but in muhsaml the basal spurs may be more reduced. The basis 

 capituli is short and wide, with lateral margins widely diverging 

 anteriorly, and the comua are usually smaller and weaker than 

 those of leachii . The coxal spurs are comparable with those of 

 leacbii , an iir^wrtant criterion for separating this subspecies 

 from some other equally small, not otheivise greatly differing 

 species in Africa. 



The scutal size varies from 1.3 mm. to 2.2 ram. long and from 

 0.8 ram. to 1.2 ram, wide. A majority of specimens fall within the 

 lower size range and are easily recognizable. The few larger 

 specimens may be typical or they may approach the form of the 

 subspecies leachii in shape of palpal lateral margin or in 

 development of palpafl. spurs. The smaller and more compact size 

 and shape of muhsami is almost always reflected in stouter and 

 more abruptly tapering tarsi. 



Females . Like males, this sex is smaller, rounder, and more 

 compact than females of leachii . The scutal length is about equal 

 to or only very slightly greater than the width; the posterior 

 margin is more broadly rounded; the punc tat ions are rather large 

 and moderate in numbers; and the cervical grooves are more con- 

 cave and more distant from each other. The palpal outline usual, 

 ly has the lateral margin definitely concave; the ventral basal 

 spur is absent but the dorsal basal spur is quite variable; the 

 ventral retrograde spur of segment 3 is like that of the male 

 and of the subspecies leachii . The basis capituli in all avail- 

 able sjjecimens is definitely short and wide with latersil margins 

 distinctly diverging anteriorly and the comua are usually broad- 

 ly tapered and short. Coxal spurs correspond to those of the 

 male. Tarsi tend to be shorter, stouter, and more abruptly 

 tapered than those of female leachii. 



_ 381 _ 



