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OF

The Entomological Society of America

Volume I 11 SE.P-T EMBER: 1910 Number 3

THE PALPI OF MALE SPIDERS.

By JoHN HENRY Comstock

INTRODUCTION.

The remarkable modification of the palpi of the males of
spiders into organs for the transference of the seminal fluid to
the female at the time of pairing of the sexes attracted the
attention of naturalists at a very early date; and the great
variety of forms presented by these organs has led systematists
to make much use of them in taxonomic work. In practically
all of the more important works on the classification of spiders
there are figures and descriptions of the palpi of males.

Notwithstanding the general recognition of the value of
these organs for taxonomic purposes our knowledge of their
structure is very inadequate. Several important contributions
to this subject have been published and are well known, notably
those of Westring (61), Menge (66), Bertkau (’75 and ’78),
Wagner (’87), Van Hasselt (’89), and Chamberlin (’04 and
08). Still we find, even in the more recent publications,
figures of palpi given with almost no effort to identify their
parts; and even when some of the parts arenamed we find differ-
ent terms applied to homologous parts in the descriptions of
different genera.

The necessity of selecting from the many terms that have
been proposed for parts of the palpi, a set to be used in a hand-
book of North American Spiders that the writer has in prepara-
tion, and the need of terms for parts that have not been des-
cribed, has led to the preparation of this paper. It is hoped that
the publication of it may tend to bring about a greater uniform-
ity in nomenclature and an increased use in systematic works of
the extremely valuable characters presented by these organs.

161

162 — Annals Entomological Society of America — [Vol. HI,

THE MORE GENERALIZED TYPES OF PALPI.

In all spiders the external opening of the reproductive organs
of the male is on the lower side of the adbomen near its base,
in the epigastric furrow. Some time before pairing the seminal
fluid is emitted from this opening and is stored in a tubular
cavity in an appendage of the last segment of the palpus, where
it is retained until the pairing of the sexes, and from which it
then passes to the spermathece of the female. As the object
of this paper is purely morphological the details of this trans-
ference of the sperm will not be discussed here; the reader is
referred to the recently published papers by Montgomery
(‘03 and ’10) for a review of the subject and for an account of
original observations.

we

ry akatetst

Lit ae

Fic. 1. Tarsus ef Filistata hibernalis; Fic. 2. Diagram of the receptaculum
1, lateral aspect; 2, cblique view; seminis.
3, mesal aspect.

The genital appendage of the palpus of the male is exceed-
ingly complicated in structure in the more specialized spiders,
as in the Argiopide; but it is comparatively simple in some of
the more generalized families. A few illustrations of the sim-
pler forms will be given here.

THE FitistaTtA Type oF PALpus.—In Filistata hibernalis,
which is a very common house spider in the South, is found the
most simple type of male palpus that I have seen among spi-

1910] : The Palpi of Male Spiders 163

ders. In the males of this species, the distal end of the last
segment of the palpus, the tarsus, contains a coiled tube (Fig. 1);
this is the receptaculum seminis (Wagner '87). The proximal
portion of this tube is slightly enlarged and ends blindly; the
distal part is slender and extends through a slender, twisted
prolongation of the tarsus ending at its tip by an open mouth.
The modified terminal portion of the tarsus, which contains the
receptaculum seminis, is the genital bulb. By looking directly
at the tip of the palpus, instead of at one side of it, it can be
seen that the base of the bulb is situated in a cavity in the end
of the main part of the palpus (Fig. 1, a.). This cavity is the
alveolus (Menge ’66). The slender prolongation of the bulb,
which contains the terminal portion of the receptaculum
seminis is the embolus (Menge ’66; style, Simon, ’92). Except
ing the specialization of the distal end of the tarsus, the segments
of the palpus of Filistata resemble quite closely the correspond-
ing segments of a leg, the relative length of the femur, patella,
and tibia being quite similar; there is not the shortening of the
tibia, which is so marked in many of the specialized forms, as
in Aranea for example.

A study of the palpus of Filistata gives a clue to the probable
course of the evolution of the genital bulb. It is evident that
the bulb is a specialization of the tip of the tarsus, and its most
striking feature is the presence within it of the coiled recepta-
culum seminis. Regarding the origin of the receptaculum
seminis, the fact that it is furnished with a transversely striated
intima, like the intima of a trachea, indicates that it is merely
an invagination of the body-wall. In its primitive form, it
was probably a cuplike depression in the tip of the tarsus.’

In its most perfect form, as seen in the more specialized
spiders, the receptaculum seminis consists of three quite dis-
tinct parts: first, the proximal end of it, the fundus, is enlarged
so as to form a pouch, the wall of which is more delicate than that
of the other parts (Fig. 2, fu.); I have not been able to see
tenidia in the intima of this part, and infer that it serves as a
compressible bulb; second, the intermediate portion, the reser-
voir, is a large coiled tube occupying the middle division of the
genital bulb (Fig. 2, res.), in this part the tanidia of the intima
are well-developed and are sometimes very prominent; third,
the terminal portion constitutes the ejaculatory duct; this is the
slender tube traversing the apical division of the bulb (Fig. 2,

164 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

ej. d.); the wall of this duct is often darkin color, which renders
it easy to trace the course of the duct in an expanded bulb.

The tracing of the course of the ejaculatory duct is often the
only method by which the embolus can be recognized in a com-
plicated palpus; for when the embolus is small or when it is
lamelliform a slender apophysis may be mistaken for it. Even
Menge (’66), who proposed the term embolus for this part
labe!s the terminal apophysis as embolus in several of his
figures of Epeira.

Fic. 3. Palpus cf Hypochilus thorelli. Fic. 4. Palpus of Loxosceles rufescens.

There is no reason to believe that the lumen of the recepta-
culum seminis communicates with the body cavity; the meati
sanguinis described by Wagner (’87) do not exist.

After the stage represented by Filistata had been reached,
a shifting in the position. of the bulb occurred in most spiders.
Instead of occupying a terminal position, at the tip of the tarsus,
it has moved to one side of the tarsus in all spiders known to
me except Filistata. In the tarantulas and in Hypochilus thor-
elli, the most generalized in many respects of the true spiders,

1910] The Palpi of Male Spiders 165

the genital bulb is nearly terminal but is, nevertheless, distinctly
on one side of the tarsus (Fig. 3). In other spiders it has moved
to a greater or less extent towards the base of the tarsus, which
it has nearly reached in many, as for example in Lowosceles
rufescens (Fig. 4). It has been suggested by Nelson (’09) that
this shifting of the position of the bulb is for the protection of
it from mechanical injury.

In Hypochilus (Fig. 3) and in Loxosceles (Fig. 4), the alveolus
is comparatively small; but in many spiders it is large, resulting
in the tarsus being more or less cuplike in form; this is shown in
some of the figures of the more specialized palpi given later.
This cuplike form of the tarsus as distinguished from its appen-
dage, the genital bulb, suggested for it the name cymbium
(Menge ’66), which is the classical name of a small drinking
vessel. The term /amina, proposed by Westring (’61) antedates
cymbium; but I have adopted the later term, as it is the one
in general use.

The well-known fact that tarsal claws do not exist on the
palpi of male spiders is easily understood if we regard the
genital bulb as a specialization of the tip of the palpus,’as is
indicated by the structure of the palpus of Fulistata described
above. Sometimes, as in Lycosa, the tip of the cymbium bears
one, two, or three stout spines; these have been regarded as
“transformed claws’’ (Chamberlin ’08); it seems more probable
for the reason given above, that these are secondarily devel-
oped structures instead of vestigial claws; in fact there are fre-
quently strong spines distributed over the surface of the cym-
bium.

The genital bulb in Filzstata is helicoid; this is due, so far as
the larger basal part is concerned, to the fact that the wall of
it is molded over the coiled receptaculum seminis; but the
twisting of the bulb is continued to the tip of the embolus,
although in this part, the receptaculum seminis is not coiled
but extends in a nearly direct line. I know of no other case
where the helicoid form of the genital bulb is so well-marked
as here; but there is always a more or less spiral arrangement of
parts.

THE TARANTULA TYPE OF PALPUS.—In those spiders that
are commonly known in this country as tarantulas, and which
represent the more generalized of the two principal divisions of
the order Araneida, there exists a comparatively simple type of

166 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vo.1 III,

palpus; but in none of them that I have seen, or of. which I
have seen figures, is it as generalized as is the palpus of Fulistata.

In the palpi of the tarantulas, the genital bulb has migrated
to one side of the tarsus; but it is still near the tip of this seg-
ment of the palpus (Fig. 5). A striking feature of the bulb is
that it is divided into two distinct segments. The smaller
basal segment may be termed the basal division of the bulb
(Fig. 5, b.d.). The larger segment consists of two parts: a large
stout part, which may be termed the middle division of the bulb
(Fig. 5, m. d.), and a slender terminal portion, which may be
termed the apical division of the bulb (Fig. 5, a. d.); there is,
however, no distinct line between the middle and the apical
divisions, the one gradually merges into the other; but in the
more specialized palpi these two divisions are distinctly sep-
arated. :

Fic. 5. Tarsus of Eurypelma. Fic. 6. Genital bulb cf Eurypelma
californicum.

In the articulating membrane which joins the bulb to the
tarsus, there is on one side a distinct sclerite, which can be seen
by removing the bulb from the alveolus (Fig. 6, pet.); this is
doubtless homologous with what has been termed the petiole
(Chamberlin ’04) in more specialized palpi.

The greater part of the wall of the bulb in the tarantula type
of palpus is very densely chitinized but there is a longitudinal
area on the concave side of the middle and apical divisions
which is comparatively soft (Fig. 6, p. p.); it may be that this
part is distended by blood pressure at the time of pairing, as
is the hematodocha in the more specialized palpi; but upon this
point I have no data. This soft strip may correspond to that
portion of the spiral type of embolus, described later, that I have
designated the pars pendula.

1910} The Palpi of Male Spiders 167

THE PALPUS OF LOXOSCELES.—In certain genera of the true
spiders, the palpi are as simple as in the tarantula type. In
Loxosceles of the family Scytodide, for example (Fig. 4),
although the bulb has migrated nearly to the base of the tarsus;
the bulb itself is very simple in structure. The basal division
of the bulb is inconspicuous; the middle division is nearly
spherical, and the apical division is long and slender. Here
the receptaculum seminis is differentiated into the three parts
described above; the reservoir is large, while the Bh duct
is very slender. digo

THE PALpus OF DysDERA.—In the
family Dysderide two quite distinct
types of palpioccur. In Arizadna the
palpus resembles very closely that ‘of
Loxosceles; but in Dysdera it is of a
very different form (Fig. 7); this is due
to the fact that the apical division of ‘\\..') 4
the bulb is not slender, and is sharply i
differentiated from the middle division,
its wall being much less densely chitin-
ized. But there is on each margina.
distinct sclerite; and this part of the
bulb bears distinct apophyses. At the
tip of the apical division there appears
to be the beginning of a separation
into embolus and conductor.

A summary of the parts of the tarsus in the more generalized
types of palpi of males is shown by the following table:

Fic. 7. Palpus cf Dysdera interrita

Body of tarsus or cymbium, containing the alveolus.
Genital bulb.
Internal parts.
Receptaculum seminis.
Fundus.
Reservoir.
Ejaculatory duct.

External parts.
Petiole.
Basal division.
Middle division.
Apical division or embolus.

168 Annals Entomological Society of America {Vol. III,

THE INTERMEDIATE TYPES OF PALPI.

There are palpi which hold an intermediate position as re-
gards complexity of structure between the comparatively simple
tarantula type and the exceedingly complex forms to be des-
cribed later. These intermediate types occur in widely sep-
arated portions of the araneid series; but agree in their more
essential characteristics; for sake of. brevity, I will discuss only
a few examples of the intermediate types; and will then pass to a
description of forms in which the maximum number of parts is
found.

Bc eer!

Fic. 8. Tarsus of Atypus bicolor. Fic. 9. Genital bulb cf Pachygnatha,
extended.

The most important characteristic of these intermediate
types is that the apical division of the bulb is separated into
two, more or less nearly, parallel parts. One of these parts
contains the ejaculatory duct of the receptaculum seminis, this
is the embolus (Menge ’66); the other is intimately associated
with the embolus and is known as the conductor of the embolus,
or the conductor of the style, or, simply, as the conductor.

A comparatively simple example of this group of palpi is
that of Alypus bicolor. Here the terminal part of the con-

1910] _ The Palpi of Male Spiders 169

ductor is a broad concave plate (Fig. 8, con.), in which the ter-
minal portion of the embolus rests.

A more complicated form of the apical division of the bulb
exists in Hypochilus thorelli (Fig. 3). Here the embolus is
coiled about the conductor, the terminal part of which is con-
cave so as to support the terminal portion of the embolus; the
tip of the conductor bears a delicate membranous flap.

In Hypochilus the tarsus bears a branch which supports
a prominent bunch of bristles (Fig. 3, p. c. }; this may be a rudi-
mentary form of paracymbium, a part that is well developed in
Pachygnatha.

A somewhat similar condition exists in Pachygnatha (Fig. 9).
Here the proximal part of the embolus 1s coiled about the con-
ductor, which is a broad twisted plate; and the terminal portion
of the embolus is supported by the corresponding part of the
conductor. When at rest the apical division of the bulb
rests in the concave tip of the cymbium; but in the specimen
figured the bulb has been extended so to show the parts better;
and the embolus and conductor have been separated at the tip.

In Pachygnatha the tarsus is divided into two distinct
parts, which are joined by a movable articulation at the base.
The larger part is the cymbium (Fig. 9, cym.) the smaller. part,
the paracymbium (Menge ’66) or the accessory branch of the
tarsus (Simon ’92) (Fig. 9, p. c.). The cymbium and the para-
cymbium resemble the other segments of the palpus in the nature
of their cuticula and in the fact that they are clothed with
hairs.

The term conductor is in general use and was substituted
for the term spermophorum of Menge, which was suggested by a
misconception of the function of this part. As to the particular
part to which the term should be applied there is no doubt.
Menge (’66, Plate 15) clearly indicates, in his figures of the
palpus of Tetragnatha extensa, the part to which he applied the
term spermophorum; and the term conductor must be applied
to the homologous part whenever it is used. This, however,
has not been done; in many descriptions an entirely different
part has been termed the conductor, merely because it is more
or less nearly parallel with the embolus. A discussion of the
function of the conductor is given later.

170 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

THE MORE SPECIALIZED TYPES OF PALPI.

In the development of the bulb of the male palpus in the
more specialized families of spiders there has been evolved an
exceedingly complicated organ, which is difficult to understand,
on account of its small size and the fact that when at rest it
is compactly folded. Fortunately when such a palpus is boiled
in a solution of caustic potash (10%) the bulb expands so that
its parts can be seen; and if preserved in glycerine, it remains
flexible, so that it can be easily manipulated. The expanded
bulbs figured below were prepared in this way. Even with the
best of preparations, it is sometimes difficult to make out the
relation of parts; this can be most easily accomplished by the
use of a stereoscopic binocular microscope.

The extreme specialization of the palpi of males is marked
chiefly by the development of hematodocha, to be described
later, and by an increase in the number of distinct parts and
appendages of the bulb. The maximum degree of specialization is
to be found in the Araneine, of which the palpi of several species
of Aranea are described later. The understanding of the rela-
tion of the parts of the bulb in this genus will be facilitated by
a study first of a more simple form, such as is found in the
Linyphiide.

THE LINYPHIA TYPE OF PALPUS.—The very common Liny-
phia phrygiana will serve as an example of the Linyphiide.

As in Pachygnatha, just described, the body of the tarsus of
Linyphia consists of two parts; the cymbium (Fig. 10, cym.),
and the paracymbium (Fig. 10, p. c.). The alveolus is a circular
cavity near the base of the cymbium.

When the bulb is expanded, the three divisions of it are dis-
tinctly separated, there being a slender neck between the basal
division (Fig. 10, 6. d.) and the middle division (Fig. 10, m. d.),
and also a similar slender neck between the middle division and
the apical division (Fig. 10, a. d.).

The wall of the basal division of the bulb consists of two
parts; the basal hematodocha, and the subtegulum.

The basal hematodocha.—The genital bulb is attached to the
cymbium, within the alveolus, by means of a saclike structure,
which, ordinarily, is inconspicuous or completely concealed
by other parts of the bulb, but which is very conspicuous in the
expanded bulb (Fig. 10, b. h.). This has been named the

1910} The Palpi of Male Spiders 171

hematodocha from the fact that at the time of pairing it is
distended with blood (Wagner ’97). The wall of the hamatodo-
cha appears to consist of elastic connective tissue; hence the name
spiral muscle applied to it by Menge is inappropriate. In fact
no muscle tissue has been found within the genital bulb. As
similar extensible blood-sacs are present in more distal parts of
the bulb of many spiders, I suggest that this one be termed the
basal hematodocha.

emp.

a. d.
ma
b.d.
b. hx
CVU
iE 4 vt
Fic. 10. Expanded bulb cf Linyphia Fic. 11. Palpus cf Linyphia phrygiana

phrvygiana.

The subtegulum.—The proximal end of the basal hemato-
docha is attached to the cymbium, the distal end, to a ringlike
sclerite, for which I propose the term subtegulum (Fig. 10,
s. teg.). The existence of a sclerite in this position was indi-
cated by Wagner, and it is lettered in his figures s. teg., but its
ringlike form has not been described; in fact, Wagner states
that the hematodocha ends in the tegulum.

The middle division of the bulb.—The middle division of the
bulb (Fig. 10, m. d.) is that part which contains the chief portion
of the receptaculum seminis, the reservoir; its wall is the tegu-
lum, and it bears an appendage, the median apophysis.

The tegulum.—The term tegulum was applied by Wagner to
all of the more densely chitinized parts of the wall of the genital
bulb; but as it is desirable that the different sclerites should

L7e Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

bear distinctive names, I propose that this term be restricted
to the sclerite that forms the wall of the middle division of the
bulb. In Linyphia, the tegulum, in this restricted sense is a
ringlike sclerite (Fig. 10, teg.).

The median apophysis—Arising within the distal margin
of the tegulum there is an appendage, only the tip of which is
shown in the view of the bulb figured here (Fig. 10, m. a.);
this is the median apophysis. In many spiders this appendage
is very conspicuous; and to it have been applied several names.
In fact in several instances a writer has applied different names
to this part in his descriptions of different genera. Among the
names that have been applied to it are lamella characteristica and
apophysis mediana (Chyzer et Kulczynski '91), clavis and unca
(F. O. Pickard—Cambridge ’97-’05), and scopus (Chamberlin
04). The term median apophysis occurs frequently in descrip-
tions, and is the older name for this part.

The median apophysis is articulated to the middle division
of the bulb near the point from which the apical division arises;
and in some cases, as in Aranea, it appears to be more closely
articulated with a basal segment of the apical division, the radix,
than it is with the tegulum.

The apical division of the bulb.—This division includes that
portion of the bulb which hes distad of the middle division; it
consists of two subdivisions: the conductor and the embolic
subdivision. The embolic subdivision is traversed by the ejacu-
latory duct and is composed of several distinct parts. In fact
the multiplication of parts of the embolic subdivision is the
most characteristic feature of the more specialized types of
palpi as contrasted with the intermediate types described above.

The conductor.—The conductor (Fig. 10, con.) is easily
recognized by its relation to the embolus, which rests upon it,
and by its membranous texture. Its attachment to the middle
division of the bulb is by means of an exceedingly delicate
membrane.

In Linyphia the embolus rests upon the conductor through-
out its length; but in many genera the palpi of some of which are
described later, the function of the conductor is evidently to
protect the tip of the embolus in the unexpanded bulb. In many
cases the embolus is very long while the conductor is short;
but in every case the embolus in the unexpanded bulb occupies
such a position that its tip is protected by the conductor.

1910] _ The Palpi of Male Spiders 173

In most cases the conductor can be recognized at a glance by
its peculiar texture; sometimes it is chitinized to a considerable
extent, but even then it usually has a membranous margin;
and in any case it can be recognized by its relation to the tip
of the embolus in the unexpanded bulb.

The embolic subdivision.—Closely connected with the mem-
branous base of the conductor is the base of a separate subdi-
vision of the apical division of the bulb; as this portion bears.
the embolus it may be termed the embolic subdivision.

The radix and the stipes —Immediately following the mem-
branous neck that connects the middle and the apical divisions -
of the bulb and parallel with the membranous base of the con-
ductor, there are two segments of the embolic subdivision; to
the basal one of these I apply the term radix (Fig. 10, ra.); and
to the second, the term stipes (Fig. 10, st.). For a more dis-
tinctly segmented condition of the base of the embolic sub-
division see the figures of Aranea circulata given later (Fig. 18
and 19), where the corresponding parts bear the same letters.

The embolus——The organ through which the ejaculatory
duct opens, the embolus, is comparatively simple in Linyphia,
being a short spinelike part (Fig. 10, emb.).

The lateral subterminal apophysis.—In Linyphia Por iaiain
there is developed a remarkable platelike apophysis, which
serves to protect the exposed face of the unexpanded bulb.
In Figure 10 (J. st. a.), only the edge of this apophysis is shown;
but in Figure 11, the broader face of it is represented. I desig-
nate this the /ateral subterminal apophysis as it occurs on the
lateral aspect of the unexpanded bulb, and also to distinguish
it from an apophysis developed on the opposite face of the bulb
in a subterminal position, which occurs in certain other genera.

The terminal apophysis—The embolic subdivision ends in
a strongly chitinized lobe, which may be designated the terminal
apophysis (Fig. 10, ¢t. a.). To apophyses of this kind Menge
applied the term retinacula; but as this term predicates their
function, which in some cases is obviously not that implied by
the name, I prefer apophysis with a modifying term indicating
the position of the particular apophysis described.

THE ARANEA TYPE OF PALPUS.—I have selected the palpus
of Aranea frondosa (Epeira strix) as an example of an extremely
specialized palpus. In Figure 12 the entire palpus, with the
bulb unexpanded, is represented slightly twisted so as to show

174 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III],

Fic. 12. Palpus cf Aranea frondeosa. Fic. 13. Lateral. aspect cf an ex-
panded bulb cf Aranea frondosa.

tc. 14. Mesal aspect cf an expanded Fic. 15. Lateral aspect cf an ex-
bulb cf Aranea frondosa. panded bulb cf Aranea ocellata.

1910] ' The Palpi of Male Spiders Pia

the ventral aspect of the proximal segments and the lateral
aspect of the bulb.

The proximal segments of the palpus.—This account of the
palpi of male spiders is devoted almost entirely to a discussion
of the parts of the tarsus, the proximal segments being well-
understood; there are, however, a few features of these segments
in the aranea type that merit attention here.

Upon the coxa there is a prominent spur, the coxa! spur
(Fig. 12, c. s.); and upon the inner side of the femur near its
base, there is a groove, the femogra! groovz, into which the coxal
spur fits when the palpusis extended forward. The presence or
absence of this spur and groove is an important generic char-
acteristic in the Araneine.

The patella bears two prominent spines at its apex (Fig. 12,
p.). This is also true in the males of several other genera;
but in the greater number of genera of the Araneine there is
only a single spine in this position.

The most striking feature of the tibia is its shortness,
being of about the same length as the patella.

The tarsus.—As in Linyphia, the tarsus of Aranea consists
of two parts; the cymbium and the paracymbium. But in
Aranea the paracymbium (Fig. 13, p. c.) is merely a prominent
apophysis arising from the base of the cymbium and is not
articulated with the cymbium by a movable joint as in Linyphia
and in Pachygnatha. The alveolus is much more extended than
it isin Linyphia; here it occupies nearly the whole length of the
cymbium (Fig. 13, a.).

The unexpanded bulb.—In the unexpanded bulb of Aranza
frondosa, the subtegulum (Fig. 12, s. t2g.), tegulum (Fig. 12,
teg.), and a terminal lobe of the apical division of the bulb,
bearing a long and slender terminal apophysis (Fig. 12, ¢t. a.) are
visible. Two prominent appendages can also be seen; the
median apophysis (Fig. 12, m. a.) and the conductor (Fig. 12,
con.).

The expanded bulb.—Two figures of the expanded bulb are
given here; Figure 13 represents the lateral aspect of the bulb,
the aspect that is exposed when the bulb is not expanded; and
Figure 14, the mesal aspect, the one that is next the cymbium
in the unexpanded bulb.

The basal hematodocha is essentially the same as in Liny-
pia (Fig. 13 and 14, BD. h.).

176 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

The subtegulum is a ringlike sclerite but its form is like that
of a seal-ring being narrow on the mesal aspect of the bulb
and wide on the lateral aspect (Fig. 14, s. teg.). This wider part
of the subtegulum is all of it that is commonly observed and
has been termed the lunate plate (Chamberlin ’04).

The specimen represented in Figure 14 was more fully
expanded than that used for Figure 13. In the more expanded
specimen there is evident a large hematodocha between the
subtegulum and the tegulum; this I designate the muddle
hematodocha (Fig. 14, m. h.). The dark axial object seen
through the wall of the middle hematodocha is the fundus of
the receptaculum seminis (Fig. 14, fz.).

The tegulum is also a ringlike sclerite, which is broad on the
lateral aspect of the bulb (Fig. 13, teg.), and is narrow on the
mesal aspect (Fig. 14, ¢eg.).

The median apophysis (Figs. 12 and 13, m. a.) is a conspic-
uous appendage, which projects from the ventral side of the
bulb. Although the position of this appendage in Linyphia,
in which the middle and apical divisions of the bulb are dis-
tinctly separated, shows that the median apophysis is an appen-
dage of the middle division, in Aranea it appears to be articu-
lated with the base of a proximal segment of the apical division,
the radix.

The conductor (Fig. 14, con.) arises at the base of the apical
division and is closely connected with the tegulum.

The radix (Fig. 14, ra.) is much larger than in Linyphia.
Here it forms the wall of one side of the basal segment of the
embolic subdivision of the apical division. That this is the case
is more clearly shown in the bulb of Aranea circulata (Fig. 18
and 19, ra.), where the segmentation of the embolic subdivision
is much more marked.

The stipes (Fig. 14, st.) is also much larger than in Linyphia;
it 1s articulated with the distal end of the radix. Like the
radix, the stipes forms the walls of one side of a segment of the
embolic subdivision of the bulb, a fact which is also well shown
in the bulb of Aranea circulata (Fig. 18 and 19, st.).

The embolus is borne by the embolic subdivision distad of
the stipes; it projects ventrad between the distal end of the stipes
which is mesad of it, and the conductor, which is laterad of it
in the unexpanded bulb. In the specimen represented in
Figure 14, the distal end of the stipes and the embolus have been
pushed away from the conductor in the expanding of the bulb.

1910] The Palpi of Male Spiders 177

The distal hematodocha.—The most striking feature of the
embolic subdivision in the aranea-type is the presence of a
large héematodocha, which when expanded over-shadows all
other parts. This hematodocha I designate the distal hema-
todocha (Fig. 13 and 14, d.h.). It is doubtless due to the devel-
opment of this hematodocha that the radix and the stipes are
restricted to one face of their respective segments of the apical
division in Aranea frondosa, the remaining parts of the wall
of these segments forming a part of the distal hamatodocha.

The mesal subterminal apophysis——On the mesal aspect of
the bulb, there arises from the distal hematodocha a prominent
apophysis (Fig. 14, m. st. a.); this may be termed the mesal sub-
terminal apophysis.

The lateral subterminal apophysis.—On the lateral aspect
there is also an apophysis borne by the distal hamatodocha
(Fig. 13, J. st. a.); this may be termed the /ateral subterminal
apophysts.

The terminal apophysis—In Aranea frondosa, the tip of the
embolic subdivision of the bulb ends in aspearshaped apophysis
(Fig. 13, ¢. a.); this may be termed the terminal apophysis.

THE PALPUS OF ARANEA OCELLATA.—A glance at the palpus
of Aranea ocellata (Epeira patigiata) will show that it is of essen-
tially the same type as that of Aranea frondosa but is different
in some details. It is figured here to illustrate the kind of
variations in form that serve to distinguish closely allied
species (Fig. 15.) The median apophysis differs markedly in
form from that of A. frondosa; the tegulum bears a small but
distinct apophysis; the lateral subterminal apophysis bears two
prominent teeth; and the terminal apophysis is lacking, the
embolic subdivision ending in a blunt lobe.

THE PALPUS OF ARANEA. CIRCULATA.—The most striking
modification of the aranea type of palpus, taking the palpus of
Aranea frondosa as typical, is that of Aranea circulata, which
is the most complex palpus that I have studied. In the unex-
panded bulb, there appears to be no resemblance to the bulb of
Aranea frondosa. In Aranea circulata (Fig. 16 and 17), the bulb
is very large and the cymbium comparatively small and narrow
(Fig. 17, cym.). The basal hematodocha (Fig. 16, 0. h.) is
conspicuous, which is the result of the other parts of the bulb
being twisted into unusual positions. The median apophysis
is large and projects beyond the tip of the bulb (Fig. 16, m. a.).

178 Annals Entomological Seciety of America

emb,--

Mm. A.-----,

Fic. 16. Unexpanded bulb cf
Aranea circulaia.

p.m. af

Fic. 18. Expanded bulb of Aranea
crrculata,

[Vol. III,

cOn.

Fic. 17. Unexpanded bulb cf Aranea

circulata.

---0772/),

$. 0.
\ Y
\ . i) Dy < ---s/,
\ : i -7. mi. a.
b AX ee > d.

Fic. 19. Expanded bulb of Aranea
circulata.

1910] The Palpi of Male Spiders 179

But the most remarkable feature is an elbowed structure on the
mesal aspect at the base of the bulb (Fig. 17). The fact that
the ejaculatory duct can be traced throughout the length of this
elbowed structure gave the first definite clew to the relations
of the parts of the bulb. The part containing the ejaculatory
duct evidently pertains to the apical division of the bulb,
although it appears to arise from the base of the bulb.

When the bulb of Aranea circulata is expanded and untwisted,
as occurs in the process of expansion, the relation of the parts
is more easily seen. Figures 18 and 19 represent two views of
a preparation of this kind. If Figure 19 be studied it wil! be
seen that the relations of parts are essentially the same as in
Aranea frondosa (Fig. 14); the basal hematodocha, subtegulum,
and tegulum follow in the same sequence; the median apophysis
and the conductor project from beneath the tegulum in the cor-
responding positions, and the elbowed structure, which in the
unexpanded bulb appears to arise at the base of the bulb is
here clearly seen to be the embolic subdivision of the bulb.
The most remarkable differences are the lack of a prominent
distal hematodocha and the fact that the radix (Fig. 19, ra.) and
stipes (Fig. 19, st.) are each a complete cylinder, instead of
merely forming one face of the wall of a segment of the apical
division, as in Aranea frondosa. At the distal end of the stipes,
between this part and the embolus and the terminal apophysis,
there is a vestigial distal hamatodocha (Fig. 18. d. h.).

In this species there is an apophysis which like the median
apophysis is joined by a flexible articulation to the tegulum
within the cuplike cavity formed by the distal margin of the
tegulum (Fig. 17 and 19, p. m. a.); this may be termed the
paramedian apophysis. As I have not found this apophysis in
other palpi, I do not consider it a fundamental part.

THE PALPUS OF ARANEA GIGAS.—The preceding species,
Aranea circulata, and several others, have been separated from
Aranea by Pickard—Cambridge and placed in the resurrected
genus Eriophora of Simon. The peculiar form of the genital
bulb in Aranea circulata appears to sustain this separation. But
in the palpus of Aranea gigas (Fig. 20 and 21) we find a form in-
termediate between the aranea type and what may be termed
the eriophora type. .

In the unexpanded bulb of Aranea gigas (Fig. 20) the parts
are twisted so as to render the basal hematodocha conspicuous

180 Anna.s Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

(

Wa--> eS

b. h. wo”
p. &
p:
Fic. 20. Unexpanded bulb of Aranea Fic.}21. Expanded bulb of Avranea
gigas. g:gas.

Fic. 22. Expanded bulb of Dolomedes
fontanus. medes fonianus.

1910} _The Palpi of Male Spiders 181

as in Aranea circulata; but otherwise there is little similarity
in appearance to either this species or to Aranea frondosa.

In the expanded bulb (Fig. 21) it can be seen that the
embolic subdivision, is intermediate in form between the two
types, resembling the aranea type in having a large distal
hematodocha and a well-developed median subterminal apo-
physis; and resembling the eriophora type in the form of the
embolus, which is lamelliform (Fig. 21, 2). In the general view
(Fig. 21) the embolus is covered by the tip of the stipes.

THE PISAURID TYPE OF PALPUS.—In the family Pisauride
there is a type of palpus which, while it resembles the aranea
type in its more general features, differs from that type in several
.important particulars. The palpus of Dolomedes fontanus
(Fig. 22 and 23) may be taken as an example of this type.

A study of an expanded bulb of this species (Fig. 22)
reveals the following characteristics:- There is a well developed
petiole of the bulb (Fig. 22, pet.), which, in this species, consists
of two nodes with an unchitinized internode. The subtegulum
bears very prominent anelli (Fig. 22, an.), which are described
in a later paragraph. The median apophysis is prominent
(Fig. 22, m. a.). The conductor (Fig. 22, con.) is extremely
membranous. The radix and the stipes are not developed as
distinct segments. The embolus is of the spiral type (Fig. 22,
emb.) The terminal apophysis is modified into an organ for the
support of the embolus (Fig. 22, ful.), which may be termed the
fulcrum of the embolus. This type of terminal apophysis has
been termed, incorrectly, the conductor. The true conductor
in this species, as in all others studied, is an organ whose func-
tion is to protect the tip of the embolus in the unexpanded bulb.
At the base of the terminal apophysis, at the point where the
embolus arises, there is a lamelliform Jateral subterminal apo-
physis (Fig. 22, 1. st. a.).

In the unexpanded bulb (Fig. 23), the long embolus makes a
curve in the distal end of the alveolus beyond the end of the
bulb. The fulcrum is applied against the embolus on its con-
cave side, and has a furrow on its distal face within which the
embolus rests. The distal part of the conductor is wrapped
about the tip of the combined embolus and fulcrum, serving,
as in all other cases observed, as a protection to the tip of the
embolus.

182 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

THE ANELLI OF THE SUBTEGULUM.—In Aranea, the chiti-
nized part of the wall of the basal division of the bulb, the sub-
tegulum, is reduced to a ringlike sclerite (Fig. 24, 1.); but in
certain other genera, the subtegulum is cup-shaped or basket-
like. In Agelena nevia (Fig. 24, 2), one side of the subtegulum
is greatly thickened; at the proximal end of this thickening,
which corresponds to the lunate plate, there is a condyle, which
articulates with the petiole; and at the distal end, there is a
condyle, which’ articulates with the tegulum. The other side
of the cuplike subtegulum contains in its wall several parallel,
incompletely ringlike sclerites; these may be termed the anella
of the subtegulum. In Dolomedes fontanus (Fig. 24, 3), the
anelli of the subtegulum are greatly thickened and form prom-
inent projecting ridges. .

It is probable that the presence of the anelli of the subte-
gulum, and their nature when present will afford characters of
use for taxonomic purposes.

Fic. 24. Three kinds of subtegulum.

THE DIFFERENT TyPEs OF EmMBOoLUS.—The form of the
embolus varies greatly in different species of spiders. Two prin-
cipal types can be recognized, the connate and the free; and the
free type includes three subtypes.

The connate type of embolus—In the connate type, the
embolus is not separate from the middle division of the bulb
but is merely a more slender continuation of it, as in the taran-
tulas, Loxosceles (Fig. 4), and Ariadna.

The free type of embolus.—In the free type of embolus, there
are one or more movable articulations between the embolus and
the middle division of the bulb. In the free type, the embolus
varies greatly in form; but the different forms. can be grouped
under three heads: coniform, lamelliform, and spiral. .

A coniform embolus.—In this type, there may be a broadly
expanded base; but the projecting part of the embolus is a
straight or slightly curved cone. The embolus of Aranea

frondosa (Fig. 25, 1) is an example of this type.

1910} _The Palpi of Male Spiders 183

A lamelliform embolus.—In this type the embolus is flattened,
and may bear a greater or less number of apophyses; an example
of this type is found in Lepthyphantes minuta (Fig. 25, 2.)

A spiral embolus.—In the spiral type, as seen in A gelena, for
example, the embolus is long, slender and coiled; and, in a well-
expanded specimen, it is seen to be composed of three distinct
parts: first, the wall of the convex side is densely chitinized,
forming a gutterlike sclerite, which may be termed the trunk
of the embolus (truncus) (Fig. 25, 3, t. e.); second, the greater
part of the wall of the embolus is membranous, and forms a
loose flap along the
concave side of the
organ, which contains
the-ejaculatory duct;. —
this flap (Fig. 25, 3, &
p. p.) may be desig-”
nated the pars pendula _ ;.
of the embolus; third,
at the distal end of the
pars pendula, there is
a triangular, chitinized
area, through which Fic. 25. Three types of embolus.
the ejaculatory duct
opens (Figs. 25, 3, a. s.), this may be termed the apzcal sclerite
of the embolus.

The pars pendula and the apical sclerite may be completely
withdrawn into the trunk of the embolus, so that only the latter
is visible; the embolus then appears to be merely a strongly
chitinized style; it is in this condition that it is usually seen and
described.

CONCLUSION.

In the preparation of this paper many palpi other than
those figured here have been studied; and it is believed that the
series examined has been sufficiently large to warrant the con-
clusions given regarding the fundamental parts of the genital
bulb. There remains to be determined the manner in which the
different types of palpi have been specialized in other families of
the order, and the details of the modifications characteristic of
genera. This, however, is too great an undertaking to be at-
tempted at this time, and must be left for those who monograph
the different families.

184 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

I wish, however, to urge the importance of describing palpi
from expanded specimens. A large proportion of the figures
of palpi that have been published, being of unexpanded examples
show comparatively little of the structure of this organ. The
labor involved in expanding the bulb of a palpus is very little;
a preparation can be made in five minutes; and in no other way
can so much be done to make possible a description that will
describe.

The following tabular statement shows the relations of the
fundamental parts of the tarsus in the more specialized types
of palpi; not all of these parts are invariably present, and fre-
quently subordinate apophyses are developed.

Body of the tarsus.
Cymbium, containing the alveolus.
Paracymbium.
Genital bulb.
Internal parts.
Receptaculum seminis.
Fundus.
Reservoir.
Ejaculatory duct.
External parts.
Basal division of the bulb.
Basal hzematodocha.
Petiole.
Subtegulum.
Lunate plate.
Anelli of the subtegulum.
Middle division of the bulb.
Middle hamatodocha.
Tegulum.
Median apophysis.
Paramedian apophysis.
Apical division of the bulb.
Conductor.
Embolic subdivision.
Radix.
Stipes.
Embolus.
Body of embolus.
Pars pendula. :
Apical sclerite of the embolus.
Distal, haematodocha.
Lateral subterminal apophysis.
Mesal subterminal apophysis.
Terminal apophysis, sometimes developed into a
fulcrum.

1910}

The Palpi of Male Spiders 185

In conclusion I wish to acknowledge the very efficient assist-
ance in the preparation of this paper, of Miss Anna C. Stryke,
who prepared the illustrations for it.

NAMES OF THE PARTS OF THE PALPUS

AND ABBREVIATIONS USED

FOR THEM IN THE ILLUSTRATIONS.

Accessory branch=paracymbium.
Alveclus, a.

Anelli cf the subtegulum, an. -
Apical divisicn cf the bulb, a. d.
Apical sclerite cf the embclus, 7. s.
Basal divisicn cf the bulb, 5. d.
Basal hematodccha, Db. h.
Clavis=median apcphysis.
Cenductcr cf the embolus, con.
Cexa\c:

Cexal spur, c. s.

Cymbium, cvm.

Distal hematodccha, d. h.
Ejaculatcry duct, ej. d.

Embclic subdivisicn cf the bulb, e. s.

Embclus, emb.
Femur, f.
Fulcrum, ful.

Fundus cf the receptaculum seminis, fu.
Lateral subterminal apcphysis, /. st. a.

Lunate plate=subtegulum in part.
Median apcphysis. m. a.

Mesal subterminal apcphysis, m. st. a.
Middle divisicn cf the bulb, m. d.
Middle hematcdccha, m. h.
Paracymbium, p. c.

Paramedian apcphysis, p. m. a.
Pars pendula cf the embolus, p. p.
Patella, p.

Peticle cf the bulb, pet.

Radix, ra.

Receptaculum seminis, r¢. s.
Reservcir, res.

Secpus=median apophysis.
Spiral muscle=hematodccha.
Stipes, sf.

Style=embclus.

Subtegulum, s. feg.

Tegulum, feg.

Terminal apcphysis, f. a.

Tibia, ¢.

Trechanter, fr.

Trunk cf the embclus, f. e.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Westring, Nicola (1861). Araneae Svecicae Descriptae.

Menge, A. (1866). Preussische Spinnen. Danzig.

Bertkau, Ph. (1875). Ueber den Generaticnsapparat der Araneiden.
Naturgeschichte. Jahrgang 41, Band 1.

Bertkau, Ph. (1878). Versuch einer naturlichen Ancrdnung der Spinnen.
fiir Naturgeschichte. Jahrgang 44, Band 1.

Wagner, W. (1887). Copulaticnsorgane des Méannchens als Criterium ftir die
Systematik der Spinnen. Horae Sccietatis Entcmclcgicae Rosicae. 22.

Van Hasselt, A. W. M. (1889). Le Muscle Spiral et la Vésicule du Palpe des
Araignées Males. Tijdschrift vecr Entcmologie. Deel 32.

Simon, Eugene (1892). Historie Naturelle des Araignées, deuxieme edition, tome 1.

Pickard-Cambridge, F. O. (1897-1905). Biclogia Centrali-Americana, Arachnida,
Vol. 2.
Montgomery, T. H. (1903). Studies cn the Habits cf Spiders, particularly those of
the Mating Period. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 1903, p. 59.
Chamberlin, Ralph V. (1904). Notes cn Generic Characters in the Lyccoside.
The Canadian Entomologist, Vol. 36, p. 145-148, 173-178.

Chamberlin, Ralph V. (1908). Revision of North American Spiders of the Family
Lycoside. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1908, pp. 157-318.

Nelson, Jas. A. (1909). Evolution and Adaptation in the ae of Male Spiders.
Annals of the Entomelegical Scciety cf America. Vol. 0.

Montgomery, T. H. (1910). Further Studies on the ee oat Araneads, II.
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 1909 p. 548.

Gothcburgi.
Archiv ftir

Archiv

NORTH AMERICAN PANISCINI.

By RayMonp DEAN WuHiITMARSH, B. S.
Massachusetts Agricultural College, Amherst, Mass.

INTRODUCTION.

The tribe Paniscini is rather a small one in this country, con-
taining but two genera, and eleven species so far described.
The external anatomy here given was prepared from our com-
monest species—Paniscus geminatus (Say)—added to by com-
parison in some respects with the corresponding structures in
Opheltes glaucopterus (Linn). It was my intention when I
commenced this paper to include a key to the species of PaniScus,
but I have been unable to see specimens of all the species, and
the entirely inadequate descriptions of several has made it
impossible to prepare a key that would be strictly reliable. I
have therefore included the original descriptions of the different
species here, leaving it to others with better opportunities to
prepare the key.

This paper has been prepared under the supervision of Dr.
H. T. Fernald of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and
to him I wish to extend my heartiest thanks for his suggestions,
verification of observations, and other assistance in the course
of the work.

EXTERNAL ANATOMY.

HEAD.

The head is of medium size, and of the hypognathous type.
It is shghtly higher than broad, and when viewed from the front
appears nearly circular in outline. From above, it appears
slightly bi-concave; the anterior concavity being lost at the
level of the insertion of the antennae and below them.

The compound eyes are large, extending from the top of the
head to a point almost touching the base of the mandibles.
Looking from the front these organs occupy half or slightly
more than half of the front of the head; from the side view the
eye takes up about two-thirds the width. The anterior margin
of the eye, about one-third the distance from the top, is sharply
excavated which is very noticeable. The antennz are inserted
at the line of these two indentations or very near it. The lateral
margins appear nearly straight. Above the point of concavity,

186

1910] _ North American Paniscini 187

the eye which is elliptical in form extends toward the middle of
the head, somewhat, thus making the distance between these
organs at the vertex, a little less than at any other point.

The cheek, which lies behind the eye, is nearly uniform in
width from the top to the base, and is only slightly narrower
below where it extends slightly beneath the eye. The face in
general is clothed with a short thick mat of sericeous pubescence.

| CLYPEUS.

The clypeus, which is more or less irregular in outline, being
rounded above (convex) and nearly straight along its free margin
occupies about a third of the distance from the antenne to the
mandibles. On either side there is a projection, which extends
just below the compound eyes, and about half way between the
extremities of these projections and the dorsal edge of the cly-
peus are situated a pair of oval depressions, one on either side
known as clypeal foveze. The dorsal edge of the clypeus is
marked by a transverse suture (or rather what was once appar-
ently a suture, as there are no distinct sutures separating the
clypeus from the frons) some little distance below the insertion
of the antennz. Between these there is quite a noticeable
depression, the lower side of which is most pronounced.

FRONS.

The frons may be regarded as extending upward from the
clypeus to the ocelli, with a downward extension on each side
of the clypeus, where it appears to meet the cheek just below
the eye. About two-thirds of the whole distance from the
dorsal line of the clypeus to the ocelli, is the place of insertion
of the antenne. That portion of the frons, from the antennz
extending downward, projects in front of the level of the eye,
while the portion above the antenne is slightly sunken behind
this level.

OCELLI.

The ocelli, which are of nearly equal size, are three in num-
ber, and are arranged to mark the corners of an equilateral
triangle. The two lateral (posterior) ocelli nearly touch the
compound eyes. An imaginary line passing through the pos-
terior ocelli marks the vertex as treated in this paper. No
sutures separating the vertex from the posterior portion of the
head, above, of from the cheeks, behind the eyes, are present,
and the limits of these parts are therefore somewhat indefinite.

188 Annals Eniomological Society of America [Vol. III,

The portion of the head, showing behind the compound eye,
is termed the cheek, in this paper. The width of the cheek
does not vary a great deal. The central portion, however,
(that portion in the region of the attachment of the head to the
thorax) is slightly wider than other parts.

LABRUM.

The labrum is attached to the lower, inner edge of the cly- ~
peus, leaving the outer edge of the clypeus well defined. In
preserved specimens, the labrum is usually bent backward, at
nearly right angles. to the clypeus, with the mandibles closed
over it, so that it is not accessible for study. For this reason,
it has not seemed advisable to use it for analytical purposes.

MOUTH PARTS.

None of the mouth parts seem to be useful for the determina-
tion of the species and their description therefore is not included
here. I might say, however, that possibly the mandibles,
labial palpi, and maxillary palpi would be of use in the determi-
nation as in most of the insects examined, the palpi show to the
full extent. Maxillary palpi five jointed, labial palpi four
jointed.

The mandibles are somewhat curved, having two teeth,
which are blackish to their bases. When the jaws are closed
they overlap.

ANTENN. :

The antenne are long. The basal portion of the bulb of the
proximal segment or scape is rather small and articulates with
the head in a socket. Its diameter, at this end, is about equal
to its length to where it unites with the enlarged portion of the
scape, but it is somewhat narrower toward the place where it
enlarges into the scape proper. The bulb appears to be an
entire segment, but this is not the generally accepted view.
The scape which is the stoutest segment of the antennz is some-
what smaller at its base, gradually increasing to the base of the
next segment, the pedicel. This seems to extend down into the
scape for some little distance. There is also a third segment
before we come to the filament proper which is nearly twice as.
broad as long, and is called the ring joint. This seems to be
rather unusual. The filament which consists of about fifty-
four segments has those near the base a little longer than the
others, gradually decreasing in length as we go towards its.
extremity.

,
-
]
4
’
j

1910] ' North American Paniscini 189

THORAX.
The thorax in general is strongly compressed laterally,
very finely pubescent, and is of a yellowish russet color.

PROTHORAX.

The prothorax, as seen from the side, is triangular in outline,
marked by fine, distinct, oblique, transverse striations which are
most noticeable near the lower anterior portion of the plate, while
viewed from above it is a very narrow transverse band. Its
anterior margin is straight and elevated, forming a flange,
which projects slightly forward. Looking down from above,
there can be easily detected with the aid of a microscope, a
semicircular indentation or groove, which leads to the query,
“Was this portion once a distinct plate representing a much
reduced pronotum while the large triangular plate at the sides
represented a much enlarged pro-pleuron?” It is set out very
prominently from the mesethoracic plates by quite conspicuous
sutures. The facial portion of the prothorax, lying just behind
the head (episternum?) is somewhat hoof-shaped having a

deeply impressed line extending from the point where the head

joins the prothorax to a point near the insertion of the fore
coxa, thus dividing it into right and left halves.

MESOTHORAX.

The mesonotum is a broad plate distinctly convex, lying
between the fore-wings and extending forward to the dorsal
portion of the prothorax. Starting near the anterior margin
and at equal distances from the middle of the plates, are two
lateral grooves known as the parapsidal furrows which curve
shightly inward and extend nearly to the scutellum. These
grooves become weak posteriorly, being only slightly noticeable
after they have passed the middle of the plate. The anterior
margin of this plate is bent slightly upward or reflexed, and this
is continued around the sides as far back as the tegula, where it
leaves the margin and becomes a distinct ridge which passes
obliquely backward across the plate.

Directly behind the mesonotum already described, is the
scutellum, the median portion of which is trapezoidal in outline,
longer than broad, the longer base anterior, the shorter base
being posterior and slightly over half the length of the former.
Between the mesonotum and median portion of the scutellum

=! ee gl Si
oe

190 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

is a deep trough-like depression, whose ends are closed by a con-
tinuation backward onto the scutellum of the ridges, spoken
of previously, which may be designated as the dorso-lateral
ridges. On the mesonotum, just in front of the trough and
branching off from the dorso-lateral ridge is a short oblique ridge
which extends outward and forward to the insertion of the fore-
wing. The sides of the trapezoid are continuations backward
of the dorsal-lateral ridges. Near the rear margin of the scu-
tellum these become lost. Along this margin there is a reflexed
edge or flange which extends obliquely towards the insertion
of the fore-wings.

The surface of the lateral portions of the scutellum lies at
a sharp angle with that of the median portion (trapezoidal)
and extends from the dorsal lateral ridge downward and for-
ward to the base of the forewing. As already stated the hinder:
margin of this portion is reflexed nearly to the wing attachment.
The mesothoracic pleuron is a large plate which lies below the
wings, its posterior margin being approximately indicated by
an oblique groove extending downward and backward from
beneath the fore-wing to just beneath the hind wing where it
bends a little more downward, and takes a nearly straight path
to the meso-coxa. From here it passes forward, curving some-
what until about opposite the base of the fore coxa. It then
turns sharply upward, and passing by the base of the fore-coxa
follows along the edge of the prothorax to the base of the fore-
wing.

There are several ridges and grooves on this plate, but noth-
ing which can be termed a distinct suture, that is, dividing the
pleuron into subordinate plates. The meso-coxa is attached
near the extreme posterior edge of this plate, occupying about
one-third of its width, which is somewhat greater ventrally
than dorsally.

METATHORAX.

Just to the rear of the scutellum and below it is a narrow
plate which extends from one hind wing to the other and is
known as the post scutellum. The rear margin of this plate
is reflexed as in the case of the rear margin of the scutellum,
and extends forward nearly to the base of the hind wings.

The part of the metapleuron nearest the hind wing (epi-
sternum) is triangular in outline. The apex of the triangle
extends ventrally and comes to a point just between the meso-

1910] - North American Paniscini 191

thoracic pleuron, and the metathoracic epimeron, while the base
of the triangle lies dorsally below the furrow of the post scutel-
lum.

The metathoracic epimeron is a large plate bordered on its
dorsal side by the median segment, anteriorly by the meta-
thoracic episternum above, and the mesothoracic pleuron below,
while posteriorly it bears the coxa of the hind leg.

The median segment is a large arched plate distinctly
striate above covering the area between the post scutellum, in
front, and the petiole behind, and extending transversely from
the metathoracic pleuron of one side to that of the other. A
short distance behind the angle where the median segment,
epimeron and episternum of the metathorax meet is an oval
stigma on each side. Near the hinder margin of the plate, on
each side, is a crescentic elevation, immediately behind which is
a depression of the surface. Extending forward from this cres-
cent to a point near which the median segment meets, the pos-
terior dorsal angle of the metathoracic episternum is an elevated
area, just below which is situated the dorsal edge of the stigma.
This elevated area may be used for convenience as indicating the
division between the dorsum and the sides of the median seg-
ment, though there is no evidence of a separation of these
portions into separate plates.

At the extreme posterior end of the median segment there
is a semi-circular carina which is quite prominent. The median
segment is marked by fine, distinct, transverse striations and
the metathorax, as a whole, is pubescent, and very finely
punctured. .

ABDOMEN.

This portion of the body has more or less of a russet brown
color varying from a light yellowish brown, in some specimens,
to a reddish brown, in others. The abdomen is composed of
eight segments in both male and female, and is compressed
laterally, more so ventrally than dorsally. The segments, as a
general thing, decrease somewhat in length after the second one
which is only about half as long as the first, but rapidly increas-
ing in height up to the sixth inclusive, but the seventh and eighth
are smaller.

The median segment has been included with the description
of the metathorax: While it is undoubtedly the first segment of
the abdomen, for convenience of description, we may consider

192 Annals Entomological Society of America [Voll III,

the segment, behind the thoracic mass, as a whole, as being the
first segment. The first segment of the abdomen, counted in
this way, is attached at the ventral side of the posterior end of
the median segment. It is straight and nearly twice as long as
the second segment. Just above its attachment to the median
segment and below the dorsal portion of the posterior carina
is a small but prominent muscle or funiculus, which is attached
to the anterior dorsal portion of the ventral plate. A little in
front of the middle of the segment, on each side, is an oval
stigma, and situated about two-thirds the distance from the
stigma to the posterior end of the thorax is an elliptical opening
which, in some cases, apparently extends clear through the seg-
ment from side to side. On closer examination one will readily
detect a thin membrane, stretched across this opening about
in the middle of the body, separating it completely into right
and left halves.

This cpening is formed where the dorsal plate bends upward,
and apparently leaves the ventral plate, only the thin membrane,
already referred to, forming a connection between the two.
It then turns downward and becomes closely connected with the
ventral plate, again extending as narrow bands along the upper
margins of the same plate nearly to the median segment.
Viewed from above, the dorsal plate appears to divide just
behind the funiculus, and extends as arms to the median seg-
ment, forming the lateral portions already described.

The ventral plate of the sixth segment is most prominent.
From this portion of the sixth segment is protruded the ovi-
positor, and its palpi or feelers, which are hairy, except their
basal portions which are concealed by the remaining segments.
The ovipositor and feelers extend quite a distance beyond the
extremity of the abdomen. On the eighth segment, a pair of
cerci are situated at its extreme posterior margin, and approxi-
mately half way between the ventral and dorsal portions of this
plate.

In the female the stigmata of the second and third segments
are well in front of the middle, while the remainder are closer
to the anterior margin, and none are perceptible on the last
two segments. In the male the stigmata approach the anterior
margins of the segments more and more passing backward,
but they do not come close to it. On the seventh and eighth
they appear to be absent.

1910] North American Paniscini 193

The genitalia of the male protrude prominently between and
beyond the last dorsal and ventral plates of the abdomen. The
last segment in the males being noticeably shorter than the
others, while in the females the last two are noticeably shorter.

All of the ventral segments of the abdomen are rather soft
and membranous. The claspers are large and broad.

WINGS.

The wings are quite large and colorless, with the exception
of a yellowish tinge, produced by the presence of reddish brown
nerves and numerous short hairs, generally distributed over
both the upper and under surfaces. Cresson’s nomenclature
of wings is the one used in this paper.

FORE WING.

Separating the marginal, or radial cell, from the median,
or externo-medial cell, is a well-developed stigma, which is
long, narrow and yellowish brown in color. It is considerably
wider beyond its middle than before. The marginal or radial
cell is lanceolate. The greater part of its anterior and longer
side is formed by the costa and its remaining basal portion by
the stigma. Posteriorly it is separated from the disco-cubital
cell by the first abscessa of the radial nervure which runs from
the stigma to the apex of the small triangular areolet. It is
separated from the third submarginal cell by the second abscessa
of the radial nervure, which is longer than the first, and is quite
strongly bent at its origin where it forms approximately a right
angle with the radial nervure. The median cell which is one of
the largest of the wings is about four times as long as its greatest
width. This latter dimension, occurring about three-fourths
of the distance from the base of the wing to the outer end of the
cell. It is separated from the sub-median cell posteriorly by
the externo medial nervure and from the disco-cubital beyond
by the basal nervure. The third side is formed by the costal
and sub-costal nervures fused.

The costal cell is absent due to the fusing of the costal and
sub-costal nervures, the sub-costal portion being however, more
prominent than the costal. The disco-cubital cell which is
probably the largest cell of the wing is irregular in outline, is
bounded by five different nervures, namely, first abscessa of the
radial, first transverse cubital, disco-cubital, discoidal and basal
nervures, and a portion of the stigma.

194 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

Of the above, not mentioned before, the first transverse
cubital separates this cell from the areolet. The disco-cubital
nervure which separates it from the third discoidal cell has quite
a prominent stump of a vein near its middle known as an abbre-
viated cubital nervure which extends into the cell. About half-
way from this stump, to the triangular areolet 1s a short bulla.
This cell is separated from the second discoidal cell by the dis-
coidal nervure and receives but one recurrent nervure at the
point where the disco-cubital and discoidal nervures meet.
There is but one completely enclosed sub-marginal cell which is
regarded as the second or areolet. It is small, approximately
triangular and in all the specimens I have examined, the second
transverse cubital nervure which separates this cell from the
third sub-marginal cell has a bulla extending half way from the
base to the apex of the triangle, beyond which the vein bends
slightly, taking a straight line to the apex of the triangle.

The third sub-marginal cell is separated posteriorly from the
second apical cell by the cubital nervure, and extends to the
margin of the wing. Its other bounding lines have already been
described. Submedian or internomedial cell is quite long and
narrow, the externo-medial nervure separating it from the
median in front, and the first abscessa of the anal nervure from
the anal cell behind. Outwardly it is separated from the second
discoidal cell by the transverse medial nervure which joins the
externo-medial nervure just beyond the origin of the basal
nervure, thus making it post fercal. The second discoidal cell
is separated posteriorly from the anal cell by the second abscessa
of the anal nervure which is about one-half the length of the
first abscessa. Outwardly it is separated from the third dis-
coidal cell anteriorly and first apical cell posteriorly by the first
recurrent nervure, that portion of this nervure however sep-
arating it from the former is much shorter than the latter. The
first recurrent nervure has a small bulla patch where it joins the
margin of the wing. The third discoidal cell is separated pos-
teriorly from the first apical cell by the first abscessa of the
subdiscoidal nervure and outwardly from the second apical
cell by the second recurrent nervure, at the center of which
is a distinct bulla patch, while at its anterior extremity just
below the areolet is another small bulla. The second apical
cell is separated posteriorly from the first apical cell by the
second abscessa of the sub-discoidal nervure which is much

1910] _ North American Paniscini 195

shorter than the first abscessa, and extends to the margin of the
wing. The anal cell is the longest cell of the wing. It is bound-
ed, anteriorly, by the anal nervure and, posteriorly, by the
margin of the wing which has a small fold near the extremity of
the cell (frenal fold.) This cell extends to a point slightly
beyond the outer end of the second discoidal cell. The first
apical cell has already been described with the exception of
mentioning that its posterior and outward boundary is formed
by the margin of the wing.
HIND WING.

The costal cell is quite long extending somewhat over half
the entire length of the wing, and it is, by far, the narrowest cell.
It is separated, posteriorly, from the median cell, by the sub-
costal nervure. Anteriorly it is bordered by the costal nervure
which extends somewhat less than half the length of the cell,
and by the margin of the wing, which is a continuation of the
latter. The marginal or radial cell is separated posteriorly
from the median cell by the first abscessa of the marginal or
radial nervure, and from the submarginal or cubital cell by the
second abscessa of the same nervure. Its anterior and outward
boundary is formed by the margin of the wing.

Six frenal hooks are found near the middle of the anterior
margin of this cell. Submarginal or cubital cell is separated
posteriorly from the discoidal ceil by the second abscessa of the
cubital nervure, inwardly from the median cell by the transverse
cubital nervure, and extends outward to the margin of the wing.
The median cell is the longest and largest cell of the wing. It
is separated posteriorly from the submedian cell by the externo
medial nervure and from the discoidal by the first abscessa of
the cubital nervure. The submedian cell is separated poster-
iorly from the anal cell by the anal nervure and from the sec-
ond discoidal cell by the first abscessa of the transverse medial
nervure which is somewhat longer than the second abscessa,
and forms with it approximately a right angle. Outwardly it is
separated from the first discoidal cell by the second abscessa
of the transverse medial nervure. The discoidal cell is separated
posteriorly from the second discoidal by the discoidal nervure,
and extends to the margin of the wing. Second discoidal
cell is separated posteriorly and inwardly from the anal cell
by the second abscessa of the anal nervure and extends to the
margin of the wing.

196 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

TEGUL.
The tegula is a small chitinous plate, more or less triangular,

with rounded corners, lying over the base of the fore wing.
It is slightly sericeous, and to some degree arched.
LEGS.

The legs are quite long, rather slender, hairy, and all these
segments beyond the femora are armed with spines to a greater
or less degree. Coxa more or less bulb shaped. The two tro-
chanters taken together are as long or a little longer than the
coxa, and they are of about equal length in the hind leg, while
in the middle and fore legs the outer segment is only about
half the length of theother. Femur is second in length to the tibia,
the longest segment, and in stoutness to the coxa whichis the stout-
est segment. The tibiais largest atits distal end. It is armed with
spines above, below, and on the sides, these showing a partial
arrangement into longitudinal rows. At its outer end where it
joins the first tarsal segment is a circlet of spines, two of which
are much longer and stouter than the others in the posterior
and middle legs, which are called tibial spurs. The inner spur’
is nearly twice as long as the outer one. These spines are
clothed with hairs. The fore leg instead of bearing two tibial
spurs has one long spur-like appendage nearly half as long as the
segment, curved for about one-third of its length from the base
to the extremity, bearing hairs on its inner surface which in
connection with a corresponding modification at the base of
the first tarsal segment acts as a cleaning apparatus.

There are five tarsal segments. The first is by far the long-
est, being about twice as long as the second, and three times as
long as the third which is about as long as the fourth and fifth
taken together. The fourth segment is slightly shorter than the
fifth. The first three segments are armed with spines beneath,
on the sides and at their outer ends. The fourth segment is
the shortest tarsal segment, and is provided with spines at its
end where it joins the base of the fifth and last segment. The
fifth segment is not armed with spines except for a few long
spine-like hairs at its extremity where the pair of well developed
claws and a pulvillus*between them occur. On the under side
of the claw are borne about twenty teeth.

1910] ~ North American Paniscini 197

SEXUAL DISTINCTIONS.

Aside from the presence of a sting in the females and of
more or less copulatory organs in the male, other differences
may be noticed in the sexes. Ocelli seem to be closer together
in the male, and also to the compound eyes than in the females.
The male has fifty-seven segments in the antenna, and the
female fifty-eight, but it would seem probable, considering the
large number of segments that this might vary somewhat.

TABLE OF GENERA.

Terminal tocth of mandibles Icnger than the inner; cheeks and temples not
bread; scutellum mere or less margined laterally; transverse median nervure dis-
tinctly postfurcal to the crigin of the basal nervure..... Pantscus Gravenhorst.

Teeth of mandibles equal in length; cheeks and temples broad; scutellum not
margined laterally; transverse medial nervure interstitual with the origin of the
Pasal-nervure, rarely ‘slightly postlurcal. =... 2720s 0... OpHELTES Holmgren.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES.

Opheltes glaucopterus (Linn). Description taken from Provancher.
Faune Entomclogique Du Canada, II, 1883, p. 359.

Female—Length, 68 inch. Black variegated with red. Head varied
with russet, except a black spot covering all the vertex and the back
side of the head. Antennae russet, brown at the extremity, almost as
long as the body. Thorax black; scales clear, a line before and another
below, two lines on the back of the mesothorax, and its exterior bor-
ders, also sometimes the scutellum, all the legs with trochanters, the
abdomen except the last three segments, of a yellowish russet color.
Wings with the costa and the stigma yellow, the nervures brown;
areola small, not petiolated, subtriangular; median nervure not appen-
diculate, arched. Metathorax bearing a little elevated canal in the mid-
dle, and a carinae on each side with another transversal at the apex,
these carinaes being elevated in the form of acute tubicles in certain
spots. Hind part (hind coxae) russet black at the base.

Paniscus alaskensis, Ashm.
Proceedings of the Washington Academy of Sciences, IV, 1902, pp. 237-8.
Male—Length 10 mm. Head yellow, with purplish-brown eyes, and
very much as in PANISCUS GEMINATUS Say, except that the ocelli are
not placed on a black spot, and the lateral ocelli do not quite touch the
eye margin, as in that species. The thorax and abdomen are pale
honey-yellow; a stripe on sides of prosternum, the lateral margins of the
mesonotum, and a stripe on the parapsidal furrows behind, are yellow-
ish-white; the apical transverse carina is indicated only laterally, being
wholly obliterated medially, the surface of the metanotum before it
being very finely, transversely aciculate, behind it polished and impunc-
tate. Wings hyaline, the venation as in P. GEmINaTus, the costal vein
and the stigma yellow, the subcostal vein and the internal veins being
brown.or brown black. External claspers similar to those in P. GEM-
INATUS but slightly narrower.

198 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

Type—Cat. No. 5688, U. S. Nat. Museum. From Kukak
Bay, July 4. Five specimens.

Paniscus albotarsatus Prov.
Faune Entomologique Du Canada, II, 1888, p. 361.

Male—Length .40 inch. Beautiful yellow, face of a yellowish
white, the ocelli black, contiguous with each other. Posterior tarsi
white except at the base of the first segment; their claws (hooks) brown.
Abdomen elongated, compressed; slightly arched, slim, scarcely tinged
with brown at its extremity. Wings colorless, nerves brown; stigma
yellow. Median-nervure arched, without a rudiment of a nervure at its
middle; areola subtriangular, very oblique, very small. G.

The color almost uniform, color of the species with its posterior
tarsi which distinguishes it at first sight. In the female the abdomen is
a little obscure towards the extremity, the ovipositor longer than the
length of the abdomen.

Paniscus albovarigatus, Prov.
Faune Entomologique Du Canada, II. 1883, p. 361.

Female—Length .38 inch. Uniform, honey-yellow; the face below
and above the antennae, the orbites all around the eyes, a line on the
edges of the mesothorax prolonged to the tip of the scutellum, two lines
upon the back of the mesothorax, a line below the anterior wings, a
large spot lower upon the flanks (sides) with another smaller one below
the posterior wings, of a beautiful white. Ocelli not touching the eyes,
and also distant from each other. Metathorax uniform (simple, even)
obscurely transversely aciculate; areola of wings small, triangular,
pedunculated, slightly oblique, abdomen convex, compressed from the
third segment, brownish in its posterior half. AC.

Paniscus geminatus (Say).
Faune Entemclogique Du Canada, II, 1883. p. 360.

Female—Length .65 inch with a uniform yellowish russet tinge.
Face a little clearer; ocelli contiguous with the eyes, and also with each
other. Wings colorless, nerves black, stigma yellow. Median nervure
strongly arched, with a rudiment of a nervure,very apparent towards
its middle. Metathorax pubescent, very finely punctured. Legs and
posterior tarsi a little darker than the rest. Abdomen compressed,
slightly convex, brownish at the extremity; ovipositor longer than thé
length of the abdomen. AC.

Paniscus medius, Ashm.
Proceediings of the California Academy of Sciences, [V, 1894, p. 128.

Female—Length 12 mm.; ovip. 2 mm. Brownish-yellow; face and
clypeus yellowish white; ocelli large, prominent, the lateral touching
the eye; eyes distinctly’ emarginate within; thorax smooth, trilobed;
metanotum smooth, without a vestige of carinae; wings hyaline, the
costa and stigma brownish-yellow, the other nervures black, the dis-
coidal nervure with a distinct stump of a vein; abdomen twice as long as
the head and thorax united, strongly compressed, viewed from the side,

1910} ‘North American Paniscini 199

not much broadened towards apex; the petiole is a little more than
one-third longer than the second segment, with the spiracles placed at two-
fifths its length, the second segment is about two and one-half times as
long as wide at apex.

. Described from one specimen, from San Esteban (Haines).
This species resembles somewhat P. texanus, but is larger,
differently colored, with a stump of a vein in the discoidal
nervure, and with the segments of the abdomen relatively
different.

Paniscus melanostigma, Cam.
Biclegia Centrali Americana; Hymencptera, I, 1886, p. 303.

Rufo-testaceous, mesonoto nigro; capite flavo; flagello antennarum
fusco; alis hyalinis, stagmate nigro. Female.

Long. 15 millim.

Hab. Panama, Volcan de Chiriqui (Champion).

Face closely punctured; metathorax closely transversely striated.
Areolet moderately large, straight, the recurrent nervure received a
little beyond the middle; there is no branch on the cubital nervure.

Easily known from its allies by the black stigma and ner-
vures. The petiole is longer compared to the second segment
(the relative length of the two being as in P. geminatus) than in
P. tinctipennts. |

Paniscus nigripectus, Ashm.
Preceedimgs cf the United States Naticnal Museum, XII, 1889, p. 425.

Female—Length 16 mm. This species is much more closely allied
to P. geminatus than is P. texanus, and structurally it is almost iden-
tical, but the mesonotum, mesopectus, stigma, and veins are black; the
lateral ocelli touch the eye; the stump of the vein at the middle of the
cubitus is wanting, and the submedian cell is only one-third the length
of the transverse median nervure longer than the median cell; the
second abdominal segment is two-thirds the length of the petiole, the
spiracles situated at about one-third its length.

Habitat.—Texas.
Described from one specimen in Belfrage Collection.

Paniscus ocellatus, Vk.
Preceedings Entcmclcgical Scciety of Washington, Vel. XI, 1909, p. 211.
Female—16 mm.; tegument pale castaneous to castaneous, orbital
margin yellowish, tips of mandibles and edge of ocelli more or less
blackish; wings faintly cloudy, transparent, stigma and costa pale,
translucent, other veins mostly brownish or almost black; anterior
ocellus elliptical, transverse, the shortest distance between the anterior
ocellus and the nearest point on the eye; antennae 59-jointed, cylindri-
cal, the joints well defined, the fifth to penultimate subequal and longer
than wide at base, the apical joint rounded, subconical, a little longer

200 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

than the penultimate; discocubital vein with a trace of a stump, recur-
rent vein interstitial with the second transverse cubitus, aerolet quad-
rangular, metathorax transversely wrinkled above and with a paren-
thesis-shaped carina on each side; abdomen shining and with a bloom-
like pubescence that is conspicuous only in certain lights, the rest of
the body very similarly pubescent, the pubescence pale, seemingly
tinged with golden.

Male—Very like the female, but with a yellow face and 56-jointed
antennae; male paratopotype with a distinct stump of a vein.

Type—Female and male and paratopotype, No. 12320,
U. S. National Museum.

Type locality.—Wellington, Kans., E. G. Kelley, collector,
Webster, No. 5431, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of
Entomology.

Paniscus subfuscus, Cress.
Preceedings cf the Entcmeolegical Scciety cf Philadelphia, IV, 1865, p. 57.

Dull rufo-fuscous, legs and antennae paler; basal segments of
abdomen piceous; wings hyaline.

Female—Dull rufo-fuscous, opaque; clypeus pale, pubescent;
antennae as long as the body, slender, dull fulvous, slightly dusky at
tips. Thorax with the dorsal lines deeply impressed; scutellum prom-
inent, carinated on each side; metathorax minutely sculptured, incised
at base, with a small acute tubercle on each side behind. Wings
hyaline; nervures fuscous, stigma testaceous; areolet small, subpetio-
lated, oblique. Legs pale fuscous, the femora slightly dusky. Abdomen
stout, arcuated, subcompressed, clothed with a very short, appressed,
pale pubescence; Ist segment elongate, slightly broader at tip, with a
faint tubercle on each side before the middle; 2nd segment about one-
third shorter than the Ist; the three basal segments above, except the
extreme base of the Ist, stained with piceous; apical margins of the
remaining segments pale; ovipositor about as long as the Ist segment
of the abdomen. Length 9 lines; expanse of wings 15 lines.

Collection.—Ent. Soc. Philad. One specimen.

This does not agree with the description of P. Rufus Brulle,
which I have not seen, and which 1s said to inhabit Cuba.

Paniscus texanus, Ashm.
Proceedings cf the United States National Museum, XIT, 1889, p.- 425.

Female—Length 9 mm. This species has probably been confused
in our collections with P. geminatus Say; but besides its much smaller
size it can be readily separated by the following differences:

The third joint of the antennae is only slightly longer than the
fourth; the mesonotum is smooth without parapsidal grooves; the lateral
keels of the scutellum become delicate posteriorly; the spiracles of the
petiole are placed just anterior to the middle; the second abdominal
segment viewed from above is trapezoidal but slightly longer than wide

1910] North American Pantiscini 201

and only half the length of the petiole; the basal joint of hind tarsi only
twice the length of the second; the submedian cell is as long or slightly
longer than the median cell, the length of the transverse median ner-
vure; while whereas, in p. geminatus there is always a distinct stump
of a vein at the middle of the cubitus, in P. texanus it is entirely wanting
or only the base remains.

Habitat.—Texas.
Described from one specimen in Belfrage Collection.

Paniscus tinctipennis, Cam.
Biologia Centrali Americana; Hymencptera, I, 1886, p. 303.

Fuscous, testaceo variegatus; capite flave; pedibus pallide testaceis,
coxix posterioribus femoribusque posticis fuscis; alis fumatis, stigmate
testaceo. Female, Long. 15 millim.

Hab. Panama. Volcan de Chiriqui 2000 to 3000 feet (Champion).

Antennae a little longer than the body, microscopically pilose; the
flagellum dark fuscous, the scape testaceous. Head yellow, the occiput
dark fuscous; the ocellar region black; the face obscurely punctured,
projecting in the middle; mandibles testaceous, the tips black; palpi
yellow. Thorax dark fuscous; a line on the pronotum, the sutures of
the mesonotum, a mark below the tegulae, the sides of the scutellum,
and the lower part of the metapleura, pale testaceous. Metathorax closely
transversely striated. Abdomen fuscous, the base of the first three
segments and their ventral surface pale testaceous. Wings with a
fuscous tinge; areolet minute, not oblique; the recurrent nervure
interstitial.

Differs from P. geminatus in the fuscous colour of the body
in the wings having a decided smoky tinge, in the expansions
on each side of the metathorax being much more distinct, in
the abdomen being broader and not so compressed, and in the
petiole being thicker and shorter compared to the second seg-
ment.

INDEX TO Nores oF INTEREST ON PANiscus Not INCLUDED IN THIS
PAPER.
1. Nuttal: Insects and Disease, p. 41, 1899.
2. Packard: Text book of Entomology, p. 517.
3. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, IV,
pp. 45-47.
4. The Canadian Entomologist, XIX, p. SO.

9

02 Annals Entomological Society of Amertca [Vol. III,

INDEX TO LETTERING PLATES.

a, anal cell.

ai, a2, anal nervure (First and Seccnd abscissas).
ab, abdomen.

ac, abbreviated cubital nervure.

ap, first apical cell.

api, second apical cell.

aw, anterior wing.

b, bulb.

bn, basal nervure.

c, costal nervure.

Ci, costal cell.

Cc, Cerct:

cf, clypeal foveae.

cl, clypeus.

cla, claspers.

c + sc, costal and subcostal nervures blended.
cu, cubital or submarginal cell.

cui, Ct, cubital nervure (First and Second abscissas).
cu;, cubital nervure.

cx, coxa.

d, disccidal nervure.

di, disccidal cell.

ds, second discoidal cell.

d;, third discoidal cell.

de, disco-cubital nervure.

de:, disco-cubital cell.

e, eye.

em, externo-medial nervure.

em), externo-medial or median cell.

ep, triangular plate, Epimeron?

epm, metathoracic epimeron.

eps, metathoracic episternum.

epsi, hoof-shaped plate, Episternum ?

f, funiculus. :

ff, frenal fold. :

im, interno-medial or submedian cell.

m, marginal cr radial cell.

mi, Ms, marginal or radial nervure. (First and Second abscissas).
mc, median cell.

md, mandible.

mn, mesonotum.

inp, mesothoracic pleurcn.

ms, median segment.

0, OVipositor.

ce, ocellus.

Pp, parapsides.

ped, pedicle.

pn, pronotum.

po, palpi of the ovipositor with tactile hairs.
psct, postscutellum.

pt, antennal pit.

pw, posterior wing.

r, ring joint. z

Te;, first recurrent nervure.

Té2, second recurrent nervure.

S, spiracle of median segment.

sc, subcostal nervure.

sd;, sd2, subdiscoidal nervure (First and Second abscissas).
scp, scape.

1910]

North American Paniscini 203

sect, scutellum.

sm, submedian cell.

smz, secend submarginal cell or areolet.
sm3, third submarginal cell.

sp, spiracle of abdomen.

st, stigma.

t, tegula.

_te, transverse cubital nervure.

tc1, first transverse cubital nervure.

tc2, second transverse cubital nervure.

tm, transverse medial nervure.

tm, tm, transverse medial nervure (First and Second abscissas).

EXPLANATION OF PLATES.

The following figures were drawn with the Camera Lucida.

OU ye Oo NS

ma

PLATE XXIV.

Dorsal view of the thorax of Paniscus geminatus.

Side view of the thorax of Paniscus geminatus.

Anterior tibial comb of Opheltes glaucopterus.

Antericr tibial comb of Paniscus geminatus.

Side view of the anterior end of the first segment of the abdomen of
Paniscus geminatus.

Dorsal view of the anterior end of the first segment of the abdomen of
Paniscus geminatus.

PEATE XXV.

Anterior wing of Paniscus geminatus.
Posterior wing of Paniscus geminatus.
Anterior wing of Opheltes glaucopterus.
Posterior wing of Opheltes glaucopterus.

PLaTeE XXVI.

Posterior leg of Paniscus geminatus.
Clypeus and labrum of Paniscus geminatus.
Mandible of Opheltes glaucopterus.
Mandible of Paniscus geminatus.

Pirate XXVII.

Front view of the head of Paniscus geminatus.
Side view of the head of Paniscus geminatus.

- Maxillae and labium of Paniscus geminatus.

PLate XXVIII.

Abdomen of Paniscus geminatus (female).
Abdomen of Paniscus geminatus (male).

Basal joints of the antenna of Paniscus geminatus.
Claw of Opheltes glaucopterus.

Claw of Paniscus geminatus.

VoL. ITI, Phare XXIV.

ANNALS E. S. A.

es -

R. D. Whit

ANNAIS E. S. A. Vou. IL], PbaiE XXV

Fig. 7 ie Ae

fhe see

R. D. Whitmai sh.

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

Vou. HI, PLaTe XXVI.

ANNALS E. S. A Vou. III, PLATE XX VIE

Fig. 5

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

R. D. Whitmarsh.

VoL. III, Puate XXVIII.

Fig.20

Fig. 21

Fig.22

R. D. Whitmarsh.

THE REDISCOVERY OF A PECULIAR GENUS AND SPECIES
OF ORIBATIDAE.

By H. E. Ewine,

Ames, lowa.

Years ago Mr. Theo. Pergande made a drawing of a very
peculiar species of the order Acarina. The specimens of this
species were collected by Mr. E. W. Allis, at Adrian, Mich.,
in October, 1885. This acarid, with many others, it appears,
was found’ in connection with a study of the eggs and larve
of the 17-year locust. Some time later when Mr. C. L. Marlatt
was ready to publish his bulletin upon the 17-year locust, he
asked Mr. Nathan Banks to determine the Acarina for him.
Mr. Banks looked over the mite figures (these were very accu-
rately drawn, and represented beautifully the characters of the
different species), and named what he could. It was Mr.
Banks’ intention to describe these species when he had examined
the specimens. Later he did describe some of them, but the
slide of this species he could not find!

Notwithstanding the fact that this slide was never found,
the figure and name of this interesting species were published in
Mr. Banks’ treatise on the Acarina.* Whether or not Mr.
Banks thought at the time his paper was published, that this
genus was good, it is hard to tell. No comment whatever, is
made upon this genus or species, and in his key to the genera of
the Oribatide given on the opposite page from the picture, this
genus is omitted.

While looking over some slides in the cabinet of the Depart-
ment of Zoology, Iowa State College, I came across a slide of
this species which had the following data uponit: ‘In galls on
elm twigs. Ames, Iowa, April 16, 1894.’’ The slide contained
about a dozen individuals well preserved but poorly mounted.
I dissolved off the cover-glass and obtained the specimens with-
out injury for my work upon the species. I found that this
species represents in almost exact detail all the peculiar charac-
ters shown in Mr. Pergande’s figure just referred to. These
characters are given in the following pages.

*A Treatise cn the Acarina, ot Mites. Proce. U. S. Nat. Mus:, Vol. XXVIII;
p. 70, Fig. 136.

209

210 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

Now in regard to the question of who is to be given credit
for the genus Oripeda for which this species stands as a type.
Mr. Banks writes that he never has seen any of the individuals
of this species, and that the species never has been described.
Mr. Pergande was not a special student of the Acarina, and did
not give a name to the species. While the author himself
is the only one who has ever actually studied specimens of this
species with the idea of finding out the systematic value of their
characters, yet I am not responsible for the name or figure in
any way. In the International Code, I can find nothing which
states that the person who first describes, or in any way makes
recognizable a new species or genus, must have actually seen the
species he is naming or describing. Morally it does not appear
proper to describe species upon secondhand information, still,
some of the greatest advances in science are made in the inter-
pretation of facts observed by others. Under these conditions,
it appears to me that to give both Mr. Banks and Mr. Pergande
credit for the genus and species is the best way out of the diffi-
culty: in reality the conditions are very similar to a joint author-
ship.

The genus Oripoda I count as a very distinct and peculiar
genus. The form and shape of the cephalothorax are entirely
different from that of any other species of the Oribatidae; the
queer shapes and forms of the segments of the second pair of
legs represent a great exaggeration of the variations from the
common type, as is shown in a few of the known species; while
the whole body is drawn out to such an extent as to make the
creature look out of all proportion when compared with the
other members of the group. The genus may be described as
follows:

Gen. Or1irpopA Banks and Pergande.

Pteromorphe very long and narrow, extending almost the
entire length of the body, and attached to the cephalothorax
as wellas tothe abdomen. Cephalothorax very long and narrow
with the sides almost parallel; covered above by a single,
chitinous plate which projects slightly, like a hood, over the
mouth-parts (Fig. 1). Cephalothorax completely bare above
except for a single pair of bristles. Pseudostigmata entirely cov-
ered above by the pteromorphe, and occupying an extreme
postero-lateral position on the cephalothorax. Tarsi of the first
two pairs of legs very short and truncate anteriorly (Figs. 5 and

1910} A Peculiar Genus and Species of Oribatide 211

6). Femora of second legs large, flattened and with a lateral
blade-like expansion (Fig. 5).

The genus for which Oripoda elongata stands as a type will
occupy a place next to the genus Gymmnobates Banks, a genus
represented by only two species, both of which are American.
It shares with this genus the elongate form of the body and the
truncate nature of the tarsi of the first two pairs of legs. The
pteromorphe represent an exaggeration of the form shown in
Gymnobates, being extended farther forward and united by a
transverse ridge at about the middle of the cephalothorax! It
differs from this genus in having an elongate, cylindrical ceph-
alothorax, entirely devoid of either the true or the lateral
lamellz; and in the structure of the second pair of legs. The
species may be described as follows:

Oripoda elongata Banks and Pergande.

Light chestnut brown.

- Cephalothorax very long, cylindrical, fully twice as long as
broad; sides of cephalothorax almost parallel. No lamelle,
translamella or lamellar hairs present. A superior pair of
bristles present, each pectinate, almost straight and about
as long as the tibia of leg I. There is a slight, chitinous ridge
connecting the two pteromorphe, which passes transversely

across the middle of the cephalothorax. Pseudostigmatic
organs, short, capitate and entirely concealed by the ptero-
morphe.

Abdomen cylindrical, about twice as ldng as broad. Ptero-
morphe very long and narrow, extending the entire length of
the abodmen and for about one-half the length of the cephalo-
thorax. The abdomen bears dorsally about twenty rather small,
slightly curved, pectinate bristles. There is an anterior lateral
marginal pair; a dorsal pair; a posterior terminal pair; and about
seven pairs situated upon or near the base of the pteromorphe.
Genital covers (Fig. 3) each about one-half as broad as long and
semi-disc-shaped. They are situated over twice their length in
front of the somewhat larger anal covers. Anal covers (Fig. 3)
subrectangular in shape and almost approximate to the posterior
margin of the ventral plate.

Anterior pair of legs extending about one-half their length
in front of the tip of the cephalothorax; tarsus of leg I two-thirds
as broad as long, truncate anteriorly; tibia twice as long as the

212 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

tarsus; genual slightly over one-third as long as the tibia; femur
as long as tibia; coxa almost completely hidden in its socket
(Fig. +), where it has a double hinge upon which it rotates.
Second pair of legs (Fig. 5) shorter than the first and normally
bent at the genual; tarsus of leg II almost as broad as long; tibia
much broader distally than proximally; genual slightly longer
than broad; femur of a very peculiar shape, being much flat-,
tened, with an expanded latero-ventral margin; coxa as in leg I.
The last two pairs of legs are of the common type; the last ex-
tending slightly beyond the tip of the abdomen. Ungues tri-
dactyle; dactyles equally developed. Length 0.42 mm.; breadth
O22 tam.

I have examined the mouth-parts of this species in hope that
they would show some peculiarities, especially since this species .
has a rather extraordinary habitat, but they present the typical
acarid form (Fig. 1); however, they are somewhat weaker than
usual. The mandibles (Fig. 2) appear to be normal. The
internal anatomy presents no special peculiarities. The organs
are less compact than in the common species, as would be ex-
pected, because of the drawn-out form of the body. The ven-
triculus, or stomach, and its caca appear to be rather small,
but this is probably due to the shrinking of the tissues. In the
females often there can be seen several large developing ova.
The ovipositor is rather longer than usual.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XXIX.

Fic. 1. Mouth-parts as seen from below.

Fic. 2. Side view of one of the mandibles.

Fic. 3. Ventral surface of the body.

Fic. 4. The coxe of legs I and II as seen from below, so as to show their double-

hinged arrangement.
Fic. 5. Inside of leg II.
Fic. 6. Tarsus and tibia of leg I.

PLATE X DX,

Ill,

— VOL.

Ss.

ANNALS E.

ayer

H. E. Ewing.

A REVISION OF THE AMERICAN SPECIES OF
PLATYMETOPIUS.

By E. P. VAN DUZEE,
Buffalo, N. Y¥.

The Hemipterous genus Platymetopius was founded by Bur-
meister in 1838 in his Genera Insectorum for the European
rostratus H. S. and vittatus Fabr ( =undatus DeGeer,) the former
of which should doubtless be taken as the type. It is widely
distributed in the palzarctic and nearctic regions. Twelve
species have been recorded from the former and from the latter
twenty-three are enumerated in the present paper. Three
additional species have been described from tropical America,
where the genus may be well represented.

This genus is easily distinguished from the allied Jassid
genera by the long pointed vertex, the narrow front and the
strong elytral venation. There are three anteapical and five
apical areoles in the elytra of which the outer is broadly triangu-
‘lar; the second sector is connected with the branches of the first
by two transverse veinlets and there is usually a series of eight.
or ten oblique veinlets crossing the costal areole. The elytra
in the more typical species are more or less closely inscribed with
fine brown or fuscous pigment lines and ornamented with a few
oval or rounded whitish spots placed near the ends of the areoles
of which those occupying the apex of theanteapical and the
base of the apical are most regular and persistent. The angled
base of the front usually has a concentric’ pale or white line a
little below the sharp edge of the head where there is frequently
a second line; these lines being accentuated by darker borders.
In the paler faced species these lines may become obscure or
entirely obliterated. In fully marked species there are usually
five longitudinal pale vittze on the pronotum and about five
white calloused spots on the margins of the scutellum of which
three are on the angles of the posterior field. The characters
of the genitalia are quite distinctive in some of the species but
in most they run so close that they are of little value for diag-
nostic purposes.

I do not now like to. express any very decided views on the
phylogeny of this genus but in a linear arrangement of the
genera I would certainly place it between J/esamia and Delto-

214

1910} American Species of Platymetopius 2455.

cephalus. Through the former it is related to the Dorydini
‘and through the latter with the Athysanini, while with this last
tribe it 1s independently connected by genus Scaphoideus. I
still adhere to the views expressed by me many years ago as to
the value of the second cross nervure- between ‘the first: and
second sectors of the elytra as a diagnostic character in the
Jassid genera. It is but one character among several which
unite a’fairly homogeneous: group of genera with: desamuia.
at one extreme and Deltocephalus at the other. The form of the
vertex alone can never be used for separating the Jassid genera
into groups nor do I know of any other single character so avail-
able asis the elytral venation. That certain species of Athysanus
or Eutettix show an occasional second cross nervure only proves
to me that those genera have but recently developed from their
parent stem and are still plastic.. The whole group of genera
included by me in the Deltocephalint and Athysanini seems now
to be in their ascendancy and rapidly developing in both species
and genera, many of which have not yet become well differ-
entiated. )

In the preparation of this paper I have had before me repre-
sentatives of ali but two of the described American. species,
modestus and elegans. The latter however is a distinct species
well known to me and it has been included in the synoptical
table. Of the others I have examined the types of all but
acutus Say, madgalensis Prov. and cinereus O. & B., the two
former of which certainly refer to our most abundant eastern
Species.

I wish here to extend my thanks to those who have assisted
me with the loan of material. To Prof. Herbert Osborn I am
indebted for a number of his types and the opportunity of exam-
ining all the material in his collection and in that of the Ohio
State University at Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Ball has sent me his
very valuable material in the genus including the types of the
species recently described by him; and at the suggestion of
Prof. Baker, Dr. Howard has kindly sent me the types of the
three Baker species described in 1900 and with them examples of
ten other species from the National Museum collection.” In
addition to this my own collection contains representatives
of twenty species mostly in good series. From this material
I have found it necessary to describe as new four species and
one variety.

216 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

In preparing the following dichotomous table of the species
I have used the most available characters I could discover.
Many of these characters are obscure or difficult to express in
words which is especially true of the markings of the vertex
although these markings seem to be good and constant charac-
ters. It must be borne in mind that the vertex in the female
is always longer and more acute at apex than in the male.
Unfortunately the type of tenutfrons Baker was received too
late to allow of its being included in the key to the species but
its long vertex with a peculiarly broad and rounded apex and
the brown face will readily separate it from verecundus to which
it is most closely related.

KEY TO THE SPECIES OF PLATYMETOPIUS.

Elytra uniformly whitish-hyaline crossed by three narrow but usually well distin-
guished fuscous vittz; oblique costal veinlets wanting; vertex rather short,
1. hyalinus Osb.

Elytra more or less hyaline, usually pigmented and veined or inscribed with fus-
cous with the costal areole hyaline and crossed, at least at apex, by ob-
lique fuscous veinlets; never uniformly hyaline with narrow transverse
AUER, tag the tlh 6 ie eT om irae mA Oe MG Aid Soo ihe

1. Elytra quite uniformly colored cr subhyaline with at most but shght veining
toward the apex; oblique veinlets of the costa wanting antericr to the
ANNU APICAlEATCOLES cokers) «ocd 5 2 Sec sena 7 eye eine Oke eee ae eee ‘4

-. Elytra white or whitish hyaline more or less clouded with fulvcus cr cinereous
and inscribed with fulvous-brown or fuscous, at times almest entirely
fulvous or black; oblique veinlets at least indicated in the costal areole

2. Color a polished sub-hyaline brown; vertex large, parabolic, dull fulvous;
clavus and a broad band across the anteapical areoles which extends
back along the costa, whitish; face deep black with the edge and an angu-
late line white, conspicuous; length 4 mm.; inhabits California.

3. majestus Ball.

-. Color greenish or creamy white; vertex of the male short, about right-angled,
of the female strongly produced, lineated at apex with brown and pale;
elytra slightly infuscated at apex with about three oblique veinlets against
the anteapical areoles; length3'%-44 mm............ 2. nigriviridis Bail.

3. Elytra but partially clouded and inscribed, marked with a conspicuous yel-
low dorsal stripe along the closed elytra; inhabits California.

4. elegans VanD.

-. Elytra variously clouded and inscribed but without a conspicuous pale dorsal
BMI ULAS RG eer geloca | cea ms co seo fale, tughietoy a nie fo wore outne ache AEE Aras Siemens 4.

4. Vertex flat, Thamnotettix-like, not depressed nor channeled toward its apex,
anterior margin rounded to the front; pronotum and elytra recalling
Mesamia vitellina, wanting the white areolar spots of Platymetopius.

13. dorsalis Ball.

-, Vertex more or less channeled toward the apex which may be depressed or

produced and a little elevated; anterior edge thin, acute or subacute... .5.
5. Face pale or yellow, usually more or less infuscated at base and sides, the for-
mer frequently marked with an angulate pale line..................-. 6,
=o PD AGHENbITEL Ys DFOWD OT LUSCOUS 60 5) eck oie stereo so n't sacha oe Al RR ne ae 18.

6. Markings of the vertex in the form of lineations, usually a pale median line
more distinct anteriorly and edged with brown, and a faint slightly
divergent line either: Side. Be. seis oe cis Gives ss porate tele ae nen Wf

1910] American Species of Platymetopius 217

~J

oS

10.

its

12.

1 Wie

18.

Pale markings en the vertex taking the form cf a broken transverse vitta
before the eyes, mcre or less complete, the median line short and apical. 15.
Elytra subhyaline, either cinerecus or fulvous, usually clouded and reticulated
anterior to the anteapical areoles with the white areolar spots apparent;
angular white line cn the base of the front distinct (except in /atus) ....8.
Elytra fulvcus and opake anterior to the anteapical areoles, the white areolar
Spots obseure in the female, obsolete imthe male..........5....05..... 14
General color cinereocus with the elytral markings and areolar spots distinct;
beneath mostly black; face distinctly infuscated at base and sides...... 9.
General color fulvcus with the elytral markings usually indistinct and the
lower surface pale; face but slightly infuscated on the sides, the angular
DAswumankeneanveOOSOLElCS pice 7. hadeln os gasses seme Ute we os 10.
Length 5 mm.; vertex of the male little longer than the width between the
eyes, cf the female somewhat longer; inhabits from Canada to Georgia.

5. acutus Say.

Length 4 mm.; vertex very Icng and pointed, at least twice as long as wide

between the eyes; inhabits Florida.................. 9. slossoni VanD.
Face obscurely infuscated on the sides, the angular white line at base distinct.
ike

Face uniformly yellowish, the angular white line at base obsolete; vertex at
least twice as long as wide between the eyes; elytral reticulations and
areolar spots obsolete at least in the female............ 7. latus Baker.

ienethvat, least mit seneralscolor MlVOUuS : 2.125 82S cle oie ose ees 12.

Length 3144-4 mm.; color cinereous, usually tinged with greenish.
10. cinereus O. & B.

Male plates short and broad, hardly passing the middle cf the pygofers;
areolar spots practically obsolete anterior to the anteapical areoles;
general color darker, the males clearly marked........ S. cuprescens Osb.

Male plates long triangular, but moderately exceeded by the pvgofers. ...13.
Last ventral segment of the female scarcely longer than one half its basal
width; male plates narrow; pronotal vitte usually distinct.
5. acutus var. dubius VanD.
Last ventral segment of the female long and narrowed to the nearly truncated
apex; much longer than one half its basal width; male plates large and
Proad=spronotdleyiric ODSOLELGy tain.) ae osc. oe 6. oregonensis Baker.
Larger, 4144-5 mm.; valve of the male distinctly angled at apex.
12. fulvus Osb.
Smaller, 3-4 mm.; valve of the male scarcely angled at apex.
11. angustatus Osb.

Hacespale or yellow, intuscated atebe Sides *>. 0.2.2. Ye. oe es ae 16.
Face entirely yellow, sometimes showing obsolete irrorations quite uniformly
GHIA G THN OERHEC I esl OA a Se RS BGO cod aio rt ae oct Ogee IE Ree Cie ene ol 17

Vertex more cbtuse; sides of the face distinctly and abruptly darker; the
angulate pale line at base obvious across nearly the whole width of the
TAGE e VeELLEX ATMOS Tym DIACKi ened ft sjcstae ete ite cites 14. frontalis VanD.

Vertex more produced; face showing traces of darker irrorations especially
at the sides; angulate basal line reduced to an angled transverse spot;
vertex mostly white, the markings of the whole upper surface more strong-
AVACOMUGAS VIM On sown eee eer otro eean sec ee Teo ce Acetone 15. nasutus VanD.

Vertex longer, about as in masutus; pleure and legs mostly fuscous brown;
inhabits Florida to Colorado and Mexico.......... 16. loricatus VanD.

Vertex shorter, about as in frontalis; pleure and legs whitish or mostly so;
ibalaxell oparow sl ananertcPy al) es Bi ea ees SNE ane eee ESI 17. nanus VanD.

Male plates triangular, their apex acute or subacute; last ventral segment
of the female long with its apical margin oblique either side of the middle
which is distinctly produced and sometimes abruptly angled.......... 19.

Male plates short, transverse and rounded at apex, little exceeding the valve;
last ventral segment of the female short, truncate, its hind margin a little
HOA E CGR aed BOS Se a 5 tag A ace Seon ar aoe SA 24. fuscifrons VanLD-~

218 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. ITI,

19. Larger, 5 mm.; white markings ct the vertex scarcely ferming a transverse
vitta befcre the eyes, censisting cf the apical line, a curved mark either
side, and sometimes two dashes behind these, and fcur appreximate marks
on the base; inhabits.eastern states and Canada........ 21. obscurus Osb.

~. Smaller species, 344-4 mm.; markings cf the vertex forming a transverse vitta
before sthe ye yess amepere nc 5 22, 28s eles aes eet re 20

20. Vertex forming at least a right angle befcre, the apex subacute.......... 21.
=, Vertex short, roundedvaisapex =... oc 5. asics okt Shh See ae Oe eee 23.

21. Vertex strengly preduced, almcst acute at apex, its length nearly cr quite
twice the width between the eyes; pale markings complete but not strengly
contrasted; transverse vitta interrupted at the middle and scmetimes cn
erthen side; inhabits Plomida....!.°s.12 78. 2k a 19. verecundus VanD.

—. Vertex sherter, scarcely mcre than right angled at apex..... ipeahore Se ees 22.
22. Vertex paler at base shading to fuscous antericrly; transverse vitta cf four
. subequal white dashes; apical dash short, isclated; areclar white spcts few

+ «but, well distributed over the elytra; inhabits Califcernia and Mexico.
ae ; 18. irroratus VanD.
~. Ferm. of frontalis nearly; general cclcr darker cr blackish-fusccus; areclar
white spcts clustered abcut the apical transverse nervures; white markings
cn the’ vertex censisting cf the apical line, a marginal line either side, two
larger spots representing the transverse vitta, and two cthers at the base;
inhabips Kansas. = bee ee as Taal ouukk > eee 20. scriptus Ball.

23. Antericr edge cf the head marked with five unifcrm contigucus white spsts;
angled white line cn the base cf the front represented: by a small but dis-
tinct transverse spot; inhabits Jamaica..........<. ...23. brevis VanD.

-. Anterior margin cf the head marked with a white apical point and an cbscure
pale patch either side about the ccelli; white mark on the base cf the frent
represented by a shert slender arcuated line; inhabits Guatemala.

22. osborni VanD.

1. Platymetopius hyalinus Osborn.
Ent. News, xi, p. 501, 1900.

This insect is, quite aberrant in its genus by its uniformly
whitish hyaline elytra crossed by three narrow fuscous bands.
Prof. Osborn described it from a series taken from an imported
tree at Washington, D. C., and strongly suspected that it might
be an exotic form introduced with material added to the Botan-
ical Gardens there. In that case it probably has become accli-
mated as Mr. C. W. Johnson has sent me a specimen he took
near Philadelphia. .

2. Platymetopius nigriviridis Ball.
Ent. News, xx. p. 163, 1909.

Another very distinct little species from California. It is
of a pale straw color tinged with green especially on the head,
anterior margin of the pronotum and abdomen. On the elytra
there is a longitudinal line on the clavus, some of the discal
nervures near the apex, about four of the oblique costal veinlets
posteriorly, and a spot at the apex of the inner apical areole
blackish. Face immaculate. Vertex of the male short, about
right-angled at apex; of the female strongly produced but little
shorter than in slossont. The variety dixianus Ball is still

1910] American Species of Platymeto pius 219

paler with the vertex of the female shorter and similarly lineated
with fuscous at apex. This variety, of which I have seen only
the types, is from Utah.
3. Platymetopius majestus Ball.
Ent. News, xx. p:° 164, 1909.

A’ small but very distinct species thus far reported only
from California. Its deep black face marked with a white
basal edge and concentric line, the large pale yellowish parabolic
vertex and the brownish iridescent and uninscribed elytra make
its identification easy ._ I have seen only the types which were
kindly loaned to me by Dr. Ball. | ;

_4. Platymetopius elegans Van Duzece.
Ent.-Americana, vi, p. 94, 1890.

In this species there is a broad yellowish dorsal stripe from
the middle of the vertex to the-tip of the clavus. The corium
is brownish-cinereous obscurely banded with whitish hyaline,
the cinereous areas are minutely inscribed with fuscous, the
‘ apical submargin and some of the adjacent nervures are heavily
embrowned and the clavus and disk of the corium are sprinkled
with obscure rufous dots. The lower surface is yellowish with
the base of the face cinereous and the dangled pale line distinct.
The vertex of the female is about one half longer than the width
between the eyes. Length 5 mm. I have seen only the unique
female type which was from California but among my Florida
captures was one apparently scarcely mature specimen showing
a similar yellow dorsal vitta, which I cannot identify with this
species. It may represent a still undescribed form.

Caer 5. Platymetopius acutus Say.
Jl. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., vi, p. 306, 1831; Compl. Writings, 11, p. 382.
Platymetepius magdalensis Prov. Pet. Faun. Ent. Can. 111, p. 275, 1889.

This, our most widely distributed Platymetopius, seems to be
the stem form from which have branched off most of the closely
allied species found in this country, to all of which it is connected
by certain variable characters. Its typical form, agreeing per-
fectly with Say’s description, is found throughout the middle
and nerthern states’ but in one form or another it occurs from
the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts and from northern Quebec and
British Columbia to, or nearly to the gulf coast. The typical
form may be characterized as follows:

Vertex in the male a very little longer than broad between the eyes,
in the female distinctly longer. Color: Vertex fulvous-brown finely

220 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

irrorate with testaceous forming a longitudinal line next each eye and
another midway between that and the median sulcus; a line at apex,
an oblique mark either side of this and four marks on the basal margin
white bordered with piceous black. Pronotum fulvous-brown, closely,
confluently irrorate with testaceous-white and showing five whitish
longitudinal vittee more or less conspicuous. Scutellum fulvous with
four spots on the anterior field and the three angles of the posterior
field whitish, outlined in black, the disk of the anterior field sometimes.
variegated with pale. Elytra white, rather closely inscribed with fulvous
brown; nervures darker brown; costal area white crossed by nine or ten
heavy oblique veinlets; round areolar white spots most conspicuous in the
apex of the anteapical areoles, the base of the apical, and near the tip
of the claval. Face light yellow, abruptly shading to fuscous on the
base of the front and outer half of the cheeks, the former marked with a
white angled line and a more slender one follows close under the anterior
edge of the vertex; the lower continued as a longitudinal line behind the
eyes. Beneath and legs deep black, more or less varied with whitish,
the tibiz white dotted with black at the base of the white spines. Geni-
tal characters. Male: Last ventral segment short, broadly and very
obtusely excavated. Valve large obtusely triangular, apex rounded.
Plates triangular, exceeding the valve by about its own length, their
sides rectilinear or more generally slightly convexly arcuated to an obtuse
apex, sometimes a little concave with their apex subacute; closely
fringed with stiff bristles. Pygofers narrow, distinctly exceeding the
plates. Female: Last ventral segment scarcely longer than one half
its basal width, moderately compressed suggesting a median carina;
viewed from directly below the hind margin is broadly rounded; ovi-
duct scarcely exceeding the pygofers. Length about 5 mm.

Toward the north and west this species varies to a lighter
almost fulvous color with little if any black beneath, the face is.
paler, scarcely shading to darker on the sides of the cheeks, and
the vertex is more strongly produced, at least one half longer
than broad between the eyes. I call this variety dubius to:
distinguish it from the typical form with which it is connected
by almost insensible gradations. It in turn forms a connect-
ing link with oregonensis, which however I believe to be a dis-
tinct species. I have listed this species as Jatus in Canadian
Entomologist, xl, p. 157, 1908.

6. Platymetopius oregonensis Baker.
Can. Ent. xxxii, p. 49, 1900.

This species was described from two males from Oregon but
Dr. Howard has sent to me from the Baker collection one male
and one female marked as types. These agree in every par-
ticular with material in Dr. Ball’s collection and my own from
California, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. In the male the

1910} American Species of Platymetopius 2a

vertex is shaped almost exactly as in the male of acutus, but it is
shorter than in the female acutus with which sex I assume
Prof. Baker may have compared his specimens. The female
has a much longer vertex, its length being somewhat more than
twice its width between the eyes.. In color this species is still
paler than in the variety dubius of the preceding species. It is
of a light fulvous, paler and almost immaculate beneath; the
face is pale with but very faint infuscation on the base of the
front and sides of the cheeks but with the angular white lines
on the former distinct.

This species is best distinguished by the form of the genital
pieces: The valve of the male is more angled and subacute at
apex; the plates are larger with their outer margins distinctly
concavely arcuated and their apices a little divergent and sub-
acute. The last ventral segment or the female is conspicuously
longer and narrower than in acutus with its apex slightly
subangularly produced.

7. Platymetopius latus Baker.
Gan: Pntexxxi, -p- 50: 1900!

I have one female of this species taken by Mr. W. J. Palmer
of this city at Quinze Lake, Quebec, which agrees perfectly with
Prof. Baker’s Colorado type received from Dr. Howard. It
may be distinguished by its fusiform shape, narrow pointed head
with a vertex twice as long as its width between the eyes, the
broad flaring elytra, the almost uniform coloring which is ful-
vous-brown above, without irrorations'on the vertex, pronotum
and scutellum, and almost without elytral reticulations or white
areolar spots, the nearly concolorous nervures, those of the
costal areole being a little more distinct, and the uniformly pale
yvellowish-testaceous coloring beneath with the base of the front
darkened only at the extreme tip and not showing the angular
white mark. Genital characters nearest to those of acutus;
the last ventral segment a little more angled and the pygofers
smaller. This is a rare species and probably is confined to
northern Canada and the higher regions of the Rocky Moun-
tains.

S. Platymetopius cuprescens Osborn.
20th Rept. N. Y. State Ent. p. 517, 1965.

Another closely allied species which comes nearest to acutus
but has a longer and sharper vertex, about as in dubius and
oregonensis; the elytra are more infuscated with but slight traces

222 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

of the white areolar spots. The face is pale yellow, but little
darkened on the base of the front and sides of the cheeks, with
the pale angular line distinct. The genital characters of the fe-
male are very close to those of acutus, but the last ventral seg-
ment is more carinated with its apex distinctly notched when
viewed from below. In the male these characters are very dis-
tinctive. Last ventral segment longer, not shorter, than the
preceding; valve shorter; plates much shorter, rounded, about
two thirds the length of the valve; pygofers broad, exceeding the
plates by about the length of the latter and similar to them in
color and texture. Prof. Osborn’s type was taken by me at
Phoenicia, N. Y., I have taken another female at Niagara Falls
and a male at Boulder, Colorado, and another at Ogden, Utah,
and Mr. Palmer took one at Quinze Lake, Quebec.

9. Platymetopius slossoni n. sp.

Very close to acutus but smaller with a longer and more
acute vertex and shorter male pygofers. Length 4 mm.

Vertex longand acute at apex, stilllonger thanin oregonensis and latus
rather more than twice as long as wide between the eyes and obviously
longer than the pronotum and scutellum together; marked with three
pale longitudinal lines as in acuius; the lateral curved, becoming approx-
imate and parallel for a short space at base. Face light yellow with the
angled base of the front and sides of cheeks broadly distinctly infus-
cated, the former with a very distinct acutely angled concentric white
line which is projected to the apex of the head and is strongly repro-
duced behind the eyes. Pronotum with the longitudinal vitte distinct
as in acutus. Beneath and abdomen dark fuscous; in the female ob-
scurely marked or irrorate with pale in places; last ventral segment
shaped as in acutus, whitish at base with about four black ligulate marks
on the basal margin. In the male the pectus and abdomen are deep
black, obscurely marked with pale on the venter and at the tip of the
valve; last ventral segment angularly but not deeply emarginate; valve
triangular, subacute at apex; plates rather broad-triangular, on their
sutural margin as long as the valve, their outer edges moderately sin-
uated and fringed with bristles, their apex a little narrower than in
acutus; pygofers slightly but distinctly shorter than the plates which
they scarcely exceed at the sides.

Described from one pair taken at Jacksonville, Fla., in
May, 1910, by Mrs. Annie Trumbull Slosson whose enthusiasm
and industry have added so much to our knowledge of the insect
fauna of Florida and other parts of the eastern United States.
I took a good series of what is certainly the same species at
Crescent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks and Ft. Myers, Florida.

1910] American Species of Platymetopius 223

They differ only in being slightly larger and paler. This species
is very close to acutus with which the typical form is almost
identical in color and markings but its small size, remarkably
long and acute vertex and the short male: pygofers preclude its
reference to that species.

10. Platymetopius cinereus Osborn & Ball.
Proc. Iowa Acad. ‘Sci. tv, p. 193, 1897.

This is a very small and somewhat greenish species with a
vertex formed about as in acutus; face greenish-white, very
slightly infuscated on the base of the front where the angular
white line is distinct; markings on the vertex and pronotum
nearly obsolete but the five pale vittz of the latter are generally
discernable; abdomen mostly black in the male, rarely so in the
female; elytra closely but lightly reticulated. Last ventral
segment angularly produced in-the female; valve of the male
-obtusely triangular; plates nearly as long as the valve on their
suture, triangular, blunt at apex, considerably exceeded by the
pygofers.

This, one. of our smallest species, is found throughout the
warmer portions of the central and southern states from Iowa
to Florida. . ‘

11. Platymetopius angustatus Osborn.
20th Rept. N. Y.+State Ent., p. 518, 1905.

Prot. Osborn has very kindly sent me one of his male types
and I have examined the female in his collection. This is the
smallest species known to me and has been reported from the
type locality only: Long Island, N. Y. The female is distinctly
larger with a longer vertex than the male. It has a light green
ish color with coppery reflections; the round areolar spots of the
elytra are confined to the apical! and anteapical areoles; the costa
is hyaline with the oblique veinlets dark and the abdomen is
marked with black. The male is smaller with a much shorter
vertex; its color is a bright fulvous becoming yellowish on the
head; the elytra are subopake, almost unicolorous on their base
but becoming recticulated with brown on their apical and ante-
apical areoles where the round white spots are fairly distinct; .
oblique veinlets of the costal areole almost obsolete. In both
sexes the base of the front is feebly infuscated with the pale
angular line discernible.

224 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

Last ventral segment of the female rounded. Valve of the
male large scarcely angulate at apex; plates triangular, on their
suture shorter than the valve; terminated by the long sete;
the brown apex of the pygofers much surpassing the plates.

12. Platymetopius fulvus Osborn.
20th Rept. N. Y. State Ent., p. 519, 1905.

This insect has about the form and size of frontalis but it is
of a bright fulvous color with the elytra mostly opake and the
markings almost or quite obliterated from the base nearly to
the apex of the ante-apical areoles; vertex and scutellum more
yellowish with indistinct pale vermiculate lines; oblique costal
veinlets brown on a concolorous ground; face almost uniformly
pale yellow with the basal angular pale line rarely indicated.

Last ventral segment of the female rounded behind with a
blackish arcuate mark either side which gives it the appearance
of being strongly produced on the middle. Valve of the male
ovate-triangular, its margins arcuated to the obtuse apex;
plates large, triangular, exceeding the valve by its own length;
strongly ciliate on their outer margins; pygofers slender, longer
than the plates.

Prof. Osborn’s types were from Cold Spring Harbor, Long
Island, N. Y. About Buffalo it is not uncommon among the
hills at Colden and Gowanda and it has been reported from
Pennsylvania and Ohio.

13. Platymetopius dorsalis Ball.

Platymetcpius frontalis var. dorsalis Ball. Ent. News, xx, p. 164, 1909.

I cannot agree with Dr. Ball in placing this as a variety of
frontalis. It seems to me very distinct and withall a difficult —
species to place. It is fulvous and pale yellow in color and has
much the aspect of a small Mesamua vitellina but it has the ver-
tex of a Thamnotettix and the front of a Platymetopius, to which
genus I think it is most closely allied by its venation and struc-
tural characters. The anterior edge of the head is obtusely
rounded as compared with the allied species. The lower sur-
face, vertex and scutellum are pale yellow and immaculate.
The pronotum and elytra are bright fulvous with coppery
reflections, with the sides of the pronotum, costa at base, apical
areoles and a vague saddle across the apical half of the clavus
yellowish. I have seen only the unique type from Kansas
kindly loaned to me by Dr. Ball.

bo
Or

1910] American Species of Platymetopius

14. Platymetopius frontalis Van Duzee.
Can. Ent. xxii, p. 112, 1890.

Common and widely distributed throughout a great part of
the United States and Canada. This species may be distin-
guished by its stout form, short vertex and blackish color both
above and below, with a clear yellow face which becomes infus-
cated at each side but scarcely at the pointed base where the
angled lines are but poorly distinguished. The vertex has a
white median dash at apex and a transverse vitta of similar
marks across the disk before the eyes, more or less conspicuous.
The pronotum sometimes shows faint traces of the five pale
vitte and there may be some white marks on the scutellum
forming two broken longitudinal vittze. Elytral areoles with pale
reticulations about their margins, sometimes nearly obsolete
in the males; round areolar spots well developed and conspic-
uous; costa white, the oblique veinlets heavy; apical areoles
generally infuscated beyond the white basal dots, the extreme
edge clear white. Male genital characters about as in fulvus;
the valve broader and more rounded and the plates a little
shorter; last ventral segment of the female short and broadly
rounded on the apical margin. Dr. Ball has sent me for
inspection a typical example of frontalis taken by Prof. Gillette
in Mexico.

15. Platymetopius nasutus Van Duzee.
Bul. Buf. Soc. Nat. Sci. viii, No. 5, p. 64, 1907.

While very close to frontalis I believe this a sufficiently dis-
tinct species. The vertex is obviously longer and more pointed
and there is much more white in the coloring of the upper sur-
face. The vertex is mostly white with the apex and a trans-
verse eroded vitta black, the former with a median line and two
oblique dashes white; the pale basal portion is veined with
fuscous and the white median area is crossed by a black longi-
tudinal line either side of the middle; the pronotum is irrorated
with white and fuscous with the anterior margin and depressed
sides mostly white and the longitudinal vittz scarcely indi-
cated. The elytra are white with a few fulvous-brown areas in
the areoles and with fuscous reticulations more or less extended,
the white areolar spots being much obscured. Beneath black
with the tibiz and tarsi white, dotted with black; the femora
sometines largely invaded with white. .

226 Anna.s Entomological Society of America — [Vol. III,

In this species the face while mostly yellow shows a strong
tendency to a uniform fuscous irroration which becomes more
conspicuous laterally (thus forming a connecting link with the
group of brown-faced species), and the angled base may also be
darkened, with a transverse crescentic white mark. The male
plates are proportionately a little larger and more obtuse at apex
than in frontalis and the last ventral segment of the female is
shorter and more angled. The types of this species were from
Jamaica and Colorado and I have seen others from California.

16. Platymetopius loricatus Van Duzee.
Bul Buty Soc: Nat. Sci5-v.,° p. 205; 1894.

Allied to nasutus but sometimes smaller and showing strong
indications of the frontal irrorations found in fuscifrons. Face
in typical examp!es entirely pale yellow. Vertex shorter than in
nasutus but longer than in frontalis; its markings substantially
as in frontalis but here the white vitta consists in great part of
two longer approximate and dislocated white dashes and a few
minute irrorations, the base with two median white dashes.
Pronotum with the five pale vitte fairly distinct. Elytra
mostly blackish as in frontalis but with the white areolar spots
smaller and fewer anteriorly. Face frequently showing strong
indications of fuscous irrorations, especially toward the base
of the front where there is then a short angled white mark.
Last ventral segment of the female short, its hind margin
hardly angled at the middle, the lateral angles rounded. Valve
of the male short and rounded or very feebly angled; the plates
broadly but acutely triangular, scarcely longer on their suture
than the valve; slightly exceeded by the pygofers. Described
from California but I have seen others from Colorado, Florida,
Orizaba, Mexico, and Gualan, Guatemala.

17. Platymetopius nanus Van Duzee.
Bal: Buf. Soc. Nat. Sci., viii, No: 5,-p. 65, 1907:

Very close to loricatus but the colors are paler with the white
elytral spots less distinct, the pleura are yellow with a brown
cloud anteriorly, not black as in Joricatus, and the vertex is a
little shorter but similarly marked. The last ventral segment of
the female is more produced. In the male the last ventral seg-
ment is subangularly excavated behind; the plates also are larger
and white, surpassing the apex of the pygofers which is not the
case in loricatus.

1910] American Species of Platymetopius 22¢

The aspect of these two species and the next shows a greater
difference than is sustained by their structural characters and
it is possible, but I hardly think likely, that material from inter-
mediate localities may necessitate merging them in one. The
smaller manus has thus far been found only in the island of
Jamaica.

18. Platymetopius irroratus n. sp.

Differs from Joricatus in being paler in color and generally
smaller and in having the hind edge of the last ventral segment of
the female distinctly angled either side and the plates of the male
proportionately shorter but equally acute at apex leaving the
margins more deeply arcuated. In this form the face is always
more or less irrorated with brown or fuscous or at times entirely
pale brown irrorated with pale. In the paler individuals the
facial irrorations are always more dense toward its angled base
where the pale line is distinct. The vertex is somwehat shorter
than in Joricatus and the elytra are cinereous instead of almost
black as in that species. It is close to brevis but may be dis-
tinguished by the longer vertex which is darkened at apex and
marked with four white dashes as in Joricatus. The genital
characters are also quite different from brevis. Length 4 mm.

Dr. Ball has sent me a long series of this species taken at
Chino, Riverside, Pasadena and San Diego, California, Phoenix,
Arizona, and Ti Juana, Mexico.

19. Platymetopius verecundus n. sp.

Allied to trroratus and obscurus but with a longer vertex
than in either. Length 3 1-2 to 4 mm.

Vertex about as in oregonensis, much produced and acute but dis-
tinctly shorter than in s/ossoni; in the female about twice as long as wide
between the eyes. Clypeus much constricted near the base with its
apex produced and rounded as in the allied species. Hind margin of
the last ventral segment of the female distinctly angled and slightly
produced at the middle and more obscurely angled on either side.
Last ventral segment of the male subangularly emarginate; valve large,
scarcely angled at apex; plates as in Joricatus, a little longer than in
irroratus and smaller than in scriptus and obscurus.

Color fulvous-brown with rather strong ornamentation. Vertex
marked as in the allied species, the pale apical line more developed;
transverse pale vitta sometimes almost entire or broken only by the
fulvous median stripe and a brown line near it on either side, or there
may be a second interrupting line exteriorly; base with a white median
vitta bisected by a fuscous longitudinal line and sometimes terminated
outwardly by a similar line. Pale vitte of the pronotum distinct.

228 ~ Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

Scutellum distinctly fulvous with the extreme angles and two vitte
irrorate with white. Elytra strongly inscribed; the areolar white spots
distinct; costal areole whitish with the oblique veinlets strong; apical
areoles narrowly fuscous next to the slender white apical margin.
Front fulvous-brown, obscurely irrorate with pale, the white angular
mark on the base of the front well developed and reaching about one
half way to the eyes. There are two white lines beyond the eyes and an
obsolete oblique one at the upper angle of the lorz; pectoral pieces
fulvous-brown, conspicuously paler beneath. Abdomen fuscous or
brown, varied with pale. Legs pale dotted with fuscous.

Described from numerous examples taken by me in Florida
and listed as “‘obscurus Osb.?”’ in my report on the Hemiptera
taken at that time. The exact localities represented are Cres-
cent City, Sanford, Sevenoaks, Clearwater and Estero. This
species with manus from Jamaica, irroratus from Mexico and
scriptus from Kansas form a puzzling group of very closely allied
forms which run into Joricatus on one hand and obscurus on the
other. Their genital characters vary slightly but are not suffi-
cient for separating them. Students with “lumping”’ pro-
clivities will doubtless place them as varieties of a single species.

20. Platymetopius scriptus Ball.
Ent. News, xx, p. 165, 1909.

Male: A little larger and darker with a shorter vertex than in
the preceding two species. Closely allied to frontalis but with a
brown front and differently marked vertex. Last ventral seg-
ment nearly as long as the preceding, broadly angularly exca-
vated behind and distinctly carinate on the median line; valve
large, produced but scarcely angled at apex; plates large, sub-
acute at apex, sides nearly straight; on their suture much shorter
than the valve; considerably surpassed by the pygofers. Color
blackish fuscous, nearly as dark as in frontalis, paler on the scu-
tellum; white areolar spots present in the apex of the ante-
apical and base of the apical areoles, elsewhere usually wanting.
Face brown, coarsely irrorate with pale, the angular basal mark
distinct. Pectus, abdomen and legs black; tibia mostly white
dotted with black; median apical line and anterior edge of the
vertex white; the latter forked about the ocelli and connected
with a squarish white spot indicating the transverse vitta of
loricatus; basal white dashes usually connecting with another
exteriorly forming an irregular pale patch. Scutellar angles
more or less conspicuously fulvous. Length 4 mm.

Known to me only from the five type specimens kindly
loaned to me by Dr. Ball.

1910] American Species of Platymetopius 229

21. Platymetopius obscurus Osborn.
Ohio Nat. v. p. 274, 1905.

This species very closely resembles acutus in size, color,
markings and shape of the vertex. The face however is ful-
vous-brown, coarsely irrorate with paler; the valve of the male
is more angled, the plates are smaller and the hind edge of the
last ventral segment of the female is more transverse and angled
on either side. Length 5 mm.

Described from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Mr.
Palmer found it abundant at Lake Temagami, Ont., and
Quinze Lake, Quebec. I took it at Sharon and Ipswich, Mass.,
and have examined others from Georgia.

22. Platymetopius osborni n. sp.

Near brevis but larger with a shorter vertex. Length 4+ to 4 1-2 mm.
Vertex scarcely longer than its basal: width; anterior margin rounded,
the angle at apex hardly indicated. Front broader than in brevis,
its sides parallel or nearly so to the superior tip of the lore, then
abruptly narrowed to the clypeus. Genital characters substantially
the same as in the allied species except that the last ventral segment of
the male is shorter and the pygofers are longer, surpassing the plates.
Last ventral segment of the female distinctly angled at about the middle
of the latero-posterior margins where they are practically rectilinear in
brevis. Color about as in brevis becoming paler in some females.
Vertex fulvous-brown varied with darker, base with four pale marks;
a line adjoining the eye and the broad apex ivory-white, the latter inter-
rupted by a median vitta forked at apex and a small broken spot half
way between this and the black ocelli. Face irrorate with fuscous points
which become confluent on the front and base of the cheeks and omit
the sides of the clypeus, a vitta on the lore and another on the cheeks
above its suture; pale angled line on the base of the front reduced to a
small transverse spot less conspicuous than in brevis. Pronotum rather
dark with the five pale vitte distinct. Scutellum tinged with fulvous
with a deeper fulvous mark within the lateral angles, the margin with
five white spots. Elytra with strong nervures and recticulations, the
latter forming a longitudinal median vitta in the anteapical areoles;
apex infuscated with the extreme edge white as far as the outer areole;
costa crossed by about ten oblique veinlets; the white areolar spots
distinct. Beneath and legs varied with pale and fuscous; the disk of
the pleural pieces and base of the venter infuscated. The female is
paler but with all the markings indicated.

Described from one female and two males from Prof.
Herbert Osborn and taken at Los Amates, Guatemala, January
17th and February 28th, 1905, by Prof. J. S. Hine. This can
be confused with no species but brevis from which it may be

930 Annals Entomological Society of America [Vol. III,

distinguished by its larger size, broader form, shorter and more
rounded vertex, the brown vitt# in the anteapical areoles, the
longer male pygofers, and the angle on the margin of the last
ventral segment of the female. . It has somewhat the aspect of
scriptus but is very distinct in having a much shorter vertex,
in the form of the last ventral segment of the male and in the
more angled valve.

23. Platymetopius brevis Van Duzee.
Bul. Buf. Soc. Nat. Sci. viii, Ne. 5, p. 66, 1907.

This tiny species is very close to osborni but it averages a
little smaller, the vertex is a little more angled, the transverse
vitta is crowded close to the anterior margin of the vertex and
consists of a pale cloud against each ocellus which may be ob-
scurely connected to a pale basal mark either side of the middle.
The anterior edge is white and calloused and is nearly or quite
twice interrupted on either side forming five conspicuous white
marginal spots. The general colors in this species are pale,
largely obliterating the white areolar spots on the elytra. It
has been found only on the island of Jamaica, unless a series
from California in the Ball collection belong here.

24. Platymetopius fuscifrons Van Duzee.
Bul. Buf. Sce. Nat. Sci. v., p. 206, 1894.
Platymetopius abruptus Ball, Ent. News, xx., p. 165, 1909.

This is very distinct from any other known dark-faced
species by the short transverse male plates and the short trun-
cated last ventral segment of the female. In the male the
front is almost black; the vertex is a little more than right-
angled at apex and is obscurely marked, with the white apical
line distinct. The male is deeply colored as in frontalis while the
female seems to be paler than the female of that species, but
in both sexes the white areolar spots are well developed. I have
been unable to detect any characters by which to distinguish
abruptus, the type of which Dr. Ball has kindly sent me for
examination, from fuscifrons. This species inhabits Arizona
and California.

25. Platymetopius modestus Stal.
Of. Vet. -Akad. Forh., xi, p. 255, 1854.

This species has not been recognized by later students and
from the short description I am unable to place it in my synop-
tical table. I append a copy of Stal’s description:

1910} American Species of Platymeto ptus 231

“Vertice thoraceque flavis, illo apicem versus concavo, longitudi-
naliter anguste nigrolineato, hoc basi virescente; hemelytris dilute
virescentibus, nervis flavescentibus, margine costali albido-subhyalino;
subtus dilute flavotestaceus. Long.S, lat. 2 millim.—Americay septen-
trionalis.”’

26. Platymetopius tenuifrons Baker.

Can. Ent. xxxii, p. 50, 1900.

The type of this species was received too late for its inclusion
in the synoptical table. It belongs to the group of brown-
faced species and really comes nearest to verecundus from which
it differs at once by its much larger size and the still longer
vertex. It has somewhat the aspect of the female oregonensis
but the vertex is longer, broader, and more rounded at tip.
The elytral reticulations and areolar spots are finer but dis-
tinct; the general color is more cinereous than fulvous; the front
is fuscous-brown irrorated with. paler and becomes darker or
almost piceous at the pointed base below the short but distinct
and acutely angled white line, and the lower surface of the body
is varied with pale and brown. The last ventral segment of the
male is about as long as the third and is broadly subangularly
excavated; valve rather short and broadly rounded; plates
broad-triangular and shorter than the’valve. The pale pro-
notal vittz2 are obvious but not conspicuous and the vertex
is blackened on the immediate apex with a white point at tip
and a pale marginal mark on either side and another half way
to the eye. The unique male type was taken in November at
Chapada, Brazil.

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