410 NEW AND RARE AUSTRALIAN AGRIONID,^, 



Legion i. Podagrion. 



1. Argiolestes icteromelas Selys. 

 (Plate xliv., figs.1-2.) 



A very great variation in size and markings is found in this 

 very common species. Specimens from the extreme south (Mel- 

 bourne) and north (Herberton, N. Queensland) of its range are 

 the smallest, while those from near the centre are usually larger. 

 The smaller specimens have the greater tendency towards dark 

 markings (brown, orange, or dark grey^, the larger towards light 

 markings (yellow, cream, white, pale blue, pink, and pale green), 

 but brownish or pale yellow markings are by far the commonest. 



Race 7iobilis : — Total length, (J 40, 9 44; abdomen, (J39-5, ^34-5; 

 hindiving, (J32, ^33. 



This fine race occurs on the Dorrigo Plateau, N.S.W., and 

 especially at Ebor(4,000-4,500 feet above sea-level). It differs 

 from the type-form not only in size, but in its very robust build, 

 and in a mucli greater tendency towards pruinescence, giving tlie 

 insect a much greyer appearance. The male appendages are 

 similar to those of de Selys' type-form, but larger and thicker. 

 [Figures of these appendages are given in Plate xliv., figs.1-2, 

 for the purpose of comparison with other species of the genus]. 



2. Argiolestes griseus* Hagen-Selys. 



This species, which seems to be confined to the mountaiuous 

 districts of New South Wales and Victoria, where it is not 

 uncommon, is very variable both in size and colouring. The grey 

 pruinescence of the males is not assumed until the insect is some 

 weeks old, immature males having the colouring of the female; 

 and the majority of specimens taken in November or December 

 will be found to have the greyness onl}- partially developed, the 

 commonest form being that in which only the thorax and the 

 base of the abdomen are pruinescent. As the female of this 



* Greek ATy(rT//s' = a robber or pirate, masculine (rarely used in the com- 

 mon gender). I have therefore treated Lesles and its derivations as mas 

 Cidiue, though de fcJelys qsed feiniiune teruunations with thein, 



