BRANCH : BIOLOGY OF KANSAS MEMBRACID^. 103 



4. — Genus Micrutalis Fowler. 



This genus has only four apical cells in the tegmina. Frequently, as 

 in M. dorsalis (a species, according to Van Duzee, not reported from 

 Kansas), there is a fifth terminal areole; but this is not formed in the 

 regular way, but by the crowding of this nervure against that fonning 

 the apex of the costal areole. In the Francis Huntington Snow collection 

 at the University of Kansas the genus does not seem to be represented. 

 It is there, however, but included in Acutalis, on account of the older 

 manner of classification. The specimens labeled Anitalis calva and 

 Acutalis occidentalis the writer classifies Micrutalis, on account of the 

 four apical cells. 



Van Duzee records six species from North America. 



In the smaller and more typical species of this genus the terminal 

 areole may be small, or even wanting. 



Genus Micrutalis Fowler. 

 A. Size small; less than 4 mm., but more than 2.5 mm. 



B. Pacific coast species, pronotum, when viewed dorsally, slightly rounded, at 

 least not acute, on edges before posterior process. 



C. Color pale, the dorsum sometimes marked with a brown median line, 

 which may be expanded between the suprahumerals and before the 



ape.\ 1 — occidentaliji Godg. 



BB. Eastern species, with pronotum, viewed dorsally, with edges continuing the 

 line directly with that of the posterior process. Pronotum relatively more 

 acute than in the former. 



C. Black marking much extended ; the pronotum usually entirely black 

 e-^icept at tip. In pale specimens the color of the dorsum is gathered 

 anteriorly, and does not form a dorsal line widening before the 

 apex 2 — ealva Say 



1. — Micrutalis occcidentalis Coding. Fig. 81. 



Although this species seems to be accredited to the Pacific coast, the 

 F. H. S. collection records it from Brownsville, Tex. This fall (1911) 

 the writer found one specimen in sweepings at Lawrence, Kan. 



It is a small, pale species, in some cases almost void of color mark- 

 ings. In cases of this kind there is a slight collection of light brown 

 color near the cephalic end of the pronotum. In other specimens this 

 color may be dark and extend about midway to the tip of the pro- 

 notum. 



Length, 2.8 to 3.2 mm. Described from seven specimens. 



Habitat: Brownsville, Tex.; Riverside, Cal.; Lawrence, Kan. 



2. — Micrutalis calva Say. Figs. 20, 21, 82. 



Prothorax smooth, black, and shiny. Posterior process, face and com- 

 pound eyes pale. There are small, obscure, obtuse suprahumerals out- 

 lined with a pale yellow carina. Femora black. Tibiae bear dark spots 

 near femora. Tegmina clear, with pale but distinct neuration. 



Length 3 to 3.5 mm. Described from ten specimens. Redescribed as 

 Smila flavipinnis by Germar. 



Habitat (Van Duzee) : Of wide distribution from southern New York 

 to Florida, and west to the Rocky Mountains. F. H. S. collection records 

 specimens collected in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. 



