1S96.] 229 



HKMIPTERA ^ 

 BY J. N. HALBKRT. 



The Hemiptera or Plant-bugs are summer insects, though a 

 comparatively few hibernate through the winter. A great 

 number were in the immature state when we were at Clon- 

 brock, yet the early season had caused some species to appear, 

 in the adult condition before the usual time. There is little 

 doubt that specimens of a large shield-bug, in the larval state» 

 occurring on the heaths about Clonbrock, are referable to. 

 Podisus hiridics, Fab., but as the species has not been recorded, 

 from the country it must be given with reserve until fully 

 developed specimens are found. I swept several examples of 

 Cymus gra7idicolor, Hahn. off Flags in marshy places. Micro- 

 physa eleganficla, Baer., was a rather satisfactory capture. It 

 occurred freely by beating old lichen-covered Sloes near the 

 Deer-park. I had not met with this species previously, the 

 only Irish specimens that I know of being in Mr. Haliday's 

 collection. Myrrnedobia tenella, Zett., also occurred by general 

 sweeping; it is said to be rare, though from its small size it is 

 probably overlooked by x:ollectors. I found Tetratocoris 

 Saiindersi, D.'and S., in a marshy field beside Doon wood, very 

 similar to localities in which it had occurred on the east coast. 

 Allodapiis rufesce?is, H. S., has not been previously recorded 

 from any Irish locality. A single macropterous specimen 

 occurred by sweeping heather, at dusk, and it is apparently 

 a rare species in England. Several species of Psalhcs were 

 more or less common in the woods, the rarest being P. 

 dhninuhis, Kb. now recorded as Irish for the first time. 

 Amongst other captures were the following : — 



Nabis flavomargmattcs, Scholtz., common ; N. enccforiim, 

 Scholtz., on heath; Salda scotica, Curt., river banks; Acompo- 

 coris pyginae2is,V'3\\., Dicyplms stackydis, Reut., and Plesiocoris 

 rugicollis, Fall., the last in some numbers off Willows at Sheep- 

 pool Bog. I managed to secure a good many Homoptera, 

 including several species I had not previously met with, but 

 it is necessary to reserve these as they include many critical 

 forms still in the hands of Mr. J. Edwards, F.E.S., awaiting 

 further investigation. 



