The geographical distribution of animals, with a study of the relations ...

chap, xii.] THE ORIENTAL REGION. 343number of species collected by myself in some of the bestlocalities. At Singapore 300 species of Coleoptera were collectedin 15 days, and in a month the number had increased to520 ; of which 100 were Longicorns and 140 Ehyncophora. AtSarawak in Borneo I obtained 400 species in 15 days, and600 in a month. In two months this number had increased toabout 850, and in three months to 1,000 species.This was themost prolific spot I ever collected in, especially for Longicornswhich formed about one-fifth of all the species of beetles. Inthe Aru Islands in one month, I obtained only 235 species ofColeoptera, and about 600 species of insects of all orders ; andthis may be taken as a fair average, in localities where nospecially favourable conditions existed. On the average 40 to60 species of Coleoptera would be a good day's collecting ; 70exceptionally good ; while the largest number ever obtained inone day was 95, and the majority of these would be veryminute insects. It must be remembered, however, that manyvery common species were passed over, yet had every species metwith been collected, not much more than 100 species would everhave been obtained in one day'scollecting of four or five hours.These details may afford an interesting standard of comparisonfor collectors in other parts of the world.Of Cicindelidse the most peculiarly Malayan form isTherates,found always on leaves in the forests in the same localities asthe more widely spread Collyris.Indo-Malayan.Five genera of this family areThe Carabidse, though sufficiently plentiful, are mostly of smallsize, and not conspicuous in any way.But there is one strikingexceptionin the purely Malayan genus Mormolyce, the largestand most remarkable of the whole family. It is nocturnal,resting during the days on the under side of large boleti in thevirgin forest. Pericallus and Catascopus are among the fewgenera which are at all brillantly coloured.Buprestidse are abundant, and very gay ; the genus Belionotabeing perhaps one of the most conspicuousand characteristic.The giant Catoxantha is, however, the most peculiar, thoughcomparatively scarce. Chrysochroa and Chalcophora are also