EDESSA. 87 
This genus differs from the preceding in having five-jointed antenne ; other differences 
have prompted further generic subdivision; but the simpler and more comprehensive 
view may be now said to universally obtain. This is by far the largest genus of the 
Pentatomine, and occupies in the Rhynchota a position in many respects analogous to 
that of the Lepidopterous genus Papilio. Both possess structural differences which have 
been used in other portions of either order for generic differentiation ; both, however, are 
dominated by a structure so distinct as to logically raise the genus to the position of a 
subfamily, if such generic subdivision took place. dessa, however, is almost confined to 
the Neotropical Region; E. bifida, Say, is a Nearctic form, but, according to Townend 
Glover, has not yet been discovered north of South Carolina. | 
Very little is recorded as to the habits of the Edessas. Sir Hans Sloane, in his ‘ Natural 
History of Jamaica, figures a species (tab. 237. f. 15, 16) which appears to somewhat 
resemble E. cornuta, Dall., and remarks that “when it is kept it turns to a dark brown 
colour.” ‘The great variation in colour of the species in this genus may therefore probably 
occur after death. The same author, speaking of this insect, says “‘It leaps from bush 
to bush in the savannas.” The word “ flies” should be substituted here for “ leaps.” 
A. Lateral angles of pronotum produced or cornuted ; apical angles of sixth segment of 
abdomen more or less acutely produced. 
a. Apices of lateral angles of pronotum more or less distinctly rounded, obtuse, 
and recurved. 
1. Edessa laticornis. (Tab. VIII. fig. 9.) 
Edessa laticornis, Stal, En. Hem. ii. p. 50. 5%. 
Hab. Mexico, Vera Cruz’. 
The specimen figured is in the collection of the Stockholm Museum. 
a. Scutellum and corium equal or subequal in length. 
9. Edessa costalis. (Tab. VIII. fig. 10.) 
Edessa costalis, Stal, Ext. Hem. ii. p. 50. 7°. 
Hab. Muxtco (coll. Sign.); Nicaragua, Chontales (coll. Dist.).—CotomBia, Bogota’ 
(coll. Dist.). 
The specimen figured is from Nicaragua. The Mexican specimen in the collection 
of Dr. Signoret is a variety in which the pronotal horns are somewhat more slender and 
a little less produced. 
