19^1-] 225 



OUR BRITISH DERMAPTERA. 



LiY MALCOLM BURR, D.Sc, M.A., F.E.S., F.L.S., &c. 



(Plate IV). 



We have but few Dermaptera in Britain, although individuals are 

 often numerous enough. These are generally of one species, for the 

 others are mostly rare and local. There is, moreover, little chance of 

 any additions being made to our list, with the exception of introduced 

 species, unless CJielidnreUa acantJiopygia, Grene, be discovered in this 

 country. It occurs in France, and is not rare in Belgium, so that we 

 may reasonably hope that it may yet be discovered. This insect has 

 been figured and discussed in the Entomologist, vol. xxxi, p. 125, 

 pi. ii, figs. 1 and 2 (1898). 



In the accompanying Plate, every known truly British species of 

 earwig is figured, and also one or two foreign species which have 

 established themselves here. 



Figs. 1, la. — Labid'iira rijjaria, Pallas, J"; fig. la, forceps of $ . 



This well-known species is now absolutely cosmopolitan, and is 

 split into a number of subspecies, varieties or races ; its home is 

 probably the Palsearctic Region. It is undoubtedly indigenous in this 

 country, having been recorded from several localities on the south 

 coast, the best known of which is Boscombe, where it occurs on the 

 sandy cliffs by the shore. 



Figs. 2, 2a. — Anisoldbis marithyia, Bon. ; fig. 2a, forceps of ? . 



This is probably a Palsearctic species also ; it is cosmopolitan, 

 and has been taken in this country under artificial conditions in 1856. 



Figs. 3, 3a. — Anisolahis anmdijjes, Lucas ; fig. 3a, forceps of ? . 



Another cosmopolitan species, occurring in this country in several 

 localities, in bake-houses in Tavistock, under artificial conditions. 



Figs. 4, 4a. — Labia minor, Linn. ; fig. 4a, forceps of $ . 



This species is common enough in Britain, but generally escapes 

 notice ; it takes readily to flight, and is often captured on the wing. 

 Truly European, L. minor occurs also commonly throughout Africa to 

 as far south as Cape Town, and has been introduced in America. It 

 is apparently not uncommon in Canada and the United States, and 

 also in the Argentine Republic. 



Figs 5, 5a. — Prolahia arachidis, Yersin ; fig. 5a, forceps of $ . 



Another cosmopolitan species of doubtful origin, probably Oriental. 

 It occurs under artificial conditions at Queenborough, Kent. 



