444 



Transactions of the Society. 



at the apex on the inner margin, inside the epimerit. Further, 

 Zacher states that the genitalia of L. batcsi Kir by do not differ 

 from those of L. riparia, but that the virga as well as the meta- 

 parameres of L. Ucolor is quite distinct (PI. IX. figs. 5 and 6). 



At the same time we must remember that this is a highly 

 plastic species, that the degree of variability of the genital armature 

 is as yet uninvestigated, and that these organs may be nearly as 

 variable as the external secondary sexual features. 



In Forcipula the metaparameres are much narrower than in 

 Labialura, and regularly acuminate, and the epimerit is prominent. 

 Zacher figures F. quadrispinosa Dohrn, from Annam, and F.pugnax ; 

 in the latter the actual tip of the metaparamere is rounded. In 

 F. decolyi Bonn., from new Guinea, the epimerit is broadened in 

 the middle, and the metaparameres are not acute. In F.gario:zi 

 Bor. it is very much like that of F. quadrispinosa (PI. IX. figs. 7 

 and 8). 



In Nala the virga is shorter, and the metaparameres have no 

 epimerit. They are rounded on the outside, and gradually acu- 

 minate in N. lividipes, but broad at the apex in N. tenuicornis 

 Borm % In N. nepalensis Burr they are longer and more acute than 

 in JST. lividipes (PI. IX. figs. 9 and 10). 



In Labidura the metaparameres are more or less rounded at 

 the apex, though the extreme is pointed, with a lanceolate epimerit. 

 My mounts of L. bengalcnsis agree with Zacher's figure of L. bicolor 

 Kirby ; Zacher states that the genitalia of L. batcsi scarcely differ 

 from those of L. riparia Pall., but those of L. bicolor are clearly 

 different. I can see no difference, and maintain my view that 

 there is but one species of Labidura, namely L. riparia Pall., but 

 that that is a highly plastic species, with numerous races and widely 

 distributed varieties, in fact, incipient species. 



Zacher (p. 372) queries my identification of F. quadrispinosa, 

 from Annam, on the grounds that the median tooth of the forceps 

 described by Dohrn is represented by a mere thickening ; surely 

 he has realized by now the flexibility of the armature of these 

 organs. I shall never be persuaded that a difference in size, shape, 

 or position of the teeth of the forceps is a specific character. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE IX. 



FIG. 



1. Blandex solvendus Burr. 



2. Es2)halmenus peringueyi Borm. 



3. E. camposi Bor. 



4. Ditto, ditto. 



5. Labidura riparia Pall. (Dongola). 



6. L. bengalcnsis Dohrn. 



7. Forcipula gariazzi Bor. 



8. F. decolyi Borm. 



9. Nala nepalensis Burr. 

 10. N. lividipes Duf. 



FIG. 



11. Landex femoralis Dohrn. 



12. Idolopsalis whymperi Burr. 



13. I. riveti Bor. 



14. J. andeana Burr. 



15. Parisopsalis spryi Burr. 



16. Antisolabis rouxi Burr. 



17. A. transiens Burr. 



18. Brachylabis canaca Burr. 



19. B. trdgdrdhi Burr. 



20. Apachyus beccurii Duhr. 



