278 ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS [June, 'll 



WHAT is THE GENOTYPE OF X-us JONES, 1900, BASED UPON A SPECIES 

 ERRONEOUSLY DETERMINED AS ALBUS SMITH, 1890? Statement of Case. 

 Jones proposes the new genus X-us, 1900, type species albus Smith, 

 1890. It later develops that albus Smith, 1890, as determined by Jones, 

 1900, is an erroneous determination. What is the genotype of X-us, 

 1900; albus Smith, 1890, or the form erroneously identified by Jones as 

 albus in 1900? , 



Discussion. -The nomenclatorial problem expressed in the caption of 

 this note is solved in two diametrically opposite ways by different 

 authors. Some writers maintain that the original albus Smith, 1890, is 

 the genotype, while others maintain that the genotype is represented 

 by the species actually studied by Jones and misdetermined as albus 

 Smith. Cases of this general nature have given rise to considerable 

 confusion in nomenclature, and several such cases have been referred 

 to the International Commission on Nomenclature for opinion. At the 

 last meeting of the commission, the principles involved came up for dis- 

 cussion, but it was impossible to reach a unanimous agreement. On 

 account of the differences of opinion, the secretary was instructed to 

 make a careful study of a number of cases, and to report upon the 

 same to the commission. It is not difficult to foresee that no matter 

 how the cases are finally decided, great dissatisfaction will arise among 

 zoologists because the opinion rendered is not the direct opposite of 

 what it eventually will be. Recognizing that this is one of the most 

 difficult cases that has ever been submitted to the commission, and 

 recognizing the fact that regardless of our action we shall probably 

 be criticized more on basis of our decision on this case than because 

 of any other opinion that we have rendered, I am desirous of studying 

 at least one hundred cases if possible, that would come under such 

 ruling, before my report is formulated. In view of the foregoing 

 premises, I respectfully request zoologists in different groups to call my 

 attention to as many instances of this kind as possible, with which 

 they are acquainted in their different specialties. Further, since the 

 arguments on both sides of the problem appear to be almost equally 

 valid, it does not seem impossible that the final decision will have to 

 be based upon an arbitrary choice between the two possible rulings 

 and on this account I am desirous of obtaining all possible arguments 

 on both sides as they occur to different zoologists, and also any per- 

 sonal views based upon convenience or inconvenience, or other grounds, 

 which may be held by different colleagues. I will hold the case open 

 at least until September i, for the presentation of arguments by any 

 persons who may desire to submit their views. C. W. STILES, Secre- 

 tary of the Commission. Bureau of Animal Industry, U. S. Dept. 

 Agric., Washington, D. C. (Reprinted from Science}. 



