Buller. — On the Wetas. 147 



from the typical Macropathus in having a dull or plain, and 

 not a shining, surface ; and, like Deinacrida, it has ten dorsal 

 segments behind the thoracic shield, instead of eight as in 

 M. fascifer. It has fine and slender antennae, in which respect 

 also it comes near to Deinacrida ; it has numerous spines on 

 the four anterior femora, whereas M. fascifer has only two ; 

 and, whilst the latter has only four or five minute spurs on the 

 inner edge of the hind femora, with ten on the outer edge, 

 this form has both sides spiny in their whole length. 

 Hab. North Island. 



Genus Deinacrida, White. 



I have now to describe another new species of Weta, which 

 has been in my son's collection for some years. It was ob- 

 tained by Mr. J. Brough in the Nelson Provincial District, 

 and sent over preserved in spirits. Unfortunately the antennae 

 are wanting, but in every other respect the specimen is per- 

 fect. It seems to belong to the genus Deinacrida, and comes 

 nearer to my Deinacrida rugosa than to D. heteracantha ; but 

 it is very small, even as compared with the former, and has 

 other distinguishing features. 



I exhibit this rare specimen alongside of the larger species. 

 In addition to its diminutive size, it will be seen that the 

 dorsal segments, or dermal plates if I may so term them, have 

 a peculiar emargiuate character, presenting the appearance of 

 of a miniature coat of mail. 



Deinacrida parva, sp. nov. 



Male. — Body rounded above, somewhat compressed on the 

 sides. Head slightly punctured on the vertex ; thoracic shield 

 more distinctly punctured ; of the ten dorsal segments behind 

 it, the two first have a slightly roughened surface, and the six 

 abdominal ones are distinctly emarginate in the middle, with 

 almost imperceptibly raised edges. Legs somewhat shorter 

 in proportion than in D. heteracantha. Labial and maxillary 

 palpi clavate at the tips. Cerci minute. Four anterior 

 femora free from spines. Tibias quadrangular, both the inner 

 edges armed with sharp spines. Hind femora similarly armed ; 

 hind tibiae broader behind than on the sides, and furnished 

 with sharp spines coming out alternately ; their posterior 

 edges also armed with minute spurs. General colour ochre- 

 yellow ; the thoracic shield dull reddish-brown, and the 

 abdomen beneath darker. Length of the body, without 

 appendages, 1-1; hind femora, 075 ; hind tibiae, 075; tarsus 

 and claws, 0-30. 



Hab. South Island. 



