210 [ ember, 



there is here one of the lost links connectinpf the Pacliylommatince 

 with the more typical Braconidce. Moreover, it is interesting to note 

 that the relationship distinctly appears to be with the Euphoridce as 

 remarked by Marshall rather than with the ApMdiidce, as was regarded 

 io be the case with some complacency by Ashmead. Respecting the 

 neuration I know nothing quite similar, though that of Perilitus 

 cethiops, Nees, is the most analogous with which I am acquainted. 

 The connection rests in the knowledge that a representative of this 

 subfamily exists with the cubital emitted from the recurrent nervure, 

 with the abdomen rising from the apex of the metathorax and the 

 posterior tarsi simple. Some objection may be raised to the in- 

 clusion of my genus in this subfamily on account of these very points, 

 the distinct prothorax and tne multi-articulate anteunse ; but I consider 

 the relative similarity of the neuration, elongate legs and coxae, pe- 

 culiarly short thorax and the identically conformed abdomen, amply 

 justify its position therein. 



This group was for long placed in the Evaniidcs on account of 

 the height at which the abdomen of the typical species is inserted 

 upon the metathorax, but it is now universally recognised as belonging 

 to the BraconidcB. It has hitherto consisted of but two species of a 

 single genus, Paclnjlominn, the association of which with ants has been 

 related by Dr. Giraud, though no direct parasitism was proved. 

 E-atzeburg has also erroneously supposed our species to prey upon a 

 Sternoxid beetle. The peculiarly prominent eyes, abnormal neuration 

 and elongate legs, however, may be supposed to have been evolved 

 for the purpose of escaping, upon arriving at maturity, from the dark 

 and close-packed nests of the ants, in which the explanate tarsi of 

 Pachylomma probably materially assist. 



P. huccafa would appear to be rare and met with but singly in 

 Britain, though Giraud's observations go to prove it gregarious, and 

 the same is said by Nees, who took it in " locis suffocatis sijlvnticis " 

 about Sikershausen during July and August. None of our local lists, 

 such as Bignell's very full one for South Devonshire and Dale's for a 

 part of Dorset, mention it ; Curtis knew but a single female, probably 

 from the Loudon district, in 1833 ; while Westwood obtained the spe- 

 cimen he figured from the Continent. Marshall appears to be the 

 only person who has noticed it, since Haliday* (Eut. Mag., 1833, p. 

 343 and 1836, p. 22), though there is a long series from Stephens' col- 



* We must except Abel Ingpen, A.L.S., M.E.S., wh-o records it among the autumnal rarities 

 of the New Forest in his curious little " Instructions for Collecting, Rearing and Preserving 

 British and Foreign Insects ;" London, 1839, p. 01. 



