PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 101 



I 



Locality. — East coast of Tropical Africa. 



This genus lias evident affinity with Oxydesmus ; it may also be said 

 that the two genera are more related to each other than either is to any 

 third. They are, however, easily distinguishable by the curious proc- 

 esses of the first four segments of Orodcsmus, the shape of its last 

 segment, and the altogether different type of male genitalia, not to 

 mention many minor or quantitative distinctions. 



All the East African species described under Oxydesmus seem to 

 have their affinities here, rather than with the true Oxydesmi of the 

 west coast. 



ORODESMUS FORCEPS, new species. 

 (PI. IV, tigs. 13-16.) 



Vertex prominent, rugose, with a very deep sulcus. 



Antennse scarcely clavate, sixth joint thickest; when the animal is 

 extended the antennie reach to the fourth segment. 



First segment broadly emarginate in the middle posteriorly, and on 

 each side of the middle anteriorly. 



Segments 1-4 Avith the two middle granules of the posterior row 

 coalesced and developed into a high conic process slightly bifid at apex. 

 This process is inconspicuous on the first segment and largest on the 

 fourth. Posterior part of fifth segment slightly more elevated than the 

 following, the granules on each side and in front of the process i)ar- 

 taking more or less in the elevation. 



Segments with their dorsal surface finely rugulose, the impressed 

 lines between the areas distinct. 



Lateral carinse sinuate denticulate, with a prominent intramarginal 

 ridge, sinuate opposite the pores, straight on other segments. 



Repugnatorial pores on the outer slope of the ridge, not facing 

 directly upward. 



Last segment somewhat transversely rugose above, the superior 

 lateral tubercles increased into a long spine. Marginal tubercles prom- 

 inent, the anterior acute, the second broad, the third not so near the 

 margin as in the following species, projecting obliquely upward. Dor- 

 sal tubercles slightly behind a line which would connect the two ante- 

 rior marginal. Apex medianly emarginate, bipunctate; two subapical 

 setigerous punctations. 



Preanal scale triangular, on each side of apex a rounded tubercle. 



Male genitalia viewed from below appearing diftbrm and contorted; 

 an elevated narrow ridge on the inner side apically is impressed with 

 transverse lines; lower down it crosses to the other side (PI. IV, fig. 13). 

 A side view shows (PI. IV, figs. 14, 15) small basal and apical joints, with 

 the ungual x)ortion slender and i)edicel-like below, bearing a somewhat 

 dumb-bell-shaped structure with a long curved spine projecting ventrad 

 (or cephalad) and the apical end deeply excavate, the ends connivent, 

 resembling a pair of forceps, whence the specific name. 



