286 



STUDIES IN AUSTRALIAN NEUROPTERA, iv. 



A single false origin is always present in Chrysopidce, Ithonidce, 

 and SisyridcB. 



(4) The presence, in all except very reduced forms, of a coupling 

 apparatus at the base of the wings. The coupling apparatus 

 (Text-fig.2, j: also Plates xiii.-xiv, jl, jp, fr) consists of two 

 parts : — 



(a) On the forewing, a convex, pro- 

 jecting, oval lobe, the juyal lobe (jl), 

 occupying the extreme base of the pos- 

 terior margin. 



(b) On the hindwing, a concave, pro- 

 jecting, and somewhat angular process, 

 the jiigal process (jp). The upturned 

 edge of this process is fringed with fine 

 setas, while its apex, or angle, carries 

 one or more very strong and stiff 

 bristles of a larger size, constituting a 

 true frenulum ffr J directed outwards. 



During flight, the two wings on one 

 side are coupled together by the pro- 

 jecting jugal process with its frenulum of bristles, which passes 

 beneath the base of the forewing, so as to project upwards into 

 the concavity of the jugal lobe. 



These structures have frequently been remarked upon in 

 Drepanepteryx, where they are, indeed, very conspicuous, and 

 have been well figured by Sharp (13; p. 468). McLachlan also 

 described them as present in Megalomus, though less conspicuous. 

 It seems extraordinary, therefore, that nobody should have 

 noticed their presence in other genera of this family. I have 

 examined the Palsearctic genera £o7'iomyia, Hemerobius, Micro 

 mus, and Sympherobius, and I find the coupling apparatus quite 



* Diagrams to show phylogenetic development of false origins of Rs in 

 hindwing : a, archaic stage, crossveins unspecialised (e.g., Spermo2^horeUa, 

 PI. xvii.); />, intermediate stage, first crossvein becoming ol)lique, Rs 

 hitched on to M; c, false origin completed at x, second crossvein becoming 

 oblique (e.g., Megalomina, Text-fig.8); d, two false origins completed at 

 X and x' (e.g., Drepanepteryx, PI. xiii.). 



