DROSOPHILID^. 



301 



ly there are not a few which, as at present understood, 

 are not so easily distinguished from two or three other 

 families, especially the Ephydridae and Oscinidse, those 

 in which the second basal cell is usually incomplete; and 

 the student would best consult those families when in 

 doubt. Aulacig aster has been refused admission here and 

 referred to the Ephydridae by some ; others would locate 

 it here or among the Agromyzidse. Curtonotum has also 

 somewhat doubtful claims for admission here, since the 

 auxiliary vein, in some species at least, is less rudimen- 

 tary. Because of the characteristically proclinate fore- 

 most orbital bristle and general structure of the head, 

 especially, I believe that its claims are good for location 

 with the true Drosophilidae; at least I am confident that 

 it does not belong with the Geomyzidae, where it is often 

 located. Asteia and Sigaloessa, or at least the former, 

 were placed by Loew in a distinct family. True Sigaloes- 

 SCE agree best in habitus with the Oscinidae; but there are 

 other forms that must for the present at least be placed 

 in the genus, which seem to be nearest to Drosophila. 

 Stoiomicra, judging from the description, must also be 

 an aberrant form. 



TABLE OF GENKRA. 



1. Discal ami second basal cells united. ..... 3 



Discal and second basal cells separated by a cross- vein. . . 2 



2. Second and third veins markedly convex anteriorly; first posterior 



cell narrowed in the wing margin; front tarsi of male dilated (in 

 Some species at least) ; wings appearing as though broken 

 down over the abdomen (3,4). . . . Stegana'. 



Second and third veins not markedly convex; wings not appearing 

 as though broken down (p. 80, 12, and 1, 2) . Phortica.* 



' The species of Phortica figured in 1, 2 (from South America, a fe- 

 male specimen) has the first posterior cell much narrowed in the mar- 

 gin. Phortica scutellaris (West Indies) has the male front tarsi 

 dilated, but the first posterior cell wide open. I do not know whether 

 the dilated front tarsi is a generic character or not, or whether there 

 are forms included in Phortica which should be separated generically. 



