Zoology.-] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Insects 



These flat-horned Locusts differ from the typical (Edipoda in 

 the width and flatness of the joints of the antennae, and in the 

 roundness of the prothorax, and the great, single, conical spine on 

 the middle of the presternum between the bases of the anterior 

 pair of legs. They are entirely solitary, never forming flocks or 

 crowds of individuals, and having no perceptible migratory habits. 

 One, or a male and female, found occasionally on low bushes or 

 tee-tree scrub around Melbourne. The terminal abdominal plates 

 and appendages of the male and female, the structure of the hind 

 thigh and the tarsi, and the stridulating drum over the base of the 

 hind legs, agree with the general characters of the family. The 

 males have the hind tibiae of the same reddish tinge on the inner 

 side as in the females, although M. Audinet Serville thought not. 

 Some specimens are greyer, and others more brown in general tint, 

 which agrees exactly with old stems of the tee-tree (Leptospermimi)^ 

 on which they are often found. 



This species, although common, has not been figured before. 



Explanation of Figures. 



Plate 139. — Fig. 1, female, natural size, in flying position. Fig. la, front view of head, 

 magnified two diameters, to show antennae, eyes, and longitudinal ridges of face. Fig. lb, side 

 view of head and thorax, to show granulation and form and extent of transverse sulci, magni- 

 fied two diameters. Fig. lc, side view of plates at end of abdomen, magnified two diameters. 

 Fig. Id, same, viewed from above, showing four plates and small appendages, magnified two 

 diameters. Fig. le, side view of tarsus, magnified two diameters. Fig. If, same, viewed from 

 below. Fig. ly, under-side of thorax, magnified two diameters. Fig. 2, female in walking 

 position, viewed sideways, to show relative length of elytra and abdomen, natural size. Fig. 3, 

 male, natural size, in flying position. Fig. 3a, side view of end of abdomen, magnified three 

 diameters. Fig. 36, same, viewed from above Fig. 4, pupa, walking position, natural size. 



Plate 139, Figs. 5-6. 



MESOPS PEDESTKIS (Erichson). 



The Pedestrian Mid-Eyed Locust. 



[Genus MESOPS (Aud. Serv.). Sub-kingdom Articulata. Class Insecta. Order 

 Orthoptera. Section Saltatoria. Family Acrididaa.) 



Gen. Char. — First and second pairs of feet very short ; hind pair very large, with 

 moderately elongate and swollen thighs, and with two rows of small spines on the middle 

 and distal portion of upper surface of leg ; tarsi slender, with a small cushion between the 

 claws. Antenna? thick, moderately short, prismatic, of many wide joints. Head very long, 

 conical, anterior face directed a little obliquely upwards and forwards from the horizontal. 



r 152 ] 



