IBS 



MESOZOIC INSECTS OF QUEENSLAND. 1 



formation distally upon (yUj in the same genus, appear to be the 

 archaic remains of an originally denser cross-venation, long 

 since lost, and not seen in anv recent forms. 



Order PROTOMECOPTERA, ordo nov. 



Large insects, with venation of the same type as the Mecoptera, 

 but much denser. The whole of the wing-membrane, except the 

 pterostigma, is covered with an abundant meshwork of polygonal 

 cellules, at the junctions of which are developed strong hairs, so 

 that the whole of the wing is densely hairy. Hairs are also 

 present upon the main veins and transverse veins. 



Between Sc and anterior border of wing, a strong costal vein 

 (C) is present, supported al)ove and below by cross-veins, and 

 ending at least half-way along the anterior border. Upon the 

 apical border of the wing, between the end of R and the end of 

 Cui, no less than seventeen longitudinal veins abut (only nine in 

 Mecopteia). Venation of fore- and hindwings closely similar. 

 Apical half of wing with man\' elongated polygonal cells 

 of large size present (five- to seven-sided). A smooth mem- 

 branous pterostigma present upon the distal end of R in both 

 wings, and extending into the space between R and Rs, where 

 it ends posteriori}' upon a distinct ]}terostig7natic fiirroiv {ptf), 

 parallel to Rs. 



The principal differences between the Orders Mecoptera and 

 Protomecoptera may be best exhibited in the following table: — 



Size ... 



Costal vein... 



Fine polj^gonal network) 

 of cellules I 



Hairs 



Xunil)er of loniritudinal 



veins abutting on apical I 

 portion of wing-maroin, j 

 l)etween R and Cuj j 



Number of apical forks \ 

 in same ai^ea i 



Protomecoptera. 



Expanse 100 mm. or over 

 present 



present 



present, botli on veins 

 and membrane 



seventeen 



eight 



Mecoptera. 



Expanse 15-50 mm. 

 absent 



absent 



absent, oi- only very 

 minute liairs present 



five 



