1910] Muttkowski, Applicability of Generic Names of Odonata. 159 



This decision was finally adopted by the Commission by a vote of 

 12 to 1, two members of the Commission not voting-. 



I have consulted the book in question, namely Latreille, 1810, and 

 find that on page 434 he gives, "Agrion. Agrion Virgo, Fab."— C. W. 

 Stiles, Secretary International Commission on Zoological Nomencla- 

 ture. 



The full title of Latreille 1810, is as follows: Considerations 

 generates sur l'ordre naturel des animaux composant les classes 

 des Crustaces, des Arachnides et des Insectes avec en tableau 

 methodique de leurs genres disposes en families, Paris, 1810, pp. 

 1-444. 



This should settle the applicability of Agrion for once and all. 

 The synonymy of Kirby's catalogue on Agrion and Coenagrion is 

 thereby proven correct and Calopteryx can no longer be used 

 with any semblance of authority by systematists. 



2. The Genotype of Gomphoides Selys. 



Again quoting from Dr. Stiles' letter of May 23, 1910: 



Referring to the case of Gomphoides, it seems to me that no legiti- 

 mate question can arise as to the procedure under the premises given. 



By examination of Selys-Longchamps, 1850, p. 360, I find that the 

 type of Gomphoides is definitely fixed as Diastatomma obscura. See 

 Science, 1907, Oct. IS, p. 521, Art. 30 (g). 



The fact that this species was based on a specimen the abdomen of 

 which was lost does not come in the question. See Article 27a of the 

 Code which reads as follows : "The law of priority obtains and con- 

 sequently the oldest available name is retained : 



"When any part of the animal is named before the animal itself." 

 — C. W. Stiles, Secretary International Commission on Zoological 

 Nomenclature. 



The reference from de Selys-Longchamps (1850, — Odonates 

 d' Europe, p. 360) reads as follows : (in note to Gom pints brodiei) 

 "Je pense que c'est de mon nouveau genre Gomphoides de l'Amer- 

 ique, que cette aile se rapproche le plus par la disposition des tri- 

 angles de l'aile. Le tvpe actuel est la Diastatomma obscura de 

 Rambur." 



As a result of this opinion the name Gomphoides must revert to 

 the genus of which Diastatomma obscura is the type, which is 



