head to thorax, elytra loose on abdomen, 

integument weak. Appendages to claws. L. 25 mm. or less, Colours blue, 

brown, green or dull. Antennae long, simple. Eyes large. Head bent down. 

An acrid oil cantharidin, irritant and of commercial value, exuded from 

apices of femora. Masses of eggs laid in soil or grasses. Active larvae feed 

on eggs of grass hoppers or larvae of Aculeate Hymenoptera. Adults 

diurnal, herbivorous, feed on flowers, occasionally on leaves. One brood 

in rainy season. About 2,000 species known, less than 100 in the Indian 

region, a few in Maharashtra. 

Z. pustulata. Black, wavy orange bands. L. 25-28 mm, On groundnut. M. 

balteata. Orange, wavv black bands. L. 15-25 mm, on grourdnut and 

grasses. G. rouxi. Yellow, elytra! tips rounded. L. 20-25 mm, A serious 

pest on earheads of paddy-cereals. Lytta spp. Green otherwise like G. 

rouxi. Epicauta sp. Red head, inverted V shaped mark on elytra I.. 10-11 

mm. on paddy. C. setacea on cowpea flowers. (See Iyer and Guha—1931 

—J. Ind. Inst. Scie. 14:A, 3:31). 

Fam. Anthicidael Beetles of this family, resembling ants, living in large 

numbers on the ground in herbage, grasses etc. are common but no record 

of them seems to have been made so far. Fam. Elateridae (Click beetles) 

(PI. V, Fig. 67). Striking beetles of small to medium size, brown, yellow or 

brightly coloured. Antennae varied. Head embedded in strong thorax, 

prothorax large, strong, hind corners produced, fitting well in elytra. 

Produce clicking sound, falling upside down, by a process in ventral 

surface. Larvae elongate, cylindrical, long upto 50 mm., mouth parts 

biting, legs for active burrowing. Habits differ widely e.g. (a) Larvae 

living in soil—wire worms—feed on vegetable matter, (b) larvae in wood 

or bark feed on wood, and (c) some larvae in soil or wood predaceous on 

other beetle grubs. About 7,000 species known, Indian not listed. Some 

species commonly found in Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 483

A. fuscipes. Black, 23-40 mm. Larva in soil and adult predaceous on 

cockchafer grubs. Long lived. Life cycle 1-2 years. L. sinensis in decaying 

wood. Black, 10-11 mm. M. melanocephalus. Thin, brown, elytral tips 

black. Cardiophorus spp. Brownish and black, elongate, 5-13 mm. (See 

Gardner J. C. M.—1930. Ind. For. Rec. 24(13) :283. Immature stages of 

Ind. Coleoptera—Elat.). 

Fam. Buprestidae. (PI. V, Fig. 68) Similar to Elateridae but hind angles 

of prothorax not produced, size 5-50 mm., beautiful metallic colours, some 

with efflorescence. Integument hard, head partly sunk in thorax closely 

fixed to elytra, legs short, folded at rest. Larvae borers of plants or miners 

of leaves, legless, thoracic segments flat, swollen into bulb. Abdomen 

long, slender. Mandibles strong. Pupate in larval galleries. About 12,000 

species described, Indian species commonly found in forest trees, a few as 

agricultural pests. Noted in Maharashtra are : 

S. gossypii. Shining, coppery brown, longish, efflorescent. L. 8- 10 .mm. 

Larva yellowish white, flattish, bores into cotton plant S. parotteti, 

burrows in groundnut stem, near soil. Aemaeodera spp. bore into various 

forest trees. Beetles black, irregular orange spots and bands. L. 6 mm. B. 

prasina. Bluish green, smooth, angles of pronotum red. L. 25 mm. in forest 

trees and mango. P. fastuosa, Metallic bluish green, 20-25 mm, on Acacias 

and teak. T. bicolor. Dark bluish, small. A leaf miner of Butea, causes 

brown blisters on leaves, T. ipomoea causes similar damage to sweet 

potato. 

Fam. Dermestidae. (Wooly bears) ( अस्तकांतीवल ) Small, clothed with fine hair 

or scales. Antennae short, clubbed. Whole life cycle passed in the same 

material. Free living larvae predaceous, under bark of trees. Household 

species feed on skins, hides, horns, wool, cheese, stored insects etc. 

Larvae hairy in tufts, oval, elongate, brown. Eggs do not hatch until 

favourable conditions occur. Larva and adult can live long even without 

food. Serious enemies of natural history specimens. Less than 100 species 

known, a few from India. 

FAUNA 484

Anthrenus spp. attack woolens, carpets, hair stufiings ctc. of animal 

origin. Adult oval with white, yellow, black and red markings. L. 3 mm. 

Larva brown with bristly hair, 6-7 mm. Life cycle 1-3 years. D. vulpinus. 

Skin beetle. Black above, white below, L. 10-12 mm. Breeds in stored 

skins, meat, cheese, dried fish, silk cocoons etc. T, versicolor. Small, 

brown. Serious pest on preserved entomological specimens and on stored 

grains. 

Fam, Trogositidae. Small, dark, antennae short, terminal segments 

dilated on one side. Prothorax robust, legs short, elytra light. Generally 

under tree bark, decaying wood Predaceous. T. mauritanica (‘Cadelle') 

however, found in stored grains, flowers, almonds etc. Adult brown to 

black, flattish, 7-8 mm. Larva white, cylindrical, rather hairy. L. 18-20 

mm. 

Fam. Nitidulidae. Small, brown or black, slightly pubescent. Resemble 

Staphylinidae. Vary in shape, diet etc. Mostly feed on fermenting fruit 

juices, flowers, sugarcane or on fungi and moulds or on fresh pollen. Also 

found in carcases, flesh and bones. Some predaceous on bark beetles. 

About 2,200 species described, 250 in the Indian region; about 8 in 

Maharashtra but no details available. 

Fam, Cucujidae. Small to large, brown, flattened. Antennae long. 

Generally under tree bark, decaying wood and stored produce. No 

literature on Indian species. A few known in Maharashtra. 

C. advena. L. 2 mm. in stored grains, lac and seeds. Hectarthrum spp. 

Black shining, L, 12-15 mm. robustly built, predaccous on Coleopterous 

larvae, O. surinamensls (Saw toothed grain beetle). A world wide pest on 

stored grain, flour, dry fruit etc, Edges of thorax serrated, L. 2 mm. 

Fam, ErotyUidae including Languridae (PL V, Fig. 69), Brilliant, small, 

antennae clubbed. Feed on mushrooms and in plant stems infested with 

FAUNA 485

moss and fungus. About 2,000 species known, less than 300 in the Indian 

region, a few in Maharashtra. 

M. eribricollis. Shining black, 2 orange patches on elytra. L. 5-6 mm. 

Megalodaene spp. Black, plain or with orange bars. L, 6-9 mm. C 

hispidus. Brownish, greyish bristles, antennae and underside reddish 

yellow. L, 3-4 mm. in termite nest, A. bombayensis. Bright red, elytra 

blue. L. 5 mm. 

MI. 

Fam. Endomychidae. Antennae strongly clubbed. Abdomen with 5-6 

segments visible from underside. Feed on fungus on timber. Small, 

hemispherical to elongate, slightly bigger. Larvae broad, ovate. About 600 

species described, 150 in Indian region. 

E, vicinus. Black, red half circle and a narrow bar on elytra. L. 9-11 mm. 

S bicolor. Bright brownish red, elytra partly black, antennae brown. L. 3-4 

tnm. Attracted to light. S. ferruginea. Straw coloured, antennae dark, partly 

brownish. L 4 mm. 

FAUNA 486

Fam. Coccirtellidae ( किडा (Pl1 कद र भातावरीलगर ) (PI. V, Fig 70). Usually round, 

convex, head sunk in thorax, antennae clubbed, generally spotted. Some 

insectivorous—on aphids, coccids etc. a few phytophagus. Larvae spiny, 

active, brightly coloured, tapering, broad in front. Can subsist on soft parts 

of plant. Eggs laid in a rectangular mass under the host leaves. Beetles 

gregarious. Pass resting period in groups. Nearly 5,000 species known. 

Indian species not listed, a good number found in Maharashtra. 

C. septempunctata. Larvae slate coloured with yellow patches. Adult 

yellowish or reddish with 7 black spots. C. repanda. Three black curved 

bands, a spot in centre. Both the species feed on aphids, psyllids, scales 

etc. T. cincta. Larva yellowrish, 4 rows of black spots on back, adult 

round, yellowish, feed on fungus bodies and on aphids on jowar, cotton, 

brinjal etc, C. 'sexmaculata. Widely distributed. Yellow or orange, anchor 

shaped mark on thorax, two zig zag lines and a black dot on each elytra. 

Black markings may be absent or the insect may be fully black. C. 

nigritus. Round, black, shining. E. dodecastigma 

(किडा (Pl1 कभातावरीलगर(व ग्यातील यी)

Fam. Tenebrionidae. (PI. V, Fig. 71) (Fam. Cistelidae also similar but no 

species recorded in Maharashtra). Generally black, common in deserts and 

drier places, herbivorous, body hard, flat, globular, elytra fitting over body 

or soldered in apterous forms. L. 2-15 mm. Larvae in ground, look like 

wire worms, tough, cylindrical. Feed on vegetable matter, a few damage 

flours and grains badly. About 10,000 species known, 400 in the Indian 

region, about 30 in Maharashtra. 

Ethas sp. Keeled, long thin thorax and head, abdomen slightly broader. 

Derosphoerus sp. Long, cylindrical, black, thin ridges and furrows. L. 15- 

22 mm, Both in decaying wood. P. scriptipennis. Brownish orange, black 

band on elytra. L. 1-2 mm. in decaying wood. Ceropria spp. Shining black, 

10 mm., in rotton wood or under bark. T. castaneum and ferrugineum. 

Small, 5 mm. brown, flattish. Cosmopolitan pests of stored products e.g. 

flours, grain, insect store, furniture etc. Gonocephalum spp. Black to 

brownish, elongate thorax as broad as abdomen, edges curved up, 

generally covered up with sand. L. 8-14 mm. Larva yellowish brown, 

feeds on rootlets of sugarcane, coffee, weeds etc. M. villiger. Black or 

brown, flat, 7-8 mm. Cosmopolitan A nuisance in houses, fall from the 

root and cover the whole ground. Breed in decaying leaves, old trees, 

decaying vegetable matter and thatched roofs. C depresses. Resembles 

seed. Thorax, elytra produced into curved thin lamella, like a Cassid 

beetle. L. 13-15 mm. 

See Gardner J. C. M. (1929-31) Ind. For. Rec. 14:16 Immature stages of 

Indian Coleoptera. 

Fam. Ptinidae and Anobiidae. Small, intendment hard, cylindrical, head 

merged in thorax, antennae fully clubbed. Larvae thick set, white, fine 

haired, hunch backed. Almost all borers in drugs, tobacco, dried fruit, 

flours, mealy powders and furniture. Larval head small, eyes distinct body 

finely wrinkled. Tunnel into the food, feed and pupate inside. About 500 

species described, a few recorded from India. Some important ones found 


FAUNA 488

P. fur. A museum pest. A. panicea in books, papers, dry wood, dry 

vegetable matter. Can produce a sound ‘ Death Watch ' by knocking its 

head against wood in the tunnel. L. testacea. Broad, pubescent brown, 5 

lines on elytra, bores into cigars, cigarettes, cured tobacco, turmeric etc 

Fam. Bostrychidae. Small, compact, cylindrical, hard thickened 

integument, legs short, tibiae broadened. In some species, the toothed 

prothorax conceals the head, in some hind portion truncated and toothed, 

antennae elbowed at top on one side. Generally eggs laid in tunnels bored 

by mother in dry wood. Larvae white soft, strong thorax, tapering and 

curled behind, eyes absent, feed inside. Pupae naked. Commonly known 

as ‘ Powder post beetles'! Less than 600 species known, nearly 100 in the 

Indian region. A few recorded in Maharashtra. 

B. bengalensis bores in tent poles and pegs. B. parallela, A common 

borer in bamboos, mango wood etc. H, equalis attacks timbers, packing 

cases, boxes, plywood pannels, sapwood in furniture and buildings. 

Common in saw mills. S. atratum bores into living saplings or seedlings of 

sandalwood causing die back S. anale the most common powder post 

beetle. S. anobioides, a cosmopolitan borer. X. ornatus. Wide spread, 

variable in size and markings, bores into climbers, logs of wood about to 

die, pest on Acacia, Bauhinia, Bombax etc. X. flavipes. Common in moist 

subtropical parts, not found in higher altitudes, attacks mango, jambool, 

Terminalia etc. R. dominica ( धील माश् न्यातील यी)

of this family. However, some biological groups have been accepted by 

many and are defined on the basis of larval and adult food. 

Group 1. Cetoninae (PL V, Fig. 72) Brilliant colours, day flying, mouth 

parts soft. Larvae generally feed in decaying vegetable matter including 

roots. Some inhabit ants nests for this purpose. About 2,500 species 

known, 250 in India and about 20 in Maharashtra. 

D. cuvera. Black, shining, red patch on pronotum, yellow on elytra, 

abdomenal end red. L. 15-19 mm. Heterorrhina spp. Green to blue, oval, 

elongate. L. 18-26 mm. Protaetia spp. Shades of black, shining, irregular 

patches or spots, globose, compact. L. 13-28 mm. P. alboguttata. Metallic 

green or blue, white spots, elongate, oval. L. 33- 22 miu. Larva feeds in 

decaying leaf mould and nurseries. C. acuta with golden pubescence, 

depressed. lJ 14-18 mm. Swarm in leguminous flowers. C. klugi, Black or 

chocolate, orange bands and spots. L, 13-17 mm. Pest on Tectonia roots. 

A. orichalcea. Green, blue, purplish or Mack, parts orange red. Long, 

narrow, rather flat, L. 36- 40 mm. tunnels in pandanus. Coenochilus spp. 

Black or reddish, silky hair, legs slender. L. 12-14 to 19-20 mm. 

Group 2 Dynastinae. Striking, large. Nocturnal, not commonly met with. 

Males' and females differ widely in appearance due to horn development 

of males. Some have stridutalorv organs. Early life passed in compost or 

tree trunks, adults feed on palm leaves or fronds. A few attack roots of 

sugarcane, rice etc. in larval stage. More than 1,000 species described, 

about 50 in the Indian region and four in Maharashtra. 

O rhinoceros. ( डी, नाडत च्या पानयी)

lines. L. 16-24 mm. Pest on paddy roots, Group 3 Melolonthinae. Now 

treated as a separate family. Antennae with a knob of closely folded 

leaflets. Elytra not covering abdomen fully. All claws of equal size. 

Includes cockchafers. Thick set, fairly large to small, prothorax large, 

rounded, head small, forelegs broadened, hind spiny. Larvae soft, stout, 

wrinkled, curved, last segment very big. Feed in decaying vegetable 

matter or on roots of plants. Very harmful. Pupate deep in soil. Life cylce 

about a year. Nocturnal, attracted to light. 

Apogonia spp Small 6-9 mm. brown, globular, shining. Feed in swarms 

on leaves of Ficus, Bombax, Tectona etc. Holotrichia spp. defoliate 

Shorea, Tectona, Cassia. H. pulvinosa. Brown, stout, 20 mm. L, serrata. 

Pest in gardens and sugarcane fields. M. cotesi defoliates garden trees. 

Serica spp. Brown globose. L. 7-12 mm. Come to light. 

Group 4 Reutelinae. (PL V, Fig. 73). Mostly brightly coloured. Similar to 

Melolonthinae but claws of unequal size. Eggs laid in soil, increase in size 

after laying. Larvae feed on roots of grasses or plants for 6 to 9 months, 

pupate in soil. Adults emerge in swarms and feed in groups. About 400 

species recorded in India, about 30 in Maharashtra. 

Tropiorrhynchus spp. Metallic green or yellow thin, with or without 

patches or lines. L. 11-14 mm. Popilia spp. Oval, stout, convex, metallic 

green or golden. L. 10-11 mm. A. dorsalis. Reddish or yellowish, head, 

inner borders of elytra and hind legs black. L. 14- 17 mm. Pest on Crinium 

latifolium. Cosmopolitan. A. varians. Brownish yellow. L. 20-25 mm. 

Larva in sugarcane roots. Attracted to light. Other Anomala species, Straw 

coloured, head and legs with different colours. Oval, Vary from 11 to 23 

mm. Larvae feed on plant or grass roots. II. indica. Yellowish, head black, 

tarsi red. L. 13-16 mm. Attacks Shorea. Adoretus spp. Mostly nocturnal. 

Hide in soil by day. Feed on leaves of cultivated plants e.g. rose, cannas, 

mango etc. by night. Attracted to light. Colours deep brown to yellowish, 

generally plain, a few with spots and stripes. L. 8- 14 mm. 

FAUNA 491

Group 5 Coprinae, Round or oval, convex. Mandibles weak. Live in 

dung, Real ‘ Dung rollers ’ Dung rolled into a ball, rolled to suitable places 

for food. Useful and benevolent as scavengers of abnoxious material. 

Single egg laid in a hollow ball in underground chamber. Larva feeds 

inside, pupates there, A few breed in ant nests. Life cycle 6-8 weeks. 

Indian region records about 400 species, about 80 in Maharashtra. 

Gymnopleurus spp. Broad, depressed, blackish blue, green or violet with 

or without designs of bristles, colour underneath different, L, 6- 20 mm, 

Sisyphus spp. Spider like body, compressed laterally, long posterior legs, 

hairy above, smooth beneath. Black, reddish bristles unevenly distributed. 

L. 4-10 mm, H, bucephalus. Massive, front tibiae with 3 teeth, posterior 

swollen, No scutellum. Black, elytra and underside red, covered with hair. 

L. 39-55 mm Cosmopolitan. Catharsius spp. Very similar, one or two more 

furrows in elytra and hind legs. Blackish, opaque, hairy. L. 15 to 37 mm. 

Copris spp. Body compact, smooth above, convex, head broad, 

semicircular. Black, shining, lutennae and part of lower surface red. L. 11- 

22 mm. 

C. aterrimus. Short thorax hollow, front tibiae short, broad with Insects 

straight teeth. Black, legs and antennae reddish. L. 3-5 mm. 

O. imperator. Metallic green, elytra reddish, inner margins green. L. 14-20 

mm. O. tardus. Coppery green or blue, elytra yellow. L. 6-9 mm. (A good 

pollen carrier story by M. Cleghorn 1914 J. Asi. Soc. Beng. 10:421). O. 

vultur. Black, antennae red. L. 8 mm. feeds on dead locusts. O. catta. 

Brownish yellow, partly green or coppery black. L. 8-13 mm. widely 

distributed. Males known as ' Gazella "—antelope and females ' Cotta '— 

metallicus. Other species spread all over Maharashtra of this genus, vary 

from 5-20 mm., black or blue-black, shining underneath, partly yellow or 

reddish. L. rhadamistus. Orange yellow, pronotum, margins, spots and 

bars on elytra, greenish or bluish black. L. 11-15 mm. Oniticellus pallipes. 

Orange yellow, speckled brown or black, elongate. L. 6-9 mm. D. setosus. 

Black, antennae and tarsi reddish. Elongate oval, pronotum with shallow 

FAUNA 492

large pits. L. 4-6 mm. Onitis spp. Black, reddish yellow hair, clypeus 

elyptical. L. 16-23 mm. H. heimi. Blackor red or in parts, broadly oval, 

hemispherical. L. 2-3 mm. in the nest of Phidole ant. 

See Fletcher T. B. (i919) Rep. Pro. 3rd £nto. Meet. Pusa pp. 165- 183 

Annotated list of crop pests. 

Hingston R. W. G. (1923) A naturalist in Hindustan pp. 209-274. 

Fam. Lucanidae (Stag beetles), ( स भातावरीलर किडा (Plकडी, नाडत) (P. V, Fig. 74) Smooth, 

shining, elytra covering the body. Mandibles in males greatly developed 

,often equal to the rest of the body, in females usually small and stout. Size 

varies greatly even in same species in all respects. Generally inhabit thick 

moist forests and high altitudes. Larvae fleshy, strongly curved, 

stridulating. Feed in decaying or soft logs of wood, never in hard or 

seasoned wood, in irregular tunnel for a year or two and pupate inside in 

debris. About 900 species known, about 150 in the Indian region, 2-3 

small ones in Maharashtra. 

D. curvipes. Black, female shining, male dull, convex, eyes prominent, a 

curved spinde on thorax. Elytra punctured, pointed at shoulder. L. 12-20 

mm. 11-14 mm. Female excluding mandibles. F. caviceps. Black, shining 

punctured above, a double hump in hind part of head, depression in front, 

a laminar projection. L. 9-10 mm. 

Fam. Passalidae consists of black or dark brown beetles fairly big, 

flattened with elytra longitudinally striated, covering abdomen fully. 

Resemble Tenebrionidae. Soft wood borers. Can produce notes. Not 

common in Maharashtra. 

Fam. Cerambycidae. (PI. V, Fig. 75) (झुरळ) (P डी, नाडत पुडी, ना खरणी)

Larvae, legless with powerful mandibles, stoat tnorax, tunnel, feed inside 

wood. Dorsal plate on each segment. Pupate in tunnel after 3 months to 3 

years, according to seasons, localities and species. About 15,000 species 

known, more than 1.200 in the Indian region, about 25 recorded in 

Maharashtra, M. crenata. Brown, antennae and legs reddish, a pair of 

depressed triangles on thorax, 2 spots in front and bands behind. L. 37-52 

mm. Attacks Tamarind, Bombax, Eucalyptus etc. P. sanguinolentus. Black, 

two red or yellow bands on elytra, prothorax with a spine. L. 12-21 mm. 

Pachyteria fasciata. Metallic blue, part of antennae, a band on elytra 

yellow. L. 24-29 mm. X. subeutalatus. Dark brown, pubescent, prothorax 

with a black band and spots, irregular bands on elytra. L. 10-17 mm. B. 

rubus. Big, yellowish, elongate with orange spots, a spine on each side of 

thorax. L. 55-65 mm. Larva 70-80 mm. bores into mango, tamarind and 

such other trees. C. sea- brata. Grey or yellow, wavy orange bends on 

elytra, black bands on antennae. L, 25-35 mm. Generally on Casuarina, 

mulberry etc. O. bilobus. Brown, white spots on elytra, pest on fig. A. 

pertigera. Small 10-12 mm. Brownish with white irregular patches, attacks 

cucurbits. G. spilota. Head and thorax black, elvtra reddish, tip black. 

Black areas banded white. L. 10-12 mm. Pest on Bombax. M. nivosus. 

Blackish brown, velvety, big white patch on elytra. L. 23-28 mm. In Akh 

—Rui (Caloiropis). 

Fam. Chrysomclidae.. (PI, V, Fig. 76). Rather small, brightly coloured, 

smooth with simple legs. Almost all plant pests feeding mostly on leaves. 

Divided into a number of groups of similar habiis. Life history differs in 

dliferent groups. About 26,000 species known so far, less than 3,000 in the 

Indian region. Maharashtra records about 150. 

S, femorata. Metallic blue or green, depressed at base of elytra, legs 

toothed. L. 16-20 mm. Feeds on Doliehos, Fabia etc. Lema spp, breed in 

grasses and plants. Yellow and black, L. 4-6 mm. L, flavimana, legs 

robust, elytra violet blue. L. subiridea purplish. C. impressa yellowish, 

black or deep brown beneath with silver patches. L. 7-10 mm. Feed on 

Ficus spp. and flowers of Callicarpa, Dioscorea etc. C. palliata. Yellowish, 

FAUNA 494

antennae, legs black, black spots on elytra. L. 12-15 mm. Cosmopolitan. 

Cryptocephalus spp. Yellow and black with spots and bands of various 

types, a few reddish. L. 2-5 mm. 

Nodina spp. Greenish, antennae, legs yellowish, black beneath, elongate. 

L, 1-2 mm. Pagria spp. Black or brownish, antennae yellowish, yellowish 

spots on elytra. L. 2-4 mm. One species brown. Callisina spp. Shining 

black, 2 rectangular, 2 elongate spots. L. 4- 5 mm. Colasposoma spp 

Metallic blue or violet, L. 6-8 mm. C. ornatum. Coppery, blui-h bands 

and borders to elytra. Tricliona spp. Various colours, mostly yellow and 

black or brown or red. L. 3-5 mm. 

FAUNA 495

C. macuncoms Yeuowisn, 2 black patches on thorax, elytrabrown. 

L. 3 mm. C. fulvoaenea. Apterous, dirty yellow, brassy gloss. L. 8 mm, 

H. unicolor. Sliining yellow brown, oblong, narrow, universal. 

A.foveicollis (abdominalis) (भातावरील पुडी, नाळ्या) Moयी)

Hispa group. Agriculturally important. Adults generally covered with 

long, stout, upright spines or pitted in lines. Legs short, elytra often 

truncated, metallic black, brown or other colours. Often cryptic. Eggs laid 

in tissues of plants, flat larva mines in leaf or tender shoots, pupates inside. 

Adults small, generally feed on epidermis. Diapause in adult stage. 

E. chinensis. Variable. Generally elongate, stout blunt antennae, elytra 

punctured in lines. Light brown black. L. 10-16 mm. Pest on bamboo. L. 

pygmaea. (व टाचणी)

H. tenuicula. Quadrate, narrow behind. Brownish black, yellowish patch 

in elytral expansion. L. 5 mm. C. leayana Oblong varies in colour, 

prothorax yellowish edged black, elytra greenish bronze, violet margin. L. 

14-16 mm. on Gmelina arborea—Shevanti. ( शांचे टोवमिशांचे तुर)

See : Fletcher T. B. (1919) Rep. Proc. 3rd Ento. Meeting, Pusa. 

Kunhi Kannan K. (1919) Bull. 6 Mys. Dept. Agr. Ent. Ser pp. 31. 

Fam. Brenthidae. Small to medium, elongate, long straight rostrum. 

Similar to weevils (Curculionidae). Males larger, differ in structure from 

females. Usually bare, shining, dull brown or ferrugineous. Almost all 

borers in wood, or under bark, a few in ant nests. Life cycle nearly a year. 

About 1,700 species described, less than 300 in the Indian region, 10-15 in 

Maharashtra specially on west coast. No details available. 

Fam. Anthribidae. Economically not important. Borers of wood, seed or 

fruit. Vary in shape and size. Life cycle about a year. Adults long lived. 

More than 2,000 species described, a large number recorded in India but 

not listed; species in Maharashtra not known. 

Fam. Curculionidae (Weevils) (टाचणी)

with deep lines. L. 13-14 mm. T. pinceps. 7 mm. Black with green scaling 

feeds on cotton leaves, beans in rice fields. L. angustula Black, scanty 

scaling, coppery reflections, darker markings. L. 5-6 mm, E. lacerta. Grey 

to brown, generally 2 white stripes on thorax, dark lateral stripe, a large 

patch, about 6 spots. L. 8-13 mm. Pest on beans in rice fields, Erythrina, 

millets, pulses, cotton bark etc. (Fletcher. Some S. Indian Insects P. 327). 

Ptochus spp. Black or brown, red antennae. L. 2-6 mm. 

M. catechu. Black, metallic green scales, prothorax with stripes on each 

side. L. 2-3 mm. oil leaves of A. catechu. M. pretiosus. Similar with 3 

black stripes on thorax and a few black spots. L. 3- 4 mm. on brinjal 

leaves. M. dorsatus. Blackish green or golden scales, 3 black stripes on 

thorax, elytra mottled with conjoined dark spots. L. 4-5 mm. on leaves of 

sword beans—Canavalia. M. iransmarinus. Black, brown scales often 

mottled with grey. L. 3-6 mm. Cosmopolitan—on Zizyphus, cotton, 

Dalbergia etc, M. subfasciatus. Similar, with 3 faint stripes on prothorax, 

elytra with bands. L. 4-6 mm. on brinjal, potato leaves. M. discolor 

variegatus. Black, fawn scales, pale markings. L. 5-7 mm. Omnivorous. 

M. 11 pustulatus. Grey scales, 11 spots on elytra. L. 4-6 mm. 

Cosmopolitan on millets, cotton etc, M. 11 p. marmoratus with broken 

stripes instead of spots. 

L. brachyrrhinus. Widely distributed, mostly on Amaranthus and niger. 

Larva produces galls in the stem. C. formicarius. fSweet potato weevil) ( 

रतुर)

compact, red, velvety, 6 spots on thorax. L. 25-30 mm. Bores in palms, 

specially coconut. C. sordidus. Elongate, black, big sloping thorax. L, 10- 

12 mm. Attacks plantain stems at roots. C. oryzae (Rice weevil). Small 3-4 

mm. Brownish black, cylindrical, beak curved. Feed and breed in grain 

stores in both larval and adult stage. Cosmopolitan. C, stigmaticollis. 

Minute, dark. Bores in stems of coconut in Ratnagiri District. 

See Ayyar T. V. R, (1922) Bull. 125 Agr. Res. Inst, Pusa Weevil 

fauna of S, I 

Fletcher T. B (1919) Rep. Proc. 3rd Ento, Meet. Pusa Annotated list of 

crop pests. 

Gardner J. C. M. (1934-38) Ind. For Rec. 20 and N. S. 3 Immature 

stages. 

Gardner J. C. M. (1931-38) Ind. For. Rec. 16. Ent. / and 3 New Indian 

Curculionidae. 

Tarn. Platypodidae (Pinhole and shot hole borers). Small weevils with 

rostrum short. Fitting tightly in the galleries they bore in logs or 

ussceptible trees. Legless larvae also found in similar galleries. About 

5,000 species known, a large number found in the Indian region, but not 

fully, systematically recorded or described. About 5 recorded lasers in 

Maharashtra. 

Refer Beeson C. F. C. (1914) Ind. For. Rec. 14:209 Biology of the genus 

Xyleborus. 

Stebbing E, P. (1907) J. Bom. Nat. Hist. Soc, 18:18 Effect of moonlight on 

the attack of shoot borers. 

FAUNA 501

Order Strepsiptera (Stylops) 

A small order of about 300 species. Nothing much is known in India of 

these except that other insects like bees, crickets, some homopterous 

species are parasitised—stylopised by them. The male active, front wing 

twisted and degenerated, hindwing folded like a fan, Fertilises the female, 

almost a wingless sac, in the body of the host. The young shoot out and 

hop like fly maggots, attach to the body of the adult hosts and are thus 

carried to the nests where fresh infection takes place. Adult male about 2 

ram. Larva (triangulin) 0.1 to t'5 mm. 

See Subramaniyam T. V. fl922) Tr. Ent. Soc Lond. p. 131 New genus of 

Strepsiptera, 

Rec. Ind. Mus. 34-A3 (1932) New genus of Strepsiptera. 

FAUNA 502

Fig ! 

Plate I 

FAUNA 503

Plate II 

Plate III 

FAUNA 504

FAUNA 505

Plate IV 

FAUNA 506

Plate V 

FAUNA 507

CHAPTER 4 —SPIDERS 

The Arachnida may be distinguished from the Hexapoda (Insecta) 

Chilopoda (Centipedes), and Diplopoda (Millipedes) by the entire absence 

of the pair of feeler-like appendages, known as antennae, on the head and 

also by the fact that there is no differentiated head having two or three 

pairs of appendages modified to act as jaws. In the remaining great class 

of Arthropoda — the Crustacea — which possesses numerous terrestrial 

species, there arc two pairs of antenni- form appendages at the anterior 

end of the body and at least three pairs of appendages modified as jaws. 

The Arachnida are viviparous or oviparous. The young are born or 

hatched from the egg in a form substantially resembling their parents, and 

except in the case of the Acari (Mites and Ticks), growth is not 

accompanied by metamorphosis, the characters of the adult being 

gradually assumed with each successive moult of ihe integument. 

Classification— Including the marine form Limulus, and the two 

degenerate groups Tardigrada and Pentastomida, whose claims to be 

regarded as Arachnida arc somewhat slender, the members of this class 

may be grouped into the following orders : 

L Scorpions, 2. Uropygi, 3. Amblypygi, 4, Araneae, 5. Solifugae, 

6. Palpigradi, 7. Pseudoscorpiones, 8. Opiliones, 9. Acari. 

This part only deals with the Araneae (spiders), recorded so far from 

Maharashtra State. 

Order Araneae (Spiders) 

The body of a spider consists of two regions, the cephalothorax and the 

abdomen, having four pairs of legs and modified organs of prehen¬sion. 

the chelicerae. 

Spiders differ from other Arachnida in having the abdomen unsegmented 

and joined to the cephalothorax by a narrow stalk. There is a single small 

FAUNA 508

family of spiders, Liphisiidae, in which the abdomen is segmented; 

representatives of this family occur only in Hurtna and from Malay 

Paninsula to Sumatra. In the genus Tetrablemma, found in Ceylon, the 

abdomen bears a series of plates, which are evidently Spiders vestiges of a 

segmented condition. But in all Indian spiders the abdomen is sac-like. 

In spiders the cephalothorax, like the abdomen, is unsegmented, 

although frequently the head and the thorax are slightly separated by a 

furrow, the cervical groove. In such cases, most writers refer to the head as 

the cephalic part, or the pars thoracica ; But the simple terms head and 

thorax are sufficient for all purposes, and will be used when it is necessary 

to refer to the principal divisions of the cephalothorax. The hard 

integument forming the dorsal wall of the cephalothorax is termed the 

carapace. 

The head is that portion of the cephalothorax which bears the eyes and 

so-called mouth-parts, the appendages that are used for seizing and 

chewing the prey. It is either slightly or not at all separated from the thorax 

; but it is almost always easily distinguished. 

The abdomen is soft skinned and oval in form. Not infrequently it is 

horny. The generative organs and the anterior pair of breathing-organs 

open ventrally along a curved groove, the genital fold, which marks off the 

fore part of the abdomen as the epigastric area. These breathing organs or 

pulmonary sacs are covered by plates or opercula, and the integument in 

front of the genital aperture is in many females horny and variously 

modified to form an organ, the vulva or epigyne. The breathing organs of 

the posterior pair are either operculate pulmonary sacs or tracheal tubes 

with simple apertures, which rarely open sepa¬rately behind the genital 

fold, but more commonly unite to form a single aperture situated iust in 

front of the spinning mamillae. 

There are usually three pairs of spinning mamillae attached to the hinder 

end of the lower surface of the abdomen an anterior and inter-mediate and 

FAUNA 509

posterior pair. Each of the latter consists of a single segment, the others of 

two or three segments. 

Males are almost invariably smaller, sometimes very much smaller, ilian 

females, and may be always recognized by the modification of the tarsus 

of the palp to act as an intromittent organ. This organ appears only at 

maturity. Similarly in the females the genital aperture is opened and the 

vulva fully formed only at the last moult, when maturity is reached. AS 

spiders are oviparous. The eggs are enveloped in a silky cocoon, and are 

disposed of in various ways by the mother. 

Spiders are cosmopolitan in distribution and occur as far lionh as 

Greenland and Spitzbergen. List of Species in Maharashtra 

Family I—Eresidae 

1.Stegudyphus mirandusPocock 

2.S. sarasinorumRarsch 

3.S. pacific as Pocock 

4.S. social isPocock 

Family II—Scytodidae 

5.Scytodes propinquaStoliczka 

6.S. thoracica (Latreille) 

7 .Lo.xosceles indrabelesTikader 

family III—Ditynidae 

8.Dictvna rebaiIikader 

9.D. shiprai Tikader 

10.D. umai I ikader 

11.D. bedeshaiTikader 

12.D. JungabhadraiTikader 

13.D. chandraiTikader 

family IV —Oecobi idac 

14.Oecobius putus Cambridge 

15.O. marathaus Tikader 

Family V—Filistatidae 

FAUNA 510

16.filistata pconaensisTikader 

FamilyVI—Pholeidae 

17.Artema atlantaWalckenaer 

18.Crossopriza lyoni(Blackwall) 

Family VII—Theridiidae 

19.Lcirodceuts hasseliiiSimon 

20.Aqyrodes cyrtophoreTikader 

21.A. jamkhedes Tikader 

22.A. gouri Tikader 

23.A. dipali Tikader 

Family VIII—'Tetragnathidae 

24.Tetragrtatha geniculataKarsch 

25.T. mandibulaiaWaick 

26.Eucta javana Thorell 

Family IX—Argyopidae 

27Argyope pulchellaThorell 

28 .A. arcuata Simon 

29.Cyrtophora citricola(Forskal) 

30.C. cicatrosa (Sloliczka) 

31.Gasteracantha geminata(labri.) 

32.G. leucomelaetiaDo!esc. 

33.G. brevispinaDolesc. 

34.Cyrtarachne ranicepsPocock 

35.C. sundari Tikader 

36.C. promilai Tikader 

37.Leucauge decoraia(Blackwallj 

38.L. celebesiarta(Walck.) 

39.Nephila maculata(Fabri.) 

40.Herennia o mat is si maDolesc 

41.Araneus mitifica(Thorell) 

42.A. rumpfi Thorell 

43.Cyclosa insulana(Costa) 

FAUNA 511

44.C. confraga (Thorell) 

45.C. niulmeinsis (Thorell) 

46.C. moonduensis Tikader 

47.Ordgarius hobsoni(Cambridge) 

48.Chorizopes anjanesTikader 

49.C. khan janes Tikader 

50.Cladomelea mundhvaTikader 

Family X—Hersiliidae 

51.Hersilia savignyiLucasFamily XI—Thomisidae 

52.Thomisus pooneusTikader 

53.T. shivajiensisTikader 

54.T. lobosus Tikader 

55.T. katrajghatusTikader 

56.Xysticus minutusTikader 

57.OxypUla maratha(Tikader) 

58.Philodromus betrabataiTikader 

59.P. bhagirathaiTikader 

60.P. kendrabataiTikader 

61.P. maliniae Tikader 

62.P. mohiniae Tikader 

63.P. devhutai Tikader 

64.Ebo bharatae Tikader 

65.Misumena menokaTikader 

66.M, indra Tikader 

67.M. greenae Tikader 

68.M. silveryi Tikader 

69.Tmar us kotigeharusTikader 

70.Runcinia roonwaliTikader 

71.Misutnenoides deccanesTikader 

72.Pasias marathasTikader 

73.Misumenops khandalaensisTikader 

74.Amyciaea forticepsCambridge 

FAUNA 512

75.Monaeses parvatiTikader 

76.Thanatus dhakuricusTikader 

77.T. mandali Tikader 

78.Tibellus elongatusTikader 

79.T. chaturshingiTikader 

80.T. poonaensisTikader 

81./ . katrajghatus T ikader 

Family XII—Lycosidae 

82.Hippasa pantherinaPocock 

83.II.pisaurinaPocock 

84.Lycosa sumatranaThorell 

85.L. fletcheri Gravely 

86.L. birmanica (Simon) 

FamilyXIII—Oxyopidae 

87.Oxyopes chittaraeTikader 

88.O. sushilae Tikader 

89.Peucetia chopraiTikader 

Family XIV—Salticidae 

90.Marpissa tigrinaTikader 

Notes on Species 

The family Eresidae is distinguished by the following characters : 

Cephalothorax very wide in front (resembling at first sight that of 

Salticidae) ; cephalic region high ; clypeus low; four median eyes forming 

a small quadrangle narrower in front than behind, the anterior lateral eyes 

on the side of the head, the posterior lateral far remote from the rest of the 

eyes and situated high up on the posterior portion of the head. Abdomen 

very heavy, over hanging cephalothorax; cribellum thick transversely 

divided. A single genus Stegodyphus occurs in Maharashtra. 

The commonest form is the social spider Stegodyphus sarasinorum 

Karsch. This spider is gregarious in its habits. It spins a labyrinthine tube, 

which ends blindly at one end and the other end expands into a broad 

FAUNA 513

sheet, which however, is smaller than that spun by the genus Hippasa 

(family Lycosidae). 

This species does not sting the prey to death, but feeds on the captive 

alive, all members of the colony sharing the same victim. Spiderlings 

hatch in the month of October and November and feed on their parents, 

hibernating in webtubes in winter. Two other species Stegodyphus 

pacificus and Stegodyphus mirandus also occur in the State but are not so 

widely distributed as sarasinorum. 

Species of the family Scytodidae have the cephalothorax usually very 

high behind. Eyes six in number. Labium fused with sternum. Legs very 

long and slender. Two genera occur. In the genus Scytodes, the 

cephalothorax is high and subglobose behind and slopes forward. Eyes six, 

small and light coloured, arranged in three widely separated pairs. Of the 

two species in Maharashtra, Scytodes propinqua and Scytodes thoracica, 

the latter has a wide distribution in the old and new worlds. 

Spiders of the genus Loxoceles are medium sized, yellowish or brownish 

in colour and without conspicuous markings. The cephalothorax is low 

and depressed. The anterior row of eyes is strongly recurved. The palpus 

of the male is rather simple. A single species Loxosoceles indrabeles 

newly described from Poona in 1963. 

The backled-band spiders of the family Dictynidae are small oribellate 

spiders of the suborder Araneamorphae with one pair of book lungs and a 

single transverse tracheal spiracle immediately in front of the Spiders 

spinners. In the single genus Dictyna in Maharashtra, the sternum extends 

between the hind coxae ; the clypeus is much wider than the diameter of 

the anterior eyes ; and the endites are moderately long and convergent. 

The most familier of the hackied-band weavers belong to this genus, 

which is a very large one. Six species are known from Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 514

In spiders of the family Oecobiidae, the cephalothorax is broader than 

long, with the group of eyes nearly in the centre. The eyes are unequal in 

size and dissimilar in form. The anterior median and the posterior lateral 

eyes are dark in colour ; the others, pearly white. The hind spinners two 

jointed ; the second segment long and furnished with a comb of long 

spinning tubes on the inner side. A single genus Oecobius with two species 

O. putus and O. marathus occurs in the State. The latter species is known 

only from Poona. 

In the family Filistatidae, the cephalothorax is oval, longer than broad. 

The eyes massed in a small group, hardly wider than long ; the anterior 

median eyes dark in colour and round, the others pearly white, oval or 

angular. Chelicerae small, lack of lateral condyle. The palpus of the male 

is the most simple found among the spiders. A single genus Filist at a 

represented by a single species Filistata poonaensis occurs in the State. 

These are sedentary spiders which live in crevices in buildings. The 

spiders are rarely seen, but their webs are often very conspicuous. These 

webs are frequently built on the inner side of buildings and have more or 

less circular opening for the retreat of the spider. 

Spiders of the family Pholcidae have the carapace flat, subeircular, with 

deep fovea and cephalic grooves ; head small, sharply defined ; anterior 

median eyes small, the rest large and forming a group on each side ; 

clypeus very high. Mouth-parts suctorial. Legs exceedingly long and 

slender, furnished with 3 claws. Spinners short, subequal, forming a 

compact cluster; cololus present. Sedentary spiders, spinning in hollow 

trees, beneath overhanging rocks or in the corners of houses, a tangled 

network of threads, amongst which the occupant hangs head downwards. 

The female carries her cocoon in her mandibles. Two genera occur each 

represented by a single species, Artema atlanta and Crossopriza lyoni. The 

latter is a common house spider. It spins an extremely fine irregular 

cobweb, from which it hangs upside down. It prefers Old dark and 

abandoned houses. No cocoon is made but the eggs are glued together and 

FAUNA 515

carried by the chelicerae of the mother till they hatch. Artema atlanta 

which sometimes occurs in the same Habitat has similar habits. 

Spiders of the family Tetragnathidae have the cephalothorax long and 

eyes in two rows; lateral eyes nearly contiguous, chelicerae long with 

strong teeth, specially developed in males for locking with those of the 

females in copulation. Legs greatly elongated. Palp in male simple. 

Two genera, Tetragnatha and Eucta.Members of the genus Tetragnatha 

are-weaving spiders, common on grass and on low plants. TieSpiders rest 

by day with their legs stretched in front and behind and are only active at 

night. They spin large orb-webs at sun-down among grasses and other 

foliage usually in the vicinity of water. Two species in the State, both 

widely distributed in India. 

The genus Eucta is abundant near water. Differs from Tetragnatha 

only in having the abdomen produced beyond the spinners into a pointed 

tail. Eucta javana the species found in the State is widely distributed in 

India. 

The family Argyopidae has the cephalothorax usually flat, thoracic 

region oval or nearly circular, separated from head by an oblique 

depression. Eyes not very different in size. Medians may form either a 

square or a trapezium; laterals close to one another and often projecting. 

Clypeus narrower than the ocular area. Sternum heartshaped or 

triangular, coax IV being nearly contiguous. Legs furnished with 

numerous spines, with three tarsal claws. This is the only family of spiders 

that spins true orb-webs. 12 genera in Maharashtra. 

Species of the genus Argyope frequently decorate their orb with white 

silken ribbons arranged symmetrically. Of the two species in the State, 

Argyope pulchella is widely distributed. Argyope arcuata constructs a net 

web, often suspended between adjoining branches of low-growing plants. 

It is large, orb-shaped, with characteristic four white silken zigzag lines, 

making a cross “X” in the centre of the web. These white lines serve as 

FAUNA 516

supports for the legs. The web is spun vertically and the spider hangs 

vertically head downwards. 

Spiders of the genus Cyrtophora remain hanging downwards from the 

apex of the inverted bowl-shaped web. The genus is remarkable for the 

architecture of its orb web. The web of several specimens usually occur 

together blanketing the plants on which the webs are spun. 

In the genus Gasteracantha, the body is hard. Cephalothorax with 

thoracic region low and cephalic region elevated, ocular quad narrow in 

front. Abdomen large sub-quadrate, impressed. With large sigila and 

armed on each side with two anterior, two median and two posterior 

spines, spinners encircled by a horny ring. Three species occur all widely 

distributed in Maharashtra. 

The genus Cyrtarachne has the carapace unarmed, convex, median 

eyes not very prominent, the ocular quadrangle generally slightly wider 

than long, laterals contiguous. Abdomen large, wider than long, 

integument leathery, strongly overlapping the posterior region of 

cephalothorax in front. Chelicerae subapically with outer row of 3 large 

teeth which differ in size and inner row of variable number of small teeth. 

Three species in Maharashtra, two Cyrtarachne sundari andCpromilai so 

far known only from the State and the third C. raniceps widespread. 

The genus Leucauge has the cephalothorax truncate in front, legs long 

and slender, especially the first two pairs; the posterior femur with fringe 

of long hairs. Abdomen twice as long as wide, blunt at both ends and 

ornamented with bands or spots of silvery pigment. Two species, both 

widespread in the Indian region. 

Spiders of the genus Nephila have the Cephalic region convex and 

moderately high, generally armed posteriorly with two tubercles; ocular 

quad nearly square. Legs very long, clothed with spines, metatarsi longer 

than tibiae and patella. Vulva not well developed. Male very small, with 

simple palpus. The single representative in Maharashtra is the Giant 

Woodspider, Nephila maculata, whose large webs are a feature of Konkan 

FAUNA 517

forests. It is widely distributed along the Western Ghats and in Eastern 

India. 

The genus Herennia has the carapace flat; eyes not extending across 

the frontal area; quadrangle scarcely longer than wide; eyes of posterior 

line nearly straight. Abdomen coriaceous, flattish above, with sharply 

defined, often lobate lateral margins, impressed with radially arranged 

lines of spots. Male with simple palpus. A single species Herennia 

ornatissima occurs in the State. It is widely distributed in India, Ceylon 

and Burma. 

The genus Araneus has the cephalothorax convex; eyes of posterior 

line slightly or strongly recurved; lateral eyes separated or in contact. Legs 

strong; protarsi shorter than tibiae and patellae. Two widely distributed 

species in the State. 

In the genus Cyclose, the eyes are subequal, the posterior median 

almost in contact, the median ocular area wider in front than behind; both 

rows of eyes, the head and thorax separated by a deep cervical groove. Of 

the four species in the State, one Cyclosa moonduensis is described from 

Poona. 

Spiders of the genus Ordgariu, have the carapace convex, armed 

above with a few symmetrically placed tooth-like tubercles. Abdomen 

very large, wider than long, widely rounded laterally, tuberculate above. A 

single species O hobsoni in Maharashtra. 

The genus Chorizopes has the cephalothorax longer than wide, 

cephalic region high. Clypeus short and curved forward, chelicerae robust. 

Abdomen mainly provided with tubercles posteriorly. Two species in the 

State, both described on the basis of specimens collected near Poona. 

The Cladomelea spiders have the abdomen tuberculate, and clothed 

with fine hairs. Cephalothorax slightly longer than wide, narrowing in 

front; middle of the thorax provided with conspicuous spine like tubercles. 

A single species Cladomelea mundhya known from the State. 

FAUNA 518

Spiders of the family Hersillidae have the cephalothorax as long as 

wide, with cephalic region elevated, narrow and defined by a deep 

semicircular sulcus; both rows of eyes strongly recurved. Legs except III 

pair, very long and slender, armed with three claws. Abdomen short, 

subpentagonal, posterior spinners very long, usually longer than the 

abdomen. The common tree spider Hersilia savignyi is widely distributed 

in India, Ceylon and Burma. 

The typical members of the family Thomisidae, have a peculiar crablike 

appearance. Carapace and abdomen usually short and broad; but 

somewhat elongate in Tibellus and Thanatus. Eyes small, particularly the 

posterior, usually circled with black, both rows being recurved. First two 

pairs of legs long and stout and frequently move sideways as is done by a 

crab; the legs are less obviously laterigrade in the genera Philodromus and 

Thanatus, and not at all in Tibellus. The members of the genus Oxyptila 

have the integument furnished with some characteristic clavate setae, but 

in the other genera the hairs are normal. 

The genus Thomisus has the cephalothorax truncated in front, with the 

upper fore-corners strongly and conically protuberant and divergent, 

bearing the lateral eyes. Eyes very small. Abdomen narrow and truncated 

in front, enlarging to a considerable width behind, where at either corner 

of the dorsal side is a short blunt conical protuberance. Legs long, I and II 

much longer than III and IV. Four species have been described from 

Maharashtra. 

In the genus Xysticus, the carapace is rather square-fronted, clothed 

with simple, isolated hairs and spines, which are usually pointed, rarely 

blunt, but never clavate. Posterior eyes nearly equidistant, medians smaller 

than laterals; the anterior medians usually a little further from each other 

than from the anterior laterals. The lateral eyes situated in low 

subconfluent tubercles. The tibiae and metatarsi of the anterior legs 

usually furnished with more than three pairs of inferior spines. Tarsal 

claws furnished with five or six isolated teeth. Abdomen much wider 

behind than in front, usually bearing a dentated band on its dorsal surface. 

These spiders live under stones and leaves or under loose bark; a few live 

FAUNA 519

on low plants and bushes. This genus is widely distributed in Europe and 

America and was recently recorded from India. 

The genus Oxyptila has the cephalothorax, abdomen and legs clothed 

with some clavate or spatulate hairs; clypeus with a row of clavate hairs. 

Eyes black, median ocular trapezium longer than broad; posterior medians 

closer to one another than to laterals. Legs stout and short; tibiae I and II 

armed ventrally with two pairs of spines. A single species Oxyptila 

maratha described from Poona. 

In the genus Philodromus, the cephalothorax is broader than long and 

relatively narrower in front than in genera Xysticus and Oxyptila Eyes 

smaller and more uniform in size than in genera Xysticus and Oxyptila, in 

a smaller crescent shaped group with the anterior row much the shortest; 

posterior slightly recurved, the medians further from each other than from 

the laterals. Abdomen usually oval, not appreciably widened or truncated 

behind. Legs relatively long, II pair of legs slightly longer than I pair; III 

and IV pairs a little shorter than I and II pairs. Six species described from 

Maharashtra. 

The genus Ebo is easily recognized by the great length of the second 

pair of legs and the almost straight posterior row of eyes. A single species, 

Ebo bharatae occurs in the State. 

Spiders of the genus Misumena are distinguished by carapace armed 

with a few short fine spines. The eyes of the anterior row are equidistant 

and in a more or less recurved line. The median ocular area is a little 

narrower in front than behind. Lateral eyes situated in slightly elevated 

confluent tubercles. Legs I and II much longer than III and IV. Four 

species have been described from the State. 

The members of the genus Tmarus are easily distinguished from other 

crab-spiders by having the abdomen high and pointed behind. The lateral 

eyes of each side are on two distinct tubercles, of which the posterior is 

larger. A single species Tmarus kotigeharus is known from Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 520

In the genus Runcinia, the cephalothorax is longer than wide, with 

small ocular tubercle. Clypeus vertical. Cephalothorax dorsally provided 

with spines. Abdomen long, laterally provided with longitudinal muscular 

corrugation. A single species Runcinia roonwali in the State. 

The genus Misumenoides is closely related to Misumena, but differs 

in having a distinct, wide carina on the clypeus and one between the eye 

rows. The carapace is relatively flatter. A single species Misumenoides 

deccanes occurs. 

The genus Pasiashasthe cephalothorax slightly wider than long, 

clothed with fine hairs. Clypeus high, margin provided with spines. 

Abdomen long, cylindrical, narrowed behind and spined. Represented by a 

single species Pasias Marathas. 

The genus Misumenops is closely allied to Misumena but differs in 

having large and prominent spines on the femora of the first and second 

pairs of legs, and on the upper face of the tibiae of the same legs. The 

cephalothorax and abdomen are more spiny than in Misumena. The 

tubercles of the lateral eyes are joined by a rounded ridge, and posterior 

lateral eyes are not larger than the posterior median eyes. Represented by a 

single species Misumenops khandalaensis. 

The genus Amyciaea has the cephalothorax high, and eyes situated on 

the high portion of cephalothorax. Both lateral eyes large and provided 

with prominent tubercles. Abdomen long. Ant like spiders, the single 

species Amyciaea forticeps in the State resembles the Red Ant. 

Thegenus Monaeses is related toTmarusbut differs in having 

abdomenproducedwell beyond the spinners. This spider is found on twigs 

of flowering plants. When at rest, the anterior pair of legsare stretched out 

longitudinally forward, and the spider clasps 

thetwigcloselywithitstwoposterior pairs. The members of the genusdiffer 

greatly in form from the ordinary type of crab-spiders.Represented by a 

single speciesMonaeses parvati. 

FAUNA 521

The genus Thanatus differs from Philodromus in the relative position 

of the eyes, and in the relative lengths of the legs. Carapace scarcely 

longer than wide. Anterior row of eyes close together and both rows 

recurved and form together a crescent-shaped area; posterior eyes 

equidistant. Abdomen oval, not appreciably enlarged or truncated behind 

and marked with a lance-shaped band. Tarsi and metatarsi armed with 

scopulae. These spiders live on ground or low plants and tall grass. The 

genus is widely distributed in Europe and America and recently two 

species were described from India. Both occur in Maharashtra. 

The genus Tibellus has the cephalothorax appreciably longer than 

wide. The change in position of the eyes has gone further than in the genus 

Thanatus, and the eyes of the anterior row with the posterior median pair 

form a small compact hexagonal group from which the posterior laterals 

are conspicuously removed. Abdomen long and cylindrical or cigarshaped. 

Legs relatively long, bearing scopulae on both tarsi and metatarsi. 

These spiders are found on grass and on bushes; when at rest the legs are 

stretched out longitudinally two pairs forward and two backward. 

Represented by four species in the State. 

Spiders of the family Lycosidae have the cephalothorax high, 

narrowing in front; eyes of anterior row small, forming straight or slightly 

curved line, eyes of posterior row strongly recurved. Legs spiny, III legs 

shorter than the others, tarsi with three claws and claw-tufts absent. 

Abdomen oval or elongated, spinners forming a compact group, generally 

sub-equal in length. These spiders, commonly called the hunting or wolf 

spiders, are very fast runners. They catch their prey on foot. Only a few 

genera of this family, such as Hippasa spin a tabular retreat, which 

expands externally into a broad sheet. Other members of the family dig a 

tabular tunnel in the ground. The cocoon is carried by the female, attached 

to her spinners. The young on hatching, are carried by their mother on her 

back for some time. 

The genus Hippasa has the anterior row of eyes wider than posteriors; 

posterior eyes more widely separated. Posterior spinners considerably 

longer than the anteriors. These spiders spin a silken thread, which 

FAUNA 522

expands into a sheet-like or funnel-like snare. Represented by two species, 

both widely distributed. 

In the genus Lycosa, the cephalothorax is high mainly on the cephalic 

region, four posterior eyes very large and arranged in a quadrangle, which 

is a little wider behind than in front; eyes of anterior row small, straight. 

Legs with short spines, tibia II with three pairs of ventral spines. 

Represented by three widely distributed species. 

In the family Oxyopidae, the cephalothorax is oval and high; cephalic 

region narrow, sub-acuminate; eyes forming a compact sub-circular group, 

those of the posterior line being typically strongly procured and those of 

the anterior recurved, the anterior medians minute; clypeus very high. 

Mandibles long, fang short; fang-groove unarmed or wealy armed; 

maxillae and labium very long. Legs long, slender, armed with long black 

spines, three claws. Abdomen generally oval, narrowed behind; spinningmamilla 

short, sub-equal; a small cololus present. 

The genus Oxyopes has the posterior row of eyes strongly procurved 

and the eyes of which it is composed are equidistant from each other. 

Ocular quadrangle limited by the posterior median eyes and the anterior 

lateral eyes. Represented by two species. 

The genus Peucetia has the anterior median eyes smallest; posterior 

median eyes and posterior lateral eyes forming only a slightly procurved 

row, not so procurved as in Oxyopes.. Cephalothorax not so high or 

convex as that of Oxyopes. Male palp with characteristic paracymbial 

process in each species, sometimes partly broken off during mating. 

Represented by a single species Peucetia choprai. 

The family Salticidae comprises those spiders commonly known as 

“jumping spiders”. They, are characterised above all by the massive 

square-fronted carapace, bearing on its front the four large forwarddirected 

eyes; behind these, set well back, are two small eyes, and behind 

these again there are the two posterior eyes of the medium size, the whole 

forming a large quadrangle. Legs normally rather short, with two tarsal 

FAUNA 523

claws and usually a claw tuft, tarsal scopluae are sometimes present. 

Represented by the genus Marpissa distinguished by the carapace being 

rather oval. Ocular trapezium is about 1.5 times broader than long, parallel 

sided. Chelicerae with one tooth on inner margin and two on outer margin. 

The first pair of legs are slightly stouter than the second pair and are 

armed with three pairs of spines beneath the tibia. A single species 

Marpissa tigrina known so far from the State. 

FAUNA 524

CHAPTER 5 — BIRDS 

Theavifauna of MAHARASHTRA consists of 466 species of birds, 

and 497 forms belonging to 68 families. There are 1,200 species of birds 

listed from India and Pakistan in the Synopsis (Ripley 1961), and the total 

number of live bird species in the world is about 8,600. Out of 497 forms 

recorded from Maharashtra 290 are residents and 160 are migrants. 14 are 

listed as vagrants and stragglers, and about 30 are of uncertain status. 

The Indian avifauna is greatly influenced by the Indo-Chinese 

elements. There are 176 species of birds confined only to the Indian Subregion 

and Maharashtra has 68 of these. Out of these 68, 39 have Indo- 

Chinese affinities. In the dry portions of the Deccan plateau some species 

have Ethiopean influence and 4 or 5 have a palaearctic affinity. This list 

has been compiled from 3 main sources—“Birds of the Bombay 

Presidency by Barnes published in 1885; The Catalogue of Birds in the 

collections of the Bombay Natural History Society, and the published 

notes in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. These have 

been supplemented by our own observations during the past decade. 

Statements on the abundance of species, however, are based entirely on 

Barnes. When we say that a bird species is reported from a particular 

district we do not mean thereby that the species does not occur in any 

other districts. It only indicates that the bird has been observed and 

identified in that particular district and is so recorded. 

We do not claim that this is a complete list of the birds of 

Maharashtra; it is written with the hope that it will lead to a 

morethoroughinvestigation into the interesting avifauna of Maharashtra. 

LIST OF 19 ORDERS DESCRIBED 

Order-1 .. Podicipediformes 

Family .. Podicipedidae 

Blacknecked Grebe(Podiceps nigricollis) 

Little Grebe (Podicepsruficollis) 

Order-2 .. Procellariiformeg 

FAUNA 525

Family .. Procellariidae 

Audubon's Shearwater (Procellaria 

Iherminieri) 

Black Petrel (Bulweriaaterrima) 

Family .. Hydrobatidae 

Wilson's Storm Petrel(Oceanites oceanicus) 

Order-3 .. Pelecaniformes 

Family .. Phaëthontidae 

Short-tailed Tropicbird Pelecanidae 

(Phaëthon aethereus 

Family .. Pelecanidae 

Grey Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) 

Family .. Sulidae 

Masked Booby(Sula dactylatra) 

Family .. Phalacrocoracidae 

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 

Indian Shag(Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) 

Little Cormorant(Phalacrocorax niger) 

Darter (Anhinga rufa) 

Family .. Fregatidae 

Frigate Bird (Fregata ariel) 

Order-4 .. Ciconiiformes 

Family .. Ardeidae 

Little Green Heron(Butorides striatus) 

Pond Heron(Ardeola grayii) 

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) 

Large Egret(Egretta alba) 

Smaller Egret(Egretta intermedia) 

Little Egret(Egretta garzetta) 

Indian Reef Heron(Egretta gularis) 

FAUNA 526

Night Heron(Nycticorax nycticorax) 

Chestnut Bittern(Ixobrychus 

cinnamomeus) 

Family .. Ciconiidae 

Painted Stork(Ibis leucocephalus) 

Openbill stork(Anastomus oscitans) 

Whitenecked Stork(Ciconic, episcopus) 

White Stork(Ciconia ciconia) 

Blacknecked Stork(Xenorhynchus 

asiaticus) 

Lesser Adjutant(Leptoptilos javanicus) 

Family .. Threskiornithidae 

White Ibis(Threskiornis melanocephala) 

Spoonbill(Platalea leucorodia) 

Family .. Phoenicopteridae 

Flamingo(Phoenicopterus roseus) 

Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) 

Anseriformes 

Order-5 .. Anatidae 

Family .. Greylag Goose(Anser anser) 

Barheaded Goose (Anser indicus) 

Lesser Whistling Teal(Dendrocygna 

javanica) 

Brahminy Duck(Tadorna ferruginea) 

Marbled Duck(Anas angustirostris) 

Pintail(Anas acuta) 

Common Teal(Anas crecca) 

Spotbill Duck(Anas poecilorhyncha) 

Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos) 

FAUNA 527

Gadwall(Anas strepera) 

Wigeon(Anas penelope) 

Garganey(Anas querquedula) 

Shoveller(Anas clypeata) 

Common Pochard(Aythya ferina) 

White-eyed Pochard (Aythya nyroca) 

Tufted Duck(Aythya fuligula) 

Scaup Duck(Aythya marila) 

Cotton Teal(Nettapus coromandelianus) 

Nukhta or Comb Duck(Sarkidiornis 

melanotos) 

Order-6 .. Falconiformes 

Family .. Accipitridae 

Blackwinged Kite(Elanus caeruleus) 

Honey Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus) 

Pariah Kite (Milvus migrans) 

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) 

Shikra (Accipiter hadius) 

Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus) 

Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter nisus) 

Besra Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter virgatus) 

Longlegged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 

White-eyed Buzzard-Eagle (Butastur teesa) 

Changeable Hawk-Eagle (Spizaëtus 

limnaeetus) 

Crested Hawk-Eagle (Spizaëtus cirrhatus) 

Bonelli's Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaëtus fasciatus) 

FAUNA 528

Family .. Falconidae 

Booted Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaëtus pennatus) 

Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagle (Lophotriorchis 

kienerii) 

Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) 

Tawny Eagle(Aquila rapax) 

Steppe Eagle(Aquila nipalensis) 

Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) 

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) 

Black Eagle (Ictinaëtus malayensis 

Whitebellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus 

leucogaster) 

Black Vulture (Torgos calvus) 

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) 

Indian Longbilled Vulture (Gyps indicus) 

Indian Whitebacked Vulture (Gyps 

bengalensis) 

Egyptianor Scavenger Vulture(Neophron 

percnopterus) 

Pale Harrier(Circus macrourus) 

Montagu's Harrier(Circus pygargus) 

Pied Harrier(Circus melanoleucos) 

Marsh Harrier(Circus aeruginosus) 

Short-toed Eagle(Circaëtus 

gallicus) 

Crested Serpent Eagle(Spilornis 

cheela) 

Osprey(Pandion haliaetus) 

FAUNA 529

Order-7 .. Galliformes 

Lanner Falcon(Falco biarmicus) 

Peregrine Falcon(Falco peregrinus) 

Shahin Falcon(Falco peregrinus 

peregrinator) 

Hobby(Falco subbuteo) 

Family .. Phasianidae 

Redheaded Merlin(Falco 

chicquera) 

Redlegged Falcon(Falco 

vespertinus) 

Lesser Kestrel(Falco naumanni) 

Kestrel(Falco tinnunculus) 

Painted Partridge(Francolinus 

pictus) 

Grey Partridge(Francolinus 

pondicerianus) 

Common Quail(Coturnix coturnix) 

Blackbreasted Quail(Coturnix 

coromandelica) 

Bluebreasted Quail(Coturnix 

chinensis) 

Jungle Bush Quail(Perdicula 

asiatica) 

Rock Bush Quail(Perdicula 

argoondah) 

Painted Bush Quail(Perdicula 

erythrorhyncha) 

FAUNA 530

Order-8 .. Gruiformes 

Family .. Turnicidae 

Family .. Gruidae 

Family .. Rallidae 

Red Spurfowl(Galloperdix 

spadicea) 

Painted Spurfowl(Galloperdix 

lunulata) 

Red Junglefowl(Gallus gallus) 

Grey Junglefowl(Gallus sonneratii) 

Common Peafowl(Pavo cristatus) 

Little Bustard Quail(Turnix 

sylvatica) 

Button Quail(Turnix tanki) 

Common Bustard-Quail(Turnix 

suscitator) 

Common Crane(Grus grus) 

Sarus Crane(Grus antigone) 

Demoiselle Crane(Anthropoides 

virgo) 

Bluebreasted Banded Rail(Rallus 

striatus) 

Banded Crake(Rallina eurizonoides) 

Baillon's Crake(Porzana pusilla) 

Spotted Crake(Porzana porzana) 

Ruddy Crake(Amaurornis fuscus) 

Brown Crake(Amaurornis akool) 

FAUNA 531

Whitebreasted Waterhen(Amaurornis 

phoenicurus) 

Water Cock(Gallicrex cinerea) 

Moorhen(Gallinula chloropus) 

Purple Moorhen(Porphyrio porphyrio) 

Coot(Fulica atra) 

Family .. Otididae 

Great Indian Bustard(Choriotis nigriceps) 

Lesser Florican(Sypheotides indica) 

Order-9 .. Charadriiformes 

Family .. Jacanidae 

Pheasant-tailed Jacana(Hydrophasianus 

chirurgus) 

Bronzewinged Jacana(Metopidius indicus) 

Haematopodidae 

Oystercatcher(Haematopus ostralegus) 

Family .. Charadriidae 

Sub-Family .. Charadriinae 

White-tailed Lapwing(Vanellus leucurus) 

Sociable Lapwing(Vanellus gregarius) 

Redwattled Lapwing(Vanellus indicus) 

Yellow-wattled Lapwing(Vanellus 

malabaricus) 

Grey Plover(Pluvialis squatarola) 

Eastern Golden Plover(Pluvialis dominica) 

Large Sand Plover(Charadrius leschenaultii) 

Sand Plover(Charadrius asiaticus) 

Little Ringed Plover(Charadrius dubius) 

Kentish Plover(Charadrius alexandrinus) 

Lesser Sand Plover(Charadrius mongolus) 

Sub-Family .. Scolopacinae 

FAUNA 532

Whimbrel(Numenius phaeopus) 

Curlew(Numenius arquata) 

Blacktailed Godwit(Limosa limosa) 

Bartailed Godwit(Limosa lapponica) 

Common Redshank(Tringa tetanus) 

Marsh Sandpiper(Tringa stagnatilis) 

Greenshank(Tringa nebularia) 

Green Sandpiper(Tringa ochropus) 

Wood Sandpiper(Tringa glareola) 

Terek Sandpiper(Tringa terek) 

Common Sandpiper(Tringa hypoleucos) 

Turnstone(Arenaria interpres) 

Wood Snipe(Capella nemoricola) 

Pintail Snipe(Capella stenura) 

Fantail Snipe(Capella gallinago) 

Jack Snipe(Capella minima) 

Woodcock(Scolopax rusticola) 

Sanderling(Calidris albus) 

Little Stint(Calidris minutus) 

Temminck's Stint(Calidris temminckii) 

Dunlin(Calidris alpinus) 

Family .. Rostratulidae 

Curlew-Sandpiper(Calidris testaceus) 

Broadbilled Sandpiper(Limicola 

falcinellus) 

Ruff & Reeve(Philomachus pugnax) 

Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) 

FAUNA 533

Family .. Recurvirostridac 

Family .. Dromadidae 

Family .. Burhinidae 

Family .. Glareolidae 

Family .. Stercorariidae 

Family .. Laridae 

Blackwinged Stilt(Himantopus 

himantopus) 

Avocet(Recurvirostra avosetta) 

Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola) 

Stone Curlew(Burhinus oedicnemus) 

Indian Courser(Cursorius 

coromandelicus) 

Collared Pratincole(Glareola 

pratincola) 

Small Indian Pratincole(Glareola 

lacra) 

Antarctic Skua(Catharacta skua) 

Sooty Gull(Larus hemprichii) 

Great Blackheaded Gull(Larus 

ichthyaetus) 

Brownheaded Gull(Larus 

brunnicephalus) 

Blackheaded Gull(Larus ridibundus) 

Whiskered Tern(Chlidonias hybrida) 

Whitewinged Black Tern(Chlidonias 

leucoptera) 

FAUNA 534

Gullbilled Tern(Gelochelidon nilotica) 

Caspian Tern(Hydroprogne caspia) 

Indian River Tern(Sterna aurantia) 

Common Tern(Sterna hirundo) 

Rosy Tern(Sterna dougallii) 

Whitecheeked Tern(Sterna repressa) 

Blackbellied Tern(Sterna acuticauda) 

Brownwinged Tern(Sterna anaethetus) 

Sooty Tern(Sterna fuscata) 

Little Tern(Sterna albifrons) 

Large Crested Tern(Sterna bergii) 

Lesser Crested Tern(Sterna 

bengalensis) 

Indian Skimmer(Rynchops albicollis) 

Order-10 .. Columbiformes 

Family .. Pteroclididae 

Indian Sandgrouse (Pterocles 

exustus) 

Painted Sandgrouse (Pterocles 

indicus) 

Family .. Columbidae 

Greyfronted Green Pigeon(Treron 

pompadora) 

Orangebreastod Green Pigeon(Treron 

bicincta) 

Green Pigeon(Treron phoenicoptera) 

Green Imperial Pigeon(Ducula aenea) 

Imperial Pigeon(Ducula badia) 

FAUNA 535

Blue Rock pigeon(Columba livia) 

Nilgiri Wood Pigeon(Columba elphinstonii) 

Rufous Turtle Dove(Streptopelia orientalis) 

Indian Ring Dove(Streptopelia decaocto) 

Red Turle Dove(Streptopelia tranquebarica) 

Spotted Dove(Streptopelia chinensis) 

Little Brown Dove(Streptopelia 

senegalensis) 

Emerald Dove(Chalcophaps indica) 

Order-11 .. Psittaciformes 

Family .. Psittacidae 

Alexandrine Parakeet(Psittacula eupatria) 

Roseringed Parakeet(Psittacula krameri) 

Blossomheaded Parakeet(Psittacula 

cyanocephala) 

Bluewinged Parakeet(Psittacula 

columboides) 

Indian Lorikeet(Loriculus vernalis) 

Order-12 .. Cuculiformes 

Family .. Cuculidae 

Redwilled Crested Cuckoo (Clamator 

coromandus) 

Pied Crested Cuckoo(Clamator jacobinus) 

Common Hawk-Cuckoo (Cuculus varius) 

Indian Cuckoo(Cuculus micropterus) 

The Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus) 

Small Cuckoo(Cuculus poliocephalus) 

Indian Banded Bay Cuckoo(Cacomantis 

sonneratii) 

Indian Plaintive Cuckoo(Cacomantis 

merulinus) 

FAUNA 536

Drongo Cuckoo(Surniculus lugubris) 

Koel(Eudynamys scolopacea) 

Small Greenbilled Malkoha(Rhopodytes 

viridirostris) 

Sirkeer Cuckoo(Taccocua leschenaultii) 

Crow-pheasant(Centropus sinensis) 

Leaser Coucal(Centropus toulou) 

Order-13 .. Strigiformes 

Family .. Strigidae 

Sub-family .. Tytoninae 

Barn Owl(Tyto alba) 

Sub-family .. Striginae 

Striated Scops Owl(Otus brucei) 

Scops Owl(Otus scops) 

Collared Scops Owl(Otus bakkamoena) 

Great Horned Owl(Bubo bubo) 

Forest Eagle-Owl(Bubo nipalensis) 

Dusky Horned Owl(Bubo coromandus) 

Brown Fish-Owl(Bubo zeylonensis) 

Jungle Owlet(Glaucidium radiatum) 

Brown Hawk Owl(Ninox scutulata) 

Spotted Owlet(Athene brama) 

Forest Spotted Owlet(Athene blewitti) 

Mottled Wood Owl(Strix ocellata) 

Brown Wood Owl(Strix leptogrammica) 

Shorteared Owl(Asio flammeus) 

Order-14 .. Caprimulgiformes 

Family .. Caprimulgidae 

Indian Jungle Nightjar(Caprimulgus indicus) 

European Nightjar(Caprimulgus europaeus) 

FAUNA 537

Sykes’s Nightjar(Caprimulgus mahrattensis) 

Longtailed Nightjar(Caprimulgus macrurus) 

Common Indian Nightjar(Caprimulgus 

asiaticus) 

Franklin’s Nightjar(Caprimulgus affinis) 

Order-15 .. Apodiformes 

Family .. Apodidae 

Sub-family .. Apodinae 

Malaysian Edible-nest Swiftlet(Collocalia 

fuciphaga) 

Large Brownthroated Spinetail 

Swift(Chaetura gigantea) 

Alpine Swift(Apus melba) 

Large Whiterumped Swift(Apus pacificus) 

House Swift(Apus affinis) 

Palm Swift(Cypsiurus parvus) 

Sub-family .. Hemiprocninae 

Crested Swift(Hemiprocne longipennis) 

Order-16 .. Trogoniformes 

Family .. Trogonidae 

Malabar Trogon(Harpactes fasciatus) 

Order-17 .. Coraciiformes 

Family .. Alcedinidae 

Lesser Pied Kingfisher(Ceryle rudis) 

Common Kingfisher(Alcedo atthis) 

Threetoed Kingfisher(Ceyx erithacus) 

Storkbilled Kingfisher(Pelargopsis capensis) 

Whitebreasted Kingfisher(Halcyon 

smyrnensis) 

Blackcapped Kingfisher(Halcyon pileata) 

Whitecollared Kingfisher(Halcyon chloris) 

FAUNA 538

Family .. Meropidae 

European Bee-eater(Merops apiaster) 

Bluecheeked Bee-eater(Merops 

superciliosus) 

Bluetailed Bee-eater(Merops philippinus) 

Green Bee-eater(Merops orientalis) 

Bluebearded Bee-eater(Nyctyornis 

athertoni) 

Family .. Coraciidae 

European Roller(Coracias garrulus) 

Indian Roller(Coracias benghalensis) 

Family .. Upupidae 

Hoopoe(Upupa epops) 

Family .. Bucerotidae 

Common Grey Hornbill(Tockus birostris) 

Malabar Grey Hornbill(Tockus griseus) 

Malabar Pied Hornbill(Anthracoceros 

coronatus) 

Great Pied Hornbill(Buceros bicornis) 

Order-18 .. Piciformes 

Family .. Capitonidae 

Green Barbet(Megalaima zeylanica) 

Small Green Barbet(Megalaima viridis) 

Crimsonthroated Barbet(Megalaima 

rubricapilla) 

Crimsonbreasted Barbet(Megalaima 

haemacephala) 

Family .. Picidae 

Wryneck(Jynx torquilla) 

Rufous Woodpecker(Micropternus 

brachyurus) 

FAUNA 539

Small Yellownaped Woodpecker(Picus 

chlorolophus) 

Lesser Goldenbacked 

Woodpecker(Dinopium benghalense) 

Indian Goldenbacked Threetoed 

Woodpecker(Dinopium javanense) 

Indian Great Black Woodpecker(Dryocopus 

javensis) 

Yellowfronted Pied Woodpecker(Picoides 

mahrattensis) 

Pigmy Woodpecker(Picoides nanus) 

Heartspotted Woodpecker(Hemicircus 

canente) 

Blackbacked Woodpecker(Chrysocolaptes 

festivus) 

Larger Goldenbacked 

Woodpecker(Chrysocolaptes lucidus) 

Order-19 .. Passeriformes 

Family .. Pittidae 

Indian Pitta(Pitta brachyura) 

Family .. Alaudidae 

Redwinged Bush Lark(Mirafra erythroptera) 

Ashycrowned Finch-Lark(Eremopterix 

grisea) 

Rufoustailed Finch-Lark(Ammomanes 

phoenicurus) 

Malabar Crested Lark(Galerida malabarica) 

Sykes's Crested Lark(Galerida deva) 

Eastern Skylark(Alauda gulgula) 

Family .. Hirundinidae 

Plain Sand Martin(Riparia paludicola) 

FAUNA 540

Dusky Crag Martin(Hirundo concolor) 

Swallow(Hirundo rustica) 

Wiretailed Swallow(Hirundo smithit) 

Indian Cliff Swallow(Hirundo fluvicola) 

Striated Swallow(Hirundo daurica) 

House Martin(Delichon urbica) 

Family .. Laniidae 

Grey Shrike(Lanius excubitor) 

Baybacked Shrike(Lanius vittatus) 

Redbacked Shrike(Lanius collurio) 

Rufousbacked Shrike(Lanius schach) 

Brown Shrike(Lanius cristatus) 

Family .. Oriolidae 

Oriole(Oriolus oriolus) 

Blacknaped Oriole(Oriolus chinensis) 

Blackheaded Oriole(Oriolus xanthornus) 

Family .. Dicruridae 

Black Drongo(Dicrurus adsimilis) 

Grey or Ashy Dronge(Dicrurus leucophaeus) 

Whitebellied Drongo(Dicrurus caerulescens) 

Bronzed Drongo(Dicrurus aeneus) 

Haircrested Drongo(Dicrurus hottentottus) 

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo(Dicrurus 

paradiseus) 

Family .. Artamidae 

Ashy Swallow Shrike(Artamus fuscus) 

Family .. Sturnidae 

Greyheaded Myna(Sturnus malabaricus) 

Blackheaded Myna(Sturnus pagodarum) 

Rosy Pastor(Sturnus roseus) 

FAUNA 541

Pied Myna(Sturnus contra) 

Common Myna(Acridotheres tristis) 

Bank Myna(Acridotheres ginginianus) 

Jungle Myna(Acridotheres fuscus) 

Grackle or Hill Myna(Gracula religiosa) 

Family .. Corvidae 

Indian Tree Pie(Depdrocitta vagabunda) 

House Crow(Corvus splendens) 

Jungle Crow(Corvus macrorhynchos) 

Family .. Bombycillidae 

Sub-family .. Hypocoliinae 

Grey Hypocolius(Hypocolius ampelinus) 

Family .. Campephagidae 

Pied Flycatcher-Shrike(Hemipus picatus) 

Large Wood Shrike(Tephrodornis virgatus) 

Common Wood Shrike(Tephrodornis 

pondicerianus) 

Large Cuckoo-Shrike(Coracina 

novaehollandiae) 

Smaller Grey Cuckoo-Shrike(Coracina 

melaschistos) 

Blackheaded Cuckoo-Shrike(Coracina 

melanoptera) 

Scarlet Minivet(Pericrocotus flammeus) 

Small Minivet(Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) 

Whitebellied Minivet(Pericrocotus 

erythropygius) 

Ashy Minivet(Pericrocotus divaricatus) 

Family .. Irenidae 

Common Iora(Aegithina tiphia) 

Marshall's Iora(Aegithina nigrolutea) 

FAUNA 542

Goldfronted Chloropsis(Chloropsis 

aurifrons) 

Goldmantled Chloropsis(Chloropsis 

cochinchinensis) 

Fairy Bluebird(Irena puella) 

Family .. Pycnonotidae 

Redwhiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus) 

Whitecheeked Bulbul(Pycnonotus 

leucogenys) 

Redvented Bulbul(Pycnonotus cafer) 

Whitebrowed Bulbul(Pycnonotus luteolus) 

Yellowbrowed Bulbul(Hypsipetes indicus) 

Black Bulbul(Hypsipetes madagascariensis) 

Family .. Muscicapidae 

Sub-family .. Timaliinae 

Spotted Babbler(Pellorneum ruficeps) 

Slatyheaded Scimitar Babbler(Pomatorhinus 

schisticeps) 

Rufousbellied Babbler(Dumetia hyperythra) 

Yelloweyed Babbler(Chrysomma sinensis) 

Common Babbler(Turdoides caudatus) 

Large Grey Babbler(Turdoides malcolmi) 

Rufous Babbler(Turdoides subrufus) 

Jungle Babbler(Turdoides striatus) 

Whiteheaded Babbler(Turdoides affinis) 

Quaker Babbler(Alcippe poioicephala) 

Sub-family .. Muscicapinae 

Rufoustailed Flycatcher(Muscicapa 

ruficauda) 

Redbreasted Flycatcher(Muscicapa parva) 

Whiteballied Blue Flycatcher(Muscicapa 

FAUNA 543

pallipes) 

Bluethroated Flycatcher(Muscicapa 

rubeculoides) 

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher(Muscicapa 

tickelliae) 

Verditer Flycatcher(Muscicapa thalassina) 

Greyheaded Flycatcher(Culicicapa 

ceylonensis) 

Whitebrowed Fantail Flycatcher(Rhipidura 

aureola) 

Whitethroated Fantail Flycatcher(Rhipidura 

albicollis) 

Whitespotted Fantail Flycatcher(Rhipidura 

albogularis) 

Paradise Flycatcher(Terpsiphone paradisi) 

Blacknaped Flycatcher(Monarcha azurea) 

Sub-family .. Sylviinae 

Fantail Warbler(Cisticola exilis) 

Streaked Fantail Warbler(Cisticola juncidis) 

Franklin's Longtail Warbler(Prinia 

hodgsonii) 

Rufousfronted Longtail Warbler(Prinia 

buchanani) 

Plain Longtail Warbler(Prinia subflava) 

Ashy Longtail Warbler(Prinia socialis) 

Jungle Longtail Warbler(Prinia sylvatica) 

Tailor Bird(Orthotomus sutorius) 

Bristled Grass Warbler(Chaetornis striatus) 

Striated Marsh Warbler(Megalurus palustris) 

Thickbilled Warbler(Phragamaticola aedon) 

Indian Great Reed Warbler(Acrocephalus 

FAUNA 544

stentoreus) 

Blyth's Reed Warbler(Acrocephalus 

dumetorum) 

Paddyfield Warbler(Acrocephalus agricola) 

Booted Warbler(Hippolais caligata) 

Orphean Warbler(Sylvia hortensis) 

Whitethroat(Sylvia communis) 

Lesser Whitethroat(Sylvia curruca) 

Hume's Lesser Whitethroat(Sylvia althaea) 

Chiffchaff(Phylloscopus collybita) 

Tytler's Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus tytleri) 

Tickell's Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus affinis) 

Olivaceous Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

griseolus) 

Yellowbrowed Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

inornatus) 

Largebilled Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

magnirostris) 

Dull Green Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

trochiloides) 

Bright Green Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

nitidus) 

Large Crowned Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus 

occipitalis) 

Sub-family .. Turdinae 

Rubythroat(Erithacus calliope) 

Bluethroat(Erithacus svecicus) 

Blue Chat(Erithacus brunneus) 

Magpie-Robin(Copsychus saularis) 

Shama(Copsychus malabaricus) 

Black Redstart(Phoenicurus ochruros) 

FAUNA 545

Stone Chat(Saxicola torquata) 

Pied Bush Chat(Saxicola caprata) 

Desert Chat(Oenanthe deserti) 

Pied Chat(Oenanthe picata) 

Indian Robin(Saxicoloides fulicata) 

Blueheaded Rock Thrush(Monticola 

cinclorhynchus) 

Blue Rock Thrush(Monticola solitarius) 

Malabar Whistling Thrush(Myiophoneus 

horsfieldii) 

Orangeheaded Ground Thrush(Zoothera 

citrina) 

Tickell's Thrush(Turdus unicolor) 

Blackbird(Turdus merula) 

Family .. Paridae 

Sub-family .. Parinae 

Grey Tit(Parus major) 

Blackspotted Yellow Tit(Parus xanthogenys) 

Family .. Sittidae 

Sub-family .. Sittinae 

Chestnutbellied Nuthatch(Sitta castanea) 

Velvetfronted Nuthatch(Sitta frontalis) 

Sub-family .. Salpornitinae 

Spotted Grey Creeper(Salpornis spilonotus) 

Family .. Motacillidae 

Hodgson's Tree Pipit(Anthus hodgsoni) 

Tree Pipit(Anthus trivialis) 

Paddyfield Pipit(Anthus novaeseelandiae) 

Tawny Pipit(Anthus campestris) 

Blyth's Pipit(Anthus godlewskii) 

FAUNA 546

Brown Rock Pipit(Anthus similis) 

Forest Wagtail(Motacilla indica) 

Yellow Wagtail(Motacilla flava) 

Yellowheaded Wagtail(Motacilla citreola) 

Grey Wagtail(Motacilla caspica) 

White Wagtail(Motacilla alba) 

Large Pied Wagtail(Motacilla 

maderaspatensis) 

Family .. Dicaeidae 

Thickbilled Flowerpecker(Dicaeum agile) 

Tickell's Flowerpecker(Dicaeum 

erythrorhynchos) 

Plaincoloured Flowerpecker(Dicaeum 

concolor) 

Family .. Nectariniidae 

Purplerumped Sunbird(Nectarinia zeylonica) 

Small Sunbird(Nectarinia minima) 

Loten's Sunbird(Nectarinia lotenia) 

Purple Sunbird(Nectarinia asiatica) 

Yellowbacked Sunbird(Aethopyga siparaja) 

Family .. Zosteropidae 

White-eye(Zosterops palpebrosa) 

Family .. Ploceidae 

Sub-family .. Passerinae 

House Sparrow(Passer domesticus) 

Yellowthroated Sparrow(Petronia 

xanthocollis) 

Sub-family .. Ploceinae 

Baya(Ploceus philippinus) 

Blackthroated Weaver Bird(Ploceus 

benghalensis) 

FAUNA 547

Streaked Weaver Bird(Ploceus manyar) 

Sub-family .. Estrildinae 

Red Munia(Estrilda amandava) 

Green Munia(Estrilda formosa) 

Whitethroated Munia(Lonchura malabarica) 

Whitebacked Munia(Lonchura striata) 

Spotted Munia(Lonchura punctulata) 

Blackheaded Munia(Lonchura malacca) 

Family .. Fringillidae 

Sub-family .. Carduelinae 

Common Rosefinch(Carpodacus erythrinus) 

Family .. Emberizidae 

Blackheaded Bunting(Emberiza 

melanocephala) 

Redheaded Bunting(Emberiza bruniceps) 

Greynecked Bunting(Emberiza buchanani) 

Crested Bunting(Melophus lathami) 

SHORT NOTES ON BIRDSUNDER19 ORDERS 

(1)OrderPodicipediformes.—The Order Podicipediformes comprises 

several species of diving birds known as Grebes which have an almost 

world-wide distribution. In India we have only one genus comprising 3 

species, of which 2 are found in Maharashtra. The rare migratory 

Blackneeked Grebe(Podiceps nigricollis)has been once observed near 

Poona, and the non-migratory species, the Little Grebe(Podiceps 

ruficollis)is common everywhere in the ponds and lakes of the State. The 

Little Grebe is a fresh-water bird, and is the only bird to be seen very often 

in a pond. It has a general duck-like appearance, but has a very short tail, 

and a short tapering bill. The feet are not webbed, but each toe is shaped 

like a leaf which helps the bird to propel itself through water. They breed 

during the monsoon, and build their nests on floating vegetation. Because 

FAUNA 548

it is an expert diver and disappears in the water for long periods it is 

locally named ‘dubki’. 

(2)OrderProcellariiformes.—Thisorderincludes oceanic birds like 

Shearwaters, Petrels and Storm Petrels. All these are distinguished by their 

tubular nostrils and the three fully webbed front toes. They have long 

pointed wings, and are powerful fliers. Their colours are either black, grey 

or white. They feed mainly on fish 

Two families occur in Maharashtra: (1) Procellariidae represented by 

Audubon's Shearwater Procellaria Iherminieri and the Black Petrel 

Bulweria aterrima, and (2) Hydrobatidae represented by Wilson’s Petrel 

Oceanites oceanicus, a specimen of which was obtained from Bombay 

harbour in 1947. 

(3) Order Pelecaniformes.—This order comprises five families of 

fish-eating birds characterised by having four toes connected by a web. 

These birds have a world-wide distribution. Tropic birds and frigate birds 

are found only in tropical oceans while pelicans, cormorants and darters 

frequent inland waters. 

Family Phaethontidae—Tropic birds: Three species have been 

recorded in India of which one is found in Maharashtra, namely the shorttailed 

tropic bird (Phaëthon aethereus)—Tropic birds are seldom seen near 

the coast and are really wanderers of the high seas. They can hover 

motionless and then dive from great heights for fish and squid. Their 

nearest breeding ground in India is the Persian Gulf area. The long pointed 

wings and the two elongated tail feathers are diagnostic features. Their 

colours are mainly white and brown. 

Family Pelecanidae—Pelicans: Pelicans are large swimming birds 

with an enormous pouch which is useful for catching fish in the water. In 

the wild state they are hardly ever seen in Maharashtra and have only once 

been recorded from Pandharpur, Sholapur District, in the cold weather. 

Family Sulidae—Boobies: Boobies are large-sized birds with long 

bills, webbed feet and long wings. They are generally black and white in 

FAUNA 549

colour and their favourite haunts are rock cliffs along the sea coast. They 

are powerful fliers and can dive from a height of about 100 ft. 

Only one straggler, the masked booby (Sula dactylatra) has been 

recorded in Maharashtra. This was at Nasik in 1958. 

Family Phalacrocoracidae—Cormorants and Darter: This family is 

represented by four species in India and all these are resident in 

Maharashtra, namely the cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), the Indian 

Shag (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis), the little or pigmy cormorant 

(Phalacrocorax niger), and the darter (Anhinga rufa). These are aquatic 

birds living mainly on fish and are normally seen on lakes and rivers. They 

have long necks and bills and stiff rounded tails. They sometimes hunt in 

groups driving the fish before them and gulping them down when they are 

brought to bay. Surprisingly their loose plumage is not water repellant and 

often they come out of water to dry themselves. Their main colours are 

grey-black and white. Cormorants and the Indian shag have hooked beaks 

while the darter has a straight sharp beak. The darter is known as “the 

snake bird” because of its long neck which looks very much like a snake 

when the bird swims with its body submerged. 

Family Fregatidae—Frigate Birds or “Man O’War Birds”: There is 

only one record of a frigate bird (Fregata ariel) from Maharashtra State in 

1956. These birds inhabit tropical seas far away from land. They feed on 

flying fish and also parasite on other sea-birds whom they chase and force 

to disgorge their food. 

(4) Order Ciconiiformes.—Many species of birds of this Order are 

found all over Maharashtra State. These are mainly large birds with long 

necks and bills. Their legs are well adapted for wading and feeding in 

shallow water. The feet are webbed at the base of the three front toes; the 

hind toe is well developed and helps in perching on trees and among reed 

beds. The majority of these species breeds in colonies, except the bitterns 

and the little grey heron. They feed on molluscs, insects, frogs and fish. 

There are four families with 34 species of this Order occurring in India out 

of which 27 species are found in Maharashtra. All these are resident birds 

FAUNA 550

with the exception of the bittern (Botaurus stellaris), the white stork 

(Ciconia ciconia) and the black stork (Ciconia nigra). 

Family Ardeidae—Herons, Bitterns and Egrets: These are gregarious 

birds, both during the breeding season as well as in winter. They frequent 

fresh water lakes, ponds and rivers, but the Indian reef heron (Egretta 

gularis) is found in tidal reefs and on rocks on the sea coast. Most of the 

bitterns are fond of marshes where they can conceal themselves well with 

the protective colouring of their plumage. Fourteen species of the Family 

Ardeidae are found in Maharashtra. 

Family Ciconiidae—Storks: Out of the eight species of storks found 

in India, seven occur in Maharashtra. Storks have a very wide distribution 

in tropical as well as in temperate regions throughout the world. They are 

large birds with strong long legs and powerful bills. In Maharashtra the 

white stork and the black stork are migrants while the others are resident 

and breed in the State. Their nest is a massive structure of sticks and other 

material. 

The openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans) is an interesting species 

found in Maharashtra. This bird has a prominent gap between its upper 

and lower mandibles which is visible from a distance. It is believed that 

the shape of the bill helps the bird in cracking the shells of snails which 

are its staple diet. These birds fly gracefully and effortlessly, ascending on 

thermal currents. Many of them have spectacular courtship dances. 

Family Threskiornithidae—Ibises and Spoonbills: This family 

comprises four species divided into two groups, (1) Ibises with long 

downward curving bills, and (2) Spoonbills with spoon-shaped bills. The 

white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephala) is about the size of a domestic 

hen and has a naked black head and a slender black downcurved bill. The 

Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is a large white heron—like bird with a flat 

bill. 

Family Phoenicopteridae—Flamingos: Flamingos are large birds of 

spectacular beauty. When they fly in formation their snowwhite plumage 

FAUNA 551

suffused with pink, makes an unforgettable picture. The only breeding 

ground of the species in Asia is the Rann of Kutch. In the non-breeding 

season they have been observed in many areas of Maharashtra. Flamingos 

have a specially adapted bill which enables them to suck in tiny insects 

from the muddy water and the slush into which they delve their bills. Both 

species of flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) and the lesser flamingo 

(Phoeniconaias minor) have been recorded from Maharashtra State, 

(5) Order Anseriformes—Family Anatidae—Ducks and Geese: 

Members of this family are found practically throughout the world. All 

have short legs and short broad and flat bills. The foot is four-toed, three 

in front being joined by a fully developed web. They all have efficient oil 

glands. The majority of these species breed on the ground, but some nest 

in hollow trees. 

Ducks:—The sexes usually look different. The neck is short and the 

bill is broad and flat. After the breeding season the male assumes the 

colours of the female. Of the 43 species belonging to 17 genera listed from 

India, 17 species of 8 genera are found in Maharashtra. All are migratory 

except the lesser whistling teal (Dendrocygna javanica), the cotton teal 

(Nettapus coromandelianus), and the Nukhta or Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis 

melanotos). 

Geese:—Both sexes look alike. They have comparatively long legs 

and the bill is high at the base. 

These birds feed mainly on vegetable matter. 

(6) Order Falconiformes.—The birds of prey have almost a 

worldwide distribution except in the Antartic region and in some of the 

remote oceanic islands. Their principal features are the strong hooked bill, 

strong feet with three toes in front and one behind, all with powerful 

claws, and large wings for fast sustained flight. Being diurnal carnivorous 

birds, their eyes are very well adapted for acute vision. Their coloration 

consists of various shades of grey, brown and black. In the majority of the 

FAUNA 552

species, the female is considerably larger than the male. Their habitat is 

extremely varied from dry open country to dense, deep forest. 

Falcons and hawks form two important groups of this order. In the 

falcon there is a well marked notch on the lower edge of the upper 

mandible and its tarsus is short and naked, and it has more sharply pointed 

wings than those of the hawk. Of the 63 species listed in India 42 are 

found in Maharashtra, 19 of these being migratory. 

Family Accipitridae—Hawks and Vultures: 34 species found in the 

State, consist of a wide assortment of birds. The blackwinged kite (Elanus 

caeruleus), the common pariah kite (Milvus migrans), and the Brahminy 

Kite (Haliastur indus) are found around our villages, towns and cultivated 

lands. 

The shikra (Accipiter badius) is awellknown resident spccies and 

Birds is found in most parts of Maharashtra. The sparrow hawk (Accipiter 

nisus) is a winter migrant recorded occasionally from the Deccan and 

Thana. 

Eagles generally capture their prey alive while vultures feed on dead 

bodies. A common resident species on the west coast of Maharashtra is the 

whitebellied sea-eagle (Haliaeeius leucogaster). When viewed from below 

it is snow-white except for a broad black border of the wings and tail. In 

flight, it holds the wings like a flat ‘V’ and its local name ‘Kakan’ is based 

on the fact that it calls ‘kak-kak-kak’ particularly during mating. 

Five species of vultures have been recorded from the State and all 

except Gyps fulvus are resident. The whitebacked vulture (Gyps 

bengalensis) and the Egyptian or Scavenger Vulture (Neophron 

percnopterus) play a valuable part as scavengers. 

The pale harrier (Circus macrourus), the Montagu’s harrier (Circus 

pygargus), the pied harrier (Circus melanoleucos) and the marsh harrier 

(Circus aeruginosus) are common winter visitors recorded from many 

districts of Maharashtra. The marsh harrier, as its name suggests, mainly 

found near water. 

FAUNA 553

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a fish-eating species and the only 

member of its genus which is a winter migrant to Maharashtra. 

Family Falconidae: Eight species of falcons are known to occur in 

Maharashtra State. These include the lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus), the 

shahin (Falco peregrinus peregrinator), the peregrine (Fclco peregrinus 

japonensis), the redheaded merlin (Falco chicquera), the redlegged falcon 

(Falco vespertinus), the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and the lesser kestrel 

(Falco naumanni). All these are winter visitors. 

(7) Order Galliformes.—Two families of this order, Family 

Phasianidae, are found all over the world, characterised by their compact 

plump form and terrestrial habits. They have short rounded wings, 

featherless sturdy tarsi adapted for scratching the soil for grains, seeds, 

roots and insects. Many of these species are polygamous and the male 

usually has highly developed secondary sexual characters such as gaudy 

combs and crests. The hen is soberly coloured and is very productive of 

eggs. The eggs are laid on the ground without any nest and the young are 

able to run about almost immediately after hatching. Many of these forms 

lend themselves to domestication and they are good as food. 

Family Phasianidae—Pheasants, Junglefowl, Partridges. Quails: 13 

species occur in the State and except the Common Quail (Coturnix 

coturnix) all are resident. 

The painted partridge (Francolinus pictus) and the grey partridge 

(Francolinus pondicerianus), both good sporting birds, are common in 

Maharashtra. The former is found near well watered areas while the latter 

prefers dry open ground and thorny scrub country. Their calls can be heard 

from a long distance and are a delight of the countryside. 

Quails are much smaller birds than partridges. They are brown and 

grey closely barred and vermiculated. They inhabit grasslands, standing 

crops and scrub jungle throughout the State. The painted bush quail 

(Perdicula erythrorhyncha) is found only in Peninsular India and is rather 

rare. 

FAUNA 554

The red junglefowl (Gallus gallus), the ancestor of the domestic 

poultry, has been reported from Khandala and areas around Bombay. The 

grey junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii) has been recorded from forests 

throughout the State. 

The Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the ‘National Bird’ of India. It is 

polygamous and two to five females often accompany a male. They were 

once quite common throughout the forests of the State but their numbers 

have now been considerably reduced, and they have disappeared from 

many forest areas. 

(8) Order Gruiformes.—The Order Gruiformes includes a 

heterogeneous group of terrestrial and water birds. 

Family Turnicidae.—Button—and Bustard—Quail: These birds are 

found in temperate as well as tropical regions of the whole world and are 

similar in habit and coloration to the true quails but lack the hind toe. The 

richly coloured female is polyandrous and is aggressive during courtship. 

When a clutch is completed the male incubates the eggs and rears the 

young while the female proceeds to pair with another male. 

Three species occur in Maharashtra. The little bustard quail (Turnix 

sylvatica) occupies grassland and plains and can be differentiated from the 

common bustard-quail (Turnix suscitator) by the absence of a black breast 

band. The button quail (Turnix tanki) is found in grassland and scrub areas 

and is the largest member of this family. 

Family Gruidae—Cranes: These are among the largest birds in India 

and inhabit marshes and plains, being particularly fond of rice fields. Of 

the six species found in India three are recorded from Maharashtra and 

two of these are winter visitors. The common crane (Grus grus) and the 

Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) are winter visitors and the Sarus 

crane (Grus antigone) is a straggler in Maharashtra, but breeds commonly 

in Gujarat. 

Cranes are gregarious birds and after the breeding season migrate vast 

distances. 

FAUNA 555

Family Rallidae—Rails, Crakes and Coots: In general the rails are of 

brownish colour and small in size, but a few are bright green or purple and 

fairly large. With the exception of coots (Fulica atra) and moorhen 

(Gallinula chloropus) the other species of this Family are very secretive. 

Many rails are crepuscular and active at night. Inspite of the fact that their 

flight is weak, they migrate long distances. The nest is usually built of 

marsh vegetation by both sexes and both parents share domestic duties. 

Except the Baillon’s crake (Porzana pusilla) and the spotted crake 

(Porzana porzana), the other species are resident and breed in during the 

monsoon. 

The bluebreasted banded rail (Rallus striatus) has been recorded as 

nesting from the Bombay area. The Indian banded crake (Rallina 

eurizonoides), the ruddy crake (Amaurornis fuscus), the brown crake 

(Amaurornis akool) and the whitebreasted waterhen (Amaurornis 

phoenicurus) are commonly seen in reeds and marsh land, while the water 

cock (Gallicrex cinerca) the moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and the purple 

moorhen (Porphyrio porphyrio), as well as the coot are commonly seen in 

village tanks. 

Family Otididae—Bustards: Two species of this Family, the great 

Indian bustard (Choriotis nigriceps) and the lesser florican (Sypheotides 

indica) are found in Maharashtra. The great Indian bustard, a large 

handsome bird, is unfortunately in danger of becoming extinct. It inhabits 

bare open plains and breeds from July to September. It was found 

throughout the State thirty years ago, but recently has been recorded from 

very few areas in Maharashtra. These birds are polygamous. 

The lesser florican is also a resident and is found in drier parts of 

Maharashtra. In the male, the head, neck and underparts are glossy velvet 

black contrasting sharply with the white wing coverts. The female is 

streaked with brown and buff. 

(9) Order Charadriiformes.—Charadriilormes is an Order consisting 

of ten Families, birds varying in size from small to fairly large. Of the 152 

FAUNA 556

species of this Order recorded in India, 66 occur in Maharashtra. These 

birds mainly live on the ground near water, and though they often have 

webbed feet, the hind toe is absent. 

Family Jacanidae—Jacanas: The jacanas or lily-trotters have a world 

wide distribution. In Maharashtra they are commonly found in tanks, 

ponds and jheels, either as residents or as local migrants. 

The pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is a beautiful 

bird with a conspicuous long tail, and brown and white coloration, with 

golden yellow on the hind neck during the breeding season. The 

bronzewinged jacana (Metopidius indicus) is slightly smaller and less 

common than its cousin. It is not as handsome as the pheasant-tailed 

jacana, but can be easily identified by its greenish bronze coloration and 

the white eyebrows. Both the jacanas nest on floating vegetation on which 

they can walk with ease aided by their four long toes. Jacanas feed on 

aquatic insects, molluscs, etc. and the females are believed to be 

polyandrous. 

Family Haematopodidae—Oystercatchers: Of the two species in 

India, Haematopus ostralegus is recorded from Maharashtra. This blackand-white 

shore bird has a prominent red bill and red legs. It feeds on sand 

worms, crabs, snails, bi-valves etc. and is a cold weather visitor to 

Maharashtra; seen along the sea coast. 

Family Charadriidae — 

Subfamily Charadriinae—Plovers 

Subfamily Scolopacinae—Curlew, Whimbrel, Godwit 

Subfamily Phalaropinae— 

Of the 67 species recorded in India 34 occur in Maharashtra and these 

have been subdivided into three subfamilies as above. 

The redwattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is one of the commonest of 

the four lapwings seen in Maharashtra. This brown and white bird has long 

FAUNA 557

legs and a crimson wattle, the throat and crown are black. It is common in 

open country near water and lays its eggs in scrapes or natural depressions 

on ground. The nest is very difficult to locate because the eggs match the 

colour of the surroundings. Its loud call ‘did he do it’ often indicates the 

presence of the bird in the countryside. 

Maharashtra has seven species of migratory plovers belonging to the 

genus Pluvialis. They frequent mudflats and saltpans, river banks and seashores, 

feeding on insect larvae and crustaceans of many kinds. A typical 

example of this subfamily is the eastern golden plover (Pluvialis 

dominica) with a thick head, large eyes and a stout bill. The plumage is 

mottled white brown and golden yellow above. It is found in Maharashtra 

between August and May. Its breeding grounds are in Siberia. 

The lesser sand plover (Charadrius mongolus) is another wader found 

along beaches, mudflats and creeks, in many parts of the State. In its 

winter plumage the bird is ashy-brown and fulvous above and white tinged 

with rufous below. It has a black bill and greenish grey legs. 

A slightly smaller bird of the same Subfamily is the little ringed 

plover (Charadrius dubius). Its white forehead, white neck with a 

prominent black colour are good identification marks. One of the large 

members of Charadriidae family are whimbrels and curlews which are of 

the size of a domestic hen, but with very large downcurved bills. The 

whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) and the curlew (Numenius arquata) are 

found along the sea coast and tidal creeks. They are good sporting birds 

and have been greatly persecuted. The whimbrel is slightly smaller than 

the curlew with a pale coronal band which the curlew lacks. 

The redshank (Tringa totanus) and greenshank (Tringa nebularia) are 

rather similar looking water birds found in the same kind of locality. The 

redshank has red legs and white rump while the greenshank which is 

slightly larger has olive grey legs and its bill is slightly up-curved. 

Perhaps the commonest among the Charadriidae is the sandpiper 

(Tringa hypoleucos). This olive-brown bird with white underparts 

FAUNA 558

constantly bobs its body up and down. It flies close to the water on stiffly 

held wings and has a prominent white wing-bar which can be seen in 

flight. 

The green sandpiper (Tringa ochropus) and the wood or spotted 

sandpiper (Tringa glareola) are less common. 

There are seven species of snipes in India and four of these (namely 

wood, common, pintail and jack snipe) occur in Maharashtra. Like the 

woodcock they have long bills and their eyes are placed far back on the 

head. 

The common fantail snipe (Capella gallinago) is dark-brown with a 

fulvous edge to the feathers. It has a prominent pale rufous line on the 

head as well as prominent eyebrows of the same colour. It is a common 

cold weather visitor frequenting marshes and mud-flats. It breeds in 

northern and central Europe and is recorded from many districts in 

Maharashtra. 

The pintail snipe (Capella stenura) differs from the foregoing species 

in having 26 or 28 attenuated pin feathers as against 14 in the fantail snipe. 

It frequents the same type of country as the other species. 

The stints which are slightly bigger than sparrows are found in large 

groups along sea shores and tidal creeks. Their colours are rufous brown 

and white and it is not always easy to distinguish the little stint (Calidris 

minutus) from Temminck’s stint (Calidris temminckii). The latter has 

white outer tail feathers as against the completely black tail of the former. 

The ruff—the female being known as reeve—(Philomachus pugnax) 

is a common winter visitor to Maharashtra. It is slightly larger than the 

common sandpiper and its plumage is brown mottled with black and buff 

above and on the breast, the lower plumage is white. It has spectacular 

courtship displays, the courting males gather together in traditional arenas 

to jump, flap their wings and spar. They are not very common in the State. 

FAUNA 559

Family Rostratulidae: This family is represented by a single species, 

the painted snipe (Rostratula benghalensis). This is fairly common in 

Maharashtra and its long bill and conspicuous white ring round the eye 

make it easy to identify. The upper plumage is metallic olive green with 

buff and blackish streaks; the lower plumage is brown and white. It feeds 

on small invertebrates, grains and shoots. It builds its nest on the ground. 

Family Recurvirostridae: This family includes the Blackwinged Stilt 

(Himantopus himantopus) and Avocet (Recurvirostra avosatta). Both these 

species are seen in swamps, mud-flats and creeks in various parts of the 

State. The Stilt is a black and white bird with conspicuously long red legs 

and the Avocet is coloured black and white and can be recognised by its 

prominently up-curved bill. The Avocet skims the surface of water for 

small crustaceans, worms, etc. 

Family Dromadidae: This family is represented by a single species 

the Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola). This bird is black and white with a 

white head, neck and underparts, and a black back and bill, and grey-white 

legs. It is found commonly in the islands on the northern part of the Indian 

Ocean and the coast of North-East Africa and the Persian Gulf. It has been 

recorded from Kolaba District in Maharashtra. 

Family Burhinidae: This family comprises the odd-looking Stone 

Curlews. Two species occur in India of which one is resident in 

Maharashtra. The Indian Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) is an ashy 

brown bird with eyes having bright yellow iris surrounded by a broad 

white ring of feathers. The legs are greenish yellow and the bird is only 3toed. 

It is found in dry country and in sandy river beds. Its food consists of 

insects, worms, snails and frogs and it has been recorded from several 

areas of Maharashtra. 

Family Glareolidae: This family consists of Coursers and 

Pratincoles. Of the six species in India, three occur in Maharashtra. 

The Indian Courser (Cursorius coromandelicus) is about the size of 

our Common Myna. It is ashy-brown above with a rich rufous crown and a 

FAUNA 560

prominent white and black stripe through and over eyes. It has only three 

toes and its general appearance reminds one of a Lapwing in the field. 

This bird is fairly common in Maharashtra. Except for the fact that it has 

only one white stripe down the neck instead of two, it looks very similar to 

the Jerdon’s or Doublebanded Courser (Cursorius bitorquatus), which has 

become extinct in India. 

The Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) is a swallow-like plover, 

olive-brown above, pale rufous and white below. A black line runs from 

behind the eyes across the breast forming a narrow gorget. It has a white 

rump and long pointed wings. The bill and the tail are short. It flies in the 

manner of a swallow and runs like a plover on land. It inhabits thin scrub 

grassland and cultivated fields. It breeds in Sind in West Pakistan and has 

been recorded as a straggler in Ratnagiri District. One was also shot at 

Bhayander in the Thana District. 

Family Stercorariidae: Skuas and Jaegers. Four species are recorded 

in India. These oceanic birds obtain most of their food by chasing gulls 

and making them disgorge their catch which is then caught in the air. A 

specimen of the Antartic Skua (Catharacta skua lönnbergi) was picked up 

on the Malvan Coast of Ratnagiri District. 

Family Laridae: Gulls and Terns. This family consists of many 

species of Gulls and Terns and of the 36 species found in India 19 occur in 

Maharashtra. One of the commonest is the Blackheaded Gull (Larus 

ridibundus) which is seen along our sea-coast and in the harbors in mixed 

flocks with other Gulls picking up wastes thrown into the water from 

ships. A black patch above the ear covers makes it easy to identify the 

bird. A similar looking, though somewhat smaller, bird is the 

Brownheaded Gull (Larus brunnicephalus) which is found in the same 

kind of habitat as the Blackheaded Gull. The Great Blackheaded Gull 

(Larus ichthyaetus) is larger than the foregoing species. 

The Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) is rather an odd-looking 

waterbird. It is black and white and brown in colour and can be recognised 

by its scissors-shaped orange-red bill. The knife-like lower mandible 

FAUNA 561

projects beyond the upper and this rare Tern-like bird feeds mainly at 

twilight flying over the water with an open bill so that the lower mandible 

ploughs through the water. In this way it catches insects and small fish 

from the surface, while entirely on the wings. 

The Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a fairly common winter 

visitor. Its main colours are ashy-grey and white with some black behind 

the top of the head. In summer it wears a black cap and frequents tanks, 

marshes and creeks. It feeds on fish, tadpoles, etc. 

The Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) is the smallest member of the Tern 

family. It is grey above, white below and has orange yellow bill, legs and 

feet. The crown and the nape are black. Apart from migrants which come 

to Maharashtra in winter, the species was found nesting on the islet of 

Uttan Washi in the north-west of Greater Bombay. 

The Indian River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has a black head, pale grey 

upper parts and white lower parts. It ts fairly common throughout the 

State, except in the Deccan. A few birds apparently nest in the State. 

The Gullbilled Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is a grey white bird 

distinguished by its black bill, legs and feet. It frequents creeks, mudflats 

and sea-shores. It is a common winter visitor to Maharashtra and breeds in 

colonies in Europe. 

(10) Order Columbiformes.—This order consists of two families, 

Pteroclididae and Columbidae i.e. Sandgrouse and Pigeons and Doves. 

Family Pteroclididae: Sandgrouse are game birds found chiefly in 

Asia and Africa. They are of the size of pigeons, but have short legs with 

three front toes partly united. They are gregarious and terrestrial, and are 

found in steppes and deserts and feed mainly on seeds. 

The Common Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus is a brown and yellow 

bird and the male has a chocolate abdomen. These birds are found in open 

country and avoid hilly districts, swamps and forests. 

FAUNA 562

The Painted Sandgrouse Pterocles indicus is a colourful bird. The 

breast is chocolate coloured with white bands and general plumage is 

barred with grey, buff, white and yellow. It is fond of scanty jungle and is 

a resident species. 

Family Columbidae: Pigeons and Doves form a very large family, 

having nearly 289 species throughout the world. Of these 36 are found in 

India and 15 have been recorded from Maharashtra. 

Many varieties of Pigeons have been bred from the original parental 

stock of the Common Rock Pigeon Columba livia. Pigeons are reputedly 

monogamous, both sexes take part in nest building, incubation and feeding 

the young. The young are fed in the initial stages while they are in the nest 

by a regurgitated substance called “pigeon’s milk” secreted by the parents. 

Adults live on fruits and seeds. 

The grey-fronted green pigeon Treron pompadora, the Orangebreasted 

Green Pigeon Treron bicincta and the Green Pigeon Treron 

phoenicoptera are all classed as Green Pigeons. They have beautiful 

plumages of soft green colours and are very partial to banian and peepal 

trees. None of these green pigeons are very common. 

Two species of Imperial Pigeons are found in the State, the Green 

Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea and the Imperial Pigeon D. badia. Both 

these birds are entirely frugivorous and frequent evergreen forests. They 

are rather rare species. 

The Blue Rock Pigeon Columba liviaiscommon everywhere both in 

urban and rural areas. The Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii is 

found in forested areas and is common in Mahabaleshwar. 

Doves mostly feed on the ground and their predominant colours are 

grey and buff. The Little Brown Dove Streptopelia $enegalensis is a good 

representative of the whole group. The Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica 

is a brightly coloured bird with metallic bronze green upper plumage. The 

head, neck and underparts are lilac and pinkish grey. This species is found 

FAUNA 563

in humid evergreen forest. It is very fond of termites and thus plays an 

important part in keeping this pest under control. 

(11) Order Psittaciformes.—Parrots are a well defined Order of 

tropical birds containing over 300 species. India has no true parrots but 

has 14 species of parakeets and five of these are found in Maharashtra. 

They are popular cage birds. 

The birds of this order have zygodactyle type of feet with the first and 

the fourth toes turned permanently backward. They live on nuts and fruits 

and can do a great deal of damage to agriculture. A special type of hinge at 

the base of their skull enables them to move the upper mandible and to 

crush extremely hard objects easily. They nest in natural holes in trees, 

walls and other places. They are extremely noisy and outside the breeding 

season congregate in vast flocks which have their favourite roosting sites. 

The largest parakeet in India is the Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula 

eupatria named after Alexander the Great, who is supposed to have taken 

these birds from India. The male of this species has a prominent red patch 

on the wings and a pink and black collar. The female lacks these 

adornments. This species is not uncommon along the Vindhya Range but it 

does not occur in the Deccan. 

The Rose-ringed Parakeet P. krameri is our commonest parakeet and a 

lively little bird affecting both thin forest and cultivation. As in the former 

species the male has a rosy and black collar while the female is plain 

green. Both sexes have pale yellow beaks. 

The Blue-winged Parakeet, P. columboides is fairly common in the 

evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. The Indian Lorikeet, Loriculus 

vernalis is the smallest member of this family being the size of a house 

sparrow. This bird has a brushlike tongue which enables it to feed on the 

nectar of flowers, and it plays an important part in cross pollination of 

flowers. It sleeps hanging head downwards like a bat and is a cold weather 

visitor to Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 564

(12) Order Cuculiformes.—This Order includes 147 species of 

Cuckoos some of which are parasitic and some non-parasitic. The 

Ethiopian and Oriental Regions have the largest numbers. Most of them 

are coloured in shades of grey, brown and black. 

The common Hawk Cuckoo Cuculus varius parasitises on babblers. 

Its loud piercing call sounds like ‘brain fever’ and the general coloration 

and appearance of the bird make it look like a hawk. Many small birds 

move away at the approach of the Common Hawk Cuckoo and the female 

thus gets an opportunity to deposit her eggs in the nests of the host. 

The Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris is of the same size as the 

Black Drongo, for which it is liable to be mistaken, but it has a short tail 

and flies like a cuckoo. It is found in well wooded country. 

The Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus which is a common bird 

of the Deccan lays its eggs in the nests of tailor birds and ashy wren 

warblers. Some plaintive Cuckoos also produce eggs that match very 

closely the eggs of the host birds. 

The Pied Crested Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus is a regular visitor to 

western India just prior to the monsoon and lays its eggs in the nests of 

several species of babblers. 

The Koel Eudynamys scolopacea is a familiar bird of our gardens. 

The male is jet black while the female is barred brown and white and lays 

her eggs in the nests of house crows and jungle crows. They call loudly in 

the hot weather. 

The Green-billed Malkoha Rhophodytes viridirostris, the Sirkeer 

cuckoo Taccocua leschenaulti and the Crow Pheasant Centropus sinensis 

all belong to the non-parasitic group of cuckoos. The Malkoha is a forest 

loving bird coloured olive grey; the Sirkeer Cuckoo is an earthy brown 

and green bird found in scrub jungle and forests of the Deccan; the Crow 

Pheasant may be seen everywhere. The Crow Pheasant feeds on small 

vertebrates and is a great destroyer of young birds and eggs. 

FAUNA 565

(13) Order Strigiformes—Family Strigidae: Of the 150 living 

species of owls 28 are found in India and 15 in Maharashtra. Owls have 

short parrot-like beaks, large eyes projecting forward and uncommonly 

well developed ears. They are carnivorous and mainly nocturnal and live 

on insects, fish, amphibians, small mammals and birds. Their soft plumage 

enables them to fly noislessly and pounce upon their unsuspecting prey. 

Some owls like the Hawk Owl hunt by day. Most owls have round faces 

except the Barn Owl. Owls nest in the deserted nests of other birds or 

cavitics in trees, cliffs and ruined buildings. Many species prefer to live 

near human habitations. The Barn Owl is rather different looking from 

other owls in that it has a heart-shaped face instead of the round face of 

the others. It lacks the tufted ear-like feathers and has relatively long legs 

and feathered toes. Since this bird feeds solely on rats and mice which do 

so much damage to agriculture it plays a very useful role in checking the 

numbers of rodents. 

Subfamily Striginae: The Scope Owls are small birds about the size 

of a myna. They have a world-wide distribution and three species are 

found in Maharashtra, including one migratory species, the Striated Scops 

owl Otus brucei. These birds feed on insects, small mammals and birds. 

The specific name brucei was given after the Rev. H. Bruce who obtained 

the first specimens recorded from Poona, Khandala and the Dcccan. 

The Great Horned Owl Bubo bubo is a forest species and breeds in 

caves near rivers and the banks of streams. The forest Eagle Owl Bubo 

nipalensis slightly smaller than the former is also primarily a forest bird. 

The Dusky Horned Owl Bubo coromandus is greyish brown and about the 

same size as B. nipalensis. The Brown Fish Owl Bubo zeylonensis can be 

recognised by its bare unfeathered legs. It has been recorded from several 

parts of Maharashtra State but is nowhere common. 

The Spotted Owlet Athene brama is a very common species and lives 

around human habitations. The Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum is 

heavily barred in front and the forest spotted owlet Athene blewitti is 

rather similar in appearance to the spotted owlet. It is a very rare bird. It 

FAUNA 566

has been recorded from Khandesh but there have been no recent reports 

about its occurrence. 

The Mottled Wood Owl Strix ocellata and the slightly larger brown 

wood Owl Strix leptogrammica are found in forests in well wooded 

country. The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus is a winter migrant to 

Maharashtra. 

(14) Order Caprimulgiformes.—Nightjars are Crepuscular and 

nocturnal and are found singly or in pairs in scrub country. They inhabit 

the warmer regions of the world and produce a “cherring” call note from 

which they get their name ‘nightjar’. During the day the birds sit quietly 

on the ground and their protective coloration matching the shades of dry 

fallen leaves makes them invisible. They fly silently and have an 

enormous gape which enables them to hawk insects. Of the seven species 

recorded in India six occur in Maharashtra. 

The Common Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus it about the size of a 

myna. Its plumage is a rich mixture of yellow, grev, brown, black and 

fulvous; white patches on the wing show up well in flight. This bird is 

found in scrub country in light jungle and in compounds and is a resident 

species. T he Indian Jungle Nightjar C. indicus is not very common except 

in the hilly area of the Deccan and the European Nightjar C. europaeus is a 

migrant. The Syke’s Nightjar C. mahraltensis and Franklin’s Nightjar C. 

affinis are frequently found in the wooded areas of the Deccan. 

(15) Order Apodiformes.—Due to their superficial resemblance 

Swifts are often confused with Swallows, but they are quite unrelated. In 

Swifts all the four toes are turned forwards and the feet are so weak that 

unlike Swallows they cannot perch on telegraph wires. They are highly 

gregarious birds and they live mostly on the wing. Capturing insects, 

bathing, copulating and even collecting nesting material is done in the air. 

They are usually sooty or brown in colour with white or pale-green 

markings on the thorat, rump and tail. The mouth opens widely and helps 

the bird to capture many insects at a time. The tail takes many forms and 

can be either deeply forked, soft-tipped or with needle like spines. Unlike 

FAUNA 567

Swallows, Swifts do not close their wings at the side with every stroke. 

They only whip the air rapidly with the points of their wings which are 

always extended and curved evenly over the whole length like a bow. The 

nests are built of feathers, fibres, moss and even pure saliva and are 

attached to vertical surfaces of walls, cliffs, hollow trees and rock ledges. 

The young are hatched naked and remain in the nest for exceptionally long 

periods, sometimes up to six weeks. Of the 14 species recorded in India, 

six are found in Maharashtra. 

Subfamily Apodinae: Birds of this family have very highly developed 

salivary glands which become particularly active during the breeding 

season. In one group of Swiftlets, (Collocalia) the saliva is used as 

material for nest construction and it is from this that bird-nest soup is 

made. In Maharashtra the Malayasian Edible Swift nest Swiftlet 

(Collocalia fuciphaga) breeds at Vengurla and Malvan in the Ratnagiri 

District. 

The Alpine Swift (Apus melba) is one of the fastest birds and reaches 

a speed of about 150 miles per hour. It is a brown bird with white 

underparts and is occasionally seen in hilly areas. 

The large White-rumped Swift (Apus pacificus) is a migratory species 

with a deeply forked tail. The House Swift(Apus affinis) is found near 

human habitations and is common everywhere in Maharashtra. 

The Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) builds its nest on the underside of 

a palm fronds usually Palmyra Palm. It is one of the smallest birds of the 

Swift family. 

Subfamily Hemiprocninae: The Crested or Tree Swift (Hemiprocne 

longipennis) is the only member of the Apopidae which is able to perch on 

a tree as the toes are suitably formed for this purpose. The nest is made 

along a horizontal branch of a tree. 

(16) Order Trogoniformes.—The family Trogonidae consists of 34 

species of gorgeously coloured birds. Trogons are unique in that their 

inner toe is also turned backward. They are primarily forest dwelling birds. 

FAUNA 568

Their distribution is discontinuous for they are found on the west side of 

the Indian Subcontinent and then again in Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan, but 

nowhere in between. 

Of the three species occurring in India only one occurs in 

Maharashtra. The Malabar Trogon (Harpactes fasciatus) is about the size 

of a myna and in the male the head, neck and breast are blackish brown, 

and the underparts are a bright pink. They feed on insects. 

(17) Order Coraciformes.—This order consists of a variety of birds 

including hoopoes, bee-eaters, hornbills, kingfishers and rollers. 

Of the thirty species found in India, 19 occur in Maharashtra. The 

characteristic of this Order is that the second, third and fourth toes are 

united together to some extent. 

Family Alcedinidae: The Indian Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a 

black and white bird slightly bigger than a myna, commonly found along 

river banks and inland estuaries. It hovers over the water and plunges 

down when a fish is sighted. The common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is 

found along our sea-coast, village ponds and on rivers. It perches on 

overhanging branches or on a stamp or boulder in the water and dives after 

its prey. 

The Three-toed Kingfisher (Ceyx erithacus) is the smallest Kingfisher 

and a forest species. It is generally found along the banks of mountain 

streams. 

The Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capertsis) has a prominently 

large bill and is the largest Kingfisher of Maharashtra State. It lives on 

crabs, frogs and small reptiles. It breeds in shady areas near streams and 

rivers. Barnes considered it to be a straggler in the Deccan. 

The White-breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is easily the 

commonest member of this family, being seen in all localities from the sea 

coast to the interior. 

FAUNA 569

The Blackcapped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata) is one of the most 

beautiful of our birds and is occasionally seen near the sea coast and tidal 

rivers. The White-collared Kingfisher (Halcyon chloris) is a very rare bird 

having been recorded only once from Ratnagiri in 1878. 

Family Meropidae: Bee-eaters can be easily identified by their 

predominantly green colour and their projecting central tail feathers. They 

fly with rapid wing strokes and then glide gracefully and return again and 

again to the same perch from which they sally out after winged prey. 

Many are seasonal migrants and they nest in holes in mudbank and on the 

sea-shore. One of the commonest of this family is the Common Bee-eater 

(Merops orientalis). The European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) and the 

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Mcrops superciliosus) are winter migrants. The 

Bluetailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) though a resident, occurs 

sparingly in dry open country. Blue-bearded Bee-eater (Nyctyornis 

athertoni) is found in evergreen forests of western ghats and its breeding 

season is from February to August. 

Family Coraciidae: Rollers are brilliantly coloured, blue and green 

Jay like birds. The sexes are similar and during the breeding season they 

roll and somersault in the air and it is from this that they get their name. 

During flight the bright varied colours of the wings attract attention. Of 

the three species in India two are recorded in Maharashtra. The European 

Roller (Coracias garrulus) is a winter visitor and it can be distinguished 

from the resident Indian Blue Jay or Roller (Coracias benghalensis) by the 

latter’s blue underparts as distinguished from the brown underparts of the 

visitor. The blue-black wings of the Indian Roller are also more colourful. 

The Indian Roller nests in cavities in trees from March to July and has 

been recorded from Satara, Poona and Greater Bombay. 

Family Upupidae: The Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is the only member of 

this family and is a beautiful fawn coloured bird with a prominent crest, 

black-and-white wings, and a long curved bill. It probes the earth for 

worms, spiders, crickets, etc. and breeds in cavities in trees and walls. The 

European Hoopoe is a common cold weather visitor, and has been 

recorded from Greater Bombay and the Kolaba District. 

FAUNA 570

Family Bucerotidae: There are about 45 species of Hornbills in the 

Ethiopean and Oriental regions, and they have extraordinary nesting 

habits. Of the eight species found in India, four occur in Maharashra. 

Hornbills are reputed to mate for life, and they make interesting and 

amusing pets. During the breeding season the female with the eggs she has 

laid is imprisoned inside the nest which is sealed up for a period of from 

one to four months except for a slit used by the male to feed the female. 

This ensures that the female and the young are protected from predators, 

but the male has to work very hard to keep the family supplied with food. 

Though Hornbills are frugivorous birds, some species have been observed 

eating lizards and snakes. 

The Common Grey Hornbill (Tockus birostris) is a grey coloured bird 

found in dry deciduous forest. It breeds from March to June. Another 

Common species is the Malabar Grey Hornbill (Tockus griseus), it has no 

casque above its bill and occurs in areas where there is heavy rain fall in 

the Western Ghats. 

A larger bird is the Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) 

which has black upper parts and white lower parts, the tail being all white. 

It is found in the Western Ghats right down to Ceylon. Thelargest of the 

Hornbills in Maharashtra is the Great Pied Hornbill (Buce-ros 

bicornis)which is as large as a vulture and like the former is predominantly 

black and white bird. It has a yellow bill and is found inthe dense 

evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. 

(18) Order Piciformes.—This Order comprises Barbets, Honeyguides 

and Woodpeckers divided into three families. Only one family 

(Indicatoridae) is not represented in Maharashtra. Maharashtra has fifteen 

representatives of the forty-four species occurring in India. 

Family Capitonidae: Barbets are small to medium sized birds with 

green predominating in their plumage. They have heavy thick beak and 

zygodacte feet. They are frugivorous birds and are entirely arboreal. Four 

species are found in Maharashtra, the Green Barbet (Megalaima 

zeylanica), the small green Barbet (Megalaima vlridis), the Crimson- 

FAUNA 571

throated Barbet (Megalaima rubricapilla) and the Crimson-breasted Barbet 

or the Coppersmith (Megalaima haemacephala). The last named is an 

ubiquitous species found everywhere from the busiest city to forests in the 

interior. Its call tok-tok-tok reminiscent of Coppersmith at work is 

responsible for its common name. 

Family Picidae: Woodpeckers have long tongues enabling them to 

probe deep into rotting wood for insects, a chisel-shaped bill and a stiff tail 

which is used for supporting them vertically on tree trunks. 

The Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) is a winter migrant and it has a 

remarkable capacity of twisting its neck over 360 0 . Though it belongs to 

the Woodpecker family it often descends to the ground to pick up ants and 

insects. It is not common in Maharashtra, though recorded from Bombay 

and the Deccan. 

The Rufous Woodpccker (Micropternus brachyurus) is remarkable for 

its habit of nesting in the nests of Cremastogaster ants. How the young 

ones escape being killed by these ants remains a mystery. Though found in 

many areas in the State it is not common. 

The Small Yellow-naped Woodpecker (Picus chlorolophus) and the 

Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker (Dinopium benghalense) occur in our 

deciduous forests. The Three-toed Wood-pecker (Dinopium javanense) has 

been recorded from Savantwadi (sou'h Ratnagiri District). The Indian 

Great Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis), though not common, has 

been observed in Khandesh and the Western Ghats. The Pigmy 

Woodpecker (Picoides nanus) always makes its nest on the underside of a 

branch and has been recorded from many areas of the State. The little 

Heartspotted Woodpecker (Hemicircus canente) is found along the West 

Coast of India and also in the interior in Khandesh. The Black-backed 

Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes festivus) and the larger Golden-backed 

Woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes lucidus)are found in forest areas of the 

Western Ghats. The Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker (Picoides 

mahrattensis) is fairly common in the State and breeds between January 

and May. 

FAUNA 572

(19) Order Passeriformes.—This Order contains the largest number 

of species. Almost 5,100 out of the world total of 8,600 living birds belong 

to this order. All have four toes; the first pointing backwards and the other 

three in front. All the toes are unwebbed and the hind toe is the most 

powerfully developed and capable of independent movement. The young 

birds are born blind and almost naked. 

Out of the 638 passerine species found in India, 170 occur in 

Maharashtra. A few typical species representing different families are 

described below. 

Family Pittidae: Pittas are brightly coloured birds about the size of a 

myna, with long legs and very short tails. The Indian Pitta (Pitta 

brachyura) is found in scrub jungle as well as in deciduous and evergreen 

forests. Its colours are green, blue, fulvous, black and white with a 

crimson abdomen and under tail parts. It is a monsoon visitor and is found 

in many areas of Maharashtra. 

Family Alaudidae: Larks are birds of open areas, grass-lands and 

deserts. They are mainly brown and grey with conical bills and their rear 

toe has a straight long claw. They sing loudly both on the wing and on the 

ground and their nest consists of just a slight scrape on the ground, usually 

near a tuft of grass. The Redwinged Bush Lark (Mirafra erythroptera) is 

common in the drier parts of the State. During the breeding season the 

male flies high up and descends to the ground on outstretched wings 

singing the while. The Ashy Crowned Finch Lark (Eremopterix grisea) has 

a spectacular courtship display and the bird descends at great speed on 

closed wings checking itself when almost touching the ground. The 

Rufous-tailed Finch Lark (Ammo-manes phoenicurus) is a larger bird and 

quite common in fallow and cultivated fields. 

The Malabar Crested Lark (Galerida malabarica) streaked brown 

above and grey below can be recognised by its crest which can be erected 

at will. This and Sykes’s Crested Lark (Galerida deva) are representative 

of the Wood Lark group. The short-toed Lark (Calandreila cinerea) so 

named because of its short rear claw, is a common winter migrant. It is a 

FAUNA 573

gregarious species and associates with other larks. They are found in many 

areas of the State. The Eastern sky Lark (Alauda gulgula) is a familiar 

resident bird, and in the breeding season it sings vigorously for long 

periods on fluttering wings high up in the air. 

Family Hirundinidae: There are 75 species of swallows and martins 

throughout the world. Out of the 13 species found in India, 8 are recorded 

from Maharashtra. These birds have long pointed primariesand arecapable 

of sustained flight over long periods. The tails are deeply forked and in 

some species the Central tail feathers project beyond the tail. Though they 

have weak feet, they are capable of perching on telegraph wires and on the 

bare branches of trees. They obtain their food by hawking aerial insects 

and they breed in colonies making their nests of mud or excavating 

burrows in soft mud-banks. 

The Plain Sand Martin (Riparia paludicola) is a brown and white bird 

found near river banks. It breeds in holes in banks from November to 

February. The Crag Martin (Hirundo rupestris) is a slightly larger sandybrown 

bird which breeds in the Himalayas and visits Maharashtra in 

winter. The Dusky Crag Martin (Hirundo concolor), considerably smaller, 

is a resident species and common throughout the State. It is usually found 

near crags, old buildings and forts in the company of swallows and swifts. 

It is solitary in its nesting habits and the nest is neat saucer of mud affixed 

to a wall. The breeding season is between July and September. 

The Common Swallow (Hinrundo rustica) is a winter visitor from 

Europe seen here between September and April. They are glossy blue 

above and white below, and have been recorded from most areas of the 

State. 

The, Wiretailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) is a resident bird easily 

recognised by its projecting tail feathers. The Indian Cliff Swallow 

(Hirundo fluvicola) is smaller than most other swallows and its underparts 

are streaked with black. It is a resident species and its mud-nest lined 

with feathers is attached to ceilings, bridge girders and other places. 

FAUNA 574

The Redrumped or Striated Swallow (Hirundo daurica) is a resident 

species and, though common in most areas of the State, seem to prefer 

hilly districts. 

The House Martin (Delichon urbica) is a rare winter visitor. The tarsus 

and toes are feathered. The upper parts are black glossed with deep blue, 

while the rump and lower parts are white. 

Family Oriolidae: Orioles are brightly coloured myna size birds and 

of the four species occurring in India three are found in Maharashtra. They 

are arboreal birds found in gardens and forests and in most species the 

females are considerably duller in colour than the males. Young birds are 

heavily streaked below. They make a hammock type nest of vegetable 

fibres, rags etc. and both sexes participate in domestic duties. They feed on 

insects and berries. 

The Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) is a handsome gold-coloured bird 

with black wings and a red bill. It has a pleasant mellow whistlingcall. 

The Blacknaped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis) is larger than the previous 

species and has been recorded from Ratnagiri and Savantwadi. 

The Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus xanihornus) has a jet black head, 

throat and upper breast, and is found in more wooded areas than the 

Golden Oriole. 

Family Lanidae: There are 70 species of birds belonging to this 

family in the world; nine are found in India and out of these five occur in 

Maharashtra. All of them belonging to one genus. Shrikes are carnivorous 

and their staple food consists of insects. They have powerful hooked beaks 

and strong claws. 

The Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is the largest of the family found 

in India and frequents dry open country. 

FAUNA 575

The Bay-backed Shrike (Lanius vittatus) is found in thorny jungle, 

gardens and cultivated land in the drier portions of the State, and breeds 

from April to September. 

The Rufous-backed Shrike (Lanius schach) frequents more humid 

areas than the bay-backed species, and is rather similar looking except for 

the fact that it has no white mirror on the wings. 

The Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) and the Brown Shrike 

(Lanius cristatus) are winter visitors. 

Family Dicruridae: Of the 20 species of Drongos occurring in the 

world, six are found in Maharashtra. They are all birds with predominantly 

black plumages tinged with green, blue and purple. The sexes are alike. 

They live on insects which are caught on the wing. 

The Black Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) is the commonest member of 

the family and is found in varying habitats. It has been called Kotwal 

because it protects other birds nesting on the same tree as itself from 

attacks by crows. 

The White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens) only slightly 

larger, is much less common and occurs in well-wooded country. The Grey 

or Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus) is a winter visitor partial to 

deciduous forests. The Bronzed Drongo (Dicrurus aeneus) and the Haircrested 

Drongo (Dicrurus hottentottus) are rather rare birds, while the 

Greater Rackettailed Drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus) with its prominent tail 

feathers is seen in many wooded areas of Maharashtra. 

Family Artamidae: This family consists of 10 species which 

resemble swallows more than shrikes, and which have long wings and 

powerful bills. They are very gregarious birds and are closely associated 

with palmyra palm trees. They live on insects, moths and butterflies which 

are captured on the wing. Only one species is found in Maharashtra, the 

Ashy-Swallow Shrike (Artamus fuscus). This is a plump grey bird with a 

short tail and a heavy bill. It is slightly larger than a Bulbul and when 

perched its closed wings reach the end of the tail. 

FAUNA 576

Family Sturnidae: This is a very large family of110 species 

originally belonging to the old world. 19 species are found in India of 

which 8 are recorded from Maharashtra. They are all gregarious birds with 

pointed wings and they are either insectivorous or frugivorous. 

The Grey-headed Myna (Sturnus malabaricus) is a grey bird washed 

with rufous with a white forehead. The Black-headed Myna (Sturnus 

pagodarum) is again a grey and rufous bird with a long black crest. The 

Rosy Pastor (Sturnus roseus) is a common winter migrant. They breed in 

Central Europe and are largely responsible for keeping locust populations 

under control. The large flocks which are seen in Maharashtra do some 

damage to jowar and other crops. 

The Pied Myna (Sturnus contra) is a bird mainly of central and eastern 

India, but is now slowly spreading westwards and has been recently 

recorded breeding in Greater Bombay. The Common Myna (Acridotheres 

tristis) is a bird which may be found in almost every type of habit. The 

Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus) is somewhat smaller than the 

common Myna and has a bare patch of orange skin behind the eye. Like 

the Pied Myna it has been recently recorded breeding in the suburbs of 

Bombay. 

The Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) as its name implies is not 

found in urban areas and can easily be recognised by a small tuft of 

feathers on the forehead. The Grackle or Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is a 

glossy purple black bird with yellow wattles and patches of naked skin on 

the head. It is found in evergreen forests in Western Ghats and is a 

favourite cage bird because of its ability to mimic human speech. 

Family Corvidae: Crows, Magpies and Jays make up this family. 

They are omnivorous birds living on insects, seeds, fruits, the eggs of 

reptiles and birds, nestlings, etc. There are over 100 species in the world 

and of the 22 found in India 3 occur in Maharashtra. 

The Indian Tree Pie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) frequents well-wooded 

country and open deciduous forests. The House Crow (Corvus splendens) 

FAUNA 577

is too wellknown to need a description. Its breeding season is from April 

to June. The Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) is a larger bird entirely 

black and is now invading areas nearer human habitation. Its breeding 

season commences earlier than that of the House Crow, and is normally 

from December to April. The Jungle Crow is a great destroyer of young 

birds and their nests. 

Family Bombycillidae: Representatives of two sub-families, 

Bombycillinae (Waxwings) and Hypocolinae (Silky Flycatchers) occur in 

India, and only the species belonging to the latter sub-family is found in 

Maharashtra. The Grey Hypocolius (Hypocolius ampelinus) has been 

recorded only once in Kolaba District by Dr. Salim Ali in 1930. It was 

apparently a straggler. The nearest breeding ground is in Afghanistan. 

Family Campephagidae: This family consists of 80 species of 

Cuckoo Shrikes. Fourteen of these are found in India and nine have been 

recorded from Maharashtra. Most of them are drab-coloured birds except 

the minivets. As in the true shrikes, their beaks are hooked at the tip but 

they are exclusively arboreal and insectivorous birds and search their food 

among the leaves and barks of trees. In the non- breeding season they are 

gregarious and hunt in big parties. 

The Pied Flycatcher Shrike (Hemipus picatus) resembles a flycatcher 

with its short flat bill, black and white upper plumage, black tail and white 

underparts. It is found in forest tracts and is well distributed in the State. 

The Common Wood Shrike (Tephrodornis pondicerianus) is found 

throughout the State. The Large Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina 

novaehollandiae) is fairly common in many districts of the State. The male 

is grey above and white below while the female is barred grey with white 

below. The bill is strong and crow-like. The smaller Grey Cuckoo Shrike 

(Coracina melaschistos) is smaller than the preceding species, is uniformly 

dark-grey above and barred with white on the underside. The Blackheaded 

Cuckoo Shrike (Coracina melanoptera) is a small bird which frequents 

orchards and groves. 

FAUNA 578

The Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus) is a strikingly coloured 

bird. The male has a black head, neck and wings, while the rest of the 

plumage is scarlet. The female is grey above and orange below. The birds 

are found in evergreen forests as far north as Khandesh. The Rosy Minivet 

(Pericrocotus roseus) the Small Minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus), the 

short-billed Minivet (Pericrocotus brevirostris) are fairly common, while 

the Whitebellied Minivet (Pericrocotus erythropygius), a smaller bird, is 

somewhat rare. 

The Ashy Minivet (Pericrocotus divaricatus) has only recently been 

added to the Indian list, having been found at Karnala in the Kolaba 

District of Maharashtra. It is a bird which occurs in South-East Asia from 

Burma to Japan. 

Family Irenidae: This small family comprises six species of brightly 

coloured birds, inhabiting well-wooded areas, dense forests and gardens. 

They are arboreal and live on fruits, insects, and nectar. The nest is a 

loosely constructed hammock placed in trees. Both sexes take part in 

domestic duties. 

The Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia) is a richly coloured yellow and 

black bird, somewhat smaller than a bulbul, with a very melodious call. It 

is a fairly common species. Marshall’s Iora (A. nigrolutea) is rather 

uncommon but has been recorded as a breeding bird in Khandesh. The 

Gold-fronted Chloropsis (Chloropsis aurifrons) is found throughout the 

State and is a good mimic. Jerdon’s Chloropsis (Chloropsis 

cochinchinensis) looks similar to the former species except for the fact 

that it has no gold on the crown. The Fairy Bluebird (Irena puella) is a 

resident of evergreen dense forests and has been seen around Savantwadi 

(South Ratnagiri). 

Family Pycnonotidae: Of the 19 speciesofBulbuls found in India, six 

have been recorded from Maharashtra. The commonest are the 

Redwhiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) and the Redvented Bulbul 

(Pycnonotus cafer). They are found in gardens, villages, open scrub 

country and deciduous jungles, but avoid dense forests. The White- 

FAUNA 579

cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys) and the White-browed Bulbul 

(Pycnonotus luteolus) are less common than the foregoing species, while 

the Yellow-browed Bulbul (Hypsipetes indicus) is found in the hilly areas 

like Mahabaleshwar and Matheran and is not uncommon in its restricted 

habitats. The Black Bulbul (Hypsipetes madagascariensis) likewise is 

found only in the hilly portions of the State. 

Family Muscicapidae: This is a large family containing about 400 

species. They have short flat bills with bristles of the base and in India 

there are the following five sub-families Timaliinae, Muscicapinae, 

Pachycephalinae, Sylviinae and Turdinae. Pachycephalinae is not 

represented in Maharashtra. 

Sub-family Timaliinae: Babblers are dull coloured birds which move 

about in small parties of seven to ten birds. They have short rounded 

wings which is the cause of their feeble flight. They look for insects 

amongst the fallen leaves on the ground, and they are rather noisy birds. 

Of the 121 species of this subfamily found in India, 10 are found in 

Maharashtra State. The Common Babbler (Turdoides caudatus) is a typical 

member of this subfamily inhabiting scrub country. The spotted Babbler 

(Pellorneum ruficeps) frequents light jungle and has an extremely 

attractive long-drawn whistling song. The Slaty-headed Scimitar Babbler 

(Pomatorhinus schisticeps) is partial to bamboos and dry deciduous forests 

and its bubbling call can be heard from a long distance. The Rufousbellied 

Babbler (Dumetia hypery-thra) and the Yellow-eyed Babbler 

(Chrysomma sinensis), both found in light jungle and scrub country, are 

the smallest members of this subfamily. The large Grey Babbler 

(Turdoides malcolmi) and the Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striatus) are 

widely distributed. The other Babblers in the State are: the Rufous Babbler 

(T. subrufus) and the Quaker Babbler (Alcippe poioicephala). 

Sub-family Muscicapinae: Flycatchers are small thrushlike birds 

which are confined to the old world. They feed on insects captured on the 

wing. The Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa latirostris) is common around 

Ratnagiri and occurs sparingly at some places in the Deccan. The 

Rufoustailed Flycatcher (M. ruficauda) is a very rare cold weather visitor 

FAUNA 580

ecorded from Ahmednagar and Sholapur. The Redbreasted Flycatcher (M. 

parva) is a common visitor and the Blue-throated Flycatcher (M. 

rubeculoides) is a rare winter vititor to the Deccan. The Verditer 

Flycatcher (M. thalassina) is a cold weather visitor to many parts of the 

State, but is nowhere very common. The Greyheaded Flycatcher 

(Culicicapa ceylonensis) is a migrant seen between October and May. 

The Whitebellied Blue Flycatcher (Muscicapa pallipes) is a rare bird 

recorded from Bhimashankar in Poona District. Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher 

(Muscicapa tickelliae) is a resident bird commonly seen inwooded areas. It 

breeds between June and August. The WhitebrowedFantail Flycatcher 

(Rhipidura aureola), the White-throated FantailFlycatcher(R.albicollis)and 

the White-spotted Fantail Flycatcher(R.albogularis)are very lively and 

graceful birds almost incessantlyon the move. They are found in gardens, 

and wooded areas. TheWhitebrowed is commoner in open country. 

The Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) is a strikingly 

handsome bird. The male is pure white with a glossy black crest and long 

tail ribbons. The total length of the bird may be as much as 22 inches. The 

female is chestnut above and white below and lacks the tail streamers of 

the male. This is a seasonal migrant and more information is necessary 

about the movement of this species. 

Sub-family Sylviinae: Warblers are a large group of small birds 

comprising about 380 species, mainly in the old world. They are sober 

coloured birds with small straight bills. The migratory species have longer 

wings than the resident birds. They are purely insectivorous birds and are 

found on trees, bushes, grass reeds and other areas where they can find 

suitable food. Of the 92 species recorded in India, 28 are found in 

Maharashtra. The Tailor Bird (Orthotomus sutorius), a familiar bird 

equally at home in scrub jungle and town gardens is a typical member of 

this sub-family. The Ashy Longtail Warbler (Prinia socialis) is found in 

many habitats and frequents gardens while the Jungle Longtail Warbler 

(Prinia sylvatica) keeps away from human habitations. 

FAUNA 581

Among the migrants the Indian Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus 

stentoreus) is well known for its loud warbling call and is fond of 

mangrove swamps. The Blyth’s Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum) 

is extremely common in winter in all localities. The Booted Warbler 

(Hippolais caligata) and the White-throat (Sylvia curruca) are also 

migrants but not too common anywhere. The Olivaceous Leaf Warbler 

(Phylloscopus griseolus) and the Yellowbrowed Leaf Warbler (P.inornatus) 

are among the smallest of the group of Leaf Warblers. 

Sub-family Turdinae: This sub-family is distributed all over the 

world, there being some 134 species in India, and 17 in Maharashtra. In 

size, the birds range from about a sparrow to a Myna, and feed principally 

on insects, worms and berries. 

The commonest species of Turdinae in India is the Magpie Robin 

(Copsychus saularis) approximately 7 inches. Both sexes are black and 

white, the black on the male, however, being glossy while on the female it 

tends to a slaty grey. It is a familiar bird of our gardens and villages. It 

sings loudly from the top of a chosen tree or building during the breeding 

season, thus establishing its territory, and nests in a variety of places 

ranging from holes in trees to the vents in a sanitary system or just under 

the tiles ofaroof. While it is only the female which builds the nest, the 

male assists with the family duties later on. The diet consists mainly of 

insects and nectar. 

The Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) about 10½ inches, is a cousin of 

the Magpie Robin, and has a bright chestnut lower plumage with a longer 

tail, the rump being white. It is a bird of the forest, and, like its cousin, is 

an exceptional singer. It feeds on insects and nests in the hollows of treestumps. 

The black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) about 5½ inches, is a 

common migrant to Maharashtra in the winter months. The male is black 

with orange-chestnut underparts, while the female is lighter with a red tail. 

The principal food, insects, is acquired by a characteristic strutting 

movement on the ground, the tail being quivered at the same time. 

FAUNA 582

The Indian Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata) around 6 inches, is a 

sparrow-sized black bird with a red-brown patch under the tail; the female 

is brown. Three races of the species—Saxicoloides fulicata cambaiensis, 

S. f. intermedia and S. f. fulicata occur in Bombay. The bird is a common 

countryside resident, feeding, like the previous species, on insects picked 

up from the ground. Its nest-sites range from a hole in an earth-bank to the 

sheltered side of a signboard. 

The Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius pandoo) is a fairly 

common winter visitor found in the rock hillsides and scrub jungle. The 

male is indigo blue, and the female, brown above and a barred white and 

brown below. The peculiar jerky movement of the tail is a characteristic. 

The diet consists of insects and berries. 

The Orangeheaded Ground Thrush (Zoothera citrina) which is the size 

of a myna, keeps to the better wooded areas. It has an orange head, neck 

and underparts, with the rest of the upper parts blue. In the female the blue 

is tinged with olive-green. Nesting in trees, the bird feeds on insects and 

fallen berries. 

The Malabar Whistling Thrush (Myiophorus horsefieldii) is black and 

cobalt blue, approximately the size of a myna, and a resident species in 

Maharashtra. It keeps to ravines and hill streams, and its clear, prolonged 

whistling song has earned for it the name of the ‘Whistling Schoolboy’. 

Family Paridae: This family contains over 60 small birds, all of them 

less than ‘sparrow-size’ and distributed throughout the world. India has 35 

species, of which only 1 species is recorded in Maharashtra. This is the 

Southern Grey tit (Parus major). The bird is about 5 inches long, grey, 

black and white, with white cheeks, a black throat, and a black band 

running down the centre of the belly. It is seen in wooded localities 

feeding on insects, buds, fruits, nuts and seeds, a diet adapted to its short, 

thick bill. Mainly a resident of the Dcccan, it has been recorded North of 

Bombay as well. 

FAUNA 583

Family Sittidae: This family comprises the nuthatches, and consists 

altogether of about 30 small birds distributed in Europe, Asia, Australia 

and North and Central America. They have the ability to move almost 

vertically up and down tree-trunks with ease. The 18 species which occur 

in India fall under three subfamilies, viz. Sittinae, Salpornitinae and 

Tichodromadinae, of which the former two are represented in 

Maharashtra. 

Of the subfamily Sittinae, a representative is the Velvetfronted 

Nuthatch (Sitta frontalis) purplish blue above and greyish lilac below. The 

bird gets its name from the black velvety forehead while the male has a 

black stripe above and below the eye. Not easily seen, they are usually in 

small flocks or mixed parties in the Western Ghats and in various wooded 

tracts. They nest in small hollows or woodpecker-like holes in trees. 

The subfamily Salpornitinae is represented by the Spotted Grey 

Creeper (Salpornis spilonotus). It is about 6 inches long, a small active 

bird with a long decurved beak and wings which are long and pointed. The 

entire plumage is spotted and barred with white. It is found on large trees 

in the well-wooded country of the Western Ghats. According to the Fauna 

volume, this Creeper is common in Khandesh as well. 

Family Motacillidae: This is divided again into two well-defined 

groups of birds; the wagtails which are usually either black and white or 

blue and yellow, and which are distinctive in their long tail, and the pipits 

which resemble larks and are generally streaked and spotted with brown. 

The Tree pipit, (Anthus trivialis) 6 inches, is about the size of a 

sparrow, but slimmer and with a longer tail. The sandy brown upper 

plumage is boldly streaked with black-brown. The birds are found along 

the ground in open spaces and wooded areas, flying into trees when 

disturbed. They are winter visitors to Maharashtra. 

Out of some 18 kinds of wagtails found in our country, 17 are 

migrants from Russia and Siberia. In Maharashtra nine species and races 

are recorded. They feed on small invertebrates, especially insects. 

FAUNA 584

The forest Wagtail (Motacilla indica), has short central tail feathers, 

olive-brown upper plumage, and completely white underparts. There is a 

black band across the breast. Judging from the number of examples of the 

species observed in Maharashtra, it is likely that the bird is a rare visitor in 

the State. 

The two subspecies of Yellow Wagtails, (Motacilla flava thunbergi 

and M. f. beema) are both migratory visitors to Maharashtra, the former, 

Greyheaded yellow wagtail being fairly common. This bird has a darker 

grey head and deeper yellow underparts than Blueheaded yellow wagtail 

(M.f.beema), which has a blue grey head. Both are about6½inches long 

and are found on beaches, marshes, lawns etc. There are records from all 

over Maharashtra. 

The two subspecies of the Yellowheaded Wagtail (Motacilla citreola 

citreola and M. c. werae) differ from the Yellow Wagtails in having a 

bright yellow head in breeding plumage. The birds are difficult to 

distinguish in non-breeding plumage, as they resemble the Yellow 

Wagtails in size (about 7 inches) and have all their habits. 

The Grey Wagtail (Motacilla caspica) which is also 7 inches long, 

differs from the yellow wagtails in having a white eyebrow and a greenish 

yellow rump and uppertail coverts, along with a pair of white outer tail 

feathers. 

Two subspecies of White Wagtails (length 7 inches) are the Pied or 

White Wagtail (Motacilla albadukhunensis) and the Masked Wagtail (M. a. 

personata) both of which visit Maharashtra in winter. In the white wagtail 

the front and sides of the head are white in the summer plumage, whereas 

in the Masked Wagtail the sides of the head are mottled with black and 

white. There are records of the species from Bombay, Salsette, Thana, and 

Kolaba districts. While the masked wagtail is distributed throughout the 

State, the white wagtail is common in the Deccan during the cold season. 

The only resident wagtail in India, the Large Pied Wagtail (Motacilla 

maderaspatensis) is the largest, with a total length of over 9 inches. The 

FAUNA 585

east and upper plumage in this bird are black; the under parts and the 

coverts are white, and there are also prominent white patches on the wings 

and above the eyes. For a nest, the bird usually selects the bank of a river 

or rock near an area of water, and the nest is a shallow cup of cobweb and 

plant fibers. The species is distributed throughout the State and is recorded 

from Salsette, Panvel, Kolaba, Poona, and Khandala. 

Family Dicaeidae: This family comprises over fifty small birds found 

from India into the South-East through to New Guinea. Some fourteen 

species are found in India, of which 3 are recorded in Maharashtra. 

The Tickell's Flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos) is an active, 

although diminutive, olive-brown bird, even smaller than a sunbird. It has 

a short tail and a slightly curved bill. It keeps to the trees, feeding on 

nectar and various berries, notably Loranthus. The nest is an oval pouch of 

vegetable fiber. It is a resident in the country, common in many areas in 

the Deccan and recorded from Poona, Bombay, Salsette, Thana, Ratnagiri 

and elsewhere in Maharashtra. 

Family Nectariniidae: This family comprises over a hundred small 

birds found in Africa, Asia and Australia. There are 27 species in India, of 

which five are found in Maharashtra. The males in this family are known 

for their intense, metallic colouring, while the females are duller, greenish 

or brown. The narrow extensible tongue formsa tube which is divided into 

two at the tipandis, obviously,usedfor collecting nectar. 

The Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica) is over 4 inches long with a 

brilliant purple colouring and an outstandingly long curved bill. The 

females and young birds are greenish brown and yellow. A most useful 

agent in the process of cross-pollination, the sunbird feeds on nectar and 

insects. It is a common resident in Maharashtra, its long untidy nests being 

suspended on fences, vines, etc. A disconcertingly similar species is the 

Purplerumped Sunbird (Nectarinia zeylonica) with the upper parts and 

breast crimson, green and purple, the lower parts yellow, and rump purple. 

This is also a resident. 

FAUNA 586

Loten's Sunbird (Nectarina lotenia) 5 inches in length, and larger than 

the previous species, has a longer bill and is metallic green and purple 

above; below, it is a sooty green with a maroon band across the breast. The 

female is olive-brown. This bird also is a nectar-feeding resident recorded 

from Salsette, Kolaba, Thana, although not very common in Maharashtra. 

Family Zosteropidae: The White-eyes are small, greenish-brown 

warbler-like birds found mainly in the tropics. A diagnostic characteristic 

is the white ring of silky down around the eye. There are some 85 living 

species of the family, of which two only are found in India, and only one 


The White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosa) about 4½ inches in length, is a 

resident bird, coloured a greenish-yellow above and a bright yellow to 

grayish white below. The bill is slender and slightly curved, and the tail 

short. Again, it has a natural function as an assistant in cross-pollination, 

feeding mainly on nectar and insects. The nest is built in gardens and on 

hedges about 3-6 feet from the ground and comprises a neat, well-lined 

cup of down, plant-fibres, and so on. It is common over the Deccan and 

has been recorded from Bombay, Salsette and Nasik. 

Family Ploceidae: This contains about 273 species distributed in the 

Ethiopian, Indian and Australian regions. The tradition of calling these 

birds the ‘Weavers’ derives from the elaborately interwoven nests that 

many of the species in this family build. In India, the family is represented 

by two subfamilies, the Passerinae (House sparrow) and the Ploceinae 

(Weaver birds). The State of Maharashtra has representatives of all the 

genera of ploceid birds found in India. 

The Baya, similar in appearance to the House sparrow, is far more 

attractive in the breeding season—i.e. the monsoon— than otherwise, with 

its bright yellow breast. The male is polygamous. During the breeding 

season, rather in the beginning, it starts building its own compactly woven 

home on a Babul or Ber tree. The retort-shaped nest, with its entrance 

from below, is usually constructed of coarse grass, rice stalks, jowar or 

bajri sticks. When the nests are half-constructed,the males ' hold up' their 

FAUNA 587

work and await the arrival,en masse,of femaleswho come after the first 

fury of the monsoon is over. After an inspection of the various nests, the 

females choose their own homes (the corresponding male is accepted 

incidentally). The male then completes the nest—working more 

assiduously, and adds an elongated tube. The female lays two or three 

white eggs and starts incubation. The male then starts his second nest 

nearby, acquires a second female, and so the process continues. It has been 

authentically observed that in a single season a male may mate with as 

many as five females. Onoccasion a second, indeed sometimes a third, 

nest is suspended fromthe first, making a three-decker. 

From the economic point of view, the weaver birds are harmful, often 

damaging standing crops of Jowar and Bajri in the Deccan. They 

themselves, however, are resilient, withstanding heavy damage to their 

colonies by infuriated farmers. The fact, however, that they feed the young 

almost exclusively on soft bodied insects, compensates the farmer for the 

toll they take of his crops. 

Sub-family Passerinae :This family consists of the sparrows; the 

House sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus) and the Yellow throated 

Sparrow (Petronia xanthocollis xanthocollis) are the two representatives 

occurring in Maharashtra, out of a total of 7 species found in India. The 

Yellow throated sparrow is the same size (5¾ inches) as the former, the 

main distinguished feature being, the lemon-yellow patch on the throat in 

the male, and two white bars on the closed wing. The Yellow-throated 

Sparrow appears in harvested fields and groves, obviously for the sake of 

the insects, but it also feeds on nectar. It is fairly common over the State, 

nesting in holes in trees, and has been recorded from Thana, Salsette, 

Elephanta Island and Kolaba. 

Sub-family Estrildinae :This comprises a group of small, 

sparrowlike birds called the Munias, which are known for their popularity 

as cage birds. Some 16 forms are found in India, out of which 6 are 

recorded in Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 588

The Spotted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) is about 4½ inches long, 

which means that it is slightly smaller than a sparrow. The breeding 

plumage, by far the more attractive, consists of chocolate-brown upper 

parts, as well as a dark brown lower plumage spotted with white and 

brown. The bill is thick and conical, the tail short. If feeds in large flocks, 

mainly on grass seeds, in open or cultivated country, and is distributed all 

over the State. The nests, which are in colonies on trees, are globular 

structures of plant fibers. The bird has been recorded from Salsette Island, 

Thana, Kolaba, and Ratnagiri. 

The Indian Red Munia (Amandava amandava) 4 inches in length, also 

a popular cage bird, is slightly smaller than the previous species. In 

breeding plumage, the male is deep crimson with white spots and 

completely white breast and flanks. The female and the non-breeding 

Birds male are brownish with a crimson rump. According to authoritative 

sources, the species is rare in the Deccan, but has been recorded from 

Salsette Island. 

Family Fringillidae :This is divided into the subfamilies Fringillinae 

(Chaffinches) and Carduelinae (Goldfinches and allied species). In all 

there are some 61 fringillid birds in India, only one specimen, however, 

being recorded in Maharashtra. This is the Common Rosefinch 

(Carpodacus erythrinus) 5 inches in length, belonging as is evident from 

the name, to the latter of the two families. It resembles the sparrow in 

build; its beak, however, is stouter and the tail forked. During the breeding 

season the male has a dull crimson head, breast and back. The female is 

brownish. The birds are seen in flocks, and are winter migrants which 

seem particularly attracted to the hilly forest tracks all over the State. The 

food comprises of berries, seeds, shoots and buds. There are records of this 

rosefinch from Salsette Island, Kolaba and Satara. 

Family Emberizidae :This family, the buntings, is a large group of 

small birds distributed over a great area of the world. A characteristic 

feature is their conical and sharply pointed beaks, with the upper mandible 

nearly straight, and a small hard process on the palate. These birds are 

FAUNA 589

slightly larger than sparrows. There are some 20 species in India, and 4 in 

Maharashtra. 

The Blackheaded Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)9½inches, islarger 

than a sparrow and has a forked tail. In breeding plumage themale has a 

black head, rufous brown and fulvous upper parts and brightyellow 

underparts. The female is generally duller, being rufous brownwith a 

vinous tinge on the breast and hints of yellow all over the body.The birds 

are fairly common visitors to the State, often seen aroundcultivated areas, 

and estimated to do some damage to crops. 

FAUNA 590

Introduction 

CHAPTER 6—MAMMALS 

Mammals, which include man, are with the birds, the most highly 

evolved among present day animal life. Several characters in the 

organisation of mammals enable its species to live under conditions which 

are impossible for other groups. One among these is in its ability to 

maintain a constant temperature irrespective of the temperature of its 

environment permitting life in habitats impossible to groups like the 

reptiles. However this does not mean that all mammals are able to live 

under all environmental conditions. In India, for instance, with its varied 

climatic conditions, the 317 species of known mammals include animals 

adapted to all the major climatic types, but the mammals of Maharashtra 

totaling 85 species are mainly forms adapted to tropical conditions. 

Among 85 species in Maharashtra, 25 are exclusively Indian, 38 occur in 

countries to the east, 10 in countries to the west, 8 both in the west and 

east and four are cosmopolitan. The 25 Indian species include ten confined 

to the southern peninsula among which a bat Myotis peshwa (Thomas, 

1915) is known only from Poona and Bombay. 

Three major climatic types occur in Maharashtra. The heavy rainfall 

region along the west coast adjacent to the western ghats or mountain 

ranges is known as Konkan, where the forests when present are tropical 

wet evergreen, tropical semi-evergreen and tropical moist deciduous. To 

the east of the ghats, the Deccan plateau including the Marathwada area, is 

dry and open. Forests when present are of the tropical thorn type. The 

forested areas of districts in the north-east i.e. the Vidarbha area are largely 

tropical dry deciduous., 

The list, given below, of mammals occurring in Maharashtra or likely 

to have existed is based on information available in literature, the 

collections in the Bombay Natural History Society and personal 

experience. The destruction of forests, cultivation of fallow lands and 

change in habitats through introduction of exotics make it unlikely that the 

larger mammals would occur in appreciable numbers in any part of the 

FAUNA 591

State. The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), has already been extinct for many 

years and the Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) once seen in thousands in 

the Deccan has now declined to the verge of extinction and unless 

immediately protected would cease to exist in the few remaining pockets 

in the State. Unless well thought out and effective protection is offered to 

the fauna, the list would be of only historic value within a few years. 

List of Mammals of Maharashtra 

Order Insectivora 

(Insect-eating Mammals) 

Family Tupaidea .. .. Tree-shrew 

(1)Anathana ellioti (Waterhouse, 1850) .. Madras Tree-shrew 

Family Erinaceidae .. .. Headgehog 

(2)Paraechinus micropus(Blyth, 1846) .. Indian Hedgehog 

Family Soricidae .. .. Shrew 

(3)Suncus murinus (Linnaeus, 1706) .. House Shrew,Chichundri 

(4)Suncus stoliczkanus (Anderson, 

1877) 

Order Chiroptera 

.. Anderson's Shrew 

Sub-Order Megachiroptera 

.. Fruit-eating Bats 

Family Pteropidae 

.. 

(5)Rousettus leschenaulti .. Fulvous Fruit Bat 

leschenaulti(Desmarest, 1820) 

(6)Pteropus giganteus 

giganteus(Brunnich, 1782) 

.. Indian Flying Fox,Wat- 

Wagul 

(7) Cyanopterus sphinx (Vahl, 1799) .. Short-nosed Fruit Bat 

Sub-Order Microchiroptera .. Insectivorous Bats 

Family Rhinopomatidae .. Rat-tailed Bats 

FAUNA 592

(8)Rhinopoma microphyllum(Brunnich 

1782) 

.. Larger Rat-tailed Bat 

(9) Rhinopoma. hardwickei (Gray, 

1831) 

.. Lesser Rat-tailed Bat 

Family Emballonuridae .. 

(10)Taphozous 

(Temminck, 1841) 

melanopogon .. Black-bearded Tomb Bat 

(11) Taphozous longimanus .. Long-armed Tomb Bat 

(Hardwicke, 1825) 

(12)Taphozoussaccolaimus(Lesson, 

1842) 

.. Pouch-bearing Bat 

(13) Taphozous kachhensis (Dobson, 

1872) 

.. Tomb Bat 

Family Megadermatidae .. False Vampires 

(14)Megaderma spasma Linnaeus, 

1758 

.. Malay False Vampire. 

(15) Megaderma lyra Geoffroy 1810 .. Indian False Vampire 

Family Rhinolophidae .. Horseshoe Bats 

(16)Rhinolophus rouxi Temminck 1835 

(17)Rhinolophus lepidusBlyth1844 

.. Roux's Horseshoe Bat 

(18)Rhinolophusluctus 

.. Great Eastern Horseshoe 

beddomeiAnderson1905 

Bat 

(19)Hipposideros speoris (Schneider, 

1800) 

.. Schneider’s Leaf-nosed Bat 

(20)Hipposideros bicolor (Temminck, .. Bi-coloured Leaf-nosed 

1834) 

Bat 

(21)Hipposideros galeritus (Cantor 

1846) 

.. Cantor’s Leaf-nosed Bat 

Family Molossidae .. Wrinkle-lipped Bats 

(22)Tadarida aegyptiaca (Geoffroy 

1818) 

.. Wrinkle-Lipped Bat 

FAUNA 593

Family Vespertilionidae 

(23)Myotis peshwa (Thomas, 1915) .. Peshwa Bat 

(24)Pipistrellus coromandra (Gray, 

1838) 

.. Indian Pipistrelle 

(25)Pipistrellusmimus 

1899 

Wroughton, .. Indian Pygmy Pipistrelle 

(26)Pipistrellusceylonicus 

1852) 

(Kelaart, .. Kelaart’s Pipistrelle 

(27)Pipistrellusdormeri (Dobson, 1875) .. Dormer’s Bat 

(28)Hesperoptenus tickelli (Blyth, 

1851) 

.. Tickell’s Bat 

(29) Scotophilus temmincki (Horsfield, 

1824) 

.. Lesser Yellow Bat 

(30) Scotophilus heathi (Horsfield, 

1831) 

.. Greater Yellow Bat 

(31) Miniopterus .. Long-winged Bat 

schreibersi(Kuhl1819) 

(32) Kerivoula picta (Pallas, 1767) 

Order Primates 

.. Painted Bat 

(Apes and Monkeys) 

Family Cercopithecidae .. .. Macaques and Langurs 

(33) Macaca radiate (Geoffroy, 1812) .. Bonnet Monkey Makad, 

Sharduri Makar 

(34) Presbytis entellus(Dufresne, 1797) ..Langur Wanar, Sharduri 

Makar 

Order Pholidota 

(Pangolin) 

Family Manidae 

(35)Manis crassicaudata Gray, 1827 .. Indian Pangolin-thriya, 

FAUNA 594

Order Carnivora 

Kassoli mangar, Khanli 

mah, Khawala manger 

(Dogs, Cats, Bears, Civets, etc.) 

Family Canidae 

(36)Canis lupus pallipesSykes, 1831 .. Wolf, Landga 

(37) Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 .. Jackal, Kolha 

(38) Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) .. Bengal Fox, Kokri 

(39) Cuonalpines(Pallas, 1871) 

..Dhole or Indian Wild Dog 

Kolsun, Kolsa, Kolsara 

Family Ursidae .. 

..Bears 

(40)Melursus ursinus (Shaw, 1791) 

..Sloth Bear-asval 

Family Mustelidae .. 

..Martens and Ratels, Otters 

(41)Mellivora capensis indica(Kerr, 

1792) 

..Ratel or Honey Badget 

(42) Lutra perspicillata Geoffroy, 1826 

Family Viverridae .. 

(43)Viverricula indica Desmarest, 1817 

(44) Paradoxurus hermaphrodites 

(Pallas, 1777) 

(45) Herpestes edwardsi (Geoffroy, 

1818) 

..Smooth-coated Indian 

Otter pana manjar, jal man 

jar 

..Civets and Mongooses 

..Small Indian Civet-jowadi 

manjar 

..Common Palm Civet—ud 

manjar 

..Indian Grey mongoose— 

FAUNA 595

(46) Herpestes smithi Gray, 1837 

Family Hyaenidae 

mungoos 

..Ruddy mongoose 

(47)Hyaena hyaena Linnaeus, 1758 

..Striped Hyena-taras 

Family Felidae 

..Cats 

(48)Felis libyca ornataGray 1830 

..Desert Cat 

(49) Felis chaus Guldenstaedt 

.. Jungle Cat-baul, bagoda 

(50) Felis bengalensisKerr. 1792 

..Leopard Cat, wagati 

(51) Felis rubiginosa Geoffroy, 1831 

..Rusty-spotted Cat 

(52) Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758) 

.. Leopard-Karda asnea, 

singhal bibalya 

(53) Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758) 

Order Artiodactyla 

.. TigerWagh 

(Pig, Deear, Anterlopes) 

Family Suidae 

(54)Sus scrofa cristatus Wagner, 1839 ..Wild Boar –ran dukkar 

Family Tragulidae .. .. Mouse-Deer 

(55)Tragulus meminna (Erxleben, .. Indian Spotted Chevrotain : 

1777) 

pisori sheda 

Family Cervidae .. ..Deer 

(56)Muntiacus muntjak aureus(H. 

Smith, 1826) 

Muntjac or Barking Deerbhekad 

FAUNA 596

(57) Axis axis axis (Erxleben, 1777) ..Spotted Deer—Chital 

(58) Cervus unicolor niger (Blainville, 

1816). 

Sambar—sambar 

Family Bovidae .. ..Antelope, Oxen 

(59)Tetracerus quadricornis (Blainville, Four-horned Antelope, 

1816) 

bhekari 

(60) Boselaphus tragocamelus (Pallas, 

1766). 

Nilgai—rohu, nilgai, nil(ô) 

(61) Bos gaurus H. Smith, 1827 .. Gaur :gaviya, gawa 

(62) Bubalus bubalis (Linnaeus, 1758) ..Indian Wild Buffalo— 

(63) Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus, 

1758) 

jangli mhais 

..Black buck—haran, kalwit 

(64) Gazella gazella bennetti(Sykes, 

1831). 

Order Lagomorpha 

Chinkara—chinkara 

Family Leporidae .. ..Hare 

(65)Lepus nigricollis Cuvier, 1823 

Order Rodentia 

..Indian Hare—sasa 

(Squirrels, Porcupines, Rats and Mice) 

Family Sciuridae .. .. Squirrels 

(66)Petaurista petaurista philippensis Common Giant Flying 

(Elliot, 1839) 

Squirrel—kotikar 

(67) Funambulus palmarum (Linnaeus, Three-striped Palm Squirrel 

1766). 

—khadi khar 

(68) Funambulus pennanti Wroughton .. Five striped Palm Squirrel 

1905 

—khadi khar 

FAUNA 597

(69) Funambulus tristriatus Jungle striped Squirrel— 

Waterhouse, 1837. 

Zani 

(70) Ratufa indica (Erxleben, 1777) .. Indian Giant Squirrel— 

Shekra 

Family Hystricidae .. .. Porcupines 

(71)Hystrix indica indica Kerr, 1792 .. Indian Crested Porcupine 

Family Muridae 

—sheval salendra, saloo 

.. .. Rats and Mice 

(72)Vandeleuria oleracea (Bennet, .. Indian Long-tailed Tree 

1832) 

Mouse 

(73) Millardia meltada meltada (Gray, Soft-furred Field Rat : 

1837) 

Metad 

(74) Rattus blanfordi (Thomas 1881) .. Blanford's Rat 

(75) Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) .. House Rat—under 

(76) Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758) .. House Mouse 

(77) Mus booduga (Gray, 1837) .. Little Indian Field Mouse 

(78) Mus cervicolor Hodgson, 1845 .. Fawn-coloured Mouse 

(79) Mus platythrix Bennet, 1832 .. Indian Brown Spiny Mouse 

(80) Golunda ellioti Gray, 1837 .. .. Indian Bush Rat 

(81) Bandicota bengalensis (Gray & 

Hardwicke 1833) 

Lesser Bandicoot Rat 

(82) Bandicota indica Bechstein, 1800 .. Large Bandicoot Rat 

(83) Tatera indica (Hardwicke, 1807) 

Order Cetacea 

.. Indian Gerbil 

(Whales and Dolphins) 

(84) Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 

1758) 

Common Rorqual; Finback 

FAUNA 598

(85) Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus, 

1758) 

(86) Neomeris phocaenoides (Cuvier, 

1829) 

Order Insectivors 

Great Blue Whale 

Black Finless Porpoise 

Small sized primitive mammals mainly nocturnal in habit, in this 

order, include the Tupaias or Tree Shrews, hedgehogs, shrews and moles. 

The tree shrews (Family Tupaiidae) unlike other insectivora, are 

largely diurnal. Two races of the speciesAnathara elliotiof the monotypic 

genusAnathana, restricted to the peninsula occur in Maharashtra.Anathana 

ellioti wroughtoniLyon 1913 in the heavy rainfall forests of the Konkan 

andAnathana ellioti pallidaLyon 1913 in the deciduous forests of the 

Vidarbha region. This species is squirrel-like in habit and size but is easily 

distinguished by its long snout, and uniform grizzled brown colour. Singly 

or in pairs in undergrowth in forests. Feeds mainly on insects and perhaps 

fruits. The Vidarbha race is said to associate with babblers. Tree shrews 

have several characters in common with primates and are now usually 

grouped with them. 

The occurrence of hedgehogs (Family Erinaceidae) in Maharashtra 

rests on the evidence of two skins from Poona of the Indian Hedgehog 

(Paraechinus micropus). Hedgehogs probably occur in Marathwada 

districts as well as in north-western Vidarbha. The largest of Indian 

insectivores, they are distinguished by the spiny back and sides. In defence 

the animal rolls itself into a ball, the retracted head and limbs being 

completely covered by the spiny mantle of the back. An inhabitant of dry, 

plains country, the hedgehog is a solitary animal and spends the day in 

burrows varying in length from 12 to 24 inches under bushes. The food is 

predominantly insects. 

The shrews (Family soricidae) are represented by the Common or 

Grey Musk shrew (Suncus murinus), a commensal of man often mistaken 

for a rat. The soft grey fur and long snout are distinctive. A musky odour is 

FAUNA 599

produced by glands on the sides of the body. The shrew is very beneficial 

as it feeds largely on noxious insects and is also intolerant of rats in its 

territory. The young trail behind the mother in her nocturnal rambles 

forming a train by each holding to the tail of the one in front. Several races 

of the musk shrew based on size and body colour have been described 

from various parts of the country. Another species occurring in 

Maharashtra is Anderson’s shrew (Suncus stoliczkanus) recorded from 

Bombay, Poona, and Vidarbha. 

Order Chiroptera 

Flying mammals with the forelimbs modified for flight. The greatly 

elongated fingers, the arms, sides of the body and legs support the wing 

membrane. The knee is turned inwards and combined with the weak limbs 

make the animals helpless on the ground. They rest hanging head 

downwards and suspended by their hind legs but some species cling to 

rock faces with all four limbs. Except for a few large bats which are fruit 

eaters all others are insectivorous. The false vampires take in addition to 

insects, other bats, small birds, and lizards. 

Two sub-orders are recognised, the Megachiroptera or fruit eating bats 

distinguished from the Microchiroptera or insect eating bats by dental 

characters and the form of the ear. The margins of the ears meet before 

they reach the head in the former and arise separately in the latter. 

The fruit bats of the Indian region are grouped in one family, the 

Pteropidae. Three out of the five species occurring in India, are found in 

Maharashtra and occur throughout the State. The Fulvous Fruit Bat 

(Rousettus leschenaultiDesmaret 1820), a light brown, medium sized (up 

to about six inches in length) bat, lives in colonies of 2, to 2,000 

individuals (in caves, ruins and wells). The flying Fox,Pteropus 

giganteus(Brunnich 1782), the largest among Indian bats with a wing span 

of about a yard, lives in large colonies in trees, often in the middle of busy 

streets of towns and villages and is normally seen only in such association 

with man. Except for the naked black wings the body is rufous in colour. 

The Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cyanopterus sphinx Vahl, 1797) is 

FAUNA 600

distinguished from the almost similar sized Fulvous Fruit Bat by the short 

ears with white margins and the divergent nostrils. Male, usually bright 

rufous above and yellowish below, sometimes tinged with olive, female 

and young yellowish-grey. Lives in small colonies of 6 to 12 animals in 

palm trees, among aerial roots of banyan and amongst foliage and the 

branches of trees. Exceptionally in old buildings. A nectar and fruit feeder, 

useful as a pollinating and seed dispersal agent, but like the other two 

species very destructive in fruit orchards. 

Six families of the Sub-order Microchiroptera or insect-eating bats are 

recorded in the State. 

The Rat-tailed Bats,Rhinopoma hardwickei(Gray 1831), 

andRhinopoma microphyllum(Brunnich 1782) of the family 

Rhinopomatidae, are distinguished by their long slender rat-like tail which 

projects about ¾ its length from the inter-femoral membrane. Occur in dry 

areas and avoid the heavy rainfall districts of the Konkan and Western 

ghats. Roost during the day in caves, ruins and uninhabited dwellings in 

sexually segregated colonies of 4 to over 80 individuals. Feed mainly on 

flies and other soft-bodied insects. 

The family Emballonuridae is represented by the GenusTaphozousor 

Tomb Bats. Medium sized bats with most species having a ‘gular sac’ or 

pouch under the chin and a flap of skin connecting the base of the forearm 

and fingers forming a pouch. The commonest species is the Bearded Tomb 

Bat,Taphozous melanopogon(Temminck) occurring in the Konkan, Deccan 

and Vidarbha districts of Maharashtra. The general colour is grey or brown 

of varying intensity. The male has a black beard under the chin. Roosts 

during the day in colonies of a few hundreds or thousands in dark caves 

and temples with a high ceiling, clinging to the walls or ceiling with all 

four limbs. An allied speciesTaphozous longimanus(Hardwicke) recorded 

in the Konkan and Ghats has the unusual habit for an insectivorous bat of 

roosting in exposed areas and is often found under the eaves of roofs. Two 

other species of Tomb batsTapozous theobaldiandTaphozous 

saccolaimusalso found in the State, are uncommon. 

FAUNA 601

The false vampires of the Family Megadermatidae,Megaderma 

spasma, the Malay False Vampire and Megaderma lyra, the Indian False 

Vampire do not normally occur together, the former being rare and 

localized to a few places in the Ghats and the Konkan. The Indian False 

Vampire is widely distributed and favours drier areas of the State. It has 

the unique habit among Indian bats of feeding on other vertebrates such as 

small birds, bats, lizards and frogs.Megaderma spasmais more orthodox, 

feeding more or less exclusively on large insects. Both species roost in 

small groups in caves and dungeons, natural and man-made. 

The family Rhinolophidae is represented by two genera, Horse shoe 

Bats, genusRhinolophusand Leafnosed bats, genusHipposideros. The two 

genera can be easily separated by the presence of central and vertical 

leaflets, the sella and lancet inRhinolophusand their absence 

inHipposideros. Three species ofRhinolophusoccur,R. rouxi, R. 

lepidus,andR. luctus. Rhinolophus rouxigrey-brown, red-brown or rarely 

golden orange in colour is restricted in distribution to the Ghats and the 

heavy rainfall districts of the Konkan. Roosts singly, or in small groups or 

in large colonies in humid caves.Rhinolophus lepidussmaller in size 

thanR. rouxiis more widely distributed and occurs throughout the State. 

The large-sizedRhinolophus luctus beddeomiis found only in the forested 

tracts of the Ghats. The fur is long and wooly. Roosts singly or in pairs in 

caves. 

The GenusHipposideroshas three species in the State,Hipposideros 

speoris, Hipposideros bicolorandHipposideros galeritus. H. speorisis 

common in Bombay and Konkan and other districts to the South. Three 

colour phases are known, yellowish brown, yellow orange and grey—the 

colour of young animals. An eclectic species found in forest as well as 

open country, roosting in colonies of 20 to 2,000 individuals in caves and 

old buildings.Hipposideros bicoloris common throughout the State. Three 

colour phases occur, a fulvous type in humid areas, a pale grey type in dry 

areas and a golden-orange type in both areas. ResemblesH. speorisin 

habits.Hipposideros galeritusis uncommon. This species also has two 

FAUNA 602

colour phases, a dark type in humid country and a pale form in dry areas. 

Usually roosts solitarily or in small colonies. 

The family Molossidae has a single genus and species in the 

State.Tadarida aegyptiaca,the Wrinkle-lipped Bat, easily distinguished by 

the thick ears joined together, the wrinkled upper jaw, the narrow wings 

and the fleshy tail projecting out of the membrane for half its length. 

Roosts during the day in narrow deep crevices on cliffs and large 

buildings. An uncommon species recorded from the drier parts of the 

State. 

The family Vespertilionidae is represented by six genera of small 

bats.Myotis peshwa,originally described from Poona, is rare and has been 

so far recorded only from Poona, Thana and Elephanta island. Nothing is 

known of its habits. Four species ofPipistrellusoccur,P. ceylonicus, P. 

mimus, P. coromandraandP. dormeri.The species of this genus are small 

sized bats,P. mimusbeing one of the smallest of Indian bats. A common 

genus, the colour being usually dark grey, butceylonicusshows extreme 

variation, brown rufous and dark grey individuals occurring in the same 

colony.P. dormeris much lighter than other species being whitish below 

and grey above with almost transparent wings. 

Tickell’s BatHesperoptenus tickelliis known in the State from Bombay 

and Poona. A medium sized bat, in colour pale yellowish grey with grey 

head and a distinctive tuft of white hair at the base of the ears. Little is 

known of its habits. The yellow Bat,Scotophilus heathi,easily 

distinguished by its canary-yellow under parts, is very common and is the 

bat most often seen round towns and villages hawking at sunset. Roosts 

during the day in crevices and holes, on the ceiling, under a roof or in 

woodwork. The closely allied speciesScotophilus temminckiis 

uncommon.Miniopterus schreibersi,a widely distributed species in the 

Palaeartic region has the unique habit of roosting in enormous colonies. 

The only known colony of this species in Western India located at 

Robber’s cave, Mahableshwar, has over 1,00,000 individuals and is 

probably of considerable significance in controlling the insect population 

of the area. The Painted BatKervoula pictawith its bright reddish fur and 

FAUNA 603

lack wing membrane is the most beautifully coloured among Indian bats. 

Though perhaps a common species in the heavy rainfall districts of the 

Konkan it is rarely seen. It is believed to roost singly or in pairs among 

dried banana and other large leaves. The flight is moth-like. Another 

species of vespertilionid which may occur in Maharashtra is the Clubfooted 

BatTylonycteris pachypuswhich has been recorded from Belgaum. 

The fur is golden rufous in colour and the soles of the feet are expanded 

into fleshy pads, used, it is believed, for holding to the inside walls of 

hollow bamboos where they roost in small colonies of ten to twenty. 

Order Primates 

Apes and monkeys which in many structural and other features 

resemble man are grouped along with him in the order Primates. 

Characteristic features are the development of limbs into grasping organs 

and the high development of the brain among the more highly evolved 

monkeys and apes culminating in the mental evolution in man which sets 

him apart from other animals. Apes and monkeys usually live in troops of 

varying size. 

Two families Cercopithicidae and Colobidae, each represented by a 

single speciesMacaca radiataandPresbytis entellusrespectively, occur in 

Maharashtra. The Bonnet Macaque,Macacaradiata, a peninsular form is 

not uncommon in the State from Bombay southwards. Troops of this 

medium sized long tailed Macaque occur in forests, in the countryside and 

where they are not molested around human settlements. They are 

omnivorous and are often destructive in Orchards and cultivation. The 

Common Langur (Presbytis entellus) a long limbed, long-tailed monkey 

with the grey body in striking contrast to the black face is not uncommon 

in forests as well as in nearby towns and villages. Langurs live mainly on 

fruits, flower buds, and leaves and are destructive when living in the 

vicinity of orchards and cultivation. 

The Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) of northern India is likely to 

occur in the north-eastern Vidarbha districts of the State. A troop, probably 

escape from captivity, occurs in the Powai lake area of Salsette Island. The 

FAUNA 604

Slender lorisLoris tardigradus,though not so far reported is likely to occur 

in districts bordering Karnatak. 

Order Pholidota 

The scales which cover the body distinguish the Pangolins or scaly 

anteaters from all other Indian mammals. The scales are modified hairs. 

Coarse hair covers the underside of the body and occurs between the 

scales. The jaws are toothless and the food which consists of ants, termites 

and their eggs is licked up by the long glutinous tongue from nests broken 

open by the strong claws on the legs. A slow moving animal it relies for 

protection on its armour, rolling up into a ball when frightened. Being a 

nocturnal animal it is rarely seen. Spends the day in burrows dug by itself. 

One species, the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is found in the 

State. 

Order Carnivora 

Eighteen species of six families of Carnivora or flesh-eating mammals 

occur. Varying degrees of diet specialization is seen in the group, some 

being exclusively meat eating and others omnivorous. In nature’s economy 

the function of carnivorous animals is primarily as controls on the 

herbivores living on the vegetation, which forms the environment. 

The Canidae or dog family is represented by three genera and four 

species. The Wolf,Canis lupus pallipes,a race of the species formerly 

widely distributed in temperate countries, was not uncommon in the 

Deccan and Vidarbha districts of Maharashtra in the early years of this 

century. Records are available of their occurrence near Poona and 

Aurangabad during the period. Their predatory habits make them one of 

the first animals to be destroyed as an area becomes settled and opened for 

cultivation. Wolves may still occur in small numbers in the remote regions 

of the State. The Jackal (Canis aureus), a scavenger with an omnivorous 

diet, has adjusted itself to living with man, being found in forests as well 

as urban areas. Feeds on any animal it can overcome and also fruits. Said 

FAUNA 605

to be destructive to grapes in the Nasik area and is known to eat coffee 

berries when they are ripe. The Indian Fox (Vulpes bengalensis) is usually 

found in open scrub country and in cultivated area. Omnivorous it is a 

useful destroyer of rats and land crabs. Recently the White footed or 

Desert fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) has been recorded in the Poona District. 

The Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) is separated from other Indian Canidae by 

the presence of six instead of seven molar or grinding teeth in the lower 

jaw and in having 12 to 14 instead of ten teats as in the true dogs. Widely 

distributed in Asia, the Wild Dog is a purely forest animal in India. 

Nomadic, their presence in any particular forest area is not predictable. 

Though very destructive to deer they rarely, if ever, attack domestic stock. 

Hunt in packs or family parties. Now rare in Maharashtra State. 

Of the four species of bears occurring in India only the Sloth bear 

(Melursus ursinus) is found in Maharashtra. The Sloth bear with its 

distinctive shaggy coat and long snout is found only in India. The colour is 

normally black but brownish animals are occasionally seen. Forest animals 

they prefer areas where out cropping of rocks and tumbled boulders offer 

them shelter. Feed mainly on fruits and insects and are unerring botanists 

in their knowledge of the fruiting season of various forest plants. Their 

eyesight and hearing are poor and hence react violently when suddenly 

come upon in the Jungle. Becoming rare in Maharashtra State. 

The Ratel or Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) (Family Mustelidae) 

a squat, bear like animal though not uncommon throughout the Indian 

Union, is rarely seen. Its colour is distinctive pale grey above and black 

below. An inhabitant of broken hilly country in all except heavy rainfall 

areas, it is omnivorous and in some parts of the country believed, but 

without substantive evidence, to exhume corpses. The only other 

representative of the family, the Smooth-coated Indian Otter (Lutra 

perspicillata) is found throughout the Indian Union. A plains animal it 

varies in colour from blackish to tawny brown. Mainly inhabits fresh 

water, but when living in estuaries goes out after fish into the open sea. 

Fish is their staple food and in hunting those families may combine. 

FAUNA 606

The Family Viverridae, Civets and mungooses is represented by three 

genera and four species. The Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica 

(Desmarest), a tawny-grey or grayish-brown animal streaked and spotted 

above, is found throughout the State. Prefers long grass or scrub to live in. 

Feeds mainly on rodents, small birds and reptiles but eats fruits also. 

Occasionally destructive to poultry. Easily domesticated they are often 

kept for the extraction ‘Civet’ from the scent glands. 

The more arboreal black or blackish-brown Palm Civet or Toddy Cat 

Paradoxurus hermaphroditus has an equally wide distribution but prefers 

wooded areas. It is also found in association with man and lives on rats 

and mice which are found in and around houses. Another species of Civet 

which may occur in the forests adjoining North Kanara is the Brown Palm 

Civet (Paradoxurus jerdoni) of the hill ranges of South India. 

The Common Mungoose (Herpestes edwardsi) inhabits open 

scrubland and cultivated area. Lives largely on small animals and is thus 

useful. However it is often destructive to poultry. The Ruddy mungoose 

(Herpestes smithi) is a forest dweller distinguished from the Common 

Mungoose by the black tip to its tail. Though there is no record, the Small 

Indian Mungoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) distinguished by its shorter 

tail and in the legs being similar in colour to the body is likely to occur in 

the North-western districts of the State. 

The hyena, Hyaena hyaena (Family Hyaenidae), the sole 

representative of the family in India was not uncommon in the State in 

earlier years; however it is believed to be on the verge of extinction at 

present. Hyenas prefer areas of low hills and ravines and are commoner in 

open country than in heavy forests. Though mainly a scavenger it 

occasionally takes domestic stock and in exceptional circumstances 

becomes dangerous to human life. Hyenas were known to occur in Salsette 

Island, Bombay up to about 30 years ago. 

Six species of two genera Panthera and Felis of the Family Felidae 

occur in the State. The cats as true predators act as controls on other 

animal populations. However, with the destruction of both the primary 

FAUNA 607

environment and the herbivores which fed on it, the cats particularly the 

larger species, have either disappeared with the forests which held them or 

having taken to preying on domestic stock with which man replaced wild 

herbivores, were exterminated by man. The Tiger Panthera tigris for 

instance is now restricted to the eastern districts of the Vidarbha area and 

small forest area in south-west Maharashtra having disappeared from all 

other areas, where it was known to exist in 1920’s. The Leopard Panthera 

pardus with its ability to adapt is capable of wider distribution but has also 

lost ground in most parts of the State. Time is not distant when it will be 

confined like the tiger to a few isolated forests in the State and will need 

protection. The Cheetah Acinonyx juhats accustomed to living in open 

country has already become extinct in Maharashtra State (as well as in 

India) with the reduction in numbers or disappearance of its major food 

species the Blackbuck. The smaller cats which do not come into conflict 

with man’s interest to the extent that the larger ones do are not in an 

equally bad position, yet. The Jungle cat Felis chaus distinguished by its 

short tail, long legs and black pencils of hairs to its ear-tips was at one 

time widely distributed in the State. It preys on small mammals and birds 

and near villages may rob poultry runs. The Desert cat Felis libyca ornata 

has been recently recorded in the Poona District. Smaller than a Jungle cat 

it is distinguished by spots on the body and black rings on the terminal 

half of its tail. There is little information on its habits. The forest dwelling 

Leopard cat, Felis bengalensis is likely to occur in the forested tracts of the 

Western Ghats and Vidarbha. Equal in size to a domestic cat but with 

longer legs, this beautiful cat which looks like a miniature leopard feeds 

on small animals and birds. Another species, the Rusty spotted cat Felis 

rubiginosa occurs only along the Western Ghats from Dangs southwards. 

Smaller in size than a domestic cat it is fawn grey with dark brown and 

rusty spots and bars. Frequents grassland, scrub, and jungle. 

The herbivorous animals apart from the elephant are grouped under 

two orders, the Perissodactyla or Odd-toed ungulates and the Artiodactyla 

or Even-toed ungulates. The former is not represented in the State. The 

elephant (Elephas maximus) Family Proboscides which occurred in the 

State in Historic times is now extinct in the State. 

FAUNA 608

The Artiodactyla is represented by the families Suidae (Pigs), 

Tragulidae (Mouse Deer) Cervidae (Deer) and Bovidae (Wild oxen, sheep, 

Goats and Antelopes). 

The pigs (Suidae) are non-ruminant ungulates with an elongated lead 

having an abruptly truncated disc-like snout bearing the nostrils. The 

upper canines curve upwards and outwards and form, with the lower 

canines, the tusks, the organs of offence and defence. The Indian Wild 

Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus Wagner) is a race of the widely distributed 

species which occurs from Europe to Malaya. The Indian race is 

distinguished by its thinner coat and fuller crest on the back. Blackish grey 

or rusty brown in colour a full grown boar may reach a height of 90 cm. at 

the shoulder and a weight of 230 Kg. The sows are smaller. Newborn 

piglets are striped. Wild boars live in grass, or scrub jungle or in forests 

and are destructive to crops in adjoining cultivated land. Omnivorous in 

diet, their sense of smell is acute. They are prolific, breeding at all seasons 

and four to six young are born at a time. Where their natural predators, the 

larger carnivores have been killed off, the herds or sounders could in 

former times become too numerous and destructive. They were found in 

all the forested districts of the State, but their numbers are greatly reduced 

in most parts of the State, owing to destruction by poachers, and holders of 

crop protection guns and unrestricted slaughter by forest tribes. 

The Mouse Deer (Family Tragulidae) are distinguished from other 

ruminants by the presence of four well developed toes and the stomach 

having three instead of four chambers. The Indian Chevrotain or Mouse 

Deer, Tragulus meminna (Erxleben), a dainty little deer, occurring only in 

peninsular India below latitude 24°N., is distinguished from other deer in 

the State by the absence of horns in the male. However, the upper canines 

are developed into tusks. About 25 to 30 cm. in height at the shoulder its 

olive brown yellow-speckled coat provides effective camouflage for the 

animal. Flanks are white spotted, the throat has three white stripes and the 

lower parts are white. A forest animal, it is usually Solitary and 

crepuscular. I'he young are born after the rains. Its present status is 

unknown. 

FAUNA 609

The Muntjac or Barking deer prefers heavy forests and is usually 

solitary. Occasionally in pairs or family parties. Small sized deer ranging 

in shoulder height from 50 to 75 cm. The antlers of the male are on short, 

hair covered, pedicels extending down the sides as bony ridges. Tufts of 

bristly hairs replace the horns in does. Colour uniform brown. Horns are 

shed during the hot weather. Muntjac breeds throughout the year with a 

peak period during the cold weather. Usually one young is born. The call 

from a distance sounds like a dog’s bark. The upper canines are enlarged 

and are more often used as a means of defence than the antlers. Greatly 

reduced in numbers during the last few decades. 

The Chital or Spotted Deer (Axis axis) is an exclusively Indian 

animal. The stags shed their horns annually but this is not limited to any 

particular season of the year. The bright rufous-fawn coat spotted with 

white and the graceful antlers of the stag make them one among, if not the 

most beautiful deer. Herds were once common throughout the State and 

the deer used to be seen till recently even on Salsette Island. Uncontrolled 

poaching has now restricted them to the larger forests of the State, and 

there too the numbers are fast dwindling so that unless afforded protection, 

the species may be exterminated. 

The Sambar (Cervus unicolor) is a typical forest species now 

restricted in scanty numbers to the well forested areas of the State. The 

largest of Indian deer, an adult slag may weight over 350 Kg. Stags with 

the best horns are believed to occur in the forests about the Narmada and 

Tapi rivers. The horns are shed in March-April and re-grown by 

November. Ruts in cold weather and young are born in May-June. 

Poaching has taken toll of this species. 

The Chinkara or Indian Gazelle (Gazella gazella bennetti) prefers 

broken country with nullahs and ravines, and with scrub or thin jungle. A 

small, dainty gazelle light chestnut above and white below. The male 

attains a height of about 65 cm. at the shoulder. The horns average 25 to 

30 cm. in male, much smaller in the female which may be hornless also. 

Little information is available on the present position of Chinkara in the 

State. They were once not uncommon in the Vidarbha and in areas of the 

FAUNA 610

Deccan above Krishna River. They are probably on the way to total 

disappearance. 

The Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) avoids dense forests, its usual 

haunts being undulating country sparsely covered with trees and scrub. A 

large ungainly antelope, the adult males are iron-grey in colour, young 

bulls and females tawny. The nilgai received a certain amount of 

protection from its supposed resemblance to cattle, but this has not been 

significant and the species is on the verge of extinction in Maharashtra 

State. 

The Four-horned Antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis) is, as the name 

suggests, unique as the only animal in the world with four horns. A small 

(65 cm. at shoulder) dull red-brown antelope, usually solitary or in pairs, 

occasionally in small family parties in forested country, throughout the 

State. 

The Blackbuck, Antilope cervicapra, is an exclusively Indian Antelope 

and perhaps the handsomest of the group. Adult males black above 

contrasting strongly with the white of the belly; females and young males, 

fawn. The yearling buck has no spiral to the horn which develops in the 

second year. The adult colour is attained after the third year. The main 

rutting season is February-March. One or occasionally two young are 

born. An inhabitant of open scrub covered and cultivated plains, 

blackbucks were once common in herds of hundreds throughout the 

Deccan. Poaching and extensive cultivation have diminished their 

numbers and only a few pockets of populations now remain. They are now 

completely protected under the laws but unless the laws are effectively 

enforced, and poaching prevented, this species will soon cease to be a part 

of our fauna. 

The Gaur or Indian Bison (Bos gaurus) is restricted to a few heavily 

forested districts in the Vidarbha areas of the State. A few may perhaps 

occur in the Ghat forests adjoining the Kanara district of Mysore. The 

Gaur prefers hilly country and rarely if ever enters cultivation. One of the 

largest among wild bovine, a bull may attain a shoulder height of 195 cm. 

FAUNA 611

The massive horns average 85 cm. Gaur are very susceptible to live-stock 

disease. 

The Wild Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) formerly occurred in peninsular 

India as far west as 80 0 E. longitude but loss of suitable habitat to 

cultivation and disease contracted from domestic live-stock have now 

confined them to a small area in Madhya Pradesh. It is possible that a few 

may be seen in the Bhamragarh area of Chanda district adjoining Bastar in 

M.P. 

The Order Lagomorpha has two families the Leporidae (Hares and 

Rabbits) and the Ochotonidae (Mouse hares), the former is represented in 

Maharashtra. The Order Lagomorpha is distinguished from the Order 

Rodentia (Rodents) in the presence of four instead of two incisors on the 

upper jaw. True rabbits do not occur in India. The Indian hare Lepus 

nigricollis has several races of which the Black-naped Hare Lepus 

nigricollis nigricollis occurs south of the Godavari and the Rufous-tailed 

Hare Lepus nigricollis ruficaudatus north of the river. Another race found 

in the State is Lepus nigricollis simcoxi in Berar. Hares are usually found 

in jungle and scrub country alternating with cultivation and are less 

numerous in heavy forests. In the neighborhood of villages they 

occasionally become unclean feeders. 

The Order Rodentia is the largest among mammal orders, containing 

more than half the living mammals and is more abundant in variety than 

all other mammals put together. Rodents are primarily vegetarian but 

many are omnivorous. They are easily distinguished from all other 

mammals, by the presence of the two large incisors separated by a large 

gap from the grinding teeth. Rodents are the most destructive among 

mammals and members of the family Muridae are very destructive to 

crops and to stored grains. Rodents occur in all types of habitats. 

Three genera of Squirrels, family Sciuridae occur in Maharashtra. The 

Common Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista philippensis is a 

forest species not uncommon in deciduous forests on the edge of 

evergreen tracts. It is nocturnal and becomes active late in the evening. 

FAUNA 612

The call which has a ventriloquistic effect is often heard throughout the 

night. Hides during the day in tree holes or among thick foliage on trees at 

considerable height. The parachute which enables it to glide between trees 

consists of a membrane stretching between the legs. Found throughout the 

forested area of Maharashtra. It lives mainly on leaf buds and fruits. 

Three species of Palm squirrels of the genus Funambulus are found in 

the State. The Three-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum is 

particularly common around houses in the countryside and is one of the 

animals most often seen and heard. It feeds largely on fruits but is also 

known to eat termites and occasionally eggs of birds. The Five-striped 

Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanti the northern counter-part of 

palmarum is known from Bombay and Salsette Islands and is said to 

extend to Dharwar.Ithas a low chirruping call quite different to that of the 

Three-striped Palm Squirrel but in other habits they are similar. 

The Jungle Striped Squirrel Funambulus tristriatus has a softer and 

musical call than palmarum and is found in forested areas of the Western 

Ghats in Maharashtra and further south. In forest villages of Kanara, they 

are as common as are Three-striped Squirrels in more urban surroundings. 

The Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica is a purely forest species found in the 

Western Ghats from the extreme south to the Dangs in Gujarat and also in 

the forests of peninsular India south of the Ganges. Several races based on 

coloration have been described. Giant Squirrels keep to the summit of high 

trees and seldom come to the ground. They are extremely agile in their 

movements and their loud rattling call is a distinctive indication of their 

presence in a Jungle. 

The Porcupines, family Hystricidae, the largest of Indian Rodents, are 

easily recognized by their quills which are hair modified into spines. The 

Indian Porcupine Hystrix indica prefers rocky country but adapts itself to 

other situations and is found in forests and open country of moist and dry 

areas. By day it shelters in caves or in burrows. They are extremely 

destructive to crops. 

FAUNA 613

The Family Muridae, Rats and Mice is of considerable importance to 

human economics from the damage caused to agriculture and stored 

products and the danger to health through transmission of diseases. Seven 

genera occur in Maharashtra. 

The Indian long-tailed Tree Mouse, Vendeleuria oleracea, is a 

completely arboreal species having on the first and fifth toe of all four feet 

nails instead of claws, and the toes being partially opposable. Widely 

distributed in India, this chestnut coloured, active mouse feeds on fruits, 

buds, and tender shoots. Occasionally uses the nests of other animals for 

breed up. 

The Soft-furred Field Rat Millardia meltada is peculiar to India and 

the pale brownish grey, dense soft fur and large rounded ears distinguish 

this rat. Lives mainly near cultivation, occasionally in heavy scrub or 

among rocks. In the Deccan they favour the black cotton soil and are a 

pest to food crops and cotton. Periodically show enormous increase in 

numbers when their effect on crops can be disastrous. 

The White-tailed Wood-Rat or Blanford’s Rat Rattus blanfordi has a 

quarter of its tail white. Inhabits deciduous and evergreen forests, scrub 

jungle and bare hillsides, in peninsular India. 

The Common House Rat, Rattus rattus a commensal of man, now 

found all over the world is believed to have had its original home in India 

or its neighborhood. Numerous races have been described on the basis of 

colour. Broadly, two groups are noticeable, those which live wild being 

rufescent above and white below, believed to be the original colour of the 

species and those with a dull coat and dingy under parts, the colour of rats 

which live in human dwellings. House Rats are one of the main sources of 

destruction to stored grains and other food and the main vectors for 

plague, rat bite fever and other diseases. The brown Rat Rutins norvegicus 

is limited largely to seaports and can be distinguished from the Black Rat 

by its shorter tail, shorter than the head and body. 

FAUNA 614

The Bandicoot Bandicota indica, is the largest among marine species 

found in association with man exceeding a foot in body length when adult. 

Seldom found far from villages and towns where it lives in gardens and 

outhouses. Their tunneling activities are very destructive. Omnivorous in 

diet and susceptible to plague. When annoyed they erect their hair and 

grunt, a habit which distinguishes them from other rats except the lesser 

Bandicoot or Mole Rat Bandicota bengalensis which lives in fields, 

pasture lands, gardens and in forests. A smaller and brown instead of grey 

coloured animal, it excavates extensive burrows and has the habit of 

storing grain in specially excavated chambers along the course of its 

tunnels. 

The Indian Bush Rat Golunda ellioti is widely distributed in India. 

About 4 inches in body length, this yellowish-brown rat is essentially a 

forest animal but ventures into cultivated land. The food consists of roots 

and other vegetable matter and it is said to be partial to the seeds of the 

Lantana. 

Four species of mice occur in the State. The Indian field Mouse Mus 

booduga is widespread. The colour of the dorsal fur varies according to the 

habitat, being sandy brown in arid areas and dark grayish brown in moist 

country. Another common species is the Spiny Field Mouse Mus 

platythrix the fur in this mouse is almost entirely of flattened spine like 

hairs. A race of the Fawn-coloured Mouse Mus cervicolor has been 

reported from Chikalda and Asirgarh, It is uncommon. The House Mouse 

Mus musculus is a commensal of man. A dark to light brown miniature 

replica of the House rat resembles it in many of its habits including 

susceptibility to plague. 

The Indian Gerbil Tatera indica found throughout India from the 

Himalayas to the Cape is easily distinguished from rats and mice by the 

tail being clothed in hair as opposed to the naked tail of the rats. It varies 

in colour from reddish brown to grayish fawn and inhabits open plains. Its 

burrows are commonly found near cultivation. It feeds mainly on grains, 

roots etc. and can be extremely destructive to cultivation at all stages of 

growth. They also have the habit of storing large quantities of grains in 

FAUNA 615

their burrows. In the dry-season they eat, in addition to the stored grain, 

roots, fruits etc. of wild plants, and are omnivorous. 

Some species of Marine mammals of the Order Cetacea (Whales, 

Dolphins, and Porpoises) are occasionally stranded on the coasts of the 

State or may be seen off shore. Stranding records relate to the Blue Whale, 

Balaenoptera musculus and the Finner Whale or Common Rorqual 

Balaenoptera physalus. These giants of the sea which average over 75 feet 

in length occur in Indian seas during the southern winter. The commonest 

cetacean usually seen along the coasts and estuaries of Maharashtra is the 

Little Indian Porpoise Neomeris phocaenoides distinguished by the 

absence of a dorsal fin. In colour it is uniformly blackish. It grows to a 

length of about 4 ft. 

FAUNA 616

Introduction 

CHAPTER 7—REPTILES 

The reptiles which include crocodiles, turtles and tortoises, lizards and 

snakesform an intermediate group between the amphibians and the birds 

and mammals, having, in fact, given rise to the morehighly evolved birds 

and mammals. Reptiles together with theamphibians and fishes belong to 

the lower vertebrates whose temperatureis mainly determined by that of 

their surroundings. In contrast, thebirds and mammals have constant body 

temperature irrespective of theenvironmental temperature. However, 

reptiles are not completelydominated by their general environmental 

temperature and are able tomaintain a certain amount of independence in 

their body temperaturein relation to external temperature by movements 

within the differentmicro-climates of the environment. Modern reptiles are 

predominantlyterrestrial and are even found under extremely dry climatic 

conditions.Their skin, protected by hard scales, is far more resistant to 

desiccationthan that of the lower amphibians. Modern reptiles are in 

number ofspecies and variety of forms only a remnant of the numerous 

speciesthat had trod the earth during the Mesozoic era or the age of 

reptiles225 to 70 million years ago—a period during which existed the 

largestland animals, some exceeding 23 meters in length and 13 meters 

inheight. (The last 70 million years from the age of mammals). 

In the Indian subcontinent with its varied climatic conditions over444 

species of 140 genera from 23 families of reptiles are known tooccur. The 

largest number of species are found in the humid areasof eastern India and 

south-west India, particularly in the hills. InMaharashtra 97 species of 56 

genera and 19 families have beenrecorded. 

List of Reptiles of Maharashtra 

FAUNA 617

Order Loricata 

Family Crocodilidae 

Crocodylus palustris Lesson .. .. Indian crocodile or Mugger 

Order Testudines 

(Turtles and Tortoises) 

FamilyChelonidae .. .. Marine Turtles 

Eretomochelys imbricate (Linnaeus) .. Hawksbill Turtle 

Cheloniamydas(Linnaeus) .. .. Green Turtle 

Lepidochelys olivacea(Eschscholtz) .. .. Loggerhead Turtle 

FamilyEmydidae .. .. Freshwater Turtles 

or Terrapins 

Geomyda trijuga .. Pond Tortoise 

trijuga(Schweigger) 

Kachuga tectum tentoria(Gray) 

FamilyTestudinidae .. Land Tortoises 

Testudo elegansSchoepff .. Starred Tortoise 

FamilyTrionychidae .. Freshwater or MudTurtles 

Lissemys 

granosa(Schoepff) 

punctata 

Trionyx leithiGray 

Order Squamata 

Sub-order Sauria .. .. Lizards 

FamilyGeckonidae .. .. Geckos 

Cyrtodactylusd dekkanensis 

Cyrtodactylus albofasciatus 

Cnemaspis kandiana 

.. .. Ground Gecko 

Hemidactylus maculatusDum & Bibr. .. Rock Gecko 

Hemidactylus triedrus(Dauddin) .. 

FAUNA 618

Hemidactylus brookiGray .. .. House Gecko. 

Hemidactylus gracilisBlanford 

Hemidactylus 

albofasciatusGrandison & P. W. 

Soman 

Hemidactylus frenatusSchlegel 

Hemidactylus leschenaultia Dum & 

Bibr. 

Hemidactylus flaviviridis Ruppel 

Hemidactylus giganteusStoliczka 

FamilyEublepharidae 

Eublepharis macularius(Blyth) 

Family Agamidae .. .. Lizards 

Sitana ponticerianaCuvier .. .. Pan-throated lizard 

Calotes versicolor(Daudin) .. .. Bloodsucker,Common 

Calotes 

Calotes rouxiDum & Bibr .. .. Forest Calotes Chamaeleon 

FamilyChamaeleonidae 

Chamaeleon zeylanicusLaurenvi 

FamilyScincidae Skinks 

Mabuya macularia( Blyth) 

Mabuya carinata(Schneider) .. .. Common Skink 

Mabuya trivittata(Hardwick & 

Gray) 

Riopa punctata(Gmelin) 

Riopa guentheri(Peters) 

Riopa lineata(Gray) 

FamilyLacertidae 

FAUNA 619

Cabrita 

Edwards) 

leschenaulti(Milne- 

Cabrita jerdoni(Blyth) 

Ophisops beddomei(Jordon) 

Ophisops jerdoni(Blyth) 

FamilyVaranidae Monitor Lizards 

Varanus benqalensis(Daudia) .. .. Common Monitor 

Suborder Serpentes 

FamilyTyphlopidae 

Typhlops porrectusStoliczka 

Typhlops braminus(Daudin) 

.. 

(Marathi- Ghorphad) Snakes 

.. Blind Snakes 

Typhlops acutus(Dum & Bibr) .. .. Beaked Blind Snakes 

FamilyUropeltidae .. Rough-tails 

Uropeltis macrolepsis(Peters) .. .. Mahratta Rough-tail 

Uropeltis phipsoni(Mason) .. .. Phipson’s Rough-tail 

FamilyBoidae .. .. Pythons and Boas 

Python molurus(Linnaeus) .. .. Indian Python 

Eryx conicus(Schneider) .. .. Russell’s Sand Boa 

Eryxjohni (Russel) .. .. John’s Sand Boa 

FamilyColubridae .. .. Colubrid Snakes 

Acrochordus 

granulates(Schneider) 

.. Wart Snakes 

Elaphe helena(Linnaeus) .. .. Trinket Snake 

Ptyas mucosas(Linnaeus) .. .. Dhaman or Rat 

Snake 

Argyrogera fasciolatus(Shaw) 

Coluber graciliis(Gunther) 

Coluber ventromaculatusGray 

.. .. Banded Racer 

FAUNA 620

& Hardwicke 

Liopeltis calamaria(Gunther) 

Coronella brachyuran(Gunther) 

.. Bridal Snake 

Oligodon taeniolatus(Jerdon) 

Oligodon arnensis(Shaw) 

.. .. Kukri Snake 

Dendrelaphis tristis(Daudin) .. .. Common Indian 

Bronze-back 

Lycodon 

travancoricus(Beddome) 

.. Travancore Wolf-snake 

Lycodon striatus(Shaw) 

Lycodon flavomaculatusWall 

.. .. Striated Wolf-snake 

Lycodon aulicus(Linnaeus) 

Sibynophis punctatas(Dum & 

Bibr.) 

.. .. Common Wolf-snake 

Xenochrophis 

piscator(Schneider) 

.. .. Checkered Keelback 

Amphiesma 

stolata(Linnaeus) 

.. .. Striped Keelback 

Amphiesma 

beddomei(Gunther) 

.. .. Beddomes Keelback 

Macropisthodon 

plumbicolor(Cantor) 

.. Green Keelback 

Boiga trigonata(Schneider) .. .. Indian Gamma 

Boiga ceylonensis(Gunther) .. .. Ceylon Cat Snake 

Boiga forsteni(Dum & Bibr.) .. .. Forsten’s Cat Snake 

Psammophis 

condanarus(Merrem) 

Psammophis 

longifrons(Boulenger) 

Psammophis leithi(Gunther) 

.. .. Sand Snake 

FAUNA 621

Ahaetulla nasutus(Inacepede) 

Enhydris sieboldi(Schiegel) 

.. .. Common Green Whip 

Snake 

Cerberus 

rhynchops(Schneider) 

.. Dog-faced Water Snake 

Gerardia prevostiana(Eydoux 

& Gervais) 

.. 

FamilyElapidae .. .. Poisonous Snakes 

Bungarus 

fasciatus(Schneider) 

.. Banded Krait 

Bungarus 

caeruleus(Schneider) 

.. Common Indian Krait 

Callophis melanurus(Shaw) 

Callophis nigrescensGunther 

.. .. Slender Coral Snake 

Naja naja(Linnaeus) .. .. Indian Cobra 

Ophiophagus hannah(Cantor) .. .. King CobiaHamadryad 

FamilyHydrophiidae 

Praescutata 

viperina(Schmidt) 

Enhydrina schistosa(Daudin) 

Hydrophis spiralis(Shaw) 

Hydrophis 

cyanocinctus(Daudin) 

Hydrophis lapemoides(Gray) 

Dendrelaphis tristis(Daudin) 

Lycodon 

travancoricus(Beddome) 

Lycodon striatus(Shaw) 

Hydrophis 

mamillaris(Daudin) 

..Sea Snakes 

FAUNA 622

Hydrophis 

caerulescens(Shaw) 

Hydrophis 

fasciatus(Schneider) 

Lapemis curtus(Shaw) 

Microcephalophis 

gracilis(Shaw) 

Microcephalophis 

canoris(Gunther) 

Pelamis Platurus(Linnaeus) 

FamilyViperidea .. .. Vipers 

Vipera russelli(Shaw) .. .. .. Russell’s Viper; Daboia 

Echis carinatus(Schneider) .. Saw-scaled Viper; Phoorsa 

Trimeresurus 

malabaricus(Jerdon) 

.. .. Malabar Pit-Viper 

Trimeresurus 

gramineus(Shaw,) 

.. Bamboo Pit Viper 

FamilyCrocodilidae– Of the three species of crocodiles occurring in 

the country only the mugger or Indian CrocodileCrocodylus 

palustrisLesson is found in the State. The mugger is found where suitable 

conditions in the form of perennial rivers, ponds and lakes are available. In 

areas where water sources dry up during the summer they aestivate in the 

mud or migrate, normally at night, to water elsewhere. They feed largely 

on fish but also take any animal that they can overcome. The stomach of a 

specimen shot at Powai lake near Bombay held 60 large water beetles and 

a couple of ‘Chilwa’ (Chelasp.) and an eel. Crocodiles unlike most other 

reptiles are not mute and during the breeding season occasionally roar. The 

eggs up to 20 in number are laid during the rainy season in holes in sand. 

The incubation normally takes about 40 days but the period may vary 

according to temperature. The young when hatched are 250 mm. in length. 

The heavy demand for their skins (of the under belly) has reduced their 

number all over the State and unless protected there is the danger that they 

FAUNA 623

will be exterminated, in the process of providing material for fashionable 

shoes, handbags, belts etc. 

The Order Testudines includes the turtles, tortoises, terrapins and 

fresh-water turtles. All tortoises and turtles are recognised by the bony 

shell which encloses the body composed of the carapace dorsally and 

ventrally the plastron. The carapace is immovably attached to the ribs. The 

order has come down the ages with little change. Of the 29 species in the 

Indian region, 9 are recorded from within the State and along its coasts. 

The family Chelonidea or marine turtles distinguished by their paddle 

shaped forelimbs is represented by three species. The Hawksbill turtle, 

Eretmochelys imbricate (Linn.) grows to a maximum length of 850 mm. 

and some specimens have been recorded weighing more than 50 Kg. This 

species is uncommon along the States’ coasts. 

Feeds largely on molluscs and fish. The tortoise shell of commerce is 

the carapace of this animal. The Hawksbill is edible but sometimes its 

flesh is believed to become poisonous after feeding on certain types of 

marine weeds. 

The Green TurtleChelonia rnydas(Linn.) has not apparently been 

recorded from the Maharashtra coasts, but the species is known further 

west and is recorded as breeding in the Karachi area. It feeds mainly on 

algae but also takes molluscs, crustacea and fish. The female comes to 

particular beaches when ready to lay eggs. The eggs which may number 

up to 200 are laid in holes scooped out in sand above the hightide line. 

After the laying of eggs, the nest hole is neatly covered with sand. The 

young on hatching burrow their way out and return to the sea. Tagged 

specimens have shown that turtles range over a wide area of the ocean but 

return to the same beach for laying their eggs. The Green Turtle is of 

commercial importance being the basis for turtle soup. This and their habit 

of returning to the same beach have led to their unrestricted slaughter. 

The Ridley TurtleLepidochelys olivaceareaches a maximum length of 

one metre. It is more widely distributed than the Hawksbill and the Green 

FAUNA 624

turtles and is said to be particularly abundant in the vicinity of the 

Andamans and off the coast of Ceylon. The Ridley is known to breed 

along the Bombay coast and there are records of their laying eggs on 

Marve beach, Malad, during the monsoon. The young when hatched are 

uniform dark brown or blackish above and paler below. Ridleys feed 

mainly on crustacea and molluscs. 

The family Emydidae includes the freshwater tortoises and terrapins, 

distinguished from land tortoises by their more or less flattened limbs and 

webbed toes. Two species occur in Maharashtra. The pond 

tortoiseGeomyda trijuga(Schweigger) is found throughout the State in 

streams, ponds and other suitable areas. In colour the carapace is dark 

brown to blackish in the adult. The young are brighter above sometimes 

yellow. Omnivorous, but in the wild thrive mainly on plants and fishes. 

The eggs are laid in a hole about 80 mm. deep near water, to which the 

young move on hatching. Incubation is approximately two months. 

Reaches a shell length of 220 mm, breadth 150 mm. and depth of 80 mm. 

Another species found in the Mahanadi, Godavari and probably the 

Krishna river systems isKachuga tectum tentoria(Gray). Usually the young 

have small black dots and an orange or red vertebral streak but with age 

the shell becomes darker and markings less conspicuous. A well defined 

red patch occurs behind the ear. It is believed to feed on vegetable matter 

and is very active in its movements. The flesh is alleged to be poisonous. 

Members of the familyTestudinidae,Land Tortoises, can be easily 

separated from the freshwater tortoises or terrapins by the cylindrical 

limbs, domed shell, and absence of web between the digits. A single 

species Testudo elegans Schoepff, the Star Tortoise occurs in Maharashtra. 

Attains a length of 250 mm. with a breadth of 160 mm. and depth of 120 

mm. The females are larger than the males. The shell is black above with 

yellow aureola on the vertebral and costal shields from which yellow 

stripes radiate. Nocturnal, it feeds principally on grass, fallen fruits or 

flowers, but animal matter is also taken. Eggs are laid in holes scraped out 

by the female near vegetation and so well covered with earth that it is 

difficult to locate the spot. The Starred Tortoise occurs throughout central 

FAUNA 625

and southern India extending as far as Sind in the west and south to 

Ceylon. 

The freshwater turtles or mud-turtles, Family Trionychidae, have their 

carapace covered with soft skin, and forelimbs paddleshaped. The head 

and neck are completely retractile and jaws are concealed by fleshy lips. 

Two species occur in the State. The Soft Terrapin Lissemys punctata 

granosa (Schoepff) inhabits rivers, streams and ponds and can often be 

seen basking on stones projecting above the water. Timid and difficult to 

approach, it feeds mainly on frogs and fish and other water organisms but 

may come out at night seeking decaying organic material. It is particularly 

destructive to fish. The eggs are buried in holes oft banks and the young 

are common during the monsoon. This species is widely eaten and is 

believed to be a cure for anaemia. Leiths Turtle Trionyxietihi grey is also 

common in the rivers and ponds of peninsular India. The young are grey 

and marked with four well defined ocelli or spots. The head is greenish 

with a well defined black longitudinal streak from between the eyes to the 

neck. This turtle attains a carapace length of 700 mm. Feeds mainly on 

frogs and fishes and other water organisms. Usually lies buried in the mud, 

leaving only the head uncovered and thus hidden, seizes its prey by a 

sudden and rapid movement of the long neck. 

Lizards and snakes are among the most highly evolved of living 

reptiles and are grouped under two sub-orders Sauria (Lizards) and 

Squamata (Snakes) of the Order Squamata. Lizards are by far the most 

conspicuous and most abundant among modern reptiles. As a rule lizards 

can be separated from snakes by a combination of characters which are : 

presence of four limbs, a non- retractile tongue, presence of yelids and ear 

openings. One or more of these characters all of which are absent in all 

snakes are present in all lizards. All Indian lizards are non-poisonous. 28 

species of 12 genera and 8 families of lizards occur in Maharashtra. 

The Geckos family Geckonidae are distinguished by the absence of 

symmetrical shields on the ead, immovable eyelids, a short broad tongue 

covered with villose pappilae. Skin soft, with granules and rarely 

imbricate scales dorsally. 14 species occur in Maharashtra. The Ground 

FAUNA 626

Geckos, Cyrtodactylus dekkanensis (Gunther), and Cyrto- dactylus 

albofaciatus (Boulenger), distinguished by their angularly bent undilated 

digits, are usually found under rocks and stones in hill country. They feed 

mainly on small insects. The commoner Cyrtodactylus dkkanensis is 

reddish brown above with white, brown-edged transverse bands upon the 

back and tail. A curved mark on the nape extends to the eyes. Whitish 

below. In size it reaches a total length of 110 mm., of which, the head 

body is 63mm. The genusCnemaspis is restricted to the hills of south India 

only. In Peninsular India a single species, Cnemaspis kandiana has been 

recorded in Mahabaleshwar. 

The Rock and House Geckos of the genus Hemidactylus are 

distinguished by the strong dilatations of their toes which enable them to 

crawl on smooth surfaces. The largest species occurring in Maharashtra is 

the Rock Gecko Hemidactylus maculatus Dum. and Bibr. which is not 

uncommon in caves, rocks and on trees in forest tracts in the State. It 

reaches a body length of 115 mm. and the tail may attain a length of 

130mm. In colour dark brown with darker markings on the back. The 

young are much lighter and have lines and bars on the body and on the 

tail. The GeckoHemidactylus triedrus (Daudin) is often seen in association 

with termite nest and appears to feed largely on termites. Found up to 

4,000feetthroughout peninsular India and Ceylon. Brown above with 

white bands and tubercles. Usually a broad dark brown-edged white bar 

along the sides of the head. Lower parts whitish. It reaches80mm. in total 

length of which the tail is30mm. Among the house Geckos. Hemidactylus 

brooki Gray Hemidactylu frenatus Schlegel, Hemidactylus leschenaulti 

Dum. and Bibr. and Hemidactylus flaviviridis Ruppell, brooki is the 

commonest. However, it is also found away from buildings in forest and 

scrub country and near river banks under stones, and similar situations. H. 

brooki and most other House Geckos are widely distributed in India and 

south-east Asia, apparently being carried along with man's effects. 

Hemidactylus leschenaulti is also equally common on tree trunks and 

prefers trees like the banian and the tamarind on which its greyish-brown 

markings are cryptic. A larger species than brooki and frenatus (length 

166mm.) it is common in south peninsular India. The more or less similar 

FAUNA 627

sizedHemidactylus flaviviridis is commoner in the north but has been 

recorded at Bombay as a house Gecko. A recently described species H. 

albofasciatis from the Koyna valley is closely related to H. prashadi which 

occurs further south. This species is usually found under stones in rocky 

scrub-country. H. gracilis is an uncommon species recorded from the 

Vidarbha area of the State. 

The Fat-tailed Geckos, Family Eublepharidae, are distinguished from 

other Geckos by their movable eyelids. Eublepharis macularius (Blyth) 

has short, cylindrical digits, with transverse lamellae and claws partly 

concealed between the scales. Back tubercular. Tail segmented, shorter 

than the head and body and much swollen at the base. The adult is greyish 

brown above and may reach 300 mm. in total length. Nocturnal in habits it 

is a voracious feeder on insects, chiefly crickets, and spiders and scorpions 

being quite indifferent to their sting. It is recorded from Poona northwards. 

Lizards of the Family Agarnidae are largely Asian in distribution 

andof the 19 genera occurring in India, only 2 genera and three 

speciesoccur in Maharashtra. Agamid lizards can be recognised by the 

presenceof movable eye lids and the absence of symmetrical shields on 

thehead, but the best character to separate them from other lizards is 

theteeth which arc acrodont (on top of jaw) and heterodont (differentiated 

e.g. incisor, canine). The commonest representative of the familyis the 

Garden lizard or Blood Sucker,Calotes versicolor(Daudin) 

foundthroughout India. Normally they are brownish above with 

darkertransverse bars and spots upon the back and sides. Specimens 

fromwestern India may attain a body length of 140 mm. and a tail length 

of350 mm. Like other agamids it is largely insectivorous but has 

beenknown to take young birds and there is also a record of its eating 

unripebeans. During the breeding season between June and August, the 

malewhen excited turns yellow while the sides of the head, throat and 

theneck become brilliant red hence the name blood sucker. The malesare 

territorial and during courtship and while threatening other malesnod their 

head up and down. Up to 15 eggs are laid in soil by thefemale. The Forest 

Calotes,Calotes rouxiDum. & Bibr. occurs in theforests of the Western 

FAUNA 628

Ghats. This species is easily distinguished fromthe common calotes by the 

presence of an oblique curved fold in frontof the shoulder, extending 

nearly across the throat. During the breedingseason the upper part ot the 

head and the neck becomes bright redcontrasting strongly with black or 

dark brown of the rest of the body. 

Another common agamid in the State is the Fan-throated 

lizardSitanaponticeriana Cuv distinguished from all other agamid lizards 

by thepresence of only 4 instead of 5 toes. The Fan-throated lizard is 

muchsmaller than theCalotesand is dark brown above with a series of 

darkerblack edged spots along the middle of the back. In the breeding 

seasonthe fan like appendage on the throat of the male becomes bright 

blue-black in colour and this is displayed by folding and, unfolding 

duringcourtship. The lizard can cover short distances at speed on two 

legs.Mainly an inhabitant of dry, open country, it is fond of basking on 

thesand even during the hottest part of the day. 

Two other agamids arc likely to occur in the State. The Flying 

lizardDraco dussumieriDum. & Bibr. has been recorded from North 

Kanarain Mysore andPsammophilus blanfordanus(Blanford) is known to 

occurin eastern districts of Madhya Pradesh and may also be found 

inadjoining Vidarbha. 

The family Chamaeleonidae is represented in India by a single 

speciesChamaeleon zeylanicusLaurrenti which is found throughout 

peninsularIndia, south of the Gangetic plain. Chamaeleons are easily 

distinguishedby the opposable toes on their limbs, the long club-shaped 

tongue, theindependantly movable eyes and the casque on the posterior 

part of thehead. The tail is prehensile. It grows to a length of 175 mm. 

headand body, with a tail of 200 mm. Normally the colour in life is 

greenvarying from pale green to nearly black, but under excitement the 

body may become mottled with transverse blotches or bands of yellow 

orblue black. The food consists of insects and their larvae. In searchof 

prey, the eyes move independently and when a prey is located, thehead is 

turned towards it and both eyes focused on it and approachingclosely the 

FAUNA 629

tongue is shot out with amazing velocity and accuracy. It isarboreal 

buttheeggs are laid by the female in soil. 

The Skinks, family Scincidae are cosmopolitan in distribution 

andamong the 18 genera found in the Indian subcontinent, two with 

sixspecies are known from Maharashtra. Skinks are distinguished bv 

thepresence of symmetrical shields on the head, and of imbricate scalelikepappilae 

on the tongue. The body is covered with cycloid, 

imbricatescales. They are usually found among grass and soil. Skinks are 

insectivorous, The three species occurring in Maharashtra are 

oviparous.The common SkinkMabuya carinata(Schneider) is found 

throughoutthe country and is the species that is most often seen. Brown or 

blackabove with uniform dark brown or black spots or streaks. During 

thebreeding season the flanks of the male become scarlet and the 

bellyyellow. Another common speciesMabuya maculariais uniform 

lightbrown above, occasionally spotted with black,Mabuya 

trivittataHardwicke & Gray has been recorded from Nasik, Nagpur and 

Poona.Greyish brown above with three broad black-edged yellow 

longitudinalstripes, extending the whole length of the body and to the base 

of thetail. This species is uncommon. 

Skinks of the genusRiopa,of which three speciesRiopa 

punctata(Gmelin),Riopa guentheri(Peters) andRiopa lineata(Gray) 

occur,are snake-like in appearance with their long slender body and tail 

anddiminutive limbs. They arc largely subterrestrial and are not 

commonlyseen. 

The Lacertid lizards Family Lacertidae, are more common in 

theAfrican than the Oriental region. The tongue is deeply forked anteriorly 

and scales on the back are much differentiated from the scales onthe belly. 

The head has symmetrical shields. Of the 4 genera in Indianregion, 

twoCabritaandOphisops,each represented by two species,occur in 

Maharashtra. The two generaCabritaandOphisopsaredistinguished from 

each other by the eyelids being free in the former andfused together in the 

latter. Small lizards living in sandy or rockyground usually in dry 

country.Cabrita lechenaulti(Milne-Edwards)Cabrita jerdoniBeddomi, 

FAUNA 630

occur in Vidarbha,Ophisops jerdoniBlythin Vidarbha andOphisops 

beddomei(Jerdon), in South Maharashtra. 

Monitor lizards of the family Varanidae are confined to the oldworld, 

being found in the warm areas of southern Asia, Africa, andAustralia. 

They are carnivorous and eat any animal that they can overcome and 

largely live on birds and their eggs, small mammals, reptilesand their eggs 

and large insects. They take carrion. They are at timesdestructive to 

poultry but are particularly useful because of the large number of rats and 

mice which they destroy. A single species,Varanus bengalensis(Daudia) 

occurs in Maharashtra. Found both in remoteforests and in the outskirts of 

villages. This species may attain a body length of 750 mm. with a 1000 

mm. tail. They can move fast and when chased usually take refuge in the 

hollow of a tree or by climbing up the trunk. Their ability to climb nearly 

vertical surfaces is said to have been used in former days for assaulting 

forts. The 'Ghorpad'is eaten and the skin is of commercial use. 

The sub-order Serpentes, Snakes, can be distinguished from lizards 

bya combination of characters : the body is elongated and limbless or 

withvestiges of a hind pair; eyes are lidless and ear opening is absent; 

thetwo halves of the lower jaw are not fused but united by ligament 

andmovable independently. The tongue is deeply forked and retractileinto 

a sheath and in snakes is mainly an organ of smell. Snakes inspiteof their 

uniformity of shape have adapted themselves for life underdifferent 

environmental conditions unlike other snake-like reptiles andamphibia 

which are terrestrial and subterranean. Of the 226 species of68 genera and 

9 families recorded from the Indian sub-continent,60 species of 36 genera 

and 7 families occur in Maharashtra. 

The family Typhlopidae or Blind Snakes is widely distributed in 

thetropical zone of the old and new worlds. Small, worm-like snakeswith 

highly polished scales they are usually found below the soil or indecaying 

wood or vegetation. Three species occur in Maharashtra.Typhlops 

braminus(Daudin) the Common or Brahminy Blind Snake,is the species 

most often seen in gardens under stones and debris. Incolour, brown or 

blackish above, lighter below, the snout and tail endbeing usually whitish. 

FAUNA 631

Occasionally a number of them may be seentogether. It grows to a length 

of 170 mm. The similarly colouredbut larger (285 mm.)Typhlops 

porrectusStoliczka has been recordedfrom Bombay, The Beaked Blind 

Snake,Typhlops acutus(Dum. &Bibr.), the largest of all Oriental species 

(up to 600 mm.) has beenrecorded from Salsette Island, Thana District and 

the Western Ghats.In colour it is brown above and paler below and the 

back and sidescales may have a pale yellow centre. 

The family Uropeltidae or Roughtails is peculiar to southern Indiaand 

Ceylon. Small snakes from 30 to 60 cm. in length and sub-terrestrial in 

habit. Tail very short ending in a peculiar shield,on the characters of which 

the genera are based. They are largelyrestricted to heavy rainfall areas of 

the Western Ghats and feed mainlyon earthworms. Two speciesUropeltis 

macrolepis(Peters) andUropeltis phipsoni(Mason) occur in the State. The 

former is restrictedto the Bombay hills between 18 and 19° Lat. It is very 

common atMahableshwar during the rains and a variety has been 

described fromthat area.U. phipsoniis more widely distributed and is 

known fromBombay Hills to the Anamalais in Kerala. 

The Pythons and Boas family Boidae are the largest among present 

day snakes, some of the larger forms occasionally exceeding 8 metresin 

length. The Pythons are old world snakes whereas Boas are mainlynew 

world forms. All are non-poisonous and kill their prey byconstriction, the 

prey being asphyxiated to death. Two generaPython& Eryxoccur in India 

and both are represented in Maharashtra. TheIndian Python,Python 

molurus,the largest among Indian snakes exceptionally attains a length of 

up to 6 metres. Specimens exceeding4 metresare now rare. Inhabits 

forested country preferably wellwatered. Feeds on any animal it can 

overcome and swallow but prefersmammals. Breeds during the cold 

weather. The number of eggs variesconsiderably and may exceed 100 in 

number. The eggs are incubatedby the female. Yellowish, greyish or 

brownish above with large,darker, black-edged spots dorsally and on 

flanks ; yellowish below. 

The Sand Boas of the genusEryxare, compared to the Pythons,small 

snakes hardly exceeding a metre in length. Easily distinguishedfrom the 

FAUNA 632

python by the presence of small scales instead of shields onthe head. The 

two species Russel's Sand BoaEryx conicusand John'sSand BoaEryx 

johnithat occur in India are found in the State. Russel'sSand Boa is 

yellowish, brownish or greyish above with a dorsal seriesof brown blackedged 

spots. John's Sand Boa is usually uniform grey,yellowish or dark 

brown above but occasionally has dark transversebands. Both are sluggish, 

largely sub-terrestrial snakes which subsistmainly on small mammals. 

The Family Colubridae has the largest number of genera and 

species.A cosmopolitan family, its members are terrestrial, arboreal, and 

aquatic.30 species of 20 genera occur in Maharashtra. The Wart 

SnakeAcro-chordus granulatusdiffers from all other colubrids in the 

absence ofventral shields. Dark grey or blackish in colour with whitish 

crossbarswhich become indistinct with age. A thoroughly aquatic species 

preferring estuaries, it feeds exclusively on fish. Viviparous. 

The Trinket SnakeElaphe helenarepresents a genus widely 

distributedin Asia and N. America. A distinctively marked snake with the 

forepart of the body beautifully ornamented with 3 or more white islets ina 

pattern, enclosed by black cross-bands ; the ‘trinkets' may extend tothe 

tail. Posteriorly the crossbars are replaced by two black bars onthe flanks. 

Usually found in or near jungles at altitudes between 1,500to 6,000 ft. The 

Rat Snake or DhamanPtyas mucosusis widelydistributed throughout India. 

Diurnal and often seen in uninhabitedareas. Varies in colour, being olivegreen, 

brown, yellow or greyishabove. Excitable, it is among Indian 

snakes unique in producingoccasionally a mewing noise when cornered 

and at bay. Rat snakeshave been recorded upto 3-6 metres in length. Feeds 

largely on rodents,and is not poisonous, contrary to popular belief- 

Three species of Racer snakes occur.Argyrogena 

fasciolaius,theBanded Racer so called from the young being ornamented 

with black crossbars on an olive brown back ground. The crossbars 

becomeobscure with age. A peninsular form it is more common in the 

Konkanthan elsewhere in its range and from its habit of erecting the 

forebody and flattening its neck like the cobra is often mistaken for one. It 

is, in fact, considered the female of the cobra in the Konkan. Grows to 

FAUNA 633

over 3 ft. in length. Of the other two Racers,Coluber ventromaculatus a 

light grey snake with black crossbars is a west Asian form, found in 

Bombay, Poona, Deolali which are approximately the eastern limits of its 

distribution.Coluber gracilisis a rare form known mainly from near 

Bombay. A light greyish brown snake, with narrow white black-edged 

crossbars, it grows to over one metre in length. 

The Reed SnakeLiopeltis calamariaa small (about 45 cms.), 

brown,greyishbrown or green snake with a pair of black lines dorsally, 

occursmainly on the hills of the south and in Ceylon. It has been 

recordedfrom Mahableshwar and Matheran. Another uncommon species 

isCoronella brachyura,an olive brown snake about 60 cm. in length 

knownonly from Poona District and near Bombay in the State. The 

genusOligodon,Kukri snakes, so named from the shape of some of 

themaxillary teeth are found mainly in eastern India and the hills of 

southIndia. Two speciesOligodon arnensisandOligodon taeniolatusoccurin 

Maharashtra, the latter mainly a hill form. Beautifully marked,small 

snakes, 60 cm. or less in length they feed mainly on eggs of otherreptiles 

and spawn of amphibians. 

The Bronzebacks, genusAhaetullaare slender, arboreal snakes 

livingentirely on trees and bushes and only occasionally descending to 

theground. The common Indian BronzebackDendrelaphis tristisis bronzebrown, 

or purplish brown above, light grey, greenish or yellowish 

below,with a distinct buff flank stripe. Feeds mainly on tree-frogs 

andlizards. Grows to slightly over 1.3 metre in length. 

The Wolf Snakes, genusLycodonare so named from the presence ofan 

enlarged tooth both in the upper and lower jaw resembling the canineteeth 

in wolves. Small snakes hardly exceeding 75 cm. in length. TheCommon 

Wolf SnakeLycodon aulicusthe commonest and most widelydistributed of 

Indian Wolf Snakes is often confused with the poisonousKrait. It is seen in 

and around human habitations more commonlythan any other Indian 

snake. Brown or greyish brown above barredwith white. Feeds mainly on 

geckos and other lizards. The TravancoreWolf SnakeLycodon 

travancoricusoccurs in the Western ghats as farnorth as Matheran. The 

FAUNA 634

Striated Wolf SnakeLycodon striatushas thesame distribution asL. 

aulicusin Maharashtra.Lycodon flavomaculatusis a rare species known 

only from a few localities. 

The genusSibynophisis represented by a single 

speciesSibynophissubpunctatusa small, light brown, black-spotted snake. 

The Keelbacks snakes (from the raised keel like structure on thescales) are 

found in or near water. The Checkered KeelbackXeno-chrophis piscatoris 

one of the commonest snakes of the plains and lowhills. Dorsally 

yellowish or olivaceous with black spots, whitish oryellowish below. It 

feeds on frogs and fishes. Length up to 1.3 metre.An equally if not more 

common species is the Buffstriped KeelbackAmphiesmastolata. An olive 

green or yellowish brown slender snakebarred or spotted with black above 

and with a buff or yellow stripe alongthe flanks. Margins of scales pale 

blue, a colour seen only when thesnake is excited and flattens its body. 

Length up to a metre. Feeds onfrogs and toads.Amphiesma beddomei,a 

hill species, is confined tothe Western Ghats between 3,000 and 7,000 feet 

and occurs fromMahableshwar southwards. Another species that may 

occur in the StateisNatrix monticolaa comparatively rare species recorded 

from Talevadito Travancore. 

The Green Keelback,Macropisthodon plumbicoloris bright grassgreen 

above. Juveniles have two black V-shaped marks on the neckwhich is 

bright yellow or orange in between. The markings disappearwith age A 

timid snake, it has the habit of flattening its body whenalarmed. Feeds 

mainly on toads. Length 75 cm. Another specieslikely to occur in southwest 

Maharashtra isRhabdops olivaceusbut noinformation is available on 

its habits. Olive or yellow brown abovewith four series of black spots. 

The genusBoiga,Catsnakes, as they are commonly known fromtheir 

vertical pupil and nocturnal habits are represented by three species.All 

have grooved teeth (fangs) at the back of the mouth and aremildly 

poisonous. The Indian GammaBoiga trigonatais widelydistributed in the 

Indian region. In colour, yellowish or grey brownabove with a vertebral 

series of V-shaped black-edged spots. Arborealit feeds largely on birds and 

tree lizards. Length up to a metre.An intrepid snake it assumes an attitude 

FAUNA 635

of attack characteristic of thegenus, throwing forepart of the body into a 

figure of eight and brisklyvibrating its tail. The Ceylon Cat snake,Boiga 

ceylonensisis foundon the Western Ghats. Slightly longer in total length 

thantrigonataitis greyish brown above with oblique spots or bars. Forsten's 

Cat snakeBoiga forstenithe largest among the three, reaches a length of 

overtwo metres. Brown or reddish brown above with black spots or 

crossbars on the back interspersed with white spots. 

Three species of Sand Snakes of the genusPsammophisoccur. 

Sandsnakes are also back fanged colubers and are mildly 

poisonous.Psammophis condanarusis widely distributed in the Indian 

region.Olive or lighter above with 4 to 5 brown longitudinal stripes. 

Lengthupto 120 cm.Psammophis longifronsappears to be restricted 

toMaharashtra, greyish above gradually fading into brown. More orless 

similar in length tocondanarusbut stouter. Leith's Sand SnakePsammophis 

leithiis more common in desert areas. It has been recorded from the 

Deccan (Poona). Yellowish brown above withfour dark longitudinal 

stripes, median pair bordered with black spots.Length upto 90 cm. All 

Sand Snakes feed mainly on lizards. 

The genusAhaetulla,Whip Snakes is represented by a single 

speciesthe Common Green Whip SnakeAhaetulla nasutus.Aslender 

greentree snake it is widely distributed in India and countries to the 

east.The pointed projecting snout is distinctive. Feeds on lizards, 

smallbirds and mammals. Length up to 266 mm. Another species likelyto 

occur is the Brown Whip SnakeAhaetulla pulverulentus,notuncommon on 

the Western Ghats from N. Kanara southward.Ahaetullais also a genus 

with fangs at the back of mouth and is mildly poisonous. 

The sub-family Homalopsinae, Freshwater Snakes, are representedby 

three genera with a single species each, in the State. All are mainlyaquatic 

and have provision to close their nostrils. They are back fangedand mildly 

poisonous. Feed more or less exclusively on fish. Viviparous. The 

commonest species in the tidal creeks of Maharashtra isthe Dog-faced 

Water Snake,Cerebrusrhyncopsa greyish, brown orolive snake with dark 

spots or cross bars above. Grows to a lengthof 60-90 cm. The other two 

FAUNA 636

speciesGerardia prevostianaandEnhydrina sieboldiare uncommon. The 

former, a small grey orbrown snake about 60 cm. in length is usually seen 

along the coastand tidal rivers. The latter, a whitish or buff snake with 

spots of darkbrown has been recorded from Bombay. It grows to about 90 

cm. inlength. 

The family Elapidac includes all the poisonous snakes, other 

thanvipers, whose bite could be fatal to man. The fangs, which are 

canaliculate, are placed at the front end of the mouth. The elapids arefound 

throughout the tropical and the subtropical regions of the world.Four 

genera occur in India and all are represented in 

Maharashtra,BungarusKraits,CallophisCoral snakes,Najacobra 

andOphiophagusKing cobra. 

The Common Krait,Bungarus caeruleus,(Marathi—Manyar) iswidely 

distributed. A lustrous blue black or black snake, white barredon the back. 

Grows to over 1.3 metre in length. Not uncommonnear human habitation. 

Feeds largely on other snakes and is activeat night. The poison is a 

neurotoxin and kills through paralyses ofrespiratory centres. The poison is 

also haemotoxic leading to severeinternal haemorrhage. The poison is 

considered to be four to fivetimes more virulent than cobra venom. The 

Banded KraitBungarusfasciatusis likely to occur in eastern Vidarbha. A 

handsome blackand yellow banded snake, larger and longer than the 

Common Krait,but equally poisonous. No record yet of its biting people. 

The Coral Snakes are small, less than 60 cm. and beautifully 

marked.Sluggish and gentle by nature, though poisonous, they arc not 

knownto bite. Feed on other snakes. Two species occur in 

Maharashtra.Callophis melanurusscarcely exceeding 1 foot in length is 

chestnutabove, each scale with a brown or black spot. Head and nape 

black,tail black banded. Ventrally red, crimson towards the 

tail.Callophisnigrescens,a hill form is blackish or greenish-blue above with 

3 to5 black stripes. It occurs along the Western Ghats as far north 

asPanchgani (near Mahabaleshwar). 

FAUNA 637

The Indian Cobra(Najanaja) (Marathi—Nag) is found in all typesof 

habitat from heavy jungles to populated town. Old masonryis specially 

favoured ; white ants nests in the countryside are oftena favourite haunt. 

The hood, spread when the snake is excited, isdistinctive. Three varieties 

occur in India ; (1) with a spectacle markon the hood found throughout 

peninsular India ; (2) with a singleround mark on the hood found in east 

India and countries to the east;and (3) without any markings on the hood, 

found in north westIndia. In colour it may be yellowish olive brown, dark 

brown, orblack Adults are usually from 1.35 to 1.65 metres in length. 

Longerspecimens occur but are rare. In disposition it is not an 

aggressivesnake and if disturbed will erect its forebody and hiss but ifit is 

notmolested, will move away. Young are more agressive than adults.Feeds 

principally on rats, frogs and toads, less frequently on birds andeggs; 

occasionally takes other snakes. Breeding season extends overseveral 

months and eggs, 12 to 22 in number, are laid in May to July.The mother 

usually coils round the eggs. The poison fangs are smallless than 8 mm., 

but strong. The poison is a rapidly absorbed neurotoxin and death, as in 

krait poison is due to asphyxia. Death froma bite is not inevitable, the 

result being dependent on several factors, themain being the amount of 

poison discharged into the wound. 

The King CobraOphiophagus hannah,the largest among the 

world'spoisonous snakes is an uncommon snake, usually found in 

heavyjungles. The maximum length recorded is 5.4 metres but 

usuallyspecimens about half the size are seen. Black or olive in 

colour,uniform when adult but banded with white when young. Has 

thecharacteristic hood of the cobras. Feeds mainly on other snakes. 

The Sea Snakes. Family Hydrophiidae, occur along the coast 

fromPersian Gulf to the Islands of Oceania. The body is compressed 

andthe tail is paddle shaped. Two subfamilies are recognized, 

thethoroughly aquatic and viviparous Hydrophiinae, are off shore 

species.The Laticaudinae are littoral and largely oviparous. All sea 

snakesare poisonous but the potency of the venom varies, some being 

morepowerful than the cobra venom. There are no records of bites from 

FAUNA 638

seasnakes. They feed on fish, some species living exclusively on eels. 

Ofthe 12 species likely to occur off the coasts of 

Maharashtra,Enhydrinaschistosa, Hydrophis spiralis. H. cyanocinctus, H. 

mamillaris, H. caeru-lescens, Lapemis curtus, Microcephalophis 

gracilisandPelamis phaturushave been collected from around Bombay 

Island. 

The Vipers, Family Viperidae, are widely distributed being absentonly 

in the Australian Region and to its east. The poison fangs reach their 

highest development in Vipers, being so large that they liehorizontally 

when the mouth is closed and are erected by movementsof the jaw bones 

when the mouth is open and the snake is ready tostrike. Two sub-families 

are recognised, Viperinae (True Vipers) andCrotalinae (Pit Vipers) 

distinguished by the presence of a sensory pitbetween the eye and the 

nostril. Both subfamilies are represented inMaharashtra, Viperinae by the 

generaViperaandEchisand CrotalinaebyTrimeresurus. 

The Russell's Viper,Vipera russelli,(Marathi Ghonus), a thick 

set,sluggish viper grows up to 1.5 metres in length. The colour pattern 

isdistinctive being brown with three series of large rounded or oval 

blackand white margined spots. Widely distributed it occurs in all types 

ofcountry. Feeds mainly on rats and mice. Viviparous 20 to over60 young 

being born at a time. The poison acts mainly on the bloodand the 

vasomotor centre. 

The Phoorsa,Echis carinata,pale brown, greyish or sandy witha 

vertebral series of pale dark edged spots, hardly exceeds 60 cm. inlength. 

Widely distributed it is more common in dry areas. Extremelyabundant in 

Ratnagiri District, over a lakh being collected withina period of a week in 

1890. An aggressive snake when excited it hasthe habit of rubbing the 

sides of its body against each other, forminga characteristic figure of eight 

in the process and producing a hissingor rasping sound. Recorded as 

ovoviviparous in India. The poisonacts, like Ghonus poison, mainly on the 

blood and on the vasomotorcentre. Feeds on arachnids and other 

arthropods, small mammals,reptiles and amphibians. 

FAUNA 639

The Pit Vipers, sub-family Crotalinae, are found both in the old 

andnew worlds. The pit, situated on the side of the head between the 

eyeand the nostril is a heat sensor organ which assists the snake 

incapturing prey. Two species of Pit Vipers,Trimeresurus 

gramineusBamboo Pit Viper andTrimeresurus malabaricus,Malabar Pit 

Viperoccur in Maharashtra. Both are greenish above with or without 

spotsor markings. Forest species, usually in the hills. They feed mainlyon 

small mammals and lizards, frogs. Viviparous. The poison is notfatal to 

man. 

The Krait (Manyar), Cobra (Nag), Russell's Viper (Ghonus) andEchis 

(Phoorsa) are the four dangerously poisonous snakes commonlyfound in 

Maharashtra (apart from Seasnakcs). Antivenin is availableagainst all the 

four types of snake poison. 

FAUNA 640

CHAPTER 8—AMPHIBIA 

The amphibians consist of three well-defined typesgroupedin three 

Orders, Caudata (Salamanders and Newts), Gymnophiona (Caecilians) 

and Salientia (Frogs and Toads). These orders havecertain characters in 

common. They are cold blooded vertebrateshaving a smooth or rough 

glandular skin and lacking fur. feather,and/or scales found in dry-skinned, 

truly land vertebrates. A primitivetype of scale occurs embedded in the 

skin in some caecilians. 

The most remarkable factor in the life of amphibians is their 

breedinghabit. It is a well-known fact that, among land vertebrates, 

onlyamphibians begin their lives in water as tadpoles, it is during 

thebreeding season, coinciding with the monsoons in India, that 

thenormally circumspect frogs and toads throw all caution to the windsand 

the male makes its presence known by its loud call, a soundwhich, at night 

in well-watered country, is a continuous roar asthousands of frogs and 

toads of different species give tongue to advertisetheir presence in the 

selected breeding site. 

The manner of deposition of the eggs varies; many frogs lay themin a 

frothy mass. Among the tree frogs the eggs are usually not laidin water, 

but in a situation which would enable the developing youngto be released 

into water. The egg mass hardens into a crust on theoutside in these 

species. The toads Jay their eggs in gelatinous stringsof varying lengths 

which are loosely twined round water-weeds by themovements of the 

female. The number of eggs laid by one femalemay be as high as 2000 in 

Indian species ; those which have an abbreviated larval life lay a smaller 

number varying with the period of thelarval life. 

Amphibians are relatively defenceless animals and seek safety 

increvices and other shelters when faced with danger or remain 

immobiledepending on their cryptic coloration to escape detection. The 

skinsecretions also give a certain amount of protection, but many 

predatorsare immune to their effect. 

FAUNA 641

Amphibians are beautifully adapted to life in their 

particularenvironment and usually it is possible to 4 place' a species by a 

superficial examination; for instance burrowing species have welldevelopedmetatarsal 

tubercles, the spades they use for digging, while tree 

frogshave large adhesive discs, and aquatic species have extensive 

webbingon the toes. 

The balk of the food consumed by amphibians consists of 

invertebrates, mainly insects. They also feed on any animal including 

othersof their kind, which they can overcome. 

Two regions in India have a very rich amphibian fauna, the 

WesternGhats and the Eastern Himalayas, Of the 130 species of 23 

generaknown in India, 22 species of 10 genera occur in Maharashtra. 

Speciesof the Order Caudata are absent in this region. 

LIST OFAMPHIBIAOFMAHARASHTRA 

ORDER GYMNOPHIONA 

Family :Caecilidae 

1.Indotyphlus battersbyiTaylor. 

2.lchthyophis subterrestrisTaylo. 

ORDER SALIENTIA 

Family: Bufonidae 

3.BufomelanostictusSchneider,chain 

beduk.(Marathi). 

4.BufostomaticusLutken. 

5.BufokoynaensisSoman, 

Family:Microhylida 

e 

6. Microhyla ornata (Dum & Bibr.) 

7. Uperodon globulosum (Gunther). 

8. Ramanella variegata (Stoliczka). 

FAUNA 642

9. Ramanella montana (Jerdon). 

Family : RANIDAE beduk. [Marathi] 

10. Rana cyanophlyctis Schneider. 

11. Rana limnocharif Boie. 

12. Rana tigerina Daudin. 

13. Rana malabarica Bibr 

14. Rana rufescens (Jerdon). 

15. Rana breviceps Schneider. 

16. Rana leithii Boulenger. 

17. Rana beddomii (Gunther). 

18. Rana temporalis (Gunther), 

19. Nyctibatrachus hwnayuni Bhaduri 

& Kripalani, 

Family : 

RHACOPHORIRA 

E 

20. Philautus bombayensis Annandale. 

21. Philautus glandulosus (Jerdon). 

22. Rhacaphorus leucomystax 

maculatus (Gray), 

The Caecilians, Family Caecilidae, are fossorial, limbless amphibians, like 

snakes in general appearance, for which they are often mistaken. 

The head, except for the lack of annulations, is not distinguished 

fromthe body. The eyes may or may not be visible externally. A 

shorttentacle is present between the eye and the nostril. The body hasseries 

of annulations. A short tail may be present or not. The caecilidae arc the 

most primitive among amphibians and are foundonly in the tropical 

regions of Asia, Africa and America. Very little is known of these secretive 

creatures. Two genera, each representedby a single species occur in the 

State, of theseIndotyphlusis so farknown only from Khandala (Poona 

FAUNA 643

District).Indotyphlus battersbyi,a slender earthworm-like species is seen 

under stones on grassy hillsides at Khandala during the rains. One species 

oflchthyophis,I. subterrestrishas been recorded from Alibag, Kolaba 

District. Thegenus is not uncommon in heavy rainfall regions and is likely 

to occurin other areas of the State. They have limited burrowing 

capacityuseful only in soft earth and are found in swampy areas, 

decayingvegetation, under fallen tree trunks etc, They are usually less 

thana foot in length. 

The Toads, Family Bufonidae, are more or less cosmopolitan 

indistribution. Of the three genera in India, one,Bufois representedin the 

State. Toads of the genusBufoarc easily recognised by theirwarty skin and 

the presence of two well-marked glands behind thehead, the paratoid 

glands. They are true land animals and exceptduring the breeding season 

are not seen in water. Three speciesoccur,Bufomelanostictus, 

BufostomaticusandBufokoynaensisrecentlydescribed from the Koyna Dam 

area {Satara District). The CommonToadBufomelanostictusis widely 

distributed and is the largest andcommonest species in India. It is equally 

at home in almost all thebiotopes found in the country and occurs from 

sea-level up to 6,000 ft.in the hills. A prolific breeder, the eggs embedded 

in translucentstrings are laid in ponds, ditches and rain-water pools at the 

beginningof the monsoon. Predominantly insect-eaters they consume a 

largenumber during their night hunts and are thus of economic 

importance.Bufostomaticusis easily separated fromB. melanostictusby 

theabsence of cornified, bony ridges on the head. This species prefersa 

drier habitat and is not so widely distributed as the Common Toad.In 

colour it is grey or olive above, rarely uniform, being more oftenmarbled 

with darker markings, ventral side and upper lip white. 

The Narrow-mouthed Frogs, family Microhylidae are distinguishedby 

the small head in relation to the body. They are not uncommonbut being 

fossorial, are rarely seen, except during the breeding season.Many species 

live more or less exclusively on ants and termites andare often seen in 

association with termite colonies. The family iswidely distributed and 

occurs in the tropics of both hemispheres. Threegenera occur in 

FAUNA 644

Maharashtra. The genusMicrohylais representedby a single 

speciesMicrohyla ornata.This pretty little microhylid isthe commonest 

species of the family and one of the smallest, rarelyexceeding 25 mm. in 

snout to vent length. It occurs in dry as wellas heavy rainfall areas. The 

pattern on the back which may be brightpink or of varying shades of 

brown is distinctive. The transparenttadpoles are seen in rain water pools 

during the rainy season. ThegenusUperodonis represented by a single 

speciesUperodon globulosum the Balloon Frog, so named from the rotund 

shape ofthebody.Incolour it is uniform brown or grey above and white 

below, A completelyfossorial species, it is not seen above ground except 

during the breedingseason, at the break of the monsoon. At other times of 

the yearthey are usually found in termite nests, termites being their 

mainfood. They are excellent burrowers and using the large shovel 

shapedtubercle on the heel of their foot rapidly burrow into the soil. 

Twospecies of the genusRamanellaoccur in the State.Ramanella variegataa 

small microhylid, less than 40 mm. in snout to vent length. Incolour brown 

with lighter marblings or spots and white below. Recordedfrom eastern 

Vidarbha districts.Ramanella montanamore or lessequal in size to the 

former has been recorded from the heavy rainfallareas of western 

Maharashtra from Bombay southwards, In colourit is brown above and 

below, with darker spots above and white spotsor blotches ventrally. Little 

information is available on the habitsof this species. Another microhylid 

frog likely to occur in the StateisKaloula pulchra taprobanicawhich has 

been collected at Khanapurin Belgaum District. This species is easily 

distinguished in havingonly the tips of the fingers and not of the toes, 

dilated into discs. 

The family Ranidae which includes the true frogs, (the best 

knownamong amphibians) and allied species has a world wide 

distributionexcepting regions of extreme climatic conditions and some 

oceanicIslands. Two genera occur in the 

StateRanaandNyctibatrachus,thelatter being endemic to the Western Ghats, 

Species of the family canbe distinguished by the presence of teeth on the 

upper jaw, and thetongue being bifid at the tip. The pupil may be 

horizontal or vertical.All species breed at the beginning of the monsoon, 

FAUNA 645

laving their eggsin permanent, semipermanent ponds and streams. The 

genusRanaisrepresented by nine species assigned to three subgenera. The 

commonest and most easily seen species of Indian frogs is the 

Skipper.Ranacyanophlyctis,a medium sized frog rarely exceeding 60 mm. 

in snoutto vent length. Almost all ponds, shallow stretches of rivers, 

rainwater pools have their quota of this species easily recognised by 

theirhabit of skipping over the water like a ricochetting stone. 

Anothercommon species but not so dependent on water is the Grass 

Frog,Rana limnocharisan almost equally abundant and widely 

distributedspecies. Unlike the more aquatic Skipper,R. limnocharisdoes 

nothave its toes fully webbed. A small sized frog usually between 20 

and60 mm. in snout to vent length, it is in colour, grey or brown of 

varyingintensity often with a yellowish vertebral streak. The largest 

amongIndian amphibia attaining a snout to vent length of 162 mm. or 

moreis the Indian Bullfrog(Rana tigerina).Itis widely distributed thoughnot 

so common as the Skipper. In colour it is usually brown withvarying 

degrees of green on the body. Usually associated with largebodies of 

water, the frog inspite of its fully webbed toes remainsoutside but in the 

immediate vicinity of water where its colour blendswith its surroundings. 

Feeds on insects and any other animal it can overcome. The Bull Frog is 

the source of frogs' legs for export andsuch large numbers are collected 

every year that there is the dangerthat the species will becomerareif the 

selective collection of largebreeding animals is continuedatthe present 

rate. 

Two other large sized frogs likely to occur in the State and whichmay 

also form part of the commercial catches areRana crassaindistinguishable 

fromRana tigerinaexcept by the large metatarsal tubercleandRana 

hexadactylaa completely aquatic species, common in southIndia and 

recorded on the west coast up to Goa. 

A distinctive species which is not uncommon in the forested tractsof 

the Western Ghats of the State is the Fungoid FrogRana malabarica.In 

colour it is bright orange red, yellowish red or crimson on theback with 

FAUNA 646

lack flanks and ventrally white, uniform or spotted ormarbled with black. 

It attains a snout to vent length of 87 mm. 

Two species of burrowing frogsRana rufescensandRana 

brevicepsoccur in the State. Like other burrowing amphibia these are 

usuallyseen only during the monsoon and are distinguished by the 

largemetatarsal tubercle on their foot—the tool used in 

burrowing.Ranarufescenswhich occurs along the Western Ghats from 

Bombay to Keralais a small sized frog 35 mm. in snout to vent length, in 

colour brownabove with darker spots or marblings and occasionally 

patches ofred on the fore and hind legs.Rana brevicepsis larger, reachinga 

snout to vent length of 65 mm. and is more widely distributed.A squat 

toad-like frog, light or dark brown or grey above, occasionallyspotted or 

marbled darker; ventrally whitish with the throat brownish. 

Rana leithiiandRana beddomiiare forest specics of the WesternGhats 

distinguished by the presence of a small finger-like papilla on thetongue. 

The toes are enlarged into discs.Rana leithiioriginallydescribed from 

Matheran, Kolaba District, occurs from Salsette Islandup to 

Mahabaleshwar from where it is replaced byRana beddomii.Both are small 

sized, active frogs not uncommon during the monsoonseason. 

Rana temporalis,another forest species of the Western Ghats, hasbeen 

recorded from Mahabaleshwar. In colour it is brown of varyingshades 

above, often with a black band; ventrally white. Attains a snoutto vent 

length of up to 81 mm. 

The genusNyctibatrachusis peculiar to the Western Ghats and tillthe 

discovery in 1952 ofNyctibatrachus humayuniat Khandala, wasthought to 

be restricted to the southern ranges of the Ghats. Thegenus is distinguished 

fromRanaby the vertical pupil. The numerousfolds on the skin give a 

wrinkled appearance to these frogs. Humayun'sWrinkled 

FrogNyctibatrachus humayuniis not uncommon at Matheran,Khandala and 

Mahabaleshwar. Usually seen near hill streams in wellforested areas it 

attains a snout to vent length of up to 46 mm. and isbrownish black above 

paler below in colour. 

FAUNA 647

The Tree Frogs, family Rhacophoridae,arerepresented by 

twogeneraPhilautusandRhacophorus.The tree frogs are separated 

fromfrogs of the family Ranidae by the presence of an additional 

cartilaginousphalange on their toes. The large discs on the toe and the 

slenderform of the body and legs assist the animals in their arboreal 

existence. 

The GenusPhilautusis represented by two 

speciesPhilautusbombayensisnot uncommon at Khandala and 

Mahabaleshwar duringthe monsoon. The call of the male of this tiny bush 

frog, hardlyexceeding 20 mm. in snout to vent length, is a feature of the 

forestsand nearby scrub lands of the Ghats during the 

rains.Philautusglandulosushas been recorded from similar surroundings at 

Mahabaleshwar. 

The genusRhacophorusis represented by a single 

speciesRhacophorusleucomystax maculatusfound in the plains as well as 

the hills. A slender,medium sized, tree frog, which often takes up residence 

in humidsurrounding in houses. In colour grey or yellow above, the 

specieshas the ability to change its colour according to its surroundings. 

Theeggs are laid above water in a frothy mass which hardens on 

contactwith air, and the tadpoles on hatching fall into the water for 

furtherdevelopment. 

Figure 

FAUNA 648

Figure 

FAUNA 649

FAUNA 650

CHAPTER 9—LAND AND FRESHWATER 

INVERTEBRATES 

This part deals with land and freshwater forms of the Phyla Protozoa, Porifera, 

Coelenterata, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Arthropoda (insects and spiders 

excepting) Mollusca, occurring in Maharashtra. There is not much published literature 

on these invertebrates for reference and whatever has been published, is all scattered, to 

which access is not easy. This account, therefore, cannot claim to be exhaustive ; a list 

of references is given at the end. 

Parasitic forms have been left out of the list of species appearing under each 

phylum excepting the phyla Protozoa, Platyhelminthes and Nematoda wherein mention 

has been made of the commonest forms affecting man. 

Protozoa are microscopic organisms which are generally defined as unicellular 

animals. All the functions of animal life, are performed by a small undivided mass of 

protoplasm. There are about 15,000 named protozoans in the world of which 310 species 

of freshwater and soil forms have so far been known from India. Those occurring 

in Maharashtra are as under : 

Class : Rhizopoda 

Order : Lobosa or Amoebozoa. 

Systematic List of Species 

Freshwater rhizopoda with blunt and lobose pseudopadia. Some of them are parasitic. 

1. Amoeba proteus 

Habitat: Found in mud, in freshwater ponds and ditches. 

2. Entamoeba gingivalis (Gros) 

Habitat: gums of human beings in and around teeth. 

FAUNA 651

3. Entamoeba coli (Grasse) 

Habitat: lives in the colon of human beings ; harmless. 

4. Entamoeba histoletica Schaudinn 

Habitat: Found in the mucus membrane of colon of man, causing dysentery. 

5. Entamoeba nana (Wenyon & O'connor). 

Habitat: in the large intestine of man ; harmless. 

Class : Ciliata. 

Subclass : Protociliata—Parasitic forms generally found in the Amphibia. 

Subclass : Euciliata. 

Order : Holotricha Stein. 

Suborder : Gymnostomata. 

Family : Holophryidac. 

6. Urotricha sp. 

Habitat: Soils of Bombay. Family : Didiniidae. 

7. Mesadinium pulex (Claparede and Lachmann) Habitat: Freshwater. 

Locality : Bombay. 

Family : Butschliidae. 

FAUNA 652

Parasites in the guts of ungulate mammals. 

Family : Amphileptidae. 

8.Litonotus fasciola (Ehrenberg) Wresniwski.. 

Habitat : Dirty water 


Tribe : Hypostomaba. 

Family : Nassulidae. 

9.Nassula sp. 

Habitat: Fresh water. 


Family : Chlamydodontidae. 

10. Chilodonella cucullulus (O. F. Muller) 

Habitat: Freshwater Ponds 

Locality : Bombay 

Sub-order : Trichosomata. 

Family : Plagiopylidae. 

11. Plagiopyla (?) carteri (Kent) 

FAUNA 653

Habitat: Freshwater 


Family Colpodidae. 

12. Colpoda cucullus (O. F. Muller) 

Habitat: Soil 


13. Colpoda sieinii (Maupas) 

Habitat: Soil 

Locality : Poona. Bombay, Nagpur. 

Family : Parameciidae. 

14. Paramecium aurelia (Ehrenberg) 

Habitat: Freshwater. 


Sub-order : Hymenostomata. 

15. Frontonia leucas (Ehrenberg) 

Habitat : Freshwater 


FAUNA 654

Family : Ophryoglenidae. 

16. Ophryoglena flava (Ehrenberg) 

Habitat : Freshwater among Nitello 


Family : Pleuronematidae. 

17. Balantiophorus elongatus (Schewiakoff) 

Habitat : Soil 


18. Balantiphorus minutus (Schewiakoff) 

Habitat : Soil 


Family : Urocentridae. 

19. Urocentrum turbo (O. F. Muller) 



Sub-order : Astomaeba. 

Parasites of Annelids—in their alimentary Canal. 

FAUNA 655

Order Spirotricha. 

Sub-order : Heterotricha. 

Family : Stentoridae. 

20. Climacostomum virens (Ehrenberg) (Stein). 



21. Shentorella sp. 



Sub-order : Entodiniomorpha. 

All parasitic forms—parasitizing the alimentary canal of ruminants. 

Family : Oxytrichidae. 

22. Conostomum affine (Stein). 

Habitat: Soil 


23. Pleurotricha grandis (Stein) 

Habitat : Pondwater and infusion of dry leaves. 

FAUNA 656


24. Oxytricha sp. 



Family : Euplotidae. 

25. Euplotes charon (O. F. iMuller) 



Order : Peritricha. 

The majority are bell-shaped attached forms. 

Sub-order : Sessilia. 

Tribe : Aloricata. 

Family : Vorticellidae. 

26. Vorticella convallaris (Linnaeus) 



27. Vorticella microstoma (Ehrenberg) 

FAUNA 657

Habitat : Freshwater. 


28. Vorticella sp. 



Family : Epistylidae. (Stalked forms). 

29. Epistylis galea (Ehrenberg) 

Habitat : Freshwater, or aquatic plants. 


Tribe : Loricata. 

Peritricha possessing a test or lorica. 

Family : Vaginicolidae. 

30. Pyxicola carteri (Kent) 



Class : Suctoria. 

FAUNA 658

In this class cilia are present in the young stages of the animals, which are budded off 

from the sedentary adults. 

Family : Acinetidae. 

31. Tokophrya quadripartita (Clapereds and Lachmann) 

Habitat : Freshwater : attached to Epistylis plicatilis or to water plants or Paludina and 

other freshwater molluscs. 


32. Acenata tuberosa Ehrenberg. 



Family : Podophryidae. 

Podophrya fixa (O. F. Muller). 

Habitat : Fresh and salt water 


33. Sphaerophrya pusilla (Claparede and Lachmann). 


Locality' : Bombay 

Among the Flagellates the following forms occur commonly in Maharashtra. 

FAUNA 659

1.Euglena sp. Found floating on rainwater pools etc. as green scum on the 

surface. 


2.Volvox sp. Found in freshwater ponds as a small green sphere which may be 

1/10" in diameter. This sphere is a colony of a number of individuals. 


The Phylum Porifera meaning pore-bearers, includes the simplest of the manycelled 

animals. The known number of sponge-species in the world has been estimated at 

4,500 but of these only 150 species live in freshwater (Spongillidae) and the rest are 

entirely marine. The following freshwater species occur in Maharashtra : 

Systematic List oi Species 

Order : Halichondrina 

Siliceous sponges in which the horny skeleton is much reduced or absent and the 

spicular skeleton is more definitely reticulate ornetreined. 

Family : Spongillidae 

Freshwater Halichondrana, 

1. Spongilla lacuiris var. proliferus (Annandale) 

Grows in rain water pools. 

Locality : lgatpuri, Western Ghats. 

FAUNA 660

2. Spongilla alba var. bengalensis (Annandale) 

Grows on gravel, rocks. 

Locality : Island of Bombay, Igatpuri, Western Ghats. 

3. Spongilla cinerea (Carter) 

Grows on grass roots in pools and stones at the edge of tanks. 

Locality : Nasik 

4. Spongilla crateriformis (Potts) 

Usually found adhering to water plants like pistia and Limnanthemum. 

Locality : Igatpuri Lake, Western Ghats (altitude ca. 2,000 ft. or 610 m.) 

5. Spongilla carteri (Carter) 

Grows in ponds and lakes. 

Locality : Island of Bombay, Igatpuri, Western Ghats (altitude ca. 2.000 feet or 610 

metres). 

6. Spongilla bombayensis (Carter) 

Grows in lakes. 

Locality : Island of Bombay, Igatpuri Lake, in the Western Ghats. 

7. Spongilla perviridis (Annandale) 

FAUNA 661

Locality : Koyna and Yenna rivers in Satara District, stream at Medha, rocky artificial 

pools in Satara District and at Karla in Poona District. 

8. Spongilla sumatrana var. rivurlaris (Annandale) 

Grows side by side with Spongilla perviridis. 

Locality : On the rocks in the river Yenna at Medha, Satara District. 

9. Spongilla sumatrana var. indica (Annandale) 

Locality : Nasik and Igatpuri. 

10.Spongilla sumatrana var. gravelyi (Annandale) 

Locality : Koyna river at Taloshi, Satara District. 

11.Ephydatia meyeni (Carter) 

Grows on stones, brickwork etc. at the edge of water. 

Locality : Island of Bombay. 

12.Dosilia plumosa (Carter) 

Found floating on the surface of water soon after rains ; not fixed on any solid body. 

Locality : Igatpuri Lake ; the Godavari at Nasik. 

13.Corvospongilla lapidosa (Annandale) 

Grows on stones at the edge of tanks, takes etc. 

FAUNA 662

Locality : Igatpuri Lake ; the River Godavari at Nasik. 

14.Corvospongilla ultima var. spinosa (Annandale) 

Locality : Yemma river at Medha, Satara District. 

This phylum includes hydras, sea-anemones, jellyfishes and corals. There are 

about 9,000 known species in the world and all except a few species are marine. 

The following freshwater species occur in Maharashtra. 

Class : Hydrooa. 

Order : Hydroida. 

Naked Hydrozoa reproducing their kind by means of buds, or eggs or fission ; no 

alternation of generations. 

Family : Hydridae. 

Small elentheroblastea in which the mouth is surrounded by hollow tentacles. No 

permanent colonies are formed. Reproduction is by budding. 

Systematic List of Species 

I. Hydra vulgaris (Pallas). Found in Stagnant water; in ponds containing aquatic 

vegetation; attached 10 plants like Lemna (Duckweed) and Limnanthemum. 

Locality : Island of Bombay. 

Order : Trachylene. 

These are hydrozoa which exist only as medusae, the poly stage being absent. 

Suborder : Trachymedusae 

1. Limnocnida indica (Annandale) : This has so far been collected from the Yenna and 

koyna, the tributaries of the Krishna river. In the Yenna, it occurs in pools, at Medha 

about 2,200 feet, (670 m.), above sea level as also in pools at Kelghat at the head of the 

deep valley. In the Koyna it is found in pools at Tambi, at Vela, at Bemnoti and at Paten, 

FAUNA 663

at Dhom as also in the tributaries of Krishna, Varna and Panchganga at Karad, both 

these tributaries taking their sources from the Western Ghats. 

PHYLUM PLATYHELMINTHES (FLATWORMS)- This phylum includes flatworms 

of which there are about 9,000 forms so far known in the world. 'They comprise the free 

living freshwater, marine, and land planarians (Turbcllaria), parasitic flukes 

( Trematoda) and the parasitic tapeworms (Cestoda). 

Class : Turbellaria. 

Order : Trieladida. 

Sub-order: Pattudocola (Freshwater forms). 

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES 

1. Planaria sp. Locality : Stagnant rainwater pools and other freshwater tanks around 

Bombay. 

Sub-order: Terricola (Land forms). 

2. Ripalium prosperina (Humbert) Locality : Mahableshwar, Western Ghats (Ca. 3,500 

feet or 1,070 m.), Poona District. 

Class : Trematoda. 

Order : Prosotomata. 

Sub-order : Distomata. 

Superfamily : Fascioloidea. 

1. Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus Livers of sheep and goats in Maharashtra. 

2, Fasciolopsis buski (Lankester) (Giant Intestinal Fluke of man). 

Locality : Kandivli, Bombay. 

Class : Cestoda. 

Order : Cyclophyllidea. 

Superfamily : Taenioidea. 

Family : Taeniidae. 

3. Taenia solium (Linnaeus). This is the common or Pork Tape Worm in man. 

PHYLUM NEMATODA(THREADWORMS) – The Nematodes or Threadworms are 

either parasitic or free-living and about 10,000 known species of them in the world have 

so far been listed. Some of the well known parasites in this group are— 

1. Large intestinal Roundworm of man, Ascaris lumbricoides (Linnaeus) inhabiting the 

large intestines. 

FAUNA 664

2. Tlie Filaria Worm Wuchereria boncrofti (Cobbold) which lives in the blood of man 

causing fllariasis, and 

3. The Guinea Worm Dracunculus medinensis (Linnaeus) 

These are occasionally met with in Maharashtra. 

Free living worms inhabit soil, freshwater and the sea and its shore. 

PHYLUM ANNELIDA RINGED ANIMALS- This phylum includes earthworms, 

leeches and other ringed animals of which some lives on land, a few in freshwater and a 

few others in the sea. Their known species roughly total about 7,000. 

Systematic List of the land and freshwater forms occurring in Maharashtra. 

Class : Chaetopoda. 

Order : Oligaehaeta (Earthworms) 

Sub-order : Archioligochaeta. 

Series : Naidina, 

Family : Naididae. 

Small aquatic worms seldom exceeding an inch in length. 

Setae usually to four bundles per segment—two dorsal and two ventral. Dorsal bundles 

are sometimes wanting. 

1. Chaetogaster bengalensis (Annandale). Commensal on several species of freshwater 

snails like Limnaea sp. and on sponges Spongiiia carteri and Ephydatia fluviatilis. 

Locality : Satara, Western Ghats. 

2. Chaetogaster spongilliae (Annandale). Feeds on organic debris of decaying parts of 

sponges ; movement by wriggling. 

Locality : Khandala, Western Ghats, Poona District, in Spongilla crateriformis 

3. Nais communis- Piguet var. punjabensis. Length 2-14 mm. Segments 18-32. Light 

brown. Found inhabiting tubes abandoned bv insect larvae. 

Locality : Khandala, Western Ghats, Poona District. 

Genus: Pristinu Ehrbg. 

Prostomium prolonged into a mobile proboscis. Dorsal bundles beginning in ii, 

consisting of hair setae and needles with simple or bifid point. 

4. Pristina longiseta Ehrbg., f. typica. 

Length : 3.5-5.5 mm. 20-33 segments. Whitish ; no eyes. Locality : Bombay. 

Genus: Aulophous Schmarda 

Prostomium well-developed, rounded, ventral setae beginning in v or vi. 

FAUNA 665

5. Aulophorus furcatus (Oken). 

Length 6-16 mm. Diameter 0-2 mm. 35-40 segments. Locality : Bombay, Khed, Poona 

District, in a hot spring. 

Family : Enchytraeidae. 

Small worms, aquatic or terrestrial in habit, whitish or pinkish in colour ; setae mosdy in 

four bundles per segment ; dorsal and ventral; setae similar in form. 

6. Enchytraeus indicus (Stephenson) 

Length 4 mm. brownish : segments 31. 

These worms are found in the egg membranes of the pond. 

snail—Pila globosa. 


Family : Moniligastridae. 

Setae simple ; pointed, sigmoid ; 4 pairs per segment. 

7. Drawida barwelli var impertusai Stephenson 

Length 45 mm. diameter 3 5 mm. segments 130 : blotch olive. 


Family : Megascolecidae. 

This is the largest family of earthworms. 

Setae simply pointed ; four pairs per segment or numerous ; clitellum beginning with or 

in front of XV. 

8. Megascolides prashadi (Stephenson) Length 42 mm. dia : 4 mm. segments 140. 

Sakarwari on the way to Mahabaleshwar. 

9. Megascolex konkanensis (Fedarb) 


10. Megascolex mauribii (Kinb). 


Genus : Pheretima. 

Setae numerous on each segment. This genus is one of the commo¬nest in India. 

11. Pheretima elongata (E. Perrier) 

Locality : Bombay, Manmad. 

12. Pheretima hawayana (Rosa) 


FAUNA 666

13. Pheretima houlleti (E. Perrier) 


14. Pheretima lignicola Stephenson 


15. Pheretima posthuma (L. Vaill) 

This worm is well-known in India since it is commonly used as the type for elementary 

study in colleges in Western and Northern India. 


16. Pheretima suctoria Mich. 


Genus : Perionyx E. Perr. 

Setae numerous (more than eight) per segment in rings which are almost closed. 

17. Perionyx millardi (Stephenson) 

Locality : Bombay, Talegaon, Kalyan, Virar, Igatpuri. 

18. Perionyx minimus (Stephenson) 


19. Perionix pullus (Stephenson) 

Locality : Bombay, 

Genus : Ochtochaetus Bedd. 

20. Ochtochaetus (Ochtochaetoides) beatrix Bedd. 


21. Ochtochaetus (Ochtochaetoides) ganeshae (Stephenson) 

Locality : Ganeshkhind near Poona. 

22. Ochtochaetus (Ochtochaetoides) montanus (Stephenson) 

Locality : Panchgani. Western Ghats. 

23. Ochtochaetus (Ochtochaetoides) paliensis (Stephenson) 

Locality : Poona. 

24. Ochtochaetus (Ochtochaetoides) prashadi (Stephenson) 

Locality : Kalyan near Bombay ; Sakarwari on the way to Mahabaleshwar. 

Genus : Ramiella. 

25. Ramiella pallida (Stephenson). 

FAUNA 667

Locality : Panchgani and Mahableshwar in the Western Ghats. 

Genus : Eudichogaster Mich. 

This is one of the dominant genera in Western India. 

26. Eudichogaster ashowrthi Mich. var. kinneari (Stephenson). 

Locality : Nasik. 

27. Eudichogaster indicus (Bedd.) 

Locality : Thana, Bombay. 

28. Eudichogaster mullani (Stephenson) 


29. Eudichogaster poonensis (Fedarb) 


30. Eudichogaster prashadi (Stephenson) 


31. Eudichogaster trichochaetus (Stephenson) 

Locality : Palghar (North of Bombay. 

Genus : Erythraeodrilus Stephenson. 

32. Erythraeodrilus anomalus (Stephenson) 


33. Erythraeodrilus inornatus (Stephenson) 

Locality : Talewadi, Kolhapur District. 

34. Erythraeodrilus kempi (Stephenson) 

Locality : Talewadi, Kolhapur District. 

Genus : Dichogaster Bedd. 

35. Dichogaster affinis (Mich.) 


36. Dichogaster bolani (Mich.) 

Locality : Bombay, Basscin Road. 

37. Dichogaster bolani var. malabarica Stephenson 


Genus : Ocneradrilus Eisen. 

38. Ocneradrilus (Ocnerodrilus) occidentalis (Eisen) 

FAUNA 668


Genus : Eudrilus E. Perr. 

Setae closely paired. 

39. Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinb.) 


Family : Lumbricidae. 

Normal Setae ‘S' shaped, usually eight per segment, seldom more. The number of 

Lumbricidae in India is very small. 

Genus : Pentoscolex Schmarda. 

40. Pentoscolex corethrurus (Fr. Mull). 

Length 60-120 mm dia. 4 mm Segments 90-212. 

Locality : Bombay, Poona. 

Order : Hirudinea (Leeches) 

Vermiform and bisexual. Provided with a sucker at both extremeties. The Hirudinea are 

divided into two sub-orders: 

Rhynchobdellae and Arhynchobdellae. 

Sub-order : Rhynchobdellae. 

Marine and freshwater leeches with colourless blood, with a protrusible proboscis and 

without jaws. The mouth is a small median aperture situated within the anterior sucker 

or rarely upon its anterior rim. 

Family : Ichthyobdellidae. 

Genus : Placobdella K. Blanchard. 

Flattened body. Parasitic on turtles, frogs and fish. 

1. Placobdella ernydae (Harding) 

Locality : Satara District. 

Genus : Hemiclepsis Vejdovsky. 

Medium, typically with 2 pairs of eyes. Mouth-opening within the anterior sucker. 

2. Hemiclepsis marginata (O. F. Muller) 

This is chiefly a fish-parasite but also attacks certain molluscs- L. amellidens sp. 

Locality : Igatpuri, Western Ghats, Bombay. 

Genus : Paraclepsis Harding. 

Medium size, 3 pairs of eyes, Mouth-opening subterminal. 

FAUNA 669

3. Paraclepsis praedatrix (Harding) 

Parasitic on the freshwater tortoise-Emyda granosa vittata. 

Locality : Igatpuri Lake, Western Ghats, Bombay. 

Sub-order : Arhyncobdellae. 

The jawed leeches or leeches without a protrusible proboscis. 

In this Suborder the Hirudinea may be said to reach their most complete and perfect 

expression. The typical leeches belong to this sub-order fully adapted for a sanguivorous 

or a predaceous habit and with a few exceptions, all of the largest forms as well as those 

most intimately affecting human welfare. They are freshwater or terrestrial, never so far 

as known truly marine. 

Family : Hirudinae. 

As a group these leeches are of a medium to a very large size, some of them attaining a 

length of 15" or even 18" and a width of I when fully extended. These are variously 

called; jawed leeches, ten-eyed leeches, blood-suckers etc. 

The smallest forms are found among the highly specialised land leeches. 

Sub-family : Hirudinae. 

4. Hirudo birmanica ( Blanchard) 


5. Hirudinaria (Poecilobdella) granulosa (Savigny) 

This is the common Paddy-Field or Buffalo-Leech or Medicinal Leech of the 

Western'India. It occurs m the plains and foothills between about 50-2,000' above sea 

level. It appears only rarely below500'. Throughout its range it occurs in marshes, 

swamps, ponds, tanks, ditches, and the smaller streams but seldom in rivers. 

PHYLUM ARTHOPODA (JOINED LEGGED ANIMALS)- 

This phylum—the largest—includes animals with jointed limbs such as the crab, the 

prawn and the lobster (Class : Crustacea), the millipedes , and the centipedes (Class : 

Myriapoda), the butterflies, grass-hoppers and the rest of all insects (Class : Insecta), the 

spiders and scorpions (Class : Arachnida) and the worm-like Peripatus (Class : 

Onychophora) which is very rare, if not absent, in our country. The known world species 

are estimated to number 9,230,000. 

Only those forms of arthropods living on land and in freshwater in Maharashtra are 

listed below, excluding the Class Insecta and Spiders of the Class Arachnida which are 

dealt with seperately. 

FAUNA 670

Class : Crustacea. 

Sub-class : Branchiopoda. 

Order: Notostraca. 

1. Triops asiaticus (Gurney) 

Locality : Panchgani, Satara District. 

Sub-class : Copepada. 

Order: Cyclopoida. 

2. Paracyclops vagus Lindberg 

Locality: Pandharpur, Sangli, Aurangabad. 

3. Ectocyclops medius Kiefer. 

Locality : Pandharpur, Aurangabad. 

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES 

4. Cyclops (Microcyclops) karvei Kiefer et Moorthv 

Locality : River Krishna, Sangli. 

5. Cyclops (Microcyclops) diminutus Lindberg 

Locality : Powai Lake, Salsette, Bassein. 

6. Cyclops (Microcyclops) tricolor Lindberg 

Locality : Bombay, Powai Lake, Bhima River, Pandharpur. 

7. Cyclops (Microcyclops) indolusitanus Lindberg 

Locality : Bhima River, Pandharpur. 

9. Eucyclops semidenticulatus (Lindberg) 

Locality : Vihar and Powai Lakes, Salsette Island, Bombay, Pandharpur. 

10. Eucyclops microdenticulatus (Lindberg) 

Locality : Aurangabad. 

11. Cyclops (Metacyclops) gracilis var. margaretae (Lindberg) 

Locality : Bassein, Bombay, Pandharpur. 

12. Cyclops (Metacyclops) dengizieus (Lepechkine) 

Locality : Bandra,Bombay 

13. Cyclops (Metacyclops) rovi sp. nov. 

Locality : Bandra (Bombay) 

14. Cyclops (Metacyclops) var. communis (Lindberg) 

FAUNA 671

Locality : Pandharpur, Aurangabad. 

15. Cyclops (Microcyclops) varicans Sars. var. pachyspina Lindberg 

Locality : Nagpur, Chanda, Aurangabad, Bombay, Powai Lake, Salsette, Ghatkopar, 

Lonavla, Karla, Malavli, Kurudvadi, Pandharpur, Vengurla, Savantwadi. 

16. Cyclops (Microcyclops) varicans var. subaequalis (Kiefer) 

Locality : Pandharpur. 

17. Cyclops (Microcyclops) davidi var. subtropicus 

Locality : Powai & Vihar Lakes, Ghatkopar (Bombay) 

18. Halicyclops canui sp. nov. 

Locality : Bandra (Bombay) 

19. Halicyclops thermophilic spinifer (Kiefer) 

Locality : Bandra, Kurla (Bombay). 

20. Macrocyclops distinctus (Richard) 

Locality : Pandharpur, Powai Lake, Salsette, Bombay. 

Sub-class : Malacostraca. 

Series : Eulmalacostraca. 

Order : Decapoda (Land Crabs only). 

1. Gecarcinucus (Gecarcinucus) jacquemontii (Milne-Edwards) 

This is distributed over the Thana and Kolaba districts and also over the tracts of the 

Deccan immediately to the east of the Sahyadri range. These are the only parts of India 

where this species occurs. It is locally known as "Mutpya" from its resemblance to the 

fish. The colour varies from light to dark brown, chelipeds markedly unequal in both 

sexes but most so in the adult male. In a large male the Carapace is 15/16" long and 2" 

broad and 7/8" deep. 

2. Paratelphusa (Barytelphusa) guerini (Milne-Edwards). 

This species is to be found in Thana and Kolaba districts and in the Deccan. It also 

exists in other parts of India. It i of various colours, dark brownish with yellowish 

border, Whitish etc. The dark brownish are invariably females; those inter¬mediate in 

colour both males and females while the whitish are invariably males. The eye stalks are 

very prominent, white in colour with black hip. The female has a very broad abdomen. 

Its local name is " khekada ". 

Chelipeds are much more unequal in the male than in the female. 

3. Paratelphusa (Barytelphusa) jacquemontii (Rathb.) 

FAUNA 672

This is one of the largest and fattest species and the commonest ^and and Freshwater 

Indian type. It is also found in Thana and Kolaba districts and the invertebrates Deccan. 

Its general colour is dark brown. The abdomen of the female is broad. The animal has a 

formidable look. It is locally known as “ chimburi ” 

The Chelipeds are not very unequal in the female but arc considerably so in the adult 

male. The species attains a large size. In the largest male the carapace is 3" long and 4" 

broad and the hand of the larger cheliped is 4". 

Class : Myriapoda 

Order : Chilopoda (Centipedes) 

Tribe : Plcurostigma 

1. Scolopendra sp. 

Tribe: Notostigma. 

2. Scutigera sp. 

Order : Diplopoda (Millipedes) 

1 Spirostreptus sp. Zephroniidae (Pill - Millipedes) 

2 Arthrosphaera atrisparsa (Butler) 

Locality : Bombay District. 

3 Arthrosphaera zebraica (Butler) 


Order : Symphyla 

Scutigerella unguiculata var indica Gravely 

Class : Arachnida 

Family : Buthidae 

1. Buthus tamulus tamulus (Fabricius) 

Colour variable : tail yellow or reddish yellow. 

Locality : Satara, Kolhapur. 

2. Buthus tamulus concanensis nov. 

Locality : Ratnaglri. 

3. Buthus rugiscutis (Pocock) 

Slightly smaller than the preceding species and rougher with a thicker tail. Colour 

varying from reddish yellow to yellowish brown. 

Locality : Mahableshwar, Satara. 

FAUNA 673

4. Buthus rugiscutis nigritus 

Upper side of body black : chelae yellow, upper side of tail yellow. 

Locality : Panehgani; Satara District, 

5. Buthus pachyurus (Pocock) 

Uniform black or brownish black. 

Locality : Nasik, Satara 

6. Butheolus bicolor (Pocock). 

Upper side of trunk deep bluish green ; legs mostly clear yellow. 

Locality : Western Ghats ; Khandala Tal. and Wai Lai, in Satara District, Poona Region. 

7. Isometrus europaeus (Linn) 

Colour yellow varied with black. This is an introduced species. 

Locality : Bombay only. 

8. Isometrus aeanthurus ( Pocock) 

Variegated yellow and black, yellow predominating. Locality: Matheran. 

9. Scorpiops montanus satarensis (Pocock) 

Blackish ; legs yellowish or reddish. 

Locality: Mahableshwar, Satara District, lily : Scorpionidae. 

10 .Palamnaeus fulvipes bombayensis (Pocock) 

Locality : West Khandesh ; Talegaon ; Chalisgaon in Lust Khandesh ; Niphad ; 

Chandor; Sinnar ; Yeola ; Malegaon ; Nandgaon and Kahvan in Nasik. This is the 

largest scorpion m the State. 

11. Palamnaeus xanthorus (Pocock) 

In colour resembling small specimens of fulvipes. 

Locality : Khatao Taluka in the Satara District. 

12 Palamnaeus phipsoni (Pocock) 

Uniform blackish green or brown. 

Locality : Bombay, Matheran, Kolaba, Ratnagiri, Nasik Ghats, Dindori in Nasik, 

Kolhapur. 

Order : Uropygi 

Sub-order : Urotricha (Whip Scorpions). 

Whip-Scorpions are found in damp places beneath stones or pieces in the crannies of 

rocks or of termites' nests or other crevices where shelter and protection from sunlight 

FAUNA 674

are secured. Some of the species live in burrows with their young. The female carries the 

eggs encased in a glutinous membrane attached to the lower side of the abdomen. 

Sub-order : Tartarides 

Cephalothorax covered above with two plates—a posterior smaller, wider than long and 

an anterior much longer than wide. Occur beneath stones, the debris of leaves etc. 

Order : Amblypygi. 

These arachnids are intermediate between the whip-scorpions and true spiders ; much 

resemble the whip-scorpions in their habits being found under stones, fallen tree trunks, 

crevices of rocks, or termites'. They cannot die burrows. The eggs are carried attached 

underside of the abdomen as in the whip-scorpions. 

1. Phrynichus phipsoni (Pocock) 


Order : Solifugae. 

These arachnids are remarkable for their amazing agility. Though principally desert 

forms they are also met with in forests. They are nocturnal and are strictly carnivorous. 

Some species dig holes in the ground and the females live there during breeding season 

for the protection of their young and themselves. 

1. Galeodes orientalis rufulus (Pocock) 

Locality : Pimpalner in East Khandesh and Shirpur in West Khandesh ; Eastern Poona. 

2. Galeodes indicus obscurior (Pocock) 

Locality : Pimpalner, East Khandesh, Nasik. 

3. Gluviopsis atratus ( Pocock) 

Locality : Poona Ghats ; Pimpalner in East Khandesh. 

PHYLUM MOLLUSCA (SOFT BODIES ANIMALS)-The Phylum Mollusca meaning 

soft-bodied animals includes snails, slugs, clams, oysters, squids and octopuses whose 

known species are estimated at 40,000—a total exceeded only by the Phylum 

Arthropoda. Most of them are marine in their habitat but a few live in freshwater and a 

few others inhabit land. 

Land and freshwater forms occurring in Maharashtra are systematically listed below : 

Class : Gastropoda (Univalves) 

Order : Pectinibranchiata 

Sub-order : Taenioglossa 

Family : Tiaridae (Melaniidae) 

Sub-family : Tiarinae 

FAUNA 675

Genus : Tiara 

SubGenus : Melanella 

Shell obovate : Spire scarcely larger than the aperture which is entire ; Inner lip much 

thickened. 

1. Tiara (Melanella) riqueti (Grateloup) 

Alt: 16, diam. 7 mm. Aper. alt. 8, dia. 4 mm. 


Sub-family : Paludominae 

2. Paludomm. obesa (Philippi) 

Shell oblong globose : Spire shorter than the aperture : inner lip very thick. 

Alt : 13-25, dia. 10 mm. 

Locality : Khandala— in small streams—Poona District. 

Family : Littoridae 

Sub-family : Cremnoconchinae. 

3. Cremnoconchus syhadrensis (Blanford) 

Shell ovate : depressedly turbinate with large aperture. 

Alt : 7, dia, 7 mm; 

Aper : alt, 5, dia. 4 mm. 

Locality : Western Ghats—on wet rocks. 

4. Cremnoconchus carinatus (Layard) 

Shell somewhat globose. 

Alt: 7-5, diam. 5 mm. 

Locality : Streams in the Mahabjeshwar hills. Family: Paludestrinidae ( =Hydrobiidae) 

Sub-family : Bithyniinae 

5. Bithynia evezardi (Blanford) 

Shell narrowly uniblicate, ovately conical, whitish horny, covered with an olive 

epidermis, spire conical. Aperture oval, subangulate operculum normal. 

Alt. 3-75. maj. 3-25 mm., min. 2 mm., Aper. Alt. 2. dia. 1-5 mm, 

Family : Viviparidae 

Sub-family : Viviparinae. 

6. Vhipara bengalensis (Lamarck) 

FAUNA 676

Shell elcvatedly conical, thin, greenish, banded with dark green. Alt. 38, dia. 24 mm. 

Alt. 44 , Dia. 29-5 mm 


Family : Pilidae (=Ampullariidae) 

Subfamily : Pilinae 

7. Pila nux Reeve. 

Shell oblong conoid : large, holostome with calcareous operculum—Largest of the 

freshwater snails. 


Alt. 30, dia. 23 mm. 

8. Pila dolioides (Reeve) 

Shell ovate, thin, spire short, sharp, aperture very large 

Alt. 56, diam. 47 mm. 


8a. Pila globosa (Swainson) 

Shell globose: spire depressed : surface smooth; Aperture oblong oval : 

H : 47 mm. : DM — 42 mm. : dm. 32 mm. 

AH — 33 : AW — 20 mm. 

Locality : Adjoining parts of Poona, Poona, Bombay and its suburbs. 

Order : Pulmonanata 

Sub-order : Hygrophila 

Family : Limnaeidae 

Sub-family : Limnaeinae 

9. Limnaea accuminata (Lamarck) 

Locality : Found in abundance at Khandala in pools containing acquatic vegetation. 

10. Limnaea accuminata var. nana. 

The shell of this form is very small and rather thick, of a blackish colour with 

longitudinal striae strongly developed. 

Locality : Khandala, Poona District, ca. 2,500 feet or 760 m. 

11. Limnaea chlamys (Benson) 

The shell has an oblique body whorl and a peculiar curvature of the outer margin of the 

aperture. 

FAUNA 677

Locality : Satara—in the artificial ponds of the old fort on the hill-top immediately 

above the town. 

12. Limnaea pinguis (Dorhn) 

Shells narrow and of small size and pale in colour ; striae well- developed. 

Locality : Khandala—in Ponds—Poona District Sub-family : Planorbinae 

Shell sinistral, spire flattened or elevated. 

13. Planorbis (Indoplanorbis) exustus Desh. 

Scarce in the hilly country although abunndant in plains. 

Locality : Khandala—in ponds—Poona District. 

14. Planorbis (lndoplanorbis) labiatus (Benson) 

Locality : Khandala—ponds—Poona District. 

15. Planorbis (lndoplanorbis) exustus var brunneus (Gray) 

Shell subglobose, high, smooth, Alt. 8-25, Dia. Maj. 12-5 mm. 


Family : Melaniidae 

16. Melania tuberculata (Muller) 

Locality : Yenna River ; Igatpuri Lake (Nasik District) Khandala, Western Ghats, Poona 

District. 

17. Melania scabra (Muller) 

Locality : Yenna River ; Karla, Poona District. 

Class : PELECYPODA (Bivalves) 

Order : Tetrabranchia 

Sub-order : Mytilacea 

Nil. 

Sub-order : Submytilacea 

Family : Unionidae 

Subfamily : Unioniae 

Genus : Parreysia 

SubGenus : Parreysia (sensu stricto) 

18. Parreysia (Parreysia) corrugata (Muller) var. nagpooreis (Lea) 

Diam. Long. 30-46 mm, dia. 22-75 mm. 

FAUNA 678

Locality : Nagpur, Poona, Yenna River, Medha (Satara Dist.) 

19. Parreysia (Parreysia) cylindrica Annandale 

Locality : Yenna River, upper Krishna watershed at Medha. 

Genus : Lamellidens 

Shell dark-coloured ; Teeth well-developed. 

20. Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarek) 

Locality : Bombay. Yenna River, Medha (Satara District) 

21. Lamellidens marginalis var cylindrica ( H. & T.) 

Locality : Igatpuri Reservoir, Nasik District, (alt. 2,000 feet) 

Subfamily : Sphaeriinae 

22. Pisidium bombayanum Theobald 

Locality : Western Ghats. 

Class : Gastropoda (Land Operculates) 

Order : Pulmonata 

Sub-order : Geophila or Stylomatophora 

Group : Agnatha 

Family : Testacellidae 

Subfamily : Streptaxinae 

1. Ennea bicolor (Hutton) 

Subcylindrically turreted, smooth, yellowish white, seven whorls, spire with very obtuse 

apex : 7 X 2 X 1 ½ mm. 

Locality : Common throughout Maharashtra 

Family : Zonitidae 

Subfamily : Ariophantinae 

2. Ariophanta laevipes (Mul.) 

Thin depressed low-spired shell with prominent oblique striations and thin spiral lines in 

between ; 5 whorls. 28 X 23 ½ mm. 

Locality : Common in Bombay gardens, Bandra, Kanheri Caves, Salsette, 

3. Ariophanta bajadera Pfr. 

Thin transluscent pale greenish to brownish shell with obtuse spire, 4-4+ whorls. Maj. 

diameter 27 ½ X min. 22 X I8 ½ mm. 

FAUNA 679

Locality : Maharashtra State, south of Narmada, ranging east to Nagpur; common on the 

Western Ghats, Bhimashankar ca. 3,800 feet. 

4. Ariophanta intumescens (Blanford) 

A large duller shell than A. bajadera, 32 X 26 X 23 mm. 

Locality : Common in Mahableshwar. 

5. Euplecta subdecussata Pfr. 

Thin, turbinate shell with a conical spire and obtuse apex. 

6 whorls. App. 14 X 12 X 9 mm. 


Subfamily : Macrochlamyinae 

5. Macrochlamys tenuicola (H. Adams) 

Thin yellow turbinate shell with a subcorneal spire ending in an obatse apex 5½ to 6 

whorls, 9x^x7 mm. approximately. 

Locality : Bombay, the Western Ghats, Khandala, Satara. 

7. Macrochlamys pedina Bs. 

Thin conoid transluscent shell with a low spire. 6 ½ whorls, 30 X 25 ½ X 13 ½ mm. 

Locality: Common in Bombay, Khandala, Bhima-Shankar (Western Ghats) ca 3.800 

feet. 

8. Macrochlamys neherensia Bs. 

Shell with a slightly convex spire with a flattened apex. 6 whorls. 5 X 4 X 2 mm. 

Locality : Mahableshwar and Khandala 

9. Eurychlatnys platychiamys Blanford 

Smooth conoid shell with a low spire apex obtuse. 

Major diameter 11 X minor 9 ½ X 5 ½ mm. 

Locality : Common in Bombay and its neighbourhood 

10. Mariaella dussumieri (Gray) 

Thin white ovate shell with the apex forming a small point at the right side and near the 

posterior end, 

Locality : The Eastern Ghats upto Mahableshwar 

Family : Endodontidae 

Subfamily : Thysanotinae 

11. Pupisoma evezardi (Blanford) 

FAUNA 680

A thin conoidly ovate shell with thin raised hair-like oblique lines on all the 4 ½ whorls. 

Spire cylindrical below and apex blunt 2-7 X 2 X 1 mm. 

Locality : Khandala (Poona District ) 

Subfamily : Camaeninae 

12. Planispira crassicostata (Benson) 

13 X 10 X 4 mm. 

Locality : Poona 

13. Planispira footei (Stoliczka) 

13.3 X 11.2 X 6 mm. 


14. Chloritis propinque (Pfreiffer) 

Conoid depressed shell with 4 ½ whorls. 19 X 15 X H mm. 

Locality : Bombay, Satara. Khandala, Mahableshwar, Poona. 

15. Chloritis leithi (Gude) 

Thin conoid shell depressed and transparent with a narrow Land and Freshwater 

chestnut supra peripheral band and with 4 whorls. Low invertebrates spire and sunken 

apex. 4-5 X 11 '5 X 7 mm. 


Family : Enidac. 

Shell perforate, from shortly ovate and ovate conoid to fusiform- cylindrical. Aperture 

elongate generally equalling 1/3 or 1/4 of the total height. 

16. Pupoides coenopictus (Hutton) 

Cylindrico-pyramidal brown shell with 6 whorls and obtuse apex. Length 4—4-5 mm. 

and dia. nearly 2 mm. 

Locality : Bombay Island. 

17. Cerastus abyssinicus (Pfciffer) 

A shell with an elongated spire and with 7 whorls. 21 X 11 mm. Supposed to have come 

along with Aadansonia digitata. 

Locality : Poona and Bombay Island. 

18. Cerastus jerdoni (Reeve) 

A dirty olive-brown shortly ovate shell with a short accuminate spire. 6 whorls. Length 

18 mm. dia. 11-5 mm. 


FAUNA 681

19. Cerastus jerdoni var. redfieldi (Pfciffer) Length 20, dia. 11 mm. 


20. Cerastus monssonianus (Petit) 

Spire conical, length 16 mm. dia. 9 mm. 

Locality : Bombay Island. Khandala, Sholapur. 

21. Cerastus densus (Pfeiffer) 


22. Cerastus distans (Pfeiffer) 

Conical spire, 7 whorls, length 221, dia. 101 mm. 


Genus : Rachisellus : Shell elongate-oblong, last whorl, shorter than the spire. 

23. Rachisellus bengalensis (Lamarck). 

Length 22 mm., dia. 10 mm. 


24. Rachisellus praetermissus (Blanford) 

Length 19 mm. dia. 10 mm. whorls 7. 


25. Rachisellus punctatus (Anton) 

Length 10 mm. dia. 5 mm. Apex. 4-5 mm. X 3 mm. 

Locality : Poona, Bombay Island. 

Genus : Edonardia : Rounded, conical with comparatively small last whorl, generally 

brown. 

26. Edonardia orbus (Blanford) 

Length 10 mm. dia. 5 mm. Apex 3£ X 2i mm. Locality : Poona 

Genus : Opeas : Shell small, thin, apex large, obtuse and rounded and convex and 

flattened whorls, aperture small, ovate. 

27. Opeas gracile (Hutton) 

Transparent thin shell with a gradually tapering spire : 12 whorls. Aperture larger than 

broad, semi-ovate, 13-5 X 3-5 mm. Locality : Poona, Bombay Island. 

Genus : Zootecus : Shell rather small, pale or white, perforate cylindric with a conic or 

cylindric summit, 7-10 compact whorls. 

28. Zootecus insularis (Ehrenberg) 

FAUNA 682

Subcylindrical apex, shell striped, transversely semiovate aperture. 5 ½ X 1 ¾ mm. 7-8 

whorls. 

Locality : Poona, Bombay Island. 

Family : Ferussacidae. 

Genus : Glessula : The shell is imperforate, ovate-conic, brown and glossy and usually 

without strong sculpture, obtuse apex. Aperture irregularly oval. 

29. Glessula hebes (Pfeiffer). 

Length 17-22 mm. Aperture 4-4 ½ mm. X 2 1/3—3 mm. Dia. 5 mm. 

Locality : Mahableshwar 

30. Glessula fairbanki (Benson) 

Length 12 mm. Aperture 3 X 2 ½ mm. Locality : Mahableshwar. 

31. Glessula chessoni (Benson) 

Length 37 mm., Dia. 15 mm. Apex 14 X 8 mm. Locality : Mahableshwar, Igatpuri, 

Torna & Purandhar (Poona District). 

32. Glessula tornensis (Blanford) 

Elongate spire with an obtuse apex 7—7 ½ whorls. 

Length 25 mm. Dia. 14 mm Apex. 12 X 7 oblique. 

Locality : Torria Hill, Poona District. 

33. Glessula texttilis (Bhmford) 

Ovate-oblong shell, rather solid and transluscent, smooth and polished w itli close 

vertical and horizontal lines of greyish yellow. Conoidal elongated spire with an obtuse 

apex. Whorls 7. 

Length 26 mm. dia. 12 mm. Apex 10½ X 7 mm. Locality : Mahableshwar. 

34. Glessula notigena (Benson) Obtuse apex 9-10 whorls. 

Length. 20 mm., Dia. 7 mm. Apex 6x4 mm. 

Locality : Mahableshwar, Khandala, Poona and Bombay. 

35. Glessula singhurensis (Blanford) 

Elongate conical spire with subacute apex. Length 12½ mm. Dia. 4.4 mm. Apex 4 X 2½ 

mm 

Locality : Sinhgad Fort near Poona. 

36. Glessula orophila (Reeve) 

Shell conicallv ovate, spire accumulate. 7 whorls, deeply arched and truncated aperture 

18 mm. X 9.5 mm. 

FAUNA 683

Locality : Mahableshwar. 

37. Glessula arthuri ( Benson) 

A transluscent shell with ovate-conical spire and obtuse apex, 7½ whorls. Length 19 

mm. Dia. 10 mm. Apex 8 millimeters. 


38. Glessula pulla (Blanford) 

Spire elongate and subcorneal with an obtuse apex. 7-8 whorls. Length 7 mm. Dia. 2 3/4 

mm. Apex 2 X 1½ mm. 

Locality : Bhimashankar (Western Ghats) ca. 3,800 feet. 

39. Glessula sattarensis (Hanley and Theobald) 

Tower-like spire with an obtuse apex. 7 whorls. 

Locality : Satara, Maharashtra State. 

40. Glessula brevis (Pfeiffer) 

Conico-ovate shell with a conical spire and obtuse apex. 6 whorls. Length 8-9 mm. Dia 

5-5 ½ mm 


41. Glessula Iyrata (Blanford) 

Land and Freshwater Ovate and tower-like shell, pvramidal spire with an obtuse apex. 

7½ whorls. Length 12 mm. Dia. 51 mm. Apex. 4 X 2½ mm. 

Locality : Mahableshwar, Khandala (Western Ghats) 

42. Glessula lyrata Var. matheranica (Blanford). 

Length 10 mm., Dia. 4½ mm. 

Locality : Matheran. 

43. Glessula rugata (Blanford) 

Tower-like shell with a conical elongate spire with an obtuse apex. 

7 whorls. Length 6 mm. Dia. 2 mm. Apex. 1½ X 1 mm. 

Locality : Sinhgad near Poona. Purandhar (Poona District) 

44. Glessula beddomei (Blanford) 

Locality : Bhima-Shankar (Western Ghats) ca. 3,800 feet. 

Family : Succineidae. 

Genus : Succinea : Shell imperforate, oval, thin, horny, more or less transluscent with a 

short, conical spire. 

FAUNA 684

Aperture large, oblong. 

45. Succinea collina ( Hanley and Theobald) 

Conico-oval shell with a scaly spire and with an acute apex. 

3 whorls. Length 17 mm. Dia. 10 mm. Apex 13 mm. X 9 mm. 

46. Succinea collins var. aurantica (Pfeiffer) 

Locality : Mahableshwar, Torna Hills (Poona District) 

47. Succinea collins var. refocomea (Pfeiffer) 

A rock-inhabiting species. 

Locality : Mahableshwar, Torna Hills (Poona District) 

48. Succinea vitrea (Pfeiffer) 

Ovately conical shell with a conical spire. 3 whorls. Aperture 

oblique. Length 12 mm. X 8 mm. X 5 mm. 

Locality : Bombay Island. 

49. Succinea subgranosa (Pfeiffer) 

Shell elliptical and oval with a small spire. 3 whorls. Oblique 

aperture. 8½ mm. X 5 mm. X 4 mm. Apex. 6X4 mm. 


Genus : Lithotis : Shell earlike and ovate, thin, with a very short spire. A keel extends 

from the apex to the aperture with a corresponding furrow internally. Whorls 1 ¼ - 2½ 

Aperture large and ovate. 

50. Lithotis ruficola Blanford 

Ovate shell with a plain spire. Maj. dia. 7 mm. Min. dia. 5 mm. 

Length 2½mm. 

Locality : Khandala (Poona District) 

51.Lithotis tumida (Blanford) 

Ovate shell with a small thin spire and thin apex. 2—2 ½ whorls. 

Oblique aperture. Lenth 6½ mm. Dia. 5X3 ht. aperture 

5½ mm. X 4 mm. 

Locality : Sinhgarh. Poona District. 

52.Lithotis tumida Var. subcostulata (Blanford) 

Locality : Purandhar, Poona District. 

FAUNA 685

SLUGS 

Slugs are naked snails without even the trace of an external shell. In some, however, an 

internal shell may be present. There is a muscular foot traversing the entire animal on 

the ventral surface, with the help of which the animal performs its locomotion. Only one 

species noted in Maharashtra. 

Family : Vaginulidae. 

53. Vaginula alte (Ferussac) 


Order : Prosobranchia. 

Family : Cyclophloridae. 

Subfamily : Cyclophlorinae. 

Genus : Cyclophorus: Shell globose-turbinate, depressed or discoid; Peristome 

continuous, expanded or straight; operculum corneous, thin, narrowly coiled, more or 

less concave, externally smooth ; edges of whorls not raised. 

54. Cyclophorus altivagus (Benson) 

Dia. Maj. 31 mm. Min. 26. Alt. 24 mm. ; Apex. 17 mm. large 15 lat. 


55. Cyclophorus (Glossostylus) stenomphalus (Pfeiffer) 

Dia. Maj. 35 mm., min. 28 mm., alt. 24 mm. 

Locality : Elephanta Island near Bombay, Bhima-Shankar (Western Ghats) ca. 3,800 

feet. 

Genus : Cyathopoma: Shell small, umbilicated, pyramidal, turbinate or depressedturbinate 

generally with spiral lirae, periostracum thick. Operculum convex on the inner 

side, multispiral, normally truncate conoid, composed of two laminae, the inner 

membranous, outer calcareous, very concave, the edge of whorls free, occasionally 

beautifully ornamented. 

56.Cyathopoma deccanense (Blanford) 

Dia. maj. 3 mm., min. 2 1/2 mm., alt. 2 1/4 mm. Apex. 1 1/4 mm. 

Locality : Khandala & Bhimashankar (Western Ghats, Poona District). 

Genus : Nicida : Shell imperforate, ovate, without radial costulae, smooth and spirally 

lirate, shining last whorl not constructed, columellar tooth absent; operculum corneous, 

indistinctly multispiral. 

57.Nicida liricincta (Blanford) 

Long 2 1/3 mm., Dia. 1 3/4 mm,. Apex. 2/3 mm. 

FAUNA 686

Locality : Khandala (Western Ghats 2,000 feet) 

Genua : Opisthostoma : Small pupoid, narrowly umbilicated ; last whorl constricted and 

turned backwards and upwards at an acute angle ; when it becomes inflated, and either 

attached to the penultimate whorl or solute ; Peristome double ; operculum thin, 

corneous composed of a few whorls. 

58. Opisthostoma jairbanki (Blanford) 

Dia. including peristome 1.5 mm. without peristome 1 mm., alt. 1.3 mm. Aperture Dia. 0 

5 mm. 

Locality : Khandala (Western Ghats, Poona District). 

Genus : Cyclotopsis: Shell widely umbilicate, depressed or depressed-turbinate, 

furnished with spiral lirae ; aperture sub-rotundate ; Peristome thin ; operculum 

multispiral double, the inner membranous, outer calcareous, edges raised. 

59. Cyclotopsis semistriata (Sowerby) 

Maj. dia. 12 mm., min. 10 mm. Alt, 5.75 mm. 


60. Cyclotopsis spurca (Grateloup) 

Ht. 15 mm., dia. 20 mm. 


REFERENCES 

1. Annandale, N. (1911). The Fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma— 

Freshwater Sponges (Hydroids and Polyzoa). 

2 Annandale, N. and Prashad. B. (1919). Fauna of Certain Small Streams in the 

Bombay Presidency. Rec. Ind. Mus. 16:139. 

3. Baylis, H. A. (1936-39). The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma— 

Nematoda, Vols. I and II. 

4. Bhatia. B. L. (1936)—Nematoda, Protozoa (Ciliophora), Fauna of Br. India, Ceylon 

and Burma. 

5. Bhatia, B.l. (1938)—Nematoda, Protozoa (Sporozoa), Fauna 

of Br. India, Ceylon and Burma. 

6. Blanford, W. T., and Godwin Austen, H. H. (1908). Fauna of 

British India including Ceylon and Burma. (Mollusea, Testa- cellidae, and Zonitidac). 

7. Chatterjee, K. A. (1952). Human Parasites and Parasitic Diseases. 

8. Gude, G. K. (1914). The Fauna of British India including Ceylon 

FAUNA 687

and Burma, (Mollusea—Trochomorphidae—Zanellidae). 

9. Gude, G. K. (1921). The Fauna of British India including Ceylon 

Burma, (Mollusea—Land Operculates). 

10. Harding, W. A. and Percy Moore, J. (1927). The Fauna of 

British India including Ceylon and Burma—Hirudinea. 

11. Karande A. A. and Inamdar, N. B. (1961). Some observations 

of the Biology of the Conchostracan Branchiopod (Crustacea), Leptesthcriella gigas 

Karande and Inamdar, 1960. JBNHS 58(1), 92. 

12. McCann, C. Notes on the Common Land Crab Paratelphusa 

(Barytelphusa) guerini of Salsette Island. JBNHS 39 (3), 531. 

13. Pocock, R. I. (1900). The Fauna of British India including 

Ceylon and Burma. Arachnida. 

14. Pocock, R. I. (1900)—A Monograph of the Pill-Millipedes 

(Zephsonidae) inhabiting India, Burma and Ceylon. JBNHS XII, 269. 

15. Preston, H. B. (1915). The Fauna of British India including 

Ceylon and Burma (Freshwater Gastropoda and Pelecypoda). 

16. Rensch, II, (1955). On some Indian Land Snails, JBNHS 

Vol. 53(2), 163. 

17. Southwell, T. (1930). The Fauna of British India including 

Ceylon and Burma, Vol. I and II. Cestoda. 

18. Stephenson, J. (1923). Cestoda Oligochaeta. 

19. Tiwari, K. K. (1951). Indian species of the Genus Apus (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) 

with description of two New Species. Rec. Ind. Mus. Vol. 49. 

20. Tonapi, G. T. and Leela Mulherkar (1963). On the Freshwater 

Mollusca of Poona. JBNHS 60, (1), 103. 

21. Wagle, P. V. (1924). Land Crabs of Bombay Presidency. Bull. 

No. 118, Dept. Agr. Bombay. 

FAUNA 688

Amphibia 

Bufonidae; 

Caecilidae; 

Microhylidae; 

Ranidae; 

Rhacophoridae. 

Birds 

Accipitridae; 

Alaudidae; 

Alcedinidae ; 

Anatidae ; 

Apodidae ; 

Ardeidae ; 

Artamidae ; 

Bombycillidae ; 

Bucerotidae ; 

Burhinidae ; 

Campephagidae ; 

Capitonidae ; 

INDEX 

Muscicapidae ; 

Nectariniidae ; 

Oriolidae; 

Otididae ; 

Paridae ; 

Pelecanidae ; 

Phaethontidae; 

Phalacrocoracidae; 

Phasianidae; 

Phoenicopteridae; 

Picidae; 

Pittidae ; 

Ploceidae ; 

Podicipedidae ; 

Polceidae ; 

Procellaridae ; 

Psittacidae ; 

Pterocletidae ; 

Pycnonotidae ; 

FAUNA 689

Caprimulgidae ; 

Charadriidae ; 

Ciconiidae ; 

Columbidae ; 

Coraciidae ; 

Corvidae ; 

Cuculidae ; 

Dicacidae ; 

Dicruridae ; 

Dromadidae ; 

Emberiziadae ; 

Falconidae ; 

Fregatidae ; 

Fringillidae ; 

Glareolidae ; 

Gruidae ; 

Haematopodidae ; 

Hirundinidae ; 

Hydrobatidae ; 

Irenidae ; 

Jacanidae ; 

Rallidae ; 

Recurvirostridae ; 

Rostratulidae ; 

Sittidae ; 

Strigidae ; 

Stercorariidae ; 

Sturnidae ; 

Sulidae ; 

Thresiornithidae ; 

Trogonidae ; 

Turnicidae ; 

Upupidae ; 

Zosteropidae . 

Fishes 

Acanthuridae ; 

Ambassidae ; 

Amphipnoidae ; 

Anabantidae ; 

Anguillidae ; 

Antennariidae ; 

FAUNA 690

Laniidae ; 

Laridae ; 

Meropidae ; 

Motacillidae ; 

Belonidae ; 

Blenniidae ; 

Bothidae ; 

Bregmacerotidae ; 

Callionymidae ; 

Carangidae ; 

Carcharhinidae ; 

Cepolidae ; 

Chaetedontidae ; 

Chanidae ; 

Chirocentridae ; 

Cichlidae ; 

Claridae ; 

Clupeidae ; 

Apogonidae ; 

Atherinidae . 

Bagridae ; 

Balistidae ; 

Batrachoididae ; 

Menidae ; 

Mobulidae ; 

Mugilidae ; 

Mullidae ; 

Muraenesocidae ; 

Muraenidae ; 

Myliobatidae ; 

Nandidae ; 

Nemipteridae ; 

Notopteridae ; 

Odontaspidae ; 

Ophichthyidae ; 

Ophiocephalidae ; 

Orectolobidae ; 

Osphronemidae ; 

FAUNA 691

Cobitidae ; 

Congridae ; 

Coryphaenidae ; 

Cynoglossidae ; 

Cyprinidae ; 

Cyprinodontidae ; 

Dactylopteridae ; 

Diodontidae ; 

Drepanidae ; 

Dussumieridae ; 

Echeneidae ; 

Eleotridae ; 

Elopidae ; 

Engraulidae ; 

Elphippidae ; 

Exocoetidae ; 

Fistularidae ; 

Gerridae ; 

Gobiidae ; 

Ostraciontidae ; 

Pempheridae ; 

Periopthalmidae ; 

Platacidae ; 

Platycephalidae ; 

Plectorhynchidae ; 

Plotosidae ; 

Poecilidae ; 

Polycanthidae ; 

Polynemidae ; 

Pomacanthidae ; 

Pomacentridae ; 

Pomadasyidae ; 

Priacanthidae ; 

Pristidae ; 

Psettidae ; 

Psettodidae ; 

Rachycentridae ; 

Rhinobatidae ; 

Rhinopteridae ; 

Saccobranchidae ; 

FAUNA 692

Hemirhamphidae ; 

Holocentridae ; 

Horaichthyidae ; 

Istiophoridae ; 

Katsuwonidae ; 

Labridae ; 

Lactariidae ; 

Lagocephalidae ; 

Lalidae ; 

Leiognathidae ; 

Lethrinidae ; 

Lobotidae ; 

Lutianidae ; 

Mastacembelidae ; 

Megalopidae ; 

Sparidae ; 

Soleidae ; 

Solenostomidae ; 

Sphyraenidae 

Scatophagidae ; 

Sciaenidae ; 

Scolopsidae ; 

Scomberomoridae ; 

Scombridae ; 

Scorpaenidae ; 

Serranidae ; 

Schilbeidae ; 

Siganidae ; 

Sillaginidae ; 

Siluridae ; 

Sisordae ; 

Brenthidae ; 

Bruchidae ; 

Buprestidae ; 

Calamoceratidae ; 

FAUNA 693

Sphyraidae ; 

Stromateidae ; 

Syngnathidae ; 

Synodidae ; 

Tachysuridae ; 

Theraponidae ; 

Thunnidae ; 

Torpedinidae ; 

Tricanthidae ; 

Trichiuridae ; 

Trygonidae ; 

Trypauchenidae ; 

Zanclidae ; 

Insects 

Acraeidae ; 

Acridiidae ; 

Aeolothripidae ; 

Aeshnidae ; 

Agaristidae ; 

Agromyzidae ; 

Aleurodidae ; 

Calliphoridae ; 

Campodeidae ; 

Capsidae ; 

Carabidae ; 

Cecidomyidae ; 

Cerambycidae ; 

Ceratopogonidae ; 

Cercopidae ; 

Chalcididae ; 

Chalcidoidae ; 

Chironomidae ; 

Chloropidae ; 

Chrysidae ; 

Chrysomelidae ; 

Chrysopidae ; 

Cicadidae ; 

Cicindelidae . ; 

Cimicidae . : 

Cleridae ; 

Coccidae . ; 

Ccccinellidae ; 

FAUNA 694

Amathusiidae ; 

Andrenidae ; 

Anobiidae ; 

Anthicidae ; 

Anthocoridae ; 

Anthribidae ; 

Aphidiidae ; 

Apidae ; 

Aqaristidae ; 

ArbelidaeInderbelidae ; 

Arbelidae ; 

Arctiidae ; 

Ascalphidae ; 

Asilidae ; 

Belostomatidae ; 

Bethyloidae ; 

Bibionidae ; 

Blattaria ; 

Bombycidae ; 

Bombylidae ; 

Bostrychidae ; 

Coenagridae ; 

Collecidae ; 

Compodeidae ; 

Conopidae ; 

Coreidae ; 

Corixidae ; 

Cossidae ; 

Cucujidae ; 

Culicidae ; 

Curculionidae ; 

Cyrtidae ; 

Danaidae ; 

Dermestidae ; ; 

Dolichopodidae ; 

Drepanidae ; 

Dytiscidae ; 

Dytiscidae ; 

Elasmidae ; 

Elateridae ; 

Embiidae ; 

Empidae ; 

FAUNA 695

Braconidae ; Endomychidae ; ; 

Epiplemidae ; 

Erotylidae ; 

Erycinidae ; 

Eumenidae ; 

Eupterotidae ; 

Evanidae ; 

Forficulidae ; 

Formicidae ; 

Fulgoridae ; 

Geometridae ; 

Gomphidae ; 

Gryllidae ; 

Gyrinidae ; 

Haematopinidae ; 

Halictidae ; 

Heliothripidae ; 

Hemerobiidae ; 

Hemerobidae ; 

Ephemeridae ; 

Meloidae ; 

Melyridae ; 

Membracidae ; 

Menoponidae ; 

Micropezidae ; 

Molannidae ; 

Muscidae ; 

Mutilidae ; 

Myrmelionidae ; 

Naucoridae ; 

Nemestrinidae : 

Nemopteridae ; 

Nepidae ; 

Nitidulidae ; 

Noctuidae ; 

Notonectidae ; 

Notodontidae ; 

Nycteribiidae ; 

FAUNA 696

Henicocephalidae ; 

Hepialidae ; 

Hesperiidae ; 

Hippoboscidae ; 

Histeridae ; 

Hodotermitidae ; 

Hydrometridae ; 

Hydrophilidae ; 

Hypsidae ; 

Ichneumonidae ; 

Insects ; 

Japygidae ; 

Jassidae ; 

Kalotermitidae ; 

Labiduridae ; 

Labiidae ; 

Lampyridae ; 

Lasiocampidae ; 

Lepismatidae ; 

Leptoceridae ; 

Libellulidae ; 

Nymphalidae ; 

Nyphalidae ; 

Oestridae ; 

Oligotomidae . 

Panorpidae ; 

Papilionidae ; 

Passalidae ; 

Paussidae ; 

Pediculidae ; 

Pentatomidae ; 

Philopteridae ; 

Phloeothripidae ; 

Pieridae ; 

Pipunculidae ; 

Plangeniidae ; 

Platypodidae ; 

Polymitarcidae ; 

Pompilidae ; 

Potamanthidae ; 

Projapygidae ; 

Psychidae ; 

FAUNA 697

Limacodidae ; 

Lucanidae ; 

Lycaenidae ; 

Lycidae ; 

Lygaeidae ; 

Lymantriidae ; 

Machilidae ; 

Mantidae ; 

Megachilidae ; 

Saldidae ; 

Saturnidae ; 

Satyridae ; 

Scarabacidae ; 

Scollidae. ; 

Scolytidae ; 

Sericostomatidae ; 

Sesiidae ; 

Simuliidae ; 

Sphegidae ; 

Psychodiadae ; 

Psylidae ; 

Ptinidae ; 

Pulicidae ; 

Pygidicranidae ; 

Pyralidae ; 

Pyrrhocoridae . 

Reduviidae ; 

Rhinotermitidae ; 

Endae ; 

Endodontidae ; 

Epistylidae ; 

Euplotidae ; 

Ferussacidae ; 

Hirudidae ; 

Holophryidae ; 

Hydridae ; 

Ichthyobdellidae ; 

Limnaeidae ; 

FAUNA 698

Sphingidae ; 

Staphylinidae ; 

Stephanidae ; 

Stratiomyidae ; 

Syntomidae ; 

Syrphidae ; 

Tabanidae ; 

Tachmidae ; 

Tenebrionidae ; 

Tenthredinidae ; 

Termitidae ; 

Tettigoniidae ; 

Therevidae ; 

Thripidae ; 

Thyrididae ; 

Tineidae ; 

Tingidae ; 

Tipulidae ; 

Trichogrammatidae ; 

Trogositidae ; 

Trypetidae ; 

I.ittoridae ; 

Lumbricidae ; 

Megascolecidae ; 

Melaniidae ; 

Moniligasttidae ; 

Naididae ; 

Nassulidae. ; 

Ophryoglenidae ; 

Oxytrichidae ; 

Paludestrinidae ; 

Parameciidae ; 

Pillidae ; 

Plagiopylidae ; 

Pleuronematidae ; 

Podophryidae ; 

Scorpionidue. ; 

Spongillidae ; 

Stentoridae ; 

Succineidae ; 

Taeniidae ; 

Testacellidae ; 

FAUNA 699

Uranidae ; 

Vespidae ; 

Zygaenidae 

Land and Freshwater 

Invertebrates. 

Family 

Acinetidae ; 

Amphileptidae ; 

Buthidae ; 

Butschliidae ; 

Chlamydodontidae ; 

Colpodidae ; 

Cyclophloridae ; 

Didinidae ; 

Enchytraeidae ; 

Mammals 

Bovidae ; 

Canidae ; 

Tiaridae (Melaniidae) ; 

Unionidae ; 

Urocentridae ; 

Vaginicolidae ; 

Vaginulidae ; 

Vorticellidae ; 

Viviparidae ; 

Zonitidae ; 

Phylum Annelida ; 

Phylum Arthropoda ; 

Phylum Coelenterate ; 

Phylum Mollusca ; 

Phylum Nematoda ; 

Phylum Platyhelminthes ; 

Phylum Porifera ; 

Phylum Protozoa ; 

Asterinidae ; 

Atyidae ; 

Balanidae S; 

FAUNA 700

Cercopithicidae ; 

Cervidae ; 

Emballonuridae ; 

Erinaeeidae ; 

Felidae ; 

Hyaenidae ; 

Hystricidae ; 

Leporidae ; 

Manidae ; 

Megadermatidae ; 

Molossidae ; 

Muridae ; 

Mustelidae ; 

Pteropidae ; 

Rhinolophidae 

; 

Rhinopomatidae ; 

Sciuridae ; 

Soricidae ; 

Suidae ; 

Tragulidae ; 

Bomolochidae ; 

Bopyridae ; 

Bougainvillidae ; 

Buccinidae ; 

Bugulidae ; 

Bullidae ; 

Bursidae ; 

Calanidae ; 

Calappidae ; 

Caligidae ; 

Callianassidae ; 

Calyptraeidae ; 

Cancellariidae ; 

Capulidae ; 

Cardiidae ; 

Caridae ; 

Cavolinidae ; 

Celleporidac ; 

Centropagidae ; 

Cerithididae ; 

Cerithiopsidae ; 

FAUNA 701

Tupaiidae ; 

Ursidae ; 

Vespertilionidae ; 

Viverridae ; 


Acartiidae ; 

Acontiophoridae ; 

Acteonidae ; 

Actiniidae ; 

Aeginidae ; 

Aequoreidae ; 

Aloididae ; 

Amphiperatidae ; 

Amphiuridae ; 

Ampithoidae ; 

Anomiidae ; 

AnthosomatidaeT; 

Aoridae ; 

Aphroditidae ; 

Architectonicidae ; 

Chaetopteridae ; 

Chamidae ; 

Chloraemidae ; 

Chondracanthidae ; 

Chthamalidae ; 

Cirratulidae ; 

Clavidae ; 

Clausidiidae ; 

Clypeastridae ; 

Conidae ; 

Corallanidae ; 

Corophiidae ; 

Crangonidae ; 

Cucumariidae ; 

Cyclostrematidae ; 

Cymatidae ; 

Cymothoidae ; 

Cypraeidae ; 

Dexaminidae ; 

Diadumenidae ; 

Dichelesthiidae ; 

FAUNA 702

Arcidae ; 

Arenicolidae ; 

Dromiidae . 

Echiuridae ; 

Edwardsiidae ; 

Eirinidae ; 

Electridae ; 

Ellobiidae ; 

Epitonidae ; 

Ergasilisae ; 

Eucalanidae ; 

Euchaetidae ; 

Eudactylinidae ; 

Eurydicidae ; 

Euryphoridae ; 

Fasciolaridae ; 

Finellidae ; 

Diaptomidae ; 

Donacidae ; 

Dorippidae. ; 

Mariametridae ; 

Membraniporidae ; 

Mitridae ; 

Monstrillidae ; 

Muricidae ; 

Myidae ; 

Mytilidae . 

Naobranchiidae ; 

Nassariidae ; 

Naticidae ; 

Nereidae ; 

Neritidae ; 

Nuculidae ; 

Nuculanidae ; 

Ocypopidae ; 

Oithonidae ; 

Olividae ; 

FAUNA 703

Fossaridae ; 

Gammaridae ; 

Garidae ; 

Geryoniidae ; 

Glaucomyidae ; 

Goneplacidae ; 

Grapsidae . 

Haliactiidae ; 

Haliotidae ; 

Haloclavidae ; 

Harpidae ; 

Hesionidae ; 

Hippidae ; 

Hippolytidae ; 

Hydatinidae ; 

Hydrobiidae ; 

Hymenosomidae ; 

Idoteidae ; 

Janthinidae ; 

Onchobothriidae ; 

Ophiactidae ; 

Ophiochitonidae ; 

Ophiothrichidae 

Ostreidae ; 

Otobothriidae ; 

Paguridae ; 

Palaemonidae ; 

Palinuridae ; 

Pandoridae ; 

Paracalanidae ; 

Parthenopidae ; 

Patellidae ; 

Pectinidae 

Pedicellinidae ; 

Pelagiidae ; 

Penaeidae 

Pennaridae ; 

Pennellidae ; 

Perodermatidae ; 

Petricolidae ; 

FAUNA 704

Laomediidae ; 

Laternulidae ; 

Lernaeidae ; 

Lerneopodidae ; 

Leucosiidae ; 

Leucothoidae ; 

Limidae ; 

Littorinidae ; 

Lucinidae ; 

Lyssianassidae ; 

Lymnaeidae . 

Magilidae ; 

Maiidae ; 

Marginellidae ; 

Poricellariidae ; 

Portunidae ; 

Potamididae ; 

Pterobothriidae; 

Pyrenidae; 

Phialuciidae ; 

Pholadidae ; 

Phyllobothriidae ; 

Phyllodocidae ; 

Pinnidae ; 

Pinnotheridae ; 

Planaxidae ; 

Podocendae ; 

Pontellidae ; 

Porcellanidae ; 

Ungulinidae ; 

Veneridae ; 

Vesiculariidae ; 

Volemidae ; 

Xancidae. ; 

FAUNA 705

Pyrulidae; 

Retusidae; 

Rhopalonematidae; 

Ringiculidae; 

Rissoidae; 

Sabellidae; 

Sapphirinidiae; 

Scaphandridae; 

Scyllaridae; 

Semelidae; 

Sergestidae; 

Serpulidae; 

Siphonariidae; 

Solenidae; 

Sphaeromidae; 

Spionidae; 

Strombidae; 

Syllidae; 

Synaptidae; 

Tachidiidae; 

Talitridae; 

Xanthidae; 

Xenophoridae; 

Reptiles 

Agamidae; 

Boidae; 

Chamaeleonidae; 

Chelonidae; 

Colubridae; 

Crocodilidae; 

Elapidae; 

Emydidae; 

Eublepharidae; 

Gecknidae; 

Hydrophiidae; 

Lacertidae; 

Scincidae; 

Testudinidae; 

Trionychidae; 

Typhlopidae; 

Uropeltidae; 

Varanidae ; 

FAUNA 706

Tellinidae ; 

Temnopleuridae ; 

Temoridae ; 

Terebellidae; 

Terebridae; 

Teredinidae; 

Thalassinidae; 

Thraciidae; 

Tiaridae; 

Tironidae; 

Tonnidae; 

Trapeziidae; 

Triphoridae; 

Trochidae; 

Tubulariidae; 

Turbinidae; 

Turridae; 

Turritellidae. 

Viperidae . 

Spiders 

Argyopidae; 

Ditynidae; 

Eresidae; 

Filistatidae; 

Hersiliidae; 

Lycosidae; 

Oecobiidae; 

Oxyopidae; 

Pholcidac; 

Salticidae; 

Scytodidae; 

Tetragnathidae; 

Theridiidae; 

Thomisidae 

FAUNA 707

FAUNA PHOTOS 

Fiddler Crab_ Uca Annulipes Fiddler Crab_ Uca Annulipes 01 

Oyster Colony Red Porcelain Crab_Petrolisthes sp 

Red-Eyed Reef Crab_Eriphia Ferox Sea Anemone

Sponge 

Tiger Pistol Shrimp 

Gastrpod_Scutus Unguis Green Snapping Shrimp 

Octopus Brittle Star

Gastropods Gastropods Bursa Tuberculata 

Gastropods_Hemifusus Pugilinus 

Asian Green Mussel_Perna Viridis 

Asian paddle Crab_Charybdis Japonica Barnacles

Bivalve Cardita Antiquata Bivalve_Gafrarium Divaricatum

Fishes - Home

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